The Giants have received kudos for their performance on HBO’s “Off Season Hard Knocks,” but the Jets have nothing to sweat. When it comes to NFL reality shows, Aaron Rodgers has already established himself as a one-man “Hard Knocks.”
It took just an initial meeting with cameras and notebooks, as training camp opened last week, for the outspoken Jets quarterback to reestablish himself as the NFL’s King of the Microphone.
Yes, in one session Rodgers, who returns to Woodyville after his damaged Achilles was — hopefully — fixed; covered his stint as a camel jockey during an Egyptian vacation, detailed the fine he received from the Jets for missing practice while on that vacation, and explained the state of his relationship with head coach Robert Saleh.
The Media Seals feasted on this banquet. They also used it to remind friend and foe alike how “calculated” or “all about himself” they believe Rodgers is. These characterizations can’t be totally dismissed. They also show no appreciation for an NFL player who doesn’t carry a PR-operative’s script to the podium or speak in prefabricated soundbites.
And unlike “Hard Knocks” no hidden microphones or cameras are needed to capture any display of candor. Of course, much of the blow-back Rodgers receives can be attributed to what is often perceived as an arrogant delivery/demeanor — or worse. Numerous times, Rodgers has also expanded his microphone stylings in order to pontificate on politics, personal life-style, hallucinogenic drugs, and other topics that have nothing to do with passing or play-calling.
ESPN NFL reporter Dan Graziano has called Rodgers a “liar” and a “narcissistic con artist.” Graziano has also said: “Can we stop listening to what he says and actually watch him play.”
Yes, it would be enlightening, and revealing, to see Rodgers actually suit-up for Gang Green then hear him — and others — comment on his on-field performance.
Nonetheless, shows like ESPN’s “Get Up” or “First Take” would be a lot less entertaining without audio of Rodgers flashing his know-it-all attitude while attempting to convince viewers he invented the game of football.
Nonetheless, what would Pat McAfee’s high-noon soiree be without the host leading Rodgers into the “danger zone” of off-football topics during his weekly ESPN/YouTube appearances?
Yet If Rodgers stays healthy, he will ultimately be reacting to his performance on the field. Rodgersologists predict the quarterback will turn his live postgame sessions into must-see-TV.
Even for his many detractors.
PHIL IS STILL A GIANT
Iconic former Giants quarterback Phil Simms is expanding his promotional role with the team.
The veteran NFL analyst will join Carl Banks and Bob Papa in the TV booth for two preseason games, both on Fox. On Aug. 8 the trio will work Lions-Giants and Aug. 17 they will travel to Houston for the Giants-Texans tilt.
On Nov. 10, the Giants will bring an extra quarterback to Germany — Simms — for Big Blue’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers.
Simms will be on that trip as part of his ambassador role for the celebration of the Giants 100th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the combination of a Blue-Ribbon Panel and fans will pick the top 100 Giants.
Nobody asked me but Simms should land somewhere in the top 5 for being an essential part of a Giants regime that brought the team back to NFL prominence.
PREPPING FOR CARTON
Anyone else envisioning Craig Carton pulling all-nighters to study the Texas Rangers roster?
Or fine-tuning his knowledge of the Yankees?
What about Carton finding a secluded corner of Yankee Stadium to practice his radio play-by-play?
Seriously, we have no idea how Carton is preparing for his three-game stint in the Yankees WFAN radio booth during the Aug. 9-11 set in the Bronx with the Rangers.
Most of the oxygen expelled over this prestigious assignment has included Carton’s decade long tormenting of Bombers radio analyst Suzyn Waldman and how they will click (if she goes through with the gig) over three games. Or the notion Yankees suits think this is a good idea.
Nonetheless, the reality is Carton’s assignment is, to say the least, challenging. This isn’t TV play-by-play, where the pictures tell the story. On TV, the play-by-play voice is not required to give detailed descriptions
On the radio, Carton must paint the word picture. He also must recite commercials, interact with Waldman, and not miss any of the action.
While radio voices often make it sound easy, there is no way to finesse play-by-play. No half-baked signature call can save you if you mess up.
MORE MAD DOG
The Free World will have Christopher (Mad Dog) Russo to kick around on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Radio for at least three more years.
Doggie, who fled the FANCave and escaped Mike (Sports Pope) Francesa many moons ago (2008), recently signed a new deal with SXM. At the time he jumped to satellite radio, some said Russo had self-exiled to radio’s version of the Witness Protection Program.
If anything, Doggie strived, thrived and expanded his media profile. He appears daily on MLBN’s “High Heat” and weekly (Wednesday) on the Stephen A. Smith Show, aka, ESPN’s “First Take.”
Russo has also shown real growth during his long-form interviews. His Wednesday session with Al (Exigente) Michaels was another spot worth replaying.
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DUDE OF THE WEEK: NICK SABAN
The former Alabama coach had an exceptionally smooth transition to broadcasting, working on the live studio programming for the SEC Network last week in Dallas. Saban is a fresh voice with all the credentials one could ask for.
DWEEB OF THE WEEK: DAVID ZASLAV
Regardless of the final outcome of the TV negotiations with the NBA, the head of Warner Bros. Discovery botched Turner Sports’ exclusive renewal opportunity while showing he’s out of his league in the sports arena.
DOUBLE TALK
What NBA (statement) said: “We are grateful to Turner Sports for its award-winning coverage of the NBA and look forward to another season [the final one] of the NBA on TNT.”
What NBA meant to say: “Turner’s award-winning NBA coverage finished a distant second to Amazon’s money.”
