NFL MEDIA PRESENTS
THE INDELIBLE LEGACY OF JIMMY RAYE
A Story of a Man Who Carved a Path for Black Players and Coaches
ABOUT
The National Football League is celebrating this Black History Month with a private screening of The Indelible Legacy of Jimmy Raye, a special episode of the Emmy Award-Winning series 'NFL 360' that explores how one man's story broke color barriers and changed football forever.
When Jimmy Raye became the first Black starting quarterback at Michigan State in 1966, he forged a path for Black coaches and players after him like Tony Dungy, Eric Dickerson, Tony Gonzalez, and Emmanuel Sanders – the host of this special episode. Jimmy’s exceptional story is about more than just sports – it's about courage, determination, and leadership.
NFL Media’s special screening will take place Super Bowl week on February 8th in partnership with Arizona State University's Sidney Poitier New American Film School, a program dedicated to inspiring the next generation of diverse filmmakers and storytellers.
Sponsored by NFL Football Operations, the screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by NFL Network’s Steve Wyche and featuring Jimmy Raye himself, NFL Legends, and producers from NFL 360. Hear firsthand how one man defied expectations with a groundbreaking moment in sports history.
EVENT
DETAILS
DATE
Wednesday, Feb 8, 2023
Super Bowl Week
TIME
5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cocktail Reception | 5:00 PM
Screening | 6:30 PM
Q&A | 7:30 PM
LOCATION
The Sidney Poitier New American Film School
50 N Centennial Way
Mesa, AZ 85201
ATTIRE
Cocktail Casual
BLACK-OWNED BRANDS
The NFL continues its commitment to elevate and partner with Black businesses, which is illustrated through the appointment of the experiential agency, The Culture Equity, to produce this NFL event and suppliers throughout.
The event's cocktail reception will showcase Black-owned beverage brands including Uncle Nearest, Tequila with Friends, GO3 Vodka, Common Ground Gin, Cajun Fire Brewery, Ten To One Rum, Blk & Bold Coffee, and Duey Juice Cocktails.
The private screening will feature a taste of Phoenix's very own Chef Noelle Townsley of Fresh from the Kitchen Catering and Maddie B's Gourmet Popcorn.
Along with the official DJ of the Arizona Diamondbacks DJ Rokkwilder curating the evening soundtrack.
The NFL has actively worked to involve Black businesses in its events so they can benefit from the Super Bowl opportunities happening in Phoenix this year. The NFL recognizes the contributions of African Americans and celebrates Black History Month not only in February but every day.
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THE SIDNEY POITIER
NEW AMERICAN FILM SCHOOL
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The Sidney Poitier New American Film School empowers passionate film and media artists with the technical skills and diverse experience that will allow them to change the world with new visions, new stories, and new voices.
The Sidney Poitier New American Film School inspires the next generation of diverse filmmakers and storytellers. Like Walter Cronkite and Sandra Day O’Connor, luminaries within their disciplines for whom ASU’s School of Journalism and College of Law are named respectively, Sidney Poitier is a national hero and international icon.
His talents and character have defined ethical, inclusive, and powerful work in filmmaking.
This is also a full-circle moment. Poitier is the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, for his role in the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field,” which was set and shot in Arizona – as was “Stir Crazy,” the blockbuster comedy with which Poitier became the first Black director to helm a film that grossed over $100 million.
In naming this school, we signal our commitment to excellence and inclusion and carry forward Sidney Poitier’s legacy through the lives of the thousands of students who will learn their craft and strengthen their voice at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School.