The NFL preseason kicked off with several standout performances and significant events across multiple games. Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made an impressive debut, leading his team to a 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Sanders completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards, including two touchdown passes to Kaden Davis, and added 19 rushing yards. He exited the game in the third quarter with the Browns ahead 21-7. Tyler Huntley finished the game at quarterback for Cleveland, throwing a touchdown pass. Panthers starter Bryce Young opened with a touchdown pass before backups Andy Dalton and Jack Plummer took over. A brief on-field altercation led to the ejection of Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette and Browns safety Rayshawn Jenkins.
In another preseason matchup, the Detroit Lions edged the Atlanta Falcons 17-10. However, the game was halted in the fourth quarter after Lions safety Morice Norris Jr. suffered a head injury and was taken to the hospital. Norris was on the field being treated for approximately 20 minutes before being transported by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital. The Lions later confirmed Norris was in stable condition with movement and feeling in his extremities. Following the injury, both teams collectively allowed the game clock to run out, and the game was officially suspended by officials. Lions coach Dan Campbell and Falcons coach Raheem Morris agreed not to resume the game, citing concern for Norris and the players’ emotional well-being.
The New England Patriots routed the Washington Commanders 48-18, helped by a 100-yard opening kickoff return from TreVeyon Henderson. Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed potential with a rushing touchdown but also lost a fumble. Washington rested their top pick, Jayden Daniels, while veteran quarterback Josh Johnson threw for 173 yards.
In a significant off-field development, Disney agreed to sell a 10% stake in ESPN to the NFL in exchange for control of the NFL Network and its RedZone channel, along with the NFL's fantasy football business. This multibillion-dollar deal is set to significantly reshape U.S. sports media by strengthening the partnership between ESPN and the NFL. The agreement supports Disney’s broader strategy to overhaul ESPN for the streaming era, particularly with a major relaunch of its sports streaming service later in the month. Analysts value ESPN at around $25 billion, suggesting the NFL media assets could be worth $2–$3 billion. Once approved, Disney would hold 72% of ESPN, with Hearst owning 18%. The NFL, moving away from operating its own media properties, gains a stake in ESPN, one of its main broadcasting partners. ESPN, which has lost a significant number of traditional TV subscribers, aims to revitalize its brand through digital innovation, appealing especially to fantasy football audiences via RedZone integration. The move comes amid growing pressure from streaming competitors like Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube, and changing viewer habits driven by mobile content and legalized sports betting.
These developments highlight the dynamic nature of the NFL preseason, with emerging talents making their mark and strategic business moves reshaping the landscape of sports media.
