Sports
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Named Grand Marshal for DAYTONA 500
Published
3 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTSDAYTONA 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
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Business
FNN News Expands National Event Coverage With Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas Plans
Published
18 hours agoon
September 22, 2026Florida National News invites businesses and brands to explore partnership opportunities as FNN Sports Zone prepares special programming and on-location coverage
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News is expanding its national news and sports presence with plans for special event coverage from Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029, creating new opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with FNN audiences across multiple platforms.
The multiyear initiative will focus on coverage surrounding one of the biggest weeks in American sports, with FNN journalists and content teams covering stories beyond the field, including sports, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, culture and community impact.
The expansion is part of FNN’s broader strategy to grow from its Florida-based reporting operation into a digital news network with an increased presence at major events and media markets across the country.
FNN Sports Zone Goes National
A major component of the initiative will be the FNN Sports Zone Podcast Show Live, featuring special programming, interviews, analysis, digital content and planned on-location coverage.
FNN Sports Zone’s national event programming is designed to provide audiences with coverage throughout major sports weeks, including conversations with athletes, sports personalities, business leaders, community representatives and other newsmakers when available.
The programming will be distributed across FNN’s digital and social media platforms as the network continues expanding its sports audience and original video content.
Opportunities for Businesses and Brands
Florida National News is also inviting businesses, brands, organizations and community partners to explore opportunities to support FNN’s independent national news and sports coverage.
Potential opportunities include FNN program sponsorships, brand partnerships, digital and social media campaigns, content collaborations, community partnerships and authorized on-site activations.
The initiative is centered on a simple message:
“Your Brand. Three Cities. One National Platform.”
Rather than limiting coverage to what happens on the field, FNN plans to highlight the economic and cultural activity surrounding major sports events — from hospitality and tourism to entertainment, local businesses and community stories.
Three Major Markets
The national coverage initiative is scheduled to spotlight Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029.
Each market provides FNN with opportunities to produce original reporting and programming while developing relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, sports professionals and other potential news sources.
The initiative also supports FNN’s long-term expansion of its national reporting footprint while maintaining its Florida news operations.
Partner With FNN News
Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about FNN News national coverage and partnership opportunities can contact:
Social@FloridaNationalNews.com
FloridaNationalNews.com | FNNNews.com
REAL NEWS. REAL PEOPLE. REAL FLORIDA. REAL IMPACT.
Florida National News/FNN News is an independent news organization. FNN is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the National Football League, its member clubs or event venues. On-site activities and coverage are subject to applicable credentials, permissions and venue or event requirements.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers Stunned by Browns 23-19 in Home Opener, Fall to 0-2
Published
2 days agoon
September 20, 2026By
FNN SPORTSTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener ended in disappointment Sunday as the Cleveland Browns handed Tampa Bay a 23-19 loss, dropping the Buccaneers to 0-2 to start the season.
The Buccaneers had opportunities to take control but were hurt by penalties, missed tackles and an inability to consistently finish drives in the end zone. A weather delay late in the game added another challenge, but Tampa Bay players and coaches refused to use the conditions as an excuse.
Bowles: ‘Nobody Is Coming to Save Us’
Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles pointed directly to Tampa Bay’s mistakes after the loss.
“Too many penalties, offensively. Too many missed tackles in the second half, defensively,” Bowles said. “Nobody is coming to save us. We have to fix ourselves and we have to fix it in a hurry.”
Bowles repeated that message when discussing the team’s 0-2 start, saying the Buccaneers have faced adversity before but now must respond quickly.
“We’ve dealt with adversity before. This is an adverse situation again,” Bowles said. “We’re 0-2 right now and we have to pull ourselves up by our boots, and we’ve got to win.”
Defensively, Bowles said missed tackles contributed to Cleveland’s success, including a touchdown by Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston after two Tampa Bay defenders collided and failed to make the tackle.
Mayfield Frustrated by Missed Opportunities
Quarterback Baker Mayfield said Tampa Bay’s inability to convert opportunities in the red zone proved costly. The Buccaneers settled for field goals instead of touchdowns and struggled with negative plays.
Mayfield said the frustration comes from knowing how close the offense is to producing better results.
“I’m frustrated because it’s close. You can feel it. You can see it,” Mayfield said. “We’re moving the ball at times, and then just shooting ourselves in the foot.”
He added that the Buccaneers must become more self-critical and stop repeating the same mistakes.
Asked how surprised he was to see Tampa Bay begin the season with consecutive losses, Mayfield did not hide his reaction.
“Pretty shocked,” Mayfield said. “But, that’s where we’re at, so [we have to] fight our way out.”
Late Weather Delay Adds to Dramatic Finish
The game was also disrupted by a late weather delay. Bowles said both teams faced the same circumstances and rejected the delay as an excuse for Tampa Bay’s performance.
“They were doing the same thing. That’s not an excuse,” Bowles said. “We were ready to play.”
Left tackle Tristan Wirfs was more critical of the timing. He said players worked to stay loose, warm and hydrated during the interruption.
“I thought it was ridiculous with two minutes left in the game to call a lightning delay from ten miles away,” Wirfs said. “But, I don’t make the rules.”
Buccaneers Say They Beat Themselves
Wide receiver Ted Hurst III said Cleveland did not do anything defensively that made Tampa Bay incapable of moving the football.
“I feel like nobody can stop our offense — it’s just self-evaluating, doing your job and doing it to the best of your ability,” Hurst said.
Asked directly whether it felt like the Buccaneers beat themselves, Hurst responded, “Yeah, I would say that.”
Linebacker Alex Anzalone offered a similarly direct assessment of the Buccaneers’ position after two games.
“We’re in a bit of a hole. We’ve gotta dig ourselves out of it,” Anzalone said. He said the process begins with Wednesday’s practice and correcting the mistakes that have contributed to Tampa Bay’s winless start.
Irving: ‘We Are Going to Get This Thing Fixed’
Running back Bucky Irving urged the Buccaneers to follow the NFL’s traditional 24-hour approach — evaluate the loss, learn from it and move forward.
Irving said he is not concerned about outside criticism and views the early struggles as adversity the team can learn from.
“Let’s just learn from this game and move on to the [Minnesota] Vikings,” Irving said. “We are going to get this thing fixed in no time.”
The Buccaneers now face an early-season test: correct the penalties, improve tackling, finish drives with touchdowns and find a way out of an 0-2 hole.
Central Florida News
USF Pulls Away From Delaware State in 59-17 Win
Published
3 days agoon
September 20, 2026D.J. Crowther scores three rushing touchdowns as South Florida turns a four-point first-half game into a convincing home victory.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida improved to 3-0 Saturday night with a 59-17 victory over Delaware State at Raymond James Stadium, but the final score did not tell the story of the first half.
Delaware State stayed within striking distance and cut USF’s lead to 21-17 late in the second quarter before the Bulls scored 38 unanswered points to put the game away.
Delaware State made USF work early. The Bulls created separation when the game moved into the second half.
Delaware State Keeps It Close Early
USF struck first, but Delaware State quarterback Ui Ale answered with a 90-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Stewart to tie the game at 7.
The Hornets continued to respond and pulled within four when Ale connected with Jaylin Terzado for a touchdown with 1:18 remaining before halftime.
South Florida answered before the break, with Luke Kromenhoek scoring from one yard out as time expired to send USF into halftime leading 28-17.
Luke Kromenhoek (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring on a one-yard touchdown run as time expired in the first half against Delaware State. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News
What looked like a potential four-point halftime game quickly became an 11-point cushion for South Florida.
Crowther Sparks Second-Half Separation
D.J. Crowther led USF’s ground attack, finishing with 101 yards on eight carries and three touchdowns.
His 39-yard touchdown early in the third quarter helped open the game up as the Bulls held Delaware State scoreless throughout the second half.
USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) carries the ball into end zone for a bulls touch down. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.
Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 23 of 32 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown, while Joshua Porter led USF with eight catches for 106 yards.
The Bulls finished with 611 total yards, including 290 on the ground.
Michael Van Buren Jr. (3) surveys the field from the pocket as offensive linemen Ethan Green (79) and Caleb Cook (78) work in protection against Delaware State. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.
After surviving Delaware State’s early push, USF leaned on its depth and rushing attack to take control.
Bulls Move to 3-0
The win gives South Florida its first 3-0 start since 2018 under first-year head coach Brian Hartline.
Delaware State fell to 2-2 despite Ale throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
For USF, the win followed a dramatic comeback victory over Army one week earlier — this time with far less late-game drama.
Up Next
USF travels to Bowling Green on Sept. 26, while Delaware State returns home to face Towson.
– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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