As FOX Sports prepares to broadcast Super Bowl LIX from New Orleans, the network will air a one-hour special featuring eight-time Super Bowl champion and new University of North Carolina head football coach Bill Belichick. Within the special, Belichick will travel in the iconic “Madden Cruiser” bus belonging to Hall of Fame coach John Madden through the Louisiana football country heading towards the city.
The show will feature several cameos, including Pro Football Hall of Fame members Ed Reed and Ty Law, FOX NFL Sunday host Curt Menefee and studio analyst Michael Strahan and local legends Archie Manning and Tryann Mathieu. Furthermore, legendary NFL quarterback and lead FOX NFL analyst Tom Brady will be part of the episode as well, along with Emmy Award-winning media personality Rocsi Diaz.
This special, which is being produced in partnership with NFL Films, SMAC Entertainment and BZ Entertainment, is going to celebrate the culture of the area through history, culture, entertainment, food and football. Moreover, the presentation will reflect on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, a devastating natural disaster that impacted the region and how it inspired the community to meet the challenge and rebuild stronger than ever before.
“FOX Sports is excited to partner with SMAC Entertainment, BZ Entertainment and NFL Films to take football fans on an epic journey celebrating the vibrant Louisiana culture while also honoring John Madden’s legacy,” Barry Nugent, vice president of development and original programming at FOX Sports, said in a statement. “To be able to bring these incredible legends and sports personalities together for this special sets the perfect stage for our presentation of Super Bowl LIX.”
This program, which is titled The Madden Cruiser: A Bayou Adventure with Bill Belichick, is executive produced by Michael Strahan, Constance Schwartz-Morini and FredAnthony Smith of SMAC Entertainment. Additionally, Bryan Zuriff at BZ Entertainment is an executive producer on the project through the creative partnership with Ian Orefice. Mike Antinoro and Jon Adler serve in the roles from EverWonder Studio, along with Jessica Boddy, Keith Cossrow, Ross Ketover and Ken Rodgers from NFL Films. FOX Sports executives Eric Shanks, Mark Silverman, Charlie Dixon and Barry Nugent are executive producers on the project as well, which will premiere on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 12 p.m. EST on FOX before its Super Bowl LIX pregame show.
“One of the country’s most iconic and historic cities, New Orleans has been the stage for countless memorable Super Bowl moments,” Constance Schwartz-Morini, co-founder and chief executive officer of SMAC Entertainment, said in a statement. “Players, coaches and celebrities who have defined New Orleans football and culture lead this iconic tour, which will be the perfect kick off for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.”
FOX Sports is currently in the second season of its media rights deal with the NFL worth a reported $2.25 billion per season. The company will broadcast the Super Bowl at the conclusion of the 2024 and 2028 seasons, along with serving as the home of the NFC Championship Game. The FOX Sports lead NFL broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt, analyst Tom Brady and sideline reporters Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi are expected to be on the call for the Super Bowl matchup.
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