Sports

NBA Legend Michael Jordan Hoists Harley J. Earl Trophy After Tyler Reddick Wins Daytona 500

Published

8 months ago

February 16, 2026

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Basketball icon and team owner Michael Jordan stood in victory lane at Daytona International Speedway, overcome with emotion as 23XI Racing captured its first Daytona 500 title Sunday.

Driver Tyler Reddick surged ahead on the final lap of the 2026 Daytona 500, delivering what Jordan described as a “championship feeling” for the NASCAR organization he co-founded in 2020 with fellow driver Denny Hamlin.

The victory, secured during Black History Month, marked a historic milestone for Jordan — a six-time NBA champion now celebrating a win in “The Great American Race.”

A Championship Feeling at Daytona

Jordan, a Hall of Famer who built a global legacy with the Chicago Bulls, compared the Daytona triumph to his NBA title runs.

“This is what it feels like to win a championship,” Jordan said. “We’ve built this from the ground up, and to see it pay off like this — it’s indescribable.”

As confetti fell, Jordan embraced Reddick and helped hoist the Harley J. Earl Trophy. The 63-year-old owner, who turns 63 on Tuesday, joked about finally earning a Daytona 500 ring to match his six NBA championship rings.

“I can’t even believe it. It’s so gratifying,” Jordan said. “You never know how these races will end. You try to survive.”

Teamwork Fuels 23XI Racing’s Breakthrough

Jordan emphasized that the victory was not decided solely by Reddick’s last-lap pass but by a coordinated team effort throughout the 200-lap race.

He credited teammate Riley Herbst for a critical push in the closing stretch that positioned Reddick for the winning move. Superspeedway racing often hinges on drafting alliances and split-second timing — elements Jordan said his team executed perfectly.

“I thought Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end,” Jordan said. “That shows what teamwork can really do.”

Reddick, driving a Toyota, led only the final lap — one of a record 25 drivers to lead at least one lap in the race. The 30-year-old Californian called the finish “true Daytona madness” and celebrated his ninth career Cup Series win, snapping a 38-race winless streak.

Teammate Bubba Wallace, who led a race-high 40 laps before finishing 10th, shared an emotional moment with Jordan in victory lane.

A Milestone in Black History Month

Jordan launched 23XI Racing in 2020 alongside Hamlin with a vision of building a competitive, inclusive NASCAR organization. Sunday’s victory represents the team’s biggest achievement yet and adds another chapter to Jordan’s competitive legacy beyond basketball.

Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, told employees before the race that they had the power to bring joy to one of sports’ most accomplished figures.

“There’s nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing what his team can do,” Hamlin said.

For Jordan — whose competitive drive defined an era in the NBA — the Daytona 500 win carries symbolic weight. During Black History Month, the moment underscores his continued impact across professional sports as both a cultural icon and team owner.

From championships on the hardwood to victory at Daytona, Jordan’s pursuit of excellence remains unchanged.

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Central Florida News

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

Published

8 hours 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

2 days 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

2 days 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.”