Latest news with #Kickoff
New York Post
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Dave Portnoy lifts veil on Fox Sports partnership as he becomes face of ‘Big Noon Kickoff'
Dave Portnoy is coming to Fox Sports and he's bringing his Michigan fandom with him. The Barstool Sports honcho officially confirmed that he and his sports media empire are joining Fox Sports on Thursday, and he detailed what he plans to add to his role on 'Big Noon Kickoff.' 'What conference has ruled college football year after year after year? National Champion after National Champion?' Portnoy said in one of his trademark 'Emergency Press Conference' videos posted to X. 'Answer: the Big Ten. And what network covers the Big Ten better than anybody else? Fox Sports. 'Big Noon Kickoff.' And what school has dominated the Big Ten more than any school in the history of the conference? The answer: the Michigan Wolverines. Dave Portnoy announced Thursday that he and Barstool Sports are partnering with Fox Sports. @stoolpresidente/X 'Well, that ends today, friends. Barstool Sports, myself, we are joining 'Big Noon Kickoff.' The days of kicking Michigan when we're not around is over.' As for the other details of the partnership, Portnoy let slip a few details on 'The Unnamed Show' with cohosts Ryan Whitney and Kirk Minihane, noting that it's a 'wide-ranging partnership.' 'We're going to partner with Big Noon Kickoff… I'm going to be on it every week,' he said, noting that Barstool Sports' college football show will remain as a lead-in on the website — though Barstool personalities will be incorporated into 'Kickoff.' 'We are going to do an 8-10 daily show on Fox Sports 1. It will be like a 'Barstool Breakfast Show' [or] 'Barstool Wake up,' Portnoy said. 'I'm going to do Mondays, we'll have an office in Chicago. They want a taste of the Barstool world, really.' Barstool personalities, like Dan 'Big Cat' Katz, will have a role, though it's yet to be determined exactly how. It's a stunning return to TV for Portnoy and his band of writers and podcasters. In 2017, Barstool Sports partnered with ESPN, but its 'Van Talk' show was canceled after one episode after the Worldwide Leader experience internal blowback. It's not something Portnoy fears will happen again at Fox Sports. Barstool CEO Dave Portnoy at the Celtics Vs Knicks game 5 playoff game. NBAE via Getty Images 'I'm very happy with the deal,' he said. The feeling at Fox Sports is mutual. 'We're excited to welcome Dave Portnoy and Barstool Sports to the FOX Sports family. Dave has built a one-of-a-kind brand that connects with a new generation of sports fans – authentic, bold, and original,' CEO and Executive Producer of Fox Sports Eric Shanks said in a statement. 'Their unique voice and loyal fanbase makes them a natural fit for our evolving multiplatform content strategy.'
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Charissa Thompson prepping for Fox ‘shakeup' after two NFL show exits
Fox Sports host Charissa Thompson said she's looking forward to a 'new beginning' after Peter Schrager and Michael Vick's exits from the network left two vacant seats on the Fox 'NFL Kickoff' show. Thompson, who reportedly landed a lucrative contract extension with Fox, hosts the show on Sunday mornings throughout the NFL season with a desk of analysts, including retired Patriots wideout Julian Edelman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson. During a fan Q&A on Tuesday's installment of the 'Calm Down' podcast, Thompson explained that she's excited and curious of how the 'shakeup' will affect the future of the show. Advertisement 6 FOX NFL Kickoff host, Charissa Thompson, speaks to media during FOX Sports Media Day at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 6, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Getty Images 'For Fox, it's a shakeup,' Thompson, 43, said. 'I'm curious because on the Kickoff show … Peter Schrager went to ESPN sadly, which makes me bummed because I love him and Michael Vick went to go coach at Norfolk State, which obviously I'm happy for his opportunity there. 'So, its Jules [Edelman] and I and Charles Woodson. And so, we'll find out a little bit more closer to the football season sort of the structure and the rundown and kind of how we want to frame that show. I think it's a new beginning, so as were hitting our stride at Amazon we're kind of starting back over at Fox, which is also excited because that means that there's new opportunities to do different things on that show.' Advertisement Schrager joined ESPN in April after nearly two decades at Fox. Vick left Fox NFL Sunday to become the head football coach at Norfolk State University in February. 6 Peter Schrager attends 2025 Fanatics Super Bowl Party at The Sugar Mill on February 8, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Getty Images 6 Michael Vick attends the 46th Annual Sports Emmy Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center on May 20, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images Advertisement Andrews chimed in during the conversation, 'A rebirth if you will.' Thompson, who's been with Fox since 2013, is entering her fourth Amazon Prime Video's 'Thursday Night Football' pregame show. 6 (L-R) Ryan Fitzpatrick, Charissa Thompson and Andrew Whitworth speak onstage during Amazon's Upfront 2025 Presentation at Beacon Theatre on May 12, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images for Amazon 'We are fully in our stride,' she said. '… We are in year four of this bad boy and it feels great we have our same group back and everyone is very comfortable I their designated roles, so I'm excited about that.' Advertisement As for Andrews? The veteran sideline reporter, who reportedly landed a generous contract extension this offseason as well, is thrilled to get back on the road with her crew. 6 Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews covering Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, as the 2025 game was aired on Fox on February 9. Instagram/Charissa Thompson The WEAR by EA founder is a part of Fox's top broadcast team of analyst Tom Brady, play-by-play man Kevin Burkhardt and reporter Tom Rinaldi. 'I like that it's not going to be a rebirth for our crew,' Andrews, 47, said. 'It's going to be Tom [Brady's] second year we kind of are already in the swing of things. Nothing is kind of new for us. I'm excited about just getting on the road, seeing the boys … having our funny, silly conversations. Our text chain has been a little quiet lately, I'll probably get that going here tonight.' 6 Fox Sports reporter Erin Andrews broadcasts from the sidelines prior to the NFC Championship NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Getty Images Andrews and Thompson did not mention their respective contracts with Fox. Their prior deals expired after the 2024-25 season, including Super Bowl 2025, which aired on the network. Andrews joined Fox in 2012 after her contract with ESPN expired. Advertisement Front Office Sports reported Monday that Fox is promoting college football sideline reporter Allison Williams to Laura Okmin's NFL sideline reporter role. Okmin told the outlet last month that she turned down a contract extension with Fox following 23 years with the network.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson just shut down exit rumors with big FOX contract extensions
Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews Officially Staying With FOX. (Image via Imago) If you're a fan of NFL Sundays on FOX, breathe easy, Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews aren't going anywhere. Just as some folks were wondering if the iconic duo might be heading out after some offseason whispers, FOX Sports hit the brakes on that panic and came through with a power move: contract extensions for both. So yes, football's favorite sideline boss and kickoff queen are back for another season and the vibes are immaculate. FOX re-signs Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson ahead of the 2025 NFL season Ahead of the upcoming NFL season, FOX Sports confirmed it has extended the contracts of both Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson, two of the network's most recognizable on-air talents. And if you thought Thompson was leaving? She shut that down herself . 'No, I'm not leaving FOX. I was never leaving FOX,' she told Front Office Sports , laughing off the speculation that had started swirling online. (Phew.) Andrews, of course, will continue her top-tier role on FOX's A-team broadcast crew, reporting from the sidelines alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt and none other than Tom Brady. Meanwhile, Thompson will keep bringing the energy on Fox NFL Kickoff , setting the tone for your entire football Sunday. Amid other big shakeups, FOX makes sure its NFL coverage stays strong where it counts This move comes at a key moment for the network. With longtime analyst Jimmy Johnson officially stepping away after two decades, locking in Andrews and Thompson adds much-needed stability to FOX's NFL coverage. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Erin Andrews has been a mainstay on NFL sidelines for years, but her star power only continues to rise especially now that she's part of the all-new Burkhardt-Brady broadcast trio. And Charissa? She's the one warming up the crowd every Sunday with Kickoff , keeping the tone fun, fast, and football-obsessed before the big games begin. Together, they help define FOX's NFL identity. So these extensions aren't just feel-good deals, they're smart business. Their podcast 'Calm Down' proves these two are more than just Sunday faces Beyond the cameras and sidelines, Andrews and Thompson have built something special together with their hit podcast Calm Down with Erin and Charissa . It's where they dish behind-the-scenes stories, NFL takes, and unfiltered life chats that keep fans locked in all week long. Whether it's Andrews talking about traveling with Tom Brady's new team or Thompson cracking up over fantasy football disasters, the pod is just more proof that their dynamic clicks both on and off the field. In a media world full of copy-paste coverage, these two are the real deal and fans know it. FOX doubled down on chemistry, experience, and pure star power The takeaway? FOX didn't just re-sign two NFL hosts, they doubled down on what makes their coverage work. With Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson leading the charge, Sundays are in great hands. So while teams are finalizing rosters and quarterbacks are fine-tuning their throws, FOX already scored big by keeping its MVPs right where they belong. Also read - Cardi B and Stefon Diggs just shut down breakup rumors with a surprise workout video Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 66
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 66 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Just 66 days remain until the New Orleans Saints start off their 2025 regular season at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Advertisement New Orleans is coming off a 5-12 record in 2024. They'll start this, their 59th NFL season, with Kellen Moore as the new coach on the sidelines. Currently, there is no player on the Saints roster that wears number 66. The last player to don the jersey was offensive lineman Shane Lemieux for seven games during the 2024-25 campaign. Here's a list of all the players that have worn this number in Saints history. Saints History of 66 New Orleans Saints linebacker Bill Cody (66) blocks for a record 63-yard field goal by Tom Dempsey (19) against the Detroit Lions in 1970. Credit: • Bill Cody, LB (1968-70) • Royce Smith, G (1972-73) • Rocky Rasley, G (1974) • Tom Wickert, OT (1975-76) • Conrad Dobler, G (1978-79) • Louis Oubre, G (1982-84) • Chuck Commiskey, G (1986-88) Advertisement • Larry Williams, G (1991) • Mike Verstegen, G/T (1996-97) • Victor Riley, OT (2002) • Brian Young, DT (2004-08) • Ben Grubbs, G (2012-14) • Jordan Mills, OT (2021) • Forrest Lamp, G (2021) • Lewis Kidd, OT (2022) • Shane Lemieux, C/G (2024) Jan. 13, 2007; New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Brian Young pressures Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia (7) during the NFC Divisional Playoffs. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images © 2006 John David Mercer Bill Cody was the first to suit up in number 66 for New Orleans. Cody was with the Saints in their inaugural season of 1967 and remained through 1970. Over those four seasons, he appeared in 40 games and had 1.5 sacks with 4 fumble recoveries. Royce Smith was the first offensive player and first New Orleans draft pick to wear 66. He was the eighth overall choice in the first round of the 1972 NFL Draft from the Georgia Bulldogs. Smith was with New Orleans for only two seasons, starting 13 of his 24 game appearances. He remains the highest drafted player by the Saints to wear 66. Advertisement Two more interior offensive linemen followed Smith in the number 66, Rocky Rasley and Tom Wickert. They played a combined 22 games with 15 starts over three years. Former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Conrad Dobler (66). Credit: @ProFootballHOF on X Conrad Dobler earned the reputation of being one of the 'dirtiest' players in NFL history. Two of his 10 NFL seasons were spent with the Saints. The St. Louis Cardinals traded Dobler to New Orleans during the 1978 offseason. A knee injury forced him to miss all but three games in 1978, but Dobler rebounded to start all 16 outings at guard in 1979 before being traded again, to Buffalo, during the following offseason. Lineman Louis Oubre would follow Dobler in 66 three seasons later. The native of St. Augustine high school in Louisiana played collegiately with the Oklahoma Sooners. He returned to New Orleans as a fifth round choice in the 1981 NFL Draft. Advertisement Former Oklahoma Sooners All-American and New Orleans Saints first round pick Louis Oubre (66). Credit: The OKLAHOMAN Oubre didn't suit up for the Saints until 1982, starting all nine games in that strike-shortened campaign. He'd go on to start all 16 contests in 1983 and five of his 12 game appearances in 1984. In all, Oubre played three years with New Orleans and appeared in 37 games. Chuck Commiskey was another Saints offensive lineman to suit up in 66. Commiskey also played three years for the team. Over that span, he appeared in 34 games and made 14 starts. After Commiskey, there were three players that wore 66 between 1991 and 2004. Only Mike Verstegen, for 22 games over two seasons, wore the number for more than one year. Former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Brian Young (66). Credit: Brian Young arrived to the Saints in 2004 as a free agent. Young is one of only two defensive players to ever suit up in number 66 for the team. He was with New Orleans for five seasons, suiting up in 64 games with 58 starts. Advertisement Young had 12 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his five years with the Saints while forcing or recovering 4 fumbles. His five years and 64 games are more than any other player who has worn 66 for New Orleans. October 7, 2012; New Orleans Saints guard Ben Grubbs (66) blocks against the San Diego Chargers. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook - Imagn Images In 2012, Ben Grubbs returned the Saints to the string of offensive linemen to wear 66. Grubbs was with New Orleans for three seasons. Over that span, he started all of the team's 48 games and was one of the more respected blockers in the NFL. His tenure with New Orleans was the second longest of any player to wear 66. After Grubbs was traded away during the 2015 offseason, no other player wore 66 for the Saints until 2021. Over those last four years, linemen Jordan Mills, Forrest Lamp, Lewis Kidd, and Shane Lemieux have all taken turns in the number. None of them lasted the duration of an entire year, combining for 31 games between the four. Advertisement Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 67 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 68 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 69 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 70 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 65
Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 65 originally appeared on Athlon Sports. There are 65 days that remain before the New Orleans Saints start their 2025 regular season. This will be the 59th NFL season for the Saints, who open the year at home against the Arizona Cardinals. Advertisement No New Orleans player currently wears number 65. The number hasn't been worn for the Saints since the 2022 season, and not by a significant contributor since 2017. Here's a look at all who put on 65 in the history of the franchise. Saints History of 65 New Orleans Saints guard Chris Naeole (65). Credit: • Tom Carr, DT (1968) • Remi Prudhomme, OG (1971-72) • Dave Thompson, OG (1974-75) • Jeff Hart, OT (1976) • Oakley Dalton, DT (1977) • Robert Woods, OT (1977-80) • Bob Young, OG (1981) • David Carter, C (1984-85) • Adam Schreiber, OG (1985) • Steve Trapilo, OG (1987-92) • Willie Williams, OT (1994) • Chris Naeole, OG (1997-2001) • LeCharles Bentley, C (2002-05) • Matt Tennant, C (2010-11) • Ricky Henry, OG (2012) Advertisement • Senio Kelemete, OG (2014-17) • Michael Ola, OT (2018) • Caleb Benenoch, OT (2021) • Wyatt Davis, OG (2022) Sep 24, 1989; FILE PHOTO; Tampa Bay Buccaneers nose tackle Curt Jarvis (95) in action against New Orleans Saints offensive guard Steve Trapilo (65). Mandatory Credit: RVR Photots-Imagn Images Tom Carr was the first to sport 65 for the Saints, wearing it for four games in the franchise's second year in 1968. Prudhomme was the first offensive player to wear it, doing so for 19 games over two years as a reserve lineman. There wasn't a New Orleans draft pick to wear 65 until 1977, with 12th round choice Oakley Dalton from Jackson State. Dalton was with the team for only part of that year, suiting up in a game once. Robert Woods took over 65 when he joined the Saints late in 1977. Woods remained with the team through 1980. Over those four years, he appeared in games 45 games while making 34 starts. It was the third most games for any Saints player that wore 65. Advertisement Aug 5, 2012; New Orleans Saints center Matt Tennant (65) blocks against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images Three different linemen wore 65 from 1981 through 1986 until Steve Trapilo was selected in Round 4 of the 1987 NFL Draft from the Boston College Eagles. Trapilo became a mainstay at right guard for five seasons. In that time, he'd start 52 of his 57 game appearances. Former LSU Tigers star Willie Williams came on as a promising free agent addition in 1994. Williams managed to stick around only one year, however, starting only five of his 16 games played. In 1997, the Saints selected Colorado Buffaloes offensive lineman Chris Naeole with the 10th pick of the first round. Naeole was a devastating run blocker who'd go on to have an 11-year NFL career, including his first five seasons in New Orleans. Advertisement Former New Orleans Saints offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley (65). Credit: As a Saint, Naeole started 63 of his 67 games with the team. Those games are the most for any New Orleans player to have worn 65. Often forgotten in team history, Naeole was a standout blocker on otherwise mostly bad Saints teams. After Naeole left for the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent in 2002, the Saints looked back to the draft to replace him. With a second round choice, New Orleans would add Ohio State Buckeyes lineman LeCharles Bentley. Bentley would have four strong seasons with the Saints, first at right guard then at center. Over that span, he'd earn two trips to the Pro Bowl and started all of his 57 contests with New Orleans. His 57 games as a Saint is second only to Naeole among the players who have worn #65 for the franchise. Advertisement Sep 17, 2017; New Orleans Saints center Senio Kelemete (65) set to block against the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-Imagn Images Once Bentley departed in 2006 free agency, no player would wear 65 again for the Saints until Matt Tennant in 2010. A round 5 pick from Boston College, Tennant would appear in 28 games as a reserve interior offensive lineman. Senio Kelemete joined New Orleans as a free agent in 2014. Kelemete started only 22 games in his four years with the team. However, he appeared in 57 contests as a valued versatile fill-in along the offensive line. His 57 games as a Saint are tied with Bentley and Trapilo for the second most of the 19 players that have worn 65 for the team. Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 66 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 67 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 68 Related: Saints Countdown To NFL Kickoff With The History Of Number 69 Related: New Orleans Saints Sign RB Cam Akers To Bolster Backfield This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
