‘Walter Payton: A Football Life’ Premieres on NFL Network Thursday, October 13 at 10:00 PM ET — NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM PROGRAMMING NOTES (10/12 – 10/18)

Patriots WR Wes Welker 1-on-1 Interview with Michael Irvin on NFL GameDay Morning October 16 at 9:00 AM ET

TONIGHT: Fred Jackson & Matt Cassel on Around the League Live (5:00 PM ET)

Phillip Rivers on NFL Total Access (7:00 PM ET)

Ed Reed & Chris Cooley on ‘The Rich Eisen Podcast’ Thursday, October 13 at 4:30 PM ET

 Michael Irvin, Jim Mora, Heath Evans & Willie McGinest on No Huddle TONIGHT at 10:00 PM ET

 The Life & Legacy of ‘Sweetness’ Explored in NFL Network’s Walter Payton: A Football Life Thursday, October 13 at 10:00 PM ET

Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton is the fourth subject in NFL Network’s critically-acclaimed series, A Football Life, profiled in Walter Payton: A Football Life Thursday, October 13 at 10:00 PM ET.

The one-hour, NFL Films-produced documentary is complete with stories of Payton’s tough adjustment to Chicago and the Bears from Jackson State University and the disappointment of not gaining a single yard in his first NFL game, to breaking Jim Brown’s rushing record nine years later. The documentary also delves into the mixed emotions surrounding his role in the Bears 1985 Super Bowl championship, his struggle to fill the void football left behind following his retirement in 1988, the incredible bond with fullback Matt Suhey and how his spirit lives on in the lives of friends, family and fans today.

To watch the trailer for Walter Payton: A Football Life, please click on the following link:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/09000d5d822dc3f6/Walter-Payton-A-Football-Life-trailer

Walter Payton: A Football Life features interviews with a number of individuals, such as Payton’s wife Connie, son Jarrett and daughter Brittany, Hall of Fame running backs Emmitt Smith and Jim Brown, former Bears head coach Mike Ditka, teammate Matt Suhey, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and more.

Below are quotes from the episode:

“Once you put wisdom with will, on top of talent, you get what you call ‘Sweetness.’” – Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis

“Walter Payton is the epitome of greatness. I have all the admiration in the world for him.” – Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown

 

“I probably prayed for him more than anybody because I loved the guy. I had not even met him before, but he was so inspirational.” – Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson

 

“He believed his duty was to play football. That’s what he was put on this earth for. I believe in my heart that when God made a football player, he made my father.” – Jarrett Payton

 

Sunday is GameDay, beginning four hours prior to kickoff on NFL GameDay Morning at 9:00 AM ET. Join host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin on the first and most comprehensive pregame show on television, taking viewers straight up to kickoff with the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews.

This week, NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin sits down with the NFL’s leading wide receiver, Wes Welker of the New England Patriots, to talk about his incredible production thus far, quarterback Tom Brady and the team’s 4-1 start to the season.

Additionally, NFL.com’s The Season: A Biography examines the impact the 5-0 Lions are having on the city of Detroit, featuring interviews with Lions players Ndamukong Suh and Jahvid Best, as well as an all-access pass to the Lions’ first Monday Night Football game in 10 years.

Also featured on NFL GameDay Morning:

• Steve Wyche reports from Washington for Eagles-Redskins
• Randy Moss reports from MetLife Stadium for Bills-Giants
• Albert Breer reports from Detroit for 49ers-Lions
• Stacey Dales reports from Pittsburgh for Jaguars-Steelers
• Alex Flanagan reports from New England for Cowboys-Patriots

 

 

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Wednesday, October 12

Around the League Live:

• Bills RB Fred Jackson interview
• Chiefs QB Matt Cassel interview
• Albert Breer reports from Philadelphia
• Lindsay Soto reports from Dallas
• Melissa Stark reports from New York with the Giants

 

NFL Total Access:

• Chargers QB Phillip Rivers interview

Thursday, October 13

Around the League Live:

• Albert Breer reports from Philadelphia
• Lindsay Soto reports from Dallas
• Melissa Stark reports from New York with the Jets

Friday, October 14

Around the League Live:

• Albert Breer reports from New England
• Stacey Dales reports from Philadelphia

 

Saturday, October 15

NFL Total Access:

• Steve Wyche reports from Washington
• Albert Breer reports from Detroit
• Stacey Dales reports from Pittsburgh

 

 

The latest edition of ‘The Rich Eisen Podcast’ airs on NFL Network Thursday, October 13 at 4:30 PM ET.

All-Pro safety for the Baltimore Ravens, Ed Reed, calls in for a discussion about the team’s upcoming game against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans and his plans to limit quarterback Matt Schaub. Reed also talks about the NFL Network documentary Bill Belichick: A Football Life and the praise he received from Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady in it.

Redskins tight end Chris Cooley checks in from the team facility to talk about facing the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this week, leading the NFC East and his comments regarding Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.

Former head coach and current NFL Network analyst Brian Billick appears on the podcast to discuss the 1-4 Philadelphia Eagles, his experience coaching safety Ed Reed in Baltimore and other topics making headlines around the league entering Week 6.

Part 1 of the podcast featuring interviews with Reed and Billick is now available for download on NFL.com and iTunes:

http://richeisen.nfl.com/2011/10/12/rich-eisen-podcast-ed-reed-and-brian-billick/

Part 2 of the podcast is available for download on Thursday, October 13.

There is no change atop NFL.com’s Power Poll entering Week 6 as the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints retained their spots atop the list.

This week, the San Francisco 49ers (No. 8) and Washington Redskins (No. 10) made their debuts in the top 10, while the Houston Texans (No. 12), New York Giants (T-13) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (T-13) dropped following losses.

Below are the top 10 teams in the NFL.com Power Poll, with their previous week’s ranking listed in parentheses:

1. Green Bay Packers (1)

2. New Orleans Saints (2)

T-3. Baltimore Ravens (3)

T-3. Detroit Lions (4)

5. New England Patriots (5)

6. San Diego Chargers (7)

7. Buffalo Bills (10)

8. San Francisco 49ers (15)

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (13)

10. Washington Redskins (11)

To view the entire poll, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82308249/article/week-6-49ers-on-the-rise-but-packers-and-saints-still-rule

Michael Irvin, Jim Mora, Heath Evans and Willie McGinest are featured this week on No Huddle tonight at 10:00 PM ET for a roundtable discussion. The four will discuss the following topics:

• At 1-4, is the season over for the Philadelphia Eagles?
• The impact first-year head coach Hue Jackson has had on the Oakland Raiders
• Are the San Francisco 49ers the team to beat in the NFC West?
• The legacy of Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton
• Preview of the upcoming matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots

Below are quotes from this week’s episode of No Huddle:

– “If there is somebody in that organization that knows how to rattle [Tom] Brady, it’s Rob Ryan.” – Willie McGinest on Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan

– “The team ego is more important than the individual ego.” – Jim Mora on the impact of head coach Hue Jackson on the Oakland Raiders

 

Thursday 8:00 PM ET – AFC Playbook with Sterling Sharpe, Brian Baldinger, Joe Theismann and Matt Millen:

• Sterling Sharpe on who needs to step up for the Jets to get back on track
• Joe Theismann on how the Patriots offense can have a big day against the Cowboys
• Brian Billick film study on how Matt Schaub can have success attacking the Ravens defense
• Why the Colts will fall to 0-6
• 2:00 Warning – A look at the fantasy impact tight ends in the AFC North

Friday 8:00 PM ET – NFC Playbook with Sterling Sharpe, Brian Baldinger, Joe Theismann and Matt Millen:

• Sterling Sharpe on why the nightmare won’t end for Michael Vick and the Eagles
• Joe Theismann on how Aaron Rodgers can keep the Packers on the path to perfection
• Brian Billick film study on why Eli Manning might have trouble cracking the Bills pass defense
• How Drew Brees and the Saints can with their fifth consecutive game
• 2:00 Warning – A look at the fantasy impact tight ends in the NFC South

The latest edition of ‘The Coaches Show Podcast’ featuring former head coaches Brian Billick and Jim Mora is now available for download on NFL.com and iTunes.

With more than 40 years of combined NFL coaching experience, Billick and Mora provide the view of the game from the perspective of the sideline. This week, the coaches tackle the following issues:

• What is the reason behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ slow start to the season?
• Tim Tebow at quarterback for the Denver Broncos
• The 4-1 start for the San Francisco 49ers under first-year head coach Jim Harbaugh

To download the latest edition of ‘The Coaches Show’ visit:

http://www.nfl.com/podcast/thecoaches-podcast/1318286309000/detail

To download the latest editions of NFL Network/NFL.com’s six podcasts, visit the official podcast page at www.nfl.com/podcast.

The latest episode of NFL.com’s weekly series The Season: A Biography, is now available on NFL.com

This week’s two-part episode examines the city of Detroit and the incredible impact the 5-0 Lions are having on the citizens of the prideful city. Part One profiles the connection between the people of Detroit and their resurgent football team. Featuring interviews with Lions players Ndamukong Suh, Jahvid Best and Rob Sims, as well various citizens of Detroit, The Season: A Biography vividly portrays how one team’s revival can bring about a tremendous change to its city.

Part Two is available on Thursday, October 13 and provides an all-access pass to the Lions’ first Monday Night Football game in 10 years, revealing the incredible passion of the Detroit sports fans.

To view the latest episode of The Season: A Biography, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/features/the-season-2011/episode-6

 

 

Wednesday, October 12

2:30 PM – NFL Replay: Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans – Week 5, 2011

4:00 PM – Kurt Warner: A Football Life

5:00 PM – Around the League Live

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – NFL Replay: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Week 5, 2011

9:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

10:00 PM – No Huddle

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Fantasy Live

12:30 AM – NFL Replay: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Week 5, 2011

2:00 AM – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

2:30 AM – No Huddle

Thursday, October 13

12 NOON – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

12:30 PM – NFL Replay: New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers – Week 5, 2011

2:00 PM – NFL Fantasy Live

2:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

3:00 PM – No Huddle

4:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: NFL Super Pros

4:30 PM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

5:00 PM – Around the League Live

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – Playbook: AFC

9:00 PM – Kurt Warner: A Football Life

10:00 PM – Walter Payton: A Football Life – DEBUT 

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Fantasy Live

12:30 AM – Playbook: AFC

1:30 AM – Kurt Warner: A Football Life

2:30 AM – Walter Payton: A Football Life

Friday, October 14

12 NOON – NFL’s Top 10: Super Bowl Performances

1:00 PM – Playbook: AFC

2:00 PM – NFL Fantasy Live

2:30 PM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

3:00 PM – Kurt Warner: A Football Life

4:00 PM – Walter Payton: A Football Life

5:00 PM – Around the League Live

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – Canadian Football League: Calgary Stampeders at Toronto Argonauts [30-Minute Tape Delay]

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Fantasy Live

12:30 AM – Playbook: NFC 

1:30 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Dallas Cowboys

2:30 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Raiders

3:30 AM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

Saturday, October 15

9:00 AM – NFL Films Presents: Super Pros

9:30 AM – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

10:00 AM – No Huddle

11:00 AM – Playbook: AFC

12:00 NOON – Playbook: NFC

1:00 PM – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

1:30 PM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

2:00 PM – No Huddle

3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Dallas Cowboys

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Raiders

5:00 PM – Playbook: AFC

6:00 PM – Playbook: NFC

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 5, 2011

9:00 PM – Walter Payton: A Football Life

10:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Football Moves

11:00 PM – NFL Total Acess

12:30 AM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

1:00 AM – Walter Payton: A Football Life

2:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Football Moves

3:00 AM – Canadian Football League: Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Edmonton Eskimos [Tape Delay]

Sunday, October 16

9:00 AM – NFL GameDay Morning

1:00 PM – NFL GameDay Statzone

4:00 PM – NFL GameDay Scoreboard

7:30 PM – NFL GameDay Highlights

11:30 PM – NFL GameDay Final

Monday, October 17

1:00 PM – Around the League Live

6:00 PM – Up to the Minute

6:30 PM – The Coaches Show

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:30 PM – The Coaches Show

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

10:00 PM – The Coaches Show

10:30 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Power Backs

11:30 PM – NFL Total Access Monday Night Football Presser

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Total Access Monday Night Football Review

Tuesday, October 18

12 NOON – NFL’s Top 100 Greatest Players: #50-41

1:00 PM – America’s Game: 1999 St. Louis Rams

2:00 PM – NFL Fantasy Live

2:30 PM – Sound FX: Chad Ochocinco

3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Shortest Players

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Football Moves

5:00 PM – Around the League Live

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – NFL Replay: TBD

9:30 PM – NFL Replay: TBD

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Fantasy Live

12:30 AM – NFL Replay: TBD

2:00 AM – NFL Replay: TBD

3:30 AM – Sound FX: Chad Ochocinco