Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
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
Baker Mayfield’s Thumb Response to Practice Will Guide Buccaneers’ Quarterback Decision
Bowles plans to evaluate Mayfield on Friday as Tampa Bay prepares for Carolina; Winfield’s status also remains uncertain.
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Baker Mayfield’s return to practice encouraged Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles on Wednesday, but the quarterback’s availability against the Carolina Panthers will depend on how his injured thumb responds through the rest of the week.
Mayfield wore a glove throughout practice and became more effective as he warmed up, Bowles said during his Wednesday media availability.
“I think he’s coming along fine,” Bowles said. “I think once he got warmed up, he started looking pretty good as practice went on.”
Bowles expects to have a clearer assessment Friday.
“I’ll see what he looks like Friday, and I’ll find out then,” he said.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rookie QB Jalon Daniels
Mayfield, Daniels prepare to play
Bowles said Mayfield reported feeling comfortable throwing with the glove, something he had done previously. The next step is evaluating how his thumb feels after practice and whether he can consistently throw and take snaps under center.
“We’ve got to see how he comes out of it and, after a day, how the thumb responds,” Bowles said.
Mayfield and Jalon Daniels are preparing for the game, with both receiving physical and mental repetitions.
“They both understand the game plan, and they’re both ready to play,” Bowles said.
Establishing the starter matters for the entire offense, he added, because players need to understand who will be under center and how the game plan will operate.
Buccaneers seek more downfield opportunities
Bowles acknowledged that some of Tampa Bay’s recent offensive approach has been designed to protect Daniels. Attempts to push the ball downfield have also been disrupted by penalties and sacks.
“It hasn’t been favorable for us, but we’ve still got to be able to get the ball down the field,” Bowles said.
He attributed the emphasis on perimeter passes to a combination of defensive coverage and play design. Tampa Bay also needs to create more opportunities for receivers Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, he said.
If Mayfield returns, Bowles wants him to rely on the players around him rather than feel responsible for carrying the offense.
“He’s going to always be the ultimate competitor, but he understands what he has around him, and he can’t do it by himself,” Bowles said.
Winfield progressing; Kancey creating pressure
Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. practiced in a noncontact jersey Wednesday, leaving his availability uncertain.
“He’s recovering,” Bowles said. “I think he’s getting there. I don’t know if he’s there yet.”
Bowles said Winfield would need to practice without the noncontact designation before returning to game action.
On the defensive line, Bowles praised Calijah Kancey’s explosiveness and ability to reach the backfield, while emphasizing the need to turn more of those opportunities into sacks.
“We need to free him up a little bit more,” Bowles said.
Scott feels urgency of division matchup
Rookie defensive back Keionte Scott said the intensity has increased ahead of Tampa Bay’s first divisional matchup of the season.
“Coaches are preaching it, older vets are preaching it,” Scott said during his Wednesday media availability. “These games are very important, so we want to get them taken care of.”
Scott expects a challenge from Carolina’s receivers and quarterback Bryce Young, particularly when Young extends plays outside the pocket. Bowles also praised Young’s performance and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik’s use of personnel.
Scott, who recorded his first career sack against Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers, said the milestone was meaningful but did not outweigh the loss.
“It’s something I definitely will look back on and be able to show my kids one day,” Scott said. “But it’s definitely something I can’t harp too much on with not getting the win.”
As Tampa Bay prepares for Carolina, Bowles made clear that developing young players remains part of a more immediate objective.
“We’re trying to win games,” he said. “We’re not trying to go for growth. We’re trying to win games while we grow.”
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