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NFL Pro Bowl Games Returns to Orlando 2024

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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.

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South Florida News

Uruguay, Saudi Arabia Play to 1-1 Tie as World Cup Atmosphere Electrifies Miami Gardens

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FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News
FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Hard Rock Stadium felt more like Montevideo than South Florida on Monday as tens of thousands of Uruguayan supporters packed the venue for Uruguay’s World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

A crowd of 62,764 fans created a vibrant international atmosphere, with Uruguay supporters draped in giant blue-and-white flags and chanting “U-ru-guay! U-ru-guay!” throughout the match. Despite the passionate backing, Uruguay was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia.

The stadium was awash in light blue as Uruguayan fans filled much of the venue, transforming Miami Gardens into a home-away-from-home for La Celeste. Meanwhile, a spirited contingent of Saudi supporters occupied sections of the south stands, waving green flags and providing energetic support for their national team.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

WORLD CUP ATMOSPHERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The match showcased South Florida’s growing reputation as an international soccer destination, drawing fans from across the globe and creating a World Cup-like environment inside Hard Rock Stadium.

Both teams battled evenly throughout the contest, with neither side able to find a decisive breakthrough. The result leaves Uruguay and Saudi Arabia with a point apiece as they continue their tournament campaigns.

FIFA World Cup 2026, Uruguay vs Arabia Saudita, Miami, Florida. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

FANS DELIVER MEMORABLE SCENE

While the match ended in a draw, the atmosphere was among the day’s biggest highlights. The sea of blue-and-white and the nonstop chants from Uruguay supporters were matched by the enthusiasm of Saudi fans, producing a memorable international soccer showcase in Miami Gardens.

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Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player

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Orlando Storm Quarterback Jack Plummer Named 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player
Source: The UFL / Orlando Storm

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The United Football League has named Orlando Storm quarterback Jack Plummer the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player after a record-setting regular season that helped lead the franchise to the league’s best record.

Plummer becomes the third quarterback to earn the UFL’s highest individual honor, following Bryce Perkins of the Michigan Panthers in 2025 and Adrian Martinez of the Birmingham Stallions in 2024.

The award was selected by a panel of league and team executives, coaches, players, media members and broadcast partners based on performances during the recently completed 10-game regular season.

Plummer Credits Team, Coaches

“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2026 UFL Most Valuable Player,” Plummer said. “While my name may be on this award, it truly belongs to so many people who have helped me along this journey.”

Plummer thanked his teammates and coaching staff, specifically Orlando Storm head coach Anthony Becht, for helping him reach the milestone.

“I also want to extend a special thank you to Coach Becht,” Plummer said. “His leadership, trust and belief in me have had a tremendous impact on my development as a player and as a person.”

Dominant Season Under Center

In the Storm’s inaugural season, Plummer guided Orlando to an 8-2 record and the No. 1 seed entering the postseason.

He led the UFL in passing yards (2,188), completions (195) and quarterback rating (104.1) while throwing 17 touchdown passes. Plummer completed 65% of his passes and threw just one interception all season.

The Storm offense led the league with an average of 208.3 passing yards per game.

“Jack personifies exactly what an elite UFL quarterback should look like,” Becht said. “His leadership, his ability to process information and make plays at any moment made him the most valuable player in the UFL.”

Historic Numbers and Signature Moments

Plummer scored or accounted for a touchdown in every game this season and threw at least one touchdown pass in nine of Orlando’s 10 regular-season contests.

He completed 75% or more of his passes in three games and recorded three-touchdown performances in victories against the Louisville Kings and D.C. Defenders.

Among his most impressive accomplishments was setting a UFL record with 255 consecutive pass attempts without throwing an interception.

Plummer also earned UFL Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 8 after leading Orlando to a 34-21 victory over the Dallas Renegades that clinched a playoff berth.

In that game, he threw for 238 yards and rushed for two touchdowns, including a spectacular 71-yard touchdown run that remains the longest rushing play by a quarterback in the UFL this season.

Storm Set for Playoff Run

With Plummer leading the offense, Orlando enters the playoffs as the league’s top seed and one of the favorites to compete for the 2026 UFL Championship.

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USMNT Opens FIFA World Cup 2026 With Historic 4-1 Victory Over Paraguay

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LOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team opened its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, defeating Paraguay 4-1 before a crowd of 70,492 at Los Angeles Stadium.

Forward Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half, while midfielder Gio Reyna added a late goal as the United States collected three points in its Group D opener and moved to the top of the standings.

The crowd was the seventh-largest ever to watch the USMNT in a FIFA World Cup match and the largest since the 1994 World Cup. The four-goal performance also marked the highest-scoring World Cup match in U.S. men’s national team history.

Fast Start Sets the Tone

The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the opening minutes. Paraguay tested goalkeeper Matt Freese less than two minutes into his World Cup debut, but the Americans responded immediately.

The United States opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Paraguay midfielder Damián Bobadilla redirected a pass into his own net following a dangerous attacking sequence involving Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.

The Americans continued to control possession and create chances, eventually doubling their lead in the 31st minute.

Balogun Makes World Cup History

Pulisic delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area, where Balogun finished clinically into the lower-right corner for his first FIFA World Cup goal.

Balogun struck again in first-half stoppage time after receiving a long pass from Malik Tillman. The striker fought through a challenge, beat another defender and curled a left-footed shot into the upper-left corner to give the United States a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.

The brace made Balogun the first American player to score two goals in a World Cup match since 1930.

Defense Holds Strong

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino made one lineup change from the team’s final World Cup send-off match against Germany, inserting center back Chris Richards after his recovery from an ankle injury.

Richards anchored a defense that included veteran captain Tim Ream and World Cup debutants Alex Freeman and Matt Freese. The U.S. limited Paraguay to just one shot on target throughout the match.

Paraguay’s lone goal came in the 73rd minute when Mauricio capitalized on a loose ball following a free-kick sequence to cut the deficit to 3-1.

Reyna Finishes the Job

The Americans continued pressing for a fourth goal deep into stoppage time. In the eighth minute of added time, substitute Gio Reyna received a pass from Alex Freeman, turned toward goal and curled a brilliant shot into the left side of the net to seal the 4-1 victory.

The United States outshot Paraguay 16-9 and dominated much of the match while allowing only one shot on goal.

Group D Standings

With the victory, the United States temporarily sits atop Group D. Australia and Türkiye were scheduled to play later in the day at BC Place in Vancouver.

The Americans continue group play on June 19 in Seattle against Australia before returning to Los Angeles on June 25 to face Türkiye in the final Group D match.

Goal Scorers

  • 7′ — Own Goal (Damián Bobadilla), USA leads 1-0
  • 31′ — Folarin Balogun (Christian Pulisic), USA leads 2-0
  • 45’+ — Folarin Balogun (Malik Tillman), USA leads 3-0
  • 73′ — Mauricio (Julio Enciso), Paraguay cuts deficit to 3-1
  • 90+8′ — Gio Reyna (Alex Freeman), USA wins 4-1

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