ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN Sports) – Latino social media star LeJuan James, one of the top influencers with 17.9 million likes on TikTok, 3 million Instagram followers, and 3.3 million Facebook followers, made a splash at the Orlando Magic’s Media Day for the 2024-2025 season. Known for his relatable comedic skits that highlight Hispanic culture, James engaged with NBA players and the team’s beloved mascot, Stuff, adding his unique flair to the event.

LeJuan James arrived at Orlando Magic Media Day wearing a shirt featuring Puerto Rican Carlos Arroyo, a former Orlando Magic player. His outfit paid homage to Arroyo’s legacy, showcasing pride in his Puerto Rican roots while also celebrating Hispanic representation in the NBA.

LeJuan James at Orlando Magic Media Day 2024: Credit: LeJuan James, Facebook Page

During an exclusive interview with FNN, James shared his thoughts on the Magic’s potential to bring home a championship, while also reflecting on the significance of his Hispanic roots.

James’ impact on social media continues to inspire millions, particularly within the Latino community, where his content bridges cultural gaps, fostering connection and representation on a global scale.

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J Willie David, III and Mike Brodsky contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The tension between NFL legend Tom Brady and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield surfaced following Mayfield’s remarks about Brady’s impact during his tenure with the team.

Mayfield had commented that the seven-time Super Bowl champion “stressed out” his teammates, and Brady did not take kindly to the critique, delivering a sharp response.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht shared images on his phone with new sports analyst and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady during the pregame warm-up in Tampa on Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Brady’s Response:

• “I thought stressful was not having Super Bowl rings.” Brady made it clear that he had no regrets about his leadership style, further adding, “This wasn’t day care. If I was going to have fun, I was going to Disneyland with my kids.”
• He emphasized the seriousness of his approach to the game, stating, “There’s a way to approach this game, and it’s with the right mindset to push teammates.”

Fired Up by Mayfield’s Comments:

• Brady admitted that Mayfield’s words fueled his competitive fire: “It’s still in there. There’s no apologies!”
• Despite the perceived criticism, Brady offered a nod to Mayfield’s recent success, praising his leadership following the Buccaneers’ win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Brady’s return to Tampa was celebrated with a spotlight on him in the booth, displayed on the jumbotron, as the crowd erupted in a standing ovation just two minutes before halftime. Smiling and waving, Brady soaked in the moment, Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Brady’s Impact on Tampa and Legacy:

• Brady’s leadership, while intense, led the Buccaneers from a mediocre 7-9 team in 2019 to Super Bowl champions in 2020, highlighting the effectiveness of his demanding style.
• Comparisons were drawn between Brady and NBA legend Michael Jordan, both known for pushing their teammates to achieve championship success, despite potentially creating stressful environments.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield pregame warms up ahead of the Buccaneers’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles in Tampa, Florida, Sunday, September 29, 2024. (Photo by J Willie David, III / Florida National News)

Key Takeaways:

• Tom Brady doubled down on his no-nonsense leadership approach, emphasizing that his methods were about achieving results, not coddling teammates.
• Baker Mayfield, who succeeded Brady in 2023, admitted his comments may have been taken out of context but insisted there were no hard feelings.
• Brady, now an NFL analyst, still watches closely and offered Mayfield praise after the Bucs’ recent win, saying, “Great leadership by you today. Keep putting some pressure on those guys to be even better.”

The Buccaneers improved to 3-1 with the win over the Eagles and are in first place in the NFC South.

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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured a decisive 33-16 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in a heated matchup, with quarterback Baker Mayfield leading the charge. The Florida heat served as a weather advantage for the Bucs, despite the large turnout of Eagles fans.

Key highlights from the game:

• Mayfield on the Heat Advantage: “Besides all the Eagles fans that you saw out there, yeah, it was home field advantage weather-wise.”
• Pre-game Exchange with Tom Brady: Mayfield clarified his comments from a recent podcast interview, stating, “None of it was personal… That’s what [Brady] did to bring a championship here.”
• On Brady’s ‘This Isn’t a Daycare’ Comment: “He did it his own way and that’s why he has seven rings. Not much else needs to be said.”
• Mike Evans’ Milestone: Wide receiver Mike Evans became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer, with Mayfield praising him as a “Hall of Famer, no doubt.”
• Injury Response: The Buccaneers adopted a “next man up” mentality, with several players stepping up offensively and defensively.

Mayfield also addressed the toll of Hurricane Helene on his preparation, sharing how the team managed the disruption while staying focused on the game.

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J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com