Sports
Rashawn Slater Becomes Highest Paid Offensive Lineman in NFL History with $114M Deal
Published
1 year agoon
LOS ANGELES (FNN SPORTS) – Two AFC offensive tackles have secured major paydays over the last few days. First, Rashawn Slater, left tackle for the Los Angeles Chargers, agreed to a 4-year, $114 million extension with $92 million guaranteed. The deal makes Slater the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history.
Slater’s Rise to NFL Elite
Slater has been a force since day one for the Chargers. Drafted 13th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, he earned Pro Bowl honors and Second-Team All-Pro in his rookie year. His sophomore campaign was cut short by a torn biceps injury after just three games, but he bounced back impressively. Over the past two seasons, he missed only three games. In 2024, he earned a 91.1 PFF grade, the second-highest among tackles. He posted a 90.4 pass block grade and 82.8 run block grade, earning a second Pro Bowl selection.
Despite entering the final year of his rookie contract, Slater chose not to hold out and reported to training camp on time—a decision the Chargers rewarded in a big way. He’ll continue to protect franchise quarterback Justin Herbert’s blindside as they aim to build on last season’s playoff appearance.
Colts Lock in Bernhard Raimann
Meanwhile, the Indianapolis Colts secured their own anchor on the offensive line. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann signed a 4-year, $100 million deal with $60 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The deal makes Raimann one of the top five highest-paid tackles in the NFL.
Raimann’s Steady Growth
A third-round pick in 2022, Raimann is entering the final year of his rookie deal and was on track for unrestricted free agency next offseason. Last season, he earned an 85.1 overall grade from PFF (8th among all tackles), with an 82 pass block grade (14th) and an 80.7 run block grade (10th).
Just days ago, Raimann told 107.5 The Fan’s Query and Company that he and the Colts were “not on the same page” regarding an extension. Clearly, the two sides found common ground. While the Colts continue to sort out their quarterback situation, they now have their franchise left tackle secured for the foreseeable future.
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Marcus Richardson, a sports reporter for Florida National News, contributed to this report. Contact him at sports@FloridaNationalNews.com
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Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Earn NBA Team International Strategy Award for Second Consecutive Year
Published
9 hours agoon
August 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSNEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have been named the recipient of the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the organization’s innovative global marketing efforts as part of the NBA’s 2025-26 Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.
The award honors NBA teams that develop data-driven international marketing strategies that strengthen brand recognition, create meaningful partnerships and expand fan engagement outside the United States.
Germany Strategy Drives Award-Winning Campaign
Building on last year’s success, the Magic expanded their presence in Germany through a year-long strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
Rather than focusing solely on the international exhibition, Orlando created a comprehensive campaign that included:
- A summer promotional tour across Germany
- Magic Kiez, an immersive fan experience hub
- Youth basketball clinics
- Business networking summits
- Community watch parties
- Interactive fan activations
- Corporate partnership events
The organization said the strategy helped establish a sustained presence before, during and after the Berlin game while strengthening relationships with German basketball fans and business leaders.
New International Partnerships
The campaign also expanded the Magic’s International Team Marketing Program (ITMP) through collaborations with several new international and global partners, including:
- AIDA Cruises
- Domino’s
- Kellogg’s
- Telekom
- ThreatLocker
- Visit Orlando
The partnerships supported both fan engagement initiatives and business development opportunities throughout Germany.
NBA Recognizes Innovation Across the League
The NBA’s annual Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate excellence in fan engagement, sponsorship activation, innovation, community impact and ticket sales.
This year’s major award winners included:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| International Strategy Award | Orlando Magic |
| Partnership of the Year | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Partnership Innovation Award | LA Clippers |
| Social Impact & Inclusion Award | Philadelphia 76ers |
| New Sales Campaign | Detroit Pistons |
| Membership Program of the Year | Charlotte Hornets |
| Premium Experience of the Year | Cleveland Cavaliers |
The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans also received recognition through the NBA’s AI Studio program for innovative applications of artificial intelligence to improve fan experiences.
NBA Executive Applauds Team Innovation
Jonathan Tillman, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Team Marketing and Business Operations, praised the league’s clubs for continuing to innovate.
“The innovation, creativity and strategic thinking NBA teams demonstrate every day continue to raise the bar for the sports industry while creating deeper connections with fans in their communities and around the world,” Tillman said.
He added that NBA teams are finding new ways to grow their businesses through strategic partnerships, artificial intelligence, ticket sales innovations and community engagement.
Selection Process
All 30 NBA franchises were invited to submit entries for the Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.
Winners were selected by a committee of NBA league and team executives based on creativity, measurable business results and overall impact.
For the second consecutive season, the Orlando Magic’s international strategy stood out among the league’s entries, highlighting the franchise’s continued commitment to expanding its global brand while strengthening relationships with fans and partners overseas.
Award Highlights
- Orlando Magic won the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second straight year.
- The award recognized the franchise’s comprehensive marketing strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
- The campaign featured fan engagement, youth clinics, business summits and year-round activations across Germany.
- New international partners included AIDA Cruises, Domino’s, Kellogg’s, Telekom, ThreatLocker and Visit Orlando.
- All 30 NBA teams were eligible, with winners selected by NBA and team executives.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown
Published
2 days agoon
July 30, 2026By
FNN SPORTSTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.
The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.
In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.
Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.
The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.
What the Moves Mean
A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.
The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.
Sports
Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp
Published
6 days agoon
July 27, 2026By
FNN SPORTSPlayers on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.
The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.
DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.
The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.
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