Celebrations for 2024 NFL Draft Presented by Bud Light Kick Off April 25 in Detroit

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April 11, 2024

NEW YORK — April 11, 2024 — The NFL announced the day one festivities that will take place as part of the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 25 in Detroit.
To kick off the celebrations, attending prospects will walk the NFL Draft Red Carpet presented by Toyota at the iconic Fox Theater. The NFL Draft Red Carpet will begin at approximately 5:20 P.M. ET, with portions televised as part of NFL Network’s NFL Draft Kickoff show, with Kaylee Hartung interviewing prospects as they begin their pro journey.

The league will spotlight the city’s vibrant music scene throughout the Draft. On day one, Detroit artist Angela Davis will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” live from the Draft Theater stage. Caleb Carroll, a native of metro Detroit and a fan-favorite performer at Detroit Lions games, will sing the national anthem from the Draft Theater stage. For the performance, the Military District of Washington’s Joint Armed Forces Color Guard will present the Nation’s Colors, and the Michigan Air National Guard will perform the flyover at the conclusion of the national anthem.

Inside the Draft Theater, NFL Network’s Colleen Wolfe and Michael Robinson will host activities for night one of the three-day event. The Draft Theater will also be home to the Inner Circle presented by Courtyard by Marriott, where superfans from each club will passionately represent their team.

During each day of the event, the NFL will host free concerts in the Draft Theater as part of the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light. On Thursday and Friday, concerts will take place before picks start and feature local artists, along with a post-Draft Drone Show and tribute to Detroit music on Friday night. A post-Draft performance on Saturday will close out the major event. Each day, the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light will be on a first-come first-served basis and standing room only. Headliners will be announced at a later date.

The league recently announced that the NFL Draft Experience presented by Rocket Mortgage – the NFL’s ultimate fan festival – will be free and open to the public from April 25-27. Hart Plaza will host Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage, including games, exhibits, player appearances and sponsor experiences. The NFL Play Football field at Corner Ballpark presented by StatusPRO will host youth-focused activities, including NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics. Fans are encouraged to plan ahead, as capacity is limited, and admission will be on a first-come first-served basis.

NFL DRAFT EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY ROCKET MORTGAGE – HOURS OF OPERATION

DATE	HOURS OF OPERATION
Thursday, April 25	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26	12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27	9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

NFL DRAFT PROGRAMMING – TIMING

DATE	TIMING (ESTIMATED)
Thursday, April 25	8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday, April 26	7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 27	12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light, fans should visit nfl.com/draft/event-info and download the NFL OnePass app or on the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. All adults are required to register for free entry to the NFL Draft but can also register up to five children to get into the event. Please note the Draft site has limited capacity, and OnePass registration does not guarantee entry, as admission is on a first-come first-served basis. For those without a smartphone, registration on site via Fan Services staff is also permitted.

The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is a fully accessible event. For more details on mobility assistance, parking, transportation options and road closures, fans can check the Know Before You Go information, which will be released over the coming weeks.The NFL Draft presented by Bud Light will be broadcast live on NFL Network, ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and streamed on NFL+ beginning Thursday, April 25 at 8:00 p.m. ET with the first round, followed by Rounds 2-3 Friday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. ET and Rounds 4-7 Saturday, April 27 at noon ET from Detroit.

Where Will Hailey Van Lith Play?

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Stephen Patrick

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April 11, 2024

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usa_today_22920811.0 — Photo Cred: USA Today

Hailey Van Lith’s journey in the collegiate basketball realm has been nothing short of riveting. Once a standout at Louisville, where she captured national attention with her scoring prowess, she ventured into new territory by joining LSU’s ranks. However, after just one season donning the purple and gold, she’s once again found herself at a crossroads, navigating the tumultuous waters of the NCAA Transfer Portal.

Photo Cred: AP News

The decision to leave LSU behind came in the wake of a disappointing season where Van Lith fell short of expectations. Despite her brief stint in Baton Rouge, the former All-America honorable mention is now on the lookout for a fresh start for her final year of eligibility. The added complexity of the COVID-19 pandemic granting her an extra year of play has only heightened the stakes, as she strategically positions herself for a move that could define her collegiate basketball legacy.

The Elite Eight loss to Iowa served as a poignant reminder that her time with the Tigers had likely come to an end, prompting her to explore new opportunities. This bold move has sent shockwaves through the collegiate basketball community, as teams across the nation vie for her talents. At just 22 years old, Van Lith boasts an impressive resume with four years of college basketball under her belt. Her tenure at Louisville, where she earned two First-team All-ACC selections, solidified her reputation as a formidable force on the court.

Photo Cred: UofL

Last offseason, her decision to leave Louisville made headlines, with top programs like Stanford and South Carolina vying for her signature before she ultimately chose LSU. However, her transition to Baton Rouge didn’t yield the expected results. Struggling with her role as the team’s primary point guard, Van Lith saw her shooting efficiency drop to a career-low 38%, a departure from her stellar performance at Louisville where she showcased her unmatched scoring ability.

Now, as she embarks on this pivotal chapter, the basketball world eagerly awaits her decision. Programs like South Carolina, Stanford, and Iowa emerge as frontrunners, offering championship-caliber opportunities that could reignite the spark of her Louisville days. With her track record of excellence and undeniable talent, Hailey Van Lith remains a coveted asset for programs nationwide, poised to make a significant impact wherever she chooses to continue her collegiate basketball journey.

Where Will Bronny James Play?

College

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 10, 2024

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Bronny James, the highly-touted basketball prodigy and son of NBA legend LeBron James, has recently made waves in the sports world by declaring his intention to enter the 2024 NBA Draft. In an announcement posted on his official Instagram account last Friday, Bronny revealed his decision, sparking a flurry of speculation and excitement among fans and analysts alike. What makes Bronny’s declaration particularly intriguing is his decision to maintain his college eligibility while simultaneously entering the transfer portal.

Photo Cred: USC

This strategic move affords him the opportunity to explore his options both in the NBA draft process and in potentially transferring to another collegiate program. It’s a decision that underscores his ambition and desire to carefully weigh all possibilities before making a definitive choice about his future in basketball. As Bronny prepares to embark on the next phase of his basketball journey, NBA teams are eagerly awaiting the chance to evaluate him up close.

Throughout the season, scouts have been diligently tracking his progress, analyzing his skills, and gathering invaluable background information. Now, with the draft looming on the horizon, Bronny will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities to NBA decision-makers, engaging in meetings and receiving crucial feedback that will inform his final decision. Despite experiencing a somewhat underwhelming freshman season at USC, where he averaged 4.8 points and 2.1 assists per game, Bronny’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

Photo Cred: Front Office

Overcoming significant adversity, including a harrowing battle with cardiac arrest and subsequent surgery last August, he has demonstrated resilience and determination in returning to the court. Bronny’s decision to enter the transfer portal opens up a world of possibilities for his future collegiate career. With the recent coaching changes at USC, including former head coach Andy Enfield’s departure to SMU and the hiring of Eric Musselman, formerly of Arkansas, Bronny faces a dynamic landscape of potential destinations.

Prior to committing to USC, schools such as Oregon and Ohio State had also vied for his talents, highlighting the widespread interest in his basketball prowess. As Bronny weighs his options and navigates the complex terrain of collegiate and professional basketball, one thing remains certain: his journey is just beginning. With his unparalleled pedigree, unwavering determination, and boundless potential, Bronny James is poised to make an indelible mark on the basketball world, forging his own path to greatness amidst sky-high expectations and limitless possibilities.

Green Bay Packers to Play Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 10, 2024

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São Paulo, Brazil — April 10, 2024 — The National Football League today announced that the Green Bay Packers will play the Philadelphia Eagles in the historic first-ever regular season game in Brazil, as part of the 2024 International Games. The Packers will face the Eagles — the 2024 São Paulo designated team — on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, marking the first time the NFL has played a game on Friday night of their opening weekend in over 50 years (Cardinals at Rams, Sept. 18, 1970).The game will take place in the city of São Paulo at the Corinthians Arena, home to Brazilian soccer team SC Corinthians and will be each team’s first game of the 2024 regular season.

“As global growth continues to be a critical and strategic priority for the NFL and its 32 clubs, we are thrilled to have the Green Bay Packers playing against the Philadelphia Eagles in our first-ever game in South America,” said Managing Director and Head of NFL International Gerrit Meier. “With over 35 million passionate fans in Brazil, the Friday night 2024 regular season opener in São Paulo will bring an incredible energy – marking a historic moment for our sport internationally.”

“We’re looking forward to being a part of this historic matchup against the Eagles in São Paulo,” said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. “We’re excited to play in front of our devoted fans in Brazil and help build upon the international popularity of the NFL and the Packers. We had a great experience playing internationally for the first time a couple of years ago and we’re proud to be part of the league’s continued global growth.”

“The match-up between the Green Bay Packers and the Philadelphia Eagles is an extremely exciting moment for the city of São Paulo,” said Mayor of São Paulo Ricardo Nunes. “These two franchises will certainly play a historic game, bringing great global visibility to our city and assist in our efforts to generate jobs and economic impact.”

“In addition to being one of the biggest franchises in the history of the NFL, the Green Bay Packers are one of the most popular clubs here in Brazil,” said President of SPTuris Gustavo Pires. “We are delighted to provide these fans the opportunity to see their favorite team live in São Paulo.”

Peacock (NBCUniversal) will exclusively stream the Week 1 game in São Paulo, Brazil on Friday. The game will also be available on free, over-the-air broadcast television in the local markets of the competing teams as well as on mobile devices with NFL+. Five regular season games will be played as part of the 2024 NFL International Games, including the game in São Paulo, Brazil, with the designated teams for the Europe slate already announced.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London — the only purpose-built NFL stadium outside of the U.S. — will host games featuring both the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings, while the Jacksonville Jaguars will return to Wembley Stadium as part of their multi-year commitment to playing a game in the U.K. Munich, Germany, will again host a regular season game, with the Carolina Panthers set to play in Allianz Arena — home of FC Bayern Munich. With the game in South America, the NFL will have played a game (preseason or regular season) in five of the seven continents around the world. Additional opponents and kickoff times for all games will be announced with the 2024 schedule this spring.

Designated teams for NFL 2024 International Games:

Team	Location	Opponent	Venue
Philadelphia Eagles	São Paulo, Brazil.	Green Bay Packers	Corinthians Arena
Chicago Bears	London, U.K.	To be announced	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Minnesota Vikings	London, U.K.	To be announced	Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Jacksonville Jaguars	London, U.K.	To be announced	Wembley Stadium (Regular Season Home Game)
Carolina Panthers	Munich, Germany	To be announced	Allianz Arena — Home of FC Bayern Munich

NFL-USO Tour Takes Place in Poland

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 10, 2024

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NEW YORK — April 10, 2024 — Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride and running back DeeJay Dallas participated in a National Football League – United Service Organizations (USO) tour from April 2-5 to visit U.S. service members at six military bases in Poland. Each year as part of the NFL’s Salute to Service initiative, the league collaborates with the USO to connect select NFL players with U.S. service members and their families at military bases across the globe, providing them with the opportunity to meet our nation’s heroes and experience a day in their lives.

During this year’s tour, Trey McBride and DeeJay Dallas interacted with service members to learn about their roles in the military and received mission briefs from senior leaders on their mission in Poland. They also observed military equipment demonstrations, participated in an Army combat fitness test, and joined in on a Madden gaming tournament with service members – all while conducting meet and greets and sharing meals with service members. The players also had a unique opportunity to meet with service members from the Arizona National Guard, who are ardent Arizona Cardinals fans.

“We are privileged to have once again participated in another meaningful tour with the USO to visit and honor our nation’s service members stationed on the frontlines in Poland,” said NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility Anna Isaacson. “The NFL continues to support the military year-round through our Salute to Service initiative, and we are proud to facilitate opportunities for players to meet service members and thank them for the incredible sacrifices they’ve made to protect our freedom.”

For nearly 60 years, the NFL and the USO have partnered to bring NFL players to military bases around the world to engage with and honor the country’s military community. In 1966, the NFL first teamed with the USO and became the first sports organization to send players on an overseas tour to meet with service members, visiting military personnel stationed in Vietnam and the surrounding region. Since then, more than 250 NFL players, coaches and executives, including Legends Terry Bradshaw, Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, and Jason Witten, have participated in NFL-USO tours spanning close to 30 countries and involving more than 100,000 U.S. service members.

“All of us at the USO are extremely grateful for our decades-long partnership with the NFL that allows us to bring football and so much more to the people who are serving and protecting us around the world,” said Christopher Plamp, USO Chief Operating Officer. “Bringing NFL players to overseas locations, where service members and their families are far from home, is always an exciting opportunity. It’s partners like the NFL that make our mission at the USO possible.”

Throughout the year, the NFL partners with the USO to express gratitude and thanks to our nation’s Armed Forces. Leveraging the sport of football, the NFL and the USO work together to provide a piece of familiarity and joy to service members stationed away from home. Recently, through the league’s Salute to Service initiative and partnership with the USO, the NFL supported the expansion of the USO center at Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, offering comfort and recreation to the military community stationed in the Arctic Circle. Additionally, the NFL recently collaborated with the USO to coordinate Super Bowl LVIII watch parties in USO centers across the globe. For more information on the USO, please visit uso.org.

Birmingham Stallions Defense Carried Team to Second Win of the Season

By

Iliyan Lakhani

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April 9, 2024

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The Birmingham Stallions’ defense propelled the team to their second win of the season against the Michigan Panthers. Fired up and relentless, the Birmingham Stallions, led by Taco Charleton and their defensive unit, clinched a seven-point victory against the surging Michigan Panthers. Charleton showcased his dominance with three sacks and three tackles for loss, including a crucial blitz that thwarted the Panthers’ attempt to tie the game. In a post-game interview after the crucial win, Charleton delivered a message to the fans, declaring, “We’re back, we’re back, and we’re gunning for another championship. This is just the beginning.”

Photo Cred: UFL News

Watch the clip here: Stallions Win

Additionally, Dondrea Tillman, a standout defensive end, contributed with two tackles, one sack, and a game-changing forced fumble, swiftly recovered by Kenny Robinson Jr., who advanced the ball 12 yards. This pivotal play positioned Chris Blewitt to nail a 38-yard field goal late in the second quarter. The turnover halted the Panthers’ momentum, preventing them from scoring before halftime.

The Stallions’ defense delivered an unforgettable performance. Whether defending against aerial assaults or ground attacks, multiple players stepped up, demonstrating their willingness to go the extra mile to make a play. Such resilience distinguishes championship contenders from ordinary teams, and it’s evident that the Stallions are in it for the long haul. Skip Holtz and defensive coordinator John Chavis executed an outstanding game plan against the Panthers, thwarting their bid for a two-game win streak.

Photo Cred: Detroit Free Press

On the offensive front, Matt Corral and Adrian Martinez struggled, combining for only 141 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Nevertheless, Martinez led the Stallions on the ground, rushing for 65 yards on just eight attempts. Ricky Person Jr.’s explosive abilities further propelled Birmingham with a rushing touchdown.

While the Stallions’ defense dominated the Panthers, fans anticipate a resurgent offensive performance next week against the Memphis Showboats. This upcoming game, crucially hosted in Birmingham, presents an opportunity for the Stallions to secure a three-game win streak, sending a resounding message across the UFL. However, Holtz and the team must prepare diligently, recognizing that Memphis, fresh off a narrow home-field defeat, will pose a formidable challenge.

NFL Raises Standard for Helmet Performance as Five New Models Achieve Record-High Testing Results

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 9, 2024

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Apr 09, 2024

NFL Raises Standard for Helmet Performance as Five New Models Achieve Record-High Testing Results

Expansion and Improved Performance of Position-Specific Helmets Marks Significant Leap in Providing Players with Best Protection for Their Position

Record 12 New Models Eligible for 2024 Season, Reflecting Accelerated Pace of Helmet Innovation

NEW YORK — April 9, 2024 — The NFL and NFLPA announced today the introduction of five new helmets for the 2024 season that tested better than any helmet ever worn in the league, reflecting a significant advancement in helmet safety innovation. In total, a record 12 new helmet models are eligible for players to wear for the 2024 season.

This year, there will also be more position-specific helmets available to players than ever before, with eight new position-specific models introduced this season. These helmets are designed to mitigate impacts more likely to be sustained by individual positions. The designs of position-specific and all helmet models are informed in part by game impact data that the league collects and shares with helmet manufacturers.

After first becoming available to offensive and defensive linemen in 2022 and quarterbacks in 2023, 2024 will be the third season that position-specific helmets are available for certain positions.

“We’re proud to see so many new helmets continue the rapid rate of improvement we’ve seen over the past decade,” said Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President overseeing Player Health and Safety. “What’s more, the growing availability of position-specific helmets is a central part of our effort to provide players with the best possible protection for their position. Quarterbacks and linemen will have a range of tailored helmets available to them with more positions to come in the next couple of years.”

The NFL, in collaboration with the NFLPA, annually conducts laboratory testing performed by jointly appointed biomechanical experts to evaluate which helmets best reduce head impact severity. Top-performing helmets were also evaluated using position-specific test methodologies for quarterbacks, offensive linemen and defensive linemen. These tests recreate the unique impacts players at each position tend to experience on the field.

The results of the tests are on display in all club locker rooms. This year, for the first time, there are four total helmet posters in circulation: one for helmets available for use by players at all positions, and three additional posters that reflect helmet performance in testing specific to quarterbacks, offensive linemen, and defensive linemen.

In total, six helmets were newly prohibited for the 2024 season. Each of these helmets ranked among the top-performing group when first introduced, which is a testament to how helmet performance has increased through the introduction of new, better performing helmets.

This year’s helmet poster features two new models – the LIGHT Gladiator (ATK) and Xenith Orbit Pro – developed by awardees of the NFL Helmet Challenge, a $3 million competition designed to accelerate helmet performance and safety for NFL players. Their inclusion in the highest-performing section of this year’s rankings reflects the league’s commitment to working with a wide range of engineers and material scientists to generate new, highly effective approaches to helmet design.

National Football League Earns 29 Sports Emmy Nominations

By

Stephen Patrick

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April 9, 2024

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When-Does-the-NFL-Season-Start-First-NFL-Game-To-Be-Played-in-September-1-696x464 — Photo Cred: Pro Football Network

NEW YORK — April 9, 2024 — The National Football League received 29 Sports Emmy Award nominations for its work across NFL Network, NFL Fims and the league office, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced today.

NFL Network’s series “NFL 360″ earned a total of 11 nominations across several categories – the most nominations for a single program this year. Over the past three years, “NFL 360″ has earned a total of 33 nominations – more than any other single program over that time.

This year, “NFL 360″ earned nominations in the Outstanding Short Documentary category (“Gone”), Outstanding Short Feature category (“The Chief Who Walked the Sea,” “Heroes” and “Miracle”), Outstanding Camera Work – Short Form category (“Heroes”), Outstanding Editing – Short Form category (“The Chief Who Walked the Sea” and “Heroes”), The Dick Schaap Writing Award – Short Form category (“The Chief Who Walked the Sea” and “Still Here”), Outstanding Audio/Sound – Post-Produced category (“Heroes”) and Outstanding Graphic Design – Specialty category (“The Chief Who Walked the Sea”).

NFL Films earned a total of 15 nominations this year, highlighted by four nominations for “Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets” (Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized, Outstanding Camera Work – Long Form, Outstanding Editing – Long Form and Outstanding Writing – Long Form). Additionally, the highly-acclaimed series “Quarterback” on Netflix produced along with Omaha productions and 2PM Productions received two nominations (Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized and Outstanding Audio/Sound – Post-Produced), and the documentary “Kelce” on Prime Video earned two nominations (Outstanding Long Documentary and Outstanding Editing – Long Form).

In the Outstanding Edited Event Coverage category, NFL Films earned three of the category’s five total nominations, including for “NFL Draft: The Pick Is In” which premiered last year on The Roku Channel. NFL Films’ additional nominations in the category were “NFL GameDay All Access – Super Bowl LVIII” and “Road to the Super Bowl.”

The 45th Annual Sports Emmy Awards ceremony will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall.

Following is a complete list of the NFL’s nominations:

Outstanding Live Special
Super Bowl LVIII – Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers (Nickelodeon/Nickelodeon Productions/CBS Sports/NFL Films)

Outstanding Edited Event Coverage
NFL Draft: The Pick Is In (The Roku Channel/NFL Films/Skydance Sports)
NFL GameDay All Access – Super Bowl LVIII (YouTube/NFL Films)
Road to the Super Bowl (CBS/NFL Films)

Outstanding Edited Special
You Are Looking Live! (CBS/NFL Films)

Outstanding Short Documentary
NFL 360 – Gone (NFL Network)
NFL Films Presents – Lahainaluna High (FS1/NFL Films)

Outstanding Long Documentary
Kelce (Prime Video/Amazon MGM Studios/Skydance Sports/Vera Y Productions/9.14 Pictures/NFL Films)

Outstanding Documentary Series – Serialized
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets (HBO | Max/NFL Films)
Quarterback (Netflix/NFL Films/Omaha Productions/2PM Productions)

Outstanding Short Feature
NFL 360 – The Chief Who Walked the Sea (NFL Network)
NFL 360 – Heroes (NFL Network)
NFL 360 – Miracle (NFL Network)

Outstanding Camea Work – Short Form
NFL 360 – Heroes (NFL Network)
NFL Films Presents – Optex Lens (FS1/NFL Films)

Outstanding Camera Work – Long Form
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets (HBO | Max/NFL Films)

Outstanding Editing – Short Form
NFL 360 – The Chief Who Walked the Sea (NFL Network)
NFL 360 – Heroes (NFL Network)

Outstanding Editing – Long Form
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets (HBO | Max/NFL Films)
Kelce (Prime Video/Amazon MGM Studios/Skydance Sports/Vera Y Productions/9.14 Pictures/NFL Films)

The Dick Schaap Outstanding Writing Award – Short Form
NFL 360 – The Chief Who Walked the Sea (NFL Network)
NFL 360 – Still Here (NFL Network)

Outstanding Writing – Long Form
Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the New York Jets (HBO | Max/NFL Films)

Outstanding Audio/Sound – Post-Produced
NFL 360 – Heroes (NFL Network)
Quarterback (Netflix/NFL Films/Omaha Productions/2PM Productions)

Outstanding Graphic Design – Specialty
NFL 360 – The Chief Who Walked the Sea (NFL Network)

The George Wensel Technical Achievement Award
Toy Story Funday Football (DragonFly Tech/Disney+/ESPN+/NFL/Next Gen Stats/Beyond Sports/Hawk-Eye)

Outstanding Public Service Content
Youth Flag Football – Let’s Play (NFL Network)

Outstanding Feature Story in Spanish
Mundo NFL Originals – El Sueno de Cieneguitas (Mundo NFL/Sway)

Seton Hall Wins the NIT Tournament

By

Sam Cohen

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April 8, 2024

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73212381007-is-uvs-seton-hall-04042024-gh-055 — Photo Cred: USA Today

The Seton Hall Pirates concluded their season on an exhilarating note last Thursday, clinching a hard-fought victory against the Indiana State Sycamores with a narrow 79-77 triumph. This win not only marked a sensational end to their campaign but also served as a resounding affirmation of their worthiness for a spot in the NCAA Men’s Tournament. At the forefront of the Pirates’ success stood Graduate Senior Al Amir Dawes, who, in his final appearance for Seton Hall, showcased his prowess with an impressive 24-point performance, shooting 6 for 14 from the field.

Photo Cred: Seton Hall

Dawes’ clutch three-pointer during the closing moments of the game not only tied the score but also etched his name into the annals of Seton Hall lore as a true Pirate legend. Another standout contributor was Dre Davis, a seasoned 4th-year senior, whose stellar performance saw him tallying 18 points on 6 for 12 shooting, including a perfect record from beyond the arc. Davis’ breakout season has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the team, evidenced by the reverberating chants of “One More Year” from both coach Shaheen Holloway and the Seton Hall faithful, echoing upon their return to South Orange to celebrate the hard-earned victory.

Kadary Richmond, amid swirling rumors about his potential departure, delivered a stellar performance, leaving an indelible mark on his Seton Hall career. Richmond’s impressive stat line of 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 assists, coupled with his 8 for 19 shooting from the field, underscored his pivotal role as a leader within the team. If indeed this marks Richmond’s final outing as a Pirate, it serves as a fitting crescendo to his tenure, epitomizing his evolution into the formidable leader the team has relied upon and more.

Photo Cred: ESPN

Many thought Indiana State Sycamores were snubbed from the NCAA Tournament. They caught the attention of college basketball fans as they made the 2024 NIT Championship Game against the Seton Hall Pirates. Seton Hall soured the Cinderella story coming from behind and winning the final.According to ESPN, the Seton Hall-Indiana State showdown garnered 1.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched NIT game since 2013 and the most-watched NIT championship since 2010.

Looking ahead, the Seton Hall Pirates are poised to undergo significant transformations next season. With impactful players like Al Amir Dawes, center Jaden Bediako, and the potential departure of Kadary Richmond, the team will undoubtedly undergo a restructuring process. As Coach Shaheen Holloway navigates the uncertainties of the offseason, pressing questions loom large: What role will emerging freshman Isaiah Coleman assume? Which new transfers will join the fray, and who will depart? While uncertainties abound, one thing remains certain – the upcoming season will usher in a new cadre of players who embody Coach Holloway’s ethos, striving to secure a coveted spot in the Tournament after this season’s agonizing snub.

National Championship Preview: Keys to the Game

College

By

Jordan DeBusk

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April 8, 2024

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220401122224-ncaa-final-four-trophy-0331-restricted — Photo Cred: CNN

Tonight marks the culmination of the 2023-2024 NCAA Basketball season, and what a fitting climax it promises to be, with UCONN and Purdue poised for an epic showdown. Will Dan Hurley’s Huskies reign supreme once more, or can Matt Painter guide his alma mater to glory after enduring heartbreak in previous years? Regardless of the outcome, this game is set to showcase two of the most talented and well-coached teams in the country.

UCONN enters the final game with the aura of defending champions, having steamrolled through this year’s tournament with an average margin of victory of 25 points. Meanwhile, Purdue has been equally dominant, boasting an average winning margin of 19.6 points en route to the championship game. Both teams have showcased impeccable form, with only one game in their respective journeys decided by less than 10 points—Purdue’s Elite Eight victory over Tennessee.

Photo Cred: NBC

With both schools occupying the top spots in the KenPom rankings—UCONN at 1 and Purdue at 2—this championship game promises to be a clash of titans. While March Madness often provides a platform for underdogs and upsets, the prospect of witnessing the two best teams battling it out for college basketball’s ultimate prize is truly captivating.

As we anticipate the final showdown, let’s delve into three key aspects that could shape the outcome of the game:

1. The Battle of the Giants: Zach Edey vs. Donovan Clingan

Zach Edey, the back-to-back Player of the Year, presents a formidable challenge with his imposing stature of 7’4” and 300 pounds. A scoring powerhouse averaging 24.9 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, Edey has been a dominant force throughout the tournament. However, he faces a worthy adversary in Donovan Clingan, a 7’2” sophomore center from UCONN. While Clingan may not match Edey’s scoring prowess, his defensive capabilities, averaging 3.6 blocks per game in the NCAA tournament, could prove crucial in containing Edey’s impact. The matchup between these two physical specimens is poised to be a pivotal aspect of the game. However, I don’t think this is about Clingan and his scoring load, instead this is all about whether or not Clingan can slow Edey down without letting him get to the free throw line all day. With 3.6 blocks per game during the NCAA tournament, Clingan looks to have the ability to keep Edey on his toes, but if Clingan gets into foul trouble then that could spell some issues for the Huskies.

2. The Turnover Battle

In a game where every possession counts, minimizing errors becomes paramount. UCONN boasts one of the lowest turnover rates in the nation, averaging just 9.8 turnovers per game, while Purdue sits slightly higher at 11.4 turnovers per game. However, Purdue has shown vulnerability to turnovers in their losses, with a cumulative turnover margin of -38 in four defeats. If UCONN can capitalize on Purdue’s susceptibility to turnovers, they may tilt the game in their favor. The Huskies don’t seem to run into that issue near as much, as their three losses had a combined total turnover margin of -7. If UCONN can force the Purdue guards into ill-advised passing decisions and disrupt Edey’s dribble, then I think we could be seeing our first back-to- back champion since Florida in 2006-2007. While the Huskies’ losses don’t normally tend to revolve around turnover issues, instead the Huskies losses seem to correlate around a different major statistics—which leads me to my next key to the game.

3. UCONN’s Three-Point Offense & Defense

UCONN’s proficiency from beyond the arc has been a key component of their success this season. However, their losses have coincided with poor three-point shooting performances, coupled with lax perimeter defense. Purdue, boasting the second-highest team three-point percentage in the nation, poses a significant threat in this regard. UCONN must maintain defensive discipline while remaining efficient from three-point range to thwart Purdue’s offensive onslaught. There will most likely be moments where UCONN will need to double team Edey, and it is in these moments that Purdue has to find the open man and knock down their own shots. If Purdue can force UCONN into tough shots from behind the arc, while keeping their own usual pace of play on the offensive end, then I think Purdue has a good shot to knock off the defending champions.

As the anticipation builds for the final game of the season, let us relish the moment and savor the culmination of an exhilarating journey. Tonight, amidst the fervor of the championship game, let’s embrace the excitement and drama of college basketball at its finest.

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