In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, ESPN, The Walt Disney Company, and the National Football League (NFL) are set to deliver a unique NFL game presentation featuring the Coastal Empire's two favorite NFL Teams – “Toy Story Funday Football.” Scheduled for Sunday morning, October 1, at 9:30 a.m., this event promises a blend of real-time football action between the Atlanta Falcons and the Jacksonville Jaguars, all set in Pixar’s iconic “Toy Story” Universe.
Savannah fans of all ages, can catch the game on Disney+, ESPN+, and NFL+. The action from Wembley Stadium in London, known for hosting NFL International Series games, will be simultaneously recreated in Andy’s room, a familiar setting from the beloved “Toy Story” movies.
Players from both teams will be animated onto a traditional-looking football field, uniquely tailored to fit the “Toy Story” theme. To ensure no play is missed, cutting-edge tracking technology, powered by the NFL’s Next Gen Stats player tracking data and Beyond Sports, will be employed.
Beyond the gameplay, the entire game atmosphere will embrace the “Toy Story” theme, including announcers, graphics, scoreboard, penalty announcements, and celebrations. Iconic characters such as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Bo Peep, Bullseye, Bunny, Ducky, Forky, Green Aliens, Jesse, Rex, and Slinky Dog will be actively involved, adding an extra layer of entertainment.
The broadcast will feature a distinctive trio of announcers – Drew Carter (play-by-play), Booger McFarland (analyst), and a young and talented Pepper Persley (reporter), all fully animated through motion-capture technology. A special halftime show is also in the works, with Toy Story favorite Duke Caboom attempting a thrilling motorcycle jump.
For those new to football, the telecast will include demonstrations, ‘how to’ videos, trivia, and contributions from real-life Falcons and Jaguars players through pre-recorded segments and interviews.
Disney/ESPN said this exclusive streaming presentation is a testament to ESPN’s commitment to elevating fan experiences and providing new and exciting ways to enjoy sports.
Disney and Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise, which premiered in theaters in 1995, has since grown to include four sequels, two television specials, and several shorts. It has become a fan-favorite worldwide, bringing smiles and cherished memories to audiences of all ages.
