The NFL reigns supreme. Week one is in the books and the league posted hisotric numbers for their major primetime games.
The Thursday night season kickoff between the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs averaged 27.5 million viewers. It was the largest kickoff audience since 2015 and up 24% from the previous year.
According to Deadline, the NFL primetime games ran it up. The Sunday Night Football matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants brought in 21.8 million viewers, while Monday Night Football brought in 22.64 million.
This week, the Minnesota Vikings will visit the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night. The Sunday night matchup will have the Miami Dolphons bringing their high flying offense to Gillette Stadium for a matchup with the New England Patriots. On Monday night, there will be a doubleheader as the New Orleans Saints will travel to the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns will visit the home of the terrible towels and battle the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The NFL has ushered in the ’23 season with a burst of humor and star power through its uproarious campaign, “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up.” Featuring renowned actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key alongside football luminaries such as Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Justin Fields, and more, the campaign blends meme culture and pop references to present the NFL as a stage where reality outshines fiction.
Presented against the backdrop of an “NFL 104th season table read,” Keegan-Michael Key takes the director’s chair. The campaign humorously exaggerates the scripted nature of the league’s events, turning the mundane into the extraordinary. From Metcalf’s no-handed, abs-only catch to Mama Kelce’s romantic dreams involving Jimmy Garoppolo, the players’ outlandish ideas make for a riotous spectacle.
“Our goal was to make this campaign tongue-in-cheek, humorous and clever in the way we tapped into popular memes and cultural conversations about the league and its incredible real-life storylines that are better than anything you could make up,” said TIM ELLIS, Chief Marketing Officer at the NFL. “We really wanted to have fun with this and not take ourselves too seriously. We hope fans get a kick out of the campaign and are sitting on the edge of their seats to see what spectacles unfold this season.”
Produced by 72andSunny, the campaign consists of 16 pieces of content scheduled to coincide with pivotal moments like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Christmas, and international games. The campaign kicks off during the Thursday Night Football game on Amazon Prime Video, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles versus the Indianapolis Colts on August 24.
As the NFL gears up for its 104th season, “You Can’t Make This Stuff Up” injects laughter and anticipation, proving that real-life NFL narratives often trump fiction. The campaign will continue to entertain fans throughout the season on various platforms, culminating in the NFL Kickoff presented by YouTube TV on September 7th.
Some of the best parts of HBO’s Hard Knocks come when the series dives into the lesser known players and rookies trying to make the team and introduce you to the people behind the pads and helmets.
On this week’s Hard Knocks, Jerome Kapp, an undrafted wide receiver out of Kutztown University, got some shine as he stole the show in the team’s rookie talent show. Rookie talent shows are often gold mines for Hard Knocks, as rookies are often tasked with doing impressions of coaches or star teammates, sometimes to hilarious results — Tim Johnson’s portrayal of Shannon Sharpe during the Ravens’ 2001 camp remains one of the great moments the show has ever had. Kapp was not tasked with imitating one of his coaches or teammates, but instead delivered a rendition of B-Rabbit’s freestyle from 8 Mile to the delight of the Jets team room.
#Jets WR Jerome Kapp performing Eminem’s 8 mile free style on Hard Knocks
I don’t think Kapp has a future in the music industry, as he struggled a bit to stay on the Shook Ones beat, but he went all out for it, knowing fully well this was likely to end up on national television. His teammates certainly appreciated the effort and earning a little more respect in the locker room for being willing to risk making a fool of yourself is always the goal of the rookie talent show.
The NFL, in partnership with NTERTAIN Studios and NEON16 music label led by industry luminaries TAINY and LEX BORRERO, has unveiled an expanded collaboration for the 2023 season. Entering its third year, the venture will encompass a dynamic multimedia content series merging music and artists from NEON16 with custom social video content. This project serves as a testament to the NFL’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity, uniting the passion for music and football shared by current NFL Latino players and emerging NEON16 music talents.
“Music is a leading passion point for Latinos, and we feel this partnership is an ideal platform for celebrating our Latino players and connecting more deeply with our fans,” said JAVIER FARFAN, Cultural Strategist at the NFL. “This content series brings together the commonalities of artists and athletes and their inspirational stories from humble beginnings, as they reach the top of their careers and their goal of stardom. Working with NTERTAIN and NEON16 allows us to authentically tell these stories with the creative vision of tastemakers at the forefront of Latino culture, music and entertainment.”
This season’s initiative spotlights a unique creative endeavor, as Latino NFL players and rising NEON16 stars join forces to craft an original song and music video, channeling their authentic enthusiasm for music, football, and community. The inaugural track, “NIVEL #0B,” produced by Dominican talent RMAND from Netflix’s reality music competition show “La Firma,” draws inspiration from RMAND’s collaboration with Miami Dolphins wide receiver BRAXTON BERRIOS, of Puerto Rican heritage. Set for release during Week 3 of the NFL regular season, the track will lead up to the Miami Dolphins’ Latino Heritage Month game and home opener on September 24th. A second full-length track, a product of another player and artist collaboration, will premiere later in the season, joining the RMAND/Berrios composition in this season’s Por La Cultura Anthem songs.
“We loved the concept of having our artists collaborate with Latino NFL players to create something as unique as an original song,” said LEX BORRERO, Co-Founder and CEO of NTERTAIN and NEON16. “While both share Latino heritage, we know that artists and athletes also share a common drive to succeed, the talent to shine and the work ethic to thrive in their respective careers. Unifying these traits and the mutual love and respect for music has led to some incredible art that we can’t wait to share with fans this season.”
Along with two other NEON16 artists, Nashy-Nashai and Alex Ponce, RMAND is featured in this year’s NFL Shop advertisement, which is also scored by a NEON16 rhythm. This is in addition to the multimedia content series highlighting NFL Latino players. The NFL and its 32 clubs will use four songs created by hitmakers at NEON16 as part of their 2023 season soundtrack.
“With more than 31 million NFL fans in the United States, there is no doubt that Latinos continue to fall in love with the sport of football every day,” said MARISSA SOLIS, NFL SVP Global Brand and Consumer Marketing. “We want to inspire Latinos with the lyrics and melodies created by these talented NEON16 artists in the same way they get excited for a perfectly executed pass and catch for a touchdown. This partnership unifies the heroes of stage and sport through their common bond as Latinos representing ‘por la cultura.’”
Last year, the NFL and NEON16 unveiled the first-ever Por La Cultura Mixtape: Volume 1 under the direction of multi-platinum-selling artists One Six and hitmaker Tainy. The compilation included unique tracks that captured the excitement and essence of Latino culture while celebrating the game’s sounds in new, contemporary ways. It was fronted by chart-topping artists Will.I.Am, Anthony Ramos, El Alfa, Yandel, Snow Tha Product, Trueno, and others were flanked by top producers Albert Hype, Jodosky, and Chael.
The collaboration included 10 original songs, including the popular song “Rómpela” with Yandel, El Alfa, and Will.I.Am. It also served as the soundtrack for the NFL’s “Por La Cultura” campaign piece, “The Celebration.” The NEON16 artists of this season will create Anthem songs, music videos, and a social series with some of the most important Latino NFL players to further the collaboration. Throughout the season, the music was utilized at the league and club levels to improve in-game components, marketing activations, and social media content, among other things.
Since its beginning in 2021, when artists like Jodosky, Kris Floyd, and Alvaro Diaz attended numerous NFL games as invited guests of the League, the NFL’s connection with NTERTAIN Studios and NEON16 has developed.
Noname is back and even more radical than ever. Her five-year hiatus between projects left her with a slew of topics to address on her new album, Sundial. The first item up for discussion is several musicians’ alignment with the NFL. On her fiery Slimwave-produced track “Namesake,” Noname directly aims at Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kendrick Lamar for lending their talents to the National Football League.
Noname doesn’t mince words in her diss when the track opens, rapping, “Read in between the line at the crime scene / I ain’t f*cking with the NFL or Jay-Z / Propaganda for the military complex, the same gun that shot lil’ Terry / Out West, the same gun that shot Senair in the West Bank / We all think the Super Bowl is the best thing.” In this line, Noname calls out Jay-Z for entering into a partnership with the sports league despite the criticism it has faced over the treatment of its majority Black players, including former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.
Following in the line of attack, Noname turns her pen towards Rihanna and Kendrick Lamar, who at one point spoke out in support of Kaepernick’s sideline activism. Somehow, later they both performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. For Kendrick Lamar, that was in 2022. Rihanna was this year’s headliner. Beyoncé seemingly used her 2016 performance to advocate for police reform, but in the eyes of Noname, it is simply performative.
“Go, Rihanna, go! Watch the fighter jet fly high / War machine gets glamorized, we play the game to pass the time / Go, Beyoncé, go! Watch the fighter jet fly high / War machine gets glamorized, we play the game to pass the time / Go, Kendrick, go! Watch the fighter jet fly high / War machine gets glamorized, we play the game to pass the time,” raps Noname.
To be fair, those aren’t the only entertainers to feel Noname’s vicious sting. She also delivers a gut punch to herself in the line, “Go, Noname, go! Coachella stage got sanitized / I said I wouldn’t perform for them, and somehow I still fell in line f*ck!” No one is beyond reproach on the track, not even Noname.
Listen to the “Namesake” above.
Sundial is out now via Noname. Find more information here.
Noname is one of the most talented and creative lyricists in the game, and she just returned to prove that with her new album Sundial. Not only that, but it’s her first in five years since her excellent LP Room 25 back in 2018, and follows a lot of reflection, growth, and unfortunately, injustice. Moreover, on her new track “Namesake” off of this new project, the Chicago rapper tackles the systemic issues of the NFL, and calls out a few massive musicians who worked with the organization. For those unaware, the sports giant is not a huge cog in the military entertainment complex, but amid protests from player Colin Kaepernick for police brutality and systemic racism, the league essentially cut his career short.
Furthermore, Noname specifically disses Jay-Z, who partnered with the NFL in 2019 to manage its live music events and to its social justice programs. In addition, the 31-year-old addresses multiple artists who performed at the Super Bowl despite the organization’s misguided ties. These are Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, who have all advocated for racial justice at one point in their careers, or throughout all of it. However, Fatimah Nyeema Warner also points the blame on herself as well, hinting that these are much more nuanced and difficult issues than a simple criticism conveys.
“Read in between the line at the crime scene / I ain’t f***ing with the NFL or Jay-Z,” Noname raps. “Propaganda for the military complex, the same gun that shot lil’ Terry / Out West, the same gun that shot Senair in the West Bank / We all think the Super Bowl is the best thing.” Then, she swaps out Kendrick, Beyonce, and Rihanna’s names in the following line, repeated thrice. “Go, [artist], go! Watch the fighter jet fly high / War machine gets glamorized, we play the game to pass the time.” Finally, the Telefone MC flips the script on herself. “Go, Noname, go! Coachella stage got sanitized / I said I wouldn’t perform for them and somehow I still fell in line… f**k!”
Meanwhile, considering that these are all artists with Black heritage at the least, it’s at least a compromise to see them perform on this stage for multiple years in a row. However, the issues that Noname speaks on are much larger than a performance. To call it a diss would be misleading; it’s about accountability, power, personal gain, and the systemic issues that drive artists between a rock and a hard place. Hopefully there’s been a lot of change behind the scenes that can eventually translate to more overt battles against Black plight. For more news and the latest updates on Noname, come back to HNHH.
There has been a lot of speculation about the future of Shannon Sharpe. The NFL Hall of Famer left Undisputed on Fox after seven years immediately after the NBA Finals. According to reports, a growing rift with co-host Skip Bayless led to Sharpe’s depature. While Undisputed appears to be moving on with the likes of Lil Wayne, Richard Sherman, and Rachel Nichols, Sharpe’s next step is still something of an unknown.
Of course, there’s a lot of push for him to join ESPN. Stephen A. Smith has explicitly said that he wants Sharpe to join the crew of First Take. While Sharpe has had his fun with those rumors, no official move has been announced. ESPN is still coming off massive talent layoffs in June. They would likely like to avoid the backlash they saw with bringing on Pat McAfee in the midst of that “cost-cutting” if they were to add Sharpe. However, the network did also just sign a $2 billion betting partnership so who knows where they now stand on massive talent contracts. Now, Sharpe has further teased his return to the small screen.
Don’t worry I’ll be back on tv soon to cover Football season . These vacations are needed but, it’s too hot out here! I’m going back inside to the A/C where there’s cameras, microphones, and @leportiercognacpic.twitter.com/j3GozEsKEm
“Don’t worry I’ll be back on tv soon to cover Football season . These vacations are needed but, it’s too hot out here! I’m going back inside to the A/C where there’s cameras, microphones, and @leportiercognac ,” Sharpe said on X on August 9. Sharpe made no mention of where he would be appearing but it’s a promise of his return nonetheless. NFL preseason has already kicked off but the season proper begins on September 7. The Chiefs will host the Lions in the NFL Kickoff Game. Other highlights of Week 1 include a Monday Night Football showdown between the Jets and the Bills.
So where is Sharpe headed? The most likely answer is ESPN, where he will likely become a regular on First Take as well as have a new home for Club Shay Shay. However, there are several other major networks looking for star power. FanDuel is looking to fill the void left by McAfee’s own departure to ESPN. Plus, the betting giant also has seemingly endless money. However, with football season fast approaching, we don’t have long to wait before we found out where Sharpe’s next chapter will be.
August marks Play Football Month, and the NFL is kicking it off with a spirited youth flag football campaign titled “Let’s Play,” starring none other than Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and newly appointed Global Flag Football Ambassador Justin Jefferson. The campaign aims to ignite the passion for flag football among kids and teens, transcending age and gender barriers while showcasing the sport’s athleticism and emerging talents.
“I’m very honored to play a role in the NFL’s ‘Let’s Play’ campaign to help bring attention to the great game of flag football and showcase how much fun it is and that anyone and everyone can play,” said Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver. “As a Global Flag Football Ambassador, I truly believe in this sport and want to show kids why it’s one of the fastest growing games out there.”
“It doesn’t get much better than working with Justin, one of the league’s best NFL players, to show that flag is fun, fast and inclusive, but then integrating authentic fans with great football stories, like Deestroying and Jada Vick, just takes it to the next level,” said MARISSA SOLIS, SVP Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL. “Flag is the embodiment of ‘football is for everyone,’ and we are continuing to show that year round, from this pre-season campaign up to The Pro Bowl Games, where the league’s best will play action-packed flag football.”
The vibrant video unfolds in a high school setting, with Jefferson seizing the intercom to challenge students who are perceived as “too much,” “too bold,” “too loud,” or “not loud enough.” These same individuals then dazzle on the field, revealing the game’s fast-paced intensity, competitiveness, and sheer fun. Synced to the upbeat beats of “Superhero” by METRO BOOMIN, the ad stars actual youth flag players, alongside notable appearances from YouTube sensation Deestroying, Quavo, Mark Philips, U.S. Women’s team flag football quarterback Vanita Krouch, and NFL legend Michael Vick and daughter Jada, who is a rising quarterback with a full scholarship to Reinhardt University.
Flag football’s global appeal is undeniable, engaging over 20 million enthusiasts in more than 100 countries across continents. Its inclusive and accessible nature, appealing to all ages and genders, is key to its remarkable growth, with women and girls playing a pivotal role.
The NFL has announced that the 2024 Pro Bowl Games will occur in Orlando, Florida. This annual event was redesigned last year to focus on flag football, with Pro Bowl players engaging in AFC vs. NFC flag games. Alongside these games, the NFL FLAG Championships will be presented in collaboration with RCX Sports. This championship will include top youth flag teams from the United States and an International Division featuring teams from around the world, reflecting the game’s growing global popularity.
In a groundbreaking move, the NFL recently organized the Flag All 32 Summer Invitational, a two-day tournament held in Washington, D.C. This event featured NFL FLAG youth teams from across the nation competing in two flag football leagues: 14U Coed and 17U Girls, with each league comprising 32 teams, each representing a different NFL club. This invitational marked a historic moment as all NFL clubs participated in a unified youth event aimed at promoting flag football.
“The NFL celebrates youth and high school football throughout the year,” said SARAH BISHOP, VP of Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL. “Through camps, activities, and NFL Flag and tackle leagues, our Play Football initiative provides a fun, engaging experience for players of all ages and skill levels, equipping young people with key life skills that are building blocks to success on and off the field.”
Justin Jefferson proudly joins the roster of NFL Global Flag Football Ambassadors, a team consisting of male and female athletes, Legends, coaches, and officials. United in their mission, they’re amplifying the profile of this swiftly expanding sport, championing its unique values and fostering its global ascent.
Reggie Bush, an illustrious name in American Football, embodies the epitome of athleticism, tenacity, and charisma. His prowess on the field has earned him a celebrated National Football League (NFL) career and built an enviable fortune. As reported by WealthyGorilla, in 2023, Reggie’s net worth clocks in at an impressive $25 million.
From Humble Beginnings To NFL Stardom
USC junior tailback Reggie Bush, the 2005 Heisman Trophy winner, announces his decision to make himself eligible for the NFL draft at press conference at Heritage Hall on the campus of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, Calif. on Thursday, January 12, 2006. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
In football, talent is necessary, but resilience and determination are non-negotiable. Reggie’s early years are a testament to this mantra. Growing up in Spring Valley, California, Bush made his foray into football during high school. His undeniable talent and ferocious speed set him apart from his peers, eventually landing him a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC). His college career was nothing short of spectacular, setting the stage for his entry into professional football.
A Rollercoaster Career: Highlights & Accolades
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 07: Reggie Bush #25 of the New Orleans Saints celebrates with fans in the stands after defeating the Indianapolis Colts during Super Bowl XLIV on February 7, 2010 at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2006, Reggie Bush’s professional football career has been a mesmerizing blend of power-packed performances, unexpected setbacks, and record-breaking feats. His skillful navigation of the field and agility secured him a Super Bowl title in 2009 and led the Saints to their first-ever championship win. Despite the highs, Bush’s career had its share of controversies. His Heisman Trophy from 2005, awarded for his outstanding college career, was voluntarily forfeited amidst allegations of NCAA violations.
Off The Field: Personal Life & Highlights
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 06: (Top L-R) Lilit Avagyan, Reggie Bush, and (Bottom L-R) Agyemang Bush, Briseis Bush, and Uriah Bush attend NASCAR’s Busch Light Clash at Los Angeles Coliseum on February 06, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Just as vibrant as his on-field persona, Bush’s life outside the stadium has been a narrative of romance, family, and resilience. His relationship and subsequent marriage to Lilit Avagyan, a professional dancer, have been a topic of media chatter. The couple shares three beautiful children, balancing the world of parenthood with their respective demanding careers. Bush’s personal life has also been punctuated by his commendable determination to further his education. Despite the demands of his professional career, he returned to USC to complete his bachelor’s degree in 2020.
Beyond Touchdowns: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
Fat Joe and Reggie Bush during ESPN The Magazine’s 2007 Pre-Draft Party with Live Performance By Fat Joe and DJ Cassidy – April 27, 2007 at Sol in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Retirement from professional football didn’t slow Bush down. He successfully transitioned into the worlds of sports commentary and entrepreneurship. He’s a frequent contributor on NFL Total Access and co-owns an esports team, the Chaos Theory.
Outside of his business interests, Bush actively partakes in charitable endeavors. The 619 Charitable Fund established by him has been instrumental in providing scholarships to student-athletes in Southern California. He is also a staunch supporter of the Birthday Party Project, a non-profit organization that hosts birthday parties for homeless children.
In sum, Reggie Bush’s journey is a narrative of determination, resilience, and continuous evolution. Despite the controversies and challenges, he managed to carve a celebrated career in NFL and amassed significant wealth along the way. His current net worth of $25 million reflects not only his successful career in football but also his ventures in the world of business and philanthropy.
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been suspended for three games for his role in a fight in Las Vegas in 2022. Kamara pled no contest last month in a deal that saw the charges against him dropped. Kamara and three other men initially faced misdemeanor charges of conspiracy to commit battery. Furthermore, they also faced a felony charge of battery with substantial bodily harm. However, Kamara’s plea means he will no longer face felony charges. Instead, Kamara pled no contest to a misdemeanor charge of breaching the peace.
Kamara met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell earlier this week to discuss the incident. “Obviously, I know that’s not really protocol, but I mean, he gave me the opportunity and I took it and went up there and met with him and it went well,” Kamara said. While no punishment was released at the time, Adam Schefter has since reported that Kamara will miss the first three games of the 2023 season. It will keep Kamara out of games against the Titans, Panthers, and Packers.
In a statement made before his suspension, Kamara apologized for his role in the altercation. “It’s a tough ordeal to be in. You know, I never want to be involved in something where someone gets hurt or severely injured or anything. Poor judgment on my end, definitely a bad decision, but I’m a man. Everything I’ve ever done in my life, I’ve stood on. And I can take accountability for it and I can say when I’m wrong and I was completely wrong.”
He continued. “Obviously, it’s hard to do that when you’ve got such an incident like that. I’ll be lying if I said it wasn’t tough,” Kamara said. “Lost a lot throughout this ordeal, definitely not looking for any pity, not looking for somebody to give me a pat on the back and say it’s OK. I know what I did, I know what I was involved in. I definitely take responsibility and that’s part of being a man and growing. From here, I just have to make the right decisions.”
. These vacations are needed but, it’s too hot out here! I’m going back inside to the A/C where there’s cameras, microphones, and 
