Category Archives: Football

Apr 25 2013

2013 #NFLDraft Social Media Guide

Finally. Our long national sports nightmare is over. 

Time to celebrate. Time to pour a cold one (if that’s your thing). Time to throw a party. 

It’s the end of Mock Draft season!!! 

Also known as the NFL Draft.  

The NFL Draft is upon us. Fans of non-winning teams wait with pregnant-like anticipation for the first round of the NFL Draft tonight from New York. Eyes will be glued to the television or Twitter. Or ears will be tuned into radio coverage…and Twitter. 

***

Twitter will be the choice of many for enhanced draft coverage tonight. Fans turn to Twitter to know draft picks (ahead of time) or extra tidbits from their teams, instant analysis from media, or immediate athlete reactions from all sports (not just NFL).

But there is more to social than just Twitter. This year, I fully expect teams to increase their social coverage through Instagram, perhaps Facebook, but I’m hoping for plenty of Vine videos.

Of course, I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t do some sort of Social Media Guide for the draft. But before I get to that, I gathered several lists of NFL Draft prospects that you can follow, track or subscribe to:  

***

My Social Media Guide for the 2013 #NFLDraft is below. Links, with a few exceptions, were obtained via each team’s website (that link is provided also). I included some bonus links that show teams’ forward-thinking. I bypassed the whole Twitter-followers numbers this time as I don’t think it’s relevant with NFL teams in this context. I wanted to concentrate on how teams actually use social media. A few observations: 

  1. Some teams like the Indianapolis Colts, at least on the surface are heavily involved in social media. Others, like “my” Oakland Raiders, have minimal social accounts. All teams are on the two “biggies”, Twitter and Facebook. Nearly all teams are on Instagram. I was surprised to see there were teams on Tout, and provided links to it on their webpage. More than one team made you search for their social media links (i.e. no social media icons at the top of their webpage). From a fan point of view, that is a FAIL in my book. 
  2. Teams are involved in draft day in a variety of ways. While not looking too deep into this, from a social perspective, only the Kansas City Chiefs are actually using social on draft day to interact with fans, in terms of a Google+ Hangout. Lacking were NFL draft related social contests advertised on team websites. There could have been some and I just missed it but seems like those should be front and center on websites. [UPDATE: The Cincinnati Bengals advised me they will be active on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram tonight. They will be adding Instagram soon, hopefully prior to the draft.]
  3. I did notice other events such as Draft Day Parties, Mock Draft Contests, Live Chat, and Announce Pick contests. Solid fan engagement for teams doing that but really would like to see more “social-specific” events on draft day itself. 

Without further ado, here is my #NFLDraft 2013 Social Media Guide, in order of selection in the 1st round: 

***

#1 – Kansas City Chiefs: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Foursquare,

Message Boards, App, Meetups

*

#2 – Jacksonville Jaguars: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Foursquare, App

Bonus: Social League program

 *

#3 – Oakland Raiders: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram

Bonus: Booster Club list

 *

#4 – Philadelphia Eagles: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Meetups

Bonus: Twitter list of players

 *

#5 – Detroit Lions: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Google+, Message Boards,  App links

Bonus: Twitter list of players

*

#6 – Cleveland Browns: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest

Bonus: Twitter list of players

 *

#7 – Arizona Cardinals: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Google+, App links

Bonus: Twitter list of players

 *

#8 – Buffalo Bills: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Everloop, Message Boards, App links

 Bonus: Twitter list of players

 *

#9 & #13 – New York Jets: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Google+, App links, Forums, Reddit

Bonus: One click-follow for Jets players on Twitter

 *

#10 – Tennessee Titans: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Google+, Foursquare

Bonus: Players/Cheerleaders Social Media list

 *

#11 – San Diego Chargers: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Google+, Foursquare, YouTube, Flickr, Forums

 Bonus: Twitter list of players

*

#12 – Miami Dolphins: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Message Boards, App links

Bonuses: Twitter list of players; Loyalty program

 *

#14 – Carolina Panthers: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Foursquare,

App links, Forums

Bonus: Twitter Directory for Players, Front Office

*

#15 – New Orleans Saints: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Tumblr

Bonus: Twitter list of players

 *

#16 & #22 – St Louis Rams: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Google+, YouTube, Message Boards, App links

Bonuses: Female Forum; Fan Rewards via Facebook

 *

#17 – Pittsburgh Steelers: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Tout, App Links

Bonuses: Twitter list of players; Steelers Toolbar

*

#18 – Dallas Cowboys: Website, Twitter, Facebook, 

Instagram, Google+, Message Boards, App links

Bonus: Twitter list of players

 *

#19 – New York Giants: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Message Boards, App links

Bonus: Twitter list of players

*

#20 – Chicago Bears: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, App links

Bonus: Twitter list of players

*

#21 – Cincinnati Bengals: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram to be added soon, Message Boards, App links

Bonus: Twitter list of players

*

#23 & #25- Minnesota Vikings: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, App links  

*

#24 – Indianapolis Colts: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Message Boards, App links

Bonuses: Colts Stampede social program; Colts on Twitter page but no player list;

Owner, Jim Irsay, on Twitter; Buzzfunnel-#Chuckstrong

*

#26 – Green Bay Packers: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Google+, App links

Bonus: Packers Everywhere

*

#27 – Houston Texans: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, Foursquare,

Message Boards, App links

Bonuses: Twitter list of players; Texans toolbar

*

#28 – Denver Broncos: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Forums, App links

Bonuses: Master list of Broncos on social media; Twitter list of players

*

#29 – New England Patriots: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, App links

Bonus: Fan Club Registry

*

#30 – Atlanta Falcons: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Message Boards, App link

Bonuses: Twitter list of current players; Twitter list of former players; Draft Central Hub

*

#31 – San Francisco 49ers: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Tout, YouTube,

Log-in Required Message Boards,  App links

Bonuses: 49ers club for women; CEO Jed York on Twitter

*

#32 – Baltimore Ravens: Website, Twitter, Facebook,

Instagram, Pinterest, Message Boards, App links

Bonuses: Twitter list of players; Ravens Reps reward program

*

TEAMS WITHOUT FIRST ROUND PICKS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers –  11th selection in the 2nd round:

Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Message Boards, App links

Bonus: “Itsabuclife.com”

*

Washington Redskins – 19th selection in the 2nd round:

Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest,

Google+, Foursquare, Message Boards, Reddit,  App links

Bonuses: Twitter list of players; “Redskins Rule”; “Twackle” hot topic tracking; Women’s Club

*

Seattle Seahawks – 24th selection in the 2nd round:

Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest,

Foursquare, Message Boards, App links

Bonuses: Twitter list for players; Owner, Paul Allen, on Twitter

***

If I’ve missed any links, please let me know. Thank you.

CadChica Sports

Apr 24 2013

#NFLDraft 2013: No Tweeting Zone

During last year’s NFL Draft, a mini-uproar occurred when NFL reporters, such as ESPN’s Adam Schefter and (then) NFL Network’s Jason LaCanfora, tweeted out draft pick selections prior to them being made. A small, vocal minority were upset that announcements on television were being “spoiled” by tweets.

Fast forward to this year, when word came down that both NFL Network and ESPN agreed to show restraint during the 2013 draft tomorrow.  As NFL Network puts it: 

“The networks have a “gentleman’s agreement” about not revealing too much, too soon.” 

Both the NFL Network and ESPN are broadcast partners with the NFL for the draft. The decision is logical from a business standpoint.

But not everyone will be following this plan. LaCanfora, who is now with CBS Sports (not an NFL draft broadcast partner), will be tweeting whatever information he has available to him. In a Q&A with Sherman Report:

“What event is made more for Twitter than the NFL draft? If the teams have the information; if the guys in the production truck have the information; if the commissioner has the information; why wouldn’t passionate football fans want it as well?”

LaCanfora took to Twitter to reaffirm his decision, and call out those who disagree with it: 

Who is right and who is wrong in this argument? Both. 

Twitter is a choice.  Fans who don’t want to know ahead of time can choose not to be on Twitter or don’t follow those who will be tweeting the picks, like LaCanfora.  From a business perspective, if fans are complaining (even if it’s a minority opinion), I can understand why the NFL Network and ESPN have chosen to take this step. The question is, how effective will it be if others like LaCanfora are tweeting picks before they happen? Will they be “missing” the boat on being a news provider on Twitter? 

One other key name to keep an eye on tomorrow is Fox Sports’, Jay Glazer. Glazer has a reputation for dropping Twitter NFL news that others haven’t even sniffed at yet. Here is what he had to say on Twitter today, one of which was an extra long tweet below: 

The complete text of that tweet: 

So let me get this straight gang, you WANT us to tell you who ur team is picking

when you ask for mock drafts a month b4 the draft but you DON’T WANT

us to tweet them to you a minute before?

Glazer did follow it up with this tweet: 

Now it’s your turn. Vote below on whether tweeting picks before they happen is a good thing or not. 

***

CadChica Sports

Mar 14 2013

Social Free Agency

As Twitter has grown, so has its influence on sports. Whether its providing a real-time play-by-play or engaging fans in contest or giveaways, Twitter has changed the dynamics of sports information.

Beyond sports information, Twitter has allowed athletes and teams/schools/organizations to “control” the message. When it comes to NFL Free Agency, while many focused on the breaking news over the last few days, my focus has been on the response “after” transactions took place.

Many players who signed new deals took to Twitter, not so much to announce their new deals, but rather to thank fans of their previous teams or say hello to new fans. Some may see it as a public relations move but I try to look at it as a genuine engagement. If it’s just a pr move, their prior tweets would give that away. Were they engaging with others in the months (years) before they tweeted their thanks today? That can tell you a lot about the person’s motivation on Twitter. 

Here’s a sampling. Tell me what you think:

***

Josh Cribbs, free agent returner last with the Cleveland Browns:

Josh Cribbs Instagram

***

The Arizona Cardinals parted ways with safety, Kerry Rhodes, after three seasons with the team. In a gentlemanly style, Rhodes gave simple, yet classy, thanks on Twitter:

***

Reggie Bush has made the rounds in the NFL in his career. The free agent, last with the Miami Dolphins, signed with the Detroit Lions, and was more than ready for Detroit:

***

Speaking of the Lions, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge them. Lions’ free agent, Cliff Avril, signed with the Seattle Seahawks. Avril announced his “official” signing today with a picture. In a classy move, the Lions responded:

Cliff Avril signing with the Seahawks

As if that wasn’t enough, upon Avril acknowledging Detroit with his next tweet, the Lions continued the class:

***

Prior to the announcement of his signing, St Louis Rams free-agent running back, Steven Jackson, sent out this tweet earlier today:

Because Jackson had been such a fixture with the Rams offense for his entire career, not just the Rams, but their owner, Stan Kroenke, issued a series of tweets to express his gratitude to Jackson.

***

Last, but certainly not least, linebacker Connor Barwin, signed a free agent deal with the Philadelphia Eagles today. Barwin spent the last four season with the Houston Texans, his only team since entering the league in 2009. Not willing to be ‘routine’ in his Twitter thanks or announcement, Barwin brought his A-game in terms of creativity:

***

CadChica Sports

Feb 11 2013

Just Another Chica Monday

Off-season? There is no such thing. Not when it comes to the NFL and especially not when it comes to the NFL and social media.

Given that it’s Monday, the plan was to just post a few tweets by, now former, Bills’ player, Nick Barnett. I say former because Barnett announced on Twitter today that he had been informed of his release.

Was planning on mentioning how that’s another example of an athlete controlling the story with social media. I am an advocate for athletes using social media to their advantage. Absolutely nothing wrong with it, when done appropriately. And Barnett did exactly that.

Michael Vick did that today too. After it was announced that he was re-signing with the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick sent out this tweet (which as of this writing has been retweeted over 3600 times):

Simple. To the point. Non-controversial. Right?

Reactions were mixed from fans:

***

The Grammy Awards were yesterday. The only thing that matters from the show (which I followed mostly on Twitter):

PRINCE

***

CadChica Sports

LightsGoOutSB
Feb 4 2013

Super Bowl XLVII: Watching Without Watching

Sports fans watch sports. Social media fans watch social media. But what if you’re both?

I am both a sports fan and a social media fan. My blog is all about sports and social media. Even Cupid.com could have gotten this coupling right. It’s a match made in heaven.

You can’t watch a sporting event in this day and age without social media being a part of it in some way. Whether its Twitter handles, Facebook comments, or fan tweets, it’s seems to be a very part of the fabric of broadcasting sports now.

I’ve watched this relationship grow exponentially for almost four years now. Things I used to do in the past on my blog about sports and social media are commonplace now. It’s getting more difficult to be on the cutting edge, to be different or to stand out from the crowd in the social media-sports circle. So I had to come up with something different. And I did.

My theory was off the wall. My idea was bordering on nuts. But, who ever said geniuses were sane, right? [Shh. Don't tell me I'm a genius or insane until after you read this, okay?]

But I did the unthinkable. I watched the Super Bowl without really “watching” it.

I watched it….but only on Twitter.

***

Yes, I’m serious. I let the tweets tell me the story. No pre-game shows, no game, no halftime show for me. Just tweets.

Part of my reason was to be unique. But the other part is my job as a social media/sports reporter. I curate news and reaction to sports solely through Twitter. And because of the magnanimity of the Super Bowl, I knew I would miss a story or a key tweet by watching the game. Heck, I had to be on Twitter anyway to curate content so why not let it tell me the story, right? It made sense at the time, at least.

Because of the nature of my job, I am unable to share everything with you today. There are many tweets and stories I found (and still finding) that will either be seen on the ESPN show UNITE or I’ll have to add them later (which is true). Between my retweets during the game and tweets I’ve gathered, I have an overabundance of tweet reaction to this game. Without further ado:

***

Pre-game

Alicia Keys before the National Anthem

I saw the fireworks:

I even got to see the Super Bowl program:

Do we really think he means this? I don’t.

Other pregame chatter (including an RT with a comment I made):

Who needs to “watch” the Super Bowl when people tweet out this (You Go, Southern!):

Click this link to see the video: telly.com/1IHVU4

Twitter told me who the captains were:

The pregame music was astounding:

I didn’t realize how astounding until I watched it just now:

Ah yes, where would we be without commercials? One, in particular, dominated my Timeline early:

But apparently, GoDaddy wasn’t the only commercial I needed to see:

Umm, yeah, okay, where were we. Yes, on to the game. The things you learn without watching:

And the fake FG wasn’t a good call:

And then along came Beyonce:

Again, who needs to watch the halftime show when…:
(Thanks SB Nation)
SB Nation Beyonce pic

Play resumes with a TD by Jacoby Jones:

Lights went out (I blame Beyonce) -

Great job on this GIF:

LightsGoOutSB

*

Now after Beyonce and the lights going out, Twitter suddenly became a blur. That, or typing this at 11:30 at night, has made it that way. By then, it was just a matter of retweeting what folks were saying under the Twitter accounts I work for. [I tweet under other accounts, not just mine.)

The task to continue to actually favorite or copy links to tweets and videos became overwhelming. Mostly because I got caught up in the game itself…still on Twitter. The 49ers, after the long, drawn-out, lights-out delay, came back with a vengeance to make it a game. So much so that they had a chance to take the lead in the waning moments of the game with a first and goal.

First and goal, game on the line, end of the Super Bowl?

It was at that moment that I blinked. I caved in to the Twitter peer-pressure of “best Super Bowl” ever and turned it on. I watched the last two 49er plays and as well as the Ravens’ taking over on downs and ending with a safety and punt.

I FAILED. MY TWITTER EXPERIMENT FAILED.

Or did it. I “saw” the fumbles, the interception, the momentum shifts, the commercial commentaries, the amazing GIFs, the snide commentary, the whining, the celebrations, the gaudiness, the sorrow…I “saw” it all. For someone with no real rooting interest, it was fine. It’s not for everyone. Lord knows I won’t do it again for another major event unless absolutely forced to.

And especially NOT for “March Madness”!!!

I’ll leave you with some pictures I just came across to end this little adventure:

Photo by leighannetuohy • Instagram

Before blasting my experiment, NFL Network is re-airing the Super Bowl tomorrow (or today, Monday). Guess I really didn’t miss anything then, huh?

******

CadChica Sports