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NFL To Host Community Events Across Las Vegas Throughout 2023 Pro Bowl Games Week

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NEW YORK, NY – The 2023 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will bring together the league’s best talent not only to showcase their skills on the field, but also to highlight their philanthropic efforts by giving players the opportunity to give back and engage with youth throughout the week. Multiple events will take place across Southern Nevada and in the city of Henderson, with a focus on giving back to local Boys & Girls Clubs (BAGC) of Southern Nevada while engaging their members and various youth football initiatives in fun, football-themed activities. The league has partnered with BAGC to support key initiatives including the growth of flag football and most recently, their social justice programming through an Inspire Change grant.

The Pro Bowl Games will have cumulative scoring starting with skills competitions on Thursday, February 2, leading up to the first-ever AFC vs NFC Flag football games on Sunday, February 5. Scoring works in the following way:

  • The winning conference of each skill competition earns three points towards their team’s overall score, with 24 total points available across the eight skills events.
  • The winning conference from each of the first two Flag football games on Sunday will earn six points for their team, for a total of 12 available points.
  • Points from the skills competitions and first two Flag games will be added together and will be the score at the beginning of the third and final Flag game, which will determine the winning conference for The Pro Bowl Games.

At the end of The Pro Bowl Games, the conference with the most points will be crowned the winner, and each player on the winning team will secure a donation to a local Boys & Girls Club in their hometown or NFL team market. All donations will be made by the NFL Foundation on behalf of the players of the winning team. As a result of the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America during The Pro Bowl Games, the NFL Foundation will donate more than $300,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

In addition to showcasing the NFL’s top players and their give-back efforts at The Pro Bowl Games, the league will highlight youth and high school football participants and coaches, while integrating current players and Legends in program activations throughout the week.

Community celebrations for The Pro Bowl Games will kick off on Tuesday, January 31st with the NFL GREEN CITY OF HENDERSON GREENING PROJECT AND THE PRO BOWL GAMES PRESS CONFERENCE. The NFL together with the City of Henderson, the Las Vegas Raiders and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, will plant trees, remove turf and spread deconstructed granite for a xeriscape/low water use project. On Wednesday, volunteers and Clark County Parks will take part in a ceremony and tree planting project at The Nature Play Corner. The week’s community events will conclude on Friday with a PRO BOWL LEGACY event at Donald W. Reynold Boys & Girls Club where Pro Bowl players and NFL Legends will volunteer alongside local youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada to refurbish the club.

A rundown of the Pro Bowl Games community events is below.

THE PRO BOWL GAMES PRESENTED BY VERIZON LEGACY PRESS CONFERENCE AND GREENING PROJECT

The NFL will start The Pro Bowl Games celebrations on Tuesday, January 31st at Acacia Demonstration Park with an NFL Green Kickoff press conference presented by Version at Henderson Boys & Girls Club beginning at 3:00 PM with volunteer check-in. Speakers will take part in a media moment at 3:30 PM followed by the event which will consist of volunteers planting large trees and painting fences.

NFL GREEN NATURE PLAY CORNER PRO BOWL GREENING EVENT

On Wednesday, February 1st, NFL Green initiatives will join Clark County Parks, local students and community volunteers to plant trees, grasses and pollinator attracting plants at the Clark County Wetlands Park’s new Nature Play Corner. The Nature Play Corner is a one-acre site that invites kids to create and explore nature using their imagination and prompts from interpretive signage.

Volunteers will check in at 9:00 AM and the event will open with a ceremonial tree planting at Nature Play Corner, Clark County Wetlands Park followed by a media moment at 9:30 AM. Additionally, in celebration of World Wetlands Day, volunteers will be planting large trees to expand shade and plant grasses and pollinator plants to attract wildlife.

PLAY FOOTBALL OPENING NIGHT

Play Football Opening Night is a youth- and high school-focused media event for all NFL Flag Championship teams on Thursday, February 2 from 3:30-5:30 PM PT at Allegiant Stadium. Over 2,100 players will have the opportunity to mix and mingle before the competition kicks off on Friday and Saturday. Participants will interact with NFL players – current and Legends.
PRO BOWL LEGACY EVENT

In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, the NFL family will partake in hands-on volunteering by hosting a community event to refurbish various elements of the Donald W. Reynold Boys & Girls Club on Friday, February 3rd from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Local youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada will be invited to attend and participate in activities alongside Pro Bowl Players and NFL Legends. Activities will be focused on refurbishing indoor and outdoor areas of Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club so that members have safe spaces to play. Specifically, the NFL provided a grant to fund the refurbishment of the club’s gym, revitalization of an outdoor garden, a full art room upgrade, and an outdoor mural. Members in attendance will also have the opportunity to participate in an NFL PLAY 60 clinic led by USA Football coaches.

As an extension of these activities, NFL partner, Little Caesars, has provided the Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club with additional funding to support the above projects. Additionally, Little Caesars Love Kitchen will be on-site at the event to serve pizza to the kids, volunteers and other event guests.

NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS TOURNAMENT

The NFL will host the largest to-date NFL FLAG Championship tournament at The 2023 Pro Bowl Games with 200 teams and over 2,100 players. Eight different countries will be represented, including Australia, Canada, China, Ghana, Germany, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. Participants will range from the ages of 8–17-year-old boys and girls. The two-day event will consist of pool play and a single elimination tournament. The games will start on Friday, February 3rd at Heritage Park and will conclude with Championship game play on Sunday, February 5th.

 

AYF MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAME

On Saturday, February 4th, AYFs top middle school football players, will compete in an All-Star Football game to celebrate their matriculation. The game will be played at Green Valley High School.

NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS

NFL FLAG Championships will be held at The Pro Bowl Games for the third consecutive year as part of the week-long celebration of football across all levels. 14U Boys & 17U Girls Championship games will compete during pre-game of The 2023 Pro Bowl Game on Sunday, February 5th at Allegiant Stadium. The 17U Girls Championship game will be televised on ESPN beginning at 10:00 am local time.

DON SHULA HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award honors an exemplary football coach at the high school level who displays the integrity, achievement, and leadership demonstrated by Coach Shula. Coaches are nominated for the national award by all 32 NFL teams, and the winner is selected by a panel of judges including Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Scott Pioli, and more. The two winners will be invited to the Pro Bowl Games with on-field access on Sunday, February 5th, and will be recognized throughout the week.

ADDITIONAL INVOLVEMENT OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

Pro Bowl players and members of Boys & Girls Clubs will have the opportunity to engage in various initiatives throughout the week, including:

  • Boys & Girls Clubs Skills Toolkit: Boys & Girls Clubs across the country will receive a toolkit that outlines skills challenges that mirror the skills the players will be partaking in. The goal is for BAGC youth to perform the challenges at their own clubs so they can help build excitement around the games while feeling like a part of them from afar.
  • The Pro Bowl Games Skills Competitions: On Thursday, February 2nd, members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada will be invited to watch the NFL’s best players compete in several Pro Bowl skills competitions, which will be filmed live for the first time.
  • The Pro Bowl Games: More than 400 members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada will be invited to attend game day on Sunday, February 5th, to watch their favorite players compete in competitions, the first-ever AFC vs NFC Flag football games and a major musical performance.

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Sports

Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks

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MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.

In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’

HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.

“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”

Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami

Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.

His résumé includes:

  • 2021 NBA Champion
  • Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
  • 2021 NBA Finals MVP
  • 2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
  • 10-time NBA All-Star
  • Seven All-NBA First Team selections
  • Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.

He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.

Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.

Portis Adds Championship Experience

Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.

The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.

Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.

Heat Part Ways with Core Players

The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.

Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.

Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.

Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.

Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.

Championship Expectations Rise

The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.

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Argentina Survives Cape Verde Scare, Wins 3-2 in Extra Time to Advance at FIFA World Cup 2026

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Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — Argentina avoided what could have been one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, surviving a major scare from Cabo Verde with a 3-2 extra-time victory Friday in the Round of 32.

Leo Messi. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News

Argentina Survives Despite Lackluster Performance

The defending World Cup champions delivered an uneven and uninspiring performance, appearing too comfortable after taking a 1-0 first-half lead on a goal by Lionel Messi.

But Argentina’s complacency proved costly as Cabo Verde, one of the tournament’s Cinderella stories, continued to press and eventually found an equalizer through Deroy Duarte.

Messi Goal Not Enough to Settle Match

Messi gave Argentina the early advantage, but the team failed to build on the lead or control the match with authority. Argentina’s attack lacked urgency for long stretches, allowing Cabo Verde to grow in confidence and push the match into extra time.

 

Extra-Time Drama

Argentina regained the lead in the 93rd minute when center back Lisandro Martínez scored to make it 2-1. Cabo Verde answered 11 minutes later with a stunning equalizer from Sidny Cabral, who curled a spectacular shot past Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez from the corner of the box.

The dramatic strike may stand as one of the best goals of the tournament.

Argentina Advances to Face Egypt

Argentina finally escaped when Cristian Romero headed a corner kick that glanced off a Cabo Verde player and into the net, giving Argentina the narrow win.

With the victory, Argentina advances to face Egypt on Tuesday in Atlanta.

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U.S. Men’s National Team Meets Belgium in FIFA World Cup Knockout Match in Seattle

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SEATTLE (FNN SPORTS) — The U.S. Men’s National Team will continue its FIFA World Cup 2026 journey Monday night when it faces Belgium in the Round of 16 at Seattle Stadium.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT (8 p.m. ET), with live coverage on FOX, Peacock and Telemundo.

USMNT Riding Momentum into Knockout Stage

The United States advanced after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the Round of 32, marking the nation’s second-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage victory. The Americans previously earned a knockout win in 2002 with a 2-0 victory over Mexico.

After winning Group D with two victories in three matches, the U.S. has scored 10 goals in four World Cup matches and has produced at least two goals in every tournament match.

The Americans enter Monday’s match with victories over Paraguay (4-1), Australia (2-0) and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0). Their lone defeat came against Türkiye (3-2) during group play.

Balogun, Tillman Lead U.S. Attack

Forward Folarin Balogun has emerged as one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals, becoming only the third American to score at least three goals in a single FIFA World Cup, joining Bert Patenaude (1930) and Landon Donovan (2010).

Midfielder Malik Tillman delivered one of the tournament’s signature moments with a spectacular free-kick goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina after the United States was reduced to 10 players. The goal secured a 2-0 victory and earned Tillman Man of the Match honors.

Roster Notes

Twenty-three of the 26 players on the U.S. roster have appeared during the tournament.

Seven players have featured in all four World Cup matches:

  • Sebastian Berhalter
  • Sergiño Dest
  • Alex Freeman
  • Weston McKennie
  • Ricardo Pepi
  • Gio Reyna
  • Malik Tillman

Goalkeeper Matt Freese enters the Round of 16 with three World Cup victories, the most by any U.S. goalkeeper in tournament history, while also recording two clean sheets.

Veteran captain Christian Pulisic, with 89 international appearances, is the most-capped player on the U.S. roster.

History Against Belgium

Monday’s match marks the eighth all-time meeting between the United States and Belgium.

The Americans hold a 1-6-0 all-time record against the Red Devils. Their lone victory came in the opening match of the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, a 3-0 win.

Belgium has since won six consecutive meetings, including a 5-2 victory over the United States in an international friendly on March 28, 2026, and a memorable 2-1 extra-time victory in the Round of 16 at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Belgium Brings Experience

Belgium enters the match with one of the tournament’s most experienced squads.

The roster features several internationally recognized stars, including:

  • Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois
  • Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne
  • Midfielder Youri Tielemans
  • Forward Romelu Lukaku
  • Forward Jeremy Doku
  • Forward Leandro Trossard

The Red Devils advanced after overcoming a two-goal deficit to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time during the Round of 32.

Belgium has not lost a match since March 2025, compiling an 11-1-6 record under head coach Rudi Garcia.

Seattle Has Been Friendly to the U.S.

Seattle Stadium has become a stronghold for the Americans.

The USMNT owns a perfect 7-0-0 record at the venue, including a 2-0 victory over Australia during group play earlier in the tournament.

With a trip to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line, the United States will look to capitalize on its home-field success while attempting to end Belgium’s six-match winning streak in the all-time series.

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