NFL Network Coverage Plans For Hall of Fame Weekend

We have the coverage plans for NFL Network for Pro Football Hall of Fame Week. For some reason, I thought it was this week, but it’s actually next week. That’s neither here nor there for you. So here is what you’ll see on the channel if it is on your cable or satellite provider.

NFL NETWORK HEADS TO CANTON, OH FOR PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME WEEKEND

Unmatched Coverage Includes Debuts of Jerry Rice: Catching History Wednesday, August 4 at 8:00 PM ET & The Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton at 9:00 PM ET

“Hall of Fame” Analysts Rod Woodson & Michael Irvin Anchor Broadcast Team from Canton

Seven Hours of Live Coverage on Enshrinement Saturday, August 7

NFL Network returns to Canton, OH for one of the greatest traditions in sports when Pro Football’s greatest players welcome in a new class with the 47^th Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony. NFL Network delivers seven hours of live, high-definition coverage on Enshrinement Saturday, August 7 beginning at 4:00 PM ET. 2007 enshrinee Michael Irvin and 2009 enshrinee Rod Woodson highlight NFL Network’s broadcast team that also includes Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, Jason La Canfora and Kara Henderson.

NFL Network’s Hall of Fame-related programming also features the debut of two shows that pay tribute to 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinees Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith Wednesday, August 4. In Jerry Rice: Catching History, debuting at 8:00 PM ET, Steve Mariucci returns to Candlestick Park with the league’s all-time career leader in pass receptions to relive the illustrious career that has earned him a place in Canton. The one-hour show covers all of his heroic highlights, and uncovers the secrets that made him one of the greatest players in NFL history. Jerry Rice: Catching History also includes never before told stories about Rice’s early days, and a return to his favorite workout spot – simply known as, ‘The Hill.’

Immediately following at 9:00 PM ET, The Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton reunites Cowboys Michael Irvin, Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith to reminisce on the legacy the trio built in the Dallas in the ‘90s and celebrate the next “triplets” reunion in the halls of Canton. The trio looks back on Smith’s signature game versus the Giants, where he tallied 168 rushing yards, 10 receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown despite suffering a shoulder injury, their Super Bowl championships and Irvin and Aikman offer Smith words of wisdom for Enshrinement Saturday.

Both Jerry Rice: Catching History and Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton are voiced by actor Clarke Peters, best known for his role as Detective Lester Freamon in HBO’s critically-acclaimed drama, The Wire.

As members of the Hall of Fame, no one understands the emotions and sentiments being felt by the 2010 enshrinees better than Irvin and Woodson. As a member of the class of 2007, Irvin enters his third year as a member of NFL Network’s Hall of Fame broadcast team, while Woodson brings his Hall of Fame credentials one year after his enshrinement as a member of the Hall’s 2009 class.

NFL Network’s full coverage from the Pro Football Hall of Fame begins Friday, August 6 at 7:00 PM ET with NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame, where both Rice and Smith are scheduled to appear.

Saturday coverage begins at August 7 at 4:00 PM ET with NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame Pre-Ceremony, leading into the 2010 Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony.

Special features within the pre-ceremony include:

• Scheduled on-set appearances by Hall of Famers John Madden and Troy Aikman

• Rod Woodson’s Tribute to Dick LeBeau: In his induction speech last fall, Woodson made it clear that Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau’s enshrinement was long overdue. Now with LeBeau receiving the nod, Woodson pays tribute to the man who has left a lasting impression on the NFL both on the field as a player and as a coach on the sidelines.

• The Top 10 Dallas Cowboys of All-Time, According to ‘The Playmaker’: It’s a list that you’ve heard debated and discussed in the past, but never from one of Dallas’ greatest. ‘The Playmaker’ Michael Irvin ranks the Top 10 Dallas Cowboys of all-time.

• The Top 10 San Francisco 49ers of All-Time, According to Mariucci: As a former head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, Mariucci shares his Top 10 49ers of all-time.

• Highlights from Jerry Rice: Catching History and The Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton

The Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony will also feature new enhancements for 2010 for an even more viewer-friendly and visually stimulating experience for fans both in the crowd and those viewing at home. Improvements include a massive 32-foot-wide LED video screen as an on-stage backdrop where video clips and selected images will be projected on a wall suspended above the stage floor and for the first time, presenters’ speeches serve as the voiceover to a four-minute highlight package honoring the corresponding enshrinee.

A one-hour NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame Post-Enshrinement Show reviews highlights of the ceremony, along with scheduled live appearances by
newly inducted Hall of Famers Smith and Rice, with their respective presenters Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo.

NFL Network 2010 Hall of Fame Programming Schedule:

Monday, August 2

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Opening Days

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Greatest Hands

• From Lynn Swann and Fred Biletnikoff to Marvin Harrison and 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Jerry Rice, these receivers have made the tough catches look easy. NFL’s Top 10 counts down the Top 10 Greatest Hands.

8:00 PM – America’s Game: 1993 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

• The Cowboys were successful in their quest for back-to-back Super Bowl titles. 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Emmitt Smith held out for the first two games, only to return and help carry the Cowboys to victory despite suffering a separated shoulder in the last regular season game. He was later named NFL MVP, as well as Super Bowl MVP, and became the only player to win all three titles in one season.

9:00 PM – America’s Game – The Missing Rings: 1998 Minnesota Vikings (HD)

• The Vikings became only the third team in history to win fifteen regular season games, breaking the record for most points scored in the regular season. The Vikings defense, led by 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee John Randle, finished the season second in the league in turnover differential. This edition of America’s Game – The Missing Rings chronicles the story of the dominate 1998 Minnesota Vikings who were on the fast track to the Super Bowl before suffering a devastating overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC Championship.

Tuesday, August 3

11:00 AM – America’s Game: 1993 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

12 NOON – America’s Game – The Missing Rings: 1998 Minnesota Vikings (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1994 San Francisco 49ers

• San Francisco became the first team in to win five Super Bowls with their victory in Super Bowl XXIX, in which 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Jerry Rice scored an impressive three touchdowns.

1:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1969 Denver Broncos

• The Broncos final season in the American Football league is outlined. Featured in this program is 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Floyd Little.

2:00 PM – Legends of the Hall: Defenders

2:30 PM – Legends of the Hall: Quarterbacks

3:00 PM – Legends of the Hall: Teams

3:30 PM – Legends of the Hall: Coaches

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Linebacking Corps

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Super Bowl Performances

• NFL’s Top 10 takes a look at the players who became legends on the game’s greatest stage. Jerry Rice’s MVP performance in Super Bowl XXIII and Marcus Allen’s record-setting day in Super Bowl XVIII claim their place in the Top 10 Super Bowl performances.

8:00 PM – America’s Game: 1982 Washington Redskins (HD)

• After a shortened season following a players strike, the Redskins bounced back from their previous season to go 8-1 and beat the Miami Dolphins to win Super Bowl XVII.  2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Russ Grimm was part of an offensive line dubbed “The Hogs,” considered one of the most punishing of its time.

9:00 PM – America’s Game: 1989 San Francisco 49ers (HD)

• After winning Super Bowl XXIV against the Denver Broncos, the 49ers became widely acknowledged as the team of the decade. Joe Montana earned the highest quarterback rating in NFL history and was named NFL MVP.  2010 Hall of Fame inductee Jerry Rice caught 82 passes for 1,483 yards and 17 touchdowns. 

Wednesday, August 4

11:00 AM – America’s Game: 1982 Washington Redskins (HD)

12 NOON – America’s Game: 1989 San Francisco 49ers (HD)

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Madden: My Road to Canton

• From his years on the Raiders sidelines to a legendary career in the broadcast booth, NFL Network profiles John Madden’s long journey to the Hall of Fame.

2:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1982 Washington Redskins

2:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1992 Dallas Cowboys

• Previously considered one of the most struggling teams in the NFL, good coaching and superior performances resulted in a Cowboys’ Super Bowl victory. 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Emmitt Smith earned his second straight NFL rushing title. QB Troy Aikman was named Super Bowl MVP after a phenomenal post-season in which he completed 68% of his passes and threw no interceptions.

3:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1993 Dallas Cowboys

3:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1995 Dallas Cowboys

• Despite injuries and the departure of many veterans, the Cowboys advanced to win their third Super Bowl title in four years. Emmitt Smith earned his fourth NFL rushing title and set the then-record of 25 rushing touchdowns in a season.

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Characters

• From the intimidating game day persona of John Randall to William “The Refrigerator” Perry and his mega-watt smile, NFL’s Top 10 highlights the game’s most charismatic personalities.

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Receiving Corps

• “The 49ers of the late-80s,” “Air Coryell,” “The Marks Brothers” and “The Greatest Show on Turf,” are included among the NFL’s Top 10 receiving corps of all time.

8:00 PM – Jerry Rice: Catching History (HD) – DEBUT

• The league’s all-time career leader in pass receptions sits down with Steve Mariucci to relive the illustrious career that has earned him a place in Canton.

9:00 PM – The Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton (HD) – DEBUT

• Cowboys Michael Irvin and Troy Aikman reunite with Hall of Fame enshrinee Emmitt Smith to reminisce on the legacy the trio built in the Dallas in the ‘90s and celebrate the next “triplets” reunion – in the halls of Canton.

9:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Triplets

Thursday, August 5

11:00 AM – Jerry Rice: Catching History (HD)

12 NOON – The Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton (HD)

12:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Triplets

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Irvin: My Road to Canton

• Michael Irvin virtually created the modern day persona of the NFL receiver and left a lasting legacy on the game. Irvin: My Road to Canton looks at the celebrated and controversial career of the man who will always be known as the “Playmaker.”

2:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1991 New Orleans Saints

• Head coach Jim Mora led the Saints to their first ever division title, an effort largely fueled by 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Rickey Jackson’s 11.5 sacks and 59 tackles.  Led by Jackson, the team never finished below .500 in Jackson’s final seven years.

2:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1992 New Orleans Saints

• Under head coach Jim Mora, the 1992 Saints finished the regular season 12-4. Led to the playoffs by quarterback Bobby Hebert, the Saints were defeated by the Eagles 36-20 in the NFC Wild Card game. 2010 Hall of Fame enshrinee Rickey Jackson led the team to finish with the top defense in the league.

3:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1988 San Francisco 49ers

• As part of their domination of the 1980’s, the 49ers advanced to become Super Bowl XXIII champions. Jerry Rice caught three touchdowns in the NFC Divisional playoff, two in the NFC Championship game and the game-changing touchdown in the Super Bowl. He earned Super Bowl MVP accolades, becoming the third wide receiver ever to bestow the honor.

3:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1989 San Francisco 49ers

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Cornerback Tandems

• When one shut-down corner has a backfield partner, championship-caliber defenses are built. NFL’s Top 10 takes a look at the top cornerback tandems including Dick LeBeau and Night Train Lane in Detroit and “Old Man” Willie Brown and Skip “Dr. Death” Thomas, of Raiders fame.

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Dallas Cowboys

• The bright lights of ‘Big D’ have been home to big talents like Roger Staubach, Tony Dorsett, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. NFL’s Top 10 reveals the biggest stars to don the star with a countdown of the Top 10 Dallas Cowboys.

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Greatest Hands

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

• Whether physical or emotional, these players fought through the pain when the game was on the line. NFL’s Top 10 focuses on the gutsiest performances of all time including Emmitt Smith’s performance versus the Giants and Jack Youngblood carrying the Rams to the Super Bowl on a broken leg.

Friday, August 6

11:00 AM – NFL Film Session: 1997 Minnesota Vikings

• The Vikings regular season was successful enough to lead them to the playoffs, where Minnesota won the NFC Wild Card game but lost in the Divisional round to San Francisco.  John Randle had career-highs in tackles, led the league in sacks and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl.

11:30 AM – NFL Film Session: 1998 Minnesota Vikings

12 NOON – NFL Film Session: 1969 Denver Broncos

12:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1970 Denver Broncos

• In a season nearly identical to the previous one, the Broncos finished fourth in the AFC West and did not qualify for playoffs, despite starting off the season with three straight wins.  2010 Hall of Fame inductee Floyd Little was the 1970 Denver Broncos’ bright spot, leading the AFC in rushing before later becoming the Broncos’ first 1,000-yard rusher.

1:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Class of 2006

2:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1964 Detroit Lions

• After going 7-5 with 2 ties, the Lions finished fourth in the NFL Western conference.  Dick LeBeau was named as a Pro Bowl selection and earned All-NFL Second Team accolades—two titles which he would go on to win several times in his illustrious playing career.

3:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1994 San Francisco 49ers

3:30 PM – NFL Film Session: 1997 Minnesota Vikings

4:00 PM – NFL Film Session: 1998 Minnesota Vikings

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Players Not in the Hall of Fame

• Ricky Watters, Kenny “The Snake” Stabler and Cris Carter are a few of the legendary players still awaiting their day in Canton. NFL’s Top 10 takes a look at the top players who have not been voted into the Hall of Fame.

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame (HD) – LIVE from Canton, OH

Saturday, August 7

7:00 AM – America’s Game: 1988 San Francisco 49ers (HD)

8:00 AM – America’s Game: 1989 San Francisco 49ers (HD)

9:00 AM – America’s Game: 1994 San Francisco 49ers (HD)

10:00 AM – Jerry Rice: Catching History (HD)

11:00 AM – NFL Films Presents: Triplets

11:30 AM – America’s Game: 1992 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

12:30 PM – America’s Game: 1993 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

1:30 PM – America’s Game: 1995 Dallas Cowboys (HD)

2:30 PM – The Triplets: Emmitt Smith’s Road to Canton (HD)

3:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Players Not in the Hall of Fame

4:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame Pre-Ceremony (HD) – LIVE from Canton, OH

7:00 PM – 2010 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (HD) – LIVE from Canton, OH

10:00 PM – NFL Total Access at the Hall of Fame Post-Induction Show (HD)

• Rich Eisen hosts, alongside Michael Irvin, Rod Woodson, Steve Mariucci, Jason La Canfora and Kara Henderson live from Canton, OH.

Sunday, August 8

9:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

10:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Greatest Hands

11:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Players Not in the Hall of Fame

12 NOON – 2010 Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (HD) – ENCORE

I’ll post more stuff as we go along this evening.