Sports

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Named Grand Marshal for DAYTONA 500

Published

3 years ago

February 2, 2024

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – NASCAR fans, “Are you ready to smell what The Rock is cooking?” Announced on Sunday by Daytona International Speedway, actor, entrepreneur, founder, and United Football League (UFL) co-owner Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson will be the Grand Marshal for the 2024 NASCAR season-opening DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, February 18.

With a completely full house of fans traveling from all over to attend The Great American Race, the energy expected for this year’s Speedweeks is already at an extreme high, but with the addition of the wildly successful action star, that energy just reached a new level.

“Nothing compares to the intensity and anticipation of that first command of the NASCAR season as we kick off the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500, and who better to say those four famous words than Dwayne Johnson,” said Frank Kelleher, President of Daytona International Speedway. “There are very few people who can truly match the energy around the pomp and circumstance of The Great American Race, and The Rock may be the only person who can actually ramp it up even more. We can’t wait to see how he fires up the crowd and the engines for all the fans.”

His confidence and pure charisma in the ring translated directly to the silver screen, making him one of the biggest names in the entertainment industry and holding the worldwide title of most followed American man on social media platforms.

Johnson has had an extensive entertainment career spanning multiple different disciplines. Down I-95 from DIS at the University of Miami, Johnson played college football in the early 90s, winning a national championship in 1991. Soon after, he traded the football field for the wrestling ring and kickstarted an impressive WWE career where he earned his famed ring name, “The Rock,” derived from his father, WWE Hall of Famer Rocky Johnson.

With his business partner Dany Garcia and their company Seven Bucks Productions, Johnson has appeared in and produced several mega blockbuster films, including Sony’s “JUMANJI” franchise, Disney’s Academy Award-nominated “Moana,” Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” and Universal’s “Hobbs and Shaw” from the “Fast & Furious” franchise.

Johnson also starred in and produced under the banner of Seven Bucks the critically acclaimed HBO series “Ballers.” He can next be seen starring in Amazon’s “Red One” releasing on November 15th, Disney’s live action “Moana” and A24’s “The Smashing Machine,” all produced under Seven Bucks Productions.

Johnson and Garcia are also co-owners of the United Football League (UFL), the premier spring football platform, formed by the merging of the XFL and USFL. The new League is set to kick off on Saturday, March 30. Games for the eight-team League will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, FOX and FS1.

This year, Johnson will also say the most famous words in motorsports ahead of a record-breaking sold-out DAYTONA 500, which marked the earliest sellout of the event in recent history.

The racing action begins on Wednesday, Feb. 14, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light, which sets the field for the Bluegreen Vacations Duel at DAYTONA taking place Thursday, Feb. 15. Fans can watch their favorite veteran drivers, rookies and guest entries battle it out for a spot in the coveted Great American Race.

Friday, Feb. 16, kicks off the season-opening races for all three NASCAR national series as well as the ARCA Menards Series, starting with the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250. Saturday, Feb. 17, will feature an action-packed double-header with the ARCA Menards Series race followed by the Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.

Then Sunday, Feb. 18, directly following, Johnson’s command, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series are back on track for the intense competition of the DAYTONA 500, as Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth comes to a close

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Fall to 0-2 Under Sean Sweeney After 115-93 Loss to Timberwolves

Published

5 days ago

October 24, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, wearing a white No. 5 jersey, dribbles while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards defends in a blue uniform.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93, dropping the Magic to 0-2. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.

Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards holds the basketball while airborne as Orlando’s Paolo Banchero contests behind him and another Magic defender raises both arms.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Third-quarter struggles prove costly

Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com

Carter leads Orlando

Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters

Perimeter shooting remains a concern

Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com

Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.

Central Florida News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to Select 25 Coaches for 2027 Academy, Five for Fellowships

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

The fourth class will receive scholarships for a weeklong program in Tampa, with five participants returning for training camp and preseason.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are accepting applications for their 2027 National Coaching Academy, offering 25 finalists an opportunity to learn from NFL coaches and participate in rookie minicamp activities.

Applications close Dec. 31, 2026. The program uses rolling admissions, and applicants are encouraged to apply early, according to the team.

Presented by ReliaQuest, the academy was established by the Glazer family to create pathways for coaches seeking NFL opportunities. The upcoming class will be its fourth.

Eligibility and Scholarships

Applicants must have at least three years of coaching or work experience in a football program at the high school, college or semiprofessional level.

The 25 finalists will receive full scholarships covering costs while in Tampa for the weeklong academy.

After completing the program, five participants will be selected to return as fellows for training camp and the preseason.

On-Field Experience and Coaching Instruction

Finalists will attend team meetings and participate in on-field coaching sessions during rookie minicamp.

The program includes master classes led by Buccaneers coaches, along with Super Bowl-winning head coaches Jon Gruden, Bruce Arians and Tony Dungy, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronde Barber, according to the announcement.

Additional sessions cover film review, media training, business insights and networking.

Program Draws International Interest

The academy has attracted more than 3,000 applicants from 22 countries over its first three years, the team said. Dozens of previous finalists have since earned new positions or promotions at their institutions.

Applications for the 2027 class are open now until Dec. 31, 2026, with a rolling admissions program. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. More information can be found HERE.

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.

ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.

Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips

Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.

The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.

“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”

Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts

The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.

Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.

“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”