We actually have NFL pregame quotage for Thanksgiving. This is the first time that I can recall getting press release quotage.
Here is what we have from NFL Network today.
News & Sound Bites From Special Thanksgiving Edition of NFL Network’s NFL GAMEDAY MORNING
A special Thanksgiving edition of NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning aired today at 10:00 AM ET, with host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin.
Feature on Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver James Jones
NFL Network reporter Kim Jones sits down with Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones to discuss growing up homeless in San Jose, California, his journey to the National Football League, and helping the homeless communities in San Jose and Green Bay.
On what football meant to him as a child:
“Football was my life and it truly meant my ticket out. I always dreamed of playing in the National Football League; I told my mom when I was little I would make it to the National Football League and take care of her.”On growing up homeless:
“The hardest times are when you have to leave the homeless shelters and you’re jumping from motel to motel not knowing where you’re going to go. There were times when we were hungry, I’d walk into a pizza place, crying, asking them and pleading to them, saying ‘I promise you I’ll pay you back if you give us a pizza; my sister is hungry, my mom is hungry.’ We had to do what we had to do to make sure we were getting something to eat.”On moving in with his grandma:
“Freshman year of high school when I finally left and moved with my grandma, I went to the same high school all four years; was able to make some friends, able to play with the same guys during football season. When I got stable, it helped me a lot and it definitely helped me reach my goals.”On making it to the NFL:
“Seeing a smile on my mom’s face, her crying, you think how far we came. Now she has a two-story house, she can walk around, do whatever she wants. It’s a blessing.”On volunteering in homeless shelters:
“Whenever we can change someone’s life, we try to do it. If I talk to 1,500 kids and change two lives, that’s alright. I’ll talk to another 1,500 and hopefully change some more.”To view the entire feature, visit: http://on.nfl.com/1iiDq1d
Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning
– “It’s a playoff atmosphere and you’re the only show in town. It’s one of those great days.” – Michael Irvin on playing on Thanksgiving
– “This defense now is giving that offense more possessions to go out and do what they need to do. They were short on possessions; they couldn’t run the football, they didn’t have explosive plays…This team right now, they’re ready to go.” – Marshall Faulk on the Baltimore Ravens
– “I don’t think it’s just stay in playoff contention – it’s go find a way to win that division because they have three home games after [tonight’s game].” – Steve Mariucci on the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have won five of their last seven games
– “The winner of this game today will win this division.” – Steve Mariucci on the Green Bay Packers – Detroit Lions game
– “The Packers have a built-in excuse: you are without your guy, your $100 million quarterback, the guy who makes everybody else look good. Now Detroit, you have the best quarterback in the NFC North – why are you not on top [of the division]?” – Marshall Faulk on the importance of the Green Bay Packers – Detroit Lions game
– “This team is about Matthew Stafford and it’s about that right arm…I’ve been saying it for years: this guy makes probably more big throws than anyone in the National Football League but he also makes more bad decisions than any starting quarterback in the National Football League.” – Kurt Warner on Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford
– “This is a team that has kind of become characteristic with losing at the end of the year. They get up to these leads and they play well early, and then they struggle down the stretch. We’re seeing it again this year.” – Kurt Warner on the Detroit Lions
– “If they can get this run game going, give [Matt McGloin] some predictable defenses with play-action pass, keep Tony Romo on the sideline, Raiders win.” – Warren Sapp on the key to an Oakland Raiders win against the Dallas Cowboys
– “These are the games that really scare you the most with the Dallas Cowboys because it’s just about consistency.” – Michael Irvin on the Oakland Raiders – Dallas Cowboys game
– “I’m disappointed in the Redskins and the fact that all of these stories are getting out about this kid. Seeds are being planted, it’s not fair.” – Marshall Faulk on Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III
– “What’s happening now with [Brandon] Browner and [Walter] Thurmond, it could derail this team because now you’re bringing in people [from] outside…I echo what [Richard] Sherman said.” – Marshall Faulk on the situation regarding the Seattle Seahawks
On NFL.com the following video clips from NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:
– Jive Turkeys – The NFL GameDay Morning crew takes a look back at what they’ve said this season:
http://on.nfl.com/18KKRs6– James Jones Shares Thanksgiving Memories – Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones shares his inspiring Thanksgiving memories and how his past has impacted his life today:
http://on.nfl.com/1czDpi– Why We Play on Thanksgiving – Football on Thanksgiving has become as essential as turkey and mashed potatoes, but how did the tradition get so big?:
http://on.nfl.com/In60xZ– Team Under More Pressure – With first place in the NFC North on the line, which team is under more pressure, the Detroit Lions or Green Bay Packers?:
http://on.nfl.com/1b1gpJE– Is Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Tony Romo Clutch? – Even though Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has the most fourth quarter comebacks since 2011, Romo is still criticized for not winning when it matters:
http://on.nfl.com/189y5zB– Letdown Game for the Dallas Cowboys? – The NFL GameDay Morning crew debates if the Dallas Cowboys can finally pick up a win against an AFC West opponent:
http://on.nfl.com/17ZaUNI– Are the Pittsburgh Steelers for Real? – Kurt Warner, Michael Irvin and Steve Mariucci debate if the Pittsburgh Steelers can actually make the playoffs after their lackluster start:
http://on.nfl.com/1bYQsYP
That will do it for this piece of quotage.
