NFL Network

Mar

Let’s Do The Friday Megalinks Again

by Ken, under ABC, ACC, Captain Blowhard, CBC, CBS Sports, Chris Evert, College Basketball, Comcast SportsNet, Don Cherry, ESPN, ESPN Films, FSN, Jeremy Lin, Joe Buck, Mike Tirico, MLB, MLS, MSG Network, NBA, NBC Sports, NCAA Tournament, NFL, NFL Network, NHL, Pac 12, Time Warner Cable, Tour de France, truTV, Turner Sports, TV Ratings, WEEI, Wimbledon

Linkage has been scarce around the site this week, but I should be able to get a good set of megalinks in today as we head into NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday. You deserve the links and I thank you for your patience around some server problems this week.

As usual, you can check the Weekend Viewing Picks for all weekend sports and entertainment recommendations.

Let’s get to the linkage.

National

Michael Hiestand of USA Today profiles ESPN’s bracketologist Joe Lunardi who got a big endorsement from Louisville’s Rick Pitino this week.

Erik Spanberg at Sports Business Journal looks at Major League Soccer hoping for big returns from its new contract with NBC Sports.

Sports Illustrated’s Richard Deitsch explores NBC’s new approach to airing soccer and reviews ESPN’s new documentary on Magic Johnson.

Karen Hogan at Sports Video Group looks at ESPN’s innovative plans for MLS games this season.

Lindsay Flans of the Hollywood Reporter says A-List celebrities have caught Linsanity fever.

And the Reporter provides a seating chart of where celebrities sit at Madison Square Garden to get a glimpse of Jeremy Lin.

At the Indiana University National Sports Journalism Center, Michael Bradley feels the mid-major conferences sacrifice regular season integrity in exchange for TV exposure with their post-season tournaments.

CNBC’s Darren Rovell is recovering after his alma mater, Northwestern, played its way out of the NCAA Tournament this week.

Joe Favorito says even in this day and age, the little guy can make a splash in sports marketing.

Sports Media Watch has some ratings news and notes.

SMW notes that NBC Sports will replace the departed Wimbledon with the Tour de France this summer.

Ben Koo of Awful Announcing says ESPN Films is suffering from an identity crisis.

Steve Lepore at Puck The Media says NBC’s innovation in hockey production is now extending to the soccer pitch.

Dave Kohl at the Broadcast Booth isn’t a fan of speculation.

At Yahoo’s Ball Don’t Lie blog, Dan Devine says Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban made a gay joke at Bill Simmons’ expense with him present.

Erik Malinowski of Deadspin says Cuban has apologized for making that remark.

East and Mid-Atlantic

The Boston Globe’s Chad Finn looks at CBS/Turner’s plans for the NCAA Tournament.

Chad notes that a prodigal son is returning to WEEI this weekend.

Boston Sports Media Watch’s Bruce Allen at SB Nation Boston says the Boston Herald will miss Patriots beat reporter Ian Rapoport as he departs for NFL Network.

George Cain at Sports of Boston compares and contrasts the two sports radio stations ratings.

Bill Doyle of the Worcester Telegram & Gazette says different generations watch sports differently.

Paul Devlin of the New Canaan (CT) Patch talks with ESPN High Grand Poobah of News Vince Doria.

Newsday’s Neil Best talks with Magic Johnson about ESPN’s documentary on his HIV announcement 20 years ago.

Neil notes the opening of a new Broadway play on the rivalry between Magic and former Boston Celtics star Larry Bird.

Neil says it’s time for our annual search to find truTV for the NCAA Tournament.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Post goes after the “gang mentality” in football.

The Post’s Justin Terranova has five questions for NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger.

Jerry Barmash at Fishbowl NY notes that MSG Network is about to unveil a new baseball-centric show.

Chris Boyle at the Merrick (NY) Patch says two alumna of a local high school, now ESPN personalities, made a visit to their old stomping grounds.

Pete Dougherty at the Albany Times Union notes that Buffalo Sabres games are back on MSG after a technical glitch prevented fans from seeing their games for two weeks.

Pete talks with Uncle Verne Lundquist of CBS who’s going into his 49th year of broadcasting.

Ken McMillan of the Middletown (NY) Times-Herald Record says a local man has been chosen to take part in this year’s MLB Fan Cave.

Keith Groller of the Allentown (PA) Morning Call talks with ESPN’s Mike Tirico who says he’ll miss working with Ron Jaworski every Monday Night.

Jim Williams of the Washington Examiner speaks with tennis Hall of Famer and ESPN analyst Chris Evert.

South

Luke DeCock of the Raleigh News & Observer says for the first time, viewers in the ACC footprint can see ESPN’s coverage of the ACC Tournament.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald likes watching the ESPN/ABC NBA studio show.

David Barron at the Houston Chronicle notes that Comcast SportsNet Houston is getting ready for its fall launch.

And David expands on his column on CSN Houston in his blog.

Mel Bracht of the Daily Oklahoman has a few Sooner State sports media news and notes.

Midwest

Jeff Moss at Detroit Sports Rag has a field of 64 to decide the Worst Detroit Sports Media Personality.

Bob Wolfley of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says CBS and Turner are enjoying their NCAA Tournament partnership.

Ed Sherman at Crain’s Chicago Business has his weekly winners and losers in sports business and media.

Dan Caesar of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reviews the one week experiment of Joe Buck and Tim McKernan co-hosting a radio show that could turn into something bigger down the road.

Dan says don’t expect too many changes for this year’s NCAA Tournament coverage on CBS and Turner Sports.

West

John Maffei at the North County Times writes that if NCAA Tournament coverage ain’t broke, then CBS and Turner aren’t going to fix it.

John says Fox Sports San Diego is set to launch any day now, provided MLB approves the Padres’ deal to air games on the network.

Jim Carlisle of the Ventura County Star says the success of the CBS/Turner NCAA Tournament consortium surprised officials at both companies.

Jim says Peyton Manning’s former coach, Tony Dungy now of NBC, feels San Francisco would be a good fit for him.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News looks at Magic Johnson’s life-changing announcement, 20 years later.

Tom explores how Time Warner Cable will present LA Galaxy games while it’s still in the process of launching its new SoCal regional sports network.

Tom has a few items that didn’t make his weekly media column.

Percy Allen of the Seattle Times notes that ESPN will air next year’s Pac-12 Basketball Championship Game.

Canada

Rosie DiManno of the Toronto Star says CBC’s Don Cherry and Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke are acting like a couple of spoiled divas in their public spat.

And that’s going to do it for today. Enjoy your sports weekend.

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Mar

NFL Scouting Combine Gets Another Big Viewing Audience

by Ken, under NFL, NFL Network, TV Ratings

I watched a little bit of the NFL Scouting Combine last week, and apparently I joined an estimated 6.51 million people in viewing the coverage on NFL Network. While it didn’t surpass the record set in 2011 (6.55 million), it held steady from the year before and is up significantly from 2010 and 2009.

In addition, people viewed coverage on their cell phones and through desktops.

We have the press release from the NFL.

BIG NUMBERS FOR 2012 NFL SCOUTING COMBINE ON NFL NETWORK, NFL.COM & NFL MOBILE

More than 6.5 Million Viewers Watched Combine on NFL Network
Sunday QB-WR-RB workouts set Combine viewership mark
Unique Users on NFL Digital Properties Jump 37%

Fans enjoyed the NFL Scouting Combine across all NFL Media platforms in large numbers again in 2012. For the second consecutive year more than 6.5 million viewers tuned in to NFL Network’s exclusive coverage of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine (6.51 million in 2012, 6.55 million in 2011). Those totals represent large jumps over 2010 (5.2 million viewers) and 2007 (3.7 million viewers), according to The Nielsen Company.

Sunday’s seven hours of live coverage featuring quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers was the most-watched Combine telecast of all-time with an average of 450,000 viewers up 11 percent from last year (406,000) and up 62 percent from 2010 (277,000).

The audience on the NFL’s digital media properties including NFL.com, NFL Mobile and other mobile outlets jumped 37 percent for full Combine coverage with unique users from Sunday’s workout coverage spiking 39 percent.

The NFL Scouting Combine is part of NFL Network’s “Path to Primetime” programming leading into the 2012 NFL Draft April 26-28. NFL Network’s “Path to the Draft” airs Monday-Friday at 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM ET through May 4.

That will do it.

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Mar

“Arena Football Friday” Returns To NFL Network

by Ken, under Arena Football, NFL Network

Next Friday, Arena Football returns to NFL Network. There will be a total of 20 regular season games aired between March 9 and July 20 and three postseason games leading up to the ArenaBowl in New Orleans.

The play-by-play announcers for the season will include Paul Burmeister, Fran Charles and Ari Wolfe. Analysts for the games will be Brian Baldinger, Charles Davis, Anthony Herron, Kurt Warner and Solomon Wilcots.

All games will be played on Friday nights except for the April 30 game between Kansas City and Tampa Bay as the NFL Draft will take precedence on April 27.

We have the schedule for Arena Football Friday on NFL Network below.

NFL NETWORK NAMES ANNOUNCERS FOR 2012 DEBUT OF “ARENA FOOTBALL FRIDAY”

Paul Burmeister & Charles Davis kick off the League’s Silver Anniversary on NFL Network

CHICAGO – NFL Network personalities Paul Burmeister and Charles Davis will be in the booth as the AFL opens its 25th season on March 9, 2012 featuring the Pittsburgh Power at Orlando Predators. The season opener will be coined as the “Hall of Fame Game” as members of the 2011 AFL Hall of Fame Class will be inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame. The 2012 season will mark the third consecutive year of “Arena Football Friday” on NFL Network.

During the 23-game slate, which includes 20 regular season games, two playoff contests and ArenaBowl XXV held in New Orleans, Burmeister will share play-by-play duties with Fran Charles, and Ari Wolfe, while Davis, Brian Baldinger, Solomon Wilcots, AFL Hall of Fame Inductee Kurt Warner and Anthony Herron serve as analysts. Wolfe and Herron will serve as sideline reporters throughout the season as well.

NFL Network’s “Arena Football Friday” telecasts are set for 8:00 pm ET. The AFL’s national game of the week on NFL Network is coming off a record rating for ArenaBowl XXIV featuring the Jacksonville Sharks at Arizona Rattlers on August 12, 2011. Below is a schedule for “Arena Football Friday” broadcasts on NFL Network:

DATE                          MATCHUP

March 9                       Pittsburgh Power vs. Orlando Predators
March 18                     Georgia Force vs. Tampa Bay Storm
March 22                     Philadelphia Soul vs. Pittsburgh Power
March 30                     San Jose SaberCats vs. Spokane Shock
April 6                          Tampa Bay Storm vs. New Orleans VooDoo
April 13                        New Orleans VooDoo vs. San Antonio Talons
April 20                        Tampa Bay Storm vs. Philadelphia Soul
April 30                        Kansas City Command vs. Tampa Bay Storm (Special Monday Night game after the NFL Draft Weekend)
May 4                          New Orleans VooDoo vs. Jacksonville Sharks
May 11                        Cleveland Gladiators vs. Milwaukee Mustangs
May 18                        Orlando Predators vs. New Orleans VooDoo
May 25                        Jacksonville Sharks vs. Orlando Predators
June 1                         Cleveland Gladiators vs. Iowa Barnstormers
June 8                         Pittsburgh Power vs. Cleveland Gladiators
June 15                       Tampa Bay Storm vs. Orlando Predators
June 22                       Arizona Rattlers vs. Milwaukee Mustangs
June 29                       Milwaukee Mustangs vs. Cleveland Gladiators
July 6                          Milwaukee Mustangs at Jacksonville Sharks
July 13                        Cleveland Gladiators vs. Utah Blaze
July 20                        Jacksonville Sharks vs. Pittsburgh Power

That’s it.

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Feb

NFL Network’s Schedule Through Next Week Including Scouting Combine Coverage

by Ken, under NFL, NFL Network

Earlier this month, NFL Network was in Indianapolis to cover Super Bowl XLVI. It’s back in Indy starting Thursday to cover the the NFL Scouting Combine to see the players who will be in the league next year.

More than 50 hours of Scouting Combine coverage will be aired on NFL Network from Saturday through next Wednesday with the live workouts which will include the 40 yard dash, the vertical leap and so much more. And one of the highlights every year is when host Rich Eisen runs the 40 in his suit and tie.

Don’t think no one watches the Scouting Combine as it gets very good ratings for NFL Network since it started airing the workouts live exclusively.

Here are the details.

NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM PROGRAMMING NOTES (2/22 – 2/28)

WHO WILL BE NO. 1? — HEISMAN TROPHY WINNER ROBERT GRIFFIN III, ANDREW LUCK, JUSTIN BLACKMON, MATT KALIL & TRENT RICHARDSON WILL ALL BE AT THE 2012 SCOUTING COMBINE

NFL Network’s More Than 50 Hours of Exclusive “2012 NFL Scouting Combine” Programming Starts Thursday, Feb. 23 with Live Coverage of the Workouts Beginning Saturday, Feb. 25 at 9:00 AM ET
NFL.com’s New ‘Combine Tracker’ Provides Immediate 40-Yard Dash Times
“Run With Rich” – Fans Can Submit Their Own 40-yard Dashes To @NFL & @NFLNetwork

NFL Network and NFL.com’s exclusive coverage of the league’s next generation of talent kicks off Thursday, February 23 with more than 50 hours of programming of the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine. NFL Network broadcasts live from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, providing an up-close look at the more than 300 NFL prospects looking to take the next step in their careers as the ‘Path to Primetime’ 2012 NFL Draft continues.

Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Robert Griffin III, Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck, Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon, USC offensive lineman Matt Kalil, and running back Trent Richardson from the national champion Alabama Crimson Tide headline the top prospects scheduled to appear in Indianapolis, with live coverage of workouts beginning on Saturday, February 25 at 9:00 AM ET with the offensive linemen, tight ends and kickers. NFL Network and NFL.com’s workout coverage continues with the running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers on Sunday, February 26, linebackers and defensive linemen on Monday, February 27 and defensive backs on Tuesday, February 28.

Combine coverage starts Thursday, February 23 at 2:30 PM ET with Around the League: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine Press Conferences from Lucas Oil Stadium. Daily editions of NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine wrap up all of the day’s action at 7:00 PM ET.

NFL Network’s Scouting Combine Programming:

Around the League: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine Press Conferences: Player, coach and general manager press conferences from the Combine will be featured along with all of the current football news. Fran Charles, Michael Lombardi, Charley Casserly and Jason La Canfora anchor the coverage. Airs live Thursday and Friday at 2:30 PM ET.

Live Workouts: Host Rich Eisen is joined by analysts Mike Mayock and Charles Davis for daily reports on the prospects participating. Additional expert commentary includes Michael Irvin on wide receivers (Sunday), Marshall Faulk on running backs (Sunday), Kurt Warner on quarterbacks (Sunday), Warren Sapp on defensive linemen (Monday), and Deion Sanders on defensive backs (Tuesday). Additionally, analyst Heath Evans provides live demos of each drill and Paul Burmeister is on the field with reports and interviews. Airs live Saturday, February 25 through Tuesday, February 28 beginning at 9:00 AM ET each day.

NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine: NFL Total Access is on location at Lucas Oil Stadium with recaps, news, analysis and interviews featuring hosts Scott Hanson and Kara Henderson alongside analysts Brian Billick, Charley Casserly, Michael Irvin, Michael Lombardi and Steve Mariucci. Airs live Thursday, February 23 through Monday, February 27 at 7:00 PM ET.

The Rich Eisen Podcast — 40-Yard Dash & Fans Can Run with Rich — “#RunRichRun”

Here’s the current The Rich Eisen podcast on NFL.com.
http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/02/22/rich-eisen-podcast-charles-davis-previews-the-nfl-combine-and-richs-40-yard-dash/?module=HP11_content_stream

Guests include NFL Network analyst Charles Davis, who breaks down the upcoming 2012 NFL Scouting Combine and previews what viewers should expect during NFL Network and NFL.com’s wall-to-wall coverage of the annual event held in Indianapolis. The conversation finishes with the pair discussing Rich’s infamous 40-yard dash and whether or not Rich expects to post a personal best when he blazes down the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Think you can do better than Rich? (click on link) Participate in NFL Network and NFL.com’s #RunRichRun experience and tweet us video of yourselves in your finest work threads running a 40-yard dash (at work). Be sure to include the #RunRichRun in your tweet. The best runs, and the worst, will air on NFL Network as inspiration for Rich just before he takes the field. Will Rich break his PR of 6.18 seconds this year? http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/02/21/run-with-me/

On Thursday, at 4:30 pm ET, the new edition of The Rich Eisen Podcast debuts on NFL Network. Rich interviews Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff, Coach Jim Mora Sr, and the head coach of the OSCAR nominated documentary “Undefeated”, Bill Courtney, who is also joined by the films co-director Dan Lindsay. Mora talks about his memories of Peyton Manning at the Combine and don’t miss his OSCAR picks.

To download previous editions of The Rich Eisen Podcast, visit: http://richeisen.nfl.com/

NFL.com Scouting Combine Features

For the first time ever, NFL.com provides unofficial 40-yard dash times for each participant in real time with the Combine Tracker, allowing fans to obtain results and data faster than ever before. Additionally, the new Combine Tracker lists how each athlete performed in all of the drills, providing a central location to receive statistics as they happen.

NFL.com’s Score Strip highlights results from the 40-yard dash, the bench press, the broad jump and the vertical jump. Available wherever users are on NFL.com, fans are never far away from all the information and Combine results.

Fans can also follow the action from the Scouting Combine on the Emmy-nominated NFL.com LIVE: 2012 Scouting Combine. NFL.com’s coverage includes a daily all-access look inside the workouts and position drills of each group, as well as analysis, post-workout interviews and commentary on player performances and team needs.

NFL.com’s Combine home, visit http://www.nfl.com/combine.

Fans can follow online conversations about the workouts and events in Indy with “#NFLCombine”

Extensive Database of Prospects: Profiles of every participant, including scouting reports and statistics.

Explanation of Workouts: Mike Mayock takes fans through each event and position drill, explaining what coaches and scouts are looking for and evaluating.
http://www.nfl.com/combine/workouts

Exclusive Video and Photo Gallery: Player interviews, news conferences, NFL Total Access segments and other event coverage.

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET)

Thursday, February 23
12 NOON – Hey Rookie 2010: Part 1
1:00 PM – Hey Rookie 2010: Part 2
2:00 PM – Game Changers: Linebackers
2:30 PM – Around the League: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine Press Conferences
4:30 PM – The Rich Eisen Podcast
5:00 PM – Hey Rookie 2010: Part 1
6:00 PM – Hey Rookie 2010: Part 2
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Undrafted Players
9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Rookie Seasons
10:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Classes
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine

ALL DAY – NFL.com: Exclusive daily video clips available

Friday, February 24
11:00 AM – The Rich Eisen Podcast
12 NOON – NFL’s Top 10: Undrafted Players
1:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Classes
2:00 PM – Game Changers: Quarterbacks
2:30 PM – Around the League: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine Press Conferences
4:30 PM – Game Changers: Wide Receivers
5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Trades
6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Busts
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
8:00 PM – Brady 6
9:00 PM – Draft Journey – 2009: Brian Cushing, Michael Crabtree & Matthew Stafford
10:00 PM – Draft Journey – 2010: Colt McCoy, Ndamukong Suh & Myron Rolle
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
12 MIDNIGHT – The Rich Eisen Podcast

ALL DAY – NFL.com: Exclusive daily video clips available

Saturday, February 25
9:00 AM – Workouts: Kickers, Offensive Linemen, Tight Ends – LIVE COVERAGE
(Encores with cut-down versions at 8:00 PM & 12 Midnight)
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
(Encores at 11:00 PM)
STARTING AT 9:00 AM – NFL.com LIVE: Complete, all-access coverage of two groups

ALL DAY – NFL.com: Exclusive daily video clips available

Sunday, February 26
9:00 AM – Workouts: Running Backs, Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers – LIVE COVERAGE
(Encores with cut-down versions at 8:00 PM & 12 Midnight)
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
(Encores at 11:00 PM)
STARTING AT 9:00 AM – NFL.com LIVE: Complete, all-access coverage of group workouts

ALL DAY – NFL.com: Exclusive daily video clips available

Monday, February 27
9:00 AM – Workouts: Linebackers, Defensive Linemen – LIVE COVERAGE
(Encores with cut-down versions at 8:00 PM & 12 Midnight)
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
(Encores at 11:00 PM)
STARTING AT 9:00 AM – NFL.com LIVE: Complete, all-access coverage of group workouts

ALL DAY – NFL.com: Exclusive daily video clips available

Tuesday, February 28
9:00 AM – Workouts: Defensive Backs – LIVE COVERAGE
(Encores with cut-down versions at 8:00 PM & 12 Midnight)
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access: 2012 NFL Scouting Combine
(Encores at 11:00 PM)
STARTING AT 9:00 AM – NFL.com LIVE: Complete, all-access coverage of group workouts

ALL DAY – NFL.com: Exclusive daily video clips available

Wednesday, February 29
12 NOON – Game Changers: Defensive Backs
12:30 PM – Game Changers: Linebackers
1:00 PM – Game Changers: Quarterbacks
1:30 PM – Game Changers: Wide Receivers
2:00 PM – Hey Rookie – 2005
3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Rookie Seasons
4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Classes
5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Trades
6:00 PM – Brady 6
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access
8:00 PM – 2012 NFL Scouting Combine Wrap-Up Show
9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Undrafted Players
10:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Draft Busts
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access
12 MIDNIGHT – 2012 NFL Scouting Combine Wrap-Up Show

That’s going to do it.

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Feb

Report: No New NFL TV Package

by Ken, under Comcast, NBC Sports, NBC Sports Network, NFL, NFL Network, Thursday Night Football, Turner Sports

This comes from the Sports Business Journal’s John Ourand who has been on top of this story since last year. He’s reporting (subscription required) in this week’s issue that with the announcement of five additional games to the Thursday Night Football schedule on NFL Network, it now appears unlikely that there will be a new 1st half package of TNF games sent out for bid.

It was thought that the expansion of the Thursday Night Football schedule for the 2012 season would eventually lead to a split contract between a new partner (ESPN, Turner Sports or NBC Sports Network) and NFL Network when the new television contract began in 2014. However, Ourand is reporting through sources that any new package will have to wait for the foreseeable future.

During the NFL Lockout, Commissioner Roger Goodell gauged interest from the networks for a potential 1st half, 8 game Thursday Night Football package, but then it appeared that the Commish took the idea off the table when the 2011 season began, only to seemingly bring it back again before the regular season was about to end.

However, with 13 games on NFL Network and 15 Thursday Night games overall (the remaining two will be aired by NBC on Opening Night and the Thanksgiving holiday), it seems that the schedule is now etched in stone for now.

This also could be a ploy to get leverage against two large cable providers, Cablevision and Time Warner Cable which remain steadfast in their refusal to pick up NFL Network. While the NFL has made several gains with several larger cable providers in the last few years, they still cannot penetrate Time Warner and Cablevision systems. And there doesn’t appear to be any discussions on the horizon with either company at the present time.

The big losers in this are Comcast and Turner Sports, both of which have wanted to get NFL games for their respective cable channels. Of course, Comcast has been hoping to get a Thursday Night package for Versus now NBC Sports Network since the last decade, only to see it passed over for NFL Network twice. And Turner has been eyeing a return to the NFL since losing the first half of the Sunday Night Football package to ESPN in the late 1990′s.

It’s all quite a fascinating turn in the world of the NFL.

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Feb

Quotage From the Super Bowl Edition of NFL GameDay Morning

by Ken, under NFL, NFL Network, Super Bowl

NFL GameDay Morning went 8½ hours and as of this writing, is still going strong. We do have some quotage from earlier today and let’s get to it.

News, Sound Bites & Video Clips From Super Bowl XLVI Edition of NFL GAMEDAY MORNING

“If Tom Brady wins this game, it’s simple: he’s the greatest of all time.” – Warren Sapp
“If he wins this game, that ‘E’ in his name will stand for ‘Elite.’” – Charles Woodson on Giants QB Eli Manning
“This game is going to be determined by how New England protects.” – Michael Lombardi on the Patriots offensive line
“This guy is supernatural.” – Steve Mariucci on Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski
“Julian Edelman will be the most versatile player in Super Bowl history.” – Steve Mariucci

With 21 on-air personalities and a combined 14 Super Bowl rings, NFL GameDay Morning on NFL Network provided expert analysis, the latest news and reports, Super Bowl-related features and sitdown interviews today on a special 8 ½ hour edition on NFL Network live from Lucas Oil Stadium.

Host Rich Eisen was joined by analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin on the main set at Lucas Oil Stadium, while host Melissa Stark and Super Bowl winners Deion Sanders, Brian Billick and special guest analyst Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers provided additional analysis from the field.

Three-time Super Bowl champion linebacker Willie McGinest offered his insight into playing in the Super Bowl from the Super Bowl Village in downtown Indianapolis, while Michael Lombardi and Jason La Canfora provided the latest inside reports.

Host Fran Charles and analysts McGinest and Heath Evans provided additional analysis from the pregame tailgate leading up to Lucas Oil Stadium.

NFL Network reporters Albert Breer and Stacey Dales were live from outside each team’s hotel.

‘Sunday Sitdown’ — Patriots QB Tom Brady 1-on-1 Interview with Willie McGinest

Three-time Super Bowl champion linebacker with the New England Patriots Willie McGinest sits down with his former teammate Tom Brady for a 1-on-1 interview:

On New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick:
“He coaches us hard, he coaches me hard. He is relentless; ‘Brady can’t complete a hitch, wide open and you throw it in the dirt.’ Part of me wants to strangle him and say, ‘Don’t you know?’ But he doesn’t care. He wants us to be at our best every single day. That’s why we’re in this position.”

On playing against Peyton Manning and Eli Manning:
“These guys bring the best out of you. They have a great football family, their dad obviously was a great quarterback and you know they’re going to play their best. Eli always does; every time we play Eli, I sit on the sideline and watch him go up and down the field and I go, ‘Can we slow this guy down?’”

To view the entire interview with Brady, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d826a6766/Super-Sunday-Sitdown-Tom-Brady

‘Sunday Sitdown’ — Giants QB Eli Manning 1-on-1 Interview with Kurt Warner

Super Bowl XXXIV MVP Kurt Warner sits down with Super Bowl XLII MVP and former teammate Eli Manning for a 1-on-1 interview:

On if he can imagine his brother Peyton Manning playing with any team other than the Indianapolis Colts:
“It’d be tough. He’s been so important to this town. When he came to Indianapolis, they were not known for their football – it was truly a basketball town. What he’s built and done here in his 13 years of playing, it would be hard to imagine him playing somewhere else. We’ll have to see what happens.”

On the rivalry with his brother:
“There is always a rivalry with your brother. Playing in high school football, who can have more touchdowns – those things are fun. Once you get to this level, this is our job, this is what we do for our career. It’s not something that you joke around a whole lot [about]. I know Peyton is proud of me. He’s proud that I’m in this situation; he’s rooting me on like I’m proud of him of what he’s done in his career and rooted him on when he was playing in his second Super Bowl and first Super Bowl. I want to win for all of the right reasons – it’s about the Giants, about our coaches, about just winning a championship. Not for bragging rights.”

To view the entire interview with Manning, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a6c3b/Super-Sunday-Sitdown-Eli-Manning

‘Sunday Sitdown’ — Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick 1-on-1 Interview with Michael Lombardi

NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi sits down with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for a 1-on-1 interview:

On Patriots quarterback Tom Brady:
“It is an honor as a coach to be able to work with a player as skilled as he is to mentally and physically be able to perform at the highest level.”

On special teams:
“A big key for us is the kicking game…Hopefully we can make a couple of plays in that area that will help us win.”

To view the entire interview with Belichick, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a6985/Super-Sunday-Sitdown-Bill-Belichick

‘Sunday Sitdown’ — Giants WRs Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham with Michael Irvin

Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl champion wide receiver Michael Irvin sits down with New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham:

On if the Patriots’ Julian Edelman is covering him in the game:
Mario Manningham: “I’d probably get Eli’s attention after I’m done pointing telling him look who’s out here. Not to put anything past him, but that’s not your real position. I want him to be out there. I take it as an insult. Me, Cruz and Hakeem, not saying we’re better than everyone else, but we can’t let that go down.”

On the meetings Eli Manning holds with wide receivers and tight ends each week:
Victor Cruz: “It usually happens two or three days before the game. It’s just a complete rundown of everything that he’s been looking at throughout the week, everything that he feels is important for us to know so when game time comes and we see those coverages, we can just adjust on the fly.”

To view the entire interview with Cruz, Nicks and Manningham, visit:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a63a4/The-talented-trio

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

“This guy is supernatural and he commands a double-team. That is going to open up some other things for some of these other receivers.” – Steve Mariucci on New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski

“It was a foregone conclusion that Peyton Manning was the best Manning in that family when it comes to quarterbacks. But for Eli to put himself into a position to win two rings – we know how hard it is to win just one ring, and older brother Peyton only has one – it puts Eli in a class by himself. That argument about him being an elite quarterback, if he wins this game that ‘E’ in his name will stand for ‘Elite.’” – Charles Woodson on New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning

“It takes you away from football, especially when you have an offensive football team – a passing offensive football team because it’s all about timing. If you look at the last four Super Bowls, there have been some really good offenses but only two of those eight teams have scored more than three points in the first quarter. It’s going to affect momentum early in the game.” – Kurt Warner on the effect of the bye week on teams before the Super Bowl

“The reason he doesn’t get more credit is because he is not flashy.” – Warren Sapp on Giants head coach Tom Coughlin

“Bill Belichick is the best at understanding his players’ strengths and weaknesses. Even if he has injuries he has to deal with or guys playing out of position, he knows how [to put them in the best position].” – Willie McGinest on New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick

“Their biggest challenge could be if Tom Brady has another bad game, can they hold up? If Tom Brady has no touchdowns, two interceptions and he plays the type of game like he did against the Baltimore Ravens, this defense against a hot offense with three really good receivers and a running game that is starting to emerge could be in trouble and exposed.” – Marshall Faulk on the New England Patriots defense

“Tiquan Underwood did not take very many reps this week in practice; we’re going to see the Chad Ochocinco show here. They wanted Alex Silvestro to be able to play on nickel downs. It’s going to be hot in this stadium; they need to rotate their defensive linemen. This clearly was a move that basically they wanted a defensive lineman on the roster and they had a spot with Underwood. Underwood will still get a game check and if they win the Super Bowl. He’ll still get a ring.” – Michael Lombardi on the release of New England Patriots wide receiver Tiquan Underwood on Saturday

“Julian Edelman will be the most versatile player in Super Bowl history.” – Steve Mariucci

“I promise you Bill Belichick is going back to that tape if for no other reason to show his guys, ‘Look where we left ourselves vulnerable; this is where we didn’t finish, this is where we broke down, this is where we’ve got to get better.’ That’s a lot more of a motivator than Tom Coughlin showing his guys the film going, ‘Don’t we look good here, wasn’t this nice here, we have to go do this again.’ Bill Belichick is going to tap into the emotion of that last loss by looking at the tape.” – Brian Billick on the adjustments Bill Belichick will make from the Patriots’ Week 9 loss to the New York Giants

“He is the face and the voice of this organization. There is no doubt who the leader is: Eli Manning is one of the very best quarterbacks in the National Football League.” – Steve Mariucci on New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning

“They’ll have a complete protection plan to frustrate this four-man pressure and to keep them off-balance. The game is going to be won by how New England protects, and New England understands that. The other factor is New England’s offensive line is much better today than it was last time they played them and certainly in 2007.” – Michael Lombardi on the New England Patriots’ offensive line

“If Tom Brady wins this game, it’s simple: he’s the greatest of all time.” – Warren Sapp

“Talking to Peyton, he wants to be a Colt. He wants to be a part of this organization, he wants to be a part of this team and my gut feeling is that he and Jim Irsay, they’re going to sit down and find out how to make that happen.” – Marshall Faulk on Peyton Manning’s future in Indianapolis

“While the Patriots are about to board their buses to the stadium, the Giants [staying nearby] might be able to zip-line their way to the stadium.” – Rich Eisen noting the popular zip-line for fans during Super Bowl week in downtown Indianapolis

Super Bowl XLVI Winner & MVP Predictions:

Marshall Faulk: New York Giants, Tom Brady
Michael Irvin: New York Giants, Eli Manning
Warren Sapp: New York Giants, Eli Manning
Kurt Warner: New England Patriots Tom Brady & Wes Welker
Steve Mariucci: New York Giants, Ahmad Bradshaw
Deion Sanders: New York Giants
Brian Billick: New York Giants
Charles Woodson: New England Patriots
Willie McGinest: New England Patriots

On NFL.com, the following video clips from the Super Bowl XLVI edition of NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:

Lombardi’s Locker Room: Super Bowl XLVI – Legendary head coach Vince Lombardi delivers a pregame speech to the New York Giants and New England Patriots prior to Super Bowl XLVI.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/new-england-patriots/09000d5d8269a113/Lombardi-s-locker-room-Super-Bowl-XLVI

Back to the Future – The 2011 Giants season has eerie similarity to New York’s 2007 Super Bowl run, but will they walk away champions?
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a3f39/Back-to-the-Future

Dear Tom… – Boston sports fan Denis Leary writes an open letter to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a55d2/Dear-Tom

America’s Tebow Obsession – Tim Tebow captured the attention of the entire country this season. What made Tebow so interesting? NFL Network’s Steve Cyphers asks professors at USC’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a560d/America-s-Tebow-obsession

Where is Tyree? – Former Giants wide receiver David Tyree will be remembered for his spectacular catch in Super Bowl XLII. What is Tyree doing now? Find out.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a607b/Where-is-Tyree-now

Eli Creating a Legacy? – What would another Super Bowl victory for Eli Manning mean for his legacy? Deion Sanders, Brian Billick and Charles Woodson debate Manning’s legacy if he defeats Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a51c6/Eli-creating-legacy

Leaving a Legacy – New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will certainly be remembered long after his playing years are over, but is he the best to ever play the game? NFL GameDay Morning debates.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a50b4/Leaving-a-legacy

The Patriot Way – Melissa Stark sits down with New England Patriots Aaron Hernandez, Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater to talk about some of the unconventional positions they find themselves playing.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a3ae4/The-Patriot-Way

Buying into Belichick – New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s methods might be eccentric, but do players believe in the Patriot way? Former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest and Deion Sanders weigh in.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a3b74/Buying-into-Belichick

The Better Manning? – Will Eli Manning establish himself as the better brother with another Super Bowl victory? The NFL GameDay Morning crew gives their answers.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d826a5c3f/The-better-Manning

Woodson’s Defensive Factors – How much will defense be a factor today? Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson joins NFL GameDay Morning to give an insider’s look on the importance of the Giants and Patriots pass rush.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a3ffb/Woodson-s-defensive-factors

Heart & Pulse of the Pats – What impact has the Kraft family had on the Patriots organization? With the passing of Myra Kraft, former Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest reflects on his own personal relationship and experiences with the Kraft family.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a4e94/Heart-pulse-of-the-Pats

What will we Learn? – Steve Mariucci has some interesting predictions for Super Bowl XLVI, including how versatile Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman will be on both sides of the ball.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a3ff8/What-will-we-learn

Offseason Moves – Michael Lombardi and Jason La Canfora examine the potential offseason moves for both the New England Patriots and New York Giants.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a4206/Offseason-moves

Protecting the Playmaker – The Giants hope to rattle Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, but can New England’s offensive line keep them in check? NFL GameDay Morning discusses.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a45d0/Protecting-the-playmaker

Benefits of a Rematch – Is there a benefit for either team in playing a Super Bowl rematch? Charles Woodson, Marshall Faulk and Brian Billick give their opinions on facing the same team twice.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a4441/Benefits-of-a-rematch

The Saga Continues – Michael Lombardi and Jason La Canfora discuss the future of quarterback Peyton Manning.
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/09000d5d826a58a0/The-saga-continues

EXTRA POINTS:

NFL GameDay Final After Giants-Patriots: Host Rich Eisen and analysts Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders, Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin provide analysis and highlights from the field, plus live interviews with all of the stars of the game and the winning head coach on NFL GameDay Final after Super Bowl XLVI. Albert Breer, Stacey Dales and Lindsay Soto provide interviews after the game from both locker rooms.

That’s going to do it for the quotage.

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Feb

Quick Pre-Super Bowl Links

by Ken, under Al Michaels, CTV, ESPN, ESPN Radio, Michelle Tafoya, MSG Network, NBC Sports, NFL, NFL Network, Super Bowl, Time Warner Cable, TV Ratings, Twitter, WEEI

Let’s do some Super Bowl Sunday links today.

Mike Reynolds from Multichannel News says media analysts are predicting another record viewership for the Super Bowl.

Mike says MSG Network remains off Time Warner Cable systems for the fifth consecutive week with no agreement in sight.

Kate Fagan of espnW has a look at what Super Bowl XLVI sideline reporter Michele Tafoya will deal with on the Lucas Oil Stadium field tonight.

Peter Pachal from Mashable has a look at NBC’s streaming of the Super Bowl.

Sean Newell at Deadspin says CNBC’s Darren Rovell may have lost the female vote forever.

Deadspin’s Timothy Burke tells us about a media feud between WEEI’s John Dennis and ESPN Radio’s Ryan Russillo.

Speaking of Darren Rovell, he wonders if Eli Manning can become a more prolific endorser than Tom Brady.

Chad Finn of the Boston Globe talks about Twitter and some of the New England Patriots who use the social media service.

The New York Times’ Ritchie S. King and Kevin Quealy look at some of the clichés that have enveloped ESPN SportsCenter.

Phil Mushnick of the New York Times is speaking in tongues today.

Ken McMillan from the Middletown (NY) Times Herald-Record has the NBC football crew talking about today’s Super Bowl.

Jim Williams in the Washington Examiner talks with Fox Sports’ John Lynch about the Super Bowl.

David Barron of the Houston Chronicle says the Super Bowl could decide the local news race.

Bob Wolfley in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes that the Green Bay Packers’ Charles Woodson is doing well for the NFL Network.

Tom Hoffarth of the Los Angeles Daily News talks with NBC’s Al Michaels.

The Canadian Sports Media Blog has NBC’s and CTV’s coverage plans for the Super Bowl.

Mike Silva from the Sports Media Watchdog goes over Darren Rovell’s downfall with women this weekend.

Joe Favorito has a few sports business tidbits for us.

And those are the quick links for today. Enjoy the Super Bowl. I’ll have grades on the Super Bowl ads tonight.

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Feb

Revised NFL GameDay Morning Super Bowl Sunday Rundown

by Ken, under NFL, NFL Network, Super Bowl

Happy Super Sunday! The day has finally arrived. NFL Network has sent a revised rundown for today’s 8½ hour NFL GameDay Morning pregame show. Rich Eisen is your host. Melissa Stark will also be on hand.

There will be a million analysts and reporters joining them. Here’s your rundown

NFL NETWORK AT SUPER BOWL XLVI: WHAT’S ON NFL GAMEDAY MORNING—Sunday, February 5 at 9:00 AM ET

‘Sunday Sitdowns’ on Special 8 ½ Hour Pregame Show –
Kurt Warner with Giants QB Eli Manning
Willie McGinest with Patriots QB Tom Brady
Michael Lombardi with Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick
Michael Irvin with Giants WRs Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks & Mario Manningham

Special Guest Analyst Packers CB Charles Woodson Joins NFL Network’s Roster of 21 Analysts, Hosts & Reporters

On Super Bowl Sunday, NFL Network’s pregame show, NFL GameDay Morning will provide 8 ½ hours of live coverage starting at 9:00 AM ET with 21 on-air personalities who have won a total of 14 Super Bowl rings. NFL GameDay Morning is live from seven locations, including two sets at Lucas Oil Stadium. Additional locations include the Giants and Patriots team hotels, the NFL Tailgate, the Super Bowl Village, and with the fans at Super Bowl parties in New York and Foxborough restaurants.

NFL GameDay Morning features host Rich Eisen joined by Super Bowl winners Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Michael Irvin and Warren Sapp, along with Steve Mariucci. The special Super Bowl edition also includes host Melissa Stark on a second set along with Super Bowl winners Deion Sanders, Willie McGinest, Heath Evans and Brian Billick previewing the game between the New York Giants and New England Patriots.

Super Bowl-winning cornerback of the Green Bay Packers Charles Woodson joins the set as a special guest analyst to provide insight into the game and his own experience playing in last year’s Super Bowl.

Actor Dan Lauria returns in his role as Vince Lombardi to prepare the Giants and the Patriots for Super Bowl XLVI.

The following are highlights of Sunday’s Super Bowl pregame show on NFL Network:

9:00 AM ET

What to look for in Super Bowl XLVI with Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin, Warren Sapp, Kurt Warner and Steve Mariucci

Melissa Stark on “The Patriot Way” – how Bill Belichick turns spare parts into champions; includes interviews with Patriots Julian Edelman, Matthew Slater and Aaron Hernandez.

10:00 AM ET

NFL Films-produced feature goes “Back to the Future” to show the similarities between the Giants’ late-season runs in 2007 and 2011

The NFL Season: A Biography examines the unique relationship between Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and his mentor Tom Martinez, who is waiting for a kidney transplant:
(Advanced preview of the feature: http://ftp2.nflfilmstv.com/filmsint/ftp-inet/flashplayer.html?s_video=Preview/the_season_more_than_a_mentor_v1_600ws.flv)

Analysts Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Steve Mariucci, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin highlight the key matchups

11:00 AM ET

Feature on how “The Catch” in Super Bowl XLII changed former Giants wide receiver David Tyree’s life:
(Advanced preview link: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82694e59/Catching-up-with-David-Tyree)

Michael Lombardi on how Bill Belichick uses the Patriots’ loss in Super Bowl XLII to motivate his players

Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk, Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders discuss the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2012

Players Only: The best and worst parts of Super Bowl week

12 Noon ET

Actor/comedian and Boston sports fan Dennis Leary pays tribute to Patriots quarterback Tom Brady

Steve Cyphers visits the Norman Lear Center for research and public policy at the USC Annenberg School for Communication to investigate why America was obsessed with Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow during the 2011 NFL season

Deion Sanders, Brian Billick and Green Bay Packers cornerback Charles Woodson discuss how winning the Super Bowl has changed their lives

1:00 PM ET

Three-time Super Bowl champion Michael Irvin sits down with Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham

Steve Cyphers on the anxiety of the Manning Family on Super Bowl Sunday

NFL Network analysts debate if Eli Manning wins Super Bowl XLVI, which Manning has achieved more in his career?

NFL Films presents piece on the emotional year Patriots owner Robert Kraft has experienced with the passing of his wife and the Patriots winning the AFC title.

Former New England linebacker Willie McGinest on the impact of the Kraft Family on the Patriots

2:00 PM ET

Three-time Super Bowl champion Willie McGinest sits down with his former teammate Tom Brady for a 1-on-1 interview:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d8269594b/Sunday-Sitdown-Tom-Brady

Michael Lombardi sits down with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for a 1-on-1 interview:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82691550/Belichick-preparing-Patriots-for-Sunday

Hall of Famers Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin debate the hot topics of Super Bowl XLVI

3:00 – 5:30 PM ET

Super Bowl XXXIV MVP Kurt Warner sits down with Super Bowl XLII MVP and
former teammate Eli Manning for a 1-on-1 interview:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d8267a9e4/Sunday-Sitdown-Eli-Manning

Essay written by Indiana native Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated on what hosting the Super Bowl means to the Hoosier State

Stars of the upcoming film “That’s My Boy,” Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg join the set

Tale of the Tape: how the Giants and Patriots match up at quarterback (Kurt Warner), running back (Marshall Faulk), wide receiver (Michael Irvin), on defense (Warren Sapp) and coaching (Steve Mariucci)

Super Bowl XLVI MVP picks

Game picks

***Immediately after the NBC postgame show – NFL GameDay Final

Host Rich Eisen and analysts Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk, Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin provide analysis and highlights from the field, plus live interviews with all the stars of the game and the winning coach. Albert Breer, Stacey Dales and Lindsay Soto provide interviews following the game.

NFL GameDay Morning Super Bowl Pregame Show Roster

Michael Irvin: Analyst (3 Super Bowl rings)
Deion Sanders: Analyst (2 Super Bowl ring)
Marshall Faulk: Analyst (1 Super Bowl ring)
Kurt Warner: Analyst (1 Super Bowl ring)
Warren Sapp: Analyst (1 Super Bowl ring)
Charles Woodson: Guest Analyst (1 Super Bowl ring)
Willie McGinest: Analyst (3 Super Bowl rings)
Brian Billick: Analyst (1 Super Bowl ring)
Heath Evans: Analyst (1 Super Bowl ring)
Steve Mariucci: Analyst
Rich Eisen: Host
Melissa Stark: Host
Fran Charles: Host
Michelle Beisner: Reporter
Albert Breer: Reporter
Stacey Dales: Reporter
Steve Cyphers: Reporter
Jason La Canfora: Reporter
Michael Lombardi: Reporter
Ari Wolfe: Reporter
Steve Wyche: Reporter

That does it.

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Feb

NFL Network Airs The Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Announcement Live

by Ken, under NFL, NFL Network

On Saturday, NFL Network will be busy as it airs live programming from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. ET. Part of that live programming will be the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Announcement. There are several candidates hoping to hear the call from the selection committee including wide receiver Cris Carter, coach Bill Parcells, running back Curtis Martin, defensive end Charles Haley and several others.

Fran Charles will host for NFL Network and he’ll be joined by Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Fouts and Warren Moon.

The program airs at 5:30 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday. And there will be instant reaction from some of those in attendance in Indianapolis. It will be interesting to watch.

Here’s the NFL Network press release.

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2012 ANNOUNCED LIVE ON NFL NETWORK

Enshrinees Unveiled Saturday, February 4 at 5:30 PM ET on Road to Canton: Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2012

In a special ceremony the day before Super Bowl XLVI, NFL Network will announce the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees on Saturday, February 4 at 5:30 PM ET on Road to Canton: Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2012.

From the Super Bowl Media Center in Indianapolis, Fran Charles hosts alongside Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Fouts and Warren Moon. They will be joined by the new enshrinees and current Hall of Fame members for interviews. In addition, the show will cover the process that determines who is inducted and the toughest decisions that were made this year. Portions of the announcement ceremony will also be available live on NFL.com.

Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 are Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Jack Butler, Cris Carter, Dermontti Dawson, Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene, Charles Haley, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin, Bill Parcells, Andre Reed, Willie Roaf, Will Shields, Dick Stanfel, and Aeneas Williams. For more information, please visit www.profootballhof.com.

Following the Hall of Fame announcement, NFL Network continues its live coverage at 7:00 PM ET with a one-hour NFL Total Access at the Super Bowl. Then at 8:00 PM ET, the Super Bowl Saturday Night debuts on NFL Network.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only network dedicated entirely to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork.

More stuff is coming up.

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Feb

NFL Network’s Super Bowl Week Day 5 Quotage Plus Day 6 Schedule

by Ken, under NFL, NFL Network, Super Bowl

Let’s do the quotage from Friday’s coverage of the NFL Network’s day at the Super Bowl. Lots of stuff including an interview with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell who announced that NFL Network will get five additional games for its Thursday Night Football schedule, but it is not included in this set of quotage unfortunately. You can see it here.

We have links to video and tomorrow’s schedule of programming on NFL Network.

NFL NETWORK & NFL.COM SUPER BOWL XLVI NOTES & QUOTES – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Special 8 ½ Hour Edition of NFL GameDay Morning Super Bowl Sunday at 9:00 AM ET from Lucas Oil Stadium
New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick Sits Down with Michael Lombardi on NFL GameDay Morning
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 Announcement & Super Bowl Saturday Night Saturday, Feb. 4 on NFL Network

Video Links from Friday’s Edition of Super Bowl Live

The following special guests appeared on Super Bowl Live Friday:

Peyton Manning’s agent Tom Condon:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/indianapolis-colts/09000d5d82691d72/Condon-Peyton-expects-to-play

New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-player-interviews/09000d5d82691280/Coughlin-wired-in

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d8269344e/What-s-up-Wayne

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82693eff/Gronk-s-tough

Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82695177/Peyton-s-best-man

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82693b07/Matthews-more-than-just-hair

Former NFL defensive end Jason Taylor:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/miami-dolphins/09000d5d826919a1/Is-Taylor-finished

Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Kate Upton:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82694a1f/Kate-Upton-chats-about-the-big-game

New England Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick 1-on-1 Interview with NFL Network Analyst Michael Lombardi on NFL GameDay Morning Sunday, February 5 at 9:00 AM ET

On Super Bowl Sunday, NFL Network is live in Indianapolis from Lucas Oil Stadium with a special 8 ½ hour edition of NFL GameDay Morning at 9:00 PM ET. Host Rich Eisen is joined by analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin on the first and most comprehensive pregame show on television. With the latest news reports, sitdown interviews, special guest appearances, Super Bowl features and expert analysis, NFL GameDay Morning is the go-to destination leading up to the kickoff of Super Bowl XLVI.

During the show, NFL Network analyst Michael Lombardi sits down with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick to discuss the team’s season and their preparation leading up to facing the New York Giants.

Below is a preview of the interview:
http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-super-bowl/09000d5d82691550/Belichick-getting-team-ready-for-Sunday

Additional sitdown interviews on NFL GameDay Morning include:

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady with Willie McGinest

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning with Kurt Warner

New York Giants wide receivers Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham with Michael Irvin

In total, NFL GameDay Morning features 21 on-air personalities who have won a total of 14 Super Bowl rings to break down Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Pro Football Hall of Fame Announcement Class of 2012 & Super Bowl Saturday Night on NFL Network Saturday, February 4

In a special ceremony the day before Super Bowl XLVI, NFL Network will announce the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees on Saturday, February 4 at 5:30 PM ET on Road to Canton: Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2012.

From the Super Bowl Media Center in Indianapolis, Fran Charles hosts alongside Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Fouts and Warren Moon. They will be joined by the new enshrinees and current Hall of Fame members for interviews. In addition, the show will cover the process that determines who is inducted and the toughest decisions that were made this year. Portions of the announcement ceremony will also be available live on NFL.com

Finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2012 are Jerome Bettis, Tim Brown, Jack Butler, Cris Carter, Dermontti Dawson, Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene, Charles Haley, Cortez Kennedy, Curtis Martin, Bill Parcells, Andre Reed, Willie Roaf, Will Shields, Dick Stanfel, and Aeneas Williams. For more information, please visit www.profootballhof.com.

At 8:00 PM ET, Rich Eisen and Melissa Stark are on the red carpet at the Murat Theater on Super Bowl Saturday Night, the one-hour show leading up to the inaugural NFL Honors awards show.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 NFL NETWORK’S SCHEDULE (all times listed are ET)

7:00 AM – No Huddle
8:00 AM – Bill Parcells: A Life in Football
9:30 AM – Sound FX: 2011 New England Patriots
10:00 AM – Brady 6
11:00 AM – Playbook
12 NOON – Super Bowl Commercials
1:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Super Bowls
2:00 PM – Super Bowl XLII: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
2:30 PM – NFL Replay: New York Giants at New England Patriots – Week 9, 2011
5:00 PM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE from Super Bowl Media Center
5:30 PM – Hall of Fame Announcement Show: Class of 2012 – LIVE from Super Bowl Media Center
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Super Bowl – LIVE from NFL Experience
8:00 PM – Super Bowl Saturday Night – LIVE from Murat Theater
9:00 PM – Playbook
10:00 PM – Sound FX: Super Bowls I-XLV
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Super Bowl
12 MIDNIGHT – NFL Honors
2:00 AM – Full Game Re-Air: New York Giants at New England Patriots – Week 9, 2011

We’ll have ESPN’s schedule for Saturday coming up next.

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Feb