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☆ Matthew Barney, Back in the Game
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Siddhartha Mitter | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The hit, 45 years ago, shook up the world of football. But not Darryl Stingley, the receiver for the New England Patriots who bore the head-on charge by Jack Tatum of the Oakland Raiders. The artist Matthew Barney was an 11-year-old in Idaho at the time and remembers the incident from constant slow-motion replays on television. He was just getting into the sport seriously himself, and the Tatum-Stingley collision, though shocking, didn’t stop him. He relished practice drills where he and other boys were ordered to slam into each other at top speed, he said.

New York CNN —Dan and Tanya Snyder agreed to sell the Washington Commanders franchise to a group led by Josh Harris on Friday, according to a statement from from the team and the investment group. The group also includes NBA legend Magic Johnson as well as Mitchell Rales, the billionaire co-founder of conglomerate Danaher. Harris’ ownership groups include Johnson and billionaire Mitch Rales, Harris’ longtime sports business partner. Snyder first purchased the team, which was then known as the Washington Redskins, for a reported $750 million in 1999. The only franchises from other sports worth more than that $5.6 billion estimated value are the New York Yankees and New York Knicks.

☆ Frankfurt Stadium to host Kansas City Chiefs in maiden NFL game
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Five international fixtures will take place over October and November with three in London. Only one regular-season NFL game has ever been staged in Germany, last season's clash between Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks in Munich's Allianz Arena. The Frankfurt Stadium will host reigning Super Bowl champions Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 5 for their game against Miami Dolphins and a week later will welcome Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots. "We are... pleased to confirm that the two games in Germany will be played in Frankfurt, a city steeped in NFL heritage. The Jaguars will kick off the international fixtures against Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 1 at Wembley Stadium.

☆ Super Bowl LVII most-watched US telecast ever after updated figures
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Super Bowl LVII has been announced as the most-watched US telecast of all-time after the official figures were adjusted by Nielsen. A day after the title game, Nielsen announced that Super Bowl LVII had averaged 113 million viewers across Fox’s television and digital properties making it the third most-watched television program of all-time. The total of 115.1 million viewers includes those watching the Super Bowl LVII across Fox, Fox Deportes and digital streaming services, according to a Nielson source. Eagles fans react while watching Super Bowl LVII at City Tap House in Philadelphia. In February, Fox Sports said that the Apple Music Halftime Show featuring Rihanna drew an average of 118.7 million viewers, making it the second most-watched performance in Super Bowl history.

☆ Super Bowl attracted record audience this year, revised data shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The ratings agency had previously announced in February that the game had an average viewership of 113 million. The revised numbers show that this year's Super Bowl surpassed the record set by the 2015 game, which saw 114.8 million people watch the New England Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks. "FOX Sports is proud to have presented the most-watched Super Bowl and most-watched TV show of all time. The revised Super Bowl viewership figure is the result of a thorough review by Nielsen," Fox Corp's sports division said. Nielsen's figure includes people who watched the game on the Fox or Fox Deportes TV networks (FOXA.O) or streamed the game on Fox digital properties or NFL+.

NFL Draft coverage will be provided by ESPN, ABC, and NFL Network on TV, and you can also live stream coverage on the free ad-supported NFL Channel. How to watch the NFL Draft in the USYou can watch the NFL Draft on multiple TV channels, including ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. In addition, the NFL is also providing free streaming coverage of the NFL Draft through the NFL Channel on the NFL app. A VPN will let you watch the NFL Channel's free live stream of the NFL Draft no matter where you are, while also giving you a more secure internet connection. ET NFL Channel, ABC, ESPN, NFL Network2023 NFL Draft first-round orderWhile there are 32 NFL teams, only 31 picks will be made in the first round.

☆ Meek Mill: Rapper vows to 'spread the word' against antisemitism after Auschwitz visit
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-23 | by ( Dana Bash | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

One of the most famous marchers was Meek Mill, a 35-year-old African American rapper from Philadelphia without any prior connection to the atrocities that happened there. But at a time of rising antisemitism in the US, his presence spoke volumes, and that was the point. Mill is a friend of New England Patriots owner and philanthropist Robert Kraft, whose Foundation to Combat Antisemitism is in the midst of a $25 million national campaign, #StandUpToJewishHate. When Meek was incarcerated, Kraft visited him in prison, and the two stayed in touch and have remained friends. “But I think it’s also important for me to support Robert, all my Jewish friends, everyone that always supported me.

☆ Deal close for Washington Commanders football team
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

If finalized, the sale would mark the end of the controversial ownership of the Washington franchise by embattled billionaire Daniel Snyder. News of the near deal was first reported by Sportico, which reported the team sold for $6 billion, a record for a North American sports franchise. Snyder purchased the team, then named the Washington Redskins for a reported $750 million in 1999. It adopted the Commanders name last year, after playing two seasons with the name Washington Football Team. “Today marks the end of a long, difficult chapter for all employees and fans of the Washington football organization,” read a statement from Lisa Banks and Debra Katz, two attorneys representing more than 40 former Washington Commanders employees.

☆ Magic Johnson and Josh Harris group officially place bid on Washington Commanders
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-28 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —A group led by billionaire Josh Harris and NBA legend Magic Johnson has officially placed a bid to buy the NFL’s Washington Commanders from embattled owner Daniel Snyder, a source told CNN on Tuesday. CNN confirmed last week that Johnson joined the Harris group. ESPN, which first reported news of the bid, reports that the Harris and Johnson-led group is offering to pay Snyder’s $6 billion asking price. A representative for Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers hall of famer, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Magic Johnson and Josh Harris have bid on the Washington Commanders.

☆ Billionaire Robert Kraft Takes On the Fight Against Antisemitism
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-27 | by ( Alyssa Lukpat | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Robert Kraft’s campaign comes as the number of reported antisemitic incidents in the U.S. rose last year to a record high. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants to make more Americans aware that antisemitism has become increasingly widespread in the U.S. in recent years. One of his organizations, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, funded a $25 million campaign launching Monday to denounce antisemitism. The campaign—“Stand Up to Jewish Hate”—will feature ads on social media and on network broadcasts.

☆ Miami's popular Republican Mayor Suarez weighs GOP challenge to Trump for White House in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Brian Schwartz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Miami's popular Republican Mayor Francis Suarez has been privately holding court with wealthy political financiers as he considers challenging former President Donald Trump for the GOP nomination in 2024, according to party fundraisers and donors familiar with the matter. Since late last year, Suarez has been privately laying the groundwork for a possible run for the White House. If Suarez enters the presidential primary, he follows another popular mayor who made a longshot run for the White House. The apparent feud between DeSantis and Suarez could come to a head if both run for president in 2024. The Miami mayor will be back in New York in April holding similar meetings, the fundraisers said.

In a room full of executives in the sports or gambling industries, she's often one of very few women. But Howe has the spotlight, and a megaphone, as the chief executive of the nation's market leader in sports betting. But in many conversations — off the stage and behind the scenes — it's clear Howe stands as a role model to other women in sports and gambling. "We're working to make sure that we're not just hiring [women], but we're finding them, we're training them, we're providing opportunities for women. Jessica Gelman, who co-founded the MIT Sloan conference, is the CEO of Kraft Analytics Group, a company that provides sports analytics to teams like the New England Patriots.

☆ Super Bowl betting in Nevada drops nearly 15% from record set in 2022
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 14 (Reuters) - The value of bets placed in Nevada sportsbooks on this year's Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles was 14.8% below the record set last year, according to unaudited figures provided by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Nevada sportsbooks kept a combined $11.3 million from Super Bowl bets for a hold percentage of 7.4% compared with last year when they kept $15.4 million for a hold percentage of 8.6%. The twice Super Bowl winner also ran for 44 yards, including a 26-yard scramble that helped set up the game-winning field goal. Next year's Super Bowl will be held at the home of the Las Vegas Raiders and many experts are expecting betting around that game to reach new heights. "The Nevada Gaming Control Board looks forward to Allegiant Stadium hosting Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas next year," Nevada Gaming Control Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick said in a news release.

☆ Down-to-the-wire Super Bowl draws game's second-largest audience, Nielsen says
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nielsen's figure includes people who watched on the Fox or Fox Deportes TV networks (FOXA.O) or streamed the game on Fox digital properties or NFL+. Football - NFL - Super Bowl LVII - Half-Time Show - State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, United States - February 12, 2023 Rihanna performs during the halftime show REUTERS/Caitlin O'haraThe Super Bowl draws the biggest audience on U.S. television each year. The most-watched Super Bowl took place in 2015, when an average of 114.8 million people watched the New England Patriots defeat the Seattle Seahawks. Viewership rose roughly 11% from last year, when Nielsen reported an audience of 101 million people. Fox said the audience increased during the halftime show starring pop and R&B superstar Rihanna, averaging 118 million people on TV and digital platforms.

☆ For fans Super Bowl no longer a game, it's an 'experience'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-12 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

PHOENIX, Feb 11 (Reuters) - In just a half-century of evolution the Super Bowl has gone from sports event, to America's biggest party, to a week long and very expensive immersive "experience". Next year it will almost certainly make another leap when "immersive experience" and "party" morph into one big Super Bowl supernova in Las Vegas, as Sin City hosts the game for the first time. "If you go back 10 years ago Super Bowl was only about the game and now it is much, much more," said Wilder. For John Wegman, a businessman from Rochester and a Buffalo Bills season ticket holder, seeing a Super Bowl was on his bucket list. "Super Bowl with my father, my mother, my brother was a bucket list thing and we are doing it in style."

☆ Robert Kraft says Jeff Bezos would be a 'great owner' of Washington Commanders as Dan Snyder reportedly awaits higher bids
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( Aaron Mcdade | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told Fox Business that Jeff Bezos would be a "great owner." Bezos repeatedly has been mentioned as a possible buyer of the Washington Commanders. However, Commanders owner Dan Snyder reportedly is waiting for bids to cross the $7 billion mark. Also complicating a potential Bezos bid are reports that Snyder is opposed to selling the team to the man who owns the Washington Post. People close to Bezos have denied New York Post reports claiming that he could potentially sell the Washington Post in order to buy the Commanders.

Bob Berg | Moment Mobile | Getty ImagesIn a fragmented media landscape, events like the Super Bowl are prized by advertisers for the exposure they offer. These commercials are an institution in and of themselves, with the ads generating conversation for weeks ahead and days after the big game. Consumers might recall well-crafted Super Bowl ads years after their debut. So does Super Bowl exposure truly help boost business? It drove so many viewers to Coinbase's app that it crashed on the night of the Super Bowl.

☆ Familiar foe: No walk down Sentimental Street for Andy Reid
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

February 8 - Andy Reid will stare across the field against familiar uniforms on Sunday but he isn't going to set aside time to be sentimental. Reid is attempting to shoo away references to Super Bowl LVII in Glendale, Ariz., as the "Reid Bowl." Those Eagles Reid is referring to are center Jason Kelce, right tackle Lane Johnson, defensive tackle Fletcher Cox and defensive end Brandon Graham. Philadelphia then lost 24-21 to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. During the 2008 season, Reid's Eagles reached the NFC title contest but lost to the Arizona Cardinals.

☆ Gronkowski says he would consider retiring with Patriots, if offered
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

PHOENIX, Feb 7 (Reuters) - Rob Gronkowski said he would consider retiring with the New England Patriots if he were given the chance, days after owner Robert Kraft publicly made the offer to newly re-retired Tom Brady. Brady picked up six of his seven Super Bowl rings with the Patriots but split with the franchise after the 2019 season to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a brief flirtation with retirement a year ago, he hung up his cleats for good last week. The four-times Super Bowl champion will team up with Brady again in 2024, when the former quarterback joins him on the network as a lead NFL analyst. "If that was presented, in my case, then that would definitely be something to consider because of just how much that place means to me."

☆ Brady says he will start Fox Sports broadcasting career in 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Feb 6 (Reuters) - Recently-retired quarterback Tom Brady said on Monday he will make his highly-anticipated debut as a lead NFL analyst with Fox Sports in the fall of 2024. "Decompression's really important," Brady said when asked if he needed downtime before stepping into the TV booth to begin his new role as a lead NFL analyst. "You're on this kind of really crazy treadmill, hamster wheel for a long time, loving the moment and journey. "For me, I want to be great at what I do — talking, even last week, with the people at Fox Sports, and the leadership there, allowing me to start my Fox opportunity in the fall of 2024, something that's great for me." Terms of Brady's deal with Fox Sports were never disclosed but media reports said he agreed to a 10-year contract worth $375 million.

☆ Robert Kraft wants Tom Brady to retire with the Patriots
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with team owner Robert Kraft after defeating the Seattle Seahawks 28-24 during Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium on February 1, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft wants Tom Brady to re-sign with the team for one day so that he can officially end his legendary career with the franchise that drafted him 23 years ago. The seven-time Super Bowl champion is going out after the first losing season in his record-breaking career. The 45-year-old Brady started his NFL career in 2000 as a sixth-round draft pick with the Patriots. He ended up leading them to six Super Bowl titles while playing for them until 2019.

☆ Why Tom Brady was overlooked in the NFL Draft and why it was more than luck that led him to the Patriots
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Cork Gaines | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Tom Brady was the 199th pick in the NFL Draft and is now considered the greatest quarterback ever. They hired Bill Belichick, and the team made the biggest steal in NFL Draft history: selecting Tom Brady in the sixth round. Tom Brady was just a part-time starter at the University of Michigan. Drew Bledsoe was only 28 years old when Tom Brady was drafted. The result was the biggest steal in NFL Draft history.

☆ Tom Brady announces retirement from the NFL, swears it's 'for good' this time
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

He finishes with numerous NFL records and seven Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady returned to the field less than two months after making that announcement to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, marking his 23rd season. Pledging that his retirement is "for good" this time, Brady ends a 23-season career with seven Super Bowl wins under his belt. Brady played for the New England Patriots from 2000 to 2019 and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. Outside the NFL, Brady has faced other losses mainly pertaining to his investments with the bankrupt cryptocurrency exchange FTX.

☆ Brady's broadcasting future presents new challenge for the ultimate champion
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Frank Pingue | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Brady, whose intense preparation for games has been well-chronicled, has an unmatched knowledge of the sport. Fox will be broadcasting the Feb. 12 Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs but the network did not immediately reply when asked by Reuters whether Brady would be part of the lineup. Pilson suggests it would be better for Brady if his analyst debut did not come at the Super Bowl as that would expose him right away during the most-watched NFL game of the year. "Football players, unfortunately, you hang it up and you'll never ever put on a helmet, shoulder pads. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Additional reporting by Amy Tennery Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ NFL quarterback Tom Brady says he is retiring 'for good'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 1 (Reuters) - National Football League quarterback Tom Brady, who won seven Super Bowls and is considered one of the game's all-time greats, said on Wednesday that he was retiring, a year after he made the same announcement only to change his mind weeks later. "I am retiring for good," Brady said in a 53-second video message that he posted on Twitter. The 45-year-old Brady spent 20 seasons with the New England Patriots before relocating to Florida and leading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship in 2021. He retired for a short time after last season but reversed course and led Tampa Bay to the playoffs again in the current season before the team was eliminated. The Northern California native is widely regarded as the best quarterback in league history and exits the game with five Super Bowl MVP awards and three league MVP awards.

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