In a 408-page deposition transcript filed in a litigation involving insurance carriers and the concussion settlement, revelations have emerged about the extensive preparations that go into Commissioner Roger Goodell's annual Super Bowl press conference. The transcript highlights the meticulous crafting of talking points and the effort put into anticipating and practicing questions that may arise, ensuring that the Commissioner always has a well-prepared response.

One significant revelation from the transcript is the timing of the press conference. Traditionally occurring on a Friday, Commissioner Goodell's remarks would dominate Saturday's news cycle since no other major events would be taking place. However, this year, the press conference has been moved up to coincide with the highly anticipated Opening Night, which occurs on Monday evening.

Opening Night, a Monday night tradition that precedes the Super Bowl, is a free-for-all where media personnel have the opportunity to interview players and coaches from the participating teams. As noted by Peter King in his Football Morning in America column, this event will begin just two hours after Commissioner Goodell's press conference kicks off. King suggests that by the time dusk falls, the Commissioner's words, unless they contain a headline-producing answer, will be relegated to secondary or tertiary importance.

The change in scheduling reflects the evolving media landscape surrounding the Super Bowl. In the past, with no other significant events occurring on the Friday before the game, the Commissioner's press conference held sway over the news cycle. However, with Opening Night now providing mass access to players and coaches, Commissioner Goodell's words are at risk of being overshadowed by the buzz generated during this event.

This shift has led some, like Peter King, to question the reasoning behind Commissioner Goodell's annual press conference. King suggests that it may be a "bad look" for the Commissioner, indicating either thin-skinned behavior or a fear of answering tough questions regarding the NFL's association with sports betting interests. He highlights the apparent contradiction between the league's previous opposition to legalized sports gambling and its current involvement, driven by the potential for significant profits.

As the dynamics of the Super Bowl media landscape change, Commissioner Goodell's press conference finds itself competing for attention and relevance amidst the excitement of Opening Night. While preparations are no doubt made to ensure the Commissioner is well-equipped to address anticipated topics, the new schedule may diminish the impact and influence of his words, as the spotlight shifts to interviews with players and coaches during Super Bowl week.