Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who played in the NFL for 18 seasons, weighs in on Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. USA TODAY Sports
Super Bowl LII week officially kicked off as the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles met with the media for the first time in St. Paul.
This is the third consecutive year that the event formerly known as Super Bowl media day was held in prime time under its updated moniker, Super Bowl Opening Night. The event was held at the Xcel Energy Center.
Here are some of the highlights from Super Bowl LII Opening Night:
Jenkins speaks up
Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins is one of the NFL's most prominent social activists, and he used the massive platform that is Super Bowl media day to broadcast his message.
Seriously?
For some reason, the XFL is coming back. If you don't remember the XFL, well, it was silly. Arguably sillier is a reporter asking Eagles and Patriots players if they would consider playing in the re-launching league.
Brady dishes on man crushes
Super Bowl media day leaves little time for talk about five-wide plays, bubble screens, slant routes and the such. Instead, football fans are treated to Tom Brady breaking down his man crushes.
A dog's life
A reporter asked Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham to answer questions while wearing a dog mask. He was happy to oblige.
Tale of two QBs
Gotta wear shades
Welcome to Minnesota
Kraft backs Brady
Patriots owner Robert Kraft looked to set the record straight after a Boston radio host offended Tom Brady.
“I happen to know the child,” Kraft said during the team’s media session on Monday night. “She’s awesome, vivacious, loving, terrific.”
At Super Bowl Opening Night, Brady told reporters that he doesn't want the radio host who criticized his daughter fired.
Being Brady
Goofiness
It wouldn't be Super Bowl media day without some shenanigans.
Like it or not
Coach speak
Drawing a crowd
Belichick does smile ... and laugh
NFL Network went as far as to have a Bill Belichick smile counter.
Photographic proof that Belichick does smile:
One person at media night actually got Belichick to laugh.
Protest at opening night
Several hundred people marched outside the XCel Energy Center in a peaceful protest.
Almost time to get started!
This seems less than ideal
Ertz on Ertz
Eagles tight end Zach Ertz is married to U.S. women's national soccer team player Julie Ertz. You might recall that she scored a goal on the same day the Eagles reached the Super Bowl. In an interview on NFL Network before media night, Julie dropped this fun fact:
Julie even got a chance to interview Zach, who will be looking to match Julie's championship score with a Super Bowl win.
No Gronk
There was a little less tomfoolery at media day than usual, as Rob Gronkowski was absent. The Patriots tight end remains in concussion protocol and did not participate in Super Bowl LII Opening Night.
Super Bowl LII coverage:
More: Brady doesn't want radio host fired for comment about daughter
Super Bowl: Five crazy questions asked at past media days
10 weird prop bets: Belichick's shirt, Trump's tweets, anthem length
Super Bowl LII coverage hub: Catch up on stories, analysis for Eagles-Patriots
