Tag: Draft-A-Thon

Saints hater Brandon Marshall buries the hatchet with Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton confronted Brandon Marshall on the Draft-A-Thon charity stream, addressing his ESPN rant on the team.

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New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton made an appearance on the Draft-A-Thon broadcast, a separate video feed covering this year’s NFL draft dedicated to raising donations for coronavirus relief efforts.

However, his time on the show brought Payton into contact with Brandon Marshall; the one-time Saints wide receiver who ripped the team during an ESPN bit earlier this month.

“Alright, so I made some headlines recently,” Marshall said, referencing his heated comments about the imminent collapse of the Saints as a Super Bowl contender.

“I love you,” Payton interjected, grinning. “I love you.”

Taken aback, Marshall responded, “I love you too. Then you went on Twitter, and you called me out.”

Payton brushed off the incident as, “playing by Covid-19 rules,” in which jokes and hot takes are allowed in these strange times. But once things settle down, he’s expecting everyone to let up a little. See it for yourself:

Marshall’s main point in his ESPN rant was that the Saints wouldn’t be able to compete with Tom Brady, now that he’s landed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That’s a challenge Payton is embracing.

“In all seriousness,” Payton said, “There’s only about ten or eleven relevant teams. You’re on a point where, not only Tom but also (Rob) Gronkowski, you know just the standard’s going to change. They’re really, really special players.”

One idea Payton had for addressing the looming matchup was to put it under the brightest spotlight. He asked NBC Sports sideline reporter Michele Tafoya to take his suggestion to the higher-ups at the network, and put both of the Saints’ games with the Buccaneers on “Sunday Night Football” in 2020. Wouldn’t that be something?

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ESPN and NFL Network to air singular presentation of 2020 NFL Draft

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN and the NFL Network will air a singular presentation of the 2020 NFL Draft in its virtual format.

People around the world are uniting to help each other in amazing ways in light of the coronavirus pandemic that has impacted all corners of the globe. American sports leagues are doing their part as well.

The NFL has announced the 2020 NFL Draft will go on as scheduled at the end of April, however, in keeping with the recommended safety precautions, the annual event will take place in a “fully virtual” format with coaches, staff and prospects participating from remote locations.

To further streamline the coverage, the NFL Network and ESPN will now combine to provide singular coverage of the virtual draft while ABC  is set to present a distinctive, prime-time telecast for the first three rounds. ABC will also simulcast rounds 4-7 with the other networks.

In addition to the prospect selection process, the league will utilize the three-day event in order to fundraise for coronavirus efforts via the NFL Draft-A-Thon.

More information on the programming schedule can be found here.

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NFL will host ‘Draft-A-Thon’ to Benefit COVID-19 relief efforts

The league will host a virtual “Draft-A-Thon” during this year’s NFL draft in support of those on the front lines battling the coronavirus.

The 2020 NFL Draft will go on as scheduled this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic that is impacting the world. However, the league’s premier event will be completely virtual with coaches and general managers selecting team picks from the safety of their homes.

The NFL will also be hosting a “Draft-A-Thon” over the three days in support of healthcare workers and others who are battling the coronavirus on the front lines.

The virtual fundraiser will benefit these six charities selected by the NFL:

American Red Cross

CDC Foundation’s All of Us: Combat Coronavirus Campaign

Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund

Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund

Salvation Army

United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund

​”As we face this global health crisis together, we are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary work of first responders, healthcare workers and many others who are helping those in need,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in the press release. “The Draft-A-Thon will deliver much-needed funding to many who are suffering as well as those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducting this event virtually, and taking all necessary precautions while doing so, underscores the importance of staying home and staying strong during this unprecedented moment in our history.”

Fans will be able to donate to one central fund throughout the draft. More information is expected to be released over the next few days.

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NFL announces ‘Draft-A-Thon’ to benefit 6 charities

The NFL is going to play host to a three-day fundraising event during its draft April 23-25.

The NFL is continuing with its plans for the 2020 draft on April 23-25. The criticism of the event taking place will be blunted after Wednesday’s announcement the league is conducting a “Draft-A-Thon” in concert with the selection process.

The three-day fundraiser will be featured across the live coverage on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes and NFL Network April 23-25 and pay tribute to healthcare workers and first responders in a variety of ways — including raising funds for the work being done to combat the impact of COVID-19. Funds will help a half-dozen six national nonprofits and their respective COVID-19 relief efforts including:

» American Red Cross and its work to maintain a sufficient supply of blood while continuing to deliver its lifesaving mission due to the Coronavirus Outbreak

» CDC Foundation’s All of Us: Combat Coronavirus Campaign to support vulnerable communities and bolster laboratory capacity, clinical research, data and technology infrastructure and local response efforts

» Feeding America’s COVID-19 Response Fund: to help member food banks meet the increased need due to school closures, job disruptions, and current health risks

» Meals on Wheels COVID-19 Response Fund: to ensure local communities have what they need to feed the at-risk elderly population

» Salvation Army and its network form a safety net for individuals and families living in poverty or experiencing homelessness by providing food, shelter, hygiene kits, as well as support to first responders

» United Way’s COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund: to help those in need access food and shelter, childcare for first responders and more while bolstering 211, United Way’s go-to information resource in times of crisis

“As we face this global health crisis together, we are filled with gratitude for the extraordinary work of first responders, healthcare workers and many others who are helping those in need,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “The Draft-A-Thon will deliver much-needed funding to many who are suffering as well as those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conducting this event virtually, and taking all necessary precautions while doing so, underscores the importance of staying home and staying strong during this unprecedented moment in our history.”

More details about the Draft-A-Thon and how to donate will be announced in the coming days.