LADYDRAGON.COM - WARREN SAPP SIGNS ON AS COVER ATHLETE FOR "ESPN NFL FOOTBALL" VIDEOGAME

Wednesday June 18, 2003

WARREN SAPP SIGNS ON AS COVER ATHLETE FOR "ESPN NFL FOOTBALL" VIDEOGAME

ESPN Videogames today, at a press conference at the ESPN Zone, announced the signing of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive tackle and Super Bowl champ Warren Sapp to serve as the official spokesperson and cover athlete for "ESPN NFL Football."

"ESPN NFL Football" will be the first game released under the newly-formed ESPN Videogames brand announced today as a collaboration between SEGA(R), Visual Concepts, maker of the acclaimed "2K" series, and ESPN, the worldwide leader in sports.

"Warren Sapp embodies the intensity and passion the NFL is known for. He possesses an amazing amount of drive and competitiveness that makes him one of the most intimidating figures in the NFL," said Greg Thomas, president, Visual Concepts Entertainment. "Warren plays like every game may be his last, despite facing double and triple teams on virtually every down. He works tirelessly to shut down his opponents' offense and has a great time doing it, epitomizing what 'ESPN NFL Football' is all about."

Upon joining the Buccaneers in 1995, Warren Sapp immediately made his mark in the NFL and was named Defensive Player of the Year by Football Writers' Association, Football News and ABC. He is also a five-time Pro Bowl pick whose career sack total of 65 puts him second in all-time club history.

"I've been playing sports videogames for as long as I can remember," Sapp said. "You always imagine yourself in the games and dream of the day that it could be a reality and now that it is, I can only say that I am ready to be a part of 'ESPN NFL Football.'"

"ESPN NFL Football" will bring sports gamers the same unparalleled gameplay that they have come to expect from the 2K franchise along with ESPN's well known presentation features that will now be entirely integrated in all ESPN Videogames.

With an all-new play calling system and gameplay that can be scaled to both hardcore sports gamers and rookies alike, ESPN NFL Football will provide a polished and fun experience for football fans everywhere.

Additional titles being released starting this fall under the new ESPN Videogames brand will include: "ESPN NBA Basketball," "ESPN NHL Hockey" and "ESPN NCAA College Hoops." All titles will be available for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system and the Xbox(TM) videogame system from Microsoft(R).

"ESPN World Series(R) Baseball" is also planned for release.

"ESPN NFL Football" will be available at retailers nationwide this fall.