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2015 NFL Kickoff Guide
2015 NFL Kickoff Guide
KICKOFF 2015
PATRIOTS & STEELERS KICK OFF SEASON ................................................................................................................................. 1
KICKOFF WEEKEND SCHEDULE .................................................................................................................................................... 2
KICKOFF WEEKEND RECORDS OF NFL TEAMS .......................................................................................................................... 2
RECORDS OF NFL HEAD COACHES ON KICKOFF WEEKEND.................................................................................................... 2
SUPER BOWL IS ON THE FIFTY...................................................................................................................................................... 3
NFL PROMOTES HEALTH & SAFETY IN SPORTS ...................................................................................................................... 4-7
NFL’S COMMITMENT TO HEALTH & SAFETY OF ALL ATHLETES ............................................................................................... 8
NFL’S COMMITMENT TO ADVANCING THE GAME ....................................................................................................................... 9
MYTH VS. FACT: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ........................................................................................................... 10-11
NFL & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: A COMMITMENT BEYOND THE PLAYING FIELD ........................................................... 12-13
NFL STADIUMS ON GAME DAY – AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER ............................................................................... 14
NEW NFL RULES FOR 2015 ........................................................................................................................................................... 15
NFL TO EXPERIMENT WITH 8TH OFFICIAL ................................................................................................................................. 16
UMPIRES TO LINE UP IN OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD MORE OFTEN ............................................................................................ 16
2015 SCHEDULE OF FINES ........................................................................................................................................................... 17
NFL RULES – A CONSTANT EVOLUTION ................................................................................................................................ 18-21
2015 KICKOFF WEEKEND NOTES ........................................................................................................................................... 22-23
HEADLINE GAMES .......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
NFL RATCHETS UP THE EXCITEMENT...HOPE IS ALIVE ........................................................................................................... 24
UNPREDICTABLE NFL .................................................................................................................................................................... 25
BEST NFL RECORDS, PAST 10 YEARS ........................................................................................................................................ 25
DIVISION TITLES? UP FOR GRABS .............................................................................................................................................. 26
NFL CALENDAR .............................................................................................................................................................................. 26
SCORING REACHED RECORD HIGHS IN 2014 ........................................................................................................................... 27
NFL PLAYER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS .............................................................................................................................. 28-29
ROOKIE SYMPOSIUM ..................................................................................................................................................................... 29
SUMMARY OF NFL PROGRAMS & BENEFITS FOR RETIRED PLAYERS ............................................................................. 30-32
NFL LEGENDS BUSY & SUCCESSFUL IN POST-PLAYING CAREERS ................................................................................. 33-35
NFL CAREER DEVELOPMENT SYMPOSIUM........................................................................................................................... 36-37
NFL PLAY 60 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 38-39
NFL’S CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION: THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOUNDATION ................................................... 40
A CRUCIAL CATCH: NFL SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH ..................................................................... 41
LIVE UNITED .................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
COMMUNITY MINDED .................................................................................................................................................................... 43
PARENTS & MOMS CLINICS .......................................................................................................................................................... 44
HEADS UP FOOTBALL.................................................................................................................................................................... 45
USA FOOTBALL ADVANCES PLAYER SAFETY ........................................................................................................................... 46
USA FOOTBALL ADDS TO HEADS UP FOOTBALL PROGRAM .................................................................................................. 46
USA FOOTBALL ESTABLISHES YOUTH FOOTBALL GUIDELINES ............................................................................................ 47
BILL POLIAN NAMED FOOTBALL ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ................................................................................... 47
NFL SALUTES THE MILITARY ................................................................................................................................................... 48-52
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA TO HOST SUPER BOWL 50 .......................................................................................................... 53
FUTURE SUPER BOWLS ................................................................................................................................................................ 54
HARRIS POLL: PRO FOOTBALL IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE SPORT BY FAR ............................................................................ 54
SURVEY SAYS ................................................................................................................................................................................ 55
NFL CONTINUES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................................. 56-57
NFL & TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR TEAM FOR 10-YEAR PARTNERSHIP ....................................................................................... 58
HISPANICS MAKING THEIR MARK (HACIENDO SU MARCA) ON THE NFL.......................................................................... 59-60
INTERNATIONAL FEEL ................................................................................................................................................................... 61
2015 NFL STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE .......................................................................................................................................... 62
2015 NFL TRAVEL MILES ............................................................................................................................................................... 62
BEST KICKOFF WEEKEND PERFORMANCES, 1933-2014.......................................................................................................... 63
BEST KICKOFF WEEKEND PERFORMANCES, PAST 10 YEARS ............................................................................................... 64
THE LAST TIME ............................................................................................................................................................................... 65
ODELL BECKHAM, JR. CATCHES TOP SPOT IN NFL JERSEY SALES ...................................................................................... 66
SAME FACES, NEW PLACES ......................................................................................................................................................... 67
2015 NFL SPECIAL PATCHES & LOGOS ...................................................................................................................................... 68
STARTING RECORDS OF ACTIVE NFL QUARTERBACKS.......................................................................................................... 69
NFL ON TV IN 2015 .................................................................................................................................................................... 70-72
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING ................................................................................................................................................................ 73
SUPER BOWL REMATCHES IN 2015 ............................................................................................................................................ 73
NFL RADIO 2015.............................................................................................................................................................................. 74
WOMEN’S IMPACT ON NFL KEEPS GROWING ...................................................................................................................... 75-77
ACCOMPLISHED IN THEIR OWN RIGHT ...................................................................................................................................... 78
FOOTBALL REMAINS MOST POPULAR HIGH SCHOOL SPORT ................................................................................................ 79
YOUTH FOOTBALL SCORES WITH KIDS ..................................................................................................................................... 80
NFL FOUNDATION & LISC ANNOUNCE $2.5 MILLION IN FIELD GRANTS ................................................................................ 81
NFL FOOTBALL OFFICIATING ACADEMY .................................................................................................................................... 82
FOUR COLLEGES TO ADD FOOTBALL PROGRAMS IN 2015 ..................................................................................................... 83
OVERTIME EXCITEMENT ............................................................................................................................................................... 84
MODIFIED SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME ....................................................................................................................................... 85
THE FAMOUS LOVE THE NFL ....................................................................................................................................................... 86
68 YEARS AGO ON KICKOFF WEEKEND: A RECORD 87 POINTS! ........................................................................................... 87
64 YEARS AGO ON KICKOFF WEEKEND: THE DUTCHMAN GOES WILD!................................................................................ 88
BEST OPENING MONTH RECORDS, PAST 10 YEARS................................................................................................................ 88
ANNIVERSARIES
ANNIVERSARY ANNALS................................................................................................................................................................. 89
OWNER MILESTONES .................................................................................................................................................................... 90
95TH ANNIVERSARY OF NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE ......................................................................................................... 91
90 YEARS AGO, RED GRANGE PUTS NFL ON MAP ................................................................................................................... 92
80 YEARS AGO, NFL FIRST TO RETIRE A NUMBER .............................................................................................................. 93-94
75 YEARS AGO: A 73-0 TITLE VICTORY ....................................................................................................................................... 95
55TH ANNIVERSARY OF PETE ROZELLE ELECTION ................................................................................................................. 96
SUPER BOWL MVPS: NFL TO CELEBRATE 50TH SUPER BOWL ....................................................................................... 97-102
45TH ANNIVERSARY OF NFL-AFL MERGER.............................................................................................................................. 103
“SUPER BOWL SHUFFLE” SETS AMERICA RAPPING 30 YEARS AGO ................................................................................... 104
20 YEARS LATER, NFL.COM BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER ......................................................................................... 105-106
THE TEAMS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2015 ...................................................................................................................................................... 107
PATRIOT PLACE: PATRIOTS WIN SUPER BOWL ...................................................................................................................... 108
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR ....................................................................................................................................................... 109
SUPER FOLLOW-UPS................................................................................................................................................................... 110
SEAHAWKS: LEGION OF BOOM .................................................................................................................................................. 111
QUARTERBACK SUCCESS .......................................................................................................................................................... 112
QUARTERBACK CONSISTENCY ................................................................................................................................................. 113
SUPER BOWL TROPHY BY THE NUMBERS .............................................................................................................................. 113
GOOD THINGS COME IN PAIRS .................................................................................................................................................. 114
TIGHT ENDS ON THE RISE .......................................................................................................................................................... 115
TOP SUPERLATIVE? RUN THE BALL.......................................................................................................................................... 116
FOURTH-AND-ONE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 116
TURNOVERS ARE KEY TO VICTORY ......................................................................................................................................... 117
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 117
THE PLAYERS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2015 ............................................................................................................................................... 119-121
AARON RODGERS: GREEN BAY IS MR. RODGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD ................................................................................. 122
ALL THEY DO IS WIN: TOM BRADY & PEYTON MANNING ....................................................................................................... 123
PEYTON MANNING: PEY DAY ..................................................................................................................................................... 124
TOM BRADY: IN RARE COMPANY .............................................................................................................................................. 125
RUSSELL WILSON: IN RUSS WE TRUST.................................................................................................................................... 126
DREW BREES: COOL BREES ...................................................................................................................................................... 127
ANDREW LUCK: BEGINNER’S LUCK .......................................................................................................................................... 128
YOUNG QUARTERBACKS ON THE RISE.................................................................................................................................... 129
J.J. WATT: TURN DOWN FOR WATT........................................................................................................................................... 130
DE MARCO MURRAY: RUSHING INTO THE RECORD BOOKS................................................................................................. 131
CALVIN JOHNSON: MEGATRON SHINES ................................................................................................................................... 132
ANTONIO BROWN: BROWN ON THE MOVE .............................................................................................................................. 133
ODELL BECKHAM, JR.: CATCH IT LIKE BECKHAM ................................................................................................................... 134
ROOKIES EXCELLED IN 2014 ...................................................................................................................................................... 135
RECEIVERS MAKING A SPLASH ................................................................................................................................................. 136
BIG PLAY EXCITEMENT: MOST 20-YARD RECEPTIONS & RUSHES ...................................................................................... 137
ON TARGET: RECEIVERS WITH MOST TARGETS .................................................................................................................... 138
MOVING THE CHAINS: THIRD-DOWN RECEIVING TOTALS..................................................................................................... 139
YARDS AFTER THE CATCH ......................................................................................................................................................... 140
CLUTCH PERFORMERS: QBs WITH HIGHEST FOURTH-QUARTER PASSER RATING ......................................................... 140
DOUBLE TROUBLE RUNNING BACKS ........................................................................................................................................ 141
PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK: EVOLUTION OF TACKLE POSITION ............................................................................. 142
MANY HAPPY RETURNS: KICK-RETURN TOUCHDOWNS ....................................................................................................... 143
AT A LOSS: MOST TACKLES FOR A LOSS AND MOST SACKS ............................................................................................... 144
NOT DRAFTED? NOT A PROBLEM ............................................................................................................................................. 145
SMALL SCHOOL SUCCESS ......................................................................................................................................................... 146
QUARTERBACKS OF THE FUTURE ............................................................................................................................................ 147
WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER TO WATCH? ........................................................................................................................ 148
WHY I CHOSE MY NUMBER ........................................................................................................................................................ 149
VISITOR’S PASS: FAVORITE NFL STADIUMS ............................................................................................................................ 150
NFL FATHER-SON PAIRS ............................................................................................................................................................. 151
HEY BROTHER: NFL BROTHERS ................................................................................................................................................ 152
MR. IRRELEVANT GOES TO NEWPORT BEACH ....................................................................................................................... 153
ACTIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS ENTERING 2015 .................................................................................................................... 154
THE COACHES
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2015 ...................................................................................................................................................... 155
BILL BELICHICK: TOP BILLING .................................................................................................................................................... 156
BILL WALSH NFL MINORITY COACHING FELLOWSHIP ........................................................................................................... 157
2015 NEW COACHES QUESTIONNAIRES ........................................................................................................................... 158-164
TODD BOWLES ......................................................................................................................................................................... 158
JACK DEL RIO ........................................................................................................................................................................... 159
JOHN FOX .................................................................................................................................................................................. 160
GARY KUBIAK ........................................................................................................................................................................... 161
DAN QUINN ................................................................................................................................................................................ 162
REX RYAN ................................................................................................................................................................................. 163
JIM TOMSULA............................................................................................................................................................................ 164
EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS AS NEW COACHES TAKE OVER ............................................................................................... 165-167
ATLANTA FALCONS HEAD COACH DAN QUINN ................................................................................................................... 165
BUFFALO BILLS HEAD COACH REX RYAN ............................................................................................................................ 165
CHICAGO BEARS HEAD COACH JOHN FOX ......................................................................................................................... 166
DENVER BRONCOS HEAD COACH GARY KUBIAK ............................................................................................................... 166
NEW YORK JETS HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES ................................................................................................................. 166
OAKLAND RAIDERS HEAD COACH JACK DEL RIO ............................................................................................................... 167
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS HEAD COACH JIM TOMSULA ....................................................................................................... 167
MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES IN NFL FACILITIES ............................................................................................................................ 168
NFL KICKOFF 2015
PATRIOTS & STEELERS KICK OFF SEASON ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10
It’s time to get “Back to Football!”
The 2015 season begins with the NFL’s annual primetime kickoff game. The opener on Thursday, September 10 on NBC (8:30
PM ET) will feature the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium.
SEASON OPENERS
Since 1978 when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season of 1982, teams that are
victorious in their season openers are more than twice as likely to reach the playoffs than losers of an opening game:
Of the 538 teams which won openers…281 went to the playoffs (168 won division titles).
Of the 539 teams which lost openers…129 went to the playoffs (74 won division titles).
Note: There are a different number of winning and losing teams in season opening games due to the fact the NFL had 31 teams in
each season from 1999 to 2001, which creates an odd number for the total number of results.
In 2014, seven of the 12 playoff teams – Arizona, Carolina, Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Pittsburgh and Seattle – were victorious on
Kickoff Weekend.
The 2015 season will feature a gold thematic signifying the 50th “golden” Super Bowl that will be
visible on the field and throughout the season. The 50-yard line numerals and NFL shield logo
(below right) at every stadium will be gold. Team logos on sideline apparel will have accents of
gold and logos for NFL events, including the Draft, Kickoff and the playoffs, will turn to gold.
The NFL unveiled last year the Super Bowl 50 logo that features the number “50,” breaking for
one year its unique tradition of using Roman numerals to identify that season’s championship
game. To commemorate this, the NFL commissioned Tiffany & Co. to handcraft the 50. Each
number is cast in bronze, plated in 18 karat gold and weighs nearly 33 pounds. The gold 50 will
appear alongside the Vince Lombardi Trophy all year and will be presented to the Super Bowl
champions at the MVP and head coach press conference the morning following the game.
The On The Fifty platform is designed to link the past 49 Super Bowls with this year’s game and honor the teams, players,
coaches, fans and communities that have been a part of those games. On The Fifty will come to life in a variety of ways
throughout the year:
The Super Bowl High School Honor Roll will recognize the high schools and communities that have contributed to
Super Bowl history. High schools will receive a commemorative golden football (above left) produced by Wilson for every
player or head coach who has appeared in a Super Bowl. Players and coaches will have the opportunity to deliver the
golden footballs to their high schools. CBS, which will televise Super Bowl 50, will feature some of these visits across the
various assets of the CBS Corporation. The Honor Roll will become an annual tradition. Following every Super Bowl,
every high school that produces a player or head coach in the game will receive a golden football.
The 2015 schedule will feature several Super Bowl rematches, including 19 in the
regular season. Additionally, the NFL/Hall of Fame Game kicks off the preseason in
August when the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers face off in a rematch of
Super Bowl IX.
Many teams will host Super Bowl Homecomings, inviting their Super Bowl teams to be
honored in-stadium on game day and throughout the weekend. Teams will commemorate
Homecomings with Ring of Honor/Hall of Fame ceremonies, recognizing Super Bowl
players as honorary captains and featuring special halftime celebrations. Historic Super
Bowl marks, customized Homecoming assets and dedicated elements commemorating
past Super Bowls will be included in the weekends.
The 43 previous Super Bowl MVPs will be celebrated all season, culminating at Super Bowl 50 when they will be
recognized on-field. MVPs will be an integral part of the Super Bowl High School Honor Roll and the Super Bowl
Homecoming programs.
Starting Week 7 of the season, sideline apparel from Nike and New Era will reflect the celebration. Team logos on select
sideline pieces and all caps will be outlined in gold as a connection to On The Fifty. Merchandise that celebrates previous
Super Bowls will be available and on-field merchandise will be in stores starting October 15.
As the kickoff to Super Bowl week, the 2016 Pro Bowl, which will be played on Sunday, January 31 in Honolulu, Hawaii,
will recognize players who will play the following week in Super Bowl 50 in a variety of ways, including halftime interviews
on ESPN. The uniforms worn by the Pro Bowl players will incorporate gold as a connection to the celebration.
HOW THE NFL IS PROMOTING
HEALTH AND SAFETY IN SPORTS
»» In 2011, the NFL moved the restraining line for the kicking team from the 30 to
the 35 yard line—contributing to a 40% reduction in the number of concussions CONCUSSIONS IN NFL
REGULAR SEASON GAMES
occurring during kickoffs when compared to the 2010 season.
hits decreased by 43% from the 2012 season to the 2014 season. For the
2015 season, the NFL has again expanded the definition of a “defenseless
player” to include an intended receiver of a pass immediately following
an interception, so more players in more circumstances will be protected.
CONCUSSIONS CAUSED BY
Improving safety and reducing unreasonable risk will remain our first priority. HELMET-TO-HELMET HITS
SIDELINE MEDICAL SUPPORT
»» A Team Behind the Team: A specialized squad of medical professionals, including team physicians and
athletic trainers, patrols the sidelines at every NFL game. There are approximately 27 medical staff at
a stadium on game day, including an unaffiliated neurological consultant (UNC), who collaborates with
team physicians to make in-game neurological assessments and who must independently approve a
player returning to play following a suspected head injury.
»» Medical Timeout: The medical staff also includes an expert “eye in the sky”—a certified athletic trainer
positioned in a stadium box who scans the field and television replays to help identify players with
a potential injury who may require attention. Starting in the 2015 season, the eye in the sky will be
authorized to stop the game and call a medical timeout—which will not count against either team’s
limit—if needed to provide a player with immediate attention.
»» Video Monitors: Team medical staff—including the UNC—also have access to sideline video monitors,
which allow them to watch video of any play. As a result, medical staff can review the mechanism of an
injury to better understand what happened and design the best care for a player. The video cannot be
accessed by anyone other than the medical team.
»» Electronic Tablets: Since 2013, the NFL has required clubs to use electronic tablets with specially
designed applications for the diagnosis of concussions. The X2 app, which includes a step-by-step
checklist of protocols for assessing players suspected of head injury, as well as all players’ concussion
baseline tests, is now an established component of the in-game concussion diagnosis and care. This
record travels with a player wherever he goes in the league, so that his medical history is close at hand
from game-to-game and team-by-team.
»» Protective Equipment: Since the 2013 season, the NFL has required players to wear thigh and knee
pads during games to better protect them from leg injuries. As with helmets and shoulder pads,
players not wearing the mandatory protective equipment are not permitted onto the playing field and
may be assessed financial penalties.
»» Improving Field Surfaces: Through our Injury and Safety Panel, the NFL oversees and analyzes
biomechanical research and injury data and shares this information with shoemakers and artificial
turf manufacturers. Following the Panel’s recommendations, turf manufacturers have taken steps to
standardize the characteristics of turf—such as surface hardness and the depth of sand below the
turf—in order to decrease injuries.
»» Limits on Practices: NFL teams are limited to only 14 days of full-contact football practice during the
17-week season. The restrictions amount to less than one day of full-contact practices per week.
HOW WE TEACH THE GAME
The NFL is committed to helping young athletes learn how to participate in all sports as safely as
possible. Active participation in sports benefits young people physically and builds positive leadership and
teamwork skills. The League wants to maximize these benefits while minimizing safety risks.
»» Heads Up Football: In April of 2013, the NFL—along with USA Football—launched the “Heads Up
Football” (HUF) program. This educational outreach program, funded by a $45 million grant from the
NFL Foundation, strives to improve player safety for youth, high school, and other amateur players by
teaching proper tackling techniques, training and certifying coaches on safety fundamentals, appointing
Player Safety Coaches for every youth league to enforce safety protocols, ensuring proper equipment
fitting, and teaching coaches, parents, and players how to recognize and treat concussions. Today,
approximately 60% of youth leagues across the country, including all of Pop Warner, have implemented
HUF. More than 120,000 coaches are certified, representing 1 million kids. HUF leagues have 76% fewer
injuries, 34% fewer concussions in practices, and 29% fewer concussions in games than non-HUF leagues.
»» Promoting Sports Safety Education and Access to Athletic Trainers: In May 2014, during the first-
ever Healthy Kids and Safe Sports Concussion Summit at the White House, the NFL Foundation pledged
$25 million to test and expand health and safety projects over the next three years. That commitment
included $1 million to fund athletic trainers in underserved high schools nationwide. The program, which
is now being significantly expanded, is a collaboration with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association
and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society. Other health and safety initiatives include field
grants to provide new and refurbished places for kids to play safely, equipment grants, and funding for
continuing education for clinicians.
»» Raising Awareness about Concussions: A poster and related player fact sheet was developed,
in partnership with the CDC and others, to educate players about the possible consequences of
concussions and advise them to report any related symptoms they may experience. A similar poster,
endorsed by 16 national governing bodies for sport, was developed for young athletes and made
available through the CDC to display in youth team locker rooms, gymnasiums, and schools nationwide.
»» Helmet Replacement Program: In 2012, the NFL partnered with the U.S. Consumer Protection
Safety Commission and a number of other organizations to launch a helmet replacement program for
youth leagues in underserved communities. In conjunction with USA Football, the NFL continues to
provide equipment grants that furnish new or reconditioned helmets for youth leagues in underserved
communities at no cost.
»» PLAY 60: NFL PLAY 60 was launched by the NFL in the fall of 2007 to encourage kids to be physically
active for at least 60 minutes per day. Since that time, the NFL has joined forces with partners such
as the American Heart Association, KaBOOM!, National Dairy Council, and United Way to create school
programs and build new places for kids to be active.
»» NFL FLAG FOOTBALL: In September 2014, the NFL announced a commitment to provide local parks and
recreation sites with flag football start-up kits, allowing more than 500,000 children in elementary school
and after-school programs to play flag football. In April 2015, the NFL announced an expansion of the
program, providing NFL Flag Essentials Kits to one million students across 2,500 schools nationwide.
»» Lystedt Laws: The NFL advocated for youth sports concussion prevention laws in every state. These
laws, known as Lystedt laws, mandate a gradual return-to-play protocol to better protect youth athletes
in all sports from the risks of preventable concussions. Lystedt laws require: 1) concussion education
for parents, coaches, and players; 2) immediate removal of an athlete who has sustained a concussion;
and 3) clearance by a proper medical professional before a young athlete may return to play or practice.
These laws have now been adopted in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia.
HOW WE USE RESEARCH TO MAKE THE GAME SAFER
The NFL is investing in pioneering medical research to help scientists and doctors find breakthroughs that
will benefit all athletes.
»» Foundation for the National Institutes of Health: In September 2012, the NFL announced a $30
million unrestricted grant to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) to advance
medical research on brain injuries, especially among athletes and veterans. This marked the single-
largest donation to any organization in the league’s history.
»» Head Health Initiative: In 2013, the NFL, along with GE and Under Armour, launched the Head Health
Initiative, a four-year, $60 million collaboration to accelerate diagnosis and improve treatment for
traumatic brain injury. The initiative includes the following:
•• A four-year, $40 million research and development program to develop next generation brain
imaging technologies for potential diagnosis, outcome prediction, and treatment therapy for patients
with traumatic brain injury.
•• A two-year, open innovation challenge fund to invest up to $20 million in research and technology
to better understand, diagnose, and protect against traumatic brain injury. The National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST) is also supporting this effort.
»» Partnering with the U.S. Army: In 2012, the NFL and the U.S. military launched a long-term initiative
to improve the health of soldiers and players by sharing information and providing education on
concussion and health-related issues that affect both organizations. The initiative fosters peer-to-
peer conversations to reduce the stigma that may be associated with reporting brain injuries and to
promote sharing of tips on how to recognize, prevent, and manage concussions.
$40 MILLION
$30 MILLION $60 MILLION INVESTMENT TO DEVELOP
NEXT-GENERATION IMAGING
TECHNOLOGIES
GRANT ESTABLISHED NEW SPORTS HEAD HEALTH INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE
HEALTH RESEARCH PROGRAM THAT SAFETY OF ATHLETES, MILITARY
FUNDS BRAIN RESEARCH, ESPECIALLY
AMONG ATHLETES AND VETERANS
MEMBERS, AND SOCIETY OVERALL $20 MILLION
OPEN INNOVATION CONTESTS
FOR RESEARCH AND
TECHNOLOGY
NFL COMMITMENT TO THE HEALTH THE NFL IS COMMITTED TO
IMPROVING THE HEALTH AND
ALL 50 STATES NFL IS INCREASING A new brain-imaging tool New helmet technologies New blood tests to rapidly Next-generation
$30 MILLION GRANT
ESTABLISHED NEW
HAVE ADOPTED ACCESS TO to improve brain injury that mitigate impact to detect brain trauma and materials that SPORTS HEALTH
LAWS advocated ATHLETIC TRAINERS diagnosis and treatment the head improve treatment mitigate impact RESEARCH PROGRAM
by the NFL to in high schools and
$60 MILLION HEAD HEALTH INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE SAFETY
that funds brain research,
address concussions youth sports
especially among athletes
in youth sports
OF ATHLETES, MILITARY MEMBERS AND SOCIETY OVERALL and veterans
Unaffiliated Independent athletic trainer in New medical timeout approved in 2015 Video on sidelines Mandated use of electronic tablets Mandated player
neuro-trauma the press box at every game will allow independent athletic trainer to assist medical to assist team physicians in use of thigh and
consultant at every serving as an “eye in the sky” to “eye in the sky” to stop play if a player staff in diagnosing diagnosing concussions, including knee protective
NFL game to assess identify possible injuries and appears to need medical help, with and treating injuries step-by-step checklist protocols equipment
possible head injuries notify on-field medical staff neither team charged for a timeout
P L AY E R H E A LT H & S A F E T Y
MYTH Former NFL players live shorter and less healthy lives than the general population.
MYTH NFL players have a much higher suicide rate than the general population of American men.
• The rate of suicide for former NFL players is less than ½ of similarly aged men in
FACT the general population.2
MYTH The NFL game is increasingly unsafe because NFL players are bigger, faster and stronger.
• Concussions are down 36% and concussions caused by helmet-to-helmet hits are
FACT down 43% in the last three years.3
• The game continues to evolve through rule changes, improved medical protocols,
and new technology and equipment.
The addition of Thursday night football games demonstrates that the NFL does not
MYTH prioritize health and safety.
• Since 2011, the injury rate for Thursday games has been lower than the injury rates
FACT for Sunday and Monday games.4
MYTH With a focus on decreasing helmet-to-helmet hits, NFL players are suffering more knee injuries.
• ACL and MCL injuries have remained consistent with the number of injuries suffered in
FACT previous years.5
YO U T H F O OT B A L L
MYTH Amid concerns about safety, kids are no longer playing football.
1
http://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(11)03387-X/fulltext
2
http://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(11)03387-X/fulltext
3
NFL Data (Quintiles Injury Surveillance and Analytics)
4
NFL Data (Quintiles Injury Surveillance and Analytics)
5
NFL Data (Quintiles Injury Surveillance and Analytics)
6
http://www.nfhs.org/ParticipationStatics/PDF/2013-14_Participation_Survey_PDF.pdf
7
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702303519404579350892629229918
MYTH vs. FACT
Setting The Record Straight
MYTH Little can be done to make football safe for kids to play.
P L AY E R C H A R AC T E R & VA L U E S
MYTH NFL players commit more crimes than the general population.
• The average annual arrest rate per year of NFL players is 2.5%.
FACT • The arrest rate for the general population is 3 – 4%, and 10% for men of the same ages.9
Aggressive behavior on the field leads to aggressive behavior off the field and a high rate
MYTH of domestic violence.
• The average annual rate of assault and domestic violence among NFL players is less
FACT than half of the general population.10
MYTH 78% of NFL players are bankrupt or financially distressed shortly after leaving the NFL.
FACT • 1.9% of NFL players declared bankruptcy within 2 years of leaving the NFL.11
• NFL retirees are more likely to be currently married than comparable men in the
FACT general population.
• Lifetime divorce rates are comparable to the general population.12
N F L FA N S
8
http://usafootball.com/blogs/heads-up-football/post/9900/datalys-center-study-finds-usa-football%E2%80%99s-heads-up-football-program-reduces-injuries-by-76-percent
9
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nfl/arrests/; http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2012/crime-in-the-u.s.-2012/persons-arrested/persons-arrested
10
http://www.realclearscience.com/blog/2014/09/domestic_violence_crime_much_lower_among_nfl_players.html
11
http://www.nber.org/papers/w21085
12
http://ns.umich.edu/Releases/2009/Sep09/FinalReport.pdf
13
http://www.adweek.com/news/press/nfl-scores-touchdown-female-fans-159674
14
http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2014-09-26/the-nfl-is-growing-only-because-of-female-fans
A COMMITMENT BEYOND THE PLAYING FIELD:
THE NFL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The impact of the National Football League goes far beyond the playing field. The NFL league office and its clubs take their
leadership responsibility in the community seriously, and are committed to making a difference long after game day.
The NFL focuses on three core community initiatives throughout the year:
NFL PLAY 60: Designed to tackle childhood obesity, PLAY 60 (right) brings
together the NFL’s long-standing commitment to health and wellness with
partner organizations. PLAY 60 also is implemented at the club level. Since the
program was launched in 2007, the NFL has committed more than $300 million
to youth health and fitness through programming, grants and media time for
public service announcements. The NFL and its teams have built more than 175
NFL Youth Fitness Zones and integrated programs into more than 73,000
schools nationwide since the campaign launched. All 32 clubs activate PLAY 60
locally, with more than 2,000 NFL PLAY 60 events held annually.
A Crucial Catch: In collaboration with the American Cancer Society, the A Crucial Catch: Annual Screening Saves Lives
initiative reminds women 40 and older about the importance of having an annual mammogram. A Crucial Catch is now
entering its seventh season. Since 2009, the program has raised more than $8 million for the American Cancer Society,
with the majority of the contribution coming from the sale of Breast Cancer Awareness-identified pink merchandise at
retail and via the NFL Auction website. The NFL does not profit from the sale or auction of pink merchandise.
Money raised through A Crucial Catch supports the CHANGE initiative, the American Cancer Society’s Community Health
Advocates implementing National Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program. This program provides
outreach and breast cancer screenings. In the first two full years that the NFL has funded CHANGE grants for the
American Cancer Society, grant recipients have reached 118,000 women through interventions such as outreach and
education and provided nearly 40,000 breast cancer screenings at no or low cost.
Salute to Service: The NFL has a long history of honoring veterans and active duty members of the military – from a
longstanding relationship with the USO to a collaboration with the Pat Tillman Foundation to fund Tillman Scholars each
year. During the annual Salute to Service campaign, which began in 2011, for every point scored during the NFL’s 32
designated Salute to Service games, the league donates $100 to each of its three core, military non-profit partners – the
Pat Tillman Foundation, USO, and Wounded Warrior Project® – for a total of $300 per point. Since the campaign’s
inception, the NFL has donated more than $4 million to its three military non-profit partners. The funds have been used to
build family centers on military bases, host physical health expos for injured veterans and provide scholarships for service
members.
Teams each put their own localized spins on these initiatives in a number of creative ways. For instance, on Veteran’s Day, the
Cleveland Browns welcomed servicemen and women, representing all military branches, as their guests to a closed practice
viewing. The San Diego Chargers hosted a free mobile mammography event in the parking lot at Qualcomm Stadium at their
Crucial Catch game this past season, which provided 100 free mammograms for women attending the game. And as part of the
league’s annual Hometown Huddle Day of Service, in partnership with the United Way, the Houston Texans hosted a “PLAY 60
for All” field day for students with special needs at a local school, with special activities designed for students with multiple
impairments. These are just a few examples of all the different ways that NFL clubs embrace and personalize these important
community platforms.
The NFL shield stands for the values that comprise the league, its employees,
executives and players – respect, integrity, responsibility to team and resiliency.
So the NFL is committed to social responsibility in many forms. This means
funding sexual assault prevention resources, in partnership with the National
Sexual Violence Resource Center. It means collaborating with NO MORE (left,
with Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback WILLIAM GAY) and the Joyful Heart
Foundation on powerful anti-domestic violence and sexual assault television
public service announcements, and donating the TV air time during NFL games
so that these PSAs can achieve maximum impact. It means providing financial
and in-kind support where it is most needed, to organizations like the National
Domestic Violence Hotline so they can answer more calls and reach people
when they most need it. And it means working closely with organizations like
Mothers Against Drunk Driving to ensure that players, employees and the
general public are educated on the dangers of drunk driving and about safe
alternatives they can use when they need a ride home.
In addition, the NFL understands that character development starts young, long before youth players begin thinking about
professional careers. So the NFL Foundation funds character education programs, summits and curricula (below, with NFL
Commissioner ROGER GOODELL and 2015 NFL Draft members LAKEN TOMLINSON, ANDRUS PEAT and BRANDON
SCHERFF), working with groups like Coach for America, A Call to Men, Positive Coaching Alliance, One Love Foundation and
others.
The list does not end there, and it changes over time. But no matter what the issue, the NFL and its clubs are always looking to
improve and to do the right thing when it comes to community impact.
NFL STADIUMS ON GAME DAY – AN EXPERIENCE UNLIKE ANY OTHER
The quiet anticipation as a deep pass spirals through the air…the roar of the
crowd…and watching the replay on a larger-than-life video board.
As great as the in-home NFL viewing experience has become, there is nothing like
being at an NFL stadium on game day. Delivering the best possible stadium
experience to fans continues to be a league-wide priority.
“We are committed to improving the fan experience in every way we can, from the
time fans arrive in the parking lot to when they depart the stadium,” says NFL
Commissioner ROGER GOODELL.
High-definition video boards have been installed at venues across the league in recent years, with stadium improvement projects
totaling an investment of over $1 billion by teams. Game days also feature many other fan-friendly enhancements like interactive
fan hospitality areas, improved entrances and more efficient concessions.
In 2015, NFL clubs will provide unique and memorable experiences for season ticket members and loyal fans on game day
through their own rewards programs, or through a partnership with Experience, a technology company that helps fans at live
events. Fans can redeem many game day benefits like seat upgrades, leading the team onto the field during player introductions
and even watching a game from the owner’s suite.
“There is no place better to watch an NFL game than at the stadium, with
70,000 other fans,” says BRIAN LAFEMINA, NFL Senior Vice President of
Club Business Development. “We are pleased to work with Experience to
provide technology our teams can leverage as they continue to make the
game day experience at their stadiums even better for their fans.”
At Levi’s Stadium – the home of Super Bowl 50 – the 49ers developed the
Levi’s Stadium Mobile App, the fan’s one-stop-shop for all things on game
day. The app gives fans access to game tickets and parking passes, allows
them to order food and drinks right to their seats and features a “Game
Center” for exclusive high-definition video replays.
Here are some of the other ways the NFL is working to enhance the in-stadium experience for fans:
NFL RED ZONE channel highlights are available on stadium video boards before and after Sunday afternoon games.
NFL RedZone, which whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons to deliver the touchdowns and most exciting
moments as they happen, launched in the cable television universe to critical acclaim in 2009 and was integrated into NFL
in-stadium entertainment the following season.
Providing WIRELESS SERVICE to fans in NFL stadiums is a league priority with many stadiums recently completing
installations or upgrades.
The NFL continues to embrace other new technologies, including RedZone on NFL Mobile with Verizon cell phones and
the availability of in-game video devices such as YinzCam at many facilities.
The NFL is committed to providing a safe, secure and enjoyable atmosphere for fans at all stadiums. The league’s FAN
CODE OF CONDUCT, which was instituted in 2008, continues to help accomplish that goal, along with other successful
programs at NFL venues that range from stadium security text messaging to responsible drinking campaigns and
initiatives.
To provide a safer environment for the public and to significantly expedite fan entry, limits were put into in place for the
2013 season to the size and type of bags that fans may bring into stadiums.
The new postseason ticket policy will eliminate the need for fans to commit money early.
NEW NFL RULES FOR 2015
The 2015 rules changes and points of emphasis:
UNNECESSARY ROUGHNESS: Several adjustments were made to the unnecessary roughness rule in the interests of
player safety. All unnecessary roughness violations result in a 15-yard penalty and may warrant potential discipline.
o Defenseless player protections are expanded to the intended receiver of a pass following an interception or
potential interception. A receiver who is clearly tracking the football and is in a defenseless posture will receive
defenseless player protections. It will be a foul to hit this player forcibly in the head or neck area, or use the crown
or hairline parts of the helmet. Violations result in a 15-yard penalty that will be enforced after the change of
possession.
o Rules prohibiting illegal “peel back” blocks extend to all offensive players. The rule previously only applied to
players who were in the tackle box at the snap. When approaching your opponent from the side, you must get
your near shoulder across the front of his body to legally block him below the waist. It is still legal to cut a
defender, provided the blocker is moving toward his opponent’s end line.
o All chop blocks involving a back are eliminated to give defenders additional protection from low blocks. Any time a
back is involved in a high/low block on a defender during a run, it is a foul for an illegal chop block. Prior to this
change, on a running play, a player in the backfield could chop a defender who was engaged above the waist by
another offensive player, if the contact occurred outside the normal position of the tight end. Any high/low block
during a passing or kicking play has been and will continue to be illegal.
o The prohibition against pushing teammates into the offensive formation is extended to punt plays. This rule
previously applied only to field goals and extra point kick attempts.
o The independent ATC (certified athletic trainers) spotters located in the press box are allowed to notify game
officials to stop the game if a player exhibits obvious signs of disorientation or is clearly unstable, and it becomes
apparent that the player will remain in the game. The game will be stopped immediately and the player will leave
the game to be evaluated by the medical staff. This process will only take place if both the game officials and the
medical staff fail to recognize the potential injury. Game officials have been directed to be diligent in this area and
will stop the game when a player appears to be disoriented so he can get medical attention.
EXTRA POINT: The extra point attempt will now be snapped from the 15-yard line. Two point-conversions will remain at
the two-yard line. Additionally, the defense will be able to return a blocked kick, interception or fumble for two points.
There will also be points of emphasis on several existing rules this season (although the rules themselves have not changed):
All rules that encourage player safety will continue to be strictly enforced. The focus is on eliminating these tactics from
the game. Players must avoid hitting or blocking opponents in the head or neck area, or using the crown or hairline parts
of the helmet to make forcible contact anywhere on the body.
Sportsmanship is always a point of emphasis and last season the league saw a decrease of fouls in this area. The same
emphasis will be applied to eliminating abusive, threatening or insulting language directed at opponents, teammates,
coaches, officials or representatives of the league. This includes racial slurs, comments regarding sexual orientation or
other verbal abuse. Coaches, officials and other league personnel will be held to the same high standard.
The increase in fighting is unacceptable and the league policy on fighting is clear and states the following: “Don’t fight,
and if a fight breaks out involving other players, stay away.” Any active participant in a fight will be penalized. Flagrant
conduct will result in ejections and any player that does not immediately leave the fight area will be subject to a fine.
Another area of concern involves players pulling opponents off a pile following a loose ball. There were several situations
last season where these actions led to altercations. Pulling a player off a pile in an aggressive, forcible manner will result
in a 15-yard penalty. This will allow game officials to determine possession and help reduce some of the safety risks
involved with the action.
The language pertaining to a catch was clarified to provide a better understanding of the rule. In order to complete a
catch, a receiver must clearly become a runner. He does that by gaining control of the ball, touching both feet down and
then, after the second foot is down, having the ball long enough to clearly become a runner, which is defined as the ability
to ward off or protect himself from impending contact. If, before becoming a runner, a receiver falls to the ground in an
attempt to make a catch, he must maintain control of the ball after contacting the ground. If he loses control of the ball
after contacting the ground and the ball touches the ground before he regains control, the pass is incomplete. Reaching
the ball out before becoming a runner will not trump the requirement to hold onto the ball when you land. When you are
attempting to complete a catch, you must put the ball away or protect the ball so it does not come loose.
NFL TO EXPERIMENT WITH EIGHTH OFFICIAL
During Week 2 of the 2015 preseason, the NFL will experiment with eight officials on the field of play.
The league has utilized seven-person officiating crews since 1978 when the side judge was added to the crew.
During the preseason Week 2 experiment, the eighth official will help further the goal of trying to reduce the amount of times an
official is responsible for multiple areas of the field that may not be in proximity to each other.
“We are going to look at positioning the eighth official in a couple of different areas,” says NFL Vice President of Officiating DEAN
BLANDINO. “We want to try to fill some of the holes that may happen in specific situations over the course of a game.”
In certain games, the eighth official will take a position in the offensive backfield, joining the referee and the umpire. From this
location, the “U2” will focus on the center pre-snap and the guard and tackle on the side of the formation closest to where he or
she is positioned.
In other games, the eighth official will line up approximately 20 yards downfield from the line of scrimmage. From there, the “CJ” or
“center judge” will focus on the center and two guards, with a particular emphasis on spotting defensive holding penalties.
The umpire will now remain in the offensive backfield any time the offense snaps the ball inside the defense’s five-yard line
moving toward the end zone.
Until now, the umpire has lined up in the offensive backfield opposite the referee on most plays. However, during the last two
minutes of the second quarter and the last five minutes of the fourth quarter, and any time the ball was snapped within the five-
yard line, the umpire previously has moved to the defensive backfield.
The new placement is designed to protect the official from unnecessary risk of injury, will have no effect on the hurry-up offense,
and will put the umpire in a better position to make the right call on plays near the goal line. It also specifically addresses game
action when the offense gets close to the goal line — which effectively shrinks the field, giving the umpire less room to maneuver
among the players and increasing the chances of the official being contacted.
2015 Schedule of Fines
Fighting
Fighting $28,940 $57,881
Unnecessarily Entering Fight Area $5,787 $11,576
(active involvement)
Unnecessarily Entering Fight Area $2,893 $8,681
(no active involvement)
Sportsmanship
Excessive Profanity; other Unsportsmanlike Conduct $11,576 $23,152
(e.g., toward opponent(s), game personnel, fans, etc.)
Taunting $8,681 $11,576
Football Into Stands $5,787 $11,576
Uniform
Foreign Substances on Body/Uniform $8,681 $17,363
Chin Straps $8,681 $11,576
Personal Messages $5,787 $11,576
(Additional fines may be imposed on team management and coaching staffs for condoning,
permitting, etc., violations in this area)
Other Uniform/Equipment Violations $5,787 $11,576
On Field Commercial Logo Violation Considered violation of official League
licensing agreements; suspension or fine;
severity to be determined by degree of
violation.
Gang Signing Considered conduct detrimental to the
League; suspension or fine; severity to be
determined in accordance with provisions of
the Personal Conduct Policy.
NFL RULES – A CONSTANT EVOLUTION
Rule changes in the NFL have been made throughout the history of the league to improve the game, make it more exciting and
reduce the risk of injury. Safety rules are one of the most important and effective ways in which the NFL and its clubs can help
protect the health of players. By helping to identify, promote and enforce safe on-field conduct (in concert with off-the-field
education and policies), the league seeks to preserve both the health of players and the integrity of the game.
The NFL has established a strong set of rules through the years focused on player safety, designed to promote fair competition
while attempting to minimize risk of harm to the player. While many of these rules have focused on reducing contact to the head
and neck of players, other changes have protected players from orthopedic and other injuries.
The development of a thoughtful and comprehensive set of appropriately protective rules and policies has always been, and
continues to be, an evolving process. The NFL continually evaluates how rules can best be integrated into the game to address
safety and health issues.
Each year the NFL Competition Committee conducts a complete review of player injuries and discusses means by which the NFL
can reduce them through the implementation of new rules, or by clarifying or strengthening enforcement of existing rules.
Rules the league has established or changed for the protection of players have not only had a positive impact in the NFL, but have
subsequently been incorporated at other levels of play, including collegiate, high school and youth programs. Through the NFL’s
ongoing partnerships and educational initiatives, the awareness of the importance of rules related to on-field conduct and return-
to-play, at all levels and ages, is broadened.
To view an interactive timeline of the evolution of rules of the sport, visit http://operations.nfl.com/.
A brief overview of NFL rule changes focused on protecting player health and safety over the past 30 years:
1985
During the last two minutes of a half, the play ends when a quarterback kneels or simulates kneeling on the ground.
The ball is dead when any runner slides to the ground feet first, thereby declaring himself down.
1986
Blocking below the waist on punts is prohibited during the entire down.
The “lure” technique is prohibited. When a tackle shows pass set, a teammate lined up outside him cannot chop a defender who is
lined up over the tackle, even if the tackle and defender are not engaged (a “lure”).
1987
An offensive lineman may not clip a defender who, at the snap, is aligned on the line of scrimmage opposite another offensive
lineman who is more than one position away, when the defender is responding to the flow of the ball away from the blocker.
Example: A tackle cannot clip the nose tackle on a sweep to the opposite side.
It is illegal for the kicking team to block below the waist after a free kick or punt has been made. (Low blocks by the receiving team
became illegal in 1979).
Both teams are prohibited from blocking below the waist after a change of possession.
1989
A defender (approaching from any direction) who has an unrestricted path to the quarterback is prohibited from flagrantly hitting
him in the area of the knee(s).
1990
A player who butts, spears, or rams an opponent may be disqualified if the action is flagrant or vicious.
1991
Officials will whistle the play dead whenever a defensive lineman clearly penetrates beyond the neutral zone before the ball is
snapped and continues unabated toward the quarterback.
1992
For the first time, the chop block is illegal on some running plays: It is illegal on a running play for an offensive player who is lined
up in the backfield at the snap to deliberately block a defensive player in the thigh or lower (chop) if the defensive player is
engaged by an offensive player who was on the line of scrimmage at the snap. This action is prohibited whether on or behind the
line of scrimmage in an area that extends laterally to the position originally occupied by the tight end on either side.
When a defensive player runs forward and leaps in an attempt to block an extra point or field goal, it is a foul only if the leaping
player lands on other players.
1993
It is not intentional grounding when a passer, while out of the pocket and facing an imminent loss of yardage, throws a pass that
lands beyond the line of scrimmage, even if no offensive player has a realistic chance to catch the ball (including if the ball lands
out of bounds over the sideline or end line).
1994
Defensive players are prohibited from blocking low during a punt, field goal, or extra point attempt (kick), except those defensive
players at the snap that are lined up on or inside the normal tight end position. Previously, all players on the defensive team could
block low during the field goal or extra point attempt.
1995
Protection for defenseless players is clarified and expanded. Since 1982, a defensive player was prohibited from using the crown
or top of his helmet against a passer, a receiver in the act of catching a pass, or a runner who is in the grasp of a tackler. The
clarification provided that:
Defenseless players included a kickoff or punt returner attempting to field a kick in the air, and a player on the ground at
the end of a play.
Defensive players are prohibited from lowering their heads to make forcible contact with the facemask, or with the
“hairline” or forehead part of the helmet, against an opponent, instead of only with the top/crown.
Defensive players are prohibited from forcibly hitting the defenseless player’s head, neck, or face with the helmet or
facemask.
Defensive players are prohibited from launching into a defenseless player in a way that causes the defensive player’s
helmet or facemask to forcibly strike the defenseless player’s head, neck, or face, even if the initial contact of the
defender’s helmet or facemask is lower than the defenseless player’s neck.
When tackling a passer during or just after throwing a pass, a defensive player is prohibited from unnecessarily and violently
throwing him down and landing on top of him with all or most of the defender’s weight.
1996
On running plays, a chop block is prohibited by an offensive player who is aligned more than one position away from the engaged
defender when the block occurs away from the flow of the play.
A defender cannot be chopped even after he has disengaged from an offensive opponent, if he is still confronting the offensive
player.
Prohibition of the “lure” technique is applicable all along the offensive line, instead of only to a player outside a tackle.
1998
1999
Blocking from behind, at, or below the knees in the clipping zone is prohibited.
After a blocking attempt in close line play, a blocker is prohibited from rolling up on the back of a defender’s legs (Unnecessary
Roughness).
2002
2005
It is illegal to grab the inside collar of the shoulder pads to tackle a runner (“horse-collar tackle”).
Unnecessarily running, diving into, or throwing the body against a player who should not have reasonably anticipated such contact
by an opponent is unnecessary roughness. Previously, the rule only protected a player who is out of the play.
A kicker/punter must not be unnecessarily contacted by the receiving team through the end of the play or until he assumes a
distinctly defensive position. An opponent may not unnecessarily initiate helmet-to-helmet contact to the kicker/punter during the
kick or during the return.
An offensive player who is aligned in the tackle box at the snap and moves to a position outside the box is prohibited from
initiating contact on the side or below the waist of an opponent if the blocker is moving toward his own end line and approaches
the opponent from behind or from the side (“peel back block”). The near shoulder of the blocker must be in front of his opponent’s
body.
2006
Low hits on the quarterback are prohibited when a rushing defender has an opportunity to avoid such contact.
Blocks in the back above the waist by the kicking team while the ball is in flight during a scrimmage kick are illegal.
The definition of a “horse collar tackle” is expanded to include grabbing the inside collar of the jersey.
During a field-goal attempt or a try, a defensive player who is within one yard of the line of scrimmage at the snap must have his
helmet outside the snapper’s shoulder pad.
Personal or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls that occur during halftime or during intermission between the fourth period and an
overtime period will be penalized on the ensuing kickoff.
During a free kick, at least four kicking team players must be on each side of the kicker when the ball is kicked.
2007
A block below the waist against an eligible receiver while the quarterback is in the pocket is a 15-yard penalty instead of a 5-yard
penalty (an illegal cut block).
2009
Teams are not permitted to intentionally form a wedge of more than two players on a kickoff return in an attempt to block for the
runner.
The “bunch” formation on kickoffs is eliminated. The kickoff team must have at least three players outside each hash mark, one of
whom must be outside the yard-line number.
It is an illegal “blindside” block if the blocker is moving toward his own endline and approaches the opponent from behind or from
the side, and the initial force of the contact by the blocker’s helmet, forearm, or shoulder is to the head or neck area of an
opponent.
It is an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver if the initial force of the contact by the defender’s helmet, forearm, or shoulder is to the
head or neck area of the receiver.
A defender cannot initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit the passer in the knee area or below, even if he is being
contacted by another player.
It is not a foul if the defender swipes, wraps, or grabs a passer in the knee area or below in an attempt to tackle him.
2010
During a field-goal attempt, punt, or try-kick, a defensive team player, who is within one yard of the line of scrimmage at the snap,
must have his entire body outside the snapper’s shoulder pads.
After a half has expired, dead ball personal fouls by either team will be enforced on the succeeding kickoff.
A player who has just completed a catch is protected from blows to the head or neck by an opponent who launches.
All “defenseless players” are protected from blows to the head delivered by an opponent’s helmet, forearm, or shoulder.
Kickers and punters during the kick and return, and quarterbacks after a change of possession, are protected from blows to the
head delivered by an opponent’s helmet, forearm, or shoulder, instead of just helmet-to-helmet contact.
The ball is declared dead at the spot if a runner’s helmet comes completely off.
2011
The restraining line for the kicking team is moved from the 30- to the 35-yard line in an effort to increase touchbacks.
All kicking team players other than the kicker must be lined up no more than five yards behind their restraining line, eliminating the
15-20 yard running “head start” that had become customary for many players.
The list of “defenseless players” is expanded to include a kicker/punter during the kick or during the return, a quarterback at any
time after a change of possession, and a player who receives a “blindside” block when the blocker is moving toward his own
endline and approaches the opponent from behind or from the side. Previously, these players were protected against blows to the
head, but not against blows delivered by an opponent with the top/crown or forehead/”hairline” parts of the helmet against other
parts of the body.
A receiver who has completed a catch is a “defenseless player” until he has had time to protect himself or has clearly become a
runner. A receiver/runner is no longer defenseless if he is able to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an opponent.
Previously, the receiver who had completed a catch was protected against an opponent who launched and delivered a blow to the
receiver’s head.
2012
The list of “defenseless players” is expanded to include defensive players on crackback blocks, making it illegal to hit them in the
head or neck area.
2013
It is illegal for a runner or tackler to initiate forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top or crown of his helmet against an
opponent when both players are clearly outside the tackle box.
“Peel back” blocks below the waist are illegal inside the tackle box.
The list of “defenseless players” is expanded to include long snappers on field goals and PATs.
The “bunch” formation is eliminated on field goals and PATs. No more than six defenders may be on the line of scrimmage on
either side of the snapper at the snap for these plays.
2014
Clipping and unnecessary roughness penalties are expanded to prohibit blockers from rolling up on the side of a defender’s leg.
2015
Rules prohibiting illegal “peel back” blocks are extended to cover all offensive players.
Offensive backs are prohibited from chopping a defensive player engaged above the waist by another offensive player outside the
tackle box.
Defenseless player protections are expanded to cover the intended receiver of a pass in the immediate continuing action following
an interception.
When a team presents a punt, field-goal or try kick formation, defenders are prohibited from pushing teammates on the line of
scrimmage.
2015 KICKOFF WEEKEND NOTES
Kickoff Weekend begins on Thursday, September 10 in primetime on NBC when the defending-champion New England Patriots
host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium. It’s when things start to count.
Some clubs have excelled in openers. Here is a sampling of notable active NFL Kickoff streaks:
The Super Bowl XLIX-champion NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, who host Pittsburgh in the spotlight Kickoff
2015 game on Thursday night, have a 15-1 record at Gillette Stadium over the past two seasons. The
Patriots have the fifth-most Kickoff Weekend wins among AFC teams (30).
The AFC North champion PITTSBURGH STEELERS, who travel to New England on Thursday night of Kickoff
Weekend, have the most wins (41) among AFC teams on Kickoff Weekend.
The NFC North champion GREEN BAY PACKERS, who travel to Chicago on Kickoff Weekend, hold the
record for the most wins in road openers (53) in the NFL and the fourth-best winning percentage in openers on
the road (.576, 53-39-2).
The AFC West champion DENVER BRONCOS, who start the season at home against Baltimore, have
posted a 41-13-1 (.759) record in home openers, the top mark in the NFL. Denver has won 18 of its past
20 home openers.
The NFC East champion DALLAS COWBOYS begin the year by hosting the New York Giants on Sunday
Night Football with a 37-17-1 (.685) record in openers at home, the fourth-best winning percentage in NFL
history.
The AFC South champion INDIANAPOLIS COLTS start the season at Buffalo with a 33-29-0 (.532) record in
road openers, the second-best winning percentage in the AFC.
The ARIZONA CARDINALS, who host New Orleans on Kickoff Weekend, have the third-longest current
winning streak among NFC teams in home openers (five).
The ATLANTA FALCONS and SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS start the season at home
against Philadelphia and Minnesota, respectively, during a Monday Night Football
doubleheader. Atlanta has won its past seven home openers – the longest active streak in
the league – while San Francisco has won 14 of its past 20 home openers.
The PHILADELPHIA EAGLES, who visit Atlanta to open the 2015 campaign, have won six consecutive
road openers, the longest active streak among NFC teams.
HOME SWEET HOME: The CHICAGO BEARS (65-26-4), who host the Green Bay Packers on Kickoff Weekend, have a .714
winning percentage in home openers, the second-best mark in the NFL…the NEW YORK GIANTS, who host the Falcons in
Week 2, have won 49 openers at home, the fourth-most wins in home openers in the NFL…the HOUSTON TEXANS, who
host Kansas City on Kickoff Weekend, have won their past five home openers, the longest current streak in the AFC…and the
NFC champion SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, who host Chicago in Week 3, have won six consecutive home openers, the second-
longest streak in the league.
HEAD COACHES: New England’s BILL BELICHICK is 13-7 (.650) on Kickoff Weekend and his 13 wins are the most among
active head coaches…Belichick, St. Louis’ JEFF FISHER (11-8; .579) and the New York Giants’ TOM COUGHLIN (10-9;
.526) are the only active head coaches who have won at least 10 Kickoff Weekend games and own an opening weekend
winning percentage above .500…Denver’s GARY KUBIAK (5-3), Buffalo’s REX RYAN (5-1) and Tennessee’s KEN
WHISENHUNT (5-2) each has a four-game winning streak on Kickoff Weekend, the longest current streak among active head
coaches…CHIP KELLY (2-0) of the Eagles, BILL O’BRIEN (1-0) of the Texans and MIKE ZIMMER (1-0) of the Vikings are
the only active head coaches with perfect records on Kickoff Weekend…and three head coaches – the New York Jets’ TODD
BOWLES, Atlanta’s DAN QUINN and San Francisco’s JIM TOMSULA – make their Kickoff Weekend debuts in 2015.
HEADLINE GAMES
“This is the NFL,” says MARIO WILLIAMS of the Buffalo Bills, “and new teams win every year. In this league, any team can win
on any given Sunday.”
With only 16 games per team, every game is important. It’s just that, some weeks, some games seem to be even more important!
Following is a 2015 Weeks 1-17 list of “Headline Games,” but far from the only ones:
Week 1 Pittsburgh at New England Thursday-night opener has Super Bowl champs hosting AFC North winners.
Week 2 Seattle at Green Bay Packers host Seahawks on Sunday night in NFC Championship Game rematch.
Week 3 Washington at NY Giants Thursday-night matchup on CBS highlights NFC East rivalry.
Week 4 NY Jets at Miami (London) 2015 International Series kicks off with first ever division game in UK.
Week 5 Indianapolis at Houston J.J. Watt vs. Andrew Luck. AFC South rivals meet on Thursday night.
Week 6 New England at Indianapolis AFC Championship Game rematch featuring Colts and Pats on Sunday Night.
Week 7 Buffalo at Jacksonville (London) UK game will be digitally distributed worldwide by Yahoo! and broadcast locally.
Week 8 Detroit at Kansas City (London) Chiefs host Lions at London’s Wembley Stadium in third 2015 UK game.
Week 9 Denver at Indianapolis Peyton Manning returns to Indianapolis in AFC Divisional rematch.
Week 10 Buffalo at NY Jets Jets host Bills on Thursday night as head coach Rex Ryan returns to NY.
Week 11 Cincinnati at Arizona Arizona hosts Cincinnati in meeting between two 2014 playoff teams.
Week 12 Phi at Det/Car at Dal/Chi at GB Thanksgiving triple-header! Food, family and football!
Week 13 Dallas at Washington NFC East rivals face off on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.
Week 14 Seattle at Baltimore Seahawks travel to Baltimore for Sunday-night game between 2014 playoff clubs.
Week 15 NY Jets at Dallas Cowboys host Jets in primetime on NFLN as Saturday football returns.
Week 16 Pittsburgh at Baltimore Sunday-night showdown between AFC North rivals with possible playoff implications.
Week 17 16 Division Matchups Final weekend features all division games with playoff berths on the line!
In Week 2, Green Bay will host Seattle in a rematch of last season’s NFC Championship Game
NFL RATCHETS UP THE EXCITEMENT…HOPE IS ALIVE
The 2014 season was full of excitement, but that should be no surprise. Unpredictability is the norm in today’s NFL.
Many close games and great comeback victories…new teams making the playoffs and winning divisions...records falling…and so
much more.
“What people love about the NFL,” says New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl quarterback DREW BREES
(left), “is that every game, every week, no matter who is playing, anything can happen. So many games
come down to that last possession.”
The NFL is never short on surprises, and the 2014 season was no different.
Games continued to have a flare for the dramatic, as comebacks were a frequent theme. Last season
featured five comeback victories of 21+ points, the most in a single season in NFL history.
There were also 43 comeback wins of 10+ points, tied for the most in a season in NFL history (43 in
2013).
Five teams that missed the postseason in 2013 – Dallas (12-4), Arizona (11-5), Detroit (11-5), Pittsburgh (11-5) and Baltimore (10-
6) – advanced to the 2014 playoffs. Since the 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990, at least four teams have qualified for
the playoffs in every season that were not in the postseason the year before.
The 2015 season promises more of the same. Every team enters the new year with hope.
The teams since 1990 to make the playoffs a season after failing to qualify:
Games continued to be thisclose, as 64.5 percent were within one score in the fourth quarter.
In 2014, 110 of 256 games (43.0 percent) were decided by eight points or fewer.
Since being drafted by Green Bay in 2005, quarterback AARON RODGERS and the
Packers have made seven playoff appearances, winning Super Bowl XLV.
“I’m very proud of Aaron,” says Green Bay head coach MIKE MC CARTHY. “He’s at the
point in his career now that it seems like every week or every other week he’s breaking a
record. He is just a special player.”
The reigning Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, under the guidance of head
coach BILL BELICHICK, have the best regular-season record over the past 10 years,
qualifying for the postseason nine times and winning Super Bowl XLIX.
“He’s been a great mentor, a great friend,” says Baltimore Ravens head coach JOHN HARBAUGH (above, with Belichick). “I
have the utmost respect for him. Bill Belichick is the greatest coach of our generation, without question.”
The teams with the best regular-season records over the past 10 seasons (2005-14):
TEAM W L T PCT. PLAYOFF BERTHS SUPER BOWL BERTHS SUPER BOWL WINS
New England 122 38 0 .763 9 3 1
Indianapolis 110 50 0 .688 9 2 1
Pittsburgh 101 59 0 .631 6 3 2
Green Bay 98 61 1 .616 7 1 1
San Diego 97 63 0 .606 5 0 0
Baltimore 96 64 0 .600 7 1 1
DIVISION TITLES? UP FOR GRABS
Unpredictable NFL? It sure seems that way!
In the 13 seasons since realignment in 2002, 28 different teams have won division titles.
“It felt great,” said Carolina running back JONATHAN STEWART, who helped lead the Panthers to the team’s second-
consecutive division title. “I mean, it’s a blessing and you just have to cherish those moments. We just believed and played our
hearts out.”
Last season, Dallas head coach JASON GARRETT guided the Cowboys to their first division title since 2009.
“In so many ways, this is such a long journey and to get to a point to achieve your first goal of winning the division title, a lot goes
into that,” said Garrett, after the team finished 12-4 in 2014. “I think the way you play in securing that matters, and I thought we
played really, really well.”
The teams that have won their divisions in the 13 seasons since realignment in 2002:
NFL CALENDAR
September 10, 13-14 Kickoff 2015 January 16-17 Divisional Playoffs
October 6-7 NFL Fall Meeting, New York, NY January 24 Conference Championships
November 3 Trading deadline January 31 Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii (ESPN)
January 3 Regular season ends February 7 Super Bowl 50, San Francisco Bay Area (CBS)
January 9-10 Wild Card Playoffs
SCORING REACHED RECORD HIGHS IN 2014
Nine teams scored at least 400 points in 2014 – Green Bay (486), Denver (482), Philadelphia (474), New England (468), Dallas
(467), Indianapolis (458), Pittsburgh (436), Baltimore (409) and New Orleans (401) – tying the 2009 and 2012 seasons for the
second-most all-time. Those nine teams combined for a .674 winning percentage, and seven qualified for the playoffs.
A record 807 touchdown passes were also recorded in 2014, surpassing the league-wide record of 804, which occurred in 2013.
Led by the NFC North champion Green Bay Packers, who finished 12-4 and scored an NFL-high 486 points in 2014, many of the
NFL’s top-scoring offenses translated those points into wins.
“Teams are really balanced on offense,” says Packers quarterback AARON RODGERS. “If it takes 38-plus points to win, then
that’s what teams have to do. There are no excuses any longer with the way offense is trending today.”
“My vision is to have all 32 Player Engagement Directors on the same page so we can add even more value to the organization
and its players,” says CHARLES WAY, NFL Vice President of Player Engagement. “I want every organization to see the
importance of the Player Engagement position and how it positively affects the performance of players on and off the field.”
To reflect the distinct phases of the NFL playing experience, the Player Engagement team focuses on three areas:
NFL Prep, providing student athletes and future NFL players with the foundation essential to a successful life.
NFL Life, engaging current NFL players with personal and professional development resources.
NFL Next, offering services that foster a successful transition from the playing experience to life after football.
During the 2015 offseason, Player Engagement hosted eight professional development programs aimed at offering current and
former players training in various industries for their post-NFL career. The 2015 series included the NFL-NCAA Coaches
Academy, Boot Camp: Consumer Products, Finance Camp, the Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program (BM&E), Boot
Camp: Franchising, Boot Camp: Sports Journalism and Communications, Boot Camp: Broadcasting, and Boot Camp: Advanced
Broadcasting.
The inaugural NFL Finance Camp was the first collaboration between NFL Player Engagement and league sponsor TD
Ameritrade. Hosted at the University of Miami, 18 current and former players, including New Orleans Saints cornerback
BRANDON BROWNER and San Francisco 49ers tight end VERNON DAVIS, spent four days learning about the intricacies of
personal financial management and smart investment decisions. Professionals from TD Ameritrade and professors from the
University of Miami delivered educational sessions and resources that players can use during and after their playing experiences
to manage their and their families’ personal finances.
In its eighth year, the Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program (BM&E)
traveled to the Wharton School of Business San Francisco campus for the
program’s first-ever focus on the technology and start-up industry. Thirty current
and former players (right) participated in classroom sessions about business
fundamentals with a focus on tech and start-up related business. Participants
learned first-hand from former NFL player, past BM&E participant and founder
and CEO of Integrate JEREMY BLOOM, who shared his experiences as a tech
entrepreneur and engaged his Silicon Valley network in intimate conversations
about the industry. To further enhance the learning experience, players made
visits to the Facebook, Google Ventures and Luxe headquarters to fully immerse
themselves in the start-up culture and learn about the day-to-day operations of
these businesses.
For the second time, NFL Player Engagement hosted Boot Camp: Franchising at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of
Business. Nineteen current and former players and two wives, including New Orleans Saints quarterback DREW BREES and
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver DEVIN HESTER, spent four days learning about franchise operations, business management and
building an effective team from Ross School of Business professors and executives from Papa John’s, Title Boxing, 7-Eleven and
Jersey Mike’s.
“Boot Camp: Franchising went above and beyond my expectations in terms of understanding the business and being prepared to
get involved,” says New York Jets tight end STEVE MANERI. “The people we have met provided unparalleled networking
opportunities to start our second career.”
Former NFL players who are now professional franchisees, including TIM BIAKABUTUKA, ANGELO CROWELL and VAN
JAKES shared their experiences transitioning from the playing field into the franchise industry. Miami Dolphins Owner and Ross
School of Business namesake STEPHEN ROSS opened the program by discussing his path to business success and sharing
advice with the program’s participants.
Player Engagement concluded this season’s Boot Camp series
with its longest-running program, Boot Camp: Broadcasting (left)
hosted at NFL Films.
Of the 188 players who took part in Broadcast Boot Camp from 2007-14, more than one-third have earned broadcasting jobs as a
result of their participation in the program. Participants in 2015 included Indianapolis Colts safety MIKE ADAMS, New York Jets
cornerback ANTONIO CROMARTIE and former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback IKE TAYLOR.
In addition, NFL Player Engagement leads the annual Rookie Symposium, a multi-day orientation for rookies that emphasizes the
sport’s legacy, tradition of character and leadership, as well as social and professional responsibility.
The core teaching principles of the 2015 Rookie Symposium are centered on the NFL’s
values of respect, integrity, responsibility to team and resiliency. The sessions include
presentations, videos and workshops focused on these principles as well as other topics,
including player health and safety, decision making, maintaining positive relationships,
financial strength and domestic violence and sexual assault bystander intervention.
Guest speakers and presenters at the 2015 Rookie Symposium included Oakland Raiders
general manager REGGIE MC KENZIE, New York Giants general manager JERRY REESE,
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD (below, on right), New York Jets wide
receiver BRANDON MARSHALL, Baltimore Ravens running back JUSTIN FORSETT and
New Orleans Saints tight end BENJAMIN WATSON. Pro Football Hall of Famer CRIS
CARTER (left) addressed the 2015 rookies on the final night of the program and Pro Football
Hall of Famers ANTHONY MUÑOZ and CURTIS MARTIN shared experiences from their NFL
playing days when the rookies visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
NFL Player Engagement also hosts several other educational programs throughout
the year, all designed to reach players at various points in their development as
players, businessmen and people. Together with the NCAA, they host a NFL-NCAA
Life Skills and Professional Development Summit and the NFL-NCAA Coaching
Academy, which provide personal and professional development resources and
networking opportunities. Through group and panel discussions, as well as interactive
exercises, participants learn about and share topics impacting their personal and
professional growth.
With the help of NFL Player Engagement, players can stay educated during critical
transition periods in their lives and utilize available resources and services designed
to assist them along the way.
SUMMARY OF NFL PROGRAMS & BENEFITS FOR RETIRED PLAYERS
The NFL has a large number of meaningful resources that are available to retired players – NFL Legends – in their post NFL
years. These include transition assistance and continuing education programs for recently retired players as well as dozens of
collectively-bargained benefits for them and for those “more experienced” retirees who were pioneers in the league.
The landmark 2011 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) included additional funding of approximately $1 billion for retiree
benefits. The largest single amount – $620 million – is being used for the LEGACY FUND, which has increased pensions for pre-
1993 retirees.
“Nothing the league can do can ever fully express our appreciation to the players who helped build our league,” says NFL
Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “However, the Legacy Fund is a significant step, especially as the benefits apply to the older
players.”
Below is a summary of the many programs and benefits that former players – NFL Legends – have earned through their play in
the league:
NFL PROGRAMS
OTHER PROGRAMS
Other groups affiliated with the NFL also offer a host of programs to benefit former players. The NFL Alumni Association’s
mission is to “serve, assist and inform its members to enrich their post NFL lives.” The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
provides financial grants and “pro bono” medical assistance to retired players in dire need. Finally, the NFL Player
Association’s TRUST is committed to the well-being of former players and works to meet each individual where he is in
his transition off the playing field. For more information on the programs and services provided by the NFLPA for both
active and former players, go to www.nflpa.com.
NFL BENEFITS
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT
The NFL has contracted with Medicare insurers to make available a range of supplemental insurance plans to retired
players 65 and older.
NEUROLOGICAL BENEFIT
The NFL has contracted with top medical centers around the country that have special expertise to provide access,
evaluation and possible treatment for all retired players.
88 PLAN
The 88 Plan provides benefits to players with dementia, ALS and Parkinson’s disease. These benefits are the
reimbursement or payments of medical or custodial expenses up to $100,000 related to these diseases.
LEGACY PAYMENTS
Players who were in the NFL prior to 1993 may receive an additional monthly payment along with their pension as part of
the 2011 Collective Bargaining Agreement.
DISABILITY BENEFITS
The NFL provides two kinds of disability benefits: total & permanent disability benefits and line of duty disability benefits. A
nationwide panel of expert physicians have been retained and are instructed to examine applicant players fully and fairly.
A full-time Medical Director, who is a physician, also has been hired with the authority and responsibility to oversee the
panel of doctors.
Former wide receiver KEVIN LOCKETT (left and below) knew he would have a
decision to make at the end of his seven-year (1997-2003) playing career.
“Although I thought I was prepared to make that transition from the field, I had my
doubts,” says Lockett. “I think that is true for every player. I knew I had to prepare
myself for a second career.”
Lockett spent the majority of his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs before stints
with the Washington Redskins, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. While playing
in Kansas City, Lockett began consulting work with the Kauffman Foundation, one of
the largest private foundations in the country.
Lockett spent nearly 10 years working in various roles for the Kauffman Foundation,
including as the chief operating officer of the foundation’s Urban Entrepreneur
Partnership, a program designed to provide education and coaching to minority and
urban entrepreneurs to more successfully scale their firms.
“I was fortunate that both my parents had business careers,” says Lockett about the
things that helped propel him into business. “My mom worked at Shell Oil for 25 years,
while my father was employed in the oil and gas industry. I majored in accounting and
finance at Kansas State which has helped me a great deal since retiring from the NFL.”
Lockett is currently the COO/CFO at the Kansas Bioscience Authority (KBA), where he
is responsible for its financial management and reporting. KBA was created by the
Kansas Economic Growth Act of 2004 to accelerate growth in the bioscience sector by
making venture capital-type investments into promising bioscience companies.
Lockett and his wife, Cheryl, have four sons. In his spare time, he is involved in the
Kansas City Chiefs Ambassadors Program for retired players.
“Many of us miss playing the games and the Ambassadors Program helps fill that void,” says Lockett. “I also advise the younger
guys in the group to start networking in other industries outside of sports as soon as possible. I am living proof that the saying,
‘Who you know,’ goes a long way in your second career.”
The below list is just a sampling of what some former NFL players are doing in their second (or even third) careers:
The program is directed by NFL Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer ROBERT GULLIVER and NFL
Executive Vice President of Football Operations TROY VINCENT.
“The Career Development Symposium is one in a series of programs we offer to develop talent throughout the NFL,” says
Gulliver. “We have pulled together the next generation of head coaches and general managers who will benefit from the insights
of owners, current and former head coaches and general managers as they look to take that next step in their careers.”
“The NFL constantly strives to make the best better,” adds Vincent. “We have assembled the most talented individuals available to
our game. Our job is to educate in order to mesh that talent with potential, bringing forward the future of our game.”
Cowher spoke to the attendees and touched on leadership and understanding each organization. He addressed how to manage a
staff and make difficult decisions as a head coach. He stressed the importance of establishing a relationship with the owner,
communicating a vision and having accountability.
“Three top things that are needed to stand out as a coach are presence,
character and communication,” Casserly told the attendees.
STEVE CARGILE (right), a team scout for the New England Patriots, New
York Jets director of football administration JACKIE DAVIDSON, New
Orleans Saints director of football administration KHAI HARLEY and
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach HARDY NICKERSON were
among the 68 attendees.
“This is a great opportunity for us to network and to get to know other personnel within the NFL to help us grow,” says Cargile.
Cargile was an undrafted rookie free agent for the Dallas Cowboys in 2004 and finished his playing career with Tampa Bay in
2009. He decided to stay involved with the game and to become an NFL scout.
“I sent my information to all the teams in the NFL and the Patriots looked me up and brought me in and everything has been
great,” says Cargile.
The Career Development Symposium previously ran from 1998-2008 and returned in 2013. Attendees of the 2013 symposium
included new hires for the 2014 season such as head coaches JAY GRUDEN (Washington), Pettine (Cleveland), Zimmer
(Minnesota) as well as general managers RAY FARMER (Cleveland), DENNIS HICKEY (Miami), JASON LICHT (Tampa Bay)
and DOUG WHALEY (Buffalo). Attendees of the 2014 symposium included new head coaches TODD BOWLES (New York Jets)
and JIM TOMSULA (San Francisco).
The NFL Career Development Symposium supplements other initiatives that include:
Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship (April-June 2015; July-August 2015), which provides opportunities at all
32 NFL clubs for minority coaches to observe, participate and gain coaching experience.
Nunn-Wooten Scouting Fellowship (May-August 2015), which provides former players the opportunity to learn the
fundamentals of scouting at the NFL level.
NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy (February 2015), which offered 58 coaches/coaching prospects – including 28 current
and former NFL players – the tools and networking opportunities for potential careers as football coaches.
NFL Video Interview Program (February 2015), for those who have been identified as potential head coaches or general
managers. The program gives clubs the ability to view an informational interview conducted by an executive search firm.
NFL-NCAA Champion Forum (June 2015), for those who have been identified as potential head coaches by college
administrators. This program simulates the intercollegiate interview process from researching the position to the first staff
meeting after becoming a head coach.
Since the launch of the NFL PLAY 60 initiative in 2007, the NFL and its
clubs have built more than 200 Youth Fitness Zones and committed
more than $325 million to youth health and fitness programming, grants
and media time for public service announcements.
Thanksgiving is an important time of the year when NFL PLAY 60 is celebrated in stadiums throughout the country. Holiday
traditions such as food, family, football and philanthropy will come to life as the program celebrates youth and its goals for kids to
live an active and healthy lifestyle. Each team will designate one game following Thanksgiving as their “PLAY 60 Game” and in-
stadium celebrations will showcase the positive impact of NFL PLAY 60. Many clubs will also hold their Team Championships for
NFL Punt, Pass & Kick – another PLAY 60 program – and will recognize their local finalists during this game.
In 2014, the NFL introduced a new public service announcement during the
Thanksgiving games. The theme of the PSA was “Come Out to Play.” It
focused on the hometowns, fields and backyards where NFL icons played
when they were young. Players featured included VICTOR CRUZ, JIM
KELLY, CALVIN JOHNSON, ELI MANNING, PEYTON MANNING, DAN
MARINO, CAM NEWTON (right), JOHNNY UNITAS and J.J. WATT. The
PSA is also posted on www.nflrush.com/play60 along with messages from
current and former NFL players about the importance of ‘coming out to play.’
Last season, the NFL also introduced the NFL PLAY 60 app which had more
than 650,000 downloads in the first year. The app was created in partnership
with the American Heart Association and is funded by the NFL Foundation.
The app encourages kids to get active, while at the same time enjoying an
interactive and fun game experience.
NFL PLAY 60 has collaborated with new organizations this past year to continue to extend the
campaign to youth nationwide. NFL PLAY 60 was present at the 2015 Special Olympics World
Games in Los Angeles, engaging with flag football athletes through an interactive experience and
supporting all athletes participating in the games. In April, NFL Draft prospects (left, Jacksonville
Jaguars defensive end DANTE FOWLER, JR. takes a young patient through an obstacle course)
spent time with pediatric patients and their families while they participated in PLAY 60 obstical
courses at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago.
NFL PLAY 60 stands as the official champion of play at St. Jude and takes part in supporting the
needs of its Child Life Program, which helps children cope with the stress of their illness through
therapeutic play and other activities, while promoting development, self-expression and peer
interaction among other benefits. Child Life is an integral part of the medical team at St. Jude and
is visible in every clinical arena.
NFL PLAY 60 is the league’s primary social responsibility platform under which various youth health and fitness initiatives fall.
Some of the leagues programs in this specific area are:
Fuel Up to PLAY 60 A school-based program in which youth teams aim at getting schools and its
students healthy and fit in partnership with the National Dairy Council
Hometown Huddle Annual league-wide day of service in October with United Way in which each team
community takes part in various community service offerings
NFL FLAG Football Youth football league for boys and girls between the ages of 5-17 in collaboration
with USA Football
NFL PLAY 60 Bus Contest Awards a deserving community with a newly refurbished play space that allow its
youth to strive to be more active and healthy
NFL PLAY 60 FITNESSGRAM Health and fitness assessment tool for schools nationwide to help improve the
health of students
NFL PLAY 60 Super Bowl Contest Recognizes 34 kids across the country for their efforts and commitment to Play 60
every day with the goal of a healthy lifestyle. One grand-prize winner is awarded
with an exclusive Super Bowl experience
NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festivals Engages local youth with the game of football and healthy living messaging around
certain NFL events such as the Draft, Kickoff, Pro Bowl and Super Bowl
NFL Punt, Pass & Kick National skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 6-15 in
collaboration with USA Football
NFL PLAY 60 Challenge An in-school curriculum of NFL PLAY 60 that is in partnership with the American
Heart Association inspiring kids to get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day
NFL PLAY 60 Invention Contest Challenges kids to be creative and come up with new and innovative ideas or
product inventions that enable youth to get active and healthy
Youth Fitness Zones Playgrounds, gyms and other fun places for kids to be active that are built by the
NFL and its 32 clubs
Taste of the NFL Raises awareness of the hungry and homeless through different events and
programs
NFL’S CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION:
THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOUNDATION
The NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOUNDATION is a nonprofit organization representing the 32 NFL clubs. It supports the
health, safety and wellness of athletes, youth football and the communities which support our game.
“We are proud of the NFL’s long-standing history of giving back to communities,” says NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL.
“The board of our foundation is a passionate group of individuals who will help ensure that the NFL continues to be a leader in
philanthropy.”
The NFL Foundation is a strong supporter of youth football and efforts to help players learn proper
fundamentals, be active, have fun and stay safe. Last year, the NFL Foundation approved a five-year,
$45 million grant to USA Football to support the growth of youth tackle football and NFL FLAG
initiatives. To date, more than 6,200 youth organizations and more than 1,000 high schools across the
U.S. have registered for Heads Up Football – USA Football’s initiative that provides continuity in
fundamentals, terminology and health and safety protocols from the youth to the high school levels.
“We want to make sure that we are doing everything we possibly can to make the game not only safe
for the players who play our game, but for young athletes,” says NFL Foundation Chairman
CHARLOTTE JONES ANDERSON (right). “We recently doubled down on our relationship with USA
Football because they were doing such a good job.”
An additional $25 million from the NFL Foundation was committed to new health and safety projects over three years, including
the Back to Sports Program with the American Heart Association that educates parents on the rewards of sports and importance
of safety education. The NFL Foundation, National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Gatorade and the Professional Football Athletic
Trainers Society also announced the expansion of the athletic trainer outreach program for the 2015-16 school year, funding
additional athletic trainers in underserved high schools nationwide with contributions totaling $2 million.
Investing in youth wellness is another priority area for the NFL Foundation and that includes more than $1 million in funding this
year for the development and implementation of youth character education initiatives to help positively impact youngsters
nationwide. Additionally, the NFL Foundation will support the Super Bowl 50 High School Honor Roll which celebrates the high
schools of players who have played in every Super Bowl with football grant opportunities and character education curricula.
The NFL Foundation also provides grants to the American Heart Association and the Cooper Institute to power NFL PLAY 60
programs, including the NFL PLAY 60 Challenge and FITNESSGRAM programs to help children in communities across the
country get active and fit.
The NFL Foundation also provides funding to support youth football, health and safety efforts and community initiatives through
the following grant, recognition and education programs:
Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year Player Foundation Grants
Grassroots Field Grants Player Matching Youth Football Grants
Club Community Grants Pro Bowl Community Grants
Club Matching Youth Football Grants USA Football Equipment Grants
Continuing Medical Education Grants Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year
NFL Youth Education Town (YET) Program Grants Youth Football Camp Grants
A CRUCIAL CATCH: NFL SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
The NFL has supported National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a large on-field presence and a national screening-
reminder campaign for the past six years as part of the A CRUCIAL CATCH campaign in collaboration with the American Cancer
Society (ACS). Through A Crucial Catch, the NFL has helped raise more than $8 million for ACS with the majority of the financial
contribution coming from the sale of Breast Cancer Awareness-identified pink merchandise at retail and via the NFL Auction
website. The NFL does not profit from the sale or auction of pink merchandise.
Over the years, many NFL sponsors and partners have joined the
league in its fight against breast cancer, such as New Era and
Nike. Special New Era hats with pink accents for players, coaches
and sideline personnel are available during October, as well as
exclusive Nike gloves, cleats and wristbands that are worn during
games. These special hats and other pink items will be sold at all
stadiums, on NFLSHOP.com and also at select retail locations to
help generate awareness and funds for the American Cancer
Society.
Promotion and support of A Crucial Catch will continue to include fields featuring pink ribbon shield stencils on both of the 25-yard
lines and special balls with pink ribbon logos will be used for each game. The footballs and other pink game-worn items such as
gloves and cleats will then be auctioned off via NFL Auction (nfl.com/auction), with all of the proceeds benefitting ACS. NFL
Breast Cancer Awareness Weekend will also be highlighted with features on NFL.com (as well as a dedicated microsite at
nfl.com/pink), NFL Network and through the NFL social media channels.
In October, the American Cancer Society and the NFL will team up and hold a
nationwide breast-cancer event called A Crucial Catch Day. This day celebrates
health and provides information and education about how to reduce the risk of
breast cancer, and how to detect it early. The event is executed throughout every
NFL market and provides breast cancer education and free or low-cost screenings
in specific undeserved communities.
Money raised through A Crucial Catch supports the CHANGE initiative, the
American Cancer Society’s Community Health Advocates, implementing National
Grants for Empowerment and Equity (CHANGE) program. This program provides
outreach and breast cancer screenings. In the first full two years that the NFL has
funded CHANGE grants for the American Cancer Society, grant recipients have
reached 118,000 women through programming such as outreach and education and
provided nearly 40,000 breast cancer screenings at no or low cost.
Additionally, youth and high school football programs can also join the campaign. The NFL and ACS offer tips and resources to
coaches and teachers to support the campaign and raise funds. Schools from around the country have joined to be a part of A
Crucial Catch with various fundraisers. Schools can register at www.cancer.org/acrucialcatch.
LIVE UNITED
The National Football League and the United Way have been teammates for more than four decades and this is their 42nd year of
collaboration. Teaming up in 1973, the NFL and United Way’s relationship is now the longest running partnership in history
between a major sports league and a non-profit organization. The NFL-United Way collaboration marked its 40th anniversary in
2013 with celebrations across the country and a fan vote to crown the greatest NFL-United Way advertisement of all time which
went to the 1999 PSA featuring Pro Football Hall of Famer DERRICK BROOKS.
Since 1973, the NFL and United Way have worked together to promote the importance of volunteering in local communities
throughout the country, while showcasing the various community service activities of the NFL, its clubs and players. The NFL and
United Way have built a strong relationship and have changed the landscape of a corporate/nonprofit community partnership
The NFL and its clubs have collaborated with United Way on many community platforms, including Hometown Huddle and NFL
PLAY 60 which both strive to advance youth health and wellness. The league will also continue to support United Way’s LIVE
UNITED campaign, which invites and motivates the public to join the mission to advance the common good by focusing on the
important values of education, income and health.
The Chicago Bears, Bears Care and United Way recently partnered to construct a play structure at Kress Creek Farms in west
Chicago that will allow youth to stay active and healthy. Last year, the Bears’ 2014 Hometown Huddle events engaged youth in
physical activity with stations lead by the club’s rookies. A ceremony at the Chicago Bears fitness zone kicked off the festivities
and players completed the landscape work around the structure.
For the past several years, NFL players – including Arizona Cardinals defensive end CALAIS CAMPBELL, Miami Dolphins wide
receiver GREG JENNINGS and Carolina Panthers safety ROMAN HARPER – have participated in TEAM NFL, an initiative to
engage more readers, tutors and mentors to support at-risk youth. In 2014, TEAM NFL transitioned to focus more on youth health,
a key priority for the NFL. Seattle Seahawks quarterback RUSSELL WILSON (below) recently joined forces with United Way and
NFL PLAY 60, with the goal of getting kids to move for an hour a day along with maintaining healthy eating habits.
In order to fight the obesity epidemic across the country, the NFL and United Way will continue their journey and work together to
increase access to nutritious foods for families. The partnership will allow more opportunities for physical exercise and increase
overall knowledge of healthy food and exercise options. All 32 clubs and their players will again be featured as part of a local
United Way billboard campaign, inspiring the public to lead healthier lives.
The NFL and United Way are in a unique position to make a marked improvement in healthy living by using the celebrity of NFL
players to engage fans in the goal to improving the health and wellness of young people.
In 2015, the NFL will celebrate its 42-year partnership with United Way, continuing the
longest-running partnership between a sports league and nonprofit organization.
The NFL celebrates youth health and wellness during a league-wide day with United Way.
Over the course of the 16th annual NFL United Way Hometown Huddle League, NFL
coaches and players helped members of their community to “Play 60.” Teams built fitness
zones and held youth football clinics, along with other NFL PLAY 60 events. The NFL and
United Way’s partnership connects NFL PLAY 60 with United Way’s goal of inspiring kids
to live a healthy and active lifestyle. Working with more than 1,200 communities, the
partnership is creating healthier populations by increasing access to nutritious food to
families in order to be successful in living a healthier life.
“We are proud to join United Way to celebrate youth health and wellness by giving back to the community and making sure all kids
have the chance to ‘Play 60,’” says NFL Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility ANNA ISAACSON. “Through NFL PLAY
60 and our work with United Way, we will continue to provide our youngest fans with safe places to exercise and empower
students to maintain healthier lifestyles.”
The NFL and United Way invite fans to show how they lead healthy
lifestyles by posting images to social media sites using the hashtag
#HowIPlay60. Pictures will be featured on unitedway.org/play60.
The Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings positively impacted their communities through United Way and the NFL PLAY 60
partnership in addition to other health and wellness initiatives. The 53-man roster and practice squad of the Falcons participated
alongside cheerleaders and the members of the Falcons Women’s Association to make surprise appearances to 10 different
locations in metro Atlanta. Six of the stops included United Way affiliated schools where players delivered new sports equipment
to promote physical fitness as part of the NFL PLAY 60 initiative. Additional stops were made to SAFE House, Ronald McDonald
House and local Publix Super Markets along with the Falcons Women’s Association preparing and serving lunch to the homeless
at Crossroads Community Ministries.
Members of the Vikings visited Green Central Middle School (left) in recognition of the
United Way-funded ACES (Athletes Committed to Educating Students) after-school
mentoring program. Players spoke to the students about NFL PLAY 60 and stressed the
importance of reading. Afterwards, 50 members of ACES participated in various drills.
Every year, the NFL seeks to improve the surrounding communities of the Super Bowl host
city.
The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, in partnership with the NFL Foundation,
distributed more than $2 million to 27 Arizona nonprofit organizations that took place in
conjunction with Super Bowl XLIX. Overall an estimated 400,000 local kids will be touched
by the programs being supported by the Super Bowl XLIX Legacy Grants.
“Super Bowl XLIX was one of the biggest and best events Arizona has ever hosted, with our region rallying to show the world that
Arizona is a vibrant and dynamic place,” says DAVID ROUSSEAU, Chairman of the Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee.
“Supporting local nonprofits will insure this event has a positive, long-term impact on the community.”
One of the Legacy Grant recipients was the ASU Preparatory Academy, which received a newly refurbished athletic field and
scoreboard to benefit K-12 students and the local community. Additionally, Elevate Phoenix funds supported education programs
that provide 4,000 mentor hours to teach, tutor and transport students at five Title I elementary and high schools.
The philanthropic efforts of owners, players and coaches, club and league personnel exist across the NFL year-round and provide
a powerful commitment to giving back to communities nationwide.
PARENTS & MOMS CLINICS
Parents, especially moms, are actively involved in their children’s sports activities and want the latest information on how to keep
their young athletes safe. For this reason, the NFL has designed PARENTS and MOMS CLINICS – events designed specifically
to educate moms and the entire family on sports health and safety.
Leading the charge is NFL Consultant on Youth Football and Heads Up Football Advisory Committee member CHRISTINE
GOLIC. She is the wife of former NFL defensive lineman and current ESPN broadcaster MIKE GOLIC, as well as a mother of two
former Notre Dame football players and a daughter who swims at Notre Dame.
Parents Clinics
Christine and Mike Golic participated in the NFL’s first-ever NFL Draft Family Football Clinic (below right) this past May. Located in
Chicago’s iconic Grant Park, the NFL Draft Family Football Clinic gave parents the opportunity to listen to football-themed
discussion panels and participate in USA Football Heads Up Tackling drills, all while their kids experienced a youth football clinic.
More than 250 attendees participated in the clinic. The event kicked off with the
Values of Football Panel featuring the Golics, DIANE LONG (wife of NFL Hall
of Famer Howie Long), Chicago Bears guard KYLE LONG (son of Diane and
Howie Long) and former Bears tackle JAMES “BIG CAT” WILLIAMS. Former
NFL players and football moms participated in a discussion on the values of
playing football, including what they have gotten out of the game, why they
believe football is great for kids to play and the importance of playing it safely.
Parents also learned tackling fundamentals as part of USA Football’s medically
endorsed Heads Up Football program.
“As a mom, there’s never been a better time to let your son participate in football because of the changes that are happening and
will continue to change,” says Christine Golic. “We’re smart enough to realize that it’s not perfect right now. And we’re going
to keep looking at it and figuring out different ways to make it a better and safer game for your kids.”
Parents also attended the Health and Wellness Panel, which featured an athletic trainer, physician and nutritionist speaking about
key health and safety issues relevant to youth football players and other young athletes. Speakers included USA Football Master
Trainer and former NFL player NICK GREISEN, clinical assistant professor at NorthShore Medical Group DR. CARRIE
JAWORSKI, athletic trainer at Athletico Physical Therapy JOE MC DERMOTT and nutritionist JENNY WESTERKAMP, RD.
Moms Clinics
Moms Clinics provide a unique opportunity for attendees to learn firsthand from experts in sports medicine, hear from NFL club
and USA Football representatives, connect with Heads Up Football Advisory Board Members and hit the field for drills. Centered
around USA Football’s Heads Up initiative, these free clinics stress the importance of league certification and tackling techniques.
Clinics typically take place at an NFL or university football practice facility and include current and former players, coaches and
front office personnel. More than 50 Moms Clinics took place in 2014.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hosted a Moms Clinic at One Buc Place (below) in April where more than 50 mothers attended,
representing students who play for youth and high school teams around the Tampa Bay area. The clinic kicked off with Heads Up
Football Master Trainer TOD CRENETI demonstrating how to properly fit football equipment for youth athletes, including allowing
the mothers to try on helmets. All Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine physician DR. CARLOS RODRIGUEZ educated mothers on
concussions and popular misconceptions.
The Buccaneers Moms Clinic also featured a panel of moms discussing their
experiences and reasons for encouraging their children to play. Christine Golic was
joined by MARY ANNE SMITH (wife of Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith), AMY
NICKERSON (wife of Buccaneers legend and current linebackers coach Hardy
Nickerson) and SCHENIQUE HARRIS (mother of Buccaneers cornerback Leonard
Johnson).
Many NFL teams will host Moms Clinics this season. Through events like these,
along with ongoing outreach, the NFL will continue to involve parents in the
conversation about health and safety at all levels of the game and across sports.
The NFL has several resources for football moms, including NFLHealthPlaybook.com, which has health and safety resources for
members of the football community including information on NFL Moms Clinics and Heads Up Football, and NFL Touchdown
Moms, a Facebook page and online community for football moms to connect, ask questions, share stories, post photos and more.
HEADS UP
FOOTBALL
THE NEW STANDARD IN FOOTBALL
In June 2012, USA Football — with the support of the NFL — created the Heads Up Football
(HUF) program. HUF is a comprehensive educational outreach program, funded in part by a
$45 million grant from the NFL Foundation, that strives to advance player safety in the game of football.
A recent study found youth leagues that participate PLAYER SAFETY COACH: HUF trains Player Safety
in HUF have... Coaches to ensure compliance with core HUF health and
safety protocols including coaching certification and
34% fewer concussions in practices HEAT & HYDRATION: HUF deploys targeted education for
coaches and parents to increase prevention, recognition and
basic treatment of athletes for heat-related illnesses.
According to a 2014 study by the Datalys Center for Sports Injury Research and Prevention, Heads Up Football significantly
advances youth player safety, underscoring how education effectively changes behavior. The study found that youth athletes in
leagues that registered for Heads Up Football had a 76 percent reduction in injuries compared to their peers in leagues that don’t
take part in the program. The study took three years of data into account.
USA Football commissioned the Datalys Center to conduct the study, comparing the risk of injury and head impacts between
leagues that participate in Heads Up Football to those that do not. USA Football’s program has earned the support of the
American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports
Medicine.
“This is compelling data,” says Datalys Center President and Injury Epidemiologist DR. THOMAS DOMPIER. “I am actually
surprised by the strength of the association but completely confident in our findings.”
More than 90 percent of youth players in Heads Up Football-participating leagues did not sustain an injury in games or
practices during the 2014 season.
Compared to non-Heads Up Football leagues, organizations that adopted Heads Up Football had a 34 percent reduction
in concussions in practices and a 29 percent reduction of concussions in games.
Players in Heads Up Football leagues were 57 percent less likely to sustain a time-loss injury, which is an injury keeping
an athlete from returning to play for at least 24 hours.
Material covering both additions were included in USA Football’s Level 1 coaching course for youth coaches and its Heads Up
Football High School course.
More than 5,500 youth leagues and nearly 1,000 high schools registered for USA
Football’s Heads Up football program in 2014.
Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of athlete fatalities during exercise.
“With prompt recognition, early CPR and use of an AED (defibrillator), sudden cardiac
arrest is largely a serviceable event if treated quickly,” says Drezner.
USA Football’s Heads Up Blocking technique teaches the fundamental to young athletes and is designed to reduce helmet
contact.
“Blocking is one of football’s basic skills that every player needs to be taught,” says JEFF SATURDAY, former Indianapolis Colts
All-Pro center and USA Football Advisory Committee member. “USA Football’s Heads Up Blocking technique helps coaches
teach this fundamental – properly engaging with a defender, driving with the legs and maintaining the correct body position for
effective and safer play. This is how blocking should be taught.”
USA FOOTBALL ESTABLISHES NATIONAL YOUTH PRACTICE GUIDELINES
Earlier this year, the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical
Society for Sports Medicine endorsed USA Football’s NATIONAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES FOR YOUTH TACKLE FOOTBALL.
These three leading medical organizations are composed of more than 85,000 physicians, scientists, researchers, educators,
sports medicine specialists and certified athletic trainers in 90 countries.
USA Football’s practice guidelines place a daily 30-minute time limit on full
contact, provide youth leagues with heat acclimatization procedures from the
Korey Stringer Institute and recommend that the number of practices
conducted per week not exceed four during the preseason or three during
the regular season. Two-a-day practices are prohibited, and athletes are
permitted to drink fluids at any time during a practice beyond designated
breaks. USA Football’s youth practice guidelines are freely accessible at
http://usafootball.com/practiceguidelines.
USA Football defines full contact as any drill conducted at Thud or Live Action.
“This marks a watershed moment for youth sports,” says American College of Sports Medicine President DR. CAROL EWING
GARBER. “Not only are young athletes safer by learning the fundamentals in a smarter way, but monitoring levels of contact and
heat acclimatization also advances their well-being.”
Chaired by Pro Football Hall of Famer BILL POLIAN (left), the committee guides the
continued development of USA Football’s educational resources and player safety initiatives,
including USA Football’s Heads Up Football program. Endorsed by leading medical
organizations, Heads Up Football teaches the sport’s fundamentals and all-sport-relevant
player safety protocols to establish important standards rooted in the best available science.
The 18 committee members include Super Bowl-winning head coach TONY DUNGY, former
NFL All-Pro center JEFF SATURDAY and current University of Oklahoma coach BOB
STOOPS.
The group will collaborate with USA Football’s 10-member Medical Advisory Committee to advance high school and youth player
safety.
“The vast, collective knowledge of this committee will be a tremendous resource to USA Football and the millions of young
athletes who love to play this game,” says Polian, a grandfather of youth football players. “USA Football is raising standards in
how coaches are prepared to teach and how player safety is addressed by coaches, players and parents.”
NFL SALUTES THE MILITARY IN MANY WAYS
Supporting the military is part of the fabric of the National Football League. This support takes place both at home and abroad. NFL
players and coaches travel overseas to salute the troops on USO tours, and servicemen and women are honored during
designated games each season surrounding Veterans Day. The NFL is continuing its long history of honoring veterans and active
duty members of the military through its annual SALUTE TO SERVICE campaign.
For the fourth consecutive year, the NFL will implement a fundraising
initiative during Weeks 9, 10 and 11 surrounding Veterans Day. Again
this year, for every point scored during the NFL’s 32 designated
Salute to Service games, the league will donate $100 to each of its
three core, military non-profit partners – the Pat Tillman Foundation,
USO and Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) – for a total of $300
per point.
This year, the league will continue its expanded use of Salute to
Service-branded digi-camo in-game elements, as well as sell the products at retail. Retail items will include a New Era sideline
hat, Nike sweatshirt and Nike fan jersey. Last year marked the second time that these items were available for purchase at retail
stores. As a result of the Salute to Service campaign, the NFL donated more than $4.5 million to its three charitable partners.
MILITARY OUTREACH
As part of the Salute to Service campaign, the NFL is afforded the unique opportunity to showcase the league’s commitment to the
military through special events each year. With its strong fan base, the league joins with its military support partners to create
moments of recognition throughout the season. The NFL is proud of its long-lasting ties to the military and incorporates these
relationships into its main events on the NFL calendar, including the Pro Bowl, Super Bowl and NFL Draft.
In celebration of the 2015 Pro Bowl, the NFL hosted the “NFL PLAY 60 Community Blitz,” a series of community events hosted
throughout Arizona in the days leading up to the game. During Blitz activities, NFL players had the opportunity to work as “Airman
for a Day” and hosted video-chat sessions for deployed airmen and their families at Luke Air Force Base. At the Arizona National
Guard Armory, Pro Bowl players worked alongside National Guard, United Way and USAA volunteers to build a fitness trail that
the Guardsmen use to stay service-fit, while 150 students took part in an NFL PLAY 60 fitness clinic. The NFL together with TAPS
(Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) invited families of the fallen to be guests at the Pro Bowl and meet players at the
team practices.
In the weeks preceding Super Bowl XLIX, more than 30 charitable activities and community outreach events took place around
Arizona, including numerous military outreach opportunities. One such event the NFL hosted for service members was the Salute
to Service: Officiating 101 Clinic. NFL Director of Football Development and former player MATT BIRK and former player turned
college official LANDON TRUSTY joined NFL officials to educate veterans invited by the NFL, the Pat Tillman Foundation and the
Wounded Warrior Project on basic football rules and officiating philosophies. The session featured an instant replay video
presentation, on-field instruction and mechanics shadowing drills.
The 2015 NFL Draft kicked off with Air Force Technical Sergeant KEISHA GWIN performing the National Anthem inside the
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University with the Army Recruiting Command Color Guard in Selection Square. Also on stage in
the theatre were service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard and four alumni of the
Wounded Warrior Project. Over the next two days of the NFL Draft, more than 90 service members were recognized, including
five Tillman Scholars from the Pat Tillman Foundation.
For more information on the Salute to Service campaign, visit the league’s military appreciation website www.NFL.com/salute.
In February, Chicago Bears defensive end JARED ALLEN (left) was honored with the
2014 Salute to Service Award at NFL Honors. As part of the award, USAA contributed
$25,000 in Allen’s honor to the official aid societies representing all five military
branches.
“Jared is a true leader in the NFL community in his commitment to honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military
through his Homes 4 Wounded Warriors foundation,” says DON CLARK, USAA assistant vice president of media and
sponsorship marketing. “Jared’s display of military appreciation makes him an inspired choice as the recipient of the Salute to
Service Award.”
The multi-faceted initiative, built upon the mutual respect shared by the two organizations, is designed to promote help-seeking
behaviors and empower soldiers and players to maintain healthier minds on the playing field and battlefield.
In 2013, the Army, in partnership with the NFL, USO of NY and Weill Cornell
Medical College, hosted a “Ready and Resilient” panel discussion focused on
building and maintaining resilient soldiers, families, civilians and units.
The NFL’s Total Wellness campaign is similar to the Army’s Ready and Resilient
campaign in that it brings together a number of longstanding efforts to support
the full development and health of its players – physically, mentally, socially and
psychologically. The panelists (right; photo courtesy of the U.S. Army) for the
discussion were: Gen. JOHN F. CAMPBELL, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; Lt.
Gen. PATRICIA D. HOROHO, Surgeon General of the Army; NFL
Commissioner ROGER GOODELL; and JOANN DIFEDE, Ph.D., Dir., Program
for Anxiety & Traumatic Stress Studies, Weill Cornell Medical College.
The U.S. Army teamed with the NFL on the production and release of a PSA featuring Commissioner Goodell and Lt. Gen.
Horoho regarding the Army-NFL partnership in the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of traumatic brain injury. The PSA, which
aired across all Department of Defense networks including the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Network, notes the
cultural similarities between the military and the NFL. It also reinforces the need for both individual responsibility and concern for
teammates by encouraging help-seeking behaviors.
In November 2014, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory received a $500,000 grant from the NFL, Under Armor and GE’s Head
Challenge II initiative that will assist its research to protect against brain injury.
The NFL continues to work with the Army to advance its TBI partnership through the sharing of medical information. Culture
change with respect to head injuries remains at the forefront of both organizations.
For more information on the NFL’s partnership with the Army, visit the league’s health and safety website
http://www.nflevolution.com/.
NFL AND USO TEAM UP
In 1966, the NFL teamed with the USO and became the first sports organization to send a group of players to Vietnam and the
surrounding region, demonstrating the league’s strong support for American troops. In 2008, Commissioner Goodell became the
first sports commissioner to participate in a USO tour during wartime.
In 2015, the NFL again partnered with the USO to bring four players to the Middle
East. The tour, which took place in March, featured New Orleans Saints defensive
tackle AKIEM HICKS, Cleveland Browns center ALEX MACK and free agent
WILL SVITEK accompanied by former Atlanta Falcons linebacker BRIAN BANKS,
now an employee in the NFL’s league office. The group (left) visited military bases
in Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Djibouti throughout their week-long tour. This trip
marked the first NFL-USO tour for Hicks, Svitek and Banks, while Mack took part in
a 2012 USO tour.
“Everyone on every stage of our trip made it a fantastic time,” says Mack. “All the
troops were so nice to show us around and answer all our questions. We felt bad
at times because they had to stop working to entertain us. I was told they were
happy for the break, but a special thank you goes out to all the service men and
women who saw us and took time out of their day to make our trip so fun. It was
great to have football to talk about and build that common bond.”
Early mornings and late nights gave the participants plenty of time to shake thousands of hands, snap photos, sign countless
autographs and thank service members for their selfless service.
“It’s a tremendous privilege to meet the men and women who defend our
country,” says Svitek (right, shaking hands). “I was born in the communist
country of Czechoslovakia, and my family emigrated here in 1984 when I was
two years old to achieve the ‘American Dream.’ My parents taught me the value
of freedom and the opportunity we have in America, and this is all possible
because of the sacrifice of the military. My family has thus become very patriotic
and grateful for the military’s service. I’m proud to be an American and I make
sure to say ‘thank you’ to military personal whenever I get the opportunity. I am
excited to have been a part of the USO tour.”
“This is an awesome and life-changing opportunity for me to be able to go overseas and visit and spend time with our troops,”
says Hicks. “As the son of a 22-year military veteran myself, I’m excited to have the opportunity to spend time with these men and
women who make these sacrifices for all of us back here in the United States.”
Last May, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations TROY VINCENT (left)
spent time with more than 800 service members, military families, volunteers and hospital
personnel during a USO trip to Germany. Vincent delivered a keynote address at the Army
Medical Enlisted Birthday Celebration and NCO Induction Ceremony at Vogelweh Air
Base. He also toured the USO Warrior Center and visited the Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center, where he spent time with patients and staff.
“The security of our nation depends on the dedicated service of our men and women in the
armed forces,” says Vincent. “I was honored to be able to say ‘thank you’ in person on
behalf of all of us at the NFL.”
One common theme on all USO tours is the mutual appreciation and respect that the NFL visitors and troops have for each other.
The service members are always excited to meet the gridiron stars, but it is usually the participants themselves who go home with
a greater appreciation.
A LIST OF NFL PLAYERS AND COACHES WITH TIES TO THE MILITARY:
PLAYER/COACH MILITARY TIE
CB Phillip Adams, Atlanta Falcons Father served in the Army
DE Jared Allen, Chicago Bears Grandfather, Ray, served in the Marines; Brother, Scot, is currently serving in the
Marines
Defensive Assistant Coach Chris Beake, Served in the Air Force as a civil engineer officer from 1995-1998
Denver Broncos
RB Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers Aunt served in the Air Force
S Robert Blanton, Minnesota Vikings Father served in the Air Force; Blanton was a First Lieutenant in JROTC
CB Zack Bowman, Miami Dolphins Father, Zackary, is a master sergeant in the Air Force
QB Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Grandfather served in World War II
WR Kenny Britt, St. Louis Rams Sister, Specialist Laura Johnson, serves in the Army
Assistant head coach/offensive line Father served in Air Force, uncles served in Army, two uncles served in Navy
Tom Cable, Seattle Seahawks
CB Nolan Carroll, Philadelphia Eagles Father, Nolan Sr., was a senior master sergeant in the United States Air Force;
Mother, Jennifer, retired from the Navy in 1999 as a Lieutenant Commander and is
currently Florida Lieutenant Governor
S Kam Chancellor, Seattle Seahawks Brother and sister serve in the Air Force
Quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter, Grandfathers, Ted and Bobby, both served in the Army
Detroit Lions
Head coach Tom Coughlin, N.Y. Giants Received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award, the third-highest honor within
the Department of the Army Civilian Awards scheme that the United States
Department of the Army can bestow upon a private citizen
Senior coaching assistant Gunther Father was a sergeant in the Air Force
Cunningham, Detroit Lions
CB Marcus Cromartie, San Francisco Father, Julius, is a retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant and his mom spent 20 years
49ers in the Navy
DT Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers Sister, Jeneca, serves in the military
WR Eric Decker, New York Jets Father-in-law was a Colonel in the Air Force
C Evan Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Brother, Alex, is a Specialist-Team Leader in 10th Mountain Division of the Army
WR Julian Edelman, New England Grandfather served in the military
Patriots
QB Trent Edwards, Free Agent Father, Andy, flew reconnaissance missions during Vietnam War; Maternal
grandfather was awarded Navy Cross for Valor during bombing of Pearl Harbor
FB Jerome Felton, Buffalo Bills Brother, Simon, served in the Army
WR Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals Attended Valley Forge (PA) Military Academy after high school; His grandfather
was a Lieutenant in the Army who won a purple heart for his service in Korea;
Aunt and Uncle are both Lieutenant Colonels in the Army
Head coach John Fox, Chicago Bears Father was a member of one of the original Navy SEAL teams created by
President John F. Kennedy in the early 1960s
K Graham Gano, Carolina Panthers Has two brothers in the Navy; Father was in the Marines
G Ben Garland, Denver Broncos Graduate of the United States Air Force Academy; Currently serves as the public
affairs officer in the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard
CB Brandon Ghee, Cincinnati Bengals Father, Wayne, was a Warrant Officer in the Army
WR Brandon Gibson, New England Father, Broderick, served in the Army and was stationed in Germany, when
Patriots Brandon was born
S Marcus Gilchrist, New York Jets Father, Ronny, is a retired Marine
K Shayne Graham, Free Agent Father served in the Army in Vietnam
TE Ladarius Green, San Diego Chargers Parents, Shannon and Walter, served in Army and were stationed in Berlin,
Germany, when Ladarius was born.
S Michael Griffin, Tennessee Titans Mother served in the Navy; Father served in the Air Force
QB Robert Griffin III, Washington Parents, Robert and Jacqueline, were both sergeants in the Army
Redskins
LB Parys Haralson, New Orleans Saints Grandfather served in the Army
LB Adam Hayward, Washington Brother and sister served in the Army and cousin was in the Marine Corps
Redskins
G Mike Iupati, Arizona Cardinals Brother-in-law served in the Army
WR DeSean Jackson, Washington Cousin, Jimmy, earned two purple hearts and a bronze star for his actions in
Redskins Vietnam
RB Steven Jackson, Free Agent Father served in the Marines
WR Vincent Jackson, Tampa Bay Father, Terrence, was an Army medic
Buccaneers
Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica, Served in the Army as an Apache helicopter pilot in Iraq
Washington Redskins
LB Manny Lawson, Buffalo Bills Father, Donald, served in the Air Force
Head coach Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Father served in the Army
Bengals
NT Sean Lissemore, San Diego Paternal and maternal grandfathers served in the Army and fought in World War II
Chargers
DE Corey Liuget, San Diego Chargers Sisters, Ideidre and Latronika, serve in the Army
T Phil Loadholt, Minnesota Vikings Father served in the Army as a Sergeant First Class
P Jeff Locke, Minnesota Vikings Father served in the Air Force
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, Served as an Air Force officer for four years
Detroit Lions
Defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, Served a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam
Dallas Cowboys
Secondary coach Wesley McGriff, New Served as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1990 and was a member of
Orleans Saints the Army Reserves until 2001
DT Roy Miller, Jacksonville Jaguars Father and cousin served in the Army
RB Collin Mooney, Atlanta Falcons Served three years in the Army
LB C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens Father, Calvin, is a retired Army First Sergeant
DT Mike Patterson, Free Agent Uncle was a Sergeant at Los Alamitos Army Base
Head coach Joe Philbin, Miami Dolphins Son, Matthew, serves in the military and deployed to Kuwait
Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer, Served in the Navy (1991-94) as a helicopter pilot; He was stationed in the
Minnesota Vikings Persian Gulf
Head coach Andy Reid, Kansas City Father served in the Navy during WWII
Chiefs
S Sean Richardson, Green Bay Packers Mother, Sandra, served in the Army and has been a nurse for more than 18 years
Head coach Ron Rivera, Carolina Father was an Army Officer; Ron lived in three countries as a child
Panthers
WR Daniel Rodriguez, St. Louis Rams Served two tours of duty in the Army in Iraq and Afghanistan
WR Eddie Royal, Chicago Bears Sister, Christina, served in Iraq, and is a Special Agent of the Air Force’s Office of
Special Investigations
RB Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans Father, Christopher, is in the Air Force and has been deployed three times to the
middle east
DT D’Anthony Smith, Seattle Seahawks Smith comes from a military family and was born in Berlin, Germany
T Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers Grandfather was in the Navy during the Korean War; Uncle served in the Navy
DT Randy Starks, Cleveland Browns Father served more than 20 years in the Army
CB Charles Tillman, Carolina Panthers Father, Donald, was an Army Sergeant; Tillman attended 11 schools in 13 years
Offensive coordinator Norv Turner, Father served in the Marine Corps
Minnesota Vikings
T Alejandro Villaneuva, Pittsburgh Captain in the US Army who served as an Army Ranger; Graduated from West
Steelers Point and served a total of 18 months in Afghanistan
LB Reggie Walker, Denver Broncos Dad was a sergeant in the Army and his mother also served in the Army
DE J.J. Watt, Houston Texans Grandfather served in Korean War; Donates tickets to the USO through the TACT
program; strong supporter of veterans and Lone Survivor Marcus Luttrell's NPO to
help returning service members
Defensive line coach Mike Waufle, St. Served in the Marine Corps from 1972-1975
Louis Rams
DE Mario Williams, Buffalo Bills Brother-in-law served in the Army and was killed in Iraq
QB Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks Grandfather served in the Army
S Earl Wolff, Philadelphia Eagles Mother, Sharon, has served in the National Guard for 29 years
FB Darrel Young, Washington Redskins Brother, David, served in the Army
LS Christian Yount, Free Agent Father, James, was a Captain in the Marine Corps
K Greg Zuerlein, St. Louis Rams Father, Gene, served as an Army Paratrooper during Vietnam
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA TO HOST SUPER BOWL 50
Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, will host Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016.
“It’s a testament to everybody in the Bay Area,” says 49ers CEO JED YORK (left). “The
city of Santa Clara came together, obviously San Francisco stepped up for the Super
Bowl, San Jose has been a big part of this, and I think you’re going to see everybody
from Napa all the way to Monterey step up for this. Sports are supposed to bring people
together; they bring communities together, and nothing emphasizes that more than the
Bay Area hosting Super Bowl 50.”
The first Super Bowl was played in California in 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial
Coliseum. The game will return to Northern California for the first time since Super Bowl
XIX, which was held on January 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium. Super Bowl XIX featured
future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterbacks Dan Marino and Joe Montana. Montana
led the 49ers to victory, defeating Marino’s Miami Dolphins 38-16.
To celebrate this golden moment, the NFL will break away from its traditional use of branding the Super Bowl with Roman
numerals and will instead use the Arabic numeral “50.” The league will return to Roman numerals for Super Bowl LI, scheduled to
take place on February 5, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas.
Before the Super Bowl, fans can head over to Super Bowl City and the NFL Experience to partake in a week-long series of family-
friendly events. Super Bowl City is a free-to-the-public fan village, centered in Justin Herman Plaza, on the Embarcadero at the
foot of San Francisco’s famed Market Street. Fans will have the opportunity to sample locally grown food, experience the Bay
Area’s cultural diversity, view performances from national and local artists and participate in football-themed activities. In addition
to serving as a hub of fan, sponsor, media and NFL activities, Super Bowl City will be the broadcast home for the CBS Television
Network – the exclusive broadcaster of Super Bowl 50 – as well as NFL Network.
“Super Bowl City will give every San Franciscan a chance to share in the fan experience of Super Bowl 50,” says San Francisco
Mayor EDWIN M. LEE. “As San Francisco hosts the most philanthropic Super Bowl ever, our Bay Area region’s small local
businesses, hotels and restaurants will share in all these events. I’m excited that the San Francisco Bay Area and all we have to
offer will be once again seen on one of the world’s largest stages.”
The NFL Experience will be housed at Moscone Center North and South. For its first
visit to the Bay Area, pro football’s interactive theme park will feature participatory
games, displays, entertainment attractions, youth football clinics and free autograph
sessions with NFL players.
Moscone Center West will be home to the NFL Fan Viewing Gallery and the NFL
Media Center. The Fan Viewing Gallery provides fans with the opportunity to get up
close and personal as current players, NFL legends and celebrities are interviewed
live by national radio personalities.
Both Super Bowl City and the NFL Experience will open on January 30, 2016, providing local residents the opportunity to
experience the festival before out-of-town guests arrive. Additionally, 25 percent of every dollar raised by the San Francisco Bay
Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee will go toward supporting local community initiatives and high-performing nonprofits.
* Tentative date
For more than four decades, according to The Harris Poll, the NFL has been the most popular sport in America.
In its most recent survey, Harris reveals that pro football is the favorite sport for almost one-third of people (32 percent), doubling
the next sport, with 16 percent of people claiming baseball as their favorite. In fact, more people name professional football as
their favorite sport than the combined total of the next three professional sports – baseball (16), auto racing (seven) and men’s pro
basketball (six).
The third sport in the survey is college football at 10 percent, meaning that football is the favorite sport of nearly half of America’s
sports fans (42 percent).
The five most popular sports according to The Harris Poll 2015 (released January 2015):
NFL games on CBS, FOX and NBC averaged 19.2 million viewers – 162 percent higher than the average primetime
viewership among the four major over-the-air networks (7.4 million average on ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC).
Super Bowl XLIX averaged 114.4 million viewers, making it the most-watched show in U.S. television history.
According to the 2014 ESPN Sports Poll, the NFL is the favorite sport of 35.4 percent of respondents, more than the next
three sports combined – baseball (13.2 percent), basketball (13.1 percent) and soccer (8.4 percent).
Madden NFL ’15 was the top grossing app in 2014 followed by FIFA 2015 and NBA 2K15 (according to AppAnnie). It was
the No. 1 selling sports video game in North America in 2014, and No. 2 game overall, second only to Call of Duty:
Advanced Warfare (according to NPD Group).
0
Football International NBA Boxing
Series 1 Soccer
Source: 2014 ESPN Sports Poll Source: 2014 ESPN Sports Poll
“London has done not only everything that we expected, but more than we
expected,” says NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. “They’re responding to
the game better than we ever dreamed, with more enthusiasm and more passion.”
The Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets will all play their first
regular-season game in the UK this season – which marks a total of 20 different
teams to play in the International Series in London since it began in 2007.
Each game will be played at London’s Wembley Stadium and kick off at 9:30 AM
ET.
In the first of three 2015 London games, the Miami Dolphins will host the Jets, a long-time division rival, on October 4.
Miami will play its third regular-season game in London and second as the home team. The Dolphins hosted the New York Giants
in 2007 and defeated the Oakland Raiders 38-14 in 2014.
“We are excited to return to London this year,” says Dolphins Owner STEPHEN ROSS. “Our organization has passionate fan
support overseas and we embrace this opportunity to showcase our organization and grow the game globally.”
“We are honored to represent New York, New Jersey and the National Football League in London, and for the opportunity to
showcase this organization on a global stage,” says Jets Chairman and CEO WOODY JOHNSON. “Playing in Wembley Stadium
gives us the chance to welcome even more fans, all over the UK, to Jets Nation.”
In the second 2015 London game, the Jacksonville Jaguars will host the Bills on
October 25. This matchup will be shown worldwide on a digital platform. The NFL
and Yahoo! Inc. have partnered to deliver the first-ever live stream of an NFL
game to a global audience across devices for free. In keeping with the NFL’s long-
standing commitment to make its games available on free, over-the-air television,
this game will also be televised live in both the Buffalo (WIVB-TV) and
Jacksonville (WTEV-TV) markets.
The Jaguars committed to playing a home game in the UK in 2013, 2014, 2015,
and 2016, all at Wembley, and will return to the UK for the third time.
“We are doing London because we want to have a compelling proposition for our corporate partners,” says Jaguars Owner SHAD
KHAN. “It’s been very good for us, and also for the money that’s come back to Jacksonville. I would like for us to continue to go.
It’s been a great experience. It really prepares us for where we need to be in the future as a team.”
“We are excited about the opportunity to play in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars,” says Bills Owner TERRY PEGULA.
“Wembley Stadium is such a historical venue and we are proud to be a part of the league’s long-standing tradition and
commitment to playing NFL games in front of London’s strong fan base. We feel it will be a great week for our organization and
Bills fans everywhere, particularly those in the UK.”
The 2015 International Series will conclude in Week 8 on November 1 when the Chiefs host the Detroit Lions.
The Chiefs will make their first trip to London and play in the franchise’s first international game since a 1998 preseason contest
against the Green Bay Packers in Tokyo, Japan.
“It is an honor for Kansas City to represent the NFL on an international stage,” says Chiefs President MARK DONOVAN. “We are
excited for the opportunity this creates for our fans, our city and the global growth of the Chiefs brand.”
The Lions, who earned a thrilling 22-21 come-from-behind win against the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium in Week 8 of the
2014 season, will travel to London for the second consecutive year.
“We were actually approached by the NFL about the possibility of coming back two years in a row, which is the first time an away
team has gone over in back-to-back years,” says Lions President TOM LEWAND. “That’s a testament to our fans and to our
players and the kind of job they did not just on the field in Wembley but also throughout the week with the community. I think it
speaks volumes about our team and about our fans.”
The International Series began on October 28, 2007, when the Giants defeated the Dolphins 13-10 en route to a victory in Super
Bowl XLII. Since its inception, participation in amateur football in the UK has risen by approximately 15 percent per year. The
International Series to date has contributed to increased NFL fan interest in the UK, with a current fan base of 13 million, including
more than three million avid fans, a 50 percent increase in the past three years.
A look at what some of the players and coaches thought about playing in London:
The state-of-the-art stadium, due to open in the summer of 2018, will feature a retractable grass field with an
artificial surface underneath that would be used for NFL games. This innovative field will add greater flexibility in the
scheduling of games, with the NFL having its own playing surface for games held at this venue. This field will be
multi-use and capable of hosting other sporting, entertainment and community events.
Both sports will have dedicated facilities ensuring that the new stadium, designed with a focus on atmosphere, will deliver the
optimum experience for both teams and fans. It will be one of the most environmentally sustainable in the UK and also include a
clear focus on accessibility via public transportation.
“With growing enthusiasm for the NFL in the United Kingdom, we are committed to hosting NFL games in world-class venues and
are excited to partner with Tottenham Hotspur to play games at their future stadium,” says NFL Commissioner ROGER
GOODELL. “We share a vision and commitment to creating the best experience for our teams, fans and the local community.”
The stadium is part of the Northumberland Development Project that spans more than 20 acres, sits at the heart and is the
flagship scheme and catalyst for world-class regeneration in North Tottenham, delivering significant benefits for the local
community.
In addition to the minimum of two games per year at the new Tottenham site, other NFL games may take place at different venues
in the UK during the span of the 10-year agreement. The NFL has two seasons remaining on a successful arrangement with
Wembley Stadium, where it has staged 11 games since 2007, and is optimistic that the relationship will be extended beyond 2016.
“We have an opportunity now to deliver one of the most unique sporting and entertainment venues in the world, bringing together
the EPL and NFL for the first time,” says DANIEL LEVY, Chairman of Tottenham Hotspur. “The socio-economic benefits this will
bring to the area will be immense and demonstrates our commitment to the regeneration of this priority borough in London.”
“This was an important factor for the NFL when they agreed to bring their hugely popular sport to Tottenham. I am delighted that
we have succeeded in attracting them. We have a compelling and exciting partnership that will play its part as we begin
transforming this area of Tottenham.”
“Anyone who has seen American Football at Wembley Stadium cannot fail to have been thrilled by the spectacle, and the wise
heads that run the NFL have clearly not missed the fact that Londoners are going absolutely gangbusters for Gridiron,” says
Johnson. “We are already working very closely with the NFL, including on plans to get more Londoners involved in the sport, and
we believe that building on the success of NFL at Wembley by staging more games in an area of the city that has been earmarked
for a massive program of economic regeneration and investment makes perfect sense.”
“Touchdowns in Tottenham can only add to our reputation as a global sporting powerhouse, and help us take another step
towards our goal of having a permanent NFL franchise here in London.”
HISPANICS MAKING THEIR MARK (HACIENDO SU MARCA) ON THE NFL
Every year, Hispanic players are playing a role in the NFL. Following are some examples:
“It’s just part of giving back to the community, especially with all the support they give us,” says Ramirez, now a member
of the Detroit Lions. “Just being able to return the favor in every possible little way that we can – it is our day off, but it is
the kind of stuff we enjoy. I, for one, have kids, so I know how much this means to them. Being able to give back and be
part of the future of little kids being able to come here and enjoy their time, it means a lot.”
St. Louis Rams wide receiver DANIEL RODRIGUEZ is a military veteran who enlisted shortly after his high school
graduation and father’s sudden death. He has been awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device for
his heroic actions. During his two tours as a member of the U.S. Army, Rodriguez spent several years stationed in Iraq
and Afghanistan. On October 3, 2009, he and 52 other Americans fought in the Battle of Kamdesh – one of the bloodiest
incidents in the Afghanistan War. During this battle, eight American soldiers were killed and 22 were injured, including
Rodriguez. He continued to fight for 12 hours with bullet fragments lodged in his shoulder and shrapnel in his neck and
legs.
“After my second deployment in Afghanistan, I made a promise to a friend that I was going to get out and try to play,” says
Rodriguez. “It was just one of those things where I felt that if I had any purpose in life, I needed to make sure that I kept
my word to a friend, and live my life in a way that honored those who had died.”
After his time in the military, Rodriguez, who stands at 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, joined Clemson’s football team as a walk-
on and fulfilled his dream of playing college football. He played in 37 consecutive games, primarily on special teams, and
was a two-time academic All-ACC honoree. He graduated in December 2014.
Carolina Panthers head coach RON RIVERA (below) is not only known as a successful head coach and former NFL
player but is also acknowledged for the time and effort he dedicates to the community. During his tenure as an NFL
player, Rivera was named the Chicago Bears’ Man of the Year in 1988 and was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award in
1989. As a head coach, Rivera and his wife, Stephanie, continue to devote their free time to giving back to the community.
Throughout his life, Rivera has been surrounded by the military and he
proudly exemplifies the traits of someone in the Armed Forces. His father
was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952 and served 32 years, which resulted
in Rivera spending most of his childhood on military bases around the
world. Upon being named the Panthers head coach in 2010, Rivera
immediately embraced the large military contingent in the Carolinas. Since
his first visit to Fort Bragg with NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL in
2011, Rivera has made annual base visits a priority. In addition to base
visits, he has hosted 45 military groups at practices, games and other team
functions. Rivera and his wife serve as USO (United Service Organizations)
of North Carolina ambassadors. During the 2014 season, he was selected
as the Panthers’ Salute to Service Award nominee.
Rivera also aids in raising funds for the USO of North Carolina and the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte through an
annual charity bowling tournament and his involvement in the Fore the Troop Golf Tournament in Charlotte. In March,
Rivera delivered a leadership lessons seminar to USO members in Charlotte, and informed over 100 human resources
professionals the benefits and advantages of hiring veterans.
The NFL has partnered with Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle ANTHONY MUÑOZ
(right) to host NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps. The non-contact football camps will
be hosted in several NFL markets this summer. Each site will welcome 300
predominantly-Hispanic boys and girls ages 9-13 with little or no football
experience from local youth organizations. The program will also work in
collaboration with USA Football and its NFL FLAG curriculum, which introduces
participants to be physically active through non-contact, continuous action while
learning the fundamentals of football, lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.
In addition, the camps will teach character values as well as promote NFL PLAY 60’s health and fitness message.
Since the inception of NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps in 2012, 40 camps have been held impacting more than 13,000
youth across the country.
The NFL will celebrate HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH during Week 3 of the 2015 season. A national spotlight will be shined on
the NFL’s celebration during Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football. The New York Giants
will host the Washington Redskins on Thursday, September 24, the Denver Broncos will visit the Detroit Lions on Sunday,
September 27, and the Green Bay Packers will take on the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday, September 28.
The NFL’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month dates back to 2002 when then-Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE made it a
league priority to serve the Hispanic market, forming an internal task force of league and club executives to analyze the NFL’s
activities, consult with leaders in the Hispanic-American community, and recommend a comprehensive approach toward the
future. The initiative has continued to grow annually since then.
Soccer was the most popular sport in Nzeocha’s household and as a child he wanted to be a
basketball player. But all that changed when he discovered football. With no football team at his high
school, Nzeocha played club football for the Franken Knights youth team in Germany. He was also a
member of the German National Team and participated in the 2009 Junior World Championship in
Canton, Ohio, where he was named to the All-Tournament team. Nzeocha used that experience and
came over to the United States to play collegiately at Wyoming.
“Within a few years, I was athletically better than most,” recalls Nzeocha about learning football.
“Fortunately for me, one of my good friends played at Wyoming a couple years before me. He
introduced me to the coaches, showed them some of my film, and they really liked what they saw.
So that’s how I ended up there.”
A look at some foreign-born players in the NFL:
AMERICAN SAMOA G Mike Iupati, AZ; LB Rey Maualuga, Cin; DT Domata Peko, Cin; DE Ropati Pitoitua, Ten
ANGOLA DE Christo Bilukidi, Bal
AUSTRALIA P Jordan Berry, Pitt; P Brad Wing, Pitt; DT Jesse Williams, Sea; G David Yankey, Min
BELIZE DE Rakeem Nunez-Roches, KC
BRAZIL K Cairo Santos, KC
CAMEROON G Arie Kouandjio, Was; T Cyrus Kouandjio, Buf
CANADA DT Tyrone Crawford, Dal; G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, KC; WR TJ Jones, Det; T Brett Jones,
NYG; LS L.P. LaDouceur, Dal; T Austin Pasztor, Jax; P Jon Ryan, Sea; K Shaun Suisham, Pitt;
DE Brent Urban, Bal; G/C John Urschel, Bal; RB Tyler Varga, Ind; TE Luke Willson, Sea
CONGO LB Henoc Muamba, Ind; LB Andy Mulumba, GB
ENGLAND RB Jay Ajayi, Mia; DE Jack Crawford, Dal; DE Josh Mauro, AZ; DE Efe Obada, Dal; DE
Lawrence Okoye, SF; T Menelik Watson, Oak
ESTONIA DE Margus Hunt, Cin
GERMANY LB Kasim Edebali, NO; FB Jerome Felton, Buf; CB Brandon Ghee, Cin; WR Brandon Gibson,
NE; TE Ladarius Green, SD; WR R.J. Harris, NO; CB Mike Jenkins, TB; DT Marcus Kuhn,
NYG; P Jeff Locke, Min; LB Mark Nzeocha, Dal; DT D’Anthony Smith, Sea; T Tyrus
Thompson, Min; T Sebastian Vollmer, NE; LB Bjoern Werner, Ind
GHANA DE Ezekiel Ansah, Det
HAITI T Gosder Cherilus, Ind; CB Pierre Desir, Cle; G Vlad Ducasse, Chi
ITALY K Giorgio Tavecchio, Oak; S Mykkele Thompson, NYG; T Will Yeatman, Hou
JAMAICA S Patrick Chung, NE; DT Kenrick Ellis, NYG; G Orlando Franklin, SD; G Laken Tomlinson, Det;
LB Trevardo Williams, Was
JAPAN QB Robert Griffin III, Was; TE Jack Tabb, NO
KENYA LB Daniel Adongo, Ind
LIBERIA LB Tamba Hali, KC; LB Jonathan Massaquoi, Ten; LB Sio Moore, Oak
NEW ZEALAND DT Stephen Paea, Was
NIGERIA LB Jerry Attaochu, SD
PHILIPPINES QB Tim Tebow, Phi
POLAND T Babatunde Aiyegbusi, Min; K Sebastian Janikowski, Oak
SASKATCHEWAN G Ben Heenan, Ind
SCOTLAND K Graham Gano, Car
SOUTH KOREA DT Kyle Love, Car
TONGA DT Star Lotulelei, Car
VIRGIN ISLANDS DT Linval Joseph, Min
ZIMBABWE DE Stansly Maponga, Atl
2015 NFL STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
Opponents’ 2014 Games vs. teams Games vs. 2014
Team Pct. & Record .500 or better playoff teams
Pittsburgh Steelers .578 147 107 2 12 9
Cincinnati Bengals .563 144 112 0 12 7
San Francisco 49ers .561 143 112 1 9 9
Seattle Seahawks .559 142 112 2 10 9
Arizona Cardinals .557 142 113 1 10 7
St. Louis Rams .553 141 114 1 11 9
Kansas City Chiefs .545 139 116 1 11 7
Oakland Raiders .545 139 116 1 11 7
Cleveland Browns .543 138 116 2 12 9
Denver Broncos .541 138 117 1 11 7
Baltimore Ravens .539 137 117 2 11 7
Minnesota Vikings .539 138 118 0 10 7
Chicago Bears .531 136 120 0 10 7
Green Bay Packers .529 135 120 1 9 7
Detroit Lions .527 135 121 0 9 5
San Diego Chargers .518 132 123 1 10 7
Miami Dolphins .492 126 130 0 10 5
New York Jets .488 125 131 0 10 4
Buffalo Bills .486 124 131 1 10 5
New York Giants .479 122 133 1 8 4
Washington Redskins .479 122 133 1 7 4
New England Patriots .477 122 134 0 10 4
Philadelphia Eagles .475 121 134 1 7 6
Dallas Cowboys .467 119 136 1 7 4
Jacksonville Jaguars .463 118 137 1 9 5
Tennessee Titans .436 111 144 1 7 4
Carolina Panthers .434 111 145 0 6 4
New Orleans Saints .430 109 145 2 6 6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers .426 108 146 2 4 4
Houston Texans .418 106 148 2 7 5
Indianapolis Colts .416 106 149 1 7 4
Atlanta Falcons .410 104 150 2 5 4
500 YARDS, GAME: 522, Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh vs. Indianapolis, October 26, 2014
7 TD PASSES, GAME: Peyton Manning, Denver vs. Baltimore, September 5, 2013
Nick Foles, Philadelphia vs. Oakland, November 3, 2013
60 ATTEMPTS, GAME: 62, Nick Foles, Philadelphia vs. Arizona, October 26, 2014
62, Joe Flacco, Baltimore vs. Cincinnati, September 7, 2014
20 CONSECUTIVE COMPLETIONS, GAME: 24, Matt Schaub, Houston vs. Jacksonville, November 18, 2012 (OT)
99-YARD TD PASS: Tom Brady to Wes Welker, New England vs. Miami, September 12, 2011
Eli Manning to Victor Cruz, New York Giants vs. New York Jets, December 24, 2011
RECEIVING
4 TDs, GAME: Jamaal Charles, Kansas City vs. Oakland, December 15, 2013
Eric Decker, Denver vs. Kansas City, December 1, 2013
Marvin Jones, Cincinnati vs. New York Jets, October 27, 2013
RUSHING
5 TDs, GAME: Clinton Portis, Denver vs. Kansas City, December 7, 2003
4 TDs, GAME: Jonas Gray, New England vs. Indianapolis, November 16, 2014
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle vs. New York Giants, November 9, 2014
40 ATTEMPTS, GAME: 40, Shaun Alexander, Seattle vs. Green Bay, November 27, 2006
250 YARDS, GAME: 251, Doug Martin, Tampa Bay vs. Oakland, November 4, 2012
INTERCEPTIONS
SCORING
8 PATs, GAME: 8, Matt Bryant, Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay, September 18, 2014
3 FGs, 50 YARDS OR MORE, GAME: Phil Dawson, Cleveland vs. Baltimore, September 27, 2012
Blair Walsh, Minnesota vs. St. Louis, December 16, 2012
60 OR MORE POINTS, GAME, TEAM: New Orleans (62) vs. Indianapolis (7), October 23, 2011
100 OR MORE POINTS, GAME, BOTH TEAMS: 106, Cincinnati (58) vs. Cleveland (48), November 28, 2004
LAST SCORELESS TIE: New York Giants vs. Detroit, November 7, 1943
KICKOFF RETURNS
2 TDs, GAME: Leon Washington, Seattle vs. San Diego, September 26, 2010
2 CONSECUTIVE TDs, BOTH TEAMS, GAME: New England vs. Oakland, December 14, 2008
PUNT RETURNS
2 TDs, GAME: Darius Reynaud, Tennessee vs. Jacksonville, December 30, 2012
GIANTS’ BECKHAM JR. CATCHES TOP SPOT IN NFL JERSEY SALES
New York Giants wide receiver ODELL BECKHAM, JR. (left) has reeled in yet another accolade as he
now finds his jersey atop the list for NFL player jerseys sold on NFLShop.com.
With the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans selected quarterback MARCUS
MARIOTA. His jersey finds itself in the No. 2 spot on the list. Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
JAMEIS WINSTON, who was the first overall pick in the Draft, ranks No. 8.
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. WATT (No. 11), the 2014 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, is the
highest defensive player on the list.
The Seattle Seahawks also dominated the charts with quarterback RUSSELL WILSON (No. 7), safety KAM CHANCELLOR (No.
18), running back MARSHAWN LYNCH (No. 20) and the distinctive 12TH FAN (No. 22) all in the top 25.
1 Odell Beckham, Jr. New York Giants 14 Derek Carr Oakland Raiders
2 Marcus Mariota Tennessee Titans 15 Jason Witten Dallas Cowboys
3 Tom Brady New England Patriots 16 Tim Tebow Philadelphia Eagles
4 Colin Kaepernick San Francisco 49ers 17 Ndamukong Suh Miami Dolphins
5 Aaron Rodgers Green Bay Packers 18 Kam Chancellor Seattle Seahawks
6 Dez Bryant Dallas Cowboys 19 Khalil Mack Oakland Raiders
7 Russell Wilson Seattle Seahawks 20 Marshawn Lynch Seattle Seahawks
8 Jameis Winston Tampa Bay Buccaneers 21 Teddy Bridgewater Minnesota Vikings
9 DeMarco Murray Philadelphia Eagles 22 12th Fan Seattle Seahawks
10 Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots 23 Ryan Tannehill Miami Dolphins
11 J.J. Watt Houston Texans 24 Tony Romo Dallas Cowboys
12 Peyton Manning Denver Broncos 25 Joe Haden Cleveland Browns
13 Andrew Luck Indianapolis Colts
Source: NFLShop.com
Marcus Mariota Colin Kaepernick Jameis Winston Teddy Bridgewater Joe Haden
SAME FACES, NEW PLACES
Whether through free agency or trades, this offseason contained big-name switches that may alter the
landscape of the 2015 NFL season.
Buffalo and Philadelphia swapped big-name players, with the Bills acquiring running back LE SEAN MC COY
(left) – the Eagles’ all-time leading rusher – in exchange for linebacker KIKO ALONSO. Miami brought in four-
time Pro Bowl defensive tackle NDAMUKONG SUH, who spent his first five seasons in Detroit.
“I love a challenge and coming to the AFC East will be a challenge,” says Suh. “I am absolutely excited about
the opportunity with the Miami Dolphins. This team has a great nucleus and I cannot wait to get to work.”
Other familiar faces have joined new teams, including quarterbacks SAM BRADFORD (Philadelphia), MATT CASSEL (Buffalo),
NICK FOLES (St. Louis) and RYAN FITZPATRICK (New York Jets), wide receivers DWAYNE BOWE (Cleveland), ANDRE
JOHNSON (Indianapolis), JEREMY MACLIN (Kansas City), BRANDON MARSHALL (New York Jets) and MIKE WALLACE
(Minnesota), tight ends JORDAN CAMERON (Miami), CHARLES CLAY (Buffalo), JIMMY GRAHAM (Seattle) and JULIUS
THOMAS (Jacksonville), running backs REGGIE BUSH (San Francisco), FRANK GORE (Indianapolis), DARREN MC FADDEN
(Dallas) and DE MARCO MURRAY (Philadelphia), defensive backs BRANDON BROWNER (New Orleans), ANTONIO
CROMARTIE (New York Jets), DARRELLE REVIS (New York Jets), ANTREL ROLLE (Chicago), CARY WILLIAMS (Seattle)
and TRAMON WILLIAMS (Cleveland) and defensive tackles HALOTI NGATA (Detroit) and VINCE WILFORK (Houston).
Some notable players who changed teams this offseason:
Additionally, several NFL franchises will be wearing special patches in 2015. The season also will serve as a
remembrance for individuals who have left a lasting legacy with a team.
Below are some of the patches and logos to honor team history or celebrate events this season:
TEAM/EVENT PATCH/DECAL
National Football League All teams will wear a Heads Up Football decal on their helmets to celebrate USA Football
Month throughout the preseason
National Football League All teams will wear a pink ribbon decal on their helmets to celebrate A Crucial Catch and
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Weeks 4, 5 and 6.
National Football League All teams will wear a camouflage ribbon decal on their helmets to celebrate Salute to Service
games during Weeks 9, 10 and 11.
Philadelphia Eagles Memorial decal for Chuck Bednarik.
San Francisco 49ers Memorial decal and lapel pin for Bob St. Clair.
Atlanta Falcons 50th season patch.
Miami Dolphins 50th season patch.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 40th season patch.
Baltimore Ravens 20th season patch.
All teams will wear a Heads Up All teams will wear a pink ribbon decal All teams will wear a camouflage
Football decal on their helmets to on their helmets to celebrate A Crucial ribbon decal on their helmets to
celebrate USA Football Month Catch and Breast Cancer Awareness celebrate Salute to Service games in
throughout the preseason. Month in Weeks 4, 5 and 6. Weeks 9, 10 and 11.
The Philadelphia Eagles will honor The San Francisco 49ers will honor the
the memory of Chuck Bednarik memory of Bob St. Clair with a The Atlanta Falcons will celebrate
with a memorial decal. memorial decal and lapel pin. their 50th season.
The Miami Dolphins will celebrate The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will The Baltimore Ravens will celebrate
their 50th season. celebrate their 40th season. their 20th season.
STARTING RECORDS OF ACTIVE NFL QUARTERBACKS
(Minimum 10 regular-season starts)
Many teams will host Super Bowl Homecomings, inviting their Super Bowl teams to be honored in-stadium on game day and
throughout the weekend. Teams will commemorate Homecomings with Ring of Honor/Hall of Fame ceremonies, recognizing
Super Bowl players as honorary captains and featuring special halftime celebrations. Historic Super Bowl marks, customized
Homecoming assets and dedicated elements commemorating past Super Bowls will be included in the weekends.
CBS, which will televise Super Bowl 50 – marking the most Super Bowl broadcasts by any network – will feature some of these
visits across the various assets of the CBS Corporation.
“CBS Sports is proud to have made history televising Super Bowl I, and we are poised to do it again with the broadcast of Super
Bowl 50,” says SEAN MC MANUS, Chairman of CBS Sports. “This is a special season for CBS Sports with more NFL coverage
than ever before, including Thursday Night Football, Sunday afternoon football, the AFC playoffs and culminating with the biggest
event in television history, Super Bowl 50.”
The 2015 schedule will feature several Super Bowl rematches. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Game kicks it off in August when
the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers face off in a rematch of Super Bowl IX. The regular season features 19 Super Bowl
rematches (see page 76 for the list).
The season begins with the NFL’s annual primetime kickoff game. The opener on September 10 on NBC (8:30 PM ET)
will spotlight the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette
Stadium.
Week 1 is a CBS national weekend with the key doubleheader game on Sunday, September 13 (4:25 PM ET) featuring
the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Denver Broncos.
NBC’s Sunday Night Football gets underway on September 13 with an NFC East showdown when the Dallas Cowboys
host the New York Giants (8:30 PM ET).
Kickoff Weekend concludes on Monday, September 14 with an ESPN Monday Night Football doubleheader. The Atlanta
Falcons will host the Philadelphia Eagles (7:10 PM ET) in the first game followed by the Minnesota Vikings at the San
Francisco 49ers (10:20 PM ET).
ESPN will televise one game each Monday night in Weeks 2-16. There will be no Monday night game on the final regular-
season weekend (Week 17) to provide more flexibility for the scheduling of the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs.
For the second season, a select number of games will be “cross-flexed,” moving between CBS and FOX to bring
potentially under-distributed games to wider audiences. Some of those contests were announced in April, including the
Chicago Bears at Seattle Seahawks (4:25 PM ET, CBS) in Week 3 and the Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys (4:30
PM ET, CBS) on Thanksgiving Day. Other “cross-flexed” games will be decided during the season.
The regular season will conclude with Week 17 on Sunday, January 3. For the sixth consecutive year, all 16 games
scheduled for Week 17 are division contests, enhancing the potential for more games with playoff ramifications.
The Pro Bowl will return to Hawaii on Sunday, January 31 (ESPN) and be played at Aloha Stadium. The season
concludes the following week on Sunday, February 7 with Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium (CBS), capping a year-long
celebration of the Super Bowl.
The CBS Television Network marks its 56th year broadcasting the NFL headlined by Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016.
Super Bowl 50 will be the 19th Super Bowl to be broadcast by CBS, the most of any network. Calling the historic game
will be CBS’s lead announce team of JIM NANTZ, PHIL SIMMS and TRACY WOLFSON, and kicking the day off on the
pregame show will be JAMES BROWN, BILL COWHER, BOOMER ESIASON, TONY GONZALEZ and BART SCOTT,
along with NFL Insider JASON LA CANFORA.
THE NFL ON CBS’s broadcast schedule also will feature marquee games including New England at Dallas (October 11),
Denver at Indianapolis (November 8), New England at the New York Giants (November 15), Pittsburgh at Seattle
(November 29), the New York Jets versus the Giants (December 6) and Denver at Pittsburgh (December 20), during its
17 weeks of regular-season coverage. In addition to the AFC package, the regular-season broadcast schedule will once
again feature NFC “cross-flexed” games.
CBS concludes the season with a postseason slate of AFC playoff games, including the AFC Championship Game, and
Super Bowl 50 from Levi’s Stadium.
In addition, The CBS Television Network and NFL NETWORK will team again to feature a schedule of 16 Thursday Night
Football games. This season marks the second year CBS Sports and NFL Network will partner to broadcast Thursday
Night Football, a slate of 16 regular-season games kicking off September 17 with Denver at Kansas City. This year’s
schedule will again showcase marquee contests with 13 of the 16 games featuring division rivalries. The 2015 Thursday
Night Football schedule will feature games from Weeks 2-8 and Week 13 broadcast on CBS that also will be simulcast on
NFL Network. The Thursday Night Football schedule in Weeks 9-11 and Weeks 14-16 – including two Saturday games on
December 19 and 26 – will be televised on NFL Network, and will be simulcast on over-the-air stations in the primary
markets of the participating teams. All Thursday Night Football games will kick off at 8:25 PM ET.
The full slate of 16 regular-season Thursday Night Football games will be produced by CBS with its lead broadcasters and
production team, including JIM NANTZ, PHIL SIMMS and TRACY WOLFSON, who also will announce select games on
Sunday on CBS. NFL Network hosts and analysts will be featured in the pregame, halftime and postgame shows along
with CBS Sports announcers.
Every Thursday at 6:00 PM ET, RICH EISEN will kick off the NFL week with MICHAEL IRVIN, MARSHALL FAULK and
STEVE MARIUCCI live from outside the stadium on NFL Total Access Kickoff. The cast will provide news and analysis of
the upcoming matchup, as well as highlight the atmosphere and festivities outside the stadium as fans arrive for every
Thursday Night Football game on CBS and NFL Network.
At 7:30 PM ET, JAMES BROWN, BILL COWHER and DEION SANDERS host NFL Thursday Night Kickoff from inside
the stadium to provide further analysis leading up to each game, joined by Wolfson.
FOX SPORTS’ lead NFL team of Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback TROY AIKMAN and seven-time Emmy Award-
winner JOE BUCK returns for its 14th year as broadcast partners with ERIN ANDREWS reporting from the sidelines.
The network kicks off its 22nd season covering the NFL on Sunday, September 13 with an NFC North showdown
between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears (1:00 PM ET). On Sunday, September 20, FOX features a
national doubleheader when the Philadelphia Eagles host the NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys (4:25 PM ET). Other
standout contests include the Minnesota Vikings visiting the Denver Broncos (October 4, 4:25 PM ET), the Seattle
Seahawks hosting the San Francisco 49ers (November 22, 4:25 PM ET) and the Cowboys visiting the Packers in Week
14 (December 13, 4:25 PM ET).
FOX Sports will broadcast the third London game of 2015, as the Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions at Wembley
Stadium (November 1, 9:30 AM ET) and the first of three Thanksgiving Day games, when the Eagles visit Detroit
(November 26, 12:30 PM ET).
In addition to the NFC package, the regular-season broadcast schedule will once again feature “cross-flexed” games.
FOX will also broadcast NFC postseason games, including the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, January 24.
NBC kicks off the 2015 NFL season with the Super Bowl champions as the network’s slate of 21 games begins on
Thursday, September 10 when the defending champion New England Patriots host the Pittsburgh Steelers. The opening
Sunday Night Football game features the New York Giants visiting the division rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday,
September 13 at 8:30 PM ET. Sunday Night Football also showcases rematches of both Conference Championship
Games (Seattle versus Green Bay on September 20 and New England versus Indianapolis on October 18), the first
Thanksgiving game in Green Bay in 92 years (Chicago Bears at Packers), and Brady-Manning XVII – the 17th matchup
between quarterbacks TOM BRADY and PEYTON MANNING – when the Patriots visit the Denver Broncos on November
29.
In addition, NBC will broadcast a Wild Card playoff game and a Divisional playoff game.
AL MICHAELS and CRIS COLLINSWORTH return for a seventh season of NBC’s Sunday Night Football. The show
averaged 21.3 million viewers in 2014 and has ranked as primetime’s No. 1 show for the full September-May TV season
for four consecutive years – a first for a sports series.
ESPN’s team of MIKE TIRICO, JON GRUDEN and sideline reporter LISA SALTERS returns for the 46th season of
Monday Night Football. Opening night on MNF features a primetime doubleheader. The first game (7:10 PM ET) matches
the Philadelphia Eagles at the Atlanta Falcons. The MNF nightcap (10:20 PM ET) features the San Francisco 49ers
hosting the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 11, the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots host the division rival Buffalo
Bills (November 23, 8:30 PM ET). Two weeks later, the Dallas Cowboys face off against the Washington Redskins in
Week 13 for a record 17th time on MNF.
In addition, ESPN will televise a Wild Card playoff game, which will be simulcast on ABC for the first time. ESPN also will
broadcast the 2016 Pro Bowl (January 31, 2016) at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii.
FOX
FOX NFL Sunday (Pregame): Curt Menefee-Terry Bradshaw-Howie Long-Jimmy Johnson-Michael Strahan-Jay Glazer-
Mike Pereira.
NFL on FOX: Lead Broadcast Team: Joe Buck-Troy Aikman-Erin Andrews (reporter).
NBC
NBC’s Football Night in America (Pregame): Bob Costas-Dan Patrick-Josh Elliott-Tony Dungy-Rodney Harrison-Hines
Ward-Mike Florio-Peter King-Paul Burmeister (reporter)-Carolyn Manno (reporter)-Kathryn Tappen (reporter).
Sunday Night Football: Al Michaels-Cris Collinsworth-Michele Tafoya (reporter).
ESPN
Sunday NFL Countdown (Pregame): Chris Berman-Cris Carter-Mike Ditka-Tom Jackson-Keyshawn Johnson-Chris
Mortensen-Adam Schefter-Wendi Nix-Josina Anderson-Bob Holtzman-Britt McHenry-Sal Paolantonio-Ed Werder.
Monday Night Countdown (Pregame): Chris Berman-Suzy Kolber-Cris Carter-Trent Dilfer-Mike Ditka-Tom Jackson-
Keyshawn Johnson-Ray Lewis-Chris Mortensen-Adam Schefter-Steve Young-Lisa Salters.
NFL Monday Night Football: Mike Tirico-Jon Gruden-Lisa Salters (reporter).
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
For a second consecutive year, flexible scheduling may be applied in Weeks 5-10. During that period, flexible scheduling can be
used in no more than two weeks by shifting a Sunday afternoon game into primetime and moving the Sunday night game to an
afternoon start time.
Also, for a second time, a select number of games are being “cross-flexed,” moving between CBS and FOX to bring potentially
under-distributed games to wider audiences.
“Flexible scheduling,” which debuted in the NFL in 2006, will be used in Weeks 11-17 as it has been in recent years. In Weeks 11-
16, the schedule lists the games tentatively set for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to
be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would be moved to an afternoon start time.
Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights.
A flexible scheduling move would be announced at least 12 days before the game.
For Week 17, the Sunday night game will be announced no later than six days prior to January 3. The schedule does not list a
Sunday night game in Week 17, but an afternoon game with playoff implications will be moved to that time slot.
Flexible scheduling ensures quality matchups in all Sunday time slots in those weeks and gives “surprise” teams a chance to play
their way into primetime.
NFL fans can listen to games on the radio in a number of ways – on Westwood One and SiriusXM NFL Radio.
WESTWOOD ONE remains the official network radio partner of the NFL, its 29th consecutive season with that distinction.
The Westwood One NFL schedule features 67 national games, including the NFL/Hall of Fame Game, the Thursday night Kickoff
game, Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football (including the two Saturday night games), the
Thanksgiving Day tripleheader and the entire postseason, culminating with Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Westwood One also
broadcasts a Sunday afternoon NFL doubleheader each week during the regular season, and produces weekly specialty
programs, including The NFL Today, NFL Preview, NFL Insider, NFL Sunday and NFL Fantasy Football Forecast.
KEVIN HARLAN and BOOMER ESIASON return as the lead broadcast crew, calling Monday Night Football and Super Bowl 50
for the network. This will mark the 29th consecutive year and 43rd time overall that Westwood One will be the exclusive network
radio home of football’s biggest game.
In addition to being heard on more than 500 radio stations across the United States, all of Westwood One’s primetime NFL
broadcasts can also be heard on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, as well as online and on mobile devices. For complete information
regarding Westwood One’s NFL coverage, including schedules, announcers, highlights, features, interviews and more, log on to
westwoodonesports.com.
This year will mark the NFL’s 12th season on SiriusXM. SiriusXM creates and broadcasts commercial-free music, premier sports
talk and live events, comedy, news, exclusive talk and entertainment, and the most comprehensive Latin music, sports and talk
programming in radio.
SiriusXM provides live play-by-play of every NFL game from the preseason through Super Bowl 50 on satellite radios, as well as
on the SiriusXM app and online at SiriusXM.com for its satellite radio subscribers.
SiriusXM NFL RADIO (channel 88 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app) offers the most in-depth radio coverage of the
NFL as the only radio channel dedicated to pro football 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SiriusXM NFL Radio offers a daily lineup
of exclusive talk programming hosted by former NFL stars and radio personalities and airs a simulcast of NFL Network’s signature
show, NFL Total Access, every weekday at 11:00 PM ET. For more information visit siriusxm.com/nfl.
Additionally, more women watched Super Bowl XLIX than the combined male and female audience for both the 2015 Academy
Awards (37.3 million) and the 2015 Grammy Awards (25.3 million).
NFL regular season games averaged more than 7.1 million female viewers each game, 43.5 percent of NFL fans are women and
62 percent of females (12 and older) consider themselves NFL fans. According to an ESPN Sports Poll, female fans are the most
interested in the NFL out of all major sports 12 months out of the year with 22 percent of women selecting the NFL as their favorite
sport, nearly double the 11.2 percent who chose MLB. College football and the NBA were both named by eight percent of women.
Women are not just watching and following the NFL. Some very accomplished women recently joined the NFL – or were elevated
to new positions – to change the game – both on and off the field – such as SARAH THOMAS, DAWN HUDSON, CYNTHIA
HOGAN, LISA FRIEL and ANNA ISAACSON.
Sarah Thomas: This season, Sarah Thomas (right) will make history as the NFL’s first full-time female game official.
“I’ve never set out to do that, but I’m telling you, it’s an honor,” says Thomas. “And I’ll just say, for
anybody, male or female, go and do something because you love it, not because you’re wanting to prove
somebody wrong or you want recognition for it.”
Thomas has nearly two decades of officiating experience. She comes to the NFL after working in
Conference USA and spending the past two years in the top level of the NFL’s developmental program,
working at minicamps and appearing in preseason games. She started working games in the 1990’s and,
in 1996, Thomas became the first female to officiate in a Division I-A high school football game in
Mississippi. She went on to become the first woman to officiate an NCAA game in 2007.
“If you look at Sarah’s background and her journey to get here, this is not something that happened overnight,” says NFL Vice
President of Officiating DEAN BLANDINO. “She’s been on our radar for years. It’s a testament to what she’s accomplished.”
There are a number of women in various stages of the league’s development program, including one at the advanced level from
which new officials are currently selected.
“We are really dedicated to developing them and to giving them the opportunity to continue their careers,” says Blandino. “We do
have quite a few women officiating, and we look for that to continue.”
Dawn Hudson: Veteran marketing and advertising executive Dawn Hudson (left) joined the league office in 2014 as the NFL’s
Chief Marketing Officer. She oversees the development, direction and implementation of all marketing activities for the NFL.
“I am excited to be a part of the NFL where I will be able to combine two of my passions – sports and
marketing,” says Hudson. “Sports have always played a big role in my life and in my career. There’s a passion
around sports that connects to people.”
A distinguished brand-builder, Hudson brings to the NFL broad experience at the highest level in a variety of
industries, including consumer goods, food service and communications. For the past five years, she served
as the Vice Chairman of The Parthenon Group, a Boston-based strategic consulting firm. Hudson also spent
11 years at PepsiCo, where she rose to President & CEO of Pepsi-Cola North America. Prior to joining
PepsiCo, Hudson gained extensive marketing, advertising and brand experience at major agencies such as
DMB&B and Omnicom.
In her first season at the NFL, she led an effort to redefine the NFL’s values to include responsibility to team, resiliency, integrity
and respect and oversaw the launch of the year-long campaign celebrating the Super Bowl leading up to Super Bowl 50.
Cynthia Hogan: Former Deputy Assistant to the President and counsel to the Vice President of the United States, Cynthia Hogan
(right) is the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs. In her role, she is responsible for developing
and implementing the league’s public policy and legislative initiatives.
“The complex and compelling issues of interest to the NFL and the opportunity to help shape policy on those
issues is a unique and exciting challenge,” says Hogan.
Based in the league’s Washington, D.C. office, Hogan works with NFL teams on local and state issues and, as
the league’s top lobbyist, she is the public face of the league in the nation’s capital. From broadcasting rights,
health and safety issues, performance-enhancing drugs and more, Hogan shapes and communicates policy
on a diverse range of issues.
Lisa Friel: The former chief of the sex crimes prosecution unit in the New York County district attorney’s office,
Lisa Friel (left) is the NFL’s Senior Vice President and Special Counsel for Investigations. In her role, she
oversees the league’s independent investigations in cases of off-field misconduct.
Friel previously served as Special Advisor to NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL in the fall of 2014 and was
instrumental in shaping domestic violence and sexual assault education for the league while also playing a vital
role in strengthening the NFL’s Player Conduct Policy. Friel joined the NFL in a full-time capacity this past spring.
Anna Isaacson: As Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility for the NFL, Anna Isaacson (right) directs the league’s social,
charitable and philanthropic endeavors, including how the NFL addresses issue of domestic violence, sexual assault and other
critical societal issues. She also oversees the work of the NFL Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the
lives of those touched by the game of football – from players at all levels to communities across the country.
Isaacson, who joined the NFL in 2006, was named to her current role last year where she now oversees the development of a full
range of education, training and support programs relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, character education and others
topics to reach both members of the NFL family and the broader society.
“People want to know that the NFL is hearing them, that we are hearing our fans, and that we take this incredibly
seriously,” says Isaacson of the NFL’s focus on social issues including domestic violence and sexual assault.
“The good news is that we have cared about these issues for many years. We know we don’t have all the
answers. We are bringing in the right people to guide us, to help us make decisions that move this issue forward
and to really now take this opportunity and allow us to make a massive difference.”
The impact of women permeates the NFL at all levels, with some key women at the helm of NFL teams and in important positions
at the league. Below is a list of female executives in the NFL at the vice president level and above:
NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION
Theresa Abato VP of Suite Sales & Service Baltimore Ravens
Jo Lynn Allen President & CEO, Vulcan Inc. Seattle Seahawks
Charlotte Jones Anderson Executive Vice President/Chief Brand Officer Dallas Cowboys
Airikuh Anderson VP, Corporate Partnerships Oakland Raiders
Renie Anderson SVP of Sponsorship and Partnership Management National Football League
Michelle Andres SVP of Digital Media and Broadcasting Baltimore Ravens
Dawn Aponte EVP of Football Administration Miami Dolphins
Molly Arbogast VP, Corporate Partnerships Philadelphia Eagles
Mary Pat Augenthaler VP, Events National Football League
Karen Beckman CFO & VP of Finance Seattle Seahawks
Nicole Bienert VP, Partnership Activation & Retention Miami Dolphins
Katie Blackburn Executive VP Cincinnati Bengals
Rosie Bone SVP, Community Relations and Public Affairs Oakland Raiders
Jeanne Bonk Executive VP/CFO San Diego Chargers
Robin Boudreau VP of Human Resources New England Patriots
Jennifer Cadicamo VP of Marketing, Partnership Activation Detroit Lions
Lisa Chang Senior Vice President of Human Resources Atlanta Falcons
Pat Curley VP of Information Technology New England Patriots
Aileen Dagrosa SVP, General Counsel Philadelphia Eagles
Anastasia Danias SVP/ Chief Litigation Officer National Football League
Jennifer Davenport VP, Marketing and Community Development Houston Texans
Laini DeLawter VP of Ticket and Fan Services Philadelphia Eagles
Tina D’Orazio VP, Office of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Philadelphia Eagles
Gabrielle Valdez Dow VP of Marketing and Fan Engagement Green Bay Packers
Jen Ferron SVP of Marketing and Brand Development New England Patriots
Kimberly Fields VP, Football Operations National Football League
Kelly Flanagan SVP, CFO Jacksonville Jaguars
Martha Firestone Ford Owner and Chairman Detroit Lions
Casey Foyt Vice Chair/Owner Indianapolis Colts
Lisa Friel SVP and Special Counsel for Investigations National Football League
Gretchen Geitter VP of Community Relations Buffalo Bills
Jessica Gelman VP of Customer Marketing and Strategy New England Patriots
Robyn Glaser VP, The Kraft Group and Club Counsel, New England Patriots New England Patriots
Anne Gordon SVP of Media and Communications Philadelphia Eagles
Hannah Gordon VP of Legal and Government Affairs San Francisco 49ers
Nicole Gustafson VP of Public Policy and Government Affairs National Football League
Sheila Ford Hamp Vice Chair Detroit Lions
Qiava Harper VP, Premium Seating and Service Oakland Raiders
Renee Harvey VP of Cleveland Browns Foundation Cleveland Browns
Dee Haslam Owner & President of the Cleveland Browns Foundation Cleveland Browns
Cipora Herman CFO San Francisco 49ers
Molly Higgins VP of Corporate Communications & Civic Affairs St. Louis Rams
Cynthia Hogan SVP of Public Policy and Government Affairs National Football League
Natara Holloway VP of Consumer Products - Retail Development National Football League
Tery Howard SVP - Chief Technology Officer Miami Dolphins
Nancy Hubacher VP of Sales & Marketing Washington Redskins
Dawn Hudson CMO National Football League
Patty Inglis Executive Vice President San Francisco 49ers
Kalen Irsay Vice Chair/Owner Indianapolis Colts
Carlie Irsay-Gordon Vice Chair/Owner Indianapolis Colts
Anna Isaacson SVP, Social Responsibility National Football League
Elizabeth Jackson VP of Human Resources Baltimore Ravens
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz Co-President, Glazer Family Foundation Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jenneen Kaufman VP/CFO Tennessee Titans
Cindy Kelley VP of Human Resources & Administration Seattle Seahawks
Cindy Kellogg VP of Community Development Denver Broncos
Elizabeth Ford Kontulis Vice Chair Detroit Lions
Kirsten Krug VP of Human Resources & Administration Kansas City Chiefs
Jennifer Langton VP, Health and Safety Policy National Football League
Nicole Ledvina VP of Human Resources Green Bay Packers
Belinda Lerner VP Alumni Affairs and Retired Player Programs National Football League
Susan Lewis Owner Tennessee Titans
Marilan Logan VP and Controller Houston Texans
Jennifer Love VP, Production NFL Network
Christina Weiss Lurie President Eagles Youth Partnership, Eagles Social Responsibility Philadelphia Eagles
Allison Maki SVP, CFO & Administration Detroit Lions
Virginia McCaskey Owner Chicago Bears
Kim McFadden VP of Human Resources National Football League
Michelle McKenna-Doyle SVP, Chief Information Officer National Football League
Penny McPhee President, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Atlanta Falcons
Michelle Modzeleski VP of Special Events Washington Redskins
Julie Moeller VP of Media National Football League
Martha Ford Morse Vice Chair Detroit Lions
Erica Muhleman VP of Business Development Buffalo Bills
Karen Murphy CFO & Treasurer Chicago Bears
Cheryl Nichols SVP, Administration, Facilities and Ownership Oakland Raiders
Vicky Neumeyer SVP/General Counsel New Orleans Saints
Kim Pegula Owner Buffalo Bills
Kristie Pappal VP of Human Resources Philadelphia Eagles
Megha Parekh SVP/General Counsel Jacksonville Jaguars
Elizabeth Parkinson SVP of Marketing & Partnerships Detroit Lions
Julie Perlish VP, Research and Consumer Insights National Football League
Tracy Perlman VP of Entertainment Marketing & Promotions National Football League
Christine Procops SVP & CFO New York Giants
Lucia Rodriguez Owner/Chair of Community Outreach St. Louis Rams
Rosemary Roser VP, Controller National Football League
Kim Shreckengost EVP - Chief of Staff, AMB Group, LLC. Atlanta Falcons
Kennie Smith Executive in Charge of Project Management NFL Films
Susie Adams Smith Co-Chairman/Owner Tennessee Titans
Amy Sprangers VP, Corporate partnerships & Suites Seattle Seahawks
Allison Stangeby VP of Community and Corporate Relations New York Giants
Amy Adams Strunk Co-Chairman/Owner Tennessee Titans
Nancy Svoboda Senior VP of Human Resources Denver Broncos
Sarah Swanson VP, Marketing & Promotions NFL International
Karla Tai VP, Human Resources and Operations Oakland Raiders
Suzie Thomas EVP/General Counsel/Chief Administration Officer Houston Texans
Linda Tong VP, Digital Media Product and Innovation National Football League
Ali Towle VP of Marketing San Francisco 49ers
Kelly Urquhart-Kozole VP of Events Detroit Lions
Christine Vicari VP of Labor Finance National Football League
Jaime Weston SVP of Marketing, Creative and Branding National Football League
Cathy Yancy VP of Rights, Policies & Compliance – NFL Media National Football League
Denise DeBartolo York Co-Chairman San Francisco 49ers
ACCOMPLISHED IN THEIR OWN RIGHT
The NFL family is filled with many women who are accomplished without ever setting a passing record or scoring a touchdown.
Some of the accomplished women who have family ties to NFL players or coaches:
The number of boys playing high school football – totaling 11, nine, eight and six-player teams – led all sports with 1,122,024
participants, according to the most recently published National Federation of State High School Associations participation survey
(2013-14 school year).
The 1,122,024 boys involved in the sport account for approximately 25 percent of the 4,527,994 boys that participate in athletics
and is significantly larger than the next most-played sport, outdoor track and field, in which 580,321 boys participated.
Texas is home to the most high school student-athletes playing 11-man football with 164,554 participants. Florida, however, had
the most players selected in the 2015 NFL Draft with 39.
The breakdown of states with double-digit players selected in the 2015 NFL Draft:
A total of 240 high schools contributed to the 256 players selected in the 2015 draft.
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School (left) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida led all high schools with three players
selected – PHILLIP DORSETT (Indianapolis, first round), RASHAD GREENE (Jacksonville, fifth round) and
BOBBY HART (New York Giants, seventh round).
The breakdown of the 15 high schools that had multiple players drafted by NFL clubs in 2015:
Punt, Pass & Kick and NFL FLAG are both powered by USA Football, the sport’s national governing body.
Punt, Pass & Kick is the NFL’s oldest grassroots program. It reached more than 210,000 boys and girls last year. The program
offers a free national skills competition for boys and girls between the ages of 6-15. Many NFL greats, including TROY AIKMAN,
BRETT FAVRE and ANDY REID, took part in the program as children. Punt, Pass & Kick consists of four levels of competition –
local, sectional, team championships and nationals. National finalists are recognized on-field during an award presentation during
an NFL Divisional Playoff game.
NFL FLAG is a fun and dynamic non-contact football experience where kids can develop skills and learn lessons in teamwork,
dedication and discipline. The program had more than 260,000 boys and girls, ages 5-17, participate last year. In the weeks
leading up to the NFL FLAG championship game, NFL clubs host regional tournaments, giving participants the chance to interact
with their favorite teams. The season culminates with 32 teams competing at the annual NFL FLAG powered by USA Football
National Championships.
To further expand the reach of flag football, the NFL, USA Football, GENYOUth and Fuel Up to Play 60 announced that they
would be providing NFL FLAG Essentials Kits to one million students across 2,500 schools nationwide, made possible by a $1
million commitment from the NFL Foundation. The kits include footballs, flag belts, posters and a PE curriculum designed for
elementary and middle school students.
Additionally, the NFL, through the NFL-USA Football Girls Flag Program, remains committed to helping establish girls flag football
as a high school sport throughout the country and aims to encourage schools to offer flag football as a varsity sport for girls.
“More girls are playing high school flag football than ever before,” says SAMANTHA RAPOPORT, director of football development
for USA Football. “The fun and excitement of this team sport captures the imagination whether you’re playing it or following it as a
fan. High schools across the country put our program to work to enable more student-athletes to gain significant fitness and social
benefits through football.”
In 2008, the NFL identified 10 cities with high levels of interest in recreational girls flag football and selected one girl in each city to
advocate for the establishment of girls flag football as a high school sport. The NFL worked with each one of these representatives
as she championed for the establishment of girls flag football in her school district. The NFL helped subsidize the programs for
every high school that agreed to sanction girls flag programs, providing free equipment as well as coaching and officiating
manuals.
“It was at the high school level, but now we are expanding to all levels of school: elementary, junior, and high schools,” says
Rapoport. “In flag football, there’s really a position for every girl. However big you are, however small you are, however fast, there
is a position for you on the field. So it lends itself well to attracting girls from all walks of life.”
The breakdown of girls high school football participants during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years, according to the NFHS:
The NFL’s High School Player Development (HSPD) program focuses on skills and character development lessons for adolescent
players. Since its inception in 2001, the HSPD program has provided participants with a curriculum that focuses on inspiring
excellence in the classroom, community and on the playing field. The program is free for students and available in select markets
during the summer.
The character development and life skills portion of the program features guest speakers and discussions on life after high school.
Participants learn about the importance of time management, setting goals, sportsmanship and teamwork. Students also take part
in a session about player safety, including concussion treatment and management.
NFL players who are graduates of the program include Carolina Panthers quarterback CAM NEWTON.
THE NFL FOUNDATION AND LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION
ANNOUNCE $2.5 MILLION IN FIELD GRANTS AS PART OF
THE NFL FOUNDATION GRASSROOTS PROGRAM
The NFL FOUNDATION joined with LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION (LISC) this summer to announce $2.5
million in field grants through the NFL FOUNDATION GRASSROOTS PROGRAM as part of the NFL’s 16-year, $39 million
commitment to enhancing low-income communities.
The program, a partnership between the NFL Foundation and LISC, the nation’s leading community development support
corporation, has provided grants for 306 projects in more than 120 cities nationwide. The program’s goal is to provide nonprofit,
neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety and accessibility of local
football fields. The fields are newly built or significantly renovated, with improvements such as irrigation systems, lights, bleachers,
scoreboards, goal posts and turf. The Grassroots Program provides grants of up to $200,000 per project for capital improvements.
This year’s field grants went to the following projects in NFL markets:
“The NFL Foundation is pleased to continue its work with LISC in improving the quality, safety and
accessibility of fields in communities nationwide,” says Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President
CHARLOTTE JONES ANDERSON (right), Chairman of the NFL Foundation. “The revitalization of these
fields will provide safe places for communities to come together, ‘Play 60’ and enjoy the many benefits of
sports participation.”
LISC identifies local, nonprofit, neighborhood-based agencies with an interest in building or refurbishing
football fields in schools and parks. Through the program, the local agencies are provided with the
necessary financing and technical assistance to improve the quality and safety of fields in their
neighborhoods. The local agencies oversee the construction, maintenance and programming of the
fields.
The NFL Foundation works with LISC to improve the health and safety of the young football players who use the fields and
encourages the organizations that use the fields to have their football coaches educated and certified by USA Football.
“These fields are useful in so many ways,” says MICHAEL RUBINGER, LISC President and CEO. “With them, local organizations
can promote good physical fitness, teamwork, and community spirit – all critical elements of neighborhood health. The NFL
Foundation has been a great partner in creating these essential community assets.”
NFL FOOTBALL OFFICIATING ACADEMY
Every NFL game has a third team on the field: the officiating crew. NFL officials are the best of the best – only 122 officials
currently have the privilege of calling football games at the sport’s highest level. The NFL’s Officiating Department continuously
develops a talent pipeline to ensure that the next generation of officials is ready to step up when needed.
The NFL’s FOOTBALL OFFICIATING ACADEMY (FOA) broadens the national pool of officials while educating participants about
the officiating profession. The program provides men and women, ages 17–30, with a one-day officiating workshop that teaches
basic skills and provides opportunities to secure entry-level positions. Participants are instructed by high school and college level
officials who teach penalty enforcement, standard officiating philosophies, proper mechanics and more.
In April, the NFL announced that SARAH THOMAS (left) will join the NFL as a line
judge, making her the first full-time female NFL official. Thomas will be the only female
official working NFL games this season but others could join in the future. There are a
number of women in various stages of the NFL’s development program, including one
at the advanced level from which new officials are currently selected.
The FOA trains former NFL players to become officials at the LEGENDS
OFFICIATING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Former players travel to the regional
combines to talk to potential players about the possibility of transitioning to officiating
after they retire.
This year’s program took place in Baltimore in March. Former players and current NFL
Player Engagement executives KEITH ELIAS and DWIGHT HOLLIER were among
those who spoke with participants about the transition.
“The transition of our former players into officiating is a natural fit,” says NFL Director of Football Development MATT BIRK, who
played 14 seasons in the NFL. “Not only do our players have high football intelligence, but they understand the game from
multiple perspectives. We need to encourage more former players to explore officiating as a way to stay involved in football and,
quite possibly, as a career.”
The clinic included classroom and on-field instruction, breakouts by position group and on-field scrimmage work. Instructors
included current and former officials and officiating supervisors at all levels including Super Bowl XLVIII referee TERRY MC
AULAY and Super Bowl XLIX field judge BOB WAGGONER. Former NFL official RON BAYNES provided the keynote address.
Several former players from the classes of 2013 and 2014 co-hosted the event, including CHARLES ALI, RICK DEMULLING,
NATE JONES, TERRY KILLENS, LANDON TRUSTY and WILLIAM THOMAS, all whom have collectively worked more than 300
football games ranging from pee-wee to Division I.
“My experience with the NFL Officiating Development program has been nothing short of outstanding,” says Jones. “I’ve made
tremendous strides in my first two years by taking full advantage of the resources at my disposal. I can say without a doubt this
has been my best career decision since I retired from the league.”
Since 2008, a total of 56 NCAA and NAIA schools have added football teams and seven additional schools plan to add football
programs by 2018.
According to the National Football Foundation, a record 773 colleges/universities will have football programs by 2018.
“It’s a great feeling, especially 11 years after the fact, to see football back for the first time since 2003,” says East Tennessee head
coach CARL TORBUSH. “It’s an exciting time. I told our players they need to understand this is a great moment, not only for
ETSU, but for you because you represent us and you’re going to get us to where we need to be.”
Three of the four colleges adding a football program this year will join the NCAA – East Tennessee State University (Johnson City,
Tennessee), Finlandia University (Hancock, Michigan) and Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, Georgia). Lyon College
(Batesville, Arkansas) will be a member of the NAIA.
“I am convinced that growing our NCAA Division III programs reaps benefits for all our students and our entire campus
community,” says Finlandia President PHILIP JOHNSON. “It is good for all of Finlandia. It is good for the Copper Country. It is
good for the Upper Peninsula. So let’s do some good.”
Five schools plan to add football programs in 2016. Additionally, the UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
(Birmingham, Alabama) has reinstated its football program and looks to rejoin the NCAA as a Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision
(FBS) program in either 2016 or 2017.
With so many close games, it’s no surprise that 11 were ultimately decided in overtime.
From Atlanta’s 37-34 overtime decision against New Orleans on Kickoff Weekend to Minnesota’s 30-24 overtime victory against
the New York Jets in December (below right), 2014 was full of thrilling OT action. Seattle added to the excitement with two OT
classics, first defeating Denver in a Super Bowl XLVIII rematch in Week 3 and then in a 28-22 victory over Green Bay in the NFC
Championship Game to clinch a spot in Super Bowl XLIX (below left).
See page 515 of the 2015 NFL Record & Fact Book for all of last season’s overtime game summaries.
The NFL teams with the best overtime records since overtime was instituted in 1974:
Teams have the opportunity to possess the ball at least once in the extra period unless the team that receives the overtime kickoff
scores a touchdown on its first possession.
At the end of regulation time, the referee will At the end of regulation time, the referee will
immediately toss a coin at the center of the field in immediately toss a coin at the center of the field in
accordance with rules pertaining to the usual pregame accordance with rules pertaining to the usual
toss. The captain of the visiting team will call the toss pregame toss. The captain of the visiting team will
prior to the coin being flipped. call the toss prior to the coin being flipped.
Play continues in sudden death until a winner is Play continues in sudden death until a winner
determined, and the game automatically ends is determined, and the game automatically
upon any score (by safety, field goal, or ends upon any score (by safety, field goal, or
touchdown) or when a score is awarded by the touchdown) or when a score is awarded by
referee for a palpably unfair act. Each team the referee for a palpably unfair act. Each
shall be entitled to two timeouts, and if there is team has three time outs per half and all
an excess timeout, the usual rules shall apply. general timing provisions apply as during a
The try is not attempted if a touchdown is regular game. The try is not attempted if a
scored. Disqualified players are not allowed to touchdown is scored. Disqualified players are
return. not allowed to return.
If the score is tied at the end of the 15-minute Instant Replay: No challenges. Reviews to
overtime period, the game shall result in a tie. be initiated by the replay official.
Key Definitions:
Possession: Actual possession of the ball with complete control. The defense gains possession when it
catches, intercepts, or recovers a loose ball.
Opportunity to possess: The opportunity to possess occurs only during kicking plays. A kickoff is an
opportunity to possess for the receiving team. If the kicking team legally recovers the kick, the receiving
team is considered to have had its opportunity. A punt or a field goal that crosses the line of scrimmage
and is muffed by the receiving team is considered to be an opportunity to possess for the receivers.
Normal touching rules by the kicking team apply.
THE FAMOUS LOVE THE NFL
If you take your eyes off the stars on the field, you can’t help but notice the stars in the stands. Famous NFL fans are everywhere
– even in other sports! From athletes and politicians to actors and singers, celebrities of all varieties love the NFL and proudly
show their allegiances with gear, game day attendance and even ownership.
Fans love to cheer for their home team. Shouting for their Chicago Bears are comedians –
and Illinois natives – CECILY STRONG and NICK OFFERMAN. Born in Pennsylvania, actor
MICHAEL KEATON, retired professional golfer ARNOLD PALMER, and rapper MAC
MILLER wave their Terrible Towels while cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers. And backing up
the Buffalo Bills is Chicago Blackhawks winger and Stanley Cup champion PATRICK KANE,
who hails from New York.
Athletes from other sports take breaks from practice to catch games on Sundays, including
Olympic gold medalists: skier LINDSEY VONN pulls for the Minnesota Vikings and the New
York Liberty’s SWIN CASH touts the Steelers. New York Yankees star and Miami native
ALEX RODRIGUEZ pulls for his Dolphins while NBA stars STEPHEN CURRY’s (Carolina
Panthers) CARMELO ANTHONY’s (Baltimore Ravens) and DWYANE WADE’s (Chicago
Bears) (left with Bears QB Jay Cutler) rooting interests are based on their hometowns.
Whether in the stands or watching from home, NFL fans cheer for their teams from all over. Behind their desks in New York City,
TV anchors ROBIN ROBERTS and HODA KOTB can be heard chanting ‘Who Dat’ for the New Orleans Saints. On tour, One
Direction’s HARRY STYLES (Green Bay Packers), Bon Jovi front-man JON BON JOVI (New York Giants) and rapper LUPE
FIASCO (Bears) tune in and root for their favorite teams. On set, stars like rapper/actor ICE CUBE (Oakland Raiders), HALLE
BERRY (Cleveland Browns) and Modern Family’s ERIC STONESTREET (Kansas City Chiefs) keep tabs on their NFL teams.
Some celebrities and their favorite NFL teams:
NAME FAVORITE TEAM NAME FAVORITE TEAM
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks Baltimore Ravens David Letterman, Comedian Indianapolis Colts
Roseanne Barr, Comedian Denver Broncos Lil Wayne, Rapper Green Bay Packers
Halle Berry, Actress Cleveland Browns Adriana Lima, Supermodel Miami Dolphins
Wolf Blitzer, CNN Broadcaster Buffalo Bills LL Cool J, Rapper/Actor New York Giants
George W. Bush, Former President Houston Texans George Lopez, Actor/Comedian Chicago Bears
Swin Cash, New York Liberty Pittsburgh Steelers Lupe Fiasco, Rapper Chicago Bears
Kenny Chesney, Musician New Orleans Saints Anthony Mackie, Actor Cleveland Browns
Kevin Connors, ESPN Broadcaster Buffalo Bills Macklemore, Rapper Seattle Seahawks
Bradley Cooper, Actor Philadelphia Eagles MC Hammer, Rapper Oakland Raiders
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors Carolina Panthers John McCain, Arizona Senator Arizona Cardinals
Brooklyn Decker, Model Carolina Panthers Phil Mickelson, Professional Golfer San Diego Chargers
Ellen DeGeneres, Comedian New Orleans Saints Mac Miller, Rapper Pittsburgh Steelers
Josh Duhamel, Actor Minnesota Vikings Nelly, Rapper St. Louis Rams
Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Driver Washington Redskins Jerry O’Connell, Actor San Diego Chargers
Zac Efron, Actor New Orleans Saints Nick Offerman, Actor Chicago Bears
Eminem, Rap Artist Detroit Lions Arnold Palmer, Retired Golfer Pittsburgh Steelers
Jerry Ferrara, Actor New York Giants Jabari Parker, Milwaukee Bucks Green Bay Packers
Will Ferrell, Actor Green Bay Packers Brad Pitt, Actor New Orleans Saints
Guy Fieri, Restaurateur Oakland Raiders Jeremy Piven, Actor Chicago Bears
Mardy Fish, Tennis Player Minnesota Vikings Dennis Quaid, Actor New Orleans Saints
Jim Furyk, PGA Golfer Pittsburgh Steelers Queen Latifah, Actress New York Giants
Gene Hackman, Actor/Novelist Jacksonville Jaguars Condoleezza Rice, Politician Cleveland Browns
Colin Hanks, Actor San Francisco 49ers Rick Ross, Rapper Miami Dolphins
Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat Miami Dolphins Robin Roberts, TV Anchor New Orleans Saints
Faith Hill, Singer Tennessee Titans Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees Miami Dolphins
Bonnie Hunt, Actress Chicago Bears Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls Chicago Bears
Ice Cube, Rapper/ Actor Oakland Raiders Darius Rucker, Musician Miami Dolphins
Samuel L. Jackson, Actor Atlanta Falcons Adam Sandler, Actor New York Jets
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers Dallas Cowboys Britney Spears, Singer New Orleans Saints
Jon Bon Jovi, Musician New York Giants Harry Styles, Singer Green Bay Packers
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks Buffalo Bills Eric Stonestreet, Actor Kansas City Chiefs
Michael Keaton, Actor Pittsburgh Steelers Cecily Strong, Actress Chicago Bears
Stacy Keibler, Model Baltimore Ravens Jason Sudeikis, Actor Kansas City Chiefs
Toby Keith, Singer Pittsburgh Steelers Nick Swardson, Comedian Minnesota Vikings
David Koechner, Actor Kansas City Chiefs James Van Der Beek, Actor Green Bay Packers
Hoda Kotb New Orleans Saints Dick Vitale, ESPN Broadcaster Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ashton Kutcher, Actor Chicago Bears Lindsey Vonn, Olympic Skier Minnesota Vikings
Nick Lachey, Singer Cincinnati Bengals Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat Chicago Bears
Spike Lee, Director New York Giants Mark Wahlberg, Actor New England Patriots
68 YEARS AGO ON OPENING DAY: A RECORD 87 POINTS!
Sixty-eight years ago, the WASHINGTON REDSKINS and PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
opened the 1947 season with a record-breaking bang. The Eagles outscored the Redskins
45-42 on September 28 before a crowd of 35,406 in Philadelphia’s Municipal Stadium. The
87-point total was an NFL record and continues to stand as the most points scored in a
game on Kickoff Weekend. (The record for most combined points in any NFL game is 113
by Washington (72) and the New York Giants (41) on November 27, 1966.)
The 12-touchdown scoring blitz, an NFL record at the time, was highlighted by the play of
two future Pro Football Hall of Famers – Washington quarterback SAMMY BAUGH (left)
and Philadelphia halfback STEVE VAN BUREN.
Baugh, whose 1947 totals in completions (210), attempts (354) and yards passing (2,938)
were NFL records, threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns, including three to rookie end
HUGH TAYLOR. Van Buren, whose 1,008 rushing yards for the year were also a league
record, returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and rushed for another while totaling 98
yards on the ground.
Washington 0 14 14 14 -- 42
Philadelphia 10 14 14 7 -- 45
Phi - FG Muha 40
Phi - Pihos 19 pass from Thompson (Patton kick)
Was - Nussbaumer 25 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Was - Taylor 62 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Phi - Van Buren 95 kickoff return (Patton kick)
Phi - Sherman 1 run (Patton kick)
Was - Saenz 94 kickoff return (Poillon kick)
Phi - Van Buren 1 run (Patton kick)
Phi - Pihos 21 pass from Thompson (Patton kick)
Was - Poillon 4 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Phi - Armstrong 29 pass from Thompson (Patton kick)
Was - Taylor 36 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Was - Taylor 18 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
The record for most combined points in any NFL game is 113 by Washington (72) and the New York Giants (41) on November 27,
1966.
Van Brocklin, who passed away in 1983, remained subdued about the performance. “Everything I threw
seemed to be caught and run for a long gain,” he said.
The Rams’ TOM FEARS averaged 23.1 yards on his seven catches and ELROY “CRAZYLEGS” HIRSCH averaged 19.2 yards
on nine receptions. Los Angeles amassed an NFL-record 735 total yards and 34 first downs.
“They don’t need me out here anymore,” said Waterfield after the game. The two quarterbacks would split time for the rest of the
season as the Rams captured the 1951 NFL Championship.
Van Brocklin’s record has stood for the past 64 years. Quarterbacks MATT SCHAUB and WARREN MOON have come the
closest to breaking Van Brocklin’s mark. In 2012, Schaub, then with the Houston Texans, passed for 527 yards against
Jacksonville on November 18, while Moon had a 527-yard day for the Houston Oilers against Kansas City on December 16, 1990.
The top passing performances in various levels of football:
LEAGUE QUARTERBACK DATE PERFORMANCE
High School Will Grier, Davidson Day (NC) November 9, 2012 837 yards vs. Harrells Christian (NC)
NCAA Division III Sam Durley, Eureka September 1, 2012 736 yards vs. Knox
NCAA Division I-AA (FCS) Taylor Heinicke, Old Dominion September 22, 2012 730 yards vs. New Hampshire
NCAA Division I-A (FBS) Connor Halliday, Washington State October 4, 2014 734 yards vs. California
Canadian Football League Matt Dunigan, Winnipeg July 14, 1994 713 yards vs. Edmonton
NCAA Division II J.J. Harp, Eastern New Mexico September 12, 2009 695 yards vs. Southeastern OK.
NFL Norm Van Brocklin, LA Rams September 28, 1951 554 yards vs. NY Yanks
Over the past 10 years, six teams have a winning percentage of at least .600 through the season’s first month. Those six clubs
have combined for 41 playoff berths and 10 Super Bowl appearances, including four Super Bowl championships during that span.
The six teams with a .600+ winning percentage in the opening month over the past 10 seasons (2005-14):
Anniversary Celebration
95th The National Football League was born in Canton, Ohio on August 20, 1920.
90th Tim Mara and Billy Gibson were awarded a new NFL franchise, the New York Giants, for $500 (1925).
90th All-America halfback Red Grange signed with the Chicago Bears. Team went on barnstorming tour of
19 games in 66 days (1925).
80th The NFL adopted Bert Bell’s proposal to hold an annual draft of college players, to begin in 1936, with
teams selecting in an inverse order of finish, May 19 (1935).
80th The New York Giants retired the uniform number of receiver Ray Flaherty (No. 1), thus becoming the
first professional athlete to have his name and number retired (1935).
75th Chicago defeated Washington 73-0 for the NFL championship in the most decisive victory in NFL
history. The game popularized the Bears’ T-formation with a man-in-motion. It was the first NFL
championship carried on network radio (1940).
65th The Los Angeles Rams became the first NFL team to have all of its games – both home and away –
televised (1950).
60th The Baltimore Colts made an 80-cent phone call to Johnny Unitas and signed him as a free agent
(1955).
55th Pete Rozelle was elected NFL Commissioner as a compromise choice on the 23rd ballot, January 26.
Rozelle moved the league offices to New York City (1960).
50th The NFL added a sixth official, the line judge, February 19. The color of the officials’ penalty flags was
changed from white to bright gold, April 5 (1965).
50th Commissioner Rozelle negotiated an agreement on behalf of the NFL clubs to purchase Ed Sabol’s
Blair Motion Pictures, which was renamed NFL Films, April (1965).
50th Field Judge Burl Toler became the first black official in NFL history, September 19 (1965).
50th According to a Harris survey, sports fans chose professional football (41 percent) as their favorite sport,
overtaking baseball (38 percent) for the first time, October (1965).
45th The AFL and NFL merged into one league (1970).
45th The Super Bowl trophy was renamed the Vince Lombardi trophy, September 10 (1970).
40th Referees were equipped with wireless microphones for all preseason, regular-season, and playoff
games (1975).
35th Rules changes placed greater restrictions on contact in the area of the head, neck, and face. Under the
heading of “personal foul,” players were prohibited from directly striking, swinging, or clubbing on the
head, neck, or face. Starting in 1980, a penalty could be called for such contact whether or not the initial
contact was made below the neck area (1980).
35th The NFL Draft was televised for the first time by ESPN, April 29 (1980).
30th The 1985 Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears performed the Super Bowl Shuffle.
30th The league-wide conversion to videotape from movie film for coaching study was approved (1985).
25th The NFL revised its playoff format to include two additional Wild Card teams (one per conference),
which raised the total to six Wild Card teams (1990).
25th The bye week was introduced and the 16-game schedule was played over 17 weeks (1990).
25th The Super Bowl Most Valuable Player trophy was renamed the Pete Rozelle trophy, October 8 (1990).
20th The NFL became the first major sports league to establish a site on the Internet, April 10 (1995).
10th The NFL Network began televising regular-season NFL games (2005).
5th NFL owners voted to amend postseason overtime rules to a modified sudden death format,
guaranteeing at least one possession for each club if the receiving team fails to score a touchdown on
its first overtime possession, March 23 (2010).
5th The NFL Draft debuted a new three-day format, with the first two days broadcast in primetime. A record
combined total of 45.4 million viewers tuned in to watch the 75th NFL Draft on NFL Network, ESPN
and ESPN2, April 22-24 (2010).
OWNER MILESTONES
Many NFL owners will be celebrating notable milestones in 2015, ranging from Chicago’s VIRGINIA H. MC CASKEY, whose
father, GEORGE HALAS, purchased the team 95 years ago when they were known as the Decatur Staleys, to Jacksonville’s
SHAD KHAN, who approaches his fifth season as an NFL owner.
Four independent professional football teams – the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, and Dayton Triangles – met
to discuss the mounting problems facing the pro game, including rising salaries, the signing of college players while still in school,
and players moving from team to team. The solution was to form a league. They called it the American Professional Football
Conference.
On September 17, another meeting was held with more teams and the league’s name was changed again to the American
Professional Football Association (it was eventually changed to the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE on June 24, 1922). JIM
THORPE was also elected APFA president at the same meeting. A membership fee of $100 per team was charged to give the
appearance of respectability, but no team ever paid it. Scheduling was left up to the teams during that first season, and there were
wide variations, both in the overall number of games played and in the number played against APFA member teams.
The first game featuring an APFA team was played on September 26. A crowd of 800 watched the Rock Island Independents
defeat the St. Paul Ideals 48-0 at Rock Island’s Douglas Park. A week later on October 3, the first game featuring two APFA
teams took place between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles at Triangle Park in Dayton. Dayton won 14-0. The
same day, Rock Island defeated the Muncie Flyers.
Since these humble beginnings, the NFL has grown into the nation’s most popular sport with packed stadiums and record TV
audiences.
1980-2007 Present
90 YEARS AGO, RED GRANGE PUTS NFL ON MAP
It’s hard to imagine today, but in 1925 the National Football League had difficulty attracting fans and
desperately needed something to capture the public’s attention. The NFL got exactly what it wished for
that year when the Chicago Bears signed famed collegian HAROLD “RED” GRANGE (left), forever
changing the league’s fortunes and putting professional football on the map for good.
The “Galloping Ghost,” as Grange was known, was already an iconic star from his days as an All-
American halfback at the University of Illinois. When Grange made his debut with the Bears on
Thanksgiving Day, 1925 against the cross-town rival Cardinals, a standing-room crowd of 36,600 – the
largest in pro football history at the time – packed Cubs Park (now known as Wrigley Field) to get a
glimpse of the young talent. From that 0-0 game in which Grange played offense, defense and special
teams for the Bears, the club realized they had something special on their hands that fans wanted to
see.
Over the next several months, the Bears toured the country barnstorming, showcasing Grange to countless fans who flocked to
see him play. In the end, Grange completed a 10,000-mile, 19-game, 66-day odyssey across the U.S. (including eight games in
12 days). The journey brought the still-young National Football League its first national recognition.
The tour, arranged by promoter C.C. (CHARLEY) PYLE in conjunction with Bears owner GEORGE HALAS and ED (DUTCH)
STERNAMAN concluded on January 31, 1926 in Seattle. In between, more than 400,000 fans saw the “Galloping Ghost.” Three
times, pro football attendance records were set, the last on January 16 when 75,000 people jammed the Los Angeles Memorial
Coliseum to see Grange face All-American halfback GEORGE (WILDCAT) WILSON of the University of Washington.
Undoubtedly many fans were enthralled by Grange’s dazzling exploits, cultivating legions of new fans. For the first time in the
league’s infancy, it began to hold a place in national prominence.
In addition to the fans he brought to the stadiums, Grange’s presence was also transformative because his extraordinary play was
directly responsible for the decision by respected newspapers and sportswriters at the time to cover professional football. When
reporters in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia began to cover Grange’s games, many readers across the country were
exposed to the NFL for the first time.
“No one will ever attempt anything like this again,” said Grange after the tour. He was right.
Grange, who would go on to a Pro Football Hall of Fame career with the Bears, earned a staggering sum of $75,000 for the tour.
And the gratitude of a young NFL.
Last season, two Pro Football Hall of Famers were added to this illustrious fraternity – Pittsburgh defensive tackle “MEAN” JOE
GREENE (No. 75) and Tampa Bay linebacker DERRICK BROOKS (No. 55).
The following are the 143 players whose number is currently retired:
Derrick Brooks
Yes, 73-0. Ten Chicago players combined to score 11 total touchdowns. The Bears
rushed for 381 yards, and completed seven of 10 passes for 138 yards. On defense, the
“Monsters of the Midway” played just as effectively, allowing only 22 rushing yards and
intercepting eight passes, including three third-quarter touchdown returns.
The 73-point margin was, and still is, the largest margin of victory of any game in NFL
history.
“That game never should have happened that way and it probably never will happen that way again,” said Redskins quarterback
SAMMY BAUGH. “You don’t see but one game like that in a lifetime.”
“It would be like winning the World Series with four no-hitters,” said Bears quarterback SID LUCKMAN (above) of the Bears’
flawless performance.
When asked what the score would have been had one of his teammates not dropped a sure touchdown pass early in the game,
Baugh replied, “Seventy-three to seven.”
The game was also the first in NFL history to be broadcast on network radio. The
Mutual Broadcasting System paid $2,500 for the rights to send the game to over 120
stations across the country. Legendary broadcaster RED BARBER was at the
microphone.
After a November loss to the Redskins, Bears owner and coach GEORGE HALAS
(right, in black suit with NFL Commissioner BERT BELL) brought in Stanford coach
CLARK SHAUGHNESSY to help his team perfect the T-formation. It was the birth of
the modern-T, and a memorable birthday it was.
“That day in football was like going from the Ford Model T to the super deluxe Rolls-
Royce,” said Luckman of the Bears’ new offensive system. “Our biggest fear was we
were over-prepared. On the train, the boys would play bridge or cards and joke and
laugh. This time, you could have heard a pin drop. We were studying our playbooks.”
The studying paid off. On the second play of the game, Chicago running back BILL OSMANSKI took a handoff from Luckman and
sped around left end toward the sideline where teammate GEORGE WILSON threw a block, knocking down not one, but two
Washington defenders. Osmanski raced to a 68-yard touchdown and gave Chicago a 7-0 lead. The perfectly executed run and
block typified the day that lay ahead for both clubs.
Chicago Bears 21 7 26 19 -- 73
Washington Redskins 0 0 0 0 -- 0
“He was the greatest commissioner I have ever seen in sports,” says Pittsburgh Steelers Chairman DAN
ROONEY. “If Pete had not been commissioner, we would have gotten on as a league, but we wouldn’t
be the sport we grew to be under his tenure, the top American sport.”
Rozelle guided the still-developing NFL to its position today as America’s most popular sport. He
accomplished this feat by convincing rival owners to agree on a league-wide television contract; by
successfully merging the NFL with the upstart American Football League; by starting NFL Properties
and NFL Films; by creating a pageantry-filled championship game between the two leagues, now known
as the Super Bowl; and by taking a chance with ABC-TV that the country wanted to watch primetime
football on Monday nights.
Super Bowl I – “That first game was the only year we had double network coverage – CBS and NBC – and it was a real battle to
see who could get the better rating. At that time, everybody made a big thing of it because, except for space shots and
Presidential press conferences, that first game was the only event to ever attract multiple network coverage.”
Presidents – “I realized the length of time I’ve served in the job. I’ve known eight Presidents. There was Eisenhower, Kennedy,
Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Carter, Bush. My favorite, one I was close to and I liked a lot because of his interest in football and
his attention to the NFL, was Nixon. My mother was a doorbell-ringing volunteer for him when he ran for Congress the first time.”
Most Thrilling Players – “Boy, there were so many, it’s difficult. At the very top it would have to be ROGER STAUBACH and
WALTER PAYTON, both great players and great, outstanding public citizens.”
Best Football City – “Green Bay. A small town. People owning their own football team. Rabid supporters.”
From the DAVID TYREE “helmet catch” (XLII, New York Giants) to SANTONIO HOLMES’ game-winning, toe-tap touchdown
(XLIII, Pittsburgh) to MALCOLM BUTLER’s game-clinching interception (XLIX, New England), the Super Bowl has lived up to its
name.
What’s in store for the Super Bowl’s 50th installment, which is set to kickoff this February at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San
Francisco 49ers? No one knows for sure. Many players, from superstars to special teams standouts, will likely have an effect on
the outcome, but only one will join the exclusive club of Super Bowl MVP winners.
A look at the Super Bowl Most Valuable Players from Super Bowl I to Super Bowl XLIX:
SUPER BOWL I: QB BART STARR, Green Bay Packers - In what was originally called the “AFL-NFL World Championship,”
Starr propelled the Packers to a 35-10 victory over the Chiefs. Completing 16 of 23 attempts, Starr amassed 250 yards through
the air to go along with three passing touchdowns. Starr connected with reserve wide receiver Max McGee, whose one-armed
first-quarter touchdown reception is one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history, seven times for 138 yards.
SUPER BOWL II: QB BART STARR, Green Bay Packers (left) - Guiding Green Bay to its second
Super Bowl win in a row (and third consecutive NFL championship), Starr’s star shone the brightest
in the second half. The high-powered Green Bay offense rattled off 17 unanswered points in the
third and fourth quarters to pull away from the Raiders for a 33-14 victory. Starr completed 13 of his
24 passes, including a 62-yard scoring strike to Boyd Dowler.
SUPER BOWL III: QB JOE NAMATH, New York Jets - In a game that will be forever remembered
because of Namath’s “guarantee” of victory, the Jets toppled the seemingly unbeatable Baltimore
Colts by a score of 16-7. Even future Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas could not spark a second half
comeback by Baltimore. Because of Namath’s leadership (and five Baltimore turnovers), the Jets
secured the first victory for the AFL in the young history of the Super Bowl. “Broadway Joe”
completed 17 of 28 passes for 206 yards.
SUPER BOWL IV: QB LEN DAWSON, Kansas City Chiefs - In the last game before the AFL-NFL merger, Dawson’s workmanlike
performance helped Kansas City beat the Vikings, 23-7. Dawson (12 of 17, 122 passing yards) orchestrated four scoring drives in
the first half alone, three of which resulted in Jan Stenerud field goals. Utilizing a running back-by-committee approach, Dawson’s
Chiefs outgained the Vikings on the ground (151-67). After building a 16-0 lead at the half, Dawson punctuated the victory with a
46-yard touchdown pass to Otis Taylor.
SUPER BOWL V: LB CHUCK HOWLEY, Dallas Cowboys - Howley made history twice in one day with his MVP-worthy
performance in this championship. Not only did this gritty linebacker become the first defensive MVP in Super Bowl history,
Howley is still the only player in NFL history to win the award for a losing team. Baltimore’s Jim O’Brien nailed a 32-yard field goal
with only five seconds left in the game to close out a 16-13 come-from-behind win for the Colts. Howley intercepted two passes
and recovered a fumble in the losing effort.
SUPER BOWL VI: QB ROGER STAUBACH, Dallas Cowboys (right) - Bouncing back from a
devastating defeat a year earlier, Dallas brought home its first of five Super Bowl titles with a 24-3 win
over the Dolphins. Outdueling his Miami counterpart Bob Griese, Staubach found wide receiver Lance
Alworth and tight end Mike Ditka in the end zone for touchdowns. In addition to his 119 yards through
the air, Staubach led the potent Cowboys’ rushing game up and down the field in the victory.
SUPER BOWL VII: S JAKE SCOTT, Miami Dolphins - An important cog in Miami's “No Name
Defense,” Scott picked off two of Redskins quarterback Billy Kilmer’s passes in this 14-7 Miami victory.
Scott’s second interception came in the Dolphins’ end zone, quashing Washington’s best offensive
drive. Mike Bass scored the Redskins’ lone touchdown, corralling Miami kicker Garo Yepremian’s ill-
fated forward pass that slipped out of his hand after a botched field goal attempt. The 1972 Dolphins
remain the only unbeaten, untied team in NFL history.
SUPER BOWL VIII: RB LARRY CSONKA, Miami Dolphins - Racking up over 100 yards rushing for two Super Bowls in a row,
Csonka’s 33 carries wore down the Vikings. The stalwart runner finished with 145 yards and two touchdowns in Miami’s second
consecutive Super Bowl victory (24-7). Miami quarterback Bob Griese attempted only seven passes. Minnesota quarterback Fran
Tarkenton scrambled for a score in the fourth quarter, but the Dolphins lead was insurmountable because of its steady rushing
attack.
SUPER BOWL IX: RB FRANCO HARRIS, Pittsburgh Steelers - Harris and running back Rocky Bleier combined for more than
200 yards in Pittsburgh’s first of four Super Bowl wins (16-6) in the 1970s. With the Steelers clinging to a 2-0 lead in the second
half, Harris helped Pittsburgh pull away with a nine-yard touchdown run. Remembered best for reeling in the “Immaculate
Reception” earlier in his career, Harris’ 158 rushing yards eclipsed the Super Bowl record established by Csonka only one year
earlier. Pittsburgh outrushed the Vikings by more than 200 yards.
SUPER BOWL X: WR LYNN SWANN, Pittsburgh Steelers (left) - Famous for his acrobatic catches,
Swann did not disappoint in the Steelers’ 21-17 win over the Cowboys. Racking up 161 receiving
yards, a Super Bowl record at the time, on only four catches, Swann’s 64-yard touchdown reception
from Terry Bradshaw made the difference in the close contest. Swann’s score capped a 14-0 run for
the Steelers in the fourth quarter.
SUPER BOWL XI: WR FRED BILETNIKOFF, Oakland Raiders - Biletnikoff’s numbers weren’t
overwhelming (four catches, 79 yards), but three of those receptions set up short touchdowns for the
Raiders in a 32-14 victory over Minnesota. After jumping out to a 16-0 first half lead, Oakland never
looked back.
SUPER BOWL XII: DE RANDY WHITE and DT HARVEY MARTIN, Dallas Cowboys - For the first
and only time in Super Bowl history, two players shared the MVP award. White and Martin were
instrumental in Dallas limiting the Broncos to only 156 yards of total offense (2.7 yards per play) in a
27-10 win. Dallas’ “Doomsday Defense” forced eight turnovers - four interceptions and four fumble
recoveries. White’s and Martin’s relentless pass rushing also helped limit Denver to eight completions
in 24 pass attempts.
SUPER BOWL XIII: QB TERRY BRADSHAW, Pittsburgh Steelers - Bradshaw won the first of his two consecutive Super Bowl
MVP awards by passing for 318 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-31 victory. Wide receiver John Stallworth hauled in scoring
strikes of 28 and 75 yards in the first half. Bradshaw carved out his place among the NFL’s greatest with his sterling Super Bowl
performances.
SUPER BOWL XIV: QB TERRY BRADSHAW, Pittsburgh Steelers - Becoming the first back-to-back Super Bowl MVP award
winner since Bart Starr, Bradshaw helped the Steelers recover from two deficits to win their fourth NFL championship in six years,
31-19 over the Rams. Long touchdown passes to Lynn Swann and John Stallworth helped Bradshaw amass 309 yards passing as
he completed 14 of 21 attempts. Bradshaw owned nearly every significant Super Bowl passing record following the win, including
career yardage (932), touchdowns (nine) and passer rating (112.8). Sparked by the leadership of Bradshaw and a suffocating
“Steel Curtain” defense, Pittsburgh was the first team in NFL history to hoist four Vince Lombardi Trophies.
SUPER BOWL XV: QB JIM PLUNKETT, Oakland Raiders - The strong-armed Plunkett was the model of efficiency in the
Raiders’ 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Plunkett, who did not take over as a starter until Week 6 of the season, finished
13 for 21 passing for 261 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
SUPER BOWL XVI: QB JOE MONTANA, San Francisco 49ers - If the 1970s belonged to the Steelers,
the 1980s was certainly the decade of the 49ers. This 26-21 win over the Bengals was the start of a San
Francisco dynasty, with Montana (14 of 22, 142 yards) leading the way. In addition to an 11-yard
touchdown pass to Earl Cooper, Montana also ran for one score in the first quarter en route to a 20-0
halftime lead. Despite a serious comeback attempt by Ken Anderson and Cincinnati, Montana and the
49ers held on for the franchise’s first Super Bowl title.
SUPER BOWL XVII: RB JOHN RIGGINS, Washington Redskins (right) - In front of a crowd of 103,667
at the Rose Bowl in the Redskins’ 27-17 win, Riggins turned in one of the most memorable rushing
performances in NFL championship history. Highlighted by a bruising 43-yard touchdown run on a fourth-
and-one situation, Riggins carried the ball a Super Bowl record 38 times for 166 yards, which was also a
record at the time. In the process of wearing down a tough Miami defense, Riggins put an exclamation
point on one of the most prolific postseason performances ever; Riggins rushed for more than 100 yards
in each of Washington’s four playoff victories.
SUPER BOWL XVIII: RB MARCUS ALLEN, Los Angeles Raiders - Shattering John Riggins’ record for rushing yards established
the previous year, Allen spun and juked his way to 191 yards rushing in Oakland’s 38-9 victory over Washington. The agile Allen,
who averaged nearly 10 yards per rush in this championship win, scored both of his touchdowns in the third quarter, sealing the
victory.
SUPER BOWL XIX: QB JOE MONTANA, San Francisco 49ers - Montana became the third player to win multiple Super Bowl
MVPs in a dominant 38-16 victory over the Dan Marino-led Dolphins. Not only did Montana pass for 331 yards and three
touchdowns, but he also scrambled for 59 yards on five carries, including a six-yard score midway through the third quarter.
Running back Roger Craig was Montana’s favorite target, posting seven receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. In all,
Montana accounted for 390 of the 49ers’ 537 total yards.
SUPER BOWL XX: DE RICHARD DENT, Chicago Bears (left) - A team as famous for its “Super Bowl
Shuffle” music video as it was for its 15-1 regular-season record, the ’85 Chicago Bears rattled off 44
unanswered points in their championship win over the Patriots (46-10). Dent accounted for 1.5 of the
Bears’ record-breaking seven sacks and caused two fumbles. With Dent leading the charge, Chicago
limited New England to seven yards rushing.
SUPER BOWL XXI: QB PHIL SIMMS, New York Giants - Simms’ near-perfect 22-of-25 passing
performance helped New York pull away from the Denver Broncos for a 39-20 victory. With the Giants
trailing 10-9 at the half, Simms was a perfect 10-for-10 in the second half, orchestrating five scoring
drives in the process. Tight end Mark Bavaro and wide receiver Phil McConkey were both on the
receiving ends of touchdown tosses from Simms. No other Super Bowl quarterback has come close to
matching Simms’ 88.0 completion percentage.
SUPER BOWL XXII: QB DOUG WILLIAMS, Washington Redskins - Throwing four touchdown passes in an electric second
quarter, Williams led Washington to its second Super Bowl victory, passing for 340 yards – a Super Bowl record at the time.
Trailing 10-0 after one quarter, the Redskins’ offense erupted for 35 straight points en route to a 42-10 victory. Williams sparked
the offensive rally with an 80-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Ricky Sanders less than a minute into the second quarter.
SUPER BOWL XXIII: WR JERRY RICE, San Francisco 49ers - San Francisco became the first NFC team to win three Super
Bowls in this come-from-behind 20-16 win over the Bengals. Rice totaled 11 catches for a Super Bowl-record 215 yards. Though
Joe Montana racked up more than 300 yards passing and directed a memorable game-winning drive (92 yards in 11 plays), Rice’s
dominant performance was the difference in this game. In addition to owning every significant receiving record in NFL history,
Rice still holds several Super Bowl records, including most career receiving yardage and touchdowns.
SUPER BOWL XXIV: QB JOE MONTANA, San Francisco 49ers - Montana augmented an already impressive Super Bowl
résumé by winning his third MVP award in the game. In the most lopsided Super Bowl win ever, San Francisco beat the Broncos,
55-10. Montana’s five touchdown passes set a single-game Super Bowl standard at the time. Montana (22 of 29, 297 yards) still
sits atop the Super Bowl record book in career passer rating (127.8).
SUPER BOWL XXV: RB OTTIS ANDERSON, New York Giants - Head coach Bill Parcells secured his second Super Bowl
championship in a thrilling 20-19 Giants victory, secured when Buffalo kicker Scott Norwood’s potential game-winning field goal
sailed wide right. Just as they had done all season, the Giants employed a ball-control strategy that was spearheaded by
Anderson’s gritty performance. Running primarily between the tackles, Anderson carried the ball 21 times for 102 yards. The
Giants held possession for 40:33, keeping the potent Buffalo offense from finding its rhythm. Anderson scored his lone touchdown
of the day to cap a 14-play drive that spanned nearly 10 minutes of the third quarter.
SUPER BOWL XXVI: QB MARK RYPIEN, Washington Redskins - Rypien and his Redskins handed the Bills their second Super
Bowl loss (37-24) as Washington secured its third Super Bowl title. Passing for 292 yards and two touchdowns, Rypien’s 35-yard
touchdown pass to Gary Clark in the second half provided some much-needed breathing room for Washington.
SUPER BOWL XXVII: QB TROY AIKMAN, Dallas Cowboys - This 52-17 win over Buffalo marked the
resurgence of Dallas’ Super Bowl dominance, and turned out to be the first of three Cowboys Super Bowl
wins to come in the next four years. Aikman connected with wide receiver Michael Irvin twice for
touchdown passes, with wide receiver Alvin Harper and tight end Jay Novacek also on the receiving end of
scoring strikes. Aikman’s performance was spectacular. He completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards to go
along with his four touchdowns.
SUPER BOWL XXVIII: RB EMMITT SMITH, Dallas Cowboys (right) - With Dallas trailing at halftime, it was
Smith’s two second-half scoring runs that propelled the Cowboys to victory (30-13) for the second
consecutive year over the rival Bills. Smith’s first score gave Dallas the lead for good, as he carried the ball
seven times on an eight-play third-quarter scoring drive punctuated by a 15-yard touchdown scamper.
Carrying the ball 30 times for 132 yards, Smith’s steady effort helped stifle any hopes of a Buffalo
comeback.
SUPER BOWL XXIX: QB STEVE YOUNG, San Francisco 49ers (left) - Stepping out of the shadow of the
man he replaced (Joe Montana), Young torched San Diego’s defense for 325 yards passing to go along
with his Super Bowl-record six touchdown passes in a 49-26 victory. Jerry Rice caught three of the six
scoring throws from the left-handed Young, who also led the 49ers in rushing with 49 yards. Young and the
49ers jumped out to an early 14-0 lead following touchdown passes to Rice and running back Ricky
Watters.
SUPER BOWL XXX: CB LARRY BROWN, Dallas Cowboys - Brown intercepted two passes in the
Cowboys’ fifth Super Bowl win. Both interceptions stymied promising Pittsburgh drives and helped set up a
pair of short rushing touchdowns by Emmitt Smith. Brown's opportunistic interceptions helped Dallas
overcome a deficit of 13-7 as well as preserve a 20-17 advantage in this eventual 27-17 Cowboys victory.
SUPER BOWL XXXI: KR-PR DESMOND HOWARD, Green Bay Packers - Howard picked the grandest of stages to carve out his
niche in NFL history, putting up 244 combined yards on his kickoff and punt returns in a 35-21 win over New England. The key
play to his selection as MVP was a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown that dashed hopes of a comeback by the Patriots. Signed as
a free agent in the offseason, the former Heisman Trophy winner from Michigan helped the Packers to their first Super Bowl title
since the Lombardi era.
SUPER BOWL XXXII: RB TERRELL DAVIS, Denver Broncos (left) - After leading the AFC in
rushing in only his second year, Davis’ 30 carries and 157 yards proved to be the difference in this
31-24 victory over the Green Bay Packers. The fleet-footed Davis utilized his unique combination of
speed and power to become the first player in Super Bowl history to rush for three touchdowns in
one game.
SUPER BOWL XXXIII: QB JOHN ELWAY, Denver Broncos - After waiting so long for his first
Super Bowl ring, Elway wasted no time in adding a second one to his collection. Elway amassed
336 yards in Denver’s 34-19 win over a Falcons squad led by powerful halfback Jamal Anderson. A
member of the famed Class of ’83 quarterbacks, Elway walked away from football after winning his
second Super Bowl, ending on the highest of notes.
SUPER BOWL XXXIV: QB KURT WARNER, St. Louis Rams (right) - Becoming a starter via a
journey through the Arena Football League and NFL Europe, Warner’s Cinderella climb from backup
to superstar captured the imagination of America. Leading the Rams to their first-ever Super Bowl
title, Warner’s 414 passing yards are still a single-game Super Bowl best. He spread the ball around,
as nine different players registered at least one catch. The speedy receiving tandem of Isaac Bruce
and Torry Holt each topped 100 yards receiving and caught one touchdown apiece. In one of the
most exciting finishes in Super Bowl history, the Rams held on to their 23-16 lead by just one yard, as
Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson was tackled short of the goal line by Mike Jones in the waning
moments of the fourth quarter.
SUPER BOWL XXXV: LB RAY LEWIS, Baltimore Ravens - Becoming only the seventh defensive
player to win a Super Bowl MVP award, Lewis inspired Baltimore to a 34-7 win over the Giants.
Though his five tackles and four passes defensed did not jump off the stats page, it was Lewis’
tenacity and leadership that propelled the Ravens to the win.
SUPER BOWL XXXVI: QB TOM BRADY, New England Patriots - After stepping in for an injured Drew Bledsoe during the regular
season, Brady eventually led the Patriots to the first Super Bowl victory in franchise history in a 20-17 win against St. Louis. After
the Rams overcame a 14-point deficit to tie the game with just 1:30 left in the fourth quarter, Brady put together a drive of five
completions in six attempts that set up Adam Vinatieri’s game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired. Brady completed 16 of
27 passes for 145 yards and one touchdown.
SUPER BOWL XXXVII: S DEXTER JACKSON, Tampa Bay Buccaneers - A bevy of Bucs defenders were worthy of MVP
consideration, but Jackson’s two first-half interceptions, one of which led to a go-ahead field goal, were the deciding factor in his
selection. Cornerback Dwight Smith returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the second half, but Jackson’s big plays keyed
the outcome of the game.
SUPER BOWL XXXVIII: QB TOM BRADY, New England Patriots - Brady’s Patriots treated the fans to another exciting finish that
ended with a game-winning Adam Vinatieri field goal with four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to edge Carolina, 32-29.
Brady completed 32 of 48 passes for 354 yards and three touchdowns to become the first quarterback in Super Bowl history to
start and win two title games before his 27th birthday.
SUPER BOWL XXXIX: WR DEION BRANCH, New England Patriots - Branch caught 11 passes for 133 yards and the Patriots’
defense forced four turnovers en route to becoming the eighth team to post consecutive Super Bowl titles in a 24-21 win against
the Philadelphia Eagles. The Patriots also matched the Dallas Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII and XXX) as the only teams with three
Super Bowl victories in a span of four seasons. At the time, Branch’s 11 catches tied the Super Bowl single-game record for
receptions (Dan Ross, Cincinnati, XVI; Jerry Rice, San Francisco, XXIII).
SUPER BOWL XL: WR HINES WARD, Pittsburgh Steelers - Ward came up with two big plays to help Pittsburgh win its first
championship since Super Bowl XIV, earning a 21-10 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Ward made a leaping 37-yard reception
late in the second quarter to set up the Steelers’ first touchdown (a three-yard run by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger). Later, wide
receiver Antwaan Randle El took a handoff on a reverse and threw a perfect 43-yard touchdown pass to Ward to help clinch the
victory. Overall, Ward had five receptions for 123 yards and one touchdown.
SUPER BOWL XLI: QB PEYTON MANNING, Indianapolis Colts - Manning passed for 247 yards and
one touchdown as the Indianapolis Colts defeated the Chicago Bears 29-17. The victory was the Colts’
first Super Bowl championship in 36 years. Manning completed 25 of 38 passes, including a 53-yard
scoring pass to wide receiver Reggie Wayne in the first quarter. Led by Manning and the Colts’ ball-
control offense, Indianapolis outgained Chicago 430-265 in total yards and maintained a 38:04-21:56
edge in time of possession.
SUPER BOWL XLII: QB ELI MANNING, New York Giants (left) - Manning followed his brother,
Peyton, of the Indianapolis Colts, to become a Super Bowl MVP. His 13-yard touchdown pass to wide
receiver Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds remaining gave the Giants a 17-14 come-from-behind victory
over the previously unbeaten New England Patriots. During the game-winning drive, Manning made the
play of the game by escaping the grasps of two Patriots’ defensive linemen, spinning away and
launching a deep pass downfield that wide receiver David Tyree caught in midair and cradled against
his helmet as he fell to the ground for a 32-yard gain. Manning completed 19 of 34 passes for 255
yards and two touchdowns (Tyree also caught a five-yard scoring pass early in the fourth quarter to
give the Giants a 10-7 lead).
SUPER BOWL XLIII: WR SANTONIO HOLMES, Pittsburgh Steelers (right) - Holmes caught a six-
yard touchdown pass in the back-right corner of the end zone with 35 seconds left as the Steelers
rallied to beat the Arizona Cardinals 27-23. Holmes’ incredible game-winning catch (he stretched high
and kept both toes on the ground, despite tight coverage by the Cardinals) helped Pittsburgh avert
what would have been the largest comeback in Super Bowl history, as the Cardinals had scored 16
unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Holmes, who had nine receptions for 131 yards and a
touchdown in the game, caught three passes from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on the Steelers’
game-winning drive.
SUPER BOWL XLIV: QB DREW BREES, New Orleans Saints - Brees led New Orleans to a 31-17
victory over the Indianapolis Colts and the franchise’s first Super Bowl title. Spreading the ball around
to eight different receivers, Brees tied a Super Bowl record at the time with 32 completions, the last a
two-yard slant to tight end Jeremy Shockey for the winning points with 5:42 remaining in the fourth
quarter. He also threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to running back Pierre Thomas early in the third
quarter to give the Saints their first lead of the game (13-10). Brees, who also connected with wide
receiver Lance Moore for a critical two-point conversion following his touchdown pass to Shockey,
completed 32 of 39 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.
SUPER BOWL XLV: QB AARON RODGERS, Green Bay Packers - Rodgers passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns to lead
the Packers to their first Super Bowl title in 14 years as Green Bay defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, 31-25. Rodgers, who
completed 24 of 39 passes, helped Green Bay jump out to a 7-0 first-quarter lead when he connected with wide receiver Jordy
Nelson on a 29-yard scoring pass. Rodgers’ 21-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Greg Jennings helped Green Bay to a 21-
10 halftime advantage. Rodgers and Jennings connected again early in the fourth quarter for an eight-yard touchdown to give the
Packers a 28-17 lead. His favorite target on the day was Nelson, who had nine receptions for 140 yards and one score.
SUPER BOWL XLVI: QB ELI MANNING, New York Giants - Manning won his second Super Bowl
MVP award in five seasons, leading the Giants to a 21-17 victory over the New England Patriots in
Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. Manning completed 30 of 40 passes for 296 yards and one
touchdown, a two-yard scoring throw to wide receiver Victor Cruz in the first quarter. Giants wide
receiver Hakeem Nicks was Manning’s most popular target with 10 receptions for 109 yards in the
title game.
SUPER BOWL XLVII: QB JOE FLACCO, Baltimore Ravens (left) - Flacco led the Ravens to their
second Super Bowl victory, defeating the NFC-champion San Francisco 49ers 34-31 at the
Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Flacco completed 22 of 33 passes for 287 yards and
three touchdowns. All of Flacco’s scoring passes came in the first half – 13 yards to Anquan Boldin, 1
yard to Dennis Pitta and 56 yards to Jacoby Jones – as the Ravens built a 21-6 halftime lead en
route to victory.
SUPER BOWL XLVIII: LB MALCOLM SMITH, Seattle Seahawks - Smith became the first defensive player to win the Pete
Rozelle Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award since Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Dexter Jackson earned the honor in Super
Bowl XXXVII. Smith helped lead a Seahawks’ defense that forced four turnovers as Seattle defeated the Denver Broncos 43-8 in
Super Bowl XLVIII. Smith intercepted a Peyton Manning pass in the second quarter and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown to
give Seattle a 22-0 advantage. Smith also recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter to stop a Broncos drive deep in Seahawks
territory and finished with nine total tackles.
SUPER BOWL XLIX: QB TOM BRADY, New England Patriots (right) - Brady became the second
player in NFL history to win three Super Bowl MVP Awards (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XLIX), joining Pro
Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana (XVI, XIX and XXIV). Brady passed for 328 yards and four
touchdowns, including the game-winning three-yard score to Julian Edelman with 2:02 remaining in
the fourth quarter. He extended his own Super Bowl career passing records for attempts,
completions and yards and surpassed Montana (11) and Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw (nine) for
the most touchdown passes in Super Bowl history (13).
45TH ANNIVERSARY OF NFL-AFL MERGER
From April through June 1966, Kansas City Chiefs owner LAMAR HUNT exchanged
correspondence with Dallas Cowboys general manager TEX SCHRAMM, who was
acting on behalf of Commissioner PETE ROZELLE on a possible merger between the
AFL and NFL. On June 8, 1966, the two leagues announced an agreement in which:
The nine AFL clubs (expansion Miami was added in 1966) would pay a total of $18
million over 20 years to join the NFL.
Pete Rozelle would serve as Commissioner.
The leagues would play a championship game following the 1966 season.
Existing franchises would remain at present sites. Schramm, Rozelle and Hunt
A common draft would be held, beginning in 1967.
Two new franchises, one in each league, would be added by 1968 (Cincinnati and New Orleans).
Interleague preseason games would be played in 1967, and a common schedule would begin in 1970.
The NFL-AFL merger was approved by Congress on October 21, 1966, when an anti-trust exemption was added as a rider to an
anti-inflation tax bill. President LYNDON B. JOHNSON signed the bill into law on November 8, 1966.
In August 1969, after spending 36 hours behind closed doors, NFL and AFL owners announced the creation of two 13-team
conferences – the AFC and the NFC. Three NFL clubs – the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers – joined
the AFL clubs in the American Conference and the remaining NFL clubs composed the National Conference.
Following is a statistical comparison on how the AFC and NFC have fared since 1970:
Thirty years ago, one of the most memorable parts of that season was a rap video that a group of Bears players – known as the
“Bears Shufflin’ Crew” – performed called the “Super Bowl Shuffle.”
Payton, quarterback JIM MC MAHON, wide receiver WILLIE GAULT, linebacker MIKE SINGLETARY and defensive tackle
WILLIAM “THE REFRIGERATOR” PERRY, among others, taped the video for charity. It won a Grammy nomination for Best
R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and reached No. 41 on the charts, ultimately going Gold on February 2, 1986.
“It gave us a sense of pride to know we accomplished something as a group, something very few people get an opportunity to do,”
said Gault. “And to win the Super Bowl on top of that was really rewarding.”
A fan wrote the following: “This is great. What else is the NFL going to do on the Internet?”
The NFL has always been committed to being at the forefront of media innovation. Dedicated to bringing fans closer to the game,
the league is constantly evolving to keep up with the ever-changing media landscape. With innovative partnerships and new
platforms, fans have an array of ways to connect with the game on an assortment of digital devices.
New in 2015, fans can watch the NFL’s International Series game in London between the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars
on October 25 on Yahoo! properties globally, including Yahoo!, Yahoo! Sports, Yahoo! Screen and Tumblr, which attract more
than one billion monthly users. The NFL selected Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ:YHOO) as its exclusive partner to deliver the first-ever
live stream of an NFL game to a global audience across devices and free of charge.
With this partnership, the NFL will extend its digital presence, making some of the most valuable content in sports and
entertainment available across multiple digital platforms free for all users. The NFL is leveraging Yahoo!’s global audience, digital
advertising capabilities and delivery platforms, which span desktop, mobile, tablet, connected TVs and set-top boxes to ensure
that the Bills-Jaguars game is accessible on every screen globally.
In keeping with the NFL’s long-standing commitment to making its games available on free, over-the-air television, the game will
also be televised live in the both the Buffalo (WIVB-TV) and Jacksonville (WTEV-TV) markets.
NFL NOW
NFL Now, which launched in 2014, is the league’s next-generation video service, providing fans access to the largest digital library
of NFL video anywhere, accessible through apps and browsers across an array of Internet-connected devices. Based on each
viewer’s favorite teams and players, NFL Now delivers the most personalized NFL viewing experience anywhere, with access to
game highlights and original content from NFL Media and the 32 clubs, live press conferences and shows and video from the NFL
Films vault.
With the addition of the new platforms available today, NFL Now is currently available to fans through the following distribution
channels:
Smartphone & Tablet Apps: Windows, iOS, Android including Amazon Fire Phone and Kindle Fire, and within NFL
Mobile from Verizon
Desktop: nfl.com/now
Connected Devices: Microsoft Xbox One & 360, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku
Other Distributors: Yahoo! Screen
“Adding new distribution and original content to NFL Now continues our mission to provide our fans with access to NFL video
wherever and whenever they want,” says NFL Executive Vice President of Media BRIAN ROLAPP.
Through NFL Now, fans can select their favorite NFL teams and players and upload their NFL.com Fantasy roster. NFL Now then
dynamically personalizes each fan’s viewing experience. In addition to the free version of NFL Now, fans can upgrade their
experience to NFL Now Plus, which offers the deepest digital NFL highlight experience ever created. Subscribers to NFL Now
Plus will have access to instant in-game highlights from each game as well as the extensive vault of NFL Films shows and
documentaries ranging from America’s Game to A Football Life.
2015 NFL DRAFT
For the first time, fans experienced every Round 4-7 pick announcement from the 2015 NFL Draft on NFL Draft live platforms
such as NFL.com, NFL Mobile by Verizon, NFL Now, XBox One and Yahoo! Sports. NFL Network also featured select picks from
all 32 teams live on NFL Network Draft programming. Teams announced Round 4-7 picks at stadiums, practice facilities and other
unique locations. Pick announcements were broadcasted in Selection Square, the epicenter of the Draft, located outside in Grant
Park across Michigan Avenue from the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media brings fans closer to the game than ever before. Platforms such as Twitter (11.8 million followers), Facebook (12.1
million likes) and Instagram (3.4 million followers) are vital components to fan communication and engagement.
The NFL has the largest domestic following for Facebook (8.4 million) compared to all major sports competitors. The NFL is also
the fastest growing league in Twitter followers (76% NFL, 45% NBA and 31% MLB).
The NEW YORK GIANTS need nine victories to become the third team in NFL history to reach 700 total victories. The Giants
(691-581-33) would join Chicago (752-563-42) and Green Bay (741-561-37) as the only teams to accomplish the feat.
The WASHINGTON REDSKINS (bottom photo) need eight victories to reach 600 total victories. Washington’s all-time record is
592-576-27.
The DENVER BRONCOS need six victories to reach 450 regular-season victories. Denver’s all-time regular-season record is 444-
382-10.
The BUFFALO BILLS (below) need one victory to reach 400 total victories. Buffalo’s all-time record is 399-458-8.
The NEW YORK JETS need 11 victories to reach 400 total victories. The Jets’ all-time record is 389-464-8.
The HOUSTON TEXANS need 10 victories to reach 100 total victories. Houston’s all-time record is 90-122.
PATRIOT PLACE: PATRIOTS WIN SUPER BOWL
The New England Patriots won their fourth Super Bowl title last season with a 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super
Bowl XLIX.
“This is a great team,” says New England head coach BILL BELICHICK,
who joined Pro Football Hall of Famer CHUCK NOLL as the only head
coaches to win four Super Bowls. “These guys are really special – a great
group of competitors who never gave in and never lost their will. Mentally
and physically, this is as tough of a group as I’ve been around and I’ve
been around some.”
The Patriots finished 12-4 in 2014, earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC and
their sixth consecutive AFC East division title, tied for the second-longest
streak in NFL history. New England, which also won five consecutive
division titles from 2003-2007, became the first team in NFL history to win
11 division championships in a 12-year span.
New England is the second team (1970s Pittsburgh Steelers) in NFL history – and first in 35
years – to win four Super Bowls with the same owner (ROBERT KRAFT), head coach (Belichick)
and quarterback (TOM BRADY), as the franchise has enjoyed an incredible run of success since
Kraft purchased the team in 1994.
“To be able to maintain that kind of consistent excellence is a rare thing in any field, including on
the football field,” said President BARACK OBAMA during a ceremony at The White House
(above) to honor the Patriots’ Super Bowl victory. “There’s the ‘Patriot Way’ – a group that values
teamwork and hard work above all else. They have set a standard for excellence that we may not
see again for a very long time.”
Super Bowl XLIX came down to the final moments of the fourth quarter, as the Seahawks drove
down to the Patriots’ one yard-line with 26 seconds remaining and a four-point deficit to overcome
(28-24). On second down, Patriots cornerback MALCOLM BUTLER (right) jumped in front of a
quick slant route for an unforgettable interception – the first of his NFL career – securing another
New England championship and a place in Super Bowl history.
“It’s unbelievable to see him blossom, and to come out here and make such a big play in a big
situation,” says Patriots wide receiver JULIAN EDELMAN of Butler. “Unbelievable play.”
Quarterback Brady (left) passed for 328 yards and four touchdowns, including the game-
winning three-yard score to Edelman in the fourth quarter, and was named Super Bowl
MVP. Brady (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XLIX) joined Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE
MONTANA (XVI, XIX and XXIV) as the only players in NFL history to win three Super
Bowl MVP Awards.
“Tom is the best,” says wide receiver DANNY AMENDOLA of Brady, who is the
winningest starting quarterback in NFL playoff history (21 wins) and owns the career
Super Bowl passing records for completions (164), yards (1,605) and touchdowns (11).
“He gets everybody to play at a higher level. He’s our leader emotionally. Physically,
he’s at the highest level at his position. We all love playing for him.”
The 2014 Patriots had seven players selected to the Pro Bowl: quarterback Brady (10th),
wide receiver Edelman (first), tight end ROB GRONKOWSKI (third), cornerback
DARRELLE REVIS (sixth), safety DEVIN MC COURTY (second), kicker STEPHEN
GOSTKOWSKI (third) and special teamer MATTHEW SLATER (fourth).
“It was just an unbelievable team win,” says Gronkowski, who caught a 22-yard
touchdown pass from Brady in the second quarter of the Super Bowl. “Everyone
contributed, everyone on the team.”
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
In June, the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS hosted a private event in Chestnut Hill,
Massachusetts to present their Super Bowl XLIX championship rings to the team and club
personnel.
“I have been blessed to host four Super Bowl ring ceremonies,” says Patriots owner
ROBERT KRAFT (right with cornerback Malcolm Butler), who hosted this year’s ceremony
at his home. “Just like the rings we present, we have tried to make each ceremony a little
bigger and a little better than the one before.”
The Jostens designed white gold ring, which is the largest Super Bowl ring ever made,
features a Patriots logo which is outlined by 44 diamonds and flanked on each side by the
words “World Champions.” A field of 143 diamonds creates a sparkling effect, highlighting
the four large Lombardi Trophies, cast with marquee-cut diamonds.
“Football is the consummate team sport,” says Kraft. “These championship rings represent all that the team endured and
overcame together. The players on this team will forever be bound by the memories this ring represents. The presentation of the
rings is one of my favorite moments.”
The sides of the ring tell the story of the championship season. On one side, the recipient’s name sits atop the ring, along with the
years of the franchise’s previous Super Bowl Championships in 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2014. The player’s number, encrusted in
diamonds, sits just above the Gillette Stadium logo. The other side of the ring features a Super Bowl XLIX logo with the final
score, 28-24, on the left and the team’s overall record, 15-4, on the right. The phrase “Do Your Job” is labeled atop that side of the
ring and inside the ring is a quote from Kraft, “We are all Patriots.”
SUPER FOLLOW-UPS
How Super Bowl winners fared the following season, with teams that repeated in bold (eight Super Bowl winners won the
title game the next year and four lost it):
Season Super Bowl Winner Next Season
1966 I Green Bay Won Super Bowl
1967 II Green Bay Missed playoffs
1968 III New York Jets Lost in first round
1969 IV Kansas City Missed playoffs
1970 V Baltimore Lost AFC Championship Game
1971 VI Dallas Lost NFC Championship Game
1972 VII Miami Won Super Bowl
1973 VIII Miami Lost in first round
1974 IX Pittsburgh Won Super Bowl
1975 X Pittsburgh Lost AFC Championship Game
1976 XI Oakland Lost AFC Championship Game
1977 XII Dallas Lost Super Bowl
1978 XIII Pittsburgh Won Super Bowl
1979 XIV Pittsburgh Missed playoffs
1980 XV Oakland Missed playoffs
1981 XVI San Francisco Missed playoffs
1982 XVII Washington Lost Super Bowl
1983 XVIII L.A. Raiders Lost Wild Card Game
1984 XIX San Francisco Lost Wild Card Game
1985 XX Chicago Lost NFC Divisional Playoff Game
1986 XXI New York Giants Missed playoffs
1987 XXII Washington Missed playoffs
1988 XXIII San Francisco Won Super Bowl
1989 XXIV San Francisco Lost NFC Championship Game
1990 XXV New York Giants Missed playoffs
1991 XXVI Washington Lost NFC Divisional Playoff Game
1992 XXVII Dallas Won Super Bowl
1993 XXVIII Dallas Lost NFC Championship Game
1994 XXIX San Francisco Lost NFC Divisional Playoff Game
1995 XXX Dallas Lost NFC Divisional Playoff Game
1996 XXXI Green Bay Lost Super Bowl
1997 XXXII Denver Won Super Bowl
1998 XXXIII Denver Missed playoffs
1999 XXXIV St. Louis Lost Wild Card Game
2000 XXXV Baltimore Lost AFC Divisional Playoff Game
2001 XXXVI New England Missed playoffs
2002 XXXVII Tampa Bay Missed playoffs
2003 XXXVIII New England Won Super Bowl
2004 XXXIX New England Lost AFC Divisional Playoff Game
2005 XL Pittsburgh Missed playoffs
2006 XLI Indianapolis Lost AFC Divisional Playoff Game
2007 XLII New York Giants Lost NFC Divisional Playoff Game
2008 XLIII Pittsburgh Missed playoffs
2009 XLIV New Orleans Lost NFC Wild Card Game
2010 XLV Green Bay Lost NFC Divisional Playoff Game
2011 XLVI New York Giants Missed playoffs
2012 XLVII Baltimore Missed playoffs
2013 XLVIII Seattle Lost Super Bowl
2014 XLIX New England ???
LEGION OF BOOM
The Seattle Seahawks, who won Super Bowl XLVIII, have advanced to the Super Bowl in each of
the past two seasons.
A big part of the team’s success has been Seattle’s defense, which has led the NFL in points
allowed in each of the past three seasons.
“Defense wins championships,” says Seahawks Pro Bowl safety KAM CHANCELLOR (left), one
of the members of Seattle’s vaunted “Legion of Boom” secondary. “We’re working our hardest to
get back to the Super Bowl. We’re more focused and more driven than ever. We’re hungry.”
The Seahawks are one of only three teams in NFL history to lead the
league in points allowed in three consecutive seasons. Seattle joined the
1953-57 Cleveland Browns and the 1969-71 Minnesota Vikings as the
only teams to accomplish the feat.
“We recognize that what we’re doing right now is pretty good,” says
Seattle Pro Bowl linebacker BOBBY WAGNER. “Our job is to keep that
going. If we put a couple more championships up there, then people
should consider us with the great defenses of all-time.”
And that’s the goal for the Seahawks, who will enter the 2015 season
looking to shut down opposing offenses on their way to another Super
Bowl appearance.
“This team is all about making history,” says Seattle Pro Bowl safety EARL THOMAS (above, on left).
The league-wide completion percentage (62.6), league-wide passer rating (88.9) and league-wide
touchdown pass totals (807) were at historic levels, topping the previous records set in 2013 (61.2
completion percentage; 86.0 passer rating; 804 TD passes).
Games averaged 696.2 total net yards per game, the second-best mark in NFL annals (697.0 in
2013). Explosive passing offenses fueled that trend, with an average of 473.6 net passing yards per
game, an all-time high (471.2 in 2013).
The league-wide interception percentage of 2.52 percent was the lowest of any season in NFL
history, surpassing the previous mark of 2.63 in 2012.
As efficient as NFL QBs were in 2014, they did not shy away from throwing deep. The league-wide yards per attempt average of
7.21 was the highest in the Super Bowl era (since 1966), topping the previous high of 7.20 yards per attempt in 2011.
“It’s a quarterback’s league now,” says CBS analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback DAN FOUTS. “It’s how the game
has evolved. You’ve got coaches willing to throw the ball more than ever, and you’ve got receivers who are the best athletes on
the field. Why wouldn’t a coach want to use them?”
As professional football has evolved, the sophistication and importance of the passing game have grown consistently. Defenders
have grown stronger and faster while defensive coordinators have become more creative. Moving the ball downfield three yards at
a time via the run has grown increasingly difficult.
This trend has helped allow the growing number of star NFL quarterbacks – ranging from established veterans like DREW
BREES, PEYTON MANNING and AARON RODGERS (above) to promising youngsters like ANDREW LUCK and RUSSELL
WILSON – to fully showcase their passing talents.
“Everybody feeds off of what the quarterback can and cannot do,” says ESPN analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback
STEVE YOUNG. “Defensively, offensively, everybody reacts to what threats or non-threats the quarterback has. Everything else is
secondary.”
An NFL-record nine quarterbacks had 30+ touchdown passes in 2014, surpassing the previous high of five (2010, 2011, 2012 and
2013).
Eleven passers reached the 4,000-yard mark in 2014, tied for the most of any season in NFL history (2012).
The quarterbacks with 4,000+ passing yards, 30+ touchdown passes or a 100+ passer rating in 2014:
A big reason for that success was the consistent performance of the starters.
In 2014, 16 of 32 teams started the same quarterback in every game, tied for the fourth-most of any season since at least 1970.
“What separates the teams that have success and the teams that don’t have success is having a franchise quarterback that plays
every week and plays at a high level,” says New York Giants President and CEO JOHN MARA. “If you have a franchise
quarterback, you’re always going to be competitive. You always have a chance to win.”
Over the past three seasons, 53 teams – 20 in 2012; 17 in 2013; 16 in 2014 – started the same quarterback in every game, the
most ever in any three-year span.
The most teams to start the same quarterback over any three-year span:
After the trophy is presented, it is then returned to Tiffany & Co. for any repairs and the engraving of the Super Bowl team names
and the final score onto the base. It then goes back to the winning team for permanent possession.
Weight 7 pounds
Height 22 inches
Man-hours To Complete 72
Made of Sterling silver *
Year Designed 1967
First Sketched On A napkin
Sketched By Oscar Riedener **
Crafted by Hand
Made In Cumberland, RI
Made By Tiffany
Value Priceless per 32 NFL teams
Sought Yearly By 1,700 players ***
*Including nuts and bolts. ** Former Tiffany VP of design. ***At least.
GOOD THINGS COME IN PAIRS
What’s better than having a great running back on your team? Having two!
Last season, 12 clubs boasted two running backs with at least 400 rushing yards each for that team, including three playoff teams
– Cincinnati, Denver and Indianapolis. Despite the proliferation of the passing game, teams have continued to rely on different
options in the backfield to gain an advantage.
“You need good running backs to win,” says Tampa Bay head coach LOVIE
SMITH. “You look at the teams in the playoffs. They all had big, good running
backs who could move the ball. That will always be an important part of our
game.”
The Bengals would agree. Led by the versatile duo of JEREMY HILL and
GIOVANI BERNARD (left), Cincinnati had the third-best rushing attack in the AFC
(134.2 yards per game) and won five of its last seven games to earn a playoff
berth. The Bengals were the only team to have one running back that gained at
least 1,000 rushing yards and a second back who amassed at least 600 yards. Hill
finished the season fourth in the AFC with 1,124 rushing yards while Bernard
added 680 yards.
“They’ve done a good job,” says Bengals quarterback ANDY DALTON about Hill and Bernard. “It’s good that we can flip them in
and out. It’s good to have different styles of guys.”
Denver’s tandem of Pro Bowl running back C.J. ANDERSON (849 rushing yards) and RONNIE HILLMAN (434) helped the
Broncos win the AFC West title.
“We like that group,” says Denver head coach GARY KUBIAK about the Broncos’ running backs – Anderson, Hillman and
MONTEE BALL. “That’s a lot of young guys who all want to play, who all believe they can play and that’s what you want.”
Last season, Cleveland’s running backs TERRANCE WEST (673) and ISAIAH CROWELL (607) became the first rookies in
franchise history to each run for at least 500 yards in the same season.
The teams that had two running backs rush for at least 400 rushing yards each in 2014:
Isaiah Crowell & Terrance West Arian Foster & Alfred Blue
TIGHT ENDS ON THE RISE
In today’s NFL, more teams are factoring the tight end into the offense.
“I’ve never seen this many tight ends this good at one particular time,” says Pro Football Hall of Famer
SHANNON SHARPE, one of eight tight ends enshrined in Canton. “We’ve never seen the position this
dominant. This is the golden age of tight ends.”
The past couple of seasons have seen NFL tight ends performing at a high level and 2014 was no
different. Last season, tight ends caught 216 touchdowns, the second-most in a single season for the
position (236 in 2013). Tight ends also combined for 2,322 receptions and 25,657 receiving yards, both
of which rank fourth in a single season for the position.
Last season, four tight ends – ANTONIO GATES (12) (below), ROB GRONKOWSKI (12) (above), JULIUS THOMAS (12) and
JIMMY GRAHAM (10) – caught at least 10 touchdown passes, the most tight ends with 10+ TD catches in a single season in NFL
history.
Gates and Gronkowski became the first tight ends in NFL history with 10 or more touchdown receptions in four different seasons,
surpassing TONY GONZALEZ, who had three such seasons. Thomas, who also had 12 TD catches in 2013, became the first
tight end in NFL history with back-to-back 12-touchdown seasons.
“The importance of the tight end position has increased with the new emphasis on the passing game,” says NFL Network analyst
and former NFL head coach STEVE MARIUCCI. “You can play them in line and run some regular offense, and also stand them
up and split them out in the slot or wide out and play them in a spread-out type offense.”
The versatility of today’s tight ends causes matchup problems for the defense, which is crucial in the
NFL’s never-ending chess game between offensive and defensive coordinators.
“This game has always been about matchups,” says NFL Network analyst and former NFL head
coach BRIAN BILLICK. “You hear coaches say it every week: ‘Where are my best matchups?’ Well,
your best matchup today is likely a tight end against a linebacker or safety. To have talent that can
stretch the field like a legitimate receiver but also be a point-of-attack in-line blocker, that’s why
everyone covets one of those guys.”
Last season, JASON WITTEN (10,502) and Gates (10,014) became the third and fourth tight ends in
NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, joining Gonzalez (15,127) and Sharpe (10,060).
In 2014, NFL teams with a 100-yard rusher in a game posted a 75-23-2 record for a .760
winning percentage. That rated higher than clubs with a 100-yard receiver (105-74-1, .586)
or a 300-yard passer (70-52-1, .573).
“It’s all about winning,” says Dallas Cowboys head coach JASON GARRETT. “It’s all about
what’s best for our football team. Now, those two things coincide. It’s good for our football
team when we are running the ball well and we control the game by running the football.”
Running back DE MARCO MURRAY set Cowboys records for rushing yards (1,845) and
100-yard games (12) in 2014 and Dallas posted a 10-2 record when he rushed for 100
yards in a game. In 2015, Murray will be running the ball for head coach CHIP KELLY and
the Philadelphia Eagles.
“Obviously, you just look at him statistically in terms of what he did,’’ says Kelly about
Murray. “You know what kind of workhorse back he is. He has unbelievable patience and
vision. There’s a toughness to him. He never really takes negative yardage plays.’’
Over the past five years, teams have compiled a 395-163-5 record (.706) when a player has eclipsed the 100-yard rushing mark.
By comparison, clubs with a 100-yard receiver have a .550 winning percentage (480-393-2), while offenses with a 300-yard
passer have won 52.1 percent of games (304-279-1).
The winning percentage of teams with a 100-yard rusher, 100-yard receiver, or 300-yard passer over the past five seasons:
FOURTH-AND-ONE
In fourth-and-one situations, the offense or defense must not only overpower its opponent but also outsmart it in order to retain or
gain possession. It is an art that must be studied for mastery.
“Something big is going to happen,” says NFL Network analyst and former NFL head
coach BRIAN BILLICK. “Either you’re going to convert in a crucial situation that keeps
a drive alive or you get stopped. It’s either a huge emotional lift for your team or a
huge emotional drain.”
The Oakland Raiders converted all four of their fourth-and-one situations last season,
finishing as the only team with a perfect mark in the category (minimum four attempts).
The Cincinnati Bengals converted five of their six fourth-down conversions, finishing
second in the league with an 83.3 percent success rate.
The teams with the most attempts and the best efficiency on fourth-and-one last season:
“If you win the turnover ratio, you have a good chance of winning games,” says Green Bay Packers
head coach MIKE MC CARTHY (left), whose team led the NFL last season with a +14 net turnover
differential. “This game is about making big plays, taking care of the football and taking it away. Those
are critical components.”
Last season, four of the five top teams in net turnover differential – Green Bay (+14), New England
(+12), Seattle (+10) and Arizona (+8) – made the playoffs and combined for a 47-17 record (.734).
“Turnovers are huge,” says BILL BELICHICK, head coach of the Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots. “There’s no
statistic that correlates more to winning than turnovers.”
Last year, the Super Bowl champion Patriots and the NFC North champion Packers had only 13 giveaways, tied for the third-
fewest giveaways in a 16-game season in NFL history.
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS
Excelling on third down extends drives and keeps your opponent off the field, making it a pivotal factor in winning games.
Last season, the New Orleans Saints led the NFL with the highest third-down
conversion percentage (48.3), followed by the Dallas Cowboys (47.3) and Green
Bay Packers (47.2).
Both the Cowboys and Packers tied for the NFL lead with 12 wins and each club
won its division.
“Third downs are critical,” says Dallas head coach JASON GARRETT (right, with
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo). “You have to keep drives alive, you have to get
off the field and you have to do it on a consistent basis. One of the best things we’ve
done as a team offensively is convert on third down. It’s been a good thing for us. I
think it’s helped our entire team.”
TEAM 3RD DOWN ATT 3RD DOWN CONV 3RD DOWN PCT
New Orleans 203 98 48.3
Dallas 201 95 47.3
Green Bay 197 93 47.2
San Diego 215 97 45.1
Pittsburgh 208 93 44.7
THE PLAYERS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2015
PEYTON MANNING (below), Denver, needs 2,148 passing yards to surpass Brett Favre (71,838) for the most all-time. In 17
seasons, Manning has 69,691 passing yards.
Manning needs 374 completions to surpass Favre (6,300) for the most all-time. In 17 seasons, Manning has 5,927 completions.
Manning can increase his NFL record total of 400-yard pass games (see Brees note). In 17
seasons, Manning has 14 400-yard passing games.
Manning can increase his NFL record total of 300-yard passing games (see Brees note). In 17
seasons, Manning has 91 total 300-yard passing games.
Manning can increase his NFL record total of four-touchdown pass games (see Brees note). In
17 seasons, Manning has 35 games with four or more touchdown passes.
Manning has led the league in completions four times and can join Dan Marino (6) and Sammy
Baugh (5) as the only players to lead the league in completions at least five times (see Brees
note).
Manning has led the league in pass attempts three times in his career and can join Dan Marino
(5), Sammy Baugh (4), Johnny Unitas (4) and George Blanda (4) as the only players to lead
the league in attempts at least four times (see Brees note).
DREW BREES (below right), New Orleans, needs 5,329 passing yards to surpass Dan Marino (61,651) for the third-most all-time.
In 14 seasons, Brees has 56,033 passing yards.
Brees needs 4,000 passing yards to join Peyton Manning (14) as the only players in NFL history with at least 10 4,000-yard
passing seasons. In 14 seasons, Brees has had nine 4,000-yard passing seasons.
Brees needs four touchdown passes to join Dan Marino (420), Brett Favre (508) and Peyton Manning (530) as the only players
with 400 career touchdown passes. In 14 seasons, Brees has 396 touchdown passes.
Brees can extend his NFL record streak of consecutive seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes. Brees has passed for at least
30 touchdowns in each of the past seven seasons.
Brees can become the first player to lead the league in passing yards six times in his career.
Brees is currently tied with Sonny Jurgensen (5) and Dan Marino (5) for the most such seasons
in NFL history.
Brees needs 31 completions to surpass Dan Marino (4,967) for the third-most all-time (see
Brady note). In 14 seasons, Brees has 4,937 completions.
Brees needs four 400-yard passing games to surpass Peyton Manning (14) for the most all-
time (see P. Manning note). In 14 seasons, Brees has 11 400-yard passing games.
Brees needs six 300-yard passing games to surpass Peyton Manning (91) for the most all-time
(see P. Manning note). In 14 seasons, Brees has 86 300-yard passing games.
Brees needs to pass for at least four touchdowns in 10 games to surpass Peyton Manning (35)
for the most four-touchdown pass games in NFL history (see P. Manning note). In 14 seasons,
Brees has 26 games with four or more touchdown passes.
Brees has led the league in completions four times and can join Dan Marino (6) and Sammy Baugh (5) as the only players to lead
the league in completions at least five times (see P. Manning note).
Brees has led the league in pass attempts three times in his career and can join Dan Marino (5) Sammy Baugh (4), Johnny Unitas
(4) and George Blanda (4) as the only players to lead the league in attempts at least four times (see P. Manning note).
TOM BRADY, New England, needs five touchdown passes to surpass Drew Brees (396) for the fourth-most all-time (see Brees
note). In 15 seasons, Brady has 392 touchdown passes.
Brady needs eight touchdown passes to join Dan Marino (420), Brett Favre (508) and Peyton Manning (530) as the only players
with 400 career touchdown passes (see Brees note). In 15 seasons, Brady has 392 touchdown passes.
Brady needs 2,776 passing yards to surpass Drew Brees (56,033) for the fourth-most all-time (see
Brees note). In 15 seasons, Brady has 53,258 passing yards.
Brady needs 417 completions to surpass Dan Marino (4,697) and Drew Brees (4,937) for the third-
most all-time (see Brees note). In 15 seasons, Brady has 4,551 completions.
ELI MANNING, New York Giants, needs 33 touchdown passes to surpass Dave Krieg (261), Joe
Montana (273), Vinny Testaverde (275), Johnny Unitas (290) and Warren Moon (291) for the eighth-
most all-time. In 11 seasons, Manning has 259 touchdown passes.
PHILIP RIVERS (left), San Diego, has led the league in average yards per pass three times in his
career and can join Steve Young (5) and Sid Luckman (7) as the only players in NFL history to do so
in at least four seasons.
ADRIAN PETERSON (right), Minnesota, needs 10 rushing touchdowns to join Emmitt Smith (8)
and LaDainian Tomlinson (9) as the only players in NFL history to rush for 10 touchdowns in at
least eight different seasons.
Peterson has five 200-yard rushing games in his career. Peterson needs two 200-yard rushing
games to surpass Tiki Barber (5) and O.J. Simpson (6) for the most all-time.
Peterson needs 14 rushing touchdowns to become the ninth player in NFL history with 100
rushing touchdowns. In eight seasons, Peterson has 86 rushing touchdowns.
FRANK GORE, Indianapolis, needs 1,000 rushing yards to join Curtis Martin (10), Barry Sanders
(10), Walter Payton (10) and Emmitt Smith (11) as the only players in NFL history to rush for
1,000 yards in at least nine different seasons. In 10 seasons, Gore has rushed for 1,000 yards
eight times.
ARIAN FOSTER (left), Houston, needs 1,864 rushing yards to surpass Priest Holmes (8,172) for
the most all-time by an undrafted player. In six seasons, Foster has 6,309 rushing yards.
ANDRE JOHNSON, Indianapolis, needs 100 receptions to become the first player in NFL history
with six 100-catch seasons (see Marshall note). Johnson, Brandon Marshall and Wes Welker are
the only players with five 100-reception seasons.
Johnson needs 91 receptions to surpass Isaac Bruce (1,024), Reggie Wayne (1,070), Terrell
Owens (1,078), Tim Brown (1,094), Cris Carter (1,101) and Marvin Harrison (1,102) for the third-
most all-time. In 12 seasons, Johnsons has 1,012 receptions.
Johnson needs 1,500 receiving yards to join Jerry Rice (4) as the only players with four 1,500-yard
seasons. In 12 seasons, Johnson has three 1,500-yard receiving seasons.
Johnson needs 14 100-yard receiving games to surpass Randy Moss (64), Marvin Harrison (59) and Terrell Owens (51) for the
second-most all-time. In 12 seasons, Johnson has 51 100-yard receiving games.
Johnson needs three 200-yard receiving games to surpass Lance Alworth (5) and Calvin Johnson (5) for the most all-time (see C.
Johnson note). In 12 seasons, Johnson has three games with at least 200 receiving yards.
CALVIN JOHNSON, Detroit, needs one 200-yard receiving game to surpass Lance Alworth (5) for the most all-time. In eight
seasons, Johnson has five 200-yard receiving games.
Johnson needs 1,500 receiving yards to join Andre Johnson (3), Marvin Harrison (3) and Jerry Rice (4) as the only players with at
least three such seasons in NFL history (see A. Johnson note). In eight seasons, Johnson has two 1,500-yard receiving seasons.
BRANDON MARSHALL, New York Jets, needs 100 receptions to become the first player in NFL history with six 100-catch
seasons (see A. Johnson note). Marshall, Andre Johnson and Wes Welker are the only players with five 100-reception seasons.
JASON WITTEN (left), Dallas, needs 57 receptions to join Tony Gonzalez (1,325) as the only tight ends
with 1,000 career receptions. In 12 seasons, Witten has 943 receptions.
ANTONIO GATES, San Diego, needs 489 receiving yards to surpass Jason Witten (10,502) and
Shannon Sharpe (10,060) for second place all-time among tight ends. In 12 seasons, Gates has 10,014
receiving yards.
Gates needs one touchdown reception to join Tony Gonzalez (111) as the only tight ends with 100
career touchdown receptions. In 12 seasons, Gates has 99 touchdown receptions.
Woodson needs six interceptions to surpass Dick LeBeau (62), Dave Brown (62), Darren Sharper
(63), Ronnie Lott (63), Ed Reed (64) and Ken Riley (65) for the fifth-most all-time. In 17 seasons,
Woodson has 60 interceptions.
JARED ALLEN (below), Chicago, needs eight sacks to surpass Richard Dent (137.5), John
Randle (137.5), Jason Taylor (139.5) and Michael Strahan (141.5) for fifth place since the sack
became an official statistic in 1982. In 11 seasons, Allen has 134 sacks.
Allen has led the league in sacks twice in his career and can become the first player to lead the
league three times since the sack became an official statistic in 1982 (see Ware note).
Allen needs one safety to surpass Doug English (4) and Ted Hendricks (4) for the most
safeties all-time. In 11 seasons, Allen has four safeties.
DE MARCUS WARE, Denver, has led the league in sacks twice in his career and can become
the first player to lead the league three times since the sack became an official statistic in 1982
(see Allen note).
J.J. WATT, Houston, can increase his NFL record total of 20-sack seasons. In four seasons,
Watt has two 20-sack seasons.
ADAM VINATIERI (right), Indianapolis, needs five points to surpass Jason Hanson (2,150) for third
place all-time. In 19 seasons, Vinatieri has 2,146 points.
Vinatieri needs 18 field goals to surpass John Carney (478) and Jason Hanson (495) for the third-most
all-time. In 19 seasons, Vinatieri has 478 field goals.
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, New England, has led the league in scoring four times in his career and
can join Don Hutson (5) and Gino Cappelletti (5) as the only players to lead the league in points scored
at least five times.
Gostkowski has led the league in field goals three times in his career and can join Lou Groza (5), Ward
Cuff (4) and Jack Manders (4) as the only players to lead the league in field goals at least four times.
SEBASTIAN JANIKOWSKI, Oakland, needs five 50-yard field goals to surpass Jason Hanson (52) for
the most all-time. In 15 seasons, Janikowski has 48 50-yard field goals.
AARON RODGERS: GREEN BAY IS MR. RODGERS’ NEIGHBORHOOD
Last season, Green Bay Packers quarterback AARON RODGERS was named the NFL’s
Most Valuable Player after completing 341 of 520 passes (65.6 percent) for 4,381 yards
and 38 touchdowns with five interceptions for a 112.2 passer rating. It marked the second
time in his career Rodgers was named the league’s MVP (2011).
“I feel so fortunate to live out my dreams year after year,” says Rodgers.
Rodgers has recorded a 100+ passer rating in each of the past six seasons, extending his
NFL-record streak. He and Pro Football Hall of Famer STEVE YOUNG (1991-94) are the
only quarterbacks in NFL history with a 100+ rating in at least four seasons in a row.
“I’m driven to be the best,” says Rodgers. “I put a lot of pressure on myself to achieve the goals I set every year. I enjoy trying to
meet the challenge those goals bring.”
In 2014, Rodgers had eight games with at least three touchdown passes and no interceptions, tied for the most in a single season
in NFL history (TOM BRADY, 2007). Rodgers recorded a passer rating of at least 100 in 11 games last season and the Packers
were a perfect 11-0 in those contests.
“Aaron is an excellent illustration of a Green Bay Packer,” says Packers head coach MIKE
MC CARTHY (right, with Rodgers). “It is truly a blessing to witness his continued
accomplishments, both on and off the field.”
Rodgers led the Packers to an 8-0 record at Lambeau Field last season, compiling a
133.2 home passer rating, the highest single-season mark in league annals. He threw 24
touchdown passes without an interception at home in 2014, the most touchdown passes
without an interception at home in a single season in NFL history.
“I think he’s the best maybe to ever play,” says Green Bay guard JOSH SITTON about Rodgers. “Nothing really surprises me with
him.”
In 2014, Rodgers made his 100th career start and holds league records for the most passing yards (27,520), zero-interception
games (58) and 100+ passer rating games (60) along with the highest passer rating (107.3) and best touchdown-interception ratio
(4.11) in a quarterback’s first 100 starts.
“I’ve never seen a quarterback or been a part of quarterback play at this level,” says McCarthy about Rodgers. “The numbers
speak for themselves.”
Entering 2015, Rodgers ranks first in NFL history in career passer rating (minimum 1,500 attempts) with a 106.0 mark.
“What’s remarkable is that these two guys have been able to keep their
teams on top, almost no matter what,” says NBC Sports analyst CRIS
COLLINSWORTH. “All they do is keep on winning. That’s how great they
are.”
Last season, Brady guided the Patriots to a division title for the 12th time in
his career, the most of any starting quarterback in NFL history, en route to
the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl title. Manning led the Broncos to his 11th
career division title, which ranks second only to Brady in NFL annals among
starting QBs.
“I think the one thing that jumps out about Tom is just his consistency,” says
Manning about Brady. “I feel like he’s been a better player each year than
he was the year before, and that, to me speaks to his work ethic in the
offseason, his refusal to be complacent or satisfied.”
Both quarterbacks are also among the all-time leaders in wins and winning percentage. Brady’s .773 winning percentage is the
highest of any quarterback in the Super Bowl era (minimum 100 starts), and Manning (179) needs eight regular-season wins in
2015 to surpass BRETT FAVRE (186) for the most wins by a starting quarterback in league history.
“Peyton is a great player, a great motivator and a great leader,” says Brady about Manning. “He plays at a high level on a week-in,
week-out basis.”
The quarterbacks with the best regular-season record in the Super Bowl era (minimum 100 starts) and the most regular-season
wins as a starter in NFL history:
BEST WIN PCT. IN SUPER BOWL ERA MOST CAREER WINS AS STARTER
QUARTERBACK RECORD PCT. QUARTERBACK RECORD PCT.
Tom Brady* 160-47-0 .773 Brett Favre 186-112-0 .624
Roger Staubach 85-29-0 .746 Peyton Manning* 179-77-0 .699
Joe Montana 117-47-0 .713 Tom Brady* 160-47-0 .773
Peyton Manning* 179-77-0 .699 John Elway 148-82-1 .643
Terry Bradshaw 107-51-0 .677 Dan Marino 147-93-0 .613
*Active *Active
“Brady and Manning play the game from the head up, they play the game with their arm, and they play the game from the pocket,”
says NFL Network analyst and former head coach STEVE MARIUCCI. “You’re seeing quarterbacking at its best and the way
quarterbacking was invented. It is old-school football, and they still excel and lead the way in the NFL in that fashion. It’s one of
the classic matchups of greats at the quarterback position.”
Both players rank among the NFL’s all-time leaders in many major statistical passing categories. Last year, Manning surpassed
Favre for the most touchdown passes in league history. Brady is now the NFL’s all-time playoff leader in wins, completions,
touchdown passes and passing yards.
Here’s a look at the career regular-season and postseason totals of Brady and Manning and where they rank all-time:
Following his prolific 2013 campaign in which he set single-season records for passing yards and
touchdowns, Manning led Denver to a 12-4 record and an AFC West title in 2014, passing for
4,727 yards with 39 touchdowns. In Week 7 against San Francisco, Manning eclipsed BRETT
FAVRE (508) for the most touchdown passes in NFL history.
“It’s amazing what he’s done – but then again, it’s not,” says Favre. “I mean that with all due
respect, because of his vigilance and determination. Peyton just has the drive to excellence that
has made him special. I’m not surprised by anything he does.”
Manning, who is entering his 18th season, is the NFL’s all-time leader in career
touchdown passes (530) and ranks second in career passing yards (69,691) and
completions (5,927).
“He’s very smart,” says New England Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK
about Manning. “He has a great understanding of concepts and timing, game
management, clock management, situational football – third down, red zone –
great utilization of the field from sideline-to-sideline and attacking the deep part
of the field, very accurate, great decision-maker, quick release. I don’t think there
are any weaknesses in his game.”
Manning needs 2,148 yards and 374 completions in 2015 to surpass Favre (71,838 yards; 6,300 completions) as the all-time
leader in both categories.
MOST PASSING YARDS MOST COMPLETIONS MOST TD PASSES
Brett Favre 71,838 Brett Favre 6,300 Peyton Manning 530*
Peyton Manning 69,691* Peyton Manning 5,927* Brett Favre 508
Dan Marino 61,361 Dan Marino 4,967 Dan Marino 420
Drew Brees 56,033* Drew Brees 4,937* Drew Brees 396*
Tom Brady 53,258* Tom Brady 4,551* Tom Brady 392*
*Active *Active *Active
Manning (14) also owns the record for the most 4,000-yard passing seasons in NFL history.
“He just goes way beyond what the normal person would,” says Dungy. “He’s chasing perfection.”
MOST ASSOCIATED PRESS NFL MVP AWARDS
Peyton Manning 5*
Brett Favre 3
Tom Brady 2*
Joe Montana 2
Aaron Rodgers 2*
Johnny Unitas 2
Kurt Warner 2
Steve Young 2
*Active
TOM BRADY: IN RARE COMPANY
Last season, Pro Bowl quarterback TOM BRADY guided the New England Patriots to the franchise’s fourth Super Bowl title in the
past 14 years and became the first starting quarterback in NFL history to win 12 division championships.
“Tom has meant a lot to us since he’s been here,” says Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK, who has
combined with Brady for the most regular-season wins (160) by a quarterback-head coach duo in NFL
history. “He started winning playoff games the first year he really got a chance to participate in them. Tom
is a great competitor. He’s our leader and we all follow him, we all respect him. There’s no quarterback I’d
rather have than Tom Brady.”
Brady capped off another standout season with an MVP performance in Super Bowl XLIX against the
defending champion Seattle Seahawks, passing for 328 yards and four touchdowns. Brady (XXXVI,
XXXVIII and XLIX) joined Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA (XVI, XIX and XXIV) as the only
players in NFL history to win three Super Bowl MVP Awards.
Brady, a two-time NFL MVP, has a 160-47 (.773) career regular-season record, the best winning
percentage of any NFL quarterback in the Super Bowl era with at least 100 starts. Brady’s 160
career regular-season wins are the third-most among starting quarterbacks in NFL history.
“Quarterbacking is artwork and Tom Brady is the ultimate artist,” says Pro Football Hall of Fame
quarterback STEVE YOUNG.
Brady’s star has always shined the brightest during the playoffs. He is the all-time postseason
leader in career completions (683), touchdowns (53), passing yards (7,345) and wins by a starting
quarterback (21).
The starting quarterbacks with the most playoff wins in NFL history:
Brady, who ranks fifth in NFL history with 392 career touchdown passes, approaches his 16th season with the same determination
as when he entered the league as a sixth-round selection in the 2000 NFL Draft. In 2015, Brady and DREW BREES (396) can join
PEYTON MANNING (530), BRETT FAVRE (508) and Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (420) as the only players in NFL
history with 400 career touchdown passes.
“He’s so special,” says Seattle head coach PETE CARROLL about Wilson. “He’s just a
tremendous competitor. And he’s going to keep going. There are records this guy is going to
continue to knock off.”
Wilson, who has been selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first three years in the league,
has 36 regular-season wins, six playoff victories and 42 total wins – all are the most by a
starting quarterback in his first three NFL seasons during the Super Bowl era. He passed
Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO and MATT RYAN (33) for the most regular-
season wins by a starting quarterback in his first three seasons during the Super Bowl era.
“The only thing I really care about is winning,” says Wilson. “Whatever it takes to figure out a way to help our team win. That’s my
ultimate goal.”
Wilson’s 22 regular-season home victories are the most in the Super Bowl era in a quarterback’s
first three seasons as he passed Ryan (20). Wilson won 20 of his first 22 career starts at home,
tied for the fewest starts needed to reach 20 regular-season wins at home by a quarterback who
began his career in the Super Bowl era.
“I keep trusting every time that I’ll have success and keep believing that it’s going to happen in the
right way for me,” says Wilson.
Last year, Wilson led the Seahawks to a 12-4 regular-season record and has guided the team to a
double-digit win total in all three seasons. He completed 285 of 452 passes (63.1 percent) for a
career-high 3,475 yards with 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions for a 95.0 passer rating. He
also added 849 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, both career bests.
In 2014, Wilson became the first player in NFL history to have at least 300 passing yards (313) and 100 rushing yards (106) in a
single game when he accomplished the feat in Week 7 against St. Louis. He also passed for 339 yards and rushed for 88 yards in
a Week 16 victory over Arizona, becoming the first player in league annals to record two different games with at least 300 passing
yards and 85 rushing yards in the same season.
WEEK OPPONENT PASS YARDS PASS TDs RUSH YARDS RUSH TDs
7 at St. Louis 313 2 106 1
16 at Arizona 339 2 88 1
“I think a great leader is consistent every day,” says Wilson. “That’s how I try to be in terms of my work ethic on and off the field
and being the first one in and the last one to leave. It’s the same thing every day. My job in playing football is to help the other 10
guys in the huddle get better. If I can do that, if I can help facilitate getting the ball to the right guy at the right time, I’m doing my
job.”
DREW BREES: COOL BREES
New Orleans Pro Bowl quarterback DREW BREES tied for the NFL lead with 4,952 passing yards last year, the fifth time in his
career leading the league in the category. That is tied with Pro Football Hall of Famers SONNY JURGENSEN and DAN MARINO
for the most seasons leading the NFL in passing yards in league history.
With 56,033 career passing yards, Brees now ranks fourth on the NFL’s all-time list.
Brees has passed for 43,685 yards in his nine seasons since joining New Orleans in 2006. He is one of seven quarterbacks in
NFL history to pass for at least 40,000 yards with one franchise. Brees, who reached the 40,000-yard mark in his 132nd game
with the Saints, is the fastest quarterback to pass for 40,000 yards with one team, surpassing Marino (153).
“I love this game and I want to play it for as long as I can,” says Brees. “When all is said and
done, we can look back and talk about records, but for now, it’s about winning. It’s about trying to
find a way to win a championship. I want to be the best decision-maker I can be, the most
efficient quarterback that I can be and the best leader that I can be.”
In Week 13, Brees threw five touchdown passes without an interception, his seventh career
game with at least five passing touchdowns and no interceptions. That is the most in NFL
history.
“I obviously take a lot of pride in what I do on the football field, because that has the ability to
influence a lot of people,” says Brees. “That puts smiles on people’s faces. That gives people a
pep in their step on Monday morning when they go back to work. That does so much for the city.
We have the greatest fans in the world. There’s no doubt about that. Each and every day I think
about what can I do to make my team and my city better. That’s my mentality.”
Brees threw 33 touchdown passes in 2014, extending his NFL-record streak to seven consecutive seasons with at least 30
touchdown passes. BRETT FAVRE (1994-98 with Green Bay) is the only other player to have five such seasons in a row.
Luck also led the league with 40 touchdown passes in 2014 and became the eighth player in NFL history with at least 40 TD
passes in a season. He now has 86 career touchdown passes, which ranks second only to Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN
MARINO (98) for the most in a player’s first three years.
“Overall, Andrew Luck is everything as advertised when he came out of Stanford,” says former NFL
quarterback and CBS Sports’ NFL TODAY analyst BOOMER ESIASON. “A can’t-miss player. If
you ask any one of his teammates or coaches, he is the quintessential guy you want leading your
franchise.”
Luck, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, is also no stranger to comebacks. He has
orchestrated 11 game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in his young career. Only
MATT RYAN (13) had more such drives in the first three seasons of an NFL career since the 1970
merger.
“He just wills this team to victory,” says Colts head coach CHUCK PAGANO about Luck. “He’s
unbelievable. He’s able to stick to the process. It doesn’t matter what the score is, what the
situation is, the guy just finds a way to make plays, finds a way to get out of the pocket, finds a way
to extend. Obviously the guys believe in him. We can jump on his shoulders, jump on his back.
We’re very, very fortunate that we have him.”
A few of the rising stars at quarterback who were drafted since 2012:
QUARTERBACK, TEAM QUOTABLE
Blake Bortles, Jacksonville “He’s done a nice job. He’s been really efficient. He does a good job with our system. He’s
handling himself really well, has good poise and is strongly competitive. He’s everything we
hoped for as far as mentality and competitiveness. The team really gravitates toward him.”
– Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley
Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota “It’s pretty incredible what Teddy has done. What he’s really done is make everyone around
him better. The thing that excites me is he can make any throw you need him to make. He
knows how to play football. He’s got the intangibles you need and he is going to continue to
get better and better.” – Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Norv Turner
Derek Carr, Oakland “I just love the way he has taken control of that football team. He looks like he is in complete
control. As a leader, he doesn’t look like he is pressing at all. He has very good command.
He’s much more athletic than people realize, and he has a cannon. I like the way he
competes from the start to the end of the game.” – ESPN analyst and former NFL head
coach Jon Gruden
Nick Foles, St. Louis “Nick Foles is one of the best passers I’ve seen. He is special. He’s big and he can throw.
His throwing motion, throwing on the move, reminds me of Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay.
This guy is good.” – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath
Robert Griffin III, Washington “I think he has the total package you look for in a quarterback. If you’re going to create a
quarterback, I think it’d look like Griffin. I want a guy that can run 4.4, 4.3. I want a guy that
can throw it far. I want a guy that can scramble in the pocket. I want a guy that’s smart
enough to handle this, this and this. That’s what you want.” – Washington Redskins head
coach Jay Gruden
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis “Everything is impressive about Luck every time he plays. It starts with vision, his ability to
see the whole field. He has good arm strength and accuracy at all levels of the field – short,
deep and medium. He’s a strong, big, physical player. This is the best young quarterback
that I’ve ever seen.” – NFL Network analyst Charley Casserly
Ryan Tannehill, Miami “The biggest thing that I’ve been excited about is I’ve seen the development with Ryan over
the years and I think he has great potential. This guy is a pro. Football is important to him.
The game is important to him. I think he is going to get better, better and better.” – Miami
Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin
Russell Wilson, Seattle “He’s an incredible competitor in every way. In preparation, in game day, he’s the epitome of
what you want in your competitor. He’s got tremendous work habits. He’s got extraordinary
athleticism. He’s got a general all-around savvy that allows him to make great decisions
under pressure. He’s extremely confident too, so no matter what is going on, he’s not going
to waver in his focus and ability to handle things. He’s just been a blast to coach and been a
great team member.” – Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll
J.J. WATT: TURN DOWN FOR WATT
Houston Texans defensive end J.J. WATT, who was named the 2014 NFL Defensive Player of
the Year, was nothing short of dominant in 2014.
“When he lines up inside, he reminds me of HOWIE LONG,” says CBS Sports analyst and
former head coach BILL COWHER. “When he lines up outside, he reminds me of BRUCE
SMITH. But he’s a modern-day REGGIE WHITE because they put him places and make it
difficult to block him.”
Watt’s historic season included big plays on both offense and defense, as he ranked second in
the NFL with 20.5 sacks and became the first player in NFL history with at least three offensive
touchdowns, two touchdowns on takeaways and a safety in the same season.
“I can’t compare J.J. to anybody because he’s so long, he’s so explosive,” says Texans head
coach BILL O’BRIEN. “The thing that sets him apart is that he has a relentless way of playing.
He disrupts the game in a lot of different ways.”
Since being selected in the first round by Houston in the 2011 NFL Draft, Watt leads all players with 57 sacks, which is the third-
most of any player in his first four seasons since sacks became an official statistic in 1982. Only Pro Football Hall of Famers
Reggie White (70) and DERRICK THOMAS (58) posted more sacks in their first four seasons during that span.
The players with the most sacks in their first four seasons since 1982:
Watt, who also posted 20.5 sacks in 2012, is the only NFL player with multiple 20-sacks seasons since
1982.
“He combines elite-level strength with elite-level quickness and an elite-level first move with elite-level
counter moves,” says ESPN analyst and former NFL guard MARK SCHLERETH. “When you’re playing
against a guy like that, he’s got so many things he can get you with that it makes it incredibly difficult to
prepare and plan for. You look at it and, quite frankly, he’s like this perfect football player.”
The players with at least 20 sacks in a season since the statistic became official in 1982:
“DeMarco Murray is tough for any defense to stop,” says Pro Football Hall of Famer and current NFL Network analyst MICHAEL
IRVIN. “He isn’t running around anybody. He is running through you. You have to put all of your guys on the line of scrimmage to
stop him.”
Murray also became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards in each of his team’s first eight games to start a
season, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer JIM BROWN, who had six 100-yard rushing games to open the 1958 season.
When Murray suits up for Philadelphia in 2015, it will mark the first time since 1965 that the league’s leading rusher started the
next season on a new team. Buffalo running back COOKIE GILCHRIST led the AFL in rushing in 1964 with the Bills and then
began the next season with the Denver Broncos.
COOKIE GILCHRIST
YEAR TEAM RUSHING YARDS RANK
1964 Buffalo Bills 981 1st
1965 Denver Broncos 954 3rd
DE MARCO MURRAY
YEAR TEAM RUSHING YARDS RANK
2014 Dallas Cowboys 1,845 1st
2015 Philadelphia Eagles ?? ??
“I think Murray can have huge success in Philly,” says Irvin. “The Eagles are going to line DeMarco up and hand him the ball.
Defenses do not understand yet what just happened when you add him to that offense.”
CALVIN JOHNSON: MEGATRON SHINES
Detroit Lions Pro Bowl wide receiver CALVIN JOHNSON recorded his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard
season last year as he had 71 catches for 1,077 yards with eight touchdowns in 13 games.
“He’s the best in the league and he will continue to be the best until he’s done,” says New York Jets
All-Star cornerback DARRELLE REVIS.
Johnson had five 100-yard receiving games in 2014 and has 44 such performances in his career, the
second-most in a player’s first eight NFL seasons. Only RANDY MOSS (45) has recorded more.
“Without a doubt, he’s the best receiver in the league right now,” says Pro Football Hall of Fame wide
receiver JERRY RICE about Johnson. “He’s a complete player.”
In his career, Johnson has 10,405 receiving yards and he became the fastest player in NFL history to reach 10,000 receiving
yards (115 games). He surpassed the previous mark held by TORRY HOLT (116).
“To me, Calvin’s still the best in the game,” says Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver CRIS
CARTER. “He works hard. He’s a great kid. He’s got it figured out.”
On Thanksgiving Day, Johnson had 11 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns. With his two
scores, Johnson passed CLOYCE BOX (seven) for the most career touchdown receptions on
Thanksgiving with eight.
“I can’t say enough about Calvin,” says Detroit Pro Bowl quarterback MATTHEW STAFFORD.
“The guy is unreal. I love having him as a teammate. I love throwing the ball to him. He just sets a
great standard for all the guys on our team and everybody in this league.”
Johnson enters 2015 with five career 200-yard receiving games, tied with Pro Football Hall of
Famer LANCE ALWORTH for the most in NFL history.
Through his first eight seasons, Johnson has 10,405 receiving yards in 119 games for an average of 87.4 receiving yards per
game. That currently is the highest mark in NFL history (minimum 100 games).
“He is very driven to prove that he is among the elite guys at his position right now,” says Steelers
offensive coordinator TODD HALEY about Brown, who also led the NFL with a single-season
franchise-record 1,698 receiving yards. “I think from a big-picture standpoint, he is one that they
will talk about for a long time.”
Brown, who ranked second in the league in 2013 with 110 catches, is one of four players in NFL history with back-to-back 110-
catch seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers JERRY RICE (1994-95) and CRIS CARTER (1994-95) and WES WELKER
(2007-09, 2011-12).
“A.B. is one of the best receivers in the league,” says Pittsburgh quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER. “He does a little bit of
everything. He plays big all the time.”
“It really means everything,” says Beckham about being honored as the NFL’s best offensive rookie. “To see my mom and dad
tearing up and the smiles on their faces and knowing I made them proud, it’s something that can never be taken away from me.”
After missing the first four games, Beckham amassed 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games. His 91
receptions and 1,305 receiving yards are the most by a player in his first 12 games to begin a career in NFL history.
“He’s an outstanding young player with a bright career and future,” says Giants head coach TOM COUGHLIN about Beckham.
“As he’s learning, you can only anticipate bigger and better things.”
Starting in Week 9, Beckham has recorded at least 90 receiving yards in nine consecutive
games (active streak) and is tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer MICHAEL IRVIN (1995) for
the longest such streak in NFL history.
Beckham had four games with at least 10 catches, the most such performances by a rookie in
league annals.
In Week 15 against Washington, Beckham had 12 catches for 143 yards and three
touchdowns, becoming the first rookie in NFL history with at least 12 catches, 140 receiving
yards and three touchdown catches in a single game.
“Odell makes lots of big plays for us,” says Giants quarterback ELI MANNING. “Any time a young guy can come in and be a threat
that other teams have to game plan for, it helps our team win. He has a big impact on the whole offense and us winning games.”
Beckham was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month in both November and December.
“It means a lot,” says Beckham about the honors. “I’ve been through a lot and put in a lot of hard work. I’ve gotten some
opportunities to make some plays and I appreciate winning these awards.”
In November, he led the NFL with 593 receiving yards and became the first rookie in league history with at least 90 receiving
yards in five games in a calendar month.
Beckham followed up that month with a December to remember as he led the league in receptions (43), receiving yards (606) and
touchdown catches (seven). His 606 receiving yards are the most by a rookie in any calendar month in NFL history and, combined
with his 593 yards in November, Beckham became the only rookie ever to record at least 500 receiving yards in consecutive
months.
In each of the final six weeks of the season, Beckham led all players in receiving yards which is the longest such streak by a
rookie in NFL history.
After one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history, Beckham knows what his goal is for 2015.
“I think it’s the same as everyone else’s which is to win a Super Bowl,” he says. “That’s what you come here to do, win games and
win a Super Bowl.”
ROOKIES EXCELLED IN 2014
2014 continued a strong NFL trend of standout rookie play, with a historically productive group of first-year wide receivers leading
the way.
Last season featured an NFL-record three rookies with at least 1,000 receiving yards – ODELL
BECKHAM, JR. (1,305) of the New York Giants, MIKE EVANS (1,051) (left) of the Tampa Bay
Buccaneers and KELVIN BENJAMIN (1,008) (below right) of the Carolina Panthers.
Despite playing in only 12 games, Beckham had 91 receptions for 1,305 yards, the most in a player’s
first 12 games to begin a career in NFL history. Beckham, the 2014 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year,
joined Pro Football Hall of Famer MICHAEL IRVIN (1995) as the only players in NFL history to have at
least 90 receiving yards in nine consecutive games and posted 606 receiving yards in the month of
December, the most by a rookie in any calendar month in league annals.
Evans had 12 receiving touchdowns, the most by any player in a single season in franchise history
(rookies and veterans). Beckham and Evans became the first pair of rookies in NFL history with at least
10 touchdown catches in the same season.
Several other standouts also set franchise rookie records, including Carolina’s Benjamin (73 receptions
for 1,008 yards and nine TD catches), Buffalo’s SAMMY WATKINS (65 catches, 982 yards) (below left)
and Miami’s JARVIS LANDRY (84 catches).
It was indeed a banner year for rookie pass catchers, but there were impressive performances by the
2014 class of NFL rookies in all phases of the game – offense, defense and special teams.
Beckham was among five outstanding rookies to earn a Pro Bowl selection in 2014, along with St.
Louis defensive tackle AARON DONALD, Dallas guard ZACK MARTIN, Baltimore linebacker C.J.
MOSLEY and Philadelphia kicker CODY PARKEY, who set an NFL rookie record for points (150).
Below are just a few of the notable accomplishments by the NFL’s 2014 rookie class:
Minnesota QB TEDDY BRIDGEWATER set a franchise rookie record with an 85.2 passer rating,
surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer FRAN TARKENTON (74.7).
Oakland QB DEREK CARR led all NFL rookies in pass attempts (599), completions (348), passing
yards (3,270) and passing touchdowns (21), setting franchise rookie records in each category.
Cincinnati RB JEREMY HILL led NFL rookies in rushing yards (1,124) and rushing touchdowns
(nine) and he joined Pro Football Hall of Famers ERIC DICKERSON (five in 1983) and CURTIS
MARTIN (four in 1995) as the only rookies with at least four 140-yard rushing games.
Cleveland RBs ISAIAH CROWELL (607) and TERRANCE WEST (673) became the first rookies in
franchise history to run for at least 500 yards apiece in the same season.
Baltimore LB C.J. MOSLEY led all NFL rookies with 129 tackles and is the first Ravens rookie to
lead the team in tackles since RAY LEWIS in 1996.
Oakland LB KHALIL MACK (right) became the third rookie linebacker in franchise history to start all
16 games (REGGIE MC KENZIE in 1985; MATT MILLEN in 1980).
Arizona K CHANDLER CATANZARO scored 114 points, the most by a rookie in franchise history.
The seasons with at least four players to record 1,500+ receiving yards in NFL history:
Brown (129), Thomas (111) and Jones (104) were the top three in the league in receptions last season. Brown’s 129 receptions
were the second-most in a season in NFL history (MARVIN HARRISON, 143 in 2002) and it marked the first time a Steeler led the
NFL in receptions.
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver JULIO JONES (left), who led the NFC in receptions (104) and receiving
yards (1,593) last season, had a league-best 31 receptions of 20 yards or more and is regarded as one
of the premier playmakers in the game today.
“Julio is as good as he’s ever been, if not better,” says Falcons quarterback MATT RYAN. “Defenses
are going to have certain ways that they’re going to try and stop him. But we feel like any time he gets
in that one-on-one situation, that’s a win for us.”
Last season, Denver Broncos wide receiver DEMARYIUS THOMAS (right) was targeted 184
times to lead all receivers. Thomas had 111 receptions, finishing two shy of Denver’s single-
season franchise record (ROD SMITH, 113).
“When he’s doing what he can do, that’s tough for any defense,” says fellow Broncos wide
receiver EMMANUEL SANDERS. “We have a lot of guys who can make plays and we’ve got
one of the greatest quarterbacks (PEYTON MANNING) of all time. So when Demaryius has it
going, people can’t cover him with one guy. And if they do, it’s going to be a long day.”
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver ANTONIO BROWN was targeted 181 times and set
franchise records for receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,698) in 2014.
Since 2013, Brown has been targeted a league-high 347 times and leads the NFL in receptions (239) and receiving yards (3,197)
over that span as well.
In the past five seasons, Detroit Lions wide receiver CALVIN JOHNSON’s 784 targets are the most in the league. Johnson also
leads the NFL during that span with 7,334 receiving yards and is tied with Atlanta’s RODDY WHITE for the most receptions with
450.
The most targeted receivers over the past five seasons (since 2010):
On his way to recording the second-most receptions in a single season in NFL history (129),
Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl wide receiver ANTONIO BROWN (left) led all receivers on third down
with 28 first-down catches.
“The sky is the limit for him,” says Pittsburgh quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER about Brown.
“He has come along as a number-one guy in those crucial, game-changing situations.”
The receivers with the most first-down receptions on third down in 2014:
“You want yards after the catch,” says Kansas City Chiefs head coach ANDY REID. “That’s especially important in the short and
intermediate game.”
Detroit Lions wide receiver GOLDEN TATE (right) led all wide receivers with 720 yards after the catch last
season and ranked third in the NFC with 1,331 receiving yards.
“One thing I’ve always taken pride in is getting those yards after the catch and the yards after the first
touch,” says Tate. “I’m always trying out my jukes to see what works and what doesn’t. I’m a pretty fast-
twitch guy so I can read body language to figure out what I’m going to do. I don’t really ever plan what I’m
going to do, it just always happens.”
Tate led Detroit in receptions (99) and receiving yards (1,331) in his first season with the team. Lions head
coach JIM CALDWELL says Tate’s quickness and ability to break tackles are things the club noticed.
“There’s quickness,” says Caldwell about Tate. “Obviously it’s something that jumps out at you right away. He’s quicker than the
norm. He’s a guy that can avoid tackles and he has a great awareness about him.”
Denver Broncos wide receiver DEMARYIUS THOMAS was among the league’s best in racking up yards after the catch for the
third consecutive season. Thomas ranked fourth last year with 680 yards after the catch. In 2013, he led the NFL with 718 yards
after the catch after ranking third (561) in 2012.
“My thing is yards after the catch,” says Thomas. “I can say it’s one of my favorite things to do on the football field.”
Broncos quarterback PEYTON MANNING knows Thomas can pile up yards in a hurry.
“He can run by fast corners and he also catches the short pass and can turn on the jets,” says Manning about Thomas. “He’s an
angry runner. When he has the ball in his hands, he’s looking to score.”
The players with the most yards after the catch in 2014:
PLAYER TEAM YAC REC YARDS AVG TD
Le’Veon Bell Pittsburgh 841 83 854 10.3 3
Matt Forté Chicago 837 102 808 7.9 4
Golden Tate Detroit 720 99 1,331 13.4 4
Demaryius Thomas Denver 680 111 1,619 14.6 11
Antonio Brown Pittsburgh 632 129 1,698 13.2 13
CLUTCH PERFORMERS
Many NFL games are decided in the fourth quarter. The difference between a win and a loss can come down to a clutch
performer. Some of the most memorable moments in NFL history have taken place with the game on the line.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER (left) embraces the opportunity to respond
under pressure. Last year, Roethlisberger posted an NFL-best 114.7 passer rating in the fourth quarter,
throwing for 1,430 yards with 11 touchdowns and just one interception.
“I am around him every day and see the special things he does,” says Steelers quarterbacks coach
RANDY FICHTNER. “To me, he is a Hall of Famer, and you don’t see those very often.”
Green Bay Packers quarterback AARON RODGERS also shines during crunch time. In 2014, Rodgers
posted a rating of 106.6 in the fourth quarter and led the Packers to the NFC Championship Game for the
first time since 2010 when Green Bay went on to win Super Bowl XLV.
“I’m very proud of Aaron,” says Packers head coach MIKE MC CARTHY. “He’s at the point in his career now that it seems like
every week or every other week he’s breaking a record. He is just a special player.”
The quarterbacks with the highest fourth-quarter passer rating in 2014 (minimum 80 attempts):
PLAYER TEAM COMP ATT PCT YARDS TD INT 4TH QUARTER RATING
Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh 107 161 66.5 1,430 11 1 114.7
Cam Newton Carolina 59 96 61.5 794 9 2 110.3
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay 64 96 66.7 769 7 2 106.6
Kyle Orton Buffalo 79 128 61.7 1,010 8 1 104.0
Drew Brees New Orleans 123 184 66.8 1,297 11 3 100.3
DOUBLE TROUBLE RUNNING BACKS
They seem to be all over the league. Guys like DE MARCO MURRAY, EDDIE LACY, JAMAAL
CHARLES and others. Those running backs that can hurt you two ways: rushing… or catching…
the ball.
Double-threat running backs not only force defenses to be ready for anything, but they allow
offenses to keep their best playmakers on the field in any situation.
“If you get a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield, it’s very advantageous to your
offense,” says Chicago Bears running back MATT FORTÉ (left), who set the NFL single-season
record for catches by a running back (102) in 2014. “You can hand him the ball and he’s effective
between the tackles and outside the ends. Also, he can protect the quarterback on passing downs,
or split out as a receiver to catch the ball.”
More and more offenses are relying on these dual-threat runners to keep the chains moving. Six running backs gained more than
1,000 rushing yards while registering at least 40 catches in 2014.
The six NFL running backs that gained 1,000 rushing yards and caught 40 passes in 2014:
RUSH
PLAYER, 2014 TEAM YARDS REC. QUOTABLE
DeMarco Murray, Dallas 1,845 57 “He is really special. He’s got enough speed to run around you, runs through
(Now with Philadelphia) tackles and runs inside very well. He’s good on the perimeter and gets the
ball in the passing game too. He’s got extraordinary running ability and sense.
He’s a great running back.”
– Seattle head coach Pete Carroll
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh 1,361 83 “He’s exceptional. To me, he’s one of the best backs at his ability to change
speeds. He can go from zero to 60 in a hurry. That’s been his style, and it’s
one of the reasons that he’s as good as he is. He can make you miss. He can
run you over, but he’s a true dual threat. He gets the ball on screens and even
check-downs.”
– Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine
Justin Forsett, Baltimore 1,266 44 “Forsett has really stepped up whether it’s catching the ball out of the
backfield or just being a home run hitter. He’s really had a lot of plays over 20
yards. He’s able to take advantage of the defense.”
– Pittsburgh DE Cameron Heyward
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay 1,139 42 “He’s such a talented guy. He can do so many things for us. If he’s not
running, he can still show up in the pass game and get yards for us and get
touchdowns. He’s got great hands. He does some good things with the ball
after he catches it.”
– Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers
Matt Forté, Chicago 1,038 102 “One of the best backs in the league. He’s certainly been an impressive guy
to watch, both in the passing game and in the running game. He breaks
tackles, has good quickness, good balance, good vision, excellent hands,
smart and aware in the passing game. He doesn’t just catch the ball well, but
he knows how to get open.”
– New England head coach Bill Belichick
Jamaal Charles, Kansas City 1,033 40 “He is a guy who does it all for us. You name it, he does it: run, catch, short-
yardage, goal line, two-minute drill. We ask a lot of him, and he puts in a lot of
time with his work ethic and takes it all on and does a great job with it.”
– Kansas City QB Alex Smith
With such a premium placed on keeping the quarterback out of harm’s way, it is no
surprise that teams have made it a priority to draft offensive tackles. Five offensive
tackles – BRANDON SCHERFF (No. 5, Washington) (left, with Commissioner
Goodell), ERECK FLOWERS (No. 9, New York Giants), ANDRUS PEAT (No. 13,
New Orleans), CEDRIC OGBUEHI (No. 21, Cincinnati) and D.J. HUMPHRIES (No.
24, Arizona) – were selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
“You win and you lose the games in the trenches,” says Arizona Cardinals general
manager STEVE KEIM, who selected tackle Humphries No. 24 overall. “When you put
an emphasis on the players up front, it creates balance for your offense with running
the football and being able to pass the ball and protect the quarterback and to be able
to create more explosive plays.”
In all, there have been 14 offensive tackles selected in the first round of the past three
NFL Drafts.
“We understand that there’s a premium on great offensive tackles,” says Washington Redskins head coach JAY GRUDEN about
selecting tackle Scherff No. 5 overall. “They’re hard to find nowadays, and when you have a chance to get one of his caliber, you
have to stand up and take him.”
The tackles selected in the first round of the past three NFL Drafts:
PLAYER TEAM DRAFT YEAR (PICK) PLAYER TEAM DRAFT YEAR (PICK)
Brandon Scherff Washington 2015 (5th overall) Taylor Lewan Tennessee 2014 (11th overall)
Ereck Flowers NY Giants 2015 (9th overall) Ja’Wuan James Miami 2014 (19th overall)
Andrus Peat New Orleans 2015 (13th overall) Eric Fisher Kansas City 2013 (1st overall)
Cedric Ogbuehi Cincinnati 2015 (21st overall) Luke Joeckel Jacksonville 2013 (2nd overall)
D.J. Humphries Arizona 2015 (24th overall) Lane Johnson Philadelphia 2013 (4th overall)
Greg Robinson St. Louis 2014 (2nd overall) D.J. Fluker San Diego 2013 (11th overall)
Jake Matthews Atlanta 2014 (6th overall) Justin Pugh NY Giants 2013 (19th overall)
DEVIN HESTER (below) recorded his 21st career return touchdown – including the postseason – in Week 3 with a 62-yard punt-
return TD for the Atlanta Falcons. Hester’s 21 career return touchdowns are the most by a player in NFL history.
“Hester has the perfect combination of skills for a returner,” says Baltimore Ravens
special teams coordinator JERRY ROSBURG. “He’s fast, and he has incredible
change-of-direction skills. He can run up and smell somebody’s breath and then
disappear. Every time you give him the ball, he’s a threat to take it to the house.”
The Eagles had a trio of kick and punt returners reach the end zone in 2014.
Philadelphia’s CHRIS POLK (102 yards, Week 3) and JOSH HUFF (107 yards, Week
12) both had 100+ yard kickoff-return touchdowns, making Philadelphia the first team
since the 1970 Green Bay Packers to have multiple players with a 100+ yard kickoff-
return touchdown in a season. DARREN SPROLES contributed with an 82-yard punt-
return touchdown in Week 4 and a 65-yard punt-return touchdown in Week 10 on
Monday Night Football.
“It’s the great returners that can see past the first wave of defenders,” says Miami wide receiver JARVIS LANDRY. “Sproles’
ability to hit it with speed, and he doesn’t hesitate at all, is unique. That’s what makes him a premier returner in this league.”
Houston Texans Pro Bowl defensive end J.J. WATT (left) caused havoc in the backfield
last season, leading the NFL in tackles for a loss (33) and finishing second in the league
with 20.5 sacks, tying his own franchise-record.
“He’s hard to block,” says Texans head coach BILL O’BRIEN about Watt, the 2014 NFL
Defensive Player of the Year. “He’s just a relentless player.”
Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl tackle JOE THOMAS admires Watt’s game.
“I wouldn’t say it’s hyperbole when you say he’s the best defensive player in the NFL
because I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody who plays like he does, as hard as he does,”
says Thomas. “I’ve never seen anybody as disruptive as he is. He’s unpredictable.”
“A lot of hard work,” says Pro Bowl running back ARIAN FOSTER, who was signed as an undrafted
free agent by the Houston Texans in 2009. “In life, sometimes things don’t go your way. You can take
two roads: you can fold, you can quit, or you can follow your heart and do what you know how to do.
That’s what I did.”
Miami defensive end CAMERON WAKE (left) was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dolphins
in 2009. Wake earned his fourth Pro Bowl bid after leading the Dolphins with 11.5 sacks last season.
“It’s hard to put into words from a guy like myself who – not only did I go undrafted – I got signed as a
free agent and got cut, and I sat out of football for a year,” says Wake. “So to go from that to being a
starter in the Pro Bowl, that took a lot of determination and a lot of discipline.”
Teammates C.J. ANDERSON and CHRIS HARRIS, JR. each signed as undrafted free agents with the Denver Broncos in 2013
and 2011, respectively. Both were selected to their first Pro Bowl last season.
“With me coming in undrafted, I had to do everything above and beyond everybody else, just to get noticed,” says Harris. “To be
selected by my peers, it just means a lot. It means they notice what I’m doing out there on the field.”
The 16 undrafted players who were named to the Pro Bowl last season:
Center MICK TINGELHOFF, a member of the 2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, is one of 16 Hall of Famers who was not
drafted. The former Nebraska product was signed by the Minnesota Vikings in 1962 and started all 240 regular season games of
his career, the most by an offensive lineman in NFL history.
“I never thought it would happen,” says Tingelhoff, “but here I am. It’s great.”
New England Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK found cornerback MALCOLM BUTLER out of West Alabama and signed
him as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Butler went on to make an interception in the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX against
Seattle to seal the victory for the Patriots.
Cornerback JUSTIN BETHEL (left) of the Arizona Cardinals, who was drafted by the club in the
sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Presbyterian, knew he had something to prove coming
from a small school.
“I definitely think that coming from a small school,” says Bethel, “it just gives you that little extra
edge to be willing to fight a little more.”
Bethel was selected to the 2015 Pro Bowl as a special teamer for the second time in his career and
Cardinals head coach BRUCE ARIANS believes Bethel’s hard work has paid off.
“The small-school guys that I’ve dealt with in the past have usually come in with a chip on their
shoulder,” says Arians. “You have to do everything it takes to win the job. That’s what got him here.
I think going to the Pro Bowl added some swagger to him.”
A sampling of some of the most productive and high-profile small-school stars in the NFL today:
Antoine Bethea Jahri Evans Chris Ivory Vincent Jackson Mike Tolbert
QUARTERBACKS OF THE FUTURE
The success of a team often hinges on the production of the quarterback.
“Everybody feeds off of what the quarterback can and cannot do,” says Pro Football Hall of Famer and ESPN NFL analyst STEVE
YOUNG. “The foundation of the game is really built off of responding to what the quarterback presents.”
GIL BRANDT, who oversaw the Dallas Cowboys’ personnel department for 29 years and currently shares his gridiron knowledge
as a senior analyst for NFL.com, sees plenty of quarterback talent on the horizon.
“The quarterbacks we see in college now are so much more developed passers than the quarterbacks we saw 25 years ago,
simply because teams are throwing the ball so much more at the high school and collegiate level,” says Brandt.
Following are Brandt’s choices for the top QBs in college today (listed alphabetically):
BRANDT’S HONORABLE MENTIONS: Brandon Allen, Arkansas; Jacoby Brissett, North Carolina State; Brandon Doughty,
Western Kentucky; Blake Frohnapfel, Massachusetts; Jared Goff, California; Cardale Jones, Ohio State; Nate Sudfeld,
Indiana.
The talent pool will only deepen with these five high school seniors, rated in order of talent by CBS Sports Network recruiting
expert TOM LEMMING:
QUARTERBACK HT/WT HIGH SCHOOL LEMMING’S ANALYSIS
Jacob Eason 6-5/215 Lake Stevens (WA) “He’s the No. 1 quarterback in the country. He’s got all of the
tools and is a super talent. He looks like Tom Brady looked
when he came out of high school.”
Jawon Pass 6-5/225 Carver (GA) “He looks just like Cam Newton did coming out of high school.
He looks like a power forward. He’s got great potential and
skill. He’s the real deal and has great talent.”
Feleipe Franks 6-6/205 Wakulla (FL) “I think he is fantastic. He’s got everything going for him. This
kid can run. He can throw the ball and throws a 93 mph
baseball pitch.”
Malik Henry 6-2/180 IMG Academy (FL) “He’s more of the read-option type quarterback. He can run. He
can throw. He does everything well.”
Brandon Peters 6-4/205 Avon (IN) “I really like him. He’s the best player in Indiana. He just
committed to Michigan and Jim Harbaugh. He’s a pro-style
guy.”
LEMMING’S HONORABLE MENTIONS: Jarrett Guarantano, Bergen Catholic (NJ); Dwayne Haskins, Jr., Bullis School (MD);
Austin Kendall, Cuthbertson (NC); Tylin Oden, Spring Hill (TN); Shea Patterson, Calvary (LA); Jake Zembiec, Aquinas (NY).
WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER TO WATCH?
In the NFL, there are great players all over the field. And there are certain guys who are so
mesmerizing to watch that fellow players can’t help but admire some of their toughest competition.
Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl wide receiver ANTONIO BROWN (right) was chosen multiple times by
players around the league who respect his ability to dominate, even when defenses focus on shutting
him down each week.
“He brings a lot of energy,” says Miami Dolphins running back LAMAR MILLER about Brown. “He
makes plays, so whenever he touches the ball you know there’s always excitement to see what he’s
going to be able to do. He’s a very exciting player to watch.”
Another popular choice was Seattle Seahawks All-Star running back MARSHAWN LYNCH (left), who
has scored 11 or more rushing touchdowns in each of the past four seasons.
“As a running back and just watching his running style, I love the way that he plays the game,” says
Indianapolis Colts running back DAN “BOOM” HERRON about Lynch. “He’s real physical and seems
to be a guy that just loves to win and make big plays and I think he does that.”
After wearing No. 4 in each of his first 11 NFL seasons, Cleveland Browns punter ANDY LEE (left) has
decided to make a change. Lee, who was traded from San Francisco to Cleveland this offseason, has
chosen to wear No. 8 in 2015. The number is representative of the number of days that Lee’s daughter,
Madelyn, lived before she passed away from post-birth complications in early February.
“I think sometimes, not necessarily by me and my wife, her life can get overlooked,” says Lee about his
daughter. “She was here, she was a person but nobody got to meet her, nobody got to see her. She was
really alive and really a person. It’s a way to honor her and kind of just give her some glory she deserves.”
A list of some of the sons who may be following in their father’s NFL footsteps for the first time this season:
SON 2015 NFL DRAFT RESULT NFL FATHER TEAM(S)
WR Dres Anderson 49ers, Free Agent WR Flipper Anderson Rams, Colts, Redskins, Broncos
WR Kenny Bell Buccaneers, Rd. 5 RB Ken Bell Broncos
CB Alex Carter Lions, Rd. 3 CB Tom Carter Redskins, Bears, Bengals
WR DaVaris Daniels Vikings, Free Agent DE Phillip Daniels Seahawks, Bears, Redskins
DE Mario Edwards, Jr. Raiders, Rd. 2 CB Mario Edwards Cowboys, Buccaneers
LB Bryce Hager Rams, Rd. 7 LB Britt Hager Eagles, Broncos, Rams
WR Josh Harper Raiders, Free Agent LB Willie Harper 49ers
LB Mike Hull Dolphins, Free Agent LB Tom Hull 49ers, Packers
T Andrus Peat Saints, Rd. 1 G Todd Peat Cardinals, Raiders
WR Breshad Perriman Ravens, Rd. 1 WR Brett Perriman Saints, Lions, Chiefs, Dolphins
TE Maxx Williams Ravens, Rd. 2 C Brian Williams Giants
Breshad Perriman (center) with family, Andrus Peat (center) with family,
including father Brett (far right) including father Todd (third from left)
Chicago Bears cornerback KYLE FULLER will have the opportunity to line up across the field from his brother, Detroit Lions wide
receiver COREY FULLER, in Weeks 8 and 17. Last season, the two brothers faced one another on Thanksgiving Day and again
in Week 16.
Other division rivalries will also have a family feel as brothers will face off against each other twice. Green Bay Packers linebacker
CLAY MATTHEWS will meet his brother, linebacker CASEY MATTHEWS, and the Minnesota Vikings in Weeks 11 and 17. And
in Weeks 2 and 10, brothers DUSTIN COLQUITT (Kansas City) and BRITTON COLQUITT (Denver), both punters, will play
against each other in AFC West clashes.
Last season, Tennessee Titans cornerback JASON MC COURTY had the chance to celebrate with his brother, New England
safety DEVIN MC COURTY, after the Patriots won Super Bowl XLIX. But this year, the two will square off against one another
when the Titans visit New England in Week 15.
For the second season in a row, Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle ARTHUR JONES will face his brother, New England Patriots
defensive end CHANDLER JONES, when the Colts host the Patriots in Week 6. The two brothers played in last year’s AFC
Championship Game.
Some of the notable 2015 NFL brothers, as well as when they play each other in the regular season:
Corey (left) and Kyle (right) Fuller Jason (left) and Devin (right) McCourty (with family)
MR. IRRELEVANT GOES TO NEWPORT BEACH
It seems as though everybody roots for the underdog, but former San Francisco 49ers wide
receiver PAUL SALATA actually decided to celebrate the underdog. In 1976, Salata founded
“Irrelevant Week,” a week-long celebration centered on “Mr. Irrelevant,” the tongue-in-cheek title
bestowed annually upon the last pick of the NFL Draft.
Each year in June, “Mr. Irrelevant” and his family are invited to spend a week in Newport Beach,
California where they are treated to activities such as a day at Disneyland and the Lowsman Trophy
Banquet (a parody of the Heisman Trophy) among other events.
This year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” is tight end GERALD CHRISTIAN (right), who was selected with the
256th pick by the Arizona Cardinals.
“I was the very last pick in the draft,” says Christian, who caught 60 passes for 810 yards and nine
touchdowns during his junior and senior seasons at Louisville. “So at the end of the day, it makes me
want to work harder. I’m ready to go play some football now and show people that ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ can be
very relevant.”
Christian hopes to contribute to his new team and the Arizona coaching staff plans to utilize him in a
number of different areas.
“I really love the way he plays,” says Cardinals head coach BRUCE ARIANS about Christian. “He’s going
to be a special-teams gem with his linebacker background. He’s a very good intermediate receiver. He
will fight hard for a roster spot because of his special-teams value.”
PETE CARROLL, Seattle, needs nine victories to reach 100 career victories. In nine seasons, Carroll has 91 career victories.
MIKE TOMLIN, Pittsburgh, needs 13 victories to reach 100 career victories. In eight seasons, Tomlin has 87 career victories.
SEAN PAYTON, New Orleans, needs 14 victories to reach 100 career victories. In nine seasons, Payton has 86 career victories.
LOVIE SMITH, Tampa Bay, needs 14 victories to reach 100 career victories. In 10 seasons, Smith has 86 career victories.
“Coach Belichick is the best coach that I’ve ever competed against,” says Denver Broncos quarterback
PEYTON MANNING. “His teams are always well-coached, always well-disciplined, and you know it’s
going to be a 60-minute fight. To me, that speaks to his coaching.”
Entering his 21st season as an NFL head coach, Belichick has amassed 233 wins, the fourth-most total victories by a head coach
in league history.
“I think we’re lucky to have the finest coach in the history of the modern game,” says Patriots owner ROBERT KRAFT. “I think he
has done an outstanding job.”
The head coaches with the most total wins in NFL history:
Steelers head coach MIKE TOMLIN (right), who became the youngest head
coach (36) in NFL history to win a Super Bowl when he led Pittsburgh to a
victory in Super Bowl XLIII, interned with the Cleveland Browns in the
summer of 2000 when he was the defensive backs coach at the University of
Cincinnati.
Tomlin is one of three current NFL head coaches – MARVIN LEWIS (Cincinnati, below left) and LOVIE
SMITH (Tampa Bay, below right) are the others – who are graduates of the program.
Smith, who interned with the Arizona Cardinals in 1988, is a huge endorser of the program.
“I had a terrific experience with the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship and I am a big believer in
what it can do for young college coaches who are searching for an avenue into our league,” says Smith. “As
a participant in the program, I learned so much about what goes into the coaching business on the
professional level. The experience and networking opportunities that I had during my time had a very big
impact on my career path. Now, as a head coach, I have had the opportunity to hire some very talented
coaches who participated in the program. I make it a point to ensure that our program offers those same
valuable learning opportunities that meant so much to me during my fellowship.”
Carolina Panthers head coach RON RIVERA knows the value of the program and serves on the Bill Walsh
NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship Advisory Council. The council is comprised of club presidents, general
managers, head coaches and assistant coaches, who focus on developing a pipeline of minority coaches,
including former NFL players pursuing opportunities in the coaching profession.
“The Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship is essential in creating opportunities,” says Rivera. “You
can see the benefits of the fellowship program on virtually every coaching staff in the league and the
education provided through the program has been invaluable in the development of many young coaches
who may not have received exposure to the NFL without it.”
The program has tutored more than 1,700 minority coaches through the years and has grown to the point that now every NFL
team participates during training camp.
Active NFL head coaches who are graduates of the Bill Walsh NFL Minority Coaching Fellowship:
Quinn joins the Falcons after spending the past two years (2013-14) as the defensive coordinator
of the Seattle Seahawks, who reached the Super Bowl in both of those seasons. Last year, Quinn’s
defense led the NFL in scoring defense (15.9), total defense (267.1 yards per game) and passing
defense (185.6), while ranking third in rushing defense (81.5). The Seahawks also boasted the
league’s top defensive unit in 2013, en route to a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.
Quinn originally joined Seattle in 2009 and left in 2011 to become the defensive coordinator at the
University of Florida where his defenses ranked in the top-10 in the country. Prior to joining Seattle
in 2009, he spent six years coaching the defensive lines for the San Francisco 49ers (2003-04),
Miami Dolphins (2005-06) and New York Jets (2007-08).
“Dan is a talented football coach who has a deep and diverse history in the game, which will serve
us well,” says Falcons Owner and Chairman ARTHUR BLANK. “It became clear that he has a
definitive plan for our football team and what it will take to win on a consistent basis. He also has a
proven ability to develop players by maximizing their individual strengths.”
The 44-year old Morristown, New Jersey native was a four-year letter winner and two-time co-captain at Division III Salisbury
State (MD) as a defensive lineman, where he recorded 139 tackles and eight tackles for loss. He also lettered in track and held
the school record in the hammer throw. He was inducted into the Salisbury State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
Ryan became the 18th head coach in franchise history on January 12. The 52-year old spent the
previous six seasons as the head coach for the New York Jets (2009-14). Ryan ranked third in
Jets’ history with 50 total wins (regular season and postseason) during his tenure in New York.
Ryan led the Jets to the postseason in his first two seasons with the franchise as the team
advanced to the AFC Championship Game in both years.
“He’s contagious,” says Bills general manager DOUG WHALEY. “He’s got a magnetic personality.
It’s a breath of fresh air. He’s got a personality that people gravitate to and you want to work for
him and you want him to succeed.”
Before joining the Jets in 2009, Ryan spent 10 seasons (1999-2008) as a member of the Baltimore
Ravens defensive coaching staff. In 2000, the Ravens’ defense allowed the fewest points in a 16-
game season in NFL history (165) and went on to win Super Bowl XXXV. Prior to his NFL career,
Ryan was a defensive coordinator in college at Oklahoma (1998) and Cincinnati (1996-97).
Rex’s twin brother, Rob, is currently the defensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints and their father, Buddy, was a defensive
coordinator and head coach in the NFL from 1968-1995. Rex played football at Southwestern Oklahoma State, where he earned
his bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1986. He also received a master’s degree in physical education at Eastern
Kentucky in 1988.
CHICAGO BEARS HEAD COACH JOHN FOX:
Fox joins Chicago with 13 years of NFL head coaching experience at Denver (2011-14) and Carolina
(2002-10). As an NFL head coach, Fox has a 119-89 (.572) regular-season record, six division titles, six
double-digit win seasons and seven playoff appearances. He won four consecutive division titles in
Denver and finished with a 46-18 (.719) regular-season record.
Fox, the 15th head coach in Bears’ history, has made two trips to the Super Bowl (XXXVIII with
Carolina in 2003 and XLVIII with Denver in 2013). He is one of six head coaches in NFL history to lead
two different teams to the Super Bowl, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers DON SHULA and BILL
PARCELLS, MIKE HOLMGREN, DAN REEVES and DICK VERMEIL.
“John Fox has great energy,” says Bears President and CEO TED PHILLIPS. “He’s got great passion.
He’s got great leadership skills. And he’s a winner. How do you beat that combination?”
A native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Fox played defensive back at Southwestern Junior College in Chula Vista, California (1974-
75) before transferring to San Diego State to finish his collegiate career.
Kubiak returns to the Denver Broncos after being named the 15th head coach in club history on January 19. The 22-year coaching
veteran was a backup quarterback for nine seasons (1983-91) with the Broncos and an offensive coordinator for 11 years (1995-
2005) with the club. Kubiak is back in Denver after spending eight years (2006-13) as the head coach of the Houston Texans and
one season as offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens (2014).
“Having coached on three Super Bowl teams and 11 playoff teams, Gary knows what it will take to
deliver another world championship to Denver,” says Broncos Executive Vice President of Football
Operations/General Manager JOHN ELWAY. “He knows the culture of this building. He’s a perfect fit.”
In his eight years as head coach with the Texans, Kubiak won 61 regular-season games and added
two playoff victories. He guided the Texans to a 10-6 record in 2011 and the club’s first AFC South
Division title, postseason berth and playoff win. In 2012, the club won a franchise-record 12 games
(12-4) and won its second consecutive division crown.
The former quarterback was drafted by the Broncos in the eighth round (No. 197 overall) of the 1983
NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, where he earned All-Southwest Conference honors as a senior in 1982
and received a degree in physical education.
Bowles returns to the New York Jets after beginning his NFL coaching career in 2000 as the team’s
defensive backs coach. Bowles previously coached in the NFL with Cleveland (2001-04), Dallas
(2005-07), Miami (2008-11), Philadelphia (2012) and Arizona (2013-14). Entering his 16th year in
the NFL, Bowles has learned a lot about the game from one of his mentors, Pro Football Hall of
Famer BILL PARCELLS. He worked under Parcells in 2000 with the Jets (Parcells was general
manager), Dallas in 2005-06 (Parcells was head coach) and Miami from 2008-10 (Parcells was
Executive VP of Football Operations).
“Todd is a natural leader,” says Jets Chairman and CEO WOODY JOHNSON. “The thing that really
impressed me about Todd when I met him was his intelligence and his ability to articulate his game
plan, putting people in the right positions and not just going in with one set formula. I was also
impressed with his ability to take a 3,000-foot look at offense, defense, special teams and all those
areas and how they interact to produce a winning team. I think he is going to relate to the players
very well.”
In 2013 and 2014, Bowles was the defensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals and the club allowed 19.5 points per game, the
fifth-fewest in the NFL during that span. Last season, Bowles’ defense allowed 18.7 points per game, the fifth-lowest total in the
NFL. The Cardinals also featured the No. 1 run defense under Bowles in 2013, allowing 84.4 rushing yards per game.
The former defensive back played eight seasons in the NFL with Washington (1986-90; 1992-93) and San Francisco (1991) and
was a starter for the 1987 Redskins’ Super Bowl XXII championship team. A native of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Bowles attended
Temple University where he was a four-year letterman (1982-85).
OAKLAND RAIDERS HEAD COACH JACK DEL RIO:
The Oakland Raiders named Jack Del Rio the 19th head coach in franchise history on January 15. Del Rio, who was raised in
nearby Hayward, California, brings 19 years of coaching experience to Oakland, including nine seasons as the head coach of the
Jacksonville Jaguars (2003-11).
“Jack Del Rio brings a strong leadership presence to this organization,” says Raiders general
manager REGGIE MC KENZIE. “He has developed an excellent reputation as a coach in this league
and we are happy that he is a Raider.”
His reputation has developed from being a member of coaching staffs under Pro Football Hall of
Famer MIKE DITKA, Super Bowl-winner BRIAN BILLICK and current Bears head coach JOHN
FOX. Del Rio began his coaching career with the New Orleans Saints under Ditka, serving as an
assistant strength coach in 1997 before moving on to coach the linebackers in 1998. He was the
linebackers coach in 2000 with the Baltimore Ravens and Billick, who went on to win Super Bowl
XXXV. The past three seasons (2012-14), Del Rio served as Fox’s defensive coordinator for the
Denver Broncos, where his defense ranked first in the AFC and third in the NFL in overall defense
(317.3 yards per game) during that span. He also served as the Broncos interim head coach (Weeks
10-13 in 2013) while Fox underwent a heart procedure.
A veteran of 11 seasons as an NFL linebacker, Del Rio was selected in the third round (No. 68 overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft by
New Orleans. He was a four-year starter at the University of Southern California, where he earned consensus All-American
honors as a senior and was runner-up for the Lombardi Award, given to the nation’s best lineman or linebacker.
Tomsula is the 19th head coach in club history and has coached 31 seasons of football at the high school, college and
professional levels since 1989. Tomsula has been with the 49ers for eight seasons (2007-14) after being named the club’s
defensive line coach in 2007. He also served as the team’s interim head coach for the final game of the 2010 season.
“Jim Tomsula clearly is the right man to lead this team,” says 49ers CEO JED YORK. “Jim is a great
teacher and a tremendous mentor who conducts himself with great class and integrity. He knows this
team very well.”
Since 2007, the 49ers’ defense ranks second in the league in rushing average against (3.72) and
fourth in rushing yards allowed per game (98.4). In 2011, San Francisco set an NFL record by not
allowing a rushing touchdown in the team’s first 14 games of the season. Tomsula joined the 49ers
after enjoying one of the most successful stints in NFL Europa (NFLE) history. Prior to being named
the head coach of the Rhein Fire in 2006, which made him the youngest head coach in NFLE history
at age 38, Tomsula served as the Berlin Thunder’s defensive coordinator for two seasons, winning
World Bowl XII in his first season with a defense that ranked first in the NFLE against the run.
Between NFL Europa seasons, Tomsula spent each fall as a member of Division II Catawba
College’s coaching staff, since coaching in the NFLE was not a year-round position.
Tomsula was a defensive lineman at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, after transferring
from Middle Tennessee State.
“UPON THE CONDUCT OF EACH DEPENDS THE FATE OF ALL”
Miami Dolphins head coach JOE PHILBIN has adopted Alexander the Great’s saying, “Upon the conduct of each depends the
fate of all,” as a reminder to his team that in order to be great, they must act the part.
“A lot of time has been spent on us getting into position to have a chance to compete for a championship, but we haven’t done it,”
says Philbin. “Acting the right way is one piece of the equation in getting to the Super Bowl.”
Many NFL teams post messages, goals or quotations throughout their facilities to establish a customized focus on the season.
The selection of inspiration can draw from the old school by quoting NFL greats or take on a voice of its own. The messages cover
everything from basic work ethic to philosophical mindsets.
A sampling of quotes that are used to inspire and motivate NFL teams:
Dallas Cowboys “It is a privilege, not a right, to play and to coach for the Dallas Cowboys”
“The first rule to getting better is to show up”
Kansas City Chiefs “Fear Nothing, Create Energy, Eliminate Distractions, Attack Everything”
Miami Dolphins “Upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all” – Alexander the Great
“Respect – earned, not given. Communicate.”
Minnesota Vikings “You don’t rise to the level of your competition, you rise to the level of your training”
“When you hold nothing back, nothing is out of reach”