Carrie Underwood has "resumed her role as the face -- and voice" -- of NBC's "SNF," filming a new version of the "Waiting All Day for Sunday Night" theme song and a promo video for the '15 season "with some of the league's top players," according to Chris Parton of ROLLING STONE. Underwood, who is entering her third season with "SNF," was joined at the promo shoot by, among others, Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr., Steelers WR Antonio Brown Seahawks S Kam Chancellor, Colts QB Andrew Luck, Packers LB Clay Matthews, Eagles RB DeMarco Murray, Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson and Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (ROLLINGSTONE.com, 6/24). ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth said Bryant's appearance at the shoot comes after he has "threatened to miss" the season-opening "SNF" game -- Cowboys-Giants -- as part of a contract dispute. ESPN’s Phil Savage said the Cowboys are scheduled to make three "SNF" appearances in the first nine weeks of the season, so this was "business as usual on the Dez Bryant front" (“NFL Insiders,” ESPN, 6/24). ESPN’s Wendi Nix said if people "read the tea leaves here, you have to wonder" if Bryant would indeed sit out the Giants game after participating in the promo (“NFL Live,” ESPN, 6/24). ESPN’s Freddie Coleman said, “Don’t worry, he’s going to be there. ... If you’re really secure that you’re not going to play in Game 1, why are shooting a promo? He knows he’s going to be there" (“First Take,” ESPN2, 6/25).
MAPPING IT OUT: In San Jose, Daniel Brown reported the crew for CBS' "The NFL Today" filmed a promo Wednesday for Super Bowl 50, capturing "iconic images of San Francisco -- the Golden Gate Bridge, the 'Painted Ladies,' the cable cars, Lombard Street -- even though the actual game will take place more than an hour down the road" in Santa Clara. CBS' Jim Nantz, who resides at Pebble Beach, said that he "understands the concern." Nantz: "I'm sensitive to that because I'm now a Northern California guy. And I hope, since I'm kind of presiding over that broadcast for 3 1/2 hours, that I can give it some fair treatment" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 6/25).
