HBO Sports, NFL Films and Miami Dolphins join forces for “Hard Knocks: Training Camp With The Miami Dolphins” debuting August 7

HBO Sports, NFL Films and the Miami Dolphins team up for an all-access look at what it takes to make it in the National Football League when HARD KNOCKS:  TRAINING CAMP WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS debuts in August.  The first sports-based reality series – and one of the fastest-turnaround reality series – kicks off its five-episode seventh season, presented in HD, TUESDAY, AUG. 7 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.  Other hour-long episodes debut subsequent Tuesdays at the same time, with an encore play every Wednesday in August at 11:00 p.m., culminating in the Sept. 4 season finale.

“We are delighted that HARD KNOCKS will be returning this summer and placing the spotlight on the Miami Dolphins, a venerable franchise that had an exciting off-season activity,” says Ken Hershman, president, HBO Sports. “This marks the first time that the series has featured a first-year head coach (Joe Philbin) and we are extremely grateful to both Coach Philbin and the entire organization for agreeing to participate. As always, there will be plenty on the line for veterans, free agents and rookies.” 

“On the 40^th anniversary of the greatest season in NFL history–Don Shula’s perfect ’72 Dolphins– it is perfectly fitting that Hard Knocks is heading to Miami to capture the start of a new era for one of the league’s proudest teams,” says NFL Films president Steve Sabol. “After Hard Knocks’ hiatus last summer, I know our team at NFL Films can’t wait to get back on the field.”

The cinema verité series will focus on the daily lives and routines of players and coaches as the intriguing Miami Dolphins, who compete in the ultra-competitive AFC East, prepare for the 2012 NFL season.  HARD KNOCKS:  TRAINING CAMP WITH THE MIAMI DOLPHINS will chronicle first year head coach Joe Philbin and an intriguing mix of high-profile veterans, free agents and rookie hopefuls throughout training camp and the preseason.  Each week, players will experience drills, meetings and fun, while struggling to prove they have what it takes to make the team and make their mark in the NFL.

“We are excited that the premier company in sports filmmaking history, NFL FILMS, and HBO Sports have chosen the Miami Dolphins to appear on their award-winning series Hard Knocks,” said Joe Philbin, head coach of the Miami Dolphins.   “We are looking forward to connecting with our many fans across the country as the program chronicles our 2012 training camp.  The series will highlight the outstanding men who comprise our team and represent our organization admirably, both on and off the field, as they compete for a coveted position on our roster.

“The Miami Dolphins have long been synonymous with success on the filed as evidenced by our five Super Bowl appearances and the only perfect season in NFL history,” added Philbin.  “That heritage serves as a constant reminder to our players and staff of the great legacy that has been left for us to uphold.  Our team embraces that rich past and looks confidently to the future as we begin this journey back to the top of the NFL.

“All the decisions that have been made this off-season have had one guiding principle — will it help our players and organization reach its full potential?  This one is no different.  We are convinced that our affiliation with NFL FILMS and HBO will allow football fans everywhere an opportunity to comprehend the significant sacrifices and demands that our players endure each day along their journey in training camp as a Miami Dolphin.  We eagerly await the opening of training camp on July 26 and the 2012 NFL regular season that lies ahead of us.”
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Sunday Night Football first sports series to rank as most-watched primetime show for full TV season

With the conclusion of the 2011-12 television season last night, NBC’s Sunday Night Football topped all primetime entertainment programming to become the first sports series to finish the full fall-spring TV season as the most-watched show in primetime, according to The Nielsen Company.

Sunday Night Football averaged 21.5 million viewers for the full SNF season and 20.9 million viewers for its games during the official TV season which ran from Sept. 19, 2011 through May 23, 2012. American Idol ranked second.  Sunday Night Football was also the top-ranked primetime program for the television season in household rating, and all key adult and male demographics. 

Additional TV highlights from the 2011 NFL season:

• Super Bowl XLVI on NBC was the most-watched program in U.S. television history.
• The AFC and NFC Championship Games accounted for the most-watched Championship Sunday in 30 years.
• Divisional Playoff weekend was the most watched ever, with Giants-Packers on FOX ranking as the most-watched Divisional Playoff game in history.
• The Steelers-Broncos playoff game on CBS was the most-watched Wild Card game ever. 
• FOX posted its most-watched NFL season ever.
• CBS posted its second-most watched NFL season since acquiring the AFC package.
• ESPN’s Monday Night Football was the most-watched series on cable for the sixth consecutive year.
• NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football posted its most-watched season ever.

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Former Eagles, Ravens & Browns scout Daniel Jeremiah joins NFL.com, NFL Network & NFL Mobile

First Column: Ranks NFC South as Top Division for Starting QBs

Former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah, who spent a combined eight seasons with three NFL clubs, has joined the NFL Media team, it was announced today.

Jeremiah will be a regular contributor on NFL.com (NFL.com/DanielJeremiah) and NFL Mobile, offering an Xs-and-Os look at players, teams and trends, and will play a key role in the site’s NFL Draft coverage. In addition, he will offer analysis on NFL Network. Jeremiah enjoys a wide Twitter following (@MoveTheSticks) among NFL media members.

In his first NFL.com column (http://tinyurl.com/78qr7kn), Jeremiah ranks starting quarterbacks by division – noting a shift over the past five years. “Things have definitely changed since 2007,” he writes. “The balance of power at the QB position has clearly switched to the NFC.”

Jeremiah joins NFL Media after serving for two years as the Philadelphia Eagles’ college area scout for the West.  Previously, he was a national scout for the Cleveland Browns and a west coast area scout for the Baltimore Ravens.

Prior to working in the NFL, Jeremiah was a production assistant for ESPN’s Sunday Night Football telecasts.

Jeremiah graduated in 2000 from Appalachian State, where he started at quarterback for three seasons.  He resides in Murrieta, Calif., with his wife and four children.

NFL Media properties include NFL Network, NFL Films, NFL RedZone, NFL.com, and NFL Mobile Only From Verizon.

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NFL & TV partners honored by National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for Sept. 11 remembrance and salute

COMMISSIONER GOODELL ACCEPTS PRESTIGIOUS “CHAIRMAN’S AWARD” FOR “EXCELLENCE IN BROADCASTING AND OUSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE” AT SPORTS EMMY CEREMONY

NFL MEDIA WINS TWO SPORTS EMMY AWARDS 

Commissioner ROGER GOODELL accepted on behalf of the NFL and its television partners the “Chairman’s Award” presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences at last night’s Sports Emmy ceremony in New York. The NFL is the first sports organization to win this prestigious award.

The league and its TV partners were honored for “working together to remember the heroes of September 11 and mark the 10th Anniversary of that day with dignity and honor.”

NFL Media also won a pair of Sports Emmy awards last night with NFL Network and NFL Films earning honors for Men of Mettle from Ed Sabol’s Last Football Movie (Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics), and Sound FX: All Access (Outstanding Post Produced Audio). NFL Films, the most-honored filmmaker in sports, increased its total to 107 Sports Emmys. NFL Network has won 10 Sports Emmys in its eight-year history. 

The Chairman’s Award-winning September 11 remembrance featured special tributes originating from the three locations most affected by the terrorist attacks: Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville, PA, The Pentagon in Arlington, VA, and Ground Zero at the 9/11 Memorial in New York. 

All games in each of the broadcast windows featured an NFL Films-produced introduction narrated by Academy Award-winner ROBERT DeNIRO and followed by performances of “Taps” by representatives of the U.S. Armed Forces from or near the sites of the attacks. The ceremonies were complimented by live shots of players and coaches from each of the 13 stadiums, followed by moments of silence and the playing of the National Anthem with American flags covering the entire field at each stadium.

The project was overseen and produced for the league by NFL vice president of production & operations Glenn Adamo. The theme for the presentation of “Taps” was developed by Scott Katz, who brought the concept to the league office and served as the lead director. NFL Films director of remote operations Dave Shaw led the operations and logistics for the project.

Previous recipients of the Chairman’s Award, which recognizes organizations and individuals for “excellence in broadcasting and outstanding public service to the greater community,” include the McNeil/Lehrer News Hour, CNN, and 60 Minutes.

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NFL Network sets records for all three days of 2012 NFL Draft

NFL Digital Media Properties Traffic Up 46%

NFL Network set records for ratings and viewership on all three days of the 2012 NFL Draft and posted a record three-day average of 757,000 viewers – up 34 percent from 2011, according to The Nielsen Company.

The network kicked off with a record 1.44 million viewers for its coverage of Thursday night’s first round – up 38 percent from last year. NFL Network viewership was up 46 percent on Day 2 and 31 percent on Day 3.

The NFL’s digital media platforms — including NFL.com, NFL Mobile Only From Verizon and other NFL mobile products — set a record with its three-day draft coverage as unique visitors jumped 46 percent compared to last year (and 56 percent increase over 2010).

2012 NFL Draft Round 1 highest-rated ever; More than 25 million watch first round

NFL Network & NFL Digital Properties Set Records

First-round coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft drew a combined total viewership of 25.3 million viewers on ESPN and NFL Network, according to The Nielsen Company.

The networks posted a record combined average rating of 5.28 – an 18 percent increase over last year’s first round (4.46 average rating).

The combined two-network average of 8.1 million viewers is up 16 percent from last year (7.0 million) and ranks as the second-most-watched first round ever (8.3 million in 2010).

NFL Network’s first-round coverage drew a record average of 1.4 million viewers – a 40 percent jump over last year’s previous record (1.0 million viewers).

The NFL’s digital media platforms — including NFL.com, NFL Mobile Only From Verizon and other NFL mobile products — set a record with its first-round draft coverage as unique visitors jumped 53 percent compared to last year (and 41 percent increase over 2010).

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Tebow or Romo? At least one of QBs in Saturday’s debut of “The Top 100 Players of 2012″ on NFL Network

Debut Episode This Saturday at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network Following NFL Draft

‘The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions’ Follows Each Episode at 9:00 PM ET, Featuring Commentary from NFL Network Analysts, NFL Players & Fans

Weekly Series Counts Down Top Players in Today’s Game as Voted on by Current NFL Players — Airs Every Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET Following April 28 Debut

39 New Players Crack the 2012 List

The votes are in and the players have spoken: at least one of these two quarterbacks – TIM TEBOW of the New York Jets and TONY ROMO of the Dallas Cowboys – is ranked among players No. 91-100 as voted by their fellow players in Saturday’s debut episode of The Top 100: Players of 2012 Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings debuting at 8:00 PM ET immediately following NFL Network’s live coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft.

For the second year, current NFL players have weighed in to determine the top players in today’s game on the new season of the returning series. After Saturday’s season debut, the NFL Films-produced series continues at its regular time on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET, beginning May 2.

Also in the debut episode:

• A trio of 1,000-yard tailbacks
• A three-time Pro Bowl lineman
• A Green Bay Packers offensive player

Immediately following each episode LIVE at 9:00 PM ET will be The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings. Host Lindsay Rhodes and a rotating roster of NFL Network analysts and current NFL players discuss and debate the latest group of players to be unveiled from NFL Network’s Los Angeles studios. Fans have the opportunity to join in the debate and voice their own opinions and reactions on Facebook and Twitter, and vote for their own Top 100 on NFL.com/Top100.

The 11-part series which counts down from 100 to 1, unveiling 10 players in each one-hour episode. The season-finale unveiling the top 10 is split into two special one-hour episodes on Wednesday, June 27 at 8:00 PM & 9:00 PM ET.

A wide range of current NFL players present each selection and discuss the qualities which makes each player deserving of his ranking.

In the new Huddle page on NFL.com, fans can discuss The Top 100 list and voice their opinions on whether or not NFL players got it right. Huddle, a Top 100-specifc social media content page, allows viewers to share Top 100 content, and communicate across social media platforms. Additionally, fans can discuss and debate the players revealed during each episode using the hashtag #NFLTop100.

On NFL.com, viewers can vote on each player ranking and whether it should be higher or lower. Voting results from viewers will be revealed starting halfway through the list on Wednesday, May 30. Viewers can also pose questions for NFL Network analysts and player guests by tweeting their questions to @nflnetwork. An on-air social media crawl will display selected questions and the analysts will answer questions in every episode.

Provided below are some facts regarding The Top 100: Players of 2012 list:

• For the first time, all 32 teams are represented with at least one player on the list. Seattle and Buffalo players were not represented in 2011.
• The Top 100: Players of 2012 features 39 new players
• 24 players with a combined 31 Super Bowl rings.
• For the second consecutive year, the University of Miami, Fla. is the most-represented university (9 players).

For the complete press release and show schedule, click here.

Emmy-nominated “NFL Turning Point” renewed for 2012, 2013 & 2014 seasons

Dan Patrick returns as host

Show to air throughout NFL playoffs with four episodes added per season

Emmy Award-nominated NFL Turning Point, the NBC Sports Network’s program that utilizes NFL Films’ unprecedented access to examine the turning point of high-profile NFL games every week, has been renewed for the 2012, 2013 and 2014 seasons with more episodes added to allow the program to air throughout the NFL playoffs, NFL Films and the NBC Sports Group announced today.

With Football Night in America’s Dan Patrick returning as host, the 60-minute NFL Turning Point will make its 2012 season debut on Wednesday, September 12, and will air a total of 22 episodes, running weekly on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET throughout the entire NFL season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl. The season finale, scheduled to air on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, will look back at the turning point of Super Bowl XLVII. During last year’s inaugural season, NFL Turning Point aired 18 times, primarily on Thursday nights and only aired one program during the playoffs, which was the week prior to the Super Bowl.

“We were so pleased with NFL Turning Point’s quality and performance during its inaugural year that we worked with our partners at NFL Films to increase the number of episodes this year, allowing fans to watch the show throughout the NFL playoffs,” said Jon Miller, president, programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “NFL Turning Point is a cornerstone of the NBC Sports Network’s new original programming and representative of our commitment to the highest quality production standards. The Emmy Award nomination for the show’s first season is validation of that commitment and a tribute to our partners at NFL Films, who are true master storytellers.”

Said NFL Films President Steve Sabol, “Last year we had a great rookie season, but as Paul Brown once told me, ‘In the NFL, the biggest jump comes between the first and second year.’ We hope NFL Turning Point makes that type of leap this fall.”

Following its debut season, NFL Turning Point was nominated for Outstanding Edited Sports Series/Anthology in March by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The Sports Emmys will be awarded this Monday night in New York City.

Each week, NFL Films utilizes its unprecedented access to cover games in its traditional behind-the-scenes, award-winning style. The crucial moment in each game — its turning point — is examined in-depth and from all angles using NFL Films’ unmatched cinematography, sideline and on-field audio as well as postgame access to players and coaches.

Transcript: Mike Mayock’s Draft Preview Conference Call

For the transcript of today’s Draft preview conference call with NFL Network’s Mike Mayock, click here

Super Bowl MVP Eli Manning makes his debut — “The Top 100: Players of 2012″ premieres Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network

Weekly Series Counts Down Top Players in Today’s Game as Voted on by Current NFL Players — Airs Every Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET Following April 28 Debut

‘The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions’ Follows Each Episode at 9:00 PM ET, Featuring Commentary from NFL Network Analysts, NFL Players & Fans

39 New Players Crack the 2012 List

The votes are in and the players have spoken. For the second year, current NFL players have weighed in to determine the top players in today’s game on the new season of the returning series, The Top 100: Players of 2012 Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings debuting Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 PM ET immediately following NFL Network’s live coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft. After the season debut, the NFL Films-produced series continues at its regular time on Wednesdays at 8:00 PM ET, beginning May 2.

Immediately following each episode LIVE at 9:00 PM ET will be The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings. Host Lindsay Rhodes and a rotating roster of NFL Network analysts and current NFL players discuss and debate the latest group of players to be unveiled from NFL Network’s Los Angeles studios. Fans have the opportunity to join in the debate and voice their own opinions and reactions on Facebook and Twitter, and vote for their own Top 100 on NFL.com/Top100.

After failing to make the Top 100 last year, where does Super Bowl XLVI MVP quarterback Eli Manning debut? Will new Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning make this year’s list? New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow was named today to Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” list…will he rank among the NFL’s Top 100? Which player fell more than 80 spots this year from last? The answers to these questions and more will be answered in the 11-part series which counts down from 100 to 1, unveiling 10 players in each one-hour episode. The season-finale unveiling the top 10 is split into two special one-hour episodes on Wednesday, June 27 at 8:00 PM & 9:00 PM ET.

A wide range of current NFL players present each selection and discuss the qualities which makes each player deserving of his ranking.

Tonight at 8:00 PM ET, The Top 100: Players of 2012 Preview Show offers a sneak preview of this year’s list.

For the complete press release, click here.