Sports
NFL Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On and Off Field Throughout Wild Card Weekend
Published
2 years agoon
By
FNN SPORTS
NEW YORK — Jan 12, 2024 — Today the NFL unveiled three new ways that the league will deepens its commitment to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy throughout the entirety of Wild Card Weekend and beyond.
To kick off the weekend, the league announced a five-year commitment to Realizing the Dream (RTD), a platform created by Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King and Yolanda Renee King that aims to unite more than 7 million young people, 200,000 educators, and millions of employees around the globe through a series of service initiatives focused on the tenets of social change and community impact. Over the next five years, the NFL and additional corporations will work with the King Family and Legacy+ to help fulfill Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for an equitable and united America.
“The NFL’s partnership with Realizing the Dream aligns with our dedication to serving communities, the values that underpin our Inspire Change efforts and our desire to further Dr. King’s legacy,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL senior vice president of social responsibility. “As we build upon an existing movement, we’re excited to answer Realizing the Dream’s call to action through facilitating and celebrating acts of service and social change around the country.”
“Arndrea, Yolanda, and I are excited to join hands with the NFL in commemorating my father’s vision of a beloved community. The Realizing the Dream initiative underscores the importance of service, collective responsibility, and how service empowers individuals and strengthens communities,” said Martin Luther King III. “The NFL’s commitment to social justice resonates with the principles my father held dear. Together, we amplify the message of justice and equity for all.”
The league also has an ongoing partnership with The King Center, led by CEO, Dr. Bernice A. King. As part of their work together, the league is working with the King Center and EVERFI from Blackbaud to introduce the Students with King curriculum to schools nationwide. Students with King is The King Center’s flagship engagement platform for elementary, middle, and high school students. Offering a series of dynamic and inspirational programming, this initiative aims to empower teachers to bring the King Legacy into the classrooms while providing student-centered programming that supports literacy development, character-building, and social-emotional learning objectives. Through their core learning programs, students are introduced to the philosophy of Kingian nonviolence and gain important lessons about how to apply nonviolence in their immediate environments.
“We thank the NFL for its continuing support of The King Center as we call for a shift in the cultural climate through the study and practice of Kingian nonviolence,” said Dr. Bernice A. King, CEO of The King Center. “That cultural shift starts with each of us individually adopting nonviolence as a way of life to create a more just, humane, equitable and peaceful world.”
Expanded Wild Card Weekend game integration will include Be Love helmet phrase decals to be worn by all players during all six games, circular MLK decals to be worn by all players during all six games and Be Love end zone stencils for one end zone while the other will continue to read It Takes All Of Us. The King Family has also provided two PSAs to NFL teams in the playoffs for integration into their in-stadium game programming and amplification on media platforms. The first video features Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. King, and the second video features Martin Luther King III.
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Central Florida News
Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Launch New Pop-Up Bar for 2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 28, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
Bringing fans closer to the Club than ever before, The Final Whistle will feature rare memorabilia from both teams, such as iconic kits, match‑worn items and historic moments that tell the story of how Orlando became one of the most passionate soccer cities in the country. Beyond its historic displays, the space delivers a fully immersive matchday‑meets‑night‑out experience, complete with a team‑inspired food and drink menu crafted specifically for City and Pride fans.
“The Final Whistle represents everything that makes soccer in Orlando special,” said Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. “It’s a space built for our fans where history, culture and passion come together. Whether you’re joining us for the kit launch, testing your club knowledge at trivia night or simply reliving some of our most iconic moments, we want this to feel like home. This is the most immersive preseason experience we’ve ever created, and it’s only the beginning of what promises to be a special year for both City and Pride.”
Throughout February, The Final Whistle will host several fan events, including the highly anticipated unveiling of Orlando City’s 2026‑27 Community Kit, presented by Orlando Health, along with appearances from players, alumni and club personalities, and surprise moments available only inside the pub. The Club will also host additional events at Inter&Co Stadium, including the annual Purple Pride 5K and a Season Ticket Member exclusive Orlando City match against the Colorado Rapids, which will round out the slate of preseason celebrations.
A list of confirmed Kickoff to Soccer events is below. The Orlando Pride’s schedule of preseason programming, including player appearances and fan events, will be announced at a later date ahead of the team’s 2026 NWSL campaign, which kicks off on March 15. Fans can view The Final Whistle’s hours of operation and full schedule of events at OrlandoCitySC.com/TheFinalWhistle.
2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events:
The Final Whistle Grand Opening Event
Saturday, January 31 | 12 p.m. ET | Thornton Park Pub, 808 E. Washington St.
The new Orlando City and Orlando Pride pop‑up bar opens its doors with giveaways, drink specials and appearances from club personalities.
Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8 a.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium
A fan-favorite tradition, the Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut and supported by Orlando Health, Heineken, Pepsi, and Publix, returns for its 11th year.
The annual run kicks off on Church Street before finishing on the pitch inside Inter&Co Stadium. After completing the race, the celebration continues at the Fan Zone outside Gate B with a festival featuring food trucks, live music, beer, interactive games and more.
Orlando City Jersey Launch, presented by Orlando Health
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6–9 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle
The new 2026‑27 Community Kit makes its debut with a backyard‑style party featuring live music, activations, giveaways, player drop‑ins and an appearance from Kingston. Attendees will have early access to purchase the kit along with a special collectible that’s part of a season-long series.
Preseason Friendly: Orlando City SC vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium
A Season Ticket Member‑exclusive chance to see the Lions in their final tune-up before the 2026 MLS season kicks off. Members will receive an email to RSVP for the match from their Member Experience Specialist.
Lagers with the Lions, presented by Heineken
Monday, Feb. 16 | 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle
Raise a glass with Orlando City players during a one‑night‑only experience where forward Tyrese Spicer and goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau will step behind the counter to serve drinks and interact with supporters. The evening will feature signature drink specials, a live DJ, an appearance by Kingston, exclusive giveaways and memorable photo opportunities. Prizes will include autographed items, match tickets and more.
Home Opener, Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute: Orlando City SC vs. Red Bull New York
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium
Orlando City’s 12th MLS campaign will kick off at Inter&Co Stadium against Red Bull New York.
North Florida News
Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 28, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
JACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.
Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins
Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.
In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.
Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.
Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay
Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.
During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).
In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).
Extensive Coaching Background
Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.
Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.
Sports
NFL Releases Media Details for 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 23, 2026By
Willie David
INDIANAPOLIS (FNN SPORTS) — The NFL has announced media availability details for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which will feature top prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft along with select NFL head coaches and general managers.
Media availability will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.
Event Overview
The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will bring together the league’s top draft-eligible prospects as they undergo evaluations by NFL personnel. Select head coaches and general managers will also be available to the media during designated windows throughout the week.
Media Location Information
Media availability will be held in Hall J of the Indiana Convention Center. Media should enter through the Capitol Avenue entrance, located at Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street, or via the Indianapolis SkyWalk.
The NFL Media Workroom will be located in the Sagamore Ballroom on the second floor of the Indiana Convention Center.
Coach and Executive Availability
Select NFL head coaches and general managers will be available during the following times:
Tuesday, Feb. 24: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Feb. 25: 1–6:30 p.m. ET
Prospect Media Availability Schedule
Draft prospects will be available to the media based on their assigned position groups from Wednesday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 28. Prospects will rotate through the media room during designated one-hour windows and will not be present for the full hour.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
8–9 a.m. — Linebackers
10–11 a.m. — Defensive Line, Placekickers
11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Defensive Line
Thursday, Feb. 26
9–10 a.m. — Defensive Backs
10–11 a.m. — Defensive Backs
11 a.m.–12 p.m. — Tight Ends
Friday, Feb. 27
8–9 a.m. — Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
10:30–11:30 a.m. — Quarterbacks, Wide Receivers
12:30–1:30 p.m. — Running Backs
Saturday, Feb. 28
10–11 a.m. — Offensive Line
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Offensive Line
