NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The American Kennel Club (AKC®) is bringing together two of America’s most beloved passions, dogs and football, in a new television series, NFL® Players & Dogs: Life Off the Field. Each original one-hour episode will feature five to seven NFL players and their four-legged best friends. The new series gives viewers a different perspective on their favorite NFL stars by showcasing the important role dogs play in their lives off the field. The first episode premieres Tuesday, September 15, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 followed by NFL® Network on September 19th at 10 am ET.
The series takes viewers beyond the stadium for a more personal look at some of the NFL’s biggest stars through the dogs who share their lives. Players introduce the four-legged members of their families and share personal stories about the companionship, joy, and connection their dogs bring beyond game day. Along the way, the series reveals how dogs have become beloved members of team communities, connecting teammates, and giving fans a new way to see the players they cheer for each week.
“Following the response to our previous NFL Players and Dogs specials, we knew there were more stories to tell,” said Gina DiNardo, President and CEO of the American Kennel Club. “The bond people share with their dogs is incredibly personal, and these players are no exception. This series gives viewers a chance to see a different side of them and to hear, in their own words, what their dogs mean to them and the role they play in their lives.”
The premiere episode features Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun with his dogs Chancelor and Chewy; New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner with his, dog Tony; Josh Butler with his dogs Roxy and Remi; Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins with his pups Cami and Brownie; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis with his dog Ralph; and New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough with his dog Murphy. In addition, this episode features a story about the Cleveland Browns Dawg Pound, and a segment filmed at NY Jets Camp with a service dog in training named Jet, who will soon find a home with a veteran or first responder.
Created and co-executive produced by Cary Glotzer of Tupelo Honey and Ron Furman of the American Kennel Club, NFL Players & Dogs is co-produced by AKC Media in partnership with Tupelo Honey. The series is hosted by veteran sportscaster Carolyn Manno from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, with Jen Hale serving as contributing reporter.
The series builds on previous AKC Media specials produced for ESPN, including programming surrounding the 2024 Pro Bowl. AKC will announce additional airdates and upcoming episodes in the coming weeks.
About the American Kennel Club
Founded in 1884, the American Kennel Club is a not-for-profit organization which maintains the largest registry of purebred dogs in the world and oversees the sport of purebred dogs in the United States. The AKC is dedicated to upholding the integrity of its registry, promoting the sport of purebred dogs and breeding for type and function. Along with its more than 4,900 licensed and member clubs and its affiliated organizations, the AKC advocates for the purebred dog as a family companion, advances canine health and well-being, works to protect the rights of all dog owners and promotes responsible dog ownership. More than 26,000 competitions for AKC-registered purebred and mixed breed dogs are held under AKC rules and regulations each year including conformation, agility, obedience, rally, tracking, herding, lure coursing, coonhound events, scent work, hunt tests, field and earthdog tests.
Affiliate AKC organizations include the AKC Humane Fund, AKC Canine Health Foundation, AKC Reunite, the AKC Museum of the Dog, and the AKC Purebred Preservation Bank. For more information, visit www.akc.org.
AKC, American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club seal and design, and all associated marks and logos are trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks of The American Kennel Club, Inc.
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Contact: 212.696.8346
Phone: Jessica D’Amato
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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4ac2c56d-7487-4d0d-86a6-6e76c82f1bd0
