As the NFL season gears up, the excitement extends far beyond the field. For corporate event planners, the narratives that unfold in the league offer more than just watercooler conversation — they present unique opportunities to engage and inspire audiences. The NFL’s influence touches every corner of popular culture, from media personalities and on-field heroics to the booming world of sports betting and the growing participation of women in the sport.
In this post, we’ll dive into the most compelling storylines of the upcoming NFL season, highlighting the figures who will dominate headlines and capture imaginations. Whether you’re looking to stay informed for your next event or simply curious about the trends shaping the upcoming football season, these insights will help you connect the dots between the gridiron and the boardroom. Let’s explore what you need to know as we kick off another thrilling NFL season.
Former NFL Champions Becoming Sports Commentators
The NFL has increasingly become as much about the personalities off the field as it is about the action on it. Traditional media continues to lean heavily on former stars, with Tom Brady’s much-anticipated debut as a FOX analyst being one of the most talked-about stories. Along with consistent performances in the booth from the likes of Tony Romo and Troy Aikman in recent years, there’s no denying the value that former players bring to the broadcast table.
“I had an amazing experience with All American Entertainment, they were amazing, professional, quick, and efficient every step of the way, from the selection process to negotiations to day-to-day coordination. Tony Romo was fantastic!” — Anjelica Ong, Varicent ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Manning brothers, Peyton and Eli, have carved out a unique niche with their ManningCast, blending humor, insight, and high-profile guests into a format that feels both fresh and familiar. Bill Belichick, known for his stoic sideline demeanor, is set to become a permanent fixture on the show, offering fans a rare glimpse into his football mind.
Meanwhile, the Kelce brothers, Jason and Travis, continue to captivate audiences with their podcast, “New Heights,” proving that the new media landscape is just as impactful as traditional broadcasts. Former NFL players like Rob Gronkowski, Michael Irvin, Emmanuel Acho, Keyshawn Johnson, Julian Edelman, and Terry Bradshaw are set for another season as a part of the FOX Sports team.
And then there’s Pat McAfee, whose blend of entertainment and sports commentary has made his ESPN show a must-watch for NFL fans. As the lines between media, entertainment, and football continue to blur, these voices are shaping how we experience the game.
The NFL Players and Teams to Watch This Season
As the season kicks off, the on-field storylines are as compelling as ever. Aaron Rodgers, Joe Burrow, and Kirk Cousins are just a few of the star players making their return from injury, each with something to prove — with Cousins taking over as quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons. All eyes will be on these players as they aim to shake off the rust and lead their teams to victory.
The Kansas City Chiefs are in pursuit of a historic three-peat, led by the dynamic duo of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce playing under the coaching brilliance of Andy Reid. With back-to-back Super Bowl wins under their belt, the pressure is on to cement their dynasty status.
Meanwhile, record-setting contracts have been handed out this offseason to quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa as well as wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson, underscoring the high stakes and expectations placed on the league’s top talent. Rookies like Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye are eager to make their mark and hoping to establish themselves as the future of the league. As the season unfolds, these storylines will be at the forefront, capturing the attention of fans and analysts alike.
The Rising Influence of Women in the NFL
The NFL has seen a significant rise in its female viewership, particularly among women ages 18-24, who posted a 24% increase in Super Bowl viewership last year. This surge is indicative of a broader trend: more women are not just watching football — they’re increasingly involved in the league itself.
While much of the recent attention has been on Taylor Swift’s relationship with Travis Kelce, it’s essential to acknowledge the trailblazers who have been paving the way for years. Women like Katie Sowers and Jen Welter, who broke barriers as NFL coaches, have inspired a new generation of female football enthusiasts.
And the 2024 season will mark a new record for the league itself, with 15 female full-time coaches across the NFL — including three with the Baltimore Ravens alone. Jennifer King, the first full-time coach in NFL history, enters her fifth season, now with the Chicago Bears.
“[Maia] Chaka was wonderful. She exuded an appreciation for being here and made an effort to sincerely and genuinely connect with as many students as possible. We would have her back in a heartbeat. Thank you!” — Andrea Phillips, McDaniel College ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maia Chaka, the NFL’s first Black female official, continues to make history, while broadcasters like Erin Andrews, Lindsay Czarniak, and Pam Oliver remain fixtures on the sidelines, delivering insightful commentary and analysis. Amy Trask, the NFL’s first female CEO, and Sandra Douglass Morgan, the first Black woman to become president of an NFL team, have shattered glass ceilings in the league’s front offices. Together, these women are proving that football is a game for everyone.
Bring NFL Legends to Your Next Event
When it comes to delivering unforgettable experiences, few can match the impact of a former NFL star. Whether it’s a retired player who’s hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, a championship-winning coach with a playbook full of wisdom, or a familiar voice from the broadcast booth, these football legends know how to captivate and motivate any audience.
Their stories are etched in the annals of NFL history—tales of grit, determination, and teamwork that resonate far beyond the football field. From game-changing plays to overcoming adversity, these speakers bring a wealth of experience and insight that can inspire your team to reach new heights.
- Michael Strahan — Co-Host of “Good Morning America”, “Fox NFL Sunday” Analyst, Hall of Famer & Champion
- Deion Sanders — Head Football Coach at the University of Colorado Boulder; NFL Hall of Famer, Two-Time Super Bowl Champion
- Phil Simms — CBS NFL Lead Analyst, Super Bowl MVP & Co-Host on Showtime’s “Inside the NFL”
- Jason Kelce — Former All-Pro Offensive Lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles; Co-Host of the “New Heights” Podcast with Travis Kelce
- Cris Collinsworth — Former NFL Wide Receiver & Sports Emmy Award-Winning Game Analyst for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football”
- J.J. Watt — Former NFL Player; Three-Time NFL Defensive Player of the Year; Studio Analyst for ‘The NFL Today’
- Bill Cowher — NFL Studio Analyst for CBS’ “The NFL Today”; 15-Year Head Coach & Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Nate Burleson — Co-Host of “CBS Mornings” & Analyst for “The NFL Today”; Former NFL Wide Receiver & Podcast Host
- Tiki Barber — NFL Former Pro Bowl Running Back & Founder of Thuzio
- Tony Gonzalez — NFL Great and Analyst, Fox NFL Kickoff
- Jerome Bettis — Former NFL Halfback, Pittsburgh Steelers & Analyst for ESPN
- Rob Gronkowski — Four-Time Super Bowl Champion, Broadcaster & Philanthropist
- Keyshawn Johnson — Former NFL Wide Receiver, ESPN Broadcaster, Co-Host of “Keyshawn, Jay & Zubin”
- Dan Orlovsky — NFL & College Football Analyst for ESPN; Former NFL Quarterback
- Ryan Clark — Former NFL Safety; NFL & MMA Analyst at ESPN
- Emmanuel Acho — Fox Sports Analyst, Co-Host & Producer
- Michael Irvin — NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver & NFL Analyst
- Julian Edelman — Former Wide Receiver for the New England Patriots; MVP of Super Bowl LIII; NFL Analyst for Paramount+
- Charles Woodson — Hall-of-Fame NFL Cornerback; 1997 Heisman Trophy Recipient
- Greg Olsen — Former NFL Tight End, Football Sportscaster & Founder of Receptions for Research: The Greg Olsen Foundation
- Matt Leinart — FOX Sports 1 College Football Analyst; Former American Football Quarterback
- Reggie Bush — Former NFL Running Back; College Football Analyst for Fox Sports
For event planners looking to score big, booking one of these motivational football speakers is a surefire way to leave a lasting impression. No matter your budget or schedule, these NFL greats are ready to deliver a powerful message that will resonate long after the final whistle. AAE Speakers is here to help you find the right one for your next event.