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This past weekend was the last football-free weekend until Feb. 11, 2017. The games may not count for much later in the year, but preseason football is better than no football.

Thursday, Aug. 4

Olympics (6-7 p.m., NBC): Bob Costas gets viewers ready for the Olympic games with an hour-long Rio Olympics Preview featuring several high-profile athletes.

Friday, Aug. 5

Olympics (5:30-10 p.m., NBC): Watch one of the favorite moments of the Olympic games, the Opening Ceremony, as on athlete gets to light the torch; my money is on Pele to be the one to receive that honor.

Saturday, Aug. 6

NFL (6-10 p.m., NFLN/ESPN): The 2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony will feature former USM star and Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre.

Sunday, Aug 7

NFL (7-10 p.m., ESPN): The Hall of Fame Game will feature the Colts against the Packers and feature several players from Mississippi universities.

Monday, Aug 8

Olympics (5-7 p.m., NBCSN): The U.S. Men’s Basketball Team looks to defend its gold medal in pool play against Venezuela.

Tuesday, Aug. 9

Olympics (5-7 p.m., NBCSN): The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team looks to defend its gold medal as the players compete in pool play against Colombia.

Wednesday, Aug. 10

Olympics (6-10 p.m., NBC): Olympics primetime coverage will feature the Men’s Gymnastics All-Around Final along with beach volleyball and swimming.

The Rio Olympics begin with women’s soccer on Aug. 3 and wrap with the closing ceremony on Aug. 21. There is plenty of action to watch on TV on NBC or online at NBCOlympics.com.

Follow Bryan Flynn at jfpsports.com, @jfpsports and at facebook.com/jfpsports.