In a surprising turn of events, Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports and a long-time adversary of the NFL, took center stage in the New England Patriots‘ 2025 schedule release video. This collaboration marks a significant shift in the previously contentious relationship between Portnoy and the league.
Portnoy’s history with the NFL has been fraught with tension. In 2015, he was arrested for staging a sit-in at the NFL headquarters to protest Tom Brady’s suspension during the Deflategate scandal. He was also ejected from Super Bowl LIII in 2019 for using fake credentials.
These incidents led to his banishment from league events and a public feud with Commissioner Roger Goodell, whom Portnoy famously depicted wearing a clown nose on T-shirts.
Despite this tumultuous past, the Patriots featured Portnoy in their schedule announcement, titled ‘Emergency Press Conference – 2025 Patriots Schedule.’
In the video, Portnoy delivers an unscripted breakdown of the team’s 17 games, filmed in front of the Patriots’ six Super Bowl trophies.
The NFL’s response — or lack thereof — to Portnoy’s involvement is notable. The league declined to comment on the video, a stark contrast to its previous actions against Portnoy and Barstool Sports.
This silence suggests a possible softening of the league’s stance, or at least a strategic decision to avoid reigniting old controversies.
The Patriots’ decision to include Portnoy aligns with their efforts to reengage fans after a challenging 4–13 season. With head coach Mike Vrabel at the helm and quarterback Drake Maye showing promise, the team is looking to rebuild both on and off the field.
Portnoy’s passionate fanbase and media reach could prove beneficial in this endeavor.
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This development also reflects a broader trend in the NFL’s marketing strategies. Teams are increasingly using creative and unconventional methods to announce schedules, aiming to capture fans’ attention in a crowded media landscape.
The Patriots’ collaboration with Portnoy is a prime example of this approach, blending humor, nostalgia, and a touch of controversy to generate buzz.
While it’s unclear whether this signals a full reconciliation between Portnoy and the NFL, the league’s muted reaction indicates a possible shift in their relationship. As the 2025 season approaches, fans will be watching to see if this leads to further collaborations — or if it’s merely a one-time truce in a long-standing feud.
