Round 1 of the NFL Draft is must-watch television (today) for a lot of football fans across the country.
Rounds 2 and 3, which take place on April 28, still get pretty good ratings.
But Rounds 4, 5, 6 and 7 on April 29 are really for the diehard fans. That’s why NFL teams are trying to make those late-round selections more riveting this year by incorporating some star power into the mix. For instance, the San Francisco 49ers will enlist the help of California native Jon Pardi to make their Day 3 selections. Jon will be announcing the picks from Levi’s Stadium on April 29.
If you want to see Jon in action, tune in to the NFL Network on April 29 at noon ET.
Check out what some of the other NFL teams are doing to spice up Day 3 of the NFL Draft, courtesy of NFL.com.
Arizona Cardinals – Ten season ticket members will join cheerleaders and Big Red, the team’s mascot, to announce picks from the GRAND CANYON.
Chicago Bears – Bears running back JORDAN HOWARD and military personnel will make selections from the team’s headquarters at HALAS HALL.
Cleveland Browns – Former Browns player JOSH CRIBBS and season ticket members, along with alumni, will announce picks from CEDAR POINT AMUSEMENT PARK.
Denver Broncos – Military members and NFL legends will make selections from PIÑON CANYON MANEUVER SITE.
Houston Texans – Astronauts at the INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION AND SPACE CENTER will announce picks for the first time from outer space.
Indianapolis Colts – Colts defensive end KENDALL LANGFORD will make picks from the INDIANAPOLIS ZOO, along with staff personnel.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Picks will be announced from LONDON and JACKSONVILLE.
Kansas City Chiefs – Service members will make picks from the WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE.
New York Jets – Children of fallen EMT Yadira Arroyo will announce Day 3 selections from EMT HOUSE 26.
Philadelphia Eagles – Actor MORRIS CHESTNUT and CNBC’s JIM CRAMER will make picks from the NFL DRAFT THEATER.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Actor MILO VENTIMIGLIA, Actress MANDY MOORE, current players, and members of a local youth football team will announce selections from HEINZ FIELD.
San Francisco 49ers – Country music singer JON PARDI will make picks from LEVI’S STADIUM.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – General JOSEPH VOTEL, Commander of the United States Central Command, will announce selections from the team’s headquarters at ONE BUCANNEERS PLACE.
Washington Redskins – Actor MICHAEL EALY will make picks with fans from FEDEX FIELD.
When it comes to acting, Reba McEntire wants to do it all. And why not?
Reba is currently in the midst of shooting her new television series, Red Blooded, in Madison, Ga. The hour-long drama, from creator Marc Cherry (Desperate Housewives, Devious Maids), has Reba starring as Sheriff Ruby Adair, who is dealing with a suspected act of terrorism that happens at a Fourth of July parade in the small town of Oxblood, Ky.
While our favorite redhead is knee deep in playing a small town sheriff, it’s not the only role she sees herself playing.
“A dream role would be ten different kinds because I would like to hit all facets—the kooky neighbor down the hall or the heroine in a western,” said Reba. “There are a lot of times when I go to movies and I say, ‘Why didn’t they cast me for that part? I could have done that!” There’s just so many different types. I love to watch television. I love movies. So acting is something that entertains me. Television and movies entertain me. I love to be entertained, but I also love to entertain people. By watching that, I want to get in there and do it myself.”
No word yet on when the show will hit the small screen.
Hockey fever is sweeping across Nashville . . . or “Smashville,” as it’s commonly known in hockey circles.
After sweeping the Chicago Blackhawks in Round 1 of the NHL playoffs, the Nashville Predators defeated the St. Louis Blues in Game 1 of Round 2 last night (April 26).
Carrie Underwood—whose husband Mike Fisher is the Preds team captain—and longtime fans Dierks Bentley and Chris Young chimed in on Twitter after the Predators 4–3 victory.
A fraternity that was banned from the University of Missouri as a recognized student organization because of alcohol—and buttocks—violations has issued a challenge to Carrie Underwood.
The Sigma Pi fraternity of Columbia, Mo., posted a Twitter video yesterday (April 25) with their challenge: If the Nashville Predators beat the St. Louis Blues in their upcoming NHL playoff series, the frat will come to Nashville and donate 200 hours of community service to the charity of Carrie’s choice. If the Blues win, the frat wants Carrie to perform a concert in Columbia and donate the proceeds to a charity of the frat’s choice.
Although the fraternity received a lifetime ban by the University of Missouri last year, the guys continue to live in the frat house and operate normally with the support of their national organization.
No word yet from Carrie or her camp regarding the challenge.
The Blues and the Predators face off in Game 1 tonight (April 26).
Tennessee has picked up a huge addition to it’s 2017 football team at a need position.
Cornerback Shaq Wiggins, a grad transfer from Louisville, has selected Tennessee for his 5th and final year of eligibility according to his tweet today and in speaking to reporters.
I have made my decision and I will continue to finish my career at the University of Tennessee !!!!! 🍊
He chose Tennessee over Mississippi State and South Carolina, among others.
Wiggins (5’10, 173) started out as a 4-star recruit from Tyrone, GA who stayed in-state and played his first year at Georgia in 2013. Wiggins then transferred to Louisville, sat out the 2014 season and played there last two years in 2015 and 2016.
Injuries kept him on the bench for most of last season in 2016. He totaled eight tackles on the year. He was productive in 2015 as an honorable mention all-ACC selection. He led the team in pass break-ups with 11 and tallied 30 tackles on the season. He has two career interceptions.
Sara Evans is bringing some “Faith” to Nashville Tuesday night (May 2) when she headlines a tribute concert for the legendary pop singer, George Michael at City Winery.
George, who passed away in December 2016, was a 80’s & 90’s pop star who began his career in the popular group Wham!, before moving onto a solo career with hits like “Faith” “Father Figure” and “Freedom ’90.” He passed away due to heart related issues in December 2016 at the age of 53.
The event, hosted bySavannah Chrisley, from USA Network’s hit series Chrisley Knows Best, is being dubbed Nights of Freedom and will benefit Unlikely Heroes, an organization which works to rescue, restore and rehabilitate child victims out of slavery.
Songwriter Shane Stevens, organized the event as a tribute to George Michael and his elementary school teacher, who while hearing George’s song on he radio, told Shane, who was being bullied as a child, that he was amazing and he was going to be just like George Michael one day. Shane credits George as an inspiration to him.
The concert will feature musical performances from Sara Evans, Cassadee Pope, Desmond Child, songwriter Shane Stevens, country trio Post Monroe and America’s Got Talent, Season 11 alum singer/songwriter Brian Justin Crum.
Reba McEntire, Scotty McCreery and Little Big Town (sans Kimberly Schlapman) enjoyed an evening out Monday night (April 24) at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 18th Annual Nashville Best Cellars Dinner at the Omni Hotel in Nashville.
For it’s 18th year, the Best Cellars Dinner brought together award-winning chef’s, who prepare a four-course menu for the affair, top vintage wines and celebrity guests. Taking in close to $225,000, the dinner benefits the T.J. Martell Foundation which helps to fund innovative leukemia, cancer and AIDS research at flagship hospitals in the U.S.
The high dollar evening included some of country music’s finest, including Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin, Ashley and Kim Campbell, Eric Church, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook, Reba McEntire, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Cole Swindell and Chris Young.
Prior to the event Martina took to Instagram to post a picture with her husband, John McBride, as they were heading out to the dinner.
“Me and my date for tonight’s Best Cellars dinner to benefit @tjmartellfoundation, she said in the caption.”
Nashville native Mitchell Tenpenny has been making a name for himself over the last few years by plying his unique brand of swampy, soulful country music, as well as distinguishing himself in the writing room (he co-penned Granger Smith’s Billboard Top 10 hit, “If the Boot Fits”).
As Mitchell gears up for the July release of his new EP, Linden Ave, the singer/songwriter/instrumentalist (guitar, drums, piano, bass, banjo) is whetting fans’ appetites by releasing his new single, “Alcohol You Later,” to iTunes on Friday, April 28. But you don’t have to wait until Friday to hear it—Nash Country Daily is premiering the new tune today.
“I wanted to write a song about something that I’ve personally dealt with and seen happen over and over again,” says Mitchell to NCD. “It’s something people can relate to but don’t necessarily want to admit. I heard a Southern gentleman tell his buddy at a bar, ‘I’ll call you later’ with a heavy Southern draw. In my head, I heard ‘Alcohol You Later,’ and I immediately wrote it down and brought it to my co-writers Sam Sumser and Michael Lotten. This song is simply about the truth of liquid courage and how we’ve all felt the need to rekindle an old flame after having a few.”
Listen to the exlusive premiere of Mitchell’s “Alcohol You Later” below.
Little Big Town held an industry-only event last night at the Grand Ole Opry House to announce the launch of their new merchandise line, Boondocks, which takes its moniker from the band’s 2005 Top 10 hit of the same name.
Tennessee Vice Chancellor/Director of Athletics John Currie announced Tuesday that current College Football Playoff Chief Financial Officer Reid Sigmon is joining the UTAD leadership staff as Executive Associate Athletics Director and Chief Operating Officer. Sigmon has spent the past four years with the CFP.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I welcome Reid Sigmon to the Tennessee Athletics family,” Currie said. “He has earned national credibility as part of a visionary leadership group creating the College Football Playoff organization for the last four years, and his tremendous integrity and understanding of college athletics make him a perfect addition to our Tennessee leadership team.”
CFP Executive Director Bill Hancock has touted Sigmon’s business acumen, work ethic and attention to detail as instrumental in the evolution of the multi-bowl series, which was named Sports Event of the Year by Sports Business Journal in 2015.
“Reid’s intellect, personality and vast knowledge of college athletics helped get the College Football Playoff off to a great start,” Hancock said. “I know Tennessee folks will enjoy him as much as we do.”
“I would like to thank (UT) Chancellor (Dr. Beverly) Davenport and John Currie for this incredible opportunity to join the University of Tennessee family,” Sigmon said. “Growing up just across the mountains from Knoxville, I am well aware of the storied tradition of Tennessee athletics. I am excited to serve the student-athletes, fans, coaches and administration of such a world-class and nationally prominent institution.
“I would also like to thank Bill Hancock, the Board of Managers and Management Committee for the incredible opportunity to be part of the original staff for the College Football Playoff. I am grateful to have been part of the start and growth of the College Football Playoff National Championship in its first three years. It has been a great honor to work with the staff, participating institutions, bowls and host communities.”
Born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Sigmon previously worked alongside Currie at Kansas State University from 2009-13, with Sigmon ultimately rising to the post of Senior Associate Athletic Director and COO. Sigmon was Currie’s first hire at K-State and managed the day-to-day operations of the Wildcats’ athletic department, including finance and contractual and legal matters. Sigmon helped transform K-State Athletics from a department with a forecasted $2 million operating deficit in 2009 to one eventually recognized by ESPN, USA TODAY and other outlets as a model of intercollegiate fiscal responsibility, while also laying the groundwork for what grew to $210 million in athletic facility improvements, all privately funded without state or university dollars.
He also was the K-State athletics liaison to the university counsel and vice president for administration and finance offices. And he worked closely with the Wildcats football program and legendary Hall of Fame Coach Bill Snyder, earning a 2012 Big 12 football championship ring.
“Reid was a great friend of our football program,” Snyder said. “He always strived to do what was in our very best interest. Reid is a very caring, committed, responsible and hard-working young man, and I am certain he will be a major success in his new position.”
Added Currie, “Reid was the driving force in the academic, athletic and financial success we enjoyed at Kansas State, and I was able to see first-hand the impact he had in supporting our student-athletes and coaches throughout the department. He is a great listener and a tireless worker who is organized and detailed in his approach, and he always brings a wise, innovative perspective to the table.”
Sigmon, 42, boasts high-level, NFL administrative experience as Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII Host Committee (2007-09), Vice President of Operations of the Jacksonville Super Bowl XXXIX Host Committee (2003-05) and Director of Operations of the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XXXV Task Force (1999-01).
He also worked from 2005-07 as the Director of Stadium Development and Event Operations for the NFL’s Cleveland Browns, where he was responsible for the management, supervision and coordination of all the organization’s event logistics and stadium construction projects. He managed all capital projects at Cleveland Browns Stadium, special events such as draft-day parties and training camp and also assisted with overall stadium operations and gameday management.
Prior to his three Super Bowl appointments, Sigmon was the Assistant Director for the Tampa Bay Organizing Committee for the 1999 NCAA Division I Men’s Final Four in St. Petersburg, Florida.
His career in intercollegiate athletics administration began in 1996 at his alma mater of Wake Forest after the conclusion of his football playing career—during which he lettered as a placekicker and played for head coaches Bill Dooley and Jim Caldwell—as he landed a position as an operations and facilities assistant.
Active in philanthropic initiatives as well, Sigmon stood for four years as a governance officer on the College Football Playoff Foundation, which serves as the CFP’s charitable arm (SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is a member of the CFP Foundation’s Board of Directors).
A longtime NACDA member, Sigmon graduated magna cum laude with a degree in politics from Wake Forest in 1996, and he earned his MBA from Florida in 2003. At UF, he served as president of the MBA Association and a was Matherly Scholar.
Sigmon will begin his duties in Knoxville on May 15 and will earn an annual salary of $285,000.
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