Sports
NFL broadcasters are getting more access to teams: Here’s how they’re using it
It is not an accident that you are seeing more in-uniform interviews from NFL players this season. Here’s why: Last May, the NFL broadcasting department sent out a memo on the topic to the league’s chief executives, club presidents, general managers, head coaches and public relations directors. The memo outlined access changes for the NFL’s television partners after a review between the league and its media rights holders. The shared goal? To enhance the game content that we see as NFL viewers.
The key additions, as per the memo:
• In-game coach interviews for all games;
• Pregame player interviews for all games;
• Network pregame locker room coverage;
• Preseason player interviews;
• Coaches’ booth network cameras.
I’ll give you an example of how this has manifested itself for viewers so far. During the opening-week broadcast between the Cincinnati Bengals and New England Patriots, CBS sideline reporter Evan Washburn interviewed Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow right before kickoff. Home clubs must make a high-profile player available for pre-kick interviews in full uniform as part of the new broadcast access rules. (There are limits to the amount of interviews each player does with a network during the season, so it’s not one player doing it each week.)
“It always hits differently when you hear a player tell you things in his own voice,” said CBS Sports producer Ken Mack, who produces the CBS NFL team of Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Washburn. “When Joe Burrow told Evan Washburn about how he ‘got a little emotional yesterday’ in the moments before the Bengals opener, it felt like it brought the audience closer to the player.”
“Got a little emotional yesterday, but I’m ready to go. Excited for it.”
Our @EvanWashburn caught up with @Bengals QB Joe Burrow before his first game in nearly 10 months pic.twitter.com/urkhZwGGpQ
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 8, 2024
The new access policy says clubs must make the head coach or either offensive or defensive coordinator available for in-game, on-camera interviews. The time slots are agreed upon between each club and the televising network prior to game day, and the home team has the first choice of interview timing between the end of first quarter, halftime, or the end of the third quarter. There are limits to the number of questions each coach can get (two) and where they take place.
NBC “Sunday Night Football” lead producer Rob Hyland said his broadcast has taken advantage of the new access initiatives. Through the first three games of the season, SNF has interviewed Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud prior to kickoff.
“We’ve also connected with each head coach, either at the start or end of halftime,” Hyland said. “One of Sunday Night Football’s stated goals is to take the viewer somewhere they have never been. Having the opportunity to speak with a player moments before kickoff or a head coach at halftime provides an additional layer of access for our audience that we believe adds to the overall viewer experience. Fans want to be as close to the stars of the game as possible.”
Jim Harbaugh handed out blue-collar shirts to his @chargers team to send a message.
Our @tracywolfson caught up with Derwin James about it just before kickoff. pic.twitter.com/j4nIYplKA1
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 8, 2024
You might have also noticed footage from the locker room coverage prior to the game. That’s part of the new access deal too. Per the memo: “When requested by televising network, clubs must record and share at least 20 seconds of pregame locker room footage or content with televising network each game. Recording must occur between conclusion of pregame warmups and 15 minutes prior to kickoff, with the Club having final approval on footage to be aired on broadcast.”
There are many NFL game days where you will see viewer complaints on social media about in-game interviews. The criticism usually revolves around the idea that coaches or players don’t provide insight or little is gleaned from the responses. Sure, sometimes that is valid criticism. But there are moments when viewers do get the occasional gem and insight. It’s why the networks will always support this: There is value in showing your viewers that you have unique access to the main people competing in the event.
“When a coach gives your reporter (and by extension your audience) insight into the team’s mindset at a crucial point in the game, that can be illuminating,” Mack said. “During that same Week 1 broadcast, Evan talked to (New England coach) Jerod Mayo at the start of the second quarter when the Patriots faced a third-and-goal from the Cincinnati 4-yard line. The conversation pushed the game’s storyline forward. Mayo’s forecast of continued aggressive play was borne out on the next play when the Patriots scored a touchdown to take the lead.”
Added Hyland: “Why wouldn’t you want fresh information from the individuals directly impacting the game? Hearing from the coaches and players in-game is something we will continue to showcase. On the rare occasion where some might think there isn’t much information gleaned, body language and non-verbal cues during the interview can be very telling and add to the story of what’s happening in the game.”
(Photo of Amazon “Thursday Night Football” sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung interviewing Buffalo Bills cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram (left) and running back James Cook after their game last week: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Former NFL star Cam Newton had a message for the Grambling State and Bethune-Cookman college football programs in the latest episode of his podcast after a brawl occurred among players from each team over the weekend.
The halftime melee resulted in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) handing out suspensions for 27 players, including three who were suspended for two games. Each program received thousands of dollars in fines as well.
Then-Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) walks on the field during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on Nov. 28, 2021. (Jasen Vinlove/USA TODAY Sports)
Newton said on “4th & 1” that Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) were “set back” because of the fighting that occurred on the field.
“I despise the actions … I am extremely displeased with what took place. Why? It’s because make no mistake about it — I’ve spoken at length about equal opportunity,” Newton said. “We are sitting up here trying to get more access, more visibility, to amplify the platform of HBCUs. No matter if you in the MEAC, the SWAC, the SIAC, the OVC — or whatever conference you’re in — if you’re a representation of Blackness and Black culture, you should look at this and say to yourself, ‘This set us back.’”
Newton wondered what if the brawl took place on a major network that aired college football games and what the conversation would be around HBCU programs.
He added that, overall, the image was damaged as schools are trying to grow in terms of name, image and likeness deals and looking for sponsors.
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton watches a game between the Howard Bison and Florida A&M Rattlers in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 16, 2023. (Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports)
NCAA PUTS MICHIGAN STATE FOOTBALL ON 3 YEARS OF PROBATION, VACATES 14 WINS
The former Carolina Panthers quarterback star also took issue with Grambling State head coach Mickey Joseph’s initial comments after the brawl. Joseph initially said the school wasn’t going to tolerate “disrespect” and they’re “going to meet disrespect with disrespect.”
Joseph apologized and backtracked from his comments, but it still didn’t sit well with Newton.
“I can forgive you for what you said, I can never forget what you said,” Newton said. “It’s almost like, what are you apologizing for? Are you apologizing because someone above you said, ‘That’s not a good look and you gotta apologize for that.’ Or, are you apologizing because that’s how you really feel?
“Anybody in the SWAC, MEAC, SIAC, CIAA, OVC, I’m ticked off because it set us back, man. It set us back.”
The SWAC admonished the schools and the players that took part in the fight.
“We’re extremely disappointed by the events that transpired during halftime of the Bethune-Cookman at Grambling State football game,” SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland said in a statement. “Acts of that nature have zero place in the Southwestern Athletic Conference and intercollegiate athletics.
Detail view of a penalty flag during a football game on Nov. 7, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“The Conference Office has and will continue to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for all acts deemed to be unsportsmanlike and contrary to the high standard of good sportsmanship we expect from all individuals associated with the athletics programs within our league.”
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
It’s more than two hours before Sherman Oaks Notre Dame’s football team plays in a Southern Section playoff game, and there’s one big teenager lying on his back at the 50-yard line with headphones on. Samson Fatu, 6 feet 5 and 305 pounds, is using the all-weather turf as his “Sleep Number bed.”
“Here I Am,” a song by J Boog, playing on his headphones. This is the way Fatu focuses before a game.
He’s a starting offensive tackle for Notre Dame, which hosts Chino Hills in a Division 3 playoff game on Friday. His father, Rikishi, is in the WWE Hall of Fame. Three brothers are pro wrestlers and don’t be surprised if Samson one day becomes the latest Samoan family member to start throwing people down. He’s that big and strong and anyone named Samson has star power.
He’s finally healthy after getting injured last season. Get your photos of the big kid with lots of hair. One day you might be watching him on TV in football or wrestling.
This is a daily look at the positive happenings in high school sports. To submit any news, please email eric.sondheimer@latimes.com.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Sometimes, even winning takes a toll.
Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball head coach Pat Kelsey learned the hard way on Tuesday night as he tried to avoid the postgame celebration fracas following their win over the Kentucky Wildcats.
Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey did not like a call during the second half as the Louisville Cardinals hosted the Kentucky Wildcats at the KFC Yum! Center on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (Jeff Faughender/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
The No. 12 Cardinals defeated the No. 9 Wildcats 96-88 at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.
He entered his postgame media availability with his right middle finger in a splint. He said he was trying to avoid his assistant coaches mobbing him after the victory on the other side of the arena.
“Now I’m 50, but I got some wheels,” he said. “There’s a curtain that separates the two halves of the court, and I try to bust through, but my finger gets caught on something.”
DESPITE JT TOPPIN’S 35-POINT PERFORMANCE, ILLINOIS OUTLASTED TEXAS TECH
Louisville Cardinals head coach Pat Kelsey went into the Cardinal student section after the Cards beat the Cats 96-88 in the UofL-UK annual rivalry game at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky Nov. 11, 2025. (Matt Stone/Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Kelsey said his finger was bent at nearly 90 degrees but was unsure if it was broken. A team physician helped him reset the finger.
“There’s so much adrenaline going on in my body right now, I didn’t feel anything,” he said.
Louisville’s win over Kentucky is one of their biggest in recent years. Kelsey took over the Cardinals as head coach after the team went 8-24 under Kenny Payne during the 2023-24 season.
The Cardinals were 27-8 last year and made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since the 2018-19 season.
Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey shouts instructions to his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky in Louisville, Kentucky, Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Louisville had lost 14 out of its last 17 against Kentucky before the win on Tuesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
India approves $5.1 billion package to aid exporters after US tariffs hit
Video: Epstein’s Emails About Trump
Malala Yousafzai on ignoring advice and being willing to change her mind : Wild Card with Rachel Martin
Spotify’s new audiobook recap feature uses AI to remind you of the story so far
Argentina reveals secret WWII files on Hitler’s henchmen who fled before, after the war
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Rev. Jesse Jackson hospitalized amid health battle with neurodegenerative disease
Pakistan says Islamabad, South Waziristan bombers were Afghan nationals
Lawyers for Comey, Letitia James to argue in court that their cases should be dismissed
Read 3 Jeffrey Epstein Emails That Mention Trump
Major Pentagon contractor executive caught in child sex sting operation
-
Austin, TX1 week agoHalf-naked woman was allegedly tortured and chained in Texas backyard for months by five ‘friends’ who didn’t ‘like her anymore’
-
Nebraska5 days agoWhere to watch Nebraska vs UCLA today: Time, TV channel for Week 11 game
-
Hawaii4 days agoMissing Kapolei man found in Waipio, attorney says
-
Vermont1 day agoNorthern Lights to dazzle skies across these US states tonight – from Washington to Vermont to Maine | Today News
-
Southwest6 days agoTexas launches effort to install TPUSA in every high school and college
-
New Jersey4 days agoPolice investigate car collision, shooting in Orange, New Jersey
-
World1 week agoIsrael’s focus on political drama rather than Palestinian rape victim
-
West Virginia2 days ago
Search for coal miner trapped in flooded West Virginia mine continues for third day
