NEW ORLEANS — This week at Media Row, an exciting atmosphere unfolded as various celebrities and former athletes mingled and shared a taste of local flavors. Rob Gronkowski indulged in delicious chicken wings, while Marshall Faulk brought in a special selection of gumbo and beignets, and David Njoku made a memorable impression by walking around without a shirt.
Media Row was a bustling hub this week, with over 150 radio and television stations streaming live segments and shows from the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. As anticipation builds for the upcoming Super Bowl on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs (17-2) are set to face off against Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles (17-3) in a battle for a third consecutive title.
A record-breaking 6,414 media representatives have been accredited to cover this year’s game and its associated events, marking the highest number ever for a Super Bowl. This annual event has grown tremendously from its early beginnings when a singular radio station started broadcasting live from a hotel in Minneapolis in 1992, evolving into a vibrant gathering place for media, content creators, and sports enthusiasts alike.
Radio Row officially originated at the Super Bowl in Los Angeles in 1993, after New York’s WFAN took the initiative to broadcast the events live. This week, well-known athletes like Faulk, Gronkowski, and Njoku gathered on Media Row, with Faulk taking on the role of chief flavor officer for Sodexo Live! and bringing authentic culinary experiences to the forefront of the festivities while discussing football and food.
“We brought you the best cuisine New Orleans has to offer,” stated Faulk proudly. Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots and Buccaneers, along with Njoku, who plays tight end for the Browns, joined a roster of athletes at Bounty’s impressive two-story studio setup.
Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees, alongside other players from several teams, enjoyed wings and engaged with various hosts while keeping the atmosphere lively and fun. Gronkowski shared his insights with the players participating in the game, emphasizing the importance of focusing solely on football amidst all the distractions surrounding Super Bowl week: “There’s nothing more important than the game.” He urged players to block out the chaos of family requests for tickets and lavish parties.
Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana also made an appearance promoting health awareness, specifically informing attendees about the updated recommendations for the pneumococcal pneumonia vaccination, which is now recommended for adults starting at age 50. He highlighted the importance of player health in maintaining performance throughout long seasons.
In addition to Faulk, other Hall of Fame running backs made their rounds, with Eric Dickerson discussing the NFL Alumni’s “On 3 obesity” initiative and Thurman Thomas celebrating Mike Ditka’s charity work while promoting Pork Rind Appreciation Day. Many expressed their admiration for Barkley, who earned the title of 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Additionally, Malcolm Jenkins, a two-time Super Bowl champion, shared details about his various business ventures, including art and franchising. Jenkins was groundbreaking as the first NFL player to gain minority ownership in a Premier League club and was also the first professional athlete to partner with Phillips Auction House.
Saints edge rusher Cameron Jordan even made waves by zipping around on a Segway GT3 Pro to promote electric scooters. Former NFL lineman Anthony “Spice” Adams partnered with Cracker Barrel Cheese, showcasing a fleet of innovative cheese delivery robots traveling through the festivities, sharing free cheese with attendees.
Highlighting a huge roster of current athletes, Texans edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., named the 2023 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, promoted Jif peanut butter, while Falcons running back Bijan Robinson appeared for Visa and Chase Ink. Former Patriots star Danny Amendola advocated for Olipop, a prebiotic soda, while his former teammate pushed for Light helmets.
Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, who captured attention with interviews during Super Bowl opening night, attended with business partner Danny Cortenraede to showcase their innovative startup, InStudio Ventures, designed to support up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the sports media technology arena. “We’re doing amazing things in the sports media technology space,” Winston remarked.
Tennis icon Billie Jean King collaborated with Dove to raise awareness about the negative impact of body image on young female athletes in sports. As the event rolled into Saturday, the scene started to wind down, with many tables dismantled and only a few attendees remaining.
Notable players, including Micah Parsons, Gronkowski, Robinson, Justin Jefferson, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, took the time to connect with military personnel, veterans, and families at the USAA Salute to Service Lounge. These athletes generously gifted two game tickets each to veterans, further showcasing their commitment to giving back to the community.
