Phoenix’s US Airways Center hasn’t seen this much action since Barkley and Jordan squared off in the 1992-93 NBA Finals.
The NFL Media Day, generally the Tuesday prior to the Super Bowl, is a crapshoot that can range from a total snoozefest to a highlight reel worthy of an NFL Films classic or 30 for 30 documentary. Luckily, the usual navel-gazing in downtown Phoenix (high of 75 degrees) prior to Super Bowl XLIX had some moments that were too precious, narcissistic, funny, and just plain weird.
In order to accommodate media sorts, who are more likely staying in Scottsdale, Ariz., or downtown Phoenix rather than lodging-challenged Glendale, Ariz., the NFL took over the home of the Phoenix Suns Tuesday where the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks took turns glad-handing, pontificating, taking selfies, and just plain trying to get out alive in time for happy hour. And now, for the highlights.
First, Marshawn Lynch speaks. Or does he? He sure knows how to rock those headphones.
.@MoneyLynch really answered every question at #SBMediaDay by saying, "I'm here so I won't get fined." LOL! 😂 https://t.co/AzGzT5G7ee #NFL
— Rah (@Rah4real) January 27, 2015
@Seahawks talk at 12:15pm during #SB49 media day. Will we hear much from @MoneyLynch? http://t.co/kZjBM7FVjQ pic.twitter.com/wbr1l0lH90
— azcentral (@azcentral) January 27, 2015
Silence is golden, it appears. Beast Mode grabs some lofty social media numbers.
Just happened in #sbmediaday: "#beastmode" (250 tweets and 17 instagrams): http://t.co/CWEp67Apa4
— Seen Feed (@SeenFeed) January 27, 2015
Associated Press writer John Marshall is harassed by a strange-looking hand puppet mascot.
RT @jmarshallap Yep, media day. As in #SBMediaDay https://t.co/ytdmkkGXhh
— AP NFL (@AP_NFL) January 27, 2015
Richard Sherman would rather take a dip than speak to the media
"I want to enjoy the pool! I didn't get to enjoy the pool last time." –@RSherman_25 on what he's looking forward to on trip #SBMediaDay
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 27, 2015
I hope the line of questioning has improved for #SBMediaDay http://t.co/0VVePs82vs
— Strictly 4 My X’ers (@Lizzs_Lockeroom) January 27, 2015
Hall of Famer Warren Sapp shows off some pants he put on in the dark.
Love Warren Sapp's pants! #SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/KGBYctH9MO
— D'assiar (@Tink_125) January 27, 2015
Ricardo Lockette gets a free haircut.
more use of new video from Seattle RT @Seahawks: Quick green room cut for @RicardoLockette before #SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/6nOqZOBLMZ
— Brian Poliakoff (@brianpoliakoff) January 27, 2015
Local fave and former University of Arizona star Rob Gronkowski entertains the crowd with erotic fanfiction, dance moves, and charm.
Gronk reading "A Gronking to Remember" is WHY WE HAVE MEDIA DAY http://t.co/f9tdLnRj2O https://t.co/DJV4i0n4BA
— SB Nation (@SBNation) January 27, 2015
Want to get “Gronked?” These fans do. #SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/ppJypo06t8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2015
In a Super Bowl halftime preview, Gronk belts out a Katy Perry tune.
Jerod Mayo’s daughter, Chya, is the real star of the day
Belichick asked Jerod Mayo's daughter a question at #SBMediaDay https://t.co/FrQTWHngCc
— History of Sports (@BeforeFamePics) January 27, 2015
Shameless plug for the hometown mascot. Too bad he can’t play quarterback.
"Hey Tom, your podium is over there." – Big Red#SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/7WOJrL4XYT
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 27, 2015
Kam Chancellor with a glare that commands fear on the field, respect off.
.@Kam_Chancellor is LIVE on NFL Network. #SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/G0kwSqySvu
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 27, 2015
Seattle wide receiver Doug Baldwin throws a challenge at New England cornerback, Darrelle Revis.
"I’m going to bring my sunblock, my shades and a hat…and I’m going to Revis Island”- Doug Baldwin #SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/wBdOk5iFSk
— Dead End Sports (@DeadEndSports) January 27, 2015
Kickers get their due—Steven Hauschka interviewed away from the maddening crowd.
“@JoeGiza: #SBMediaDay Pride of Needham and Middlebury College @StevenHauschka with @RochieWBZ #wbz pic.twitter.com/OHxyXUmXrD” @RHSportsGuy
— John Carpenter (@John_Carpenter1) January 27, 2015
The Pats curiously make their way into the arena. I think the basketball hoops threw them
The @Patriots are here! #sbmediaday https://t.co/1KOTOfbSmQ
— NFL (@NFL) January 27, 2015
Coach Bill Belichick takes on the media in his flip-flops.
Slick as goose guts on a doorknob—Russell Wilson lives for the big stage
.@DangeRussWilson: “I wish everybody would stop fining my man Marshawn" #SBMediaDay pic.twitter.com/9xSuzQalkt
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 27, 2015
Selfie’s rule.
Yeah it's #SBMediaDay, but first #LetMeTakeASelfie pic.twitter.com/VVpnUQp8rQ
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) January 27, 2015
But Julian Edelman’s is best
Julian Edelman may have taken the best selfie of #SBMediaDay: http://t.co/sdsBTyRNAY
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) January 27, 2015
As a beautiful Phoenix sunset looms, reporters of all manner of media head off to file their stories, and the players move on to luxurious sponsor dinners, us mere mortals who have to live vicariously through livestreams and social quips begin the countdown to Sunday’s kickoff.
Screengrab via Fancy Mojo/YouTube