Tag: NFL Network

Viewership of NFL Network international games sets record

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The 2025 NFL International Games on NFL Network set the record for viewership.

The network said Wednesday that the six games — one in Dublin, three in London, one in Berlin and one in Madrid — drew an average of 6.2 million viewers via television and digital media.

The average number of viewers was 32% higher than the 2024 games on NFL Network.

The Miami Dolphins’ 16-13 overtime win against the Washington Commanders, played Sunday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, averaged 5.9 million viewers, putting it in the top five international games ever aired by NFL Network. In the final 13 minutes, the game had more than 8 million people watching at its peak.

–Field Level Media

Feb 28, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; The NFL Network logo on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

ESPN finalizes acquisition of NFL Network, RedZone for 10% equity

Posted on | by Field Level Media

ESPN and the National Football League on Tuesday formally announced an agreement in which ESPN will acquire NFL Network, the linear NFL RedZone Channel and NFL Fantasy in exchange for a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN.

The deal, pending final approval by NFL owners and other conditions, will bring major NFL media properties under the Disney-owned network and expand ESPN’s football offerings across both traditional and streaming platforms.

“Since its launch in 2003, NFL Network has provided millions of fans unprecedented access to the sport they love,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “Whether it was debuting Thursday Night Football, televising the Combine, or telling incredible football stories through original shows and breaking news, NFL Network has delivered. The Network’s sale to ESPN will build on this remarkable legacy, providing more NFL football for more fans in new and innovative ways.”

Under the agreement, NFL Network and RedZone will be integrated into ESPN’s upcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service while remaining available via cable and satellite. NFL Fantasy would merge with ESPN Fantasy, creating the official season-long fantasy platform of the league.

As part of a second agreement between the sides, ESPN will also gain rights to license three additional NFL games per season, while four games will shift from ESPN to NFL Network.

“This is an exciting day for sports fans,” ESPN chairman Jimmy Pitaro said in a statement. “By combining these NFL media assets with ESPN’s reach and innovation, we’re creating a premier destination for football fans. Together, ESPN and the NFL are redefining how fans engage with the game–anytime, anywhere. This deal helps fuel ESPN’s digital future, laying the foundation for an even more robust offering as we prepare to launch our new direct-to-consumer service.”

The NFL will retain ownership of key properties including NFL Films, NFL+, NFL.com and the NFL Podcast Network, and will continue producing and distributing the digital version of RedZone independently.

–Field Level Media

Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; The ESPN logo at the Super Bowl LIX media center at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Report: ESPN to acquire RedZone, other NFL properties

Posted on | by Field Level Media

ESPN has reached a deal with the NFL to purchase RedZone, NFL Network and other league holdings, The Athletic reported on Friday.

The NFL will receive equity in ESPN that “is potentially worth billions” in exchange, according to the report. An official announcement is expected next week, ending a four-year period of complicated, on-and-off negotiations.

Both sides declined to provide comment to The Athletic.

In addition to RedZone and NFL Network, ESPN will gain access to seven more regular-season games and the NFL’s fantasy football operations, as well as the potential to integrate sports betting and other special features.

The NFL’s equity stake in ESPN could be as much as 10 percent, CNBC first reported and The Athletic confirmed.

An ESPN-NFL deal would require regulatory approval, a process that could take up to a year to complete.

The two sides already have a cozy relationship. ESPN pays the NFL about $2.7 billion per year to air a total of 25 games, including “Monday Night Football.” The network also holds the rights to the Super Bowls in 2027 and 2031.

Friday’s reported agreement comes as ESPN is preparing to launch its direct-to-consumer service, with subscribers paying $29.99 per month to bypass cable and satellite providers to view all of the network’s programming through the ESPN app.

–Field Level Media

Aug 10, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) under center against the Las Vegas Raiders in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

NFL Network to air 21 preseason games

Posted on | by Field Level Media

NFL Network will air 21 preseason games ahead of the 2025 season, beginning with an Aug. 7 doubleheader featuring the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Baltimore Ravens.

That game will be followed by Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith returning to Seattle to face their former team, the Seahawks.

The following day, NFL Network will air the Browns at the Carolina Panthers, expected to be the pro debuts of quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, both taken by Cleveland in the April draft.

Quarterbacks in new places will be the theme as the opening preseason weekend continues Saturday with a tripleheader. The New York Giants and their three new QBs — veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston and rookie Jaxson Dart — will take on the Buffalo Bills, followed by J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings against the Houston Texans. In the nightcap, the Justin Fields-led New York Jets will play the Green Bay Packers.

Here’s the full NFL Network live preseason schedule. All times are Eastern.

Week 1
Thursday, Aug. 7
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens, 7 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks, 10 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 8
Cleveland Browns vs. Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9
New York Giants vs. Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m.
Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4 p.m.
New York Jets vs. Green Bay Packers, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 10
Miami Dolphins vs. Chicago Bears, 1 p.m.
New Orleans Saints vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4 p.m.

Week 2
Friday, Aug. 15
Tennessee Titans vs. Atlanta Falcons, 7 p.m.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Seattle Seahawks, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 16
Cleveland Browns vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1 p.m.
San Francisco 49ers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 4 p.m.
New York Jets vs. New York Giants, 7 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals vs. Denver Broncos, 9:30 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 17
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m.

Week 3
Thursday, Aug. 21
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Carolina Panthers, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 22
Atlanta Falcons vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 23
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks vs. Green Bay Packers, 4 p.m.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins, 7 p.m.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals, 10 p.m.

–Field Level Media

Mar 2, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Hall of Fame player Michael Irvin during the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Michael Irvin out at NFL Network

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The NFL Network is parting ways with Michael Irvin after 15 years, multiple outlets reported Friday.

The league-owned channel will not renew the Hall of Fame member’s contract amid a series of cost-cutting moves that also reportedly includes the cancellation of the show “NFL Total Access.”

Irvin, 58, had been an analyst at NFL Network since 2009 and was a key member of the crew for Sunday’s pregame show “NFL GameDay Morning.”

The NFL Network suspended Irvin in February 2023 after a hotel employee in Arizona accused him of inappropriate conduct during Super Bowl week. He was reinstated in September after settling a $100 million defamation lawsuit with Marriott.

Irvin won three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys during the 1990s. Known as “The Playmaker,” the wide receiver was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

His departure comes on the heels of last month’s personnel cuts at NFL Network that included Andrew Siciliano, Melissa Stark and James Palmer.

–Field Level Media

Feb 8, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Jim Trotter at press conference at Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Reporter Jim Trotter sues NFL, claims he was retaliated against

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Longtime NFL journalist Jim Trotter filed a lawsuit against the league Tuesday, alleging his departure from NFL Media was retaliatory and racially motivated.

Trotter, who is Black, claimed his employment at NFL Media ended earlier this year after he “challenged Commissioner Roger Goodell … regarding the NFL’s record of race discrimination and lack of diversity” at Goodell’s pre-Super Bowl press conference. NFL Media is owned and operated by the league.

NFL Network also is named as a defendant in the suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The league has claimed Trotter’s contract was not renewed due to economic decisions.

“We share Jim Trotter’s passion for quality journalism created in and supported by a diverse and inclusive environment,” the league said in a statement. “We take his concerns seriously, but strongly dispute his specific allegations, particularly those made against his dedicated colleagues at NFL Media.”

While not named as a defendant, Buffalo Bills owner Terry Pegula is alleged in the lawsuit to have made racist comments about Black NFL players.

Trotter relayed a conversation with a fellow NFL Media reporter, who was not identified. That reporter was speaking with Pegula in 2020 about the Black Lives Matter movement and the NFL’s social justice programs, and Pegula said, “If the Black players don’t like it here, they should go back to Africa and see how bad it is.”

Pegula denied making the comment in a statement Tuesday.

“The statement attributed to me in Mr. Trotter’s complaint is absolutely false,” Pegula said. “I am horrified that anyone would connect me to an allegation of this kind. Racism has no place in our society and I am personally disgusted that my name is associated with this complaint.”

Trotter’s lawsuit said that he took a complaint to NFL Media executives, who told him that the league office was investigating it.

Trotter also alleged that Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told him in 2020 that, “If Blacks feel some kind of way, they should buy their own team and hire who they want to hire.” Neither Jones nor the Cowboys have commented.

Trotter, who now works for The Athletic, is seeking unspecified damages as well as an investigation into “discriminatory and/or retaliatory animus of all persons in position of power within the NFL,” per the lawsuit.

“The NFL has claimed it wants to be held accountable regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. I tried to do so and it cost me my job,” Trotter wrote on social media Tuesday. “I’m filing this lawsuit because I can’t complain about things that are wrong if I’m unwilling to fight for what is right.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Michael Irvin speaks with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni during Super Bowl Opening Night at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Judge orders hotel to turn over records in Michael Irvin lawsuit

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Marriott International, Inc. has until Monday to release to a court any video or other potential evidence regarding an encounter Pro Football of Fame member Michael Irvin had with a hotel employee during Super Bowl week in Phoenix, USA Today reported Friday.

A judge ordered Marriott to submit recordings, written statements, and the names and contact information of those who contacted the NFL to report what they witnessed transpire between Irvin and the female staff member.

Irvin filed a lawsuit last week against the chain and the woman, who works at the Renaissance Phoenix Downtown Hotel. She accused him of inappropriate behavior, and NFL Network removed him from his lineup of analysts and sent him home.

Irvin is seeking $100 million in damages. His attorney, Levi McCathern, told TMZ that Irvin’s reputation has not only been damaged but that he lost money in the form of canceled appearances following the woman’s allegations.

“It is clear Michael is the latest victim of our cancel culture where all it takes is an accusation to ruin a person’s life,” McCathern told TMZ. “Michael looks forward to clearing his name in court and hopes the Court of public opinion will see the truth come out as well.”

The 56-year-old Irvin told The Dallas Morning News last week that he had a brief encounter with the woman in the hotel lobby.

“Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all,” Irvin told the newspaper. “This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby. When I got back after going out … I came into the lobby, and I talked to somebody. I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds.

“We shook hands. Then, I left. … That’s all I know.”

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2023; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFL Network reporter Michael Irvin speaks with Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni during Super Bowl Opening Night at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Network pulls Michael Irvin from Super Bowl coverage

Posted on | by Field Level Media

NFL Network pulled Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin off the air for coverage this week leading up to Super Bowl LVII after a woman complained about Irvin’s conduct on Sunday.

“Michael Irvin will not be part of the NFL Network’s Super Bowl LVII week coverage,” NFL Network spokesman Alex Reithmiller said in a statement.

The specific nature of the complaint against Irvin wasn’t known Wednesday. He took part in Media Night festivities on Monday.

Irvin, 56, told The Dallas Morning News that he had he had a brief encounter with the woman in a hotel lobby and that they shook hands.

“Honestly, I’m a bit baffled with it all,” Irvin told the newspaper. “This all happened in a 45-second conversation in the lobby. When I got back after going out … I came into the lobby, and I talked to somebody. I talked to this girl. I don’t know her, and I talked to her for about 45 seconds.

“We shook hands. Then, I left. … That’s all I know.”

Irvin said he couldn’t remember anything else.

“I don’t really recall that conversation, to tell you the truth,” Irvin said. “We were out drinking. It was just a friendly conversation. ‘What’s up?’ I don’t even know.”

“I am totally perplexed,” he continued. “That’s honestly all that happened. Nobody was in my room. It was a 45-second conversation in the lobby, a handshake and we left. … I don’t know. I don’t know what this is, and it’s running me crazy.”

Irvin won three Super Bowl championships with the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990s. The wide receiver was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

He joined NFL Network as an analyst in 2009.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2019; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots former player and current NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest on the field prior to a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Willie McGinest arrested for alleged assault with deadly weapon

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Willie McGinest, the longtime New England Patriots linebacker now working as an analyst for NFL Network, was arrested Monday on a potential felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to media outlets that McGinest was arrested in connection with a Dec. 9 incident in a nightclub in West Hollywood.

TMZ obtained video purporting to show McGinest and other men approaching a man sitting at a booth. McGinest punches the victim before the other attackers take their turns. McGinest is also accused of bashing the victim’s head with a bottle.

McGinest provided a statement at the sheriff’s station Monday morning and was taken into custody. He posted $30,000 bond and was released the same morning. He’s now scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

McGinest, 51, played the first 12 seasons of his 15-year NFL career with the Patriots and was part of three Super Bowl-winning teams. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1996 and 2003 and ranks second in Patriots history with 78 sacks.

In 15 seasons with the Patriots (1994-2005) and Browns (2006-08), McGinest played in 212 games and recorded 804 tackles and 86 sacks, as well as a league-record 16 postseason sacks.

NFL Network told media outlets that McGinest will not appear on television while the network reviews the case.

–Field Level Media

Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (R) looks on as team medical personnel help Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) after being injured against the Washington Football Team in the first quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens RB JK Dobbins disputes Week 1 readiness report

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Baltimore Ravens running back JK Dobbins refuted an NFL Network report that doubted his readiness for the team’s season-opening game.

Dobbins, 23, missed all of last season after tearing the ACL in his left knee during the preseason.

On Monday, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport said Dobbins is “no sure thing for Week 1” and that “Baltimore has no incentive to rush him back.”

Dobbins responded with a series of tweets Monday afternoon, saying he may not go on the PUP list and insisting that he is “damn sure going to be ready for week 1.”

“Just know I been working… I been quiet for a reason. I thrive best when I face adversity… .go check my resume,” Dobbins wrote.

“I would post videos but I want all you fake a** doctors and people who have never spoken a word to me to see what me and Jesus been up to on the biggest stage.”

A second-round draft pick, Dobbins rushed for 805 yards and nine touchdowns and added 18 catches for 120 yards in 15 games (one start) as a rookie in 2020.

The Baltimore depth chart at running back also includes Gus Edwards and veteran Mike Davis.

–Field Level Media