Sports

NFL Pro Bowl Games Returns to Orlando 2024

Published

3 years ago

July 26, 2023

New York, NY – The NFL announced today that Orlando, Fl., will host The 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon.

The multi-day AFC vs NFC event will feature new and returning skills challenges, where 88 of the league’s top players showcase their on-field and off-field skills in unique competitions, and culminate in action-packed flag football at Camping World Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. Peyton and Eli Manning will return as head coaches of the AFC and NFC, leading the NFL’s top 88 stars as they show off their talent and celebrate the season’s accomplishments in a fun, memorable way, surrounded by their families and fans. The competition will air on ESPN and ABC at 3pm ET.

As a result of feedback from players, teams and fans, the NFL reimagined the Pro Bowl as The Pro Bowl Games last year, introducing an entirely new format that featured an exciting mix of live and taped skills competitions and spotlighted flag football as a critical part of the sport’s future. The 2023 Pro Bowl Games in Las Vegas garnered 6.4 million viewers across Disney, ESPN, ABC, Disney XD and digital and more than 58,000 in-person fans at Allegiant Stadium, up 16% from the previous year. The skills challenges on Thursday averaged 1.06 million viewers on ESPN in primetime, up 23% for the program the year before, and social video views from Sunday’s event were up over 16% from last year.

Helping to drive the success of last year’s event was the impressive coaching and captain lineup that starred Peyton and Eli Manning as head coaches, Ray Lewis and DeMarcus Ware as defensive coordinators, flag football stars Diana Flores and Vanita Krouch as offensive coordinators, and Snoop Dogg and Pete Davidson as captains for the AFC and NFC respectively. In a nail-biting finish that peaked at 7 million viewers, the NFC ultimately won the inaugural Pro Bowl Games with a comeback victory that came down to the very last play of the final flag football game.

“Building off the success from last year’s reinvented format that elevated flag football and introduced fun forms of competition and entertainment, we are thrilled to bring The 2024 Pro Bowl Games to Orlando,” said PETER O’REILLY, NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business and League Events. “Hosting multiple Pro Bowls in years past, Orlando is a world-class destination and a favorite getaway for our players and their families, and we look forward to working with the city of Orlando and Florida Citrus Sports to create the ultimate all-star celebration for players, their families and our fans.”

Orlando has hosted four consecutive Pro Bowl competitions in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. This year’s Pro Bowl Games will feature events across Central Florida, including fan experiences that will celebrate the football season and bring fans close to their favorite clubs and players.

“There’s no doubt Orlando is the country’s premier destination for neutral site games and major events, and there’s no bigger show you can bring to town than the NFL,” said Florida Citrus Sports CEO STEVE HOGAN. “Our community has done an amazing job ensuring our facilities remain in NFL-ready condition for opportunities just like this, and I can’t wait to see what The Pro Bowl Games have in store.”

For broadcasting and programming The 2024 Pro Bowl Games, the NFL will work with longstanding partners, including the Disney family of ESPN and ABC, Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions, producers of shows such as ESPN’s Monday Night Football with Peyton & Eli, the Places franchise, and Netflix’s new docuseries Quarterback, and A. Smith & Co. Productions, producers of shows such as American Ninja Warrior, Hell’s Kitchen and The Titan Games.

The Pro Bowl Games will continue to highlight a strategic priority for the NFL – flag football. In partnership with RCX Sports, the NFL’s flag football operating partner, and International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the NFL will integrate the sport throughout the week as a celebration of all levels of football – from youth to the NFL’s best. In addition to the AFC vs NFC flag games played by Pro Bowl players, other events will include the NFL FLAG Championships, organized with RCX Sports. The NFL FLAG Championships will feature the top girls’ and boys’ youth flag teams from across the country, as well as an International Division to reflect the ongoing growth and interest in the game around the world.

Flag football is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports disciplines, played by over 20 million in more than 100 countries, across every continent. It is the most inclusive and accessible format of football, played by people of all ages and genders, with women and girls driving some of the fastest growth.

“As the future of football, flag has seen incredible momentum around the world because it truly embodies the motto of ‘football for everyone,'” said TROY VINCENT, NFL Executive Vice President, Football Operations. “We’ve received overwhelming support from the players on flag football at The Pro Bowl Games. NFL players and Legends are proud to get behind the sport, using the all-star event as a major platform to make this statement.”

Further into the season, the NFL will provide the week-long schedule and additional details surrounding The 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon.

Fans interested in receiving the latest information can register at NFL.com/ProBowlGames for exclusive ticket presale and VIP package opportunities. Season Ticket Members for all 32 teams will automatically be included in the presale, and all previous Pro Bowl ticket buyers will receive priority access to purchase tickets. The official hospitality partner of the NFL, On Location, will offer guests premium seating options and elevated hospitality at The 2024 Pro Bowl Games. Fans looking to be the first to know when ticket and hospitality packages go on sale should sign up via On Location’s website at https://onlocationexp.com/nfl/pro-bowl-tickets.

Central Florida News

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

Published

3 hours 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

9 hours 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.”

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Exercise Team Options on Jase Richardson, Tristan Da Silva

Published

9 hours ago

October 22, 2026

FNN SPORTS

Orlando Magic Tristan da Silva. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Magic Keep Jase Richardson, Tristan da Silva Under Contract Through 2027-28

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have exercised their third-year team option on guard Jase Richardson and fourth-year team option on forward Tristan da Silva, keeping both players under contract through the 2027-28 season.

President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman announced the moves. Financial terms were not disclosed, per team policy.

Richardson builds on rookie season

Richardson appeared in 54 games during his rookie season, averaging 4.4 points, 1.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 10.9 minutes per game, according to the team.

He scored in double figures seven times, including a career-high 20 points against Washington on Jan. 6. He also scored six points in his lone playoff appearance.

Before joining Orlando, Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists during his freshman season at Michigan State in 2024-25. He shot 41.2% from 3-point range and earned third-team All-Big Ten and conference all-freshman honors while helping the Spartans reach the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.

Richardson wears No. 11.

Da Silva provides scoring and shooting

Da Silva played in 77 games, including 34 starts, last season. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 24.7 minutes per game, shooting 37.4% from 3-point range and 88.4% from the free-throw line.

He scored in double figures 38 times and reached 20 points five times, including a career-high 26 against Washington on March 12. In seven playoff appearances, he averaged 4.1 points and 2.9 rebounds.

Orlando selected da Silva with the 18th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Through two seasons, he has appeared in 151 regular-season games, including 72 starts, averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

The Germany native played four seasons at Colorado, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022-23 and second-team recognition in 2023-24. He wears No. 23.