NFL in 'Toy Story'? Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars game gets animated broadcast
Get ready to see two NFL teams reach for the sky and try to go to infinity and beyond when they play across the Atlantic Ocean.
There will be a new way to watch the NFL when the Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars square off in their Week 4 matchup at Wembley Stadium in London, as ESPN and Disney will air "Toy Story Funday Football," putting the stars of the international game in one of the most iconic animated movie franchises.
Rather than viewing the action from inside Wembley Stadium, the game play will be simultaneously recreated in Andy's Room, the setting of where the friendship of Woody and Buzz Lightyear began. The broadcast will be part of the NFL and Disney's push to bring younger audiences into its fanbase.
How will 'Toy Story Funday Football' work?
The plays from the Falcons-Jaguars game will be converted into animation-style football players, with Woody and Buzz on the sidelines to follow the action. Other "Toy Story" characters like Jesse, Bo Peep, Bullseye, Rex, Slinky Dog, Bunny, Ducky, Forky and the green aliens will also make appearances.
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From every run, pass, juke and touchdown, the game will be recreated through "state-of-the-art tracking technology" using the NFL’s Next Gen Stats player tracking data and Beyond Sports.
"In addition to the gameplay, all the surrounding aspects of the game – announcers, graphics, scoreboard, penalty announcements, celebrations, and more – will all embrace the 'Toy Story'-themed offering in their packaging and delivery, all occurring in Andy’s room," ESPN said in a news release.
During the game, the broadcast will also have demonstrations and "how to" videos to teach football, as well as pre-recorded segments from Atlanta and Jacksonville players.
The format of the game will be similar to when ESPN did the NHL "Big City Greens Classic" between the Washington Capitals and New York Rangers in March.
How to watch 'Toy Story Funday Football' between Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
"Toy Story Funday Football" will air when the Falcons and Jaguars kick off on Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. ET. It will be available to watch live on Disney+, ESPN+ and on mobile with NFL+. After the game ends, ESPN says a replay will be available on Disney+ for a limited time.
Drew Carter, Booger McFarland and 12-year old Pepper Persley will be the commentators for the alternate broadcast.