dildilpak
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The sulking prodigal returns!
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The NFL Thread
- Thread starter Romali_rotti
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The sulking prodigal returns!
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The New England Patriots have released quarterback Cam Newton, paving the way for rookie Mac Jones to become the team's new starter under center.
Romali_rotti
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Aussie NFL star officially signs ‘off the charts’ deal
Jordan Mailata has officially signed the richest contract ever earned by an Australian in the NFL.
The 24-year-old former South Sydney Rabbitohs talent had been in a fight for the starting offensive tackle position at the Philadelphia Eagles — a battle that had a fortune riding on it.
Mailata won the battle and has also won a whopping four-year contract that could be worth up to $108 million ($USD80m) — if he meets performance bonus clauses.
As first reported by ESPN, the deal is worth USD$64 million with $40.85 million guaranteed.
It puts him near the top of the highest-earning Australian athletes right now.
“Excited to be here for another four years, representing this team and city,” Mailata said in a Twitter video posted by the Eagles.
“I can’t wait to keep representing my family and everything that I have in me. Give it to you guys to get this championship here. Remember, Go Birds, baby!”
Mailata had been in the final year of the $US2.5 million deal he signed when drafted by the Eagles in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft and was a free agent heading into the 2022-23 season.
Former NFL star Colin Scotts had told The Daily Telegraph in August Mailata could earn up to $20 million per season if he was able to convince the Eagles he was ready for the starting position.
He could end up earning $27 million per-season.
According to stats company PFF — which supplies data for NFL broadcasters and ESPN — Mailata is now the 12th highest-paid offensive tackle in the league.
“Philadelphia are ready for him to stand up and be their left tackle, which would be a major accomplishment,” he said.
Offensive tackles are signing up for $20m (a year). The money is off the charts.”
Mailata’s career took a huge step forward after he was declared the number one protector for Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts. Last month, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni revealed the Australian would be the starting left tackle this season, beating out former first-round pick Andrew Dillard for the role.
Mailata has spent four years with the Eagles honing his craft before eventually making his NFL debut off the bench last season. But the 24-year-old had to transform his monstrous 203cm frame to break into the side.
“When I first came here, I was still pretty small. I was 148kg, 150kg. They’re used to seeing players in the O-line with guts,” Mailata told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I am in kilograms, but I think I’m 155 to 160kg.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/au...l/news-story/6d97e4c9c213032ff9877b3cc6cf1c96
Congrats to my Fellow Aussie, so proud of this kid and even more happier he will be wearing Midnight green and play for my Eagles. FLY EAGLES FLY. Kid is an absolute beast at only 24, 6 feet 8 inches nearly 370 pounds.. Future looks Bright very Bright
Jordan Mailata has officially signed the richest contract ever earned by an Australian in the NFL.
The 24-year-old former South Sydney Rabbitohs talent had been in a fight for the starting offensive tackle position at the Philadelphia Eagles — a battle that had a fortune riding on it.
Mailata won the battle and has also won a whopping four-year contract that could be worth up to $108 million ($USD80m) — if he meets performance bonus clauses.
As first reported by ESPN, the deal is worth USD$64 million with $40.85 million guaranteed.
It puts him near the top of the highest-earning Australian athletes right now.
“Excited to be here for another four years, representing this team and city,” Mailata said in a Twitter video posted by the Eagles.
“I can’t wait to keep representing my family and everything that I have in me. Give it to you guys to get this championship here. Remember, Go Birds, baby!”
Mailata had been in the final year of the $US2.5 million deal he signed when drafted by the Eagles in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft and was a free agent heading into the 2022-23 season.
Former NFL star Colin Scotts had told The Daily Telegraph in August Mailata could earn up to $20 million per season if he was able to convince the Eagles he was ready for the starting position.
He could end up earning $27 million per-season.
According to stats company PFF — which supplies data for NFL broadcasters and ESPN — Mailata is now the 12th highest-paid offensive tackle in the league.
“Philadelphia are ready for him to stand up and be their left tackle, which would be a major accomplishment,” he said.
Offensive tackles are signing up for $20m (a year). The money is off the charts.”
Mailata’s career took a huge step forward after he was declared the number one protector for Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts. Last month, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni revealed the Australian would be the starting left tackle this season, beating out former first-round pick Andrew Dillard for the role.
Mailata has spent four years with the Eagles honing his craft before eventually making his NFL debut off the bench last season. But the 24-year-old had to transform his monstrous 203cm frame to break into the side.
“When I first came here, I was still pretty small. I was 148kg, 150kg. They’re used to seeing players in the O-line with guts,” Mailata told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“I’ll be honest, I don’t know what I am in kilograms, but I think I’m 155 to 160kg.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/au...l/news-story/6d97e4c9c213032ff9877b3cc6cf1c96
Congrats to my Fellow Aussie, so proud of this kid and even more happier he will be wearing Midnight green and play for my Eagles. FLY EAGLES FLY. Kid is an absolute beast at only 24, 6 feet 8 inches nearly 370 pounds.. Future looks Bright very Bright
Not the best of the wins but, well done in the end Niners.
The niggles are still hurting the team. Garoppalo is still very nervy at the start when comes to play in tough conditions.
Philadelphia defense is for real. I am impressed - especially the run defense. In a few years, they might have a shot at the SB. Jalen Hurts is impressive. I was pleasantly surprised by the 9ers secondary - entire secondary deserves the game ball. The secondary and run defense was awesome. I am hoping the curse of the last year injury woes won't repeat.
Garoppalo will need to step up the game to have another shot at the SB. He missed wide open receivers at multiple occasions. If not fir defense, he would have got benched. He will have a shot against packs at home to gain more confidence. I like the fact that now he has a sword hanging over his neck this time around.
Go Niners!
The niggles are still hurting the team. Garoppalo is still very nervy at the start when comes to play in tough conditions.
Philadelphia defense is for real. I am impressed - especially the run defense. In a few years, they might have a shot at the SB. Jalen Hurts is impressive. I was pleasantly surprised by the 9ers secondary - entire secondary deserves the game ball. The secondary and run defense was awesome. I am hoping the curse of the last year injury woes won't repeat.
Garoppalo will need to step up the game to have another shot at the SB. He missed wide open receivers at multiple occasions. If not fir defense, he would have got benched. He will have a shot against packs at home to gain more confidence. I like the fact that now he has a sword hanging over his neck this time around.
Go Niners!
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Aaron Jones caught three of four Aaron Rodgers touchdown passes and rushed for another score as and the Green Bay Packers beat the Detroit Lions 35-17 at Lambeau Field to respond to their opening week defeat to the New Orleans Saints.
Rodgers finished 22 of 27 passing for 255 yards and four touchdowns to follow up his scoreless, two-interception Week One encounter with Jameis Winston and the Saints as the Packers won their ninth straight home opener. In doing so he passed John Elway for 10th all-time in passing yards with 51,633 yards, putting him behind the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan.
Jones became the first Packers running back to haul in three touchdown passes in a game since Andy Uram against the Chicago Cardinals in 1942, rushing for 67 yards off 17 carries and making six catches for 48 yards.
Rodgers finished 22 of 27 passing for 255 yards and four touchdowns to follow up his scoreless, two-interception Week One encounter with Jameis Winston and the Saints as the Packers won their ninth straight home opener. In doing so he passed John Elway for 10th all-time in passing yards with 51,633 yards, putting him behind the Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan.
Jones became the first Packers running back to haul in three touchdown passes in a game since Andy Uram against the Chicago Cardinals in 1942, rushing for 67 yards off 17 carries and making six catches for 48 yards.
As expected, Garoppalo screwed things up again. When the going gets tough, his nerves take over. He will be best as a backup to Trey Lance. The sooner the Niners do it, the better. He does not have the stomach for big games.
49ers are lucky that this year, Seahawks are struggling more than Niners or else they would finish the last in the group. There is no way this 49ers team will be able to beat Rams or split with Cardinals unless they bring Lance in. The years when he had success with Niners were the years when Niners had healthy group of RBs - they have none this year. Good luck Niners with this QB.
49ers are lucky that this year, Seahawks are struggling more than Niners or else they would finish the last in the group. There is no way this 49ers team will be able to beat Rams or split with Cardinals unless they bring Lance in. The years when he had success with Niners were the years when Niners had healthy group of RBs - they have none this year. Good luck Niners with this QB.
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Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott threw for three touchdowns as he made an emotional return to the Cowboys' home ground after a career-threatening injury there almost a year ago.
Prescott, who broke and dislocated his ankle in October 2020, helped his side beat the Philadelphia Eagles 41-21.
He shed tears during the pre-game anthem before dominating the game.
"I am just thankful of everything I have been through to be back here doing what I am doing," the 28-year-old said.
"A couple of times [it got emotional]. During the warm-up, pre-game, and then the anthem. Then it was go time."
Prescott returned to action earlier this month after completing his rehabilitation but admitted before Monday's game that the first match back at the AT&T Stadium would be special.
He completed 21 of 26 passes for 238 yards while Ezekiel Elliott rushed for two scores to help the Cowboys move past the Eagles and go top of the NFC East division.
Trevon Diggs returned an interception for a touchdown, Dalton Schultz had six catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns, and Cedrick Wilson caught one touchdown pass in the win.
Prescott, who broke and dislocated his ankle in October 2020, helped his side beat the Philadelphia Eagles 41-21.
He shed tears during the pre-game anthem before dominating the game.
"I am just thankful of everything I have been through to be back here doing what I am doing," the 28-year-old said.
"A couple of times [it got emotional]. During the warm-up, pre-game, and then the anthem. Then it was go time."
Prescott returned to action earlier this month after completing his rehabilitation but admitted before Monday's game that the first match back at the AT&T Stadium would be special.
He completed 21 of 26 passes for 238 yards while Ezekiel Elliott rushed for two scores to help the Cowboys move past the Eagles and go top of the NFC East division.
Trevon Diggs returned an interception for a touchdown, Dalton Schultz had six catches for 80 yards and two touchdowns, and Cedrick Wilson caught one touchdown pass in the win.
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"This has got to be the most anticipated game in NFL history!"
Tom Brady's Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to New England on Sunday night to take on Bill Belichick's Patriots in Brady's first trip back to Foxborough since leaving in the 2020 offseason.
Tom Brady's Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to New England on Sunday night to take on Bill Belichick's Patriots in Brady's first trip back to Foxborough since leaving in the 2020 offseason.
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Tom Brady became the NFL's leading passer as he helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a 19-17 victory at his former side the New England Patriots.
The 44-year-old quarterback got the 68 yards he needed to pass the 80,358-yard milestone set by Drew Brees.
In all, Brady completed 22 of 43 passes for 269 yards in the win.
There was late drama as New England almost took the lead with 55 seconds left only for Nick Folk's 56-yard field goal to come back off the post.
NFL week four recap - Cardinals stay unbeaten, Chiefs hit back & Packers beat Steelers
Brady helped the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins during his time with them and was returning to his former home for the first time with Tampa, whom he helped to Super Bowl victory in February.
In an emotional return, the Patriots honoured Brady with a one-minute video of his highlights before the game.
"I am not tearing up," he said after the match at Foxborough. "I already went through all that. It was my home for 20 years. I have the best memories."
Brady threw no interceptions and now has 80,560 total passing yards.
"I can throw a little bit and I am glad I have had some great guys to catch it," added Brady.
"It's is pretty cool. Nothing in this sport can be accomplished without incredible team-mates. Guys did a great job catching the ball for 22 years."
The 44-year-old quarterback got the 68 yards he needed to pass the 80,358-yard milestone set by Drew Brees.
In all, Brady completed 22 of 43 passes for 269 yards in the win.
There was late drama as New England almost took the lead with 55 seconds left only for Nick Folk's 56-yard field goal to come back off the post.
NFL week four recap - Cardinals stay unbeaten, Chiefs hit back & Packers beat Steelers
Brady helped the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins during his time with them and was returning to his former home for the first time with Tampa, whom he helped to Super Bowl victory in February.
In an emotional return, the Patriots honoured Brady with a one-minute video of his highlights before the game.
"I am not tearing up," he said after the match at Foxborough. "I already went through all that. It was my home for 20 years. I have the best memories."
Brady threw no interceptions and now has 80,560 total passing yards.
"I can throw a little bit and I am glad I have had some great guys to catch it," added Brady.
"It's is pretty cool. Nothing in this sport can be accomplished without incredible team-mates. Guys did a great job catching the ball for 22 years."
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-22 Philadelphia Eagles: Tom Brady and the Bucs hold off late Philly comeback to claim road win
Tom Brady went 34 of 42 for 297 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Leonard Fournette rushing for two scores and 81 yards on 22 carries; Philadelphia Eagles had just 99 total yards of offense through three quarters before mounting a late comeback
Tom Brady went 34 of 42 for 297 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, while Leonard Fournette rushing for two scores and 81 yards on 22 carries; Philadelphia Eagles had just 99 total yards of offense through three quarters before mounting a late comeback
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Trevor Lawrence celebrated the first win of what could be a glittering NFL career after the Jacksonville Jaguars beat the Miami Dolphins in a thrilling finish in London.
Lawrence was the number one pick in this year's draft after being hailed as the best quarterback of his generation, but the Jaguars came into the game with an 0-5 record.
And they twice had to come from behind, levelling it up at 20-20 with a 54-yard field goal with 3:45 on the clock.
A crowd of 60,784 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looked set to be treated to overtime, with the Jaguars in fourth and eight with five seconds left.
But they ran the play, made first down, called a timeout with one second left and Matthew Wright kicked another field goal - this time from 53 yards - to clinch a vital victory.
With Jacksonville's previous win having come in 2020's season opener, it halted a 20-game losing streak, which was the second-longest in the Super Bowl era.
It also gave under-pressure coach Urban Meyer his first NFL win after Jaguars owner Shahid Khan said he had to "regain our trust and respect" after "inexcusable" conduct in videos that went viral earlier this month.
This was the 30th regular-season game in London since the NFL's international series began in 2007, and it was arguably the best yet.
Lawrence and Miami's Tua Tagovailoa both needed a win for different reasons and the young quarterbacks showed maturity which belied their tender years, especially in that gripping finale.
Tagovailoa, who returned from three weeks out with cracked ribs, found Jaylen Waddle for a touchdown on the opening drive as Miami went into a 13-3 lead.
Lawrence then managed to get the Jacksonville offence going, with the Jaguars charging in front with touchdowns from Marvin Jones and James Robinson either side of half-time.
Tagovailoa, the number five draft pick in 2020, found Waddle for his second touchdown to put the Dolphins back in front in the fourth quarter and set up that grandstand finish.
Lawrence was the number one pick in this year's draft after being hailed as the best quarterback of his generation, but the Jaguars came into the game with an 0-5 record.
And they twice had to come from behind, levelling it up at 20-20 with a 54-yard field goal with 3:45 on the clock.
A crowd of 60,784 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looked set to be treated to overtime, with the Jaguars in fourth and eight with five seconds left.
But they ran the play, made first down, called a timeout with one second left and Matthew Wright kicked another field goal - this time from 53 yards - to clinch a vital victory.
With Jacksonville's previous win having come in 2020's season opener, it halted a 20-game losing streak, which was the second-longest in the Super Bowl era.
It also gave under-pressure coach Urban Meyer his first NFL win after Jaguars owner Shahid Khan said he had to "regain our trust and respect" after "inexcusable" conduct in videos that went viral earlier this month.
This was the 30th regular-season game in London since the NFL's international series began in 2007, and it was arguably the best yet.
Lawrence and Miami's Tua Tagovailoa both needed a win for different reasons and the young quarterbacks showed maturity which belied their tender years, especially in that gripping finale.
Tagovailoa, who returned from three weeks out with cracked ribs, found Jaylen Waddle for a touchdown on the opening drive as Miami went into a 13-3 lead.
Lawrence then managed to get the Jacksonville offence going, with the Jaguars charging in front with touchdowns from Marvin Jones and James Robinson either side of half-time.
Tagovailoa, the number five draft pick in 2020, found Waddle for his second touchdown to put the Dolphins back in front in the fourth quarter and set up that grandstand finish.
Romali_rotti
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Romali_rotti
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We own Miami's 1st round pick, thank you Tlaw.. Miami please don't win a game from here
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The Green Bay Packers ended the NFL's last remaining unbeaten record as they held on for a 24-21 win at the Arizona Cardinals.
The hosts looked set to snatch victory with 15 seconds left but Kyler Murray's pass towards AJ Green was intercepted in the end zone by Rasul Douglas.
Green Bay's seventh straight win sees them join Arizona on a 7-1 record.
Now the teams are set to battle it out for the NFC Championship - and a place in the Super Bowl - in the post-season.
The Packers' preparations were disrupted after receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, and defensive coordinator Joe Barry, tested positive for Covid-19, so quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaned on their running game.
They had 151 rushing yards compared to Arizona's 74 while last season's MVP Rodgers threw for 184 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Murray threw for 274 yards but also no touchdowns and two interceptions, the second from cornerback Douglas, who was signed from the Cardinals' practice squad just three weeks ago.
Rodgers praised his team-mates' resilience, saying "This is a tough, physical, gritty team. To watch our defence finish off the game like that on the road - it's going to be a great freaking ride back to Green Bay."
Running back Chase Edmonds had given Arizona the lead with an early touchdown but the Packers soon hit back when Aaron Jones powered through for a touchdown.
The Packers led 10-7 at the break, but Rodgers found veteran Randall Cobb in the end zone shortly after to make it 17-7.
James Conner responded immediately with a Cardinals touchdown before another from Cobb made it 24-14 to the Packers at the start of the fourth quarter.
Conner's second score cut the deficit to 24-21 and after the Packers were denied a touchdown with less than five minutes left, they faced a nervy finish.
Starting from their own one-yard line with 3:23 on the clock, Murray led the Cardinals to the edge of Green Bay's end zone but Douglas' interception saw the visitors stand firm.
The hosts looked set to snatch victory with 15 seconds left but Kyler Murray's pass towards AJ Green was intercepted in the end zone by Rasul Douglas.
Green Bay's seventh straight win sees them join Arizona on a 7-1 record.
Now the teams are set to battle it out for the NFC Championship - and a place in the Super Bowl - in the post-season.
The Packers' preparations were disrupted after receivers Davante Adams and Allen Lazard, and defensive coordinator Joe Barry, tested positive for Covid-19, so quarterback Aaron Rodgers leaned on their running game.
They had 151 rushing yards compared to Arizona's 74 while last season's MVP Rodgers threw for 184 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Murray threw for 274 yards but also no touchdowns and two interceptions, the second from cornerback Douglas, who was signed from the Cardinals' practice squad just three weeks ago.
Rodgers praised his team-mates' resilience, saying "This is a tough, physical, gritty team. To watch our defence finish off the game like that on the road - it's going to be a great freaking ride back to Green Bay."
Running back Chase Edmonds had given Arizona the lead with an early touchdown but the Packers soon hit back when Aaron Jones powered through for a touchdown.
The Packers led 10-7 at the break, but Rodgers found veteran Randall Cobb in the end zone shortly after to make it 17-7.
James Conner responded immediately with a Cardinals touchdown before another from Cobb made it 24-14 to the Packers at the start of the fourth quarter.
Conner's second score cut the deficit to 24-21 and after the Packers were denied a touchdown with less than five minutes left, they faced a nervy finish.
Starting from their own one-yard line with 3:23 on the clock, Murray led the Cardinals to the edge of Green Bay's end zone but Douglas' interception saw the visitors stand firm.
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Xavien Howard forced a fumble and returned it for a touchdown to help the Miami Dolphins to a 22-10 upset win over the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday.
The Miami cornerback ran the ball back 49 yards to give the Dolphins a 15-3 lead early in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens, who came in with a 6-2 record, replied with a Mark Andrews touchdown with 4:12 remaining.
But quarterback Tua Tagovailoa scored on a one-yard run to secure a second straight win as Miami improved to 3-7.
The second-year quarterback, who missed last week's win over the Houston Texans with a fractured middle finger on his throwing hand, entered the game after Jacoby Brissett injured his right knee early in the third quarter.
Brissett had completed 11 of 23 passes for 156 yards, before Tagovailoa made eight of 13 for 158 to steer the Dolphins to victory.
Miami were also indebted to offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg, who recovered two fumbles by his own quarterback.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been tipped to be this season's most valuable player and completed 26 of 43 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown.
But the 2019 MVP, 24, ran for just 39 yards and was sacked four times, before throwing an interception with 43 seconds left.
BBC
The Miami cornerback ran the ball back 49 yards to give the Dolphins a 15-3 lead early in the fourth quarter.
The Ravens, who came in with a 6-2 record, replied with a Mark Andrews touchdown with 4:12 remaining.
But quarterback Tua Tagovailoa scored on a one-yard run to secure a second straight win as Miami improved to 3-7.
The second-year quarterback, who missed last week's win over the Houston Texans with a fractured middle finger on his throwing hand, entered the game after Jacoby Brissett injured his right knee early in the third quarter.
Brissett had completed 11 of 23 passes for 156 yards, before Tagovailoa made eight of 13 for 158 to steer the Dolphins to victory.
Miami were also indebted to offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg, who recovered two fumbles by his own quarterback.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has been tipped to be this season's most valuable player and completed 26 of 43 passes for 238 yards and one touchdown.
But the 2019 MVP, 24, ran for just 39 yards and was sacked four times, before throwing an interception with 43 seconds left.
BBC
Romali_rotti
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The Denver Broncos paid tribute to "one of the greatest players in franchise history" following the death of Super Bowl winner Demaryius Thomas, aged 33.
Thomas was found dead at his home in Georgia on Thursday, with investigators stating "preliminary information" was that he died "from a medical issue".
Thomas, who retired in June, won the Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015.
"DT was beloved by our entire organisation, his team-mates, coaches, and our fans," said the Broncos
"We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing.
"During nine seasons in Denver, Demaryius established himself as a dominant, record-setting wide receiver who was an instrumental part of two championship runs and our victory in Super Bowl 50.
"His legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community.
"DT loved giving back — especially spending time with children — and impacted countless lives through the Broncos Boys and Girls Club, hospital visits, his annual football camp and many other genuine interactions. Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him."
Thomas holds holds Broncos records for the most receiving yards in a season (1,619), the most receiving yards in a game (226) and the most touchdown receptions in a season (14).
The 2010 NFL draft pick, who also played for the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets, would have turned 34 on Christmas Day.
Following his death, police said: "Preliminary information is that his death stems from a medical issue, and our investigators currently have no reason to believe otherwise."
Seattle Seahawks quarter-back Russell Wilson tweeted Thomas was a "young legend", while the NFL said his death was a "tragic loss".
BBC
Thomas was found dead at his home in Georgia on Thursday, with investigators stating "preliminary information" was that he died "from a medical issue".
Thomas, who retired in June, won the Super Bowl with the Broncos in 2015.
"DT was beloved by our entire organisation, his team-mates, coaches, and our fans," said the Broncos
"We are devastated and completely heartbroken by the sudden, tragic passing.
"During nine seasons in Denver, Demaryius established himself as a dominant, record-setting wide receiver who was an instrumental part of two championship runs and our victory in Super Bowl 50.
"His legacy as a Bronco extended far beyond the playing field as a caring, generous member of our community.
"DT loved giving back — especially spending time with children — and impacted countless lives through the Broncos Boys and Girls Club, hospital visits, his annual football camp and many other genuine interactions. Demaryius' humility, warmth, kindness and infectious smile will always be remembered by those who knew him and loved him."
Thomas holds holds Broncos records for the most receiving yards in a season (1,619), the most receiving yards in a game (226) and the most touchdown receptions in a season (14).
The 2010 NFL draft pick, who also played for the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and New York Jets, would have turned 34 on Christmas Day.
Following his death, police said: "Preliminary information is that his death stems from a medical issue, and our investigators currently have no reason to believe otherwise."
Seattle Seahawks quarter-back Russell Wilson tweeted Thomas was a "young legend", while the NFL said his death was a "tragic loss".
BBC
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Jonathan Taylor scored a 67-yard touchdown as the Indianapolis Colts ended the New England Patriots seven-game winning streak.
The Patriots did not score in the first three quarters but fought back in the fourth with two touchdowns and a field goal to get within three points.
Taylor's score ended the Patriots' hopes with the Colts winning 27-17.
The Colts move to 8-6 for the season while the Patriots fall to 9-5 and are no longer the AFC top seeds.
The Kansas City Chiefs, on 10-4, hold that position but will be overtaken by the Tennessee Titans later on Sunday if they win at the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Colts have three games left of the regular season and next play on Christmas Day against the Arizona Cardinals, who are 10-3 going into their week 15 match at the Detroit Lions.
Chants of "MVP" [most valuable player] rang out at the Lucas Oil Stadium but the 22-year-old brushed off the praise and said he's focused on helping his team get to the play-offs.
"It's just a blessing that people feel as though my name should be in that conversation," Taylor told NFL Network.
"The only thing that's on my mind is to continuously be available for my team each and every single week. Because it's going to take our best every week in order to win these games."
BBC
The Patriots did not score in the first three quarters but fought back in the fourth with two touchdowns and a field goal to get within three points.
Taylor's score ended the Patriots' hopes with the Colts winning 27-17.
The Colts move to 8-6 for the season while the Patriots fall to 9-5 and are no longer the AFC top seeds.
The Kansas City Chiefs, on 10-4, hold that position but will be overtaken by the Tennessee Titans later on Sunday if they win at the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Colts have three games left of the regular season and next play on Christmas Day against the Arizona Cardinals, who are 10-3 going into their week 15 match at the Detroit Lions.
Chants of "MVP" [most valuable player] rang out at the Lucas Oil Stadium but the 22-year-old brushed off the praise and said he's focused on helping his team get to the play-offs.
"It's just a blessing that people feel as though my name should be in that conversation," Taylor told NFL Network.
"The only thing that's on my mind is to continuously be available for my team each and every single week. Because it's going to take our best every week in order to win these games."
BBC
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The Tennessee Titans moved closer to the AFC South title after a dramatic win against the San Francisco 49ers.
Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with four seconds left gave the Titans a 20-17 victory after they had trailed 10-0 following Jeff Wilson's touchdown and Robbie Gould's first-half field goal.
A 38-yard Bullock field goal and D'Onta Foreman's touchdown made it 10-10.
An AJ Brown touchdown took the Titans ahead but Brandon Aiyuk levelled for the 49ers, before Bullock's field goal.
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill had thrown for just 40 yards in the first half but improved after the break to finish with 209 yards and a touchdown pass.
The victory means the Titans (10-5) are one win away from securing their second-straight AFC South title, and can achieve it early if the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) lose to the Arizona Cardinals (10-4) on 25 December.
The 49ers, who lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 54 in February 2020, have won eight and lost seven matches this season and are third in the NFC West but can still make the play-offs.
BBC
Randy Bullock's 44-yard field goal with four seconds left gave the Titans a 20-17 victory after they had trailed 10-0 following Jeff Wilson's touchdown and Robbie Gould's first-half field goal.
A 38-yard Bullock field goal and D'Onta Foreman's touchdown made it 10-10.
An AJ Brown touchdown took the Titans ahead but Brandon Aiyuk levelled for the 49ers, before Bullock's field goal.
Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill had thrown for just 40 yards in the first half but improved after the break to finish with 209 yards and a touchdown pass.
The victory means the Titans (10-5) are one win away from securing their second-straight AFC South title, and can achieve it early if the Indianapolis Colts (8-6) lose to the Arizona Cardinals (10-4) on 25 December.
The 49ers, who lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 54 in February 2020, have won eight and lost seven matches this season and are third in the NFC West but can still make the play-offs.
BBC
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Washington Football Team have said player Deshazor Everett is in hospital with "serious but not life-threatening injuries" after being involved in a car accident in which a passenger died.
The incident happened in Loudoun County, Virginia on Thursday night.
Everett, 29, a strong safety, joined the team from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy" Washington said.
In a statement, the NFL side added: "We've been made aware of an automobile accident last night involving Deshazor Everett.
"A passenger in his vehicle lost their life and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who lost a loved one.
"Deshazor is currently in the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
"Our team has alerted the league and office and is working with local authorities as we continue to gather more information."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/59785378
The incident happened in Loudoun County, Virginia on Thursday night.
Everett, 29, a strong safety, joined the team from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by this tragedy" Washington said.
In a statement, the NFL side added: "We've been made aware of an automobile accident last night involving Deshazor Everett.
"A passenger in his vehicle lost their life and we extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends who lost a loved one.
"Deshazor is currently in the hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
"Our team has alerted the league and office and is working with local authorities as we continue to gather more information."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/59785378
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Quarterback Aaron Rodgers became the Green Bay Packers' all-time leader for passing touchdowns with his 443rd scoring pass on Saturday.
The record came with an 11-yard pass to Allen Lazard with just over five minutes left in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns.
It saw him move past the legendary Brett Favre in the team records.
Rodgers, 38, went on to complete 24 of 34 passes for 202 yards and three scores in the 24-22 win.
"I'm very fortunate to have played with the guys I played with and to be coached by the men I was coached by over the years," he said.
Rodgers, who has now thrown 444 touchdown passes, set the record in his 17th season and 211th game in Green Bay, while Favre set the previous Packers record in 16 seasons over 255 games.
Tom Brady holds the record for the most touchdown passes, having thrown 617 for the New England Patriots and his current team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
BBC
The record came with an 11-yard pass to Allen Lazard with just over five minutes left in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns.
It saw him move past the legendary Brett Favre in the team records.
Rodgers, 38, went on to complete 24 of 34 passes for 202 yards and three scores in the 24-22 win.
"I'm very fortunate to have played with the guys I played with and to be coached by the men I was coached by over the years," he said.
Rodgers, who has now thrown 444 touchdown passes, set the record in his 17th season and 211th game in Green Bay, while Favre set the previous Packers record in 16 seasons over 255 games.
Tom Brady holds the record for the most touchdown passes, having thrown 617 for the New England Patriots and his current team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
BBC
James
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<b>DM: Washington Football Team's Jonathan Allen throws punch at TEAMMATE Daron Payne during blowout 56-14 loss to Cowboys</b>
— Two Washington Football Team players had to be separated on the sidelines of Sunday's game against Dallas after one player threw a punch
— As the Washington Football Team's linemen huddled up to talk after the Cowboys scored a touchdown, Daron Payne poked Jonathan Allen's head
— NBC's broadcast caught Allen throwing a punch at Payne, which didn't connect
— The team lost 56-14, and Sunday's loss secures the team's 21st non-winning record in the last 29 seasons, and their fourth-straight losing season
Two Washington Football Team players threw their best punches at each other on Sunday as the club was being run off the field by their hated division rival, the Dallas Cowboys, on national TV.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen took a swing at his teammate Daron Payne as the players huddled on the bench after the Cowboys scored their fourth touchdown in a little more than a quarter.
Payne appeared to prod at Allen's head as the linemen discussed what was happening on the field. Allen responded by throwing a punch at Payne, which didn't connect. The two quarreling teammates had to be pulled apart from one another, with line coach Sam Mills Jr. getting in between the two.
'I don't think it takes a rocket scientist,' Allen said about why the fight started.
'If you look at how that game went, emotions are high, things are high, things happen.'
He said that he would take 'full responsibility' for his actions, as would Payne.
'When something happens on the field you never let it carry into the locker room,' Allen said. 'Things get heated, we fix them, we sit down as grown me and we move on.'
Washington was down 28-7 at the time of the fracas and would go on to lose 56-14 to fall to 6-9 on the year, clinching their fourth-straight losing season. It was also the once-proud franchise's 21st losing record in the last 29 seasons.
The loss all but eliminated Washington from playoff contention, while the Cowboys improved to 11-4 and clinched the NFC East title.
— Two Washington Football Team players had to be separated on the sidelines of Sunday's game against Dallas after one player threw a punch
— As the Washington Football Team's linemen huddled up to talk after the Cowboys scored a touchdown, Daron Payne poked Jonathan Allen's head
— NBC's broadcast caught Allen throwing a punch at Payne, which didn't connect
— The team lost 56-14, and Sunday's loss secures the team's 21st non-winning record in the last 29 seasons, and their fourth-straight losing season
Two Washington Football Team players threw their best punches at each other on Sunday as the club was being run off the field by their hated division rival, the Dallas Cowboys, on national TV.
Defensive lineman Jonathan Allen took a swing at his teammate Daron Payne as the players huddled on the bench after the Cowboys scored their fourth touchdown in a little more than a quarter.
Payne appeared to prod at Allen's head as the linemen discussed what was happening on the field. Allen responded by throwing a punch at Payne, which didn't connect. The two quarreling teammates had to be pulled apart from one another, with line coach Sam Mills Jr. getting in between the two.
'I don't think it takes a rocket scientist,' Allen said about why the fight started.
'If you look at how that game went, emotions are high, things are high, things happen.'
He said that he would take 'full responsibility' for his actions, as would Payne.
'When something happens on the field you never let it carry into the locker room,' Allen said. 'Things get heated, we fix them, we sit down as grown me and we move on.'
Washington was down 28-7 at the time of the fracas and would go on to lose 56-14 to fall to 6-9 on the year, clinching their fourth-straight losing season. It was also the once-proud franchise's 21st losing record in the last 29 seasons.
The loss all but eliminated Washington from playoff contention, while the Cowboys improved to 11-4 and clinched the NFC East title.
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The Miami Dolphins dominated defensively to win their seventh game in a row with a 20-3 victory at the depleted New Orleans Saints.
Quarterback Ian Book made his NFL debut, with New Orleans missing 22 players because of Covid-19 protocols, and struggled against Miami's defence.
Book was intercepted twice - the first interception leading to Miami's first touchdown - and sacked eight times.
It was the Miami's defence first eight-sack game since 2012.
Book's first interception was a deflection by Andrew van Ginkel that Nik Needham grabbed and ran 28 yards to give Miami a 7-0 lead.
The sides traded field goals before Jaylen Waddle scored a third-quarter touchdown and Jason Sanders added another kick to complete a comfortable victory.
BBC
Quarterback Ian Book made his NFL debut, with New Orleans missing 22 players because of Covid-19 protocols, and struggled against Miami's defence.
Book was intercepted twice - the first interception leading to Miami's first touchdown - and sacked eight times.
It was the Miami's defence first eight-sack game since 2012.
Book's first interception was a deflection by Andrew van Ginkel that Nik Needham grabbed and ran 28 yards to give Miami a 7-0 lead.
The sides traded field goals before Jaylen Waddle scored a third-quarter touchdown and Jason Sanders added another kick to complete a comfortable victory.
BBC
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Legendary American Football coach and commentator John Madden has died at the age of 85, the National Football League (NFL) has announced.
The league said he died unexpectedly and did not give a cause.
Madden led the then-Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory in 1977 and became a hugely popular television analyst after retiring from coaching.
He later became the face of Madden NFL Football, one of the most successful sports video games ever.
"Nobody loved football more than Coach," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
"There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today."
Madden coached the Raiders from 1969 to 1978. He won Super Bowl XI when they went through the 1976 regular season with a 13-1 record.
He boasts the best winning percentage of NFL coaches who have taken charge of more than 100 games.
BBC
The league said he died unexpectedly and did not give a cause.
Madden led the then-Oakland Raiders to their first Super Bowl victory in 1977 and became a hugely popular television analyst after retiring from coaching.
He later became the face of Madden NFL Football, one of the most successful sports video games ever.
"Nobody loved football more than Coach," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
"There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today."
Madden coached the Raiders from 1969 to 1978. He won Super Bowl XI when they went through the 1976 regular season with a 13-1 record.
He boasts the best winning percentage of NFL coaches who have taken charge of more than 100 games.
BBC
Romali_rotti
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RIP John Madden, he was an amazing commentator, both him and Pat Sumeral was the best tandem in the commentary box.
All great things must one day come to an end I guess.
James
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<b>BBC — Antonio Brown no longer with Tampa Bay Buccaneers after mid-game walk-off.</b/>
Antonio Brown has left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after dramatically walking out of their game at the New York Jets.
The 33-year-old wide receiver stripped off his jersey and pads, gestured to the crowd and walked back to the locker room midway through the third quarter.
Brown was apparently angered by a conversation with one of the team staff, while on the sidelines.
"He is no longer a Buc," said Tampa head coach Bruce Arians after the game, which his team won 28-24.
"That is the end of the story, Let's talk about the guys who went out there and won the game."
Arians later told Fox Sports that he twice instructed Brown to enter the game and the 12-year veteran refused, so Arians told him to "get out".
The Bucs, who were trailing 24-10 at the time of Brown's walk-off, triumphed after quarterback Tom Brady led a game-winning drive in the final minute. The victory moved them to 12-4 for the season - they have already qualified for the play-offs as NFC South winners.
"We want to see him be at his best and unfortunately it won't be with our team," said Brady when asked about Brown.
“ We have a lot of friendships that will last. I think everyone should be very compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening."
Brown, who helped the Bucs win Super Bowl 55 last year, had three receptions for 26 yards at the time he left the field.
He has 42 catches for 545 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season.
A seven-time Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown has had a chequered career.
He was released by New England Patriots in 2019 after one game amid allegations of sexual misconduct and threatening text messages.
He was suspended for the first half of the 2020 season after facing assault and burglary charges and was suspended for three games in December for misrepresenting a Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
— — —
Antonio Brown has left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after dramatically walking out of their game at the New York Jets.
The 33-year-old wide receiver stripped off his jersey and pads, gestured to the crowd and walked back to the locker room midway through the third quarter.
Brown was apparently angered by a conversation with one of the team staff, while on the sidelines.
"He is no longer a Buc," said Tampa head coach Bruce Arians after the game, which his team won 28-24.
"That is the end of the story, Let's talk about the guys who went out there and won the game."
Arians later told Fox Sports that he twice instructed Brown to enter the game and the 12-year veteran refused, so Arians told him to "get out".
The Bucs, who were trailing 24-10 at the time of Brown's walk-off, triumphed after quarterback Tom Brady led a game-winning drive in the final minute. The victory moved them to 12-4 for the season - they have already qualified for the play-offs as NFC South winners.
"We want to see him be at his best and unfortunately it won't be with our team," said Brady when asked about Brown.
“ We have a lot of friendships that will last. I think everyone should be very compassionate and empathetic toward some very difficult things that are happening."
Brown, who helped the Bucs win Super Bowl 55 last year, had three receptions for 26 yards at the time he left the field.
He has 42 catches for 545 yards and four touchdowns in seven games this season.
A seven-time Pro Bowler with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brown has had a chequered career.
He was released by New England Patriots in 2019 after one game amid allegations of sexual misconduct and threatening text messages.
He was suspended for the first half of the 2020 season after facing assault and burglary charges and was suspended for three games in December for misrepresenting a Covid-19 vaccination certificate.
— — —
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The Las Vegas Raiders pulled off a thrilling overtime win over the Los Angeles Chargers to reach the NFL play-offs for the second time in 19 years.
Whoever won the final game of the NFL's regular season would seal a play-off spot, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a tie would see both teams qualify.
The Chargers fought back from 29-14 down to force overtime and the score was still level with two seconds left.
But Daniel Carlson kicked a field goal as time expired to clinch a 35-32 win.
NFL week 18 recap - final day of the regular season as it happened
Earlier on a dramatic final day, Pittsburgh beat the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 in overtime to keep their play-off hopes alive.
A tie in Vegas was the only outcome that would deny them, and there had only been one in 271 games this season.
Yet Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert made it a nervy night for Pittsburgh, completing 34 of 64 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler and Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow had two touchdowns apiece, and the two teams traded field goals in overtime before Carlson settled it from 47 yards.
How a dramatic final day unfolded
Three play-off places were still up for grabs heading into the final day and victory for the Indianapolis Colts would see them secure one of the wildcard spots in the AFC Conference.
Yet number one draft pick Trevor Lawrence enjoyed the best game of a difficult rookie season to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars to a shock 26-11 win over the Colts.
That opened the door for Pittsburgh or Baltimore to sneak in, and the Steelers' win gave veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hope of extending his 18-year career by at least another week, which was confirmed after the late drama in Vegas.
The San Francisco 49ers also won in overtime, beating the Los Angeles Rams 27-24 to secure the NFC's final play-off spot.
NFL's final-day results
Despite claiming their third win of the season, Jacksonville still finished with the NFL's worst record (3-14) - and therefore the first draft pick - for the second year running as the Detroit Lions twice came from behind to beat the Green Bay Packers 37-30 and finish on 3-13-1.
The Packers had already secured the NFC's top seed, but the Tennessee Titans won 28-25 at the Houston Texans to secure the top seed in the AFC, meaning both have a first-round bye for the play-offs and then home advantage.
The other 12 play-off teams play next weekend in the wildcard round, with the division winners hosting the wildcard teams.
Although the Rams lost, they still won the NFC West division as the Arizona Cardinals were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks, while the Buffalo Bills' win over the New York Jets saw them retain the AFC East title ahead of the New England Patriots, who will now meet them in the wildcard round.
There are then two more rounds to decide the champion for each Conference, with the two teams meeting in Super Bowl 56 at the SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, on 13 February.
Wildcard weekend fixtures
Away teams first, all kick-off times GMT
Saturday, 15 January
Las Vegas Raiders v Cincinnati Bengals (21:35)
New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills (01:15 on Sunday)
Sunday, 16 January
Philadelphia Eagles v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18:00)
San Francisco 49ers v Dallas Cowboys (21:30)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Kansas City Chiefs (01:15 on Monday)
Monday, 17 January
Arizona Cardinals v Los Angeles Rams (01:15 on Tuesday)
BBC
Whoever won the final game of the NFL's regular season would seal a play-off spot, with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but a tie would see both teams qualify.
The Chargers fought back from 29-14 down to force overtime and the score was still level with two seconds left.
But Daniel Carlson kicked a field goal as time expired to clinch a 35-32 win.
NFL week 18 recap - final day of the regular season as it happened
Earlier on a dramatic final day, Pittsburgh beat the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 in overtime to keep their play-off hopes alive.
A tie in Vegas was the only outcome that would deny them, and there had only been one in 271 games this season.
Yet Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert made it a nervy night for Pittsburgh, completing 34 of 64 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler and Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow had two touchdowns apiece, and the two teams traded field goals in overtime before Carlson settled it from 47 yards.
How a dramatic final day unfolded
Three play-off places were still up for grabs heading into the final day and victory for the Indianapolis Colts would see them secure one of the wildcard spots in the AFC Conference.
Yet number one draft pick Trevor Lawrence enjoyed the best game of a difficult rookie season to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars to a shock 26-11 win over the Colts.
That opened the door for Pittsburgh or Baltimore to sneak in, and the Steelers' win gave veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger hope of extending his 18-year career by at least another week, which was confirmed after the late drama in Vegas.
The San Francisco 49ers also won in overtime, beating the Los Angeles Rams 27-24 to secure the NFC's final play-off spot.
NFL's final-day results
Despite claiming their third win of the season, Jacksonville still finished with the NFL's worst record (3-14) - and therefore the first draft pick - for the second year running as the Detroit Lions twice came from behind to beat the Green Bay Packers 37-30 and finish on 3-13-1.
The Packers had already secured the NFC's top seed, but the Tennessee Titans won 28-25 at the Houston Texans to secure the top seed in the AFC, meaning both have a first-round bye for the play-offs and then home advantage.
The other 12 play-off teams play next weekend in the wildcard round, with the division winners hosting the wildcard teams.
Although the Rams lost, they still won the NFC West division as the Arizona Cardinals were beaten by the Seattle Seahawks, while the Buffalo Bills' win over the New York Jets saw them retain the AFC East title ahead of the New England Patriots, who will now meet them in the wildcard round.
There are then two more rounds to decide the champion for each Conference, with the two teams meeting in Super Bowl 56 at the SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles, on 13 February.
Wildcard weekend fixtures
Away teams first, all kick-off times GMT
Saturday, 15 January
Las Vegas Raiders v Cincinnati Bengals (21:35)
New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills (01:15 on Sunday)
Sunday, 16 January
Philadelphia Eagles v Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18:00)
San Francisco 49ers v Dallas Cowboys (21:30)
Pittsburgh Steelers v Kansas City Chiefs (01:15 on Monday)
Monday, 17 January
Arizona Cardinals v Los Angeles Rams (01:15 on Tuesday)
BBC
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The Buffalo Bills condemned Bill Belichick to the biggest play-off defeat of his coaching career as they beat the New England Patriots 47-17.
The Bills have watched Belichick lead their divisional rivals to six Super Bowl wins in 22 years at New England.
But they outclassed the Pats on Saturday, leading 27-0 by the half en route to week two of the NFL play-offs.
In the first game of wildcard weekend, the Cincinnati Bengals held on for a 26-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
That was the Bengals' first NFL play-off win in 31 years, coming just two years after finishing with the league's worst record.
The Bills reached last year's AFC Championship game and retained the AFC East title this season but the manner of Saturday's win has sent a message to the rest of the NFL.
The temperature at kick-off in Buffalo was -16C but fourth-year quarterback Josh Allen was on fire, making five touchdown passes as the Bills got into the end zone on each of their first seven possessions.
Allen, 25, found Dawson Knox for two touchdowns, either side of a vital Micah Hyde interception that denied the Pats an almost certain touchdown, before Devin Singletary ran in two more as the Bills led 27-3 at half-time.
Mac Jones became the first rookie quarterback to feature in the play-offs for the Patriots, in their first post-season game without Tom Brady since 1998.
And although the Pats claimed two touchdowns after half-time, Allen passed for three more, completing 21 of 25 passes for 308 yards while rushing for 66 yards.
In this season's first play-off game, Cincinnati had home-field advantage after winning the AFC North division for the first time in six years.
The Raiders were playing just their second play-off game since losing Super Bowl 37 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 and led through an early field goal.
But quarterback Joe Burrow, who has led Cincinnati's transformation since being selected first in the 2020 draft, threw touchdown passes to CJ Uzomah and Tyler Boyd as the Bengals gained a 20-13 lead at half-time.
Cincinnati's second touchdown should not have stood, though, as the whistle was blown after Burrow's pass and before Boyd's catch, for the quarterback stepping out of bounds.
Although it was blown incorrectly, as Burrow was still in play, the down should have been replayed.
However, the Raiders still had a chance to fight back at the death, only for Derek Carr's throw towards Zay Jones with 17 seconds left to be picked off by Germaine Pratt on Cincinnati's two-yard line.
BBC
The Bills have watched Belichick lead their divisional rivals to six Super Bowl wins in 22 years at New England.
But they outclassed the Pats on Saturday, leading 27-0 by the half en route to week two of the NFL play-offs.
In the first game of wildcard weekend, the Cincinnati Bengals held on for a 26-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
That was the Bengals' first NFL play-off win in 31 years, coming just two years after finishing with the league's worst record.
The Bills reached last year's AFC Championship game and retained the AFC East title this season but the manner of Saturday's win has sent a message to the rest of the NFL.
The temperature at kick-off in Buffalo was -16C but fourth-year quarterback Josh Allen was on fire, making five touchdown passes as the Bills got into the end zone on each of their first seven possessions.
Allen, 25, found Dawson Knox for two touchdowns, either side of a vital Micah Hyde interception that denied the Pats an almost certain touchdown, before Devin Singletary ran in two more as the Bills led 27-3 at half-time.
Mac Jones became the first rookie quarterback to feature in the play-offs for the Patriots, in their first post-season game without Tom Brady since 1998.
And although the Pats claimed two touchdowns after half-time, Allen passed for three more, completing 21 of 25 passes for 308 yards while rushing for 66 yards.
In this season's first play-off game, Cincinnati had home-field advantage after winning the AFC North division for the first time in six years.
The Raiders were playing just their second play-off game since losing Super Bowl 37 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 and led through an early field goal.
But quarterback Joe Burrow, who has led Cincinnati's transformation since being selected first in the 2020 draft, threw touchdown passes to CJ Uzomah and Tyler Boyd as the Bengals gained a 20-13 lead at half-time.
Cincinnati's second touchdown should not have stood, though, as the whistle was blown after Burrow's pass and before Boyd's catch, for the quarterback stepping out of bounds.
Although it was blown incorrectly, as Burrow was still in play, the down should have been replayed.
However, the Raiders still had a chance to fight back at the death, only for Derek Carr's throw towards Zay Jones with 17 seconds left to be picked off by Germaine Pratt on Cincinnati's two-yard line.
BBC
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Dak Prescott: Dallas Cowboys quarterback 'deeply regrets' match official comments
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott says he "deeply regrets" praising fans for throwing objects at officials.
The Cowboys suffered a surprise 23-17 home defeat by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL's play-offs on Sunday.
Prescott, 28, initially said it was "sad" that fans were throwing rubbish at the team but when told it was aimed at officials, he said "credit to them".
He later tweeted: "I was caught up in the emotion of a disappointing loss and my words were uncalled for and unfair."
Prescott was trying to lead the Cowboys to a game-tieing touchdown in the final minute, but with no timeouts left, he elected to run the ball down the middle of the field.
And he ran out of time for one more play because an official needed to touch the ball before the next snap.
"I deeply regret the comments I made regarding the officials after the game," he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
"I hold the NFL officials in the highest regard and have always respected their professionalism and the difficulty of their jobs.
"The safety of everyone who attends a game or participates on the field of a sporting event is a very serious matter.
"That was a mistake on my behalf, and I am sorry."
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has stated there is "no place" for fans throwing items as they did in the wake of Sunday's defeat.
Prescott had been given the chance to re-consider his comments at the end of his news conference on Sunday and he has since been widely criticised.
Basketball's National Association of Referees condemned Prescott's comments for "condoning violence against game officials".
"As an NFL leader, he should know better," the association tweeted.
"We encourage the NFL to take action to discourage this deplorable behaviour in the future."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/60051066
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott says he "deeply regrets" praising fans for throwing objects at officials.
The Cowboys suffered a surprise 23-17 home defeat by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL's play-offs on Sunday.
Prescott, 28, initially said it was "sad" that fans were throwing rubbish at the team but when told it was aimed at officials, he said "credit to them".
He later tweeted: "I was caught up in the emotion of a disappointing loss and my words were uncalled for and unfair."
Prescott was trying to lead the Cowboys to a game-tieing touchdown in the final minute, but with no timeouts left, he elected to run the ball down the middle of the field.
And he ran out of time for one more play because an official needed to touch the ball before the next snap.
"I deeply regret the comments I made regarding the officials after the game," he wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
"I hold the NFL officials in the highest regard and have always respected their professionalism and the difficulty of their jobs.
"The safety of everyone who attends a game or participates on the field of a sporting event is a very serious matter.
"That was a mistake on my behalf, and I am sorry."
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones has stated there is "no place" for fans throwing items as they did in the wake of Sunday's defeat.
Prescott had been given the chance to re-consider his comments at the end of his news conference on Sunday and he has since been widely criticised.
Basketball's National Association of Referees condemned Prescott's comments for "condoning violence against game officials".
"As an NFL leader, he should know better," the association tweeted.
"We encourage the NFL to take action to discourage this deplorable behaviour in the future."
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/60051066
the Great Khan
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Dallas were woeful..so many penalties..practically handed the match to the 9ers
JaDed
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I thought you were British?? You still watch NFL?
the Great Khan
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I do many things..I used to watch in the 90's then got back into it recently...
As a niners fan was delighted with this. McCarthy is a bone head coach. Niners for me dominated the game and only Jimmy G who was awful gave them a glimmer.
However I'm expecting the Packers to finally get there. I fancy the Bills to upset KC and get to the Superbowl.
Bills-Packers would be a good match up.
the Great Khan
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I am also a 9ers fan but stopped watching a long while back..restarting and supporting them again..
As I mentioned earlier, 9ers are not gonna win the SB with JG in all likelihood. I am even suprised that they are even competing for NFC championship. It is amazing how good their running scheme and defense is, despite being marred with injuries starting 2020. That is due to some wonderful coaching - Kyle has learned so much from his dad who is my all time favorite coach.
I wish for 2 things to happen this season if 9ers wanna win the next 3 games to get the 6th SB.
1) Somehow Trey Lance get to start - I will take this rookie over a man who has nerves of Mohammad Hafeez
2) Kyle play the 2nd half as aggressively as Mike did while he was coaching.
Greenbay will be freezing tomorrow as usual with wind 10-20 mph. It is a nightmare for a QB to throw in these conditions and equally tough for receivers to catch. 49ers strong running and GB weak run defense is a perfect opportunity for 9ers to advance into NFC title game if JG does not commit another Harakiri . If Trey Lance plays, his scrambles will add much more strength to an already strong running game. Go 9ers.
I wish for 2 things to happen this season if 9ers wanna win the next 3 games to get the 6th SB.
1) Somehow Trey Lance get to start - I will take this rookie over a man who has nerves of Mohammad Hafeez
2) Kyle play the 2nd half as aggressively as Mike did while he was coaching.
Greenbay will be freezing tomorrow as usual with wind 10-20 mph. It is a nightmare for a QB to throw in these conditions and equally tough for receivers to catch. 49ers strong running and GB weak run defense is a perfect opportunity for 9ers to advance into NFC title game if JG does not commit another Harakiri . If Trey Lance plays, his scrambles will add much more strength to an already strong running game. Go 9ers.
JG almost had 9ers out, but the defense AGAIN bailed the team out. This defense is something - it is not a complete package which would require a stronger secondary however, that front 7 is perhaps as good as any out there.
I have no Idea what is stopping 9ers to play Lance. This kid can do anything JG can and more. Those losses against Chiefs and Ravens are still fresh in my head. At least Kaepernick was an awesome emerging QB who played against a monster defense, there was no excuse for JG to lose against KC - he handed them the SB. He just might do it again.
I have no Idea what is stopping 9ers to play Lance. This kid can do anything JG can and more. Those losses against Chiefs and Ravens are still fresh in my head. At least Kaepernick was an awesome emerging QB who played against a monster defense, there was no excuse for JG to lose against KC - he handed them the SB. He just might do it again.
Romali_rotti
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Well Well Well, you learn something knew everyday, had no idea you paid attention to NFL..
Took you long enough to join the thread my man
...49ers D is legit they just bullied Greenbay today, Nick Bose and Erik Armstead is looking like a very formidable pair on that Dline...
Romali_rotti
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You would have seen the 1994 NFC championship Cowboys vs 49ers in Candlestick park, what a game that was... Being in the NFC East and an Eagles fan, I absolutely hated the cowboys and was rooting for 9ers to win and they didnt let me down
...That 49ers win last night was epic. One that will live long in the memory. Make no mistake that Green Bay team is stacked on both sides and only their glaring weakness in special teams helped the 49ers somehow win that game.
It will be a tall order to win a 4th road game in a row. Niners are banged up, think Trent Williams looked injured at the end and Deebo and Kittle both have knocks.
With regards the whole Trey Lance versus Jimmy G, I like most Niner fans wanted Lance to start the season. When you invest in 3 first rounders and change he should have been the number one priority. Jimmy for all his faults is obviously pro-ready, has a quick release, well liked in the dressing and has shown clutch moments this season. The obvious downsides is he doesn't know when to throw the ball away and has a nasty habit of lobbing the ball up slowly which invites the corner to close down on it and pick it off. It was a miracle he wasn't picked off at least three times. Jimmy also limits the offense cannot throw the ball down the field, is a statue and a fumble machine.
I can only think that Lance has not grasped fully the complex Shannahan play-book or that he is not quite pro ready, he looked at sea against Houston Texans however he did improve second half.
We will have to wait until next season. The most dissapointing thing is I would have like to see specfic special plays scripted in for Lance to confuse the D, we saw this earlier in the season but this seems to have vanished from the play-book.
It will be a tall order to win a 4th road game in a row. Niners are banged up, think Trent Williams looked injured at the end and Deebo and Kittle both have knocks.
With regards the whole Trey Lance versus Jimmy G, I like most Niner fans wanted Lance to start the season. When you invest in 3 first rounders and change he should have been the number one priority. Jimmy for all his faults is obviously pro-ready, has a quick release, well liked in the dressing and has shown clutch moments this season. The obvious downsides is he doesn't know when to throw the ball away and has a nasty habit of lobbing the ball up slowly which invites the corner to close down on it and pick it off. It was a miracle he wasn't picked off at least three times. Jimmy also limits the offense cannot throw the ball down the field, is a statue and a fumble machine.
I can only think that Lance has not grasped fully the complex Shannahan play-book or that he is not quite pro ready, he looked at sea against Houston Texans however he did improve second half.
We will have to wait until next season. The most dissapointing thing is I would have like to see specfic special plays scripted in for Lance to confuse the D, we saw this earlier in the season but this seems to have vanished from the play-book.
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I do not buy the argument of experience. Texans had beaten Chargers black and blue prior to losing against 9ers in the first start of Lance. Lance can learn things faster and he showed in the game.
Also, with Lance, 9ers can use bootleg much more effectively than with JG whose mind tends to go on vacation during 2nd half of all big games. JG CAN'T throw a deep ball without a big hang time while TL can gun it with ease - anything pass 20 yards is a pick to happen with JG. If 49ers have to win with this defense, I would rather have TL in the game.
Also, with Lance, 9ers can use bootleg much more effectively than with JG whose mind tends to go on vacation during 2nd half of all big games. JG CAN'T throw a deep ball without a big hang time while TL can gun it with ease - anything pass 20 yards is a pick to happen with JG. If 49ers have to win with this defense, I would rather have TL in the game.
Brady has been getting harassed and it sounds as it might be Rams vs Niners in NFC championship. I doubt Bucs would be able to bounce back and most probably are done. And now Rams fumble (under review but it does sound like a fumble) just prior to the half. It might still be Rams Niners.
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The Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams completed an extraordinary weekend in the NFL play-offs by moving within one win of Super Bowl 56.
The Rams' 30-27 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meant that the first three divisional round games were all won with a field goal as time expired.
Kansas City then claimed a thrilling 42-36 win over the Buffalo Bills.
The lead changed hands three times in the final two minutes before a Chiefs field goal forced overtime.
Kansas City will now be the first team to host the AFC Championship game four years running. They will welcome the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, while the Rams host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
Last year the Bucs became the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium, and the Rams are now one win from repeating the feat as Super Bowl 56 will be staged at SoFi Stadium on 13 February.
Chiefs beat Bills in instant classic - as it happened
NFL play-offs: 49ers and Bengals claim upsets in divisional round
Mahomes-Allen shootout exceeds expectations
The Chiefs beat the Bills in last year's AFC Championship game, before losing to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl 55, and the rematch was billed as a shootout between their dual-threat quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Both threw for five touchdown passes in their wins last week and traded blows as they went head-to-head, barely putting a foot wrong, even during a nail-biting finale.
Mahomes, 26, dived into the pylon to cancel out Devin Singletary's early touchdown before finding Byron Pringle with a touchdown pass off his back foot.
Allen, 25, picked out Gabriel Davis for the first of four receiving touchdowns - a play-off record - to make it 14-14 at half-time.
Mecole Hardman raced in to give the Chiefs a 23-14 lead late in the third quarter, only for the Bills to hit back on the very next play, with Allen making a 75-yard touchdown pass to Davis - the longest of his four-year career.
Profiles and ones to watch for eight teams in NFL divisional round
A Kansas City field goal made it 26-21 before a stunning finish, which saw 25 points scored in the last 1:54 of regular time.
Allen found Davis again, adding a two-point conversion, before a Mahomes strike released Tyreek Hill for a 64-yard touchdown with 1:13 remaining.
The Bills regained the lead through Davis but despite there being just 13 seconds left, they allowed Mahomes to get the hosts within range for Harrison Butker to tie the game with a 49-yard field goal.
And ultimately it was the coin toss that cost Buffalo as a touchdown on the opening possession of overtime would win the game, without Allen getting back on the field, and Mahomes found Travis Kelce at the back of the end zone to settle what could be the first of many classic contests between the AFC's young quarterback stars.
Touchdowns by Kendall Blanton and Cooper Kupp helped Los Angeles charge into a 20-3 lead at half-time, before Matthew Stafford scored with a quarterback sneak to make it 27-3 in the third quarter.
The Rams' star-studded defence pressured Tom Brady throughout but the seven-time Super Bowl winner then led a thrilling fightback, including a touchdown by fit-again running back Leonard Fournette which gave the Bucs hope as they trailed 27-13 heading into the final quarter.
That hope looked to have gone when Von Miller recovered a strip sack on Brady, only for the Rams to give possession straight back to the Bucs with a snap that flew past Stafford.
Tampa Bay were unable to score on that possession but Brady later made a 55-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans, and just two plays after that, Ndamukong Suh hooked the ball from Cam Akers' grasp to get the ball back with 2:32 left.
Fournette, nicknamed 'Play-off Lenny', ran in his eighth touchdown in seven post-season games before the Bucs kicked the extra point to tie the score with 42 seconds left.
There was still time for the Rams but they almost turned the ball over again on the first play of the drive, with Stafford having to recover his own fumble.
But Stafford then made two huge plays to Kupp, the league's leading receiver this season, before spiking the ball to give Matt Gay the chance to redeem himself with a 30-yard field goal after missing from 47 yards just six minutes earlier.
Stafford's late heroics prevented Brady extending his record of 35 wins in the play-offs alone. To put that into context, 49ers legend Joe Montana is the next best quarterback with 16.
Widely regarded as the NFL's greatest player of all time, Brady has a year remaining on his contract and has previously talked about playing beyond his 45th birthday, which is a month before the start of next season.
It has been reported that the three-time MVP now plans to take at least a month before deciding if he will return for 2022 or retire, but Sunday's game showed that, even now, no NFL quarterback is feared more than Brady.
Every time a team now takes a big lead against a Brady team, Super Bowl 51 is mentioned. The New England Patriots trailed the Atlanta Falcons 28-3 in the third quarter but Brady engineered the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, as the Pats levelled at 28-28 before winning 34-28 in overtime.
It keeps getting mentioned because Brady continues to prove he can lead a team downfield like no-one else. He almost pulled off another rescue mission here, and that came after leading the league for both passing yards and touchdowns this season. Brady threw for a career-high 5,316 yards and only once before has he had more than the 43 TDs he managed in the regular season.
And when asked about his future after the Bucs' play-off exit, Brady said: "I haven't put a lot of thought into it. We'll just take it day by day and see where we're at."
Brady added that he felt great physically and when asked whether he thought the game might be his last, he replied: "I was just thinking about winning. That's just kind of my mentality to go out there and try to win."
BBC
The Rams' 30-27 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers meant that the first three divisional round games were all won with a field goal as time expired.
Kansas City then claimed a thrilling 42-36 win over the Buffalo Bills.
The lead changed hands three times in the final two minutes before a Chiefs field goal forced overtime.
Kansas City will now be the first team to host the AFC Championship game four years running. They will welcome the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, while the Rams host the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.
Last year the Bucs became the first team to play in a Super Bowl in their own stadium, and the Rams are now one win from repeating the feat as Super Bowl 56 will be staged at SoFi Stadium on 13 February.
Chiefs beat Bills in instant classic - as it happened
NFL play-offs: 49ers and Bengals claim upsets in divisional round
Mahomes-Allen shootout exceeds expectations
The Chiefs beat the Bills in last year's AFC Championship game, before losing to Tampa Bay in Super Bowl 55, and the rematch was billed as a shootout between their dual-threat quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Both threw for five touchdown passes in their wins last week and traded blows as they went head-to-head, barely putting a foot wrong, even during a nail-biting finale.
Mahomes, 26, dived into the pylon to cancel out Devin Singletary's early touchdown before finding Byron Pringle with a touchdown pass off his back foot.
Allen, 25, picked out Gabriel Davis for the first of four receiving touchdowns - a play-off record - to make it 14-14 at half-time.
Mecole Hardman raced in to give the Chiefs a 23-14 lead late in the third quarter, only for the Bills to hit back on the very next play, with Allen making a 75-yard touchdown pass to Davis - the longest of his four-year career.
Profiles and ones to watch for eight teams in NFL divisional round
A Kansas City field goal made it 26-21 before a stunning finish, which saw 25 points scored in the last 1:54 of regular time.
Allen found Davis again, adding a two-point conversion, before a Mahomes strike released Tyreek Hill for a 64-yard touchdown with 1:13 remaining.
The Bills regained the lead through Davis but despite there being just 13 seconds left, they allowed Mahomes to get the hosts within range for Harrison Butker to tie the game with a 49-yard field goal.
And ultimately it was the coin toss that cost Buffalo as a touchdown on the opening possession of overtime would win the game, without Allen getting back on the field, and Mahomes found Travis Kelce at the back of the end zone to settle what could be the first of many classic contests between the AFC's young quarterback stars.
Touchdowns by Kendall Blanton and Cooper Kupp helped Los Angeles charge into a 20-3 lead at half-time, before Matthew Stafford scored with a quarterback sneak to make it 27-3 in the third quarter.
The Rams' star-studded defence pressured Tom Brady throughout but the seven-time Super Bowl winner then led a thrilling fightback, including a touchdown by fit-again running back Leonard Fournette which gave the Bucs hope as they trailed 27-13 heading into the final quarter.
That hope looked to have gone when Von Miller recovered a strip sack on Brady, only for the Rams to give possession straight back to the Bucs with a snap that flew past Stafford.
Tampa Bay were unable to score on that possession but Brady later made a 55-yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans, and just two plays after that, Ndamukong Suh hooked the ball from Cam Akers' grasp to get the ball back with 2:32 left.
Fournette, nicknamed 'Play-off Lenny', ran in his eighth touchdown in seven post-season games before the Bucs kicked the extra point to tie the score with 42 seconds left.
There was still time for the Rams but they almost turned the ball over again on the first play of the drive, with Stafford having to recover his own fumble.
But Stafford then made two huge plays to Kupp, the league's leading receiver this season, before spiking the ball to give Matt Gay the chance to redeem himself with a 30-yard field goal after missing from 47 yards just six minutes earlier.
Stafford's late heroics prevented Brady extending his record of 35 wins in the play-offs alone. To put that into context, 49ers legend Joe Montana is the next best quarterback with 16.
Widely regarded as the NFL's greatest player of all time, Brady has a year remaining on his contract and has previously talked about playing beyond his 45th birthday, which is a month before the start of next season.
It has been reported that the three-time MVP now plans to take at least a month before deciding if he will return for 2022 or retire, but Sunday's game showed that, even now, no NFL quarterback is feared more than Brady.
Every time a team now takes a big lead against a Brady team, Super Bowl 51 is mentioned. The New England Patriots trailed the Atlanta Falcons 28-3 in the third quarter but Brady engineered the greatest comeback in Super Bowl history, as the Pats levelled at 28-28 before winning 34-28 in overtime.
It keeps getting mentioned because Brady continues to prove he can lead a team downfield like no-one else. He almost pulled off another rescue mission here, and that came after leading the league for both passing yards and touchdowns this season. Brady threw for a career-high 5,316 yards and only once before has he had more than the 43 TDs he managed in the regular season.
And when asked about his future after the Bucs' play-off exit, Brady said: "I haven't put a lot of thought into it. We'll just take it day by day and see where we're at."
Brady added that he felt great physically and when asked whether he thought the game might be his last, he replied: "I was just thinking about winning. That's just kind of my mentality to go out there and try to win."
BBC
Totally agree. Look the 3 other teams remaining in the Championship. All have QB's than can bear the load and score quick strikes and propser in shoot outs. As fan you always look at the longer term and I think had they started Lance they possibly would have missed out in the play-offs but been stronger the next few years as a result of Lance getting the experience and hopefully improving.
We will know next season, I expect Lance will go throw growing pains just like this years crop of new QB's did and hopefully he will pick up running a pro-offense and prosper.
Anyway all acaedmic this season nothing will stop KC from getting another crown.
KC is a machine. Bengals will give them another scare though. Bills thought that 13 seconds, meh - those 13 seconds for Hill and Mahomes were an eternity! I hope that KC gets upset in the next game or else the SB may turn out to be not so close.
As rightly you mentioned that all the gun QBs belong to the up and coming teams. Look at Patriots. Who would have thought that they would be in back in playoffs this soon after Brady; their investment paid off and look out for them next year.
Let's hope that Defense will make miracles and 9ers at least sweep Rams away. If 49ers catch a break due to the injuries on the other side, that will be a great equalizer. We missed Mostert this year and that hurts our running in big games. The running by a committee has done well to fill the gap, but Mostert is missed pretty much the entire year. If Niners win the SB, it will be the most amazing run EVER after so many injuries starting 2020 season. Go Niners!
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Tom Brady taking decision over future 'day by day' after Tampa Bay Buccaneers playoff exit
Tom Brady neither confirmed nor denied whether he would still be playing in the NFL next season as he attempted to process the blockbuster finale that saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl defence end in defeat to the Los Angeles Rams.
The 44-year-old may have simply nodded to the 24-point comeback he had just led the Bucs on as evidence of his unerring powers upon being questioned over his future.
Tampa had trailed 27-3 in the third quarter before threatening one of the great postseason turnarounds when Leonard Fournette tied the score with 42 seconds left on the clock, only for Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp's 44-yard connection to set up Matt Gay's game-winning field goal as time expired.
Brady's future was evidently at the back of his mind in the aftermath.
"I haven't put a lot of thought into it, so," Brady told reporters. "You know, we'll just take it day by day and see, kind of see where we are at.
"Truthfully, guys, I'm thinking about this game. I'm not thinking about past five minutes from now."
The former New England Patriot has never shied from admitting his ambitions of playing at the age of 45 having won his seventh Super Bowl ring in his first season with the Bucs in 2020 before agreeing a restructured contract that includes the 2022 campaign.
He is notably coming off a regular season in which he led the NFL with a career-high 5,316 yards and finished with 43 touchdown passes despite injuries and departures at wide receiver.
Head coach Bruce Arians confirmed he would definitely be back on the sideline next season and said on Monday that he will give Brady time to decide his future.
He said: "No, I haven't talked to him yet. Take all the time he needs, and we'll see."
Asked about a contingency plan for Brady retiring, he added: "Yeah, we do that with every position. Quarterback, obviously, you start there. Again, we'll see where we're heading and wait and see what Tom does. But we'll be doing our homework, that's for sure."
Tampa were ultimately made to pay for a sluggish start that saw them manage just three points in seven first-half drives that had included a missed field goal and an interception. The comeback was on when the Bucs recovered Kupp's fumble to set up Fournette's one-yard score that reduced the deficit to 27-13 late in the third, before Brady found Mike Evans for a 55-yard touchdown to move his team within seven points after Cam Akers' had fumbled.
Another fairy-tale night was on the cards as Fournette levelled the score inside the final minute, but back came Stafford with his clutch playoff moment.
"It's the reality of football, you know. It's one team one year and then it's never the same after that. And you know, you got to work hard to put yourself in a position to be successful and we certainly worked hard," said Brady. "And you know, every team at this point does and every team is really qualified when you get to the final eight and then the final four, then the final two.
"And it doesn't feel good to lose any one of those games that I've lost each of those stages. So at the end, there's only one team that's going to be happy. Now it feels good to move on, when you move on. And obviously when you don't, you know whether it was last week or this week or next week or the week after two weeks after that. If you're the loser in that game at all, it all sucks to lose in the end."
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...y-day-after-tampa-bay-buccaneers-playoff-exit
Tom Brady neither confirmed nor denied whether he would still be playing in the NFL next season as he attempted to process the blockbuster finale that saw the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl defence end in defeat to the Los Angeles Rams.
The 44-year-old may have simply nodded to the 24-point comeback he had just led the Bucs on as evidence of his unerring powers upon being questioned over his future.
Tampa had trailed 27-3 in the third quarter before threatening one of the great postseason turnarounds when Leonard Fournette tied the score with 42 seconds left on the clock, only for Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp's 44-yard connection to set up Matt Gay's game-winning field goal as time expired.
Brady's future was evidently at the back of his mind in the aftermath.
"I haven't put a lot of thought into it, so," Brady told reporters. "You know, we'll just take it day by day and see, kind of see where we are at.
"Truthfully, guys, I'm thinking about this game. I'm not thinking about past five minutes from now."
The former New England Patriot has never shied from admitting his ambitions of playing at the age of 45 having won his seventh Super Bowl ring in his first season with the Bucs in 2020 before agreeing a restructured contract that includes the 2022 campaign.
He is notably coming off a regular season in which he led the NFL with a career-high 5,316 yards and finished with 43 touchdown passes despite injuries and departures at wide receiver.
Head coach Bruce Arians confirmed he would definitely be back on the sideline next season and said on Monday that he will give Brady time to decide his future.
He said: "No, I haven't talked to him yet. Take all the time he needs, and we'll see."
Asked about a contingency plan for Brady retiring, he added: "Yeah, we do that with every position. Quarterback, obviously, you start there. Again, we'll see where we're heading and wait and see what Tom does. But we'll be doing our homework, that's for sure."
Tampa were ultimately made to pay for a sluggish start that saw them manage just three points in seven first-half drives that had included a missed field goal and an interception. The comeback was on when the Bucs recovered Kupp's fumble to set up Fournette's one-yard score that reduced the deficit to 27-13 late in the third, before Brady found Mike Evans for a 55-yard touchdown to move his team within seven points after Cam Akers' had fumbled.
Another fairy-tale night was on the cards as Fournette levelled the score inside the final minute, but back came Stafford with his clutch playoff moment.
"It's the reality of football, you know. It's one team one year and then it's never the same after that. And you know, you got to work hard to put yourself in a position to be successful and we certainly worked hard," said Brady. "And you know, every team at this point does and every team is really qualified when you get to the final eight and then the final four, then the final two.
"And it doesn't feel good to lose any one of those games that I've lost each of those stages. So at the end, there's only one team that's going to be happy. Now it feels good to move on, when you move on. And obviously when you don't, you know whether it was last week or this week or next week or the week after two weeks after that. If you're the loser in that game at all, it all sucks to lose in the end."
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...y-day-after-tampa-bay-buccaneers-playoff-exit
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Ben Roethlisberger: Pittsburgh Steelers' two-time Super Bowl winner announces retirement
Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
After 18 seasons and two Super Bowl victories, the 39-year-old posted a video confirming the long-anticipated decision.
"I don't know how to put into words what the game of football has meant to me," he said.
"But I know with confidence I have given my all to the game."
His "exhilarating journey", which began with the 2004 NFL draft, ended earlier this month with wildcard play-off defeat at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Ohio-born passer won the NFL's biggest prize in just his second season at the Steelers, two years after becoming an 11th round draft pick out of Miami University. In beating the Seattle Seahawks in the 2005 season Super Bowl he became the youngest quarterback in history to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy, aged just 23.
He repeated the feat three years later, cementing a Steelers dynasty in the 2000s to rival that of the great 1970s side, and taking the franchise to the top of the all-time list of Super Bowl wins, with six. The record was later matched by the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
He reached a third Super Bowl in the 2010 season, losing to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
With much talk over the futures of Brady, 44, and Rodgers, 38, both longstanding, much-decorated quarterbacks who were knocked out of the play-offs last weekend, Roethlisberger's retirement underlines a changing of the guard in American football.
Roethlisberger threw for 215 yards in what many knew would be his final game, hitting two touchdowns in a 42-21 defeat to the Chiefs.
His opposing quarterback, Mahomes, 26, the NFL's biggest young star, threw five touchdowns in the game, notching 404 yards overall to set up what turned out to be a classic against the Buffalo Bills and another young gunslinger, Josh Allen, 25.
Joe Burrow, 25, of the Cincinnati Bengals awaits the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, while the NFC Championship game sees 30-year-old Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers play the LA Rams' Matt Stafford, 33.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60160895
Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has officially announced his retirement from the NFL.
After 18 seasons and two Super Bowl victories, the 39-year-old posted a video confirming the long-anticipated decision.
"I don't know how to put into words what the game of football has meant to me," he said.
"But I know with confidence I have given my all to the game."
His "exhilarating journey", which began with the 2004 NFL draft, ended earlier this month with wildcard play-off defeat at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Ohio-born passer won the NFL's biggest prize in just his second season at the Steelers, two years after becoming an 11th round draft pick out of Miami University. In beating the Seattle Seahawks in the 2005 season Super Bowl he became the youngest quarterback in history to lift the Vince Lombardi trophy, aged just 23.
He repeated the feat three years later, cementing a Steelers dynasty in the 2000s to rival that of the great 1970s side, and taking the franchise to the top of the all-time list of Super Bowl wins, with six. The record was later matched by the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
He reached a third Super Bowl in the 2010 season, losing to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
With much talk over the futures of Brady, 44, and Rodgers, 38, both longstanding, much-decorated quarterbacks who were knocked out of the play-offs last weekend, Roethlisberger's retirement underlines a changing of the guard in American football.
Roethlisberger threw for 215 yards in what many knew would be his final game, hitting two touchdowns in a 42-21 defeat to the Chiefs.
His opposing quarterback, Mahomes, 26, the NFL's biggest young star, threw five touchdowns in the game, notching 404 yards overall to set up what turned out to be a classic against the Buffalo Bills and another young gunslinger, Josh Allen, 25.
Joe Burrow, 25, of the Cincinnati Bengals awaits the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game on Sunday, while the NFC Championship game sees 30-year-old Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers play the LA Rams' Matt Stafford, 33.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60160895
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60185291
<b>Tom Brady: NFL great retires after winning seven Super Bowls</b>
Tom Brady, one of the greatest players in NFL history, has retired aged 44.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback won seven Super Bowls in an astonishing career spanning 22 seasons.
The five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player won six titles with the New England Patriots before his final triumph with the Buccaneers last year.
His final game was a 30-27 defeat by the Los Angeles Rams in the play-offs, when his heroics narrowly failed to see the Bucs fight back from 27-3 down.
Brady, a three-time NFL season MVP, had a year remaining on his Tampa contract and has previously talked about playing beyond his 45th birthday, which is a month before the start of next season.
However he has chosen bring a close to his playing career in the NFL, 20 years of which were spent with the Patriots.
As first reported by ESPN, Brady's decision to retire is based on several factors, including family and health.
'The greatest professional athlete we have seen'
"Tom Brady should be the first player in history to be in the Hall of Fame while he's still playing," two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora told BBC One after Brady won his seventh ring in February 2021.
"What this man has done is almost beyond belief, almost beyond words. I cannot describe the level of difficulty, what it took for this man to do what he's done.
"Every single year this guy's been doubted, every single year this man rises to the top like a phoenix. This guy is the greatest professional athlete we have seen in history, and this goes for any sport. And I'm not just saying that to be hyperbolic.
"What this guy is doing in the quarterback position - the hardest position to play in sports - winning over and over again... my hat's off to this guy."
<b>Tom Brady: NFL great retires after winning seven Super Bowls</b>
Tom Brady, one of the greatest players in NFL history, has retired aged 44.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback won seven Super Bowls in an astonishing career spanning 22 seasons.
The five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player won six titles with the New England Patriots before his final triumph with the Buccaneers last year.
His final game was a 30-27 defeat by the Los Angeles Rams in the play-offs, when his heroics narrowly failed to see the Bucs fight back from 27-3 down.
Brady, a three-time NFL season MVP, had a year remaining on his Tampa contract and has previously talked about playing beyond his 45th birthday, which is a month before the start of next season.
However he has chosen bring a close to his playing career in the NFL, 20 years of which were spent with the Patriots.
As first reported by ESPN, Brady's decision to retire is based on several factors, including family and health.
'The greatest professional athlete we have seen'
"Tom Brady should be the first player in history to be in the Hall of Fame while he's still playing," two-time Super Bowl champion Osi Umenyiora told BBC One after Brady won his seventh ring in February 2021.
"What this man has done is almost beyond belief, almost beyond words. I cannot describe the level of difficulty, what it took for this man to do what he's done.
"Every single year this guy's been doubted, every single year this man rises to the top like a phoenix. This guy is the greatest professional athlete we have seen in history, and this goes for any sport. And I'm not just saying that to be hyperbolic.
"What this guy is doing in the quarterback position - the hardest position to play in sports - winning over and over again... my hat's off to this guy."
Ben Roethlisberger is an unsung hero. The man hardly ever made an error in big games. The guy was a pillar for his offense. Of course Brady followed by Montana are the best ever I have seen and it will be very tough for any future QB to win that many SBs in the era of Free agency and Salary cap, but Big Ben was a wall for the defenses.
For tomorrow, best of luck to my Niners. I hope that JG plays as Ben and make zero unforced error to beat Rams which they might if no turn overs.
I am predicting Bengals upsetting Chiefs and Niners the Rams - I will take the 50% result if that means Niners only - Best of luck Niners!
For tomorrow, best of luck to my Niners. I hope that JG plays as Ben and make zero unforced error to beat Rams which they might if no turn overs.
I am predicting Bengals upsetting Chiefs and Niners the Rams - I will take the 50% result if that means Niners only - Best of luck Niners!
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NFL AFC Championship: Cincinnati Bengals beat Kansas City Chiefs in overtime to reach Super Bowl
The Cincinnati Bengals produced a stunning comeback to upset the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 and book a first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years.
Trailing 21-3, Cincinnati scored 21 unanswered points before the Chiefs landed a field goal as time expired.
But Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was intercepted in overtime and Evan McPherson kicked Cincinnati to victory.
The San Francisco 49ers meet the Los Angeles Rams later on Sunday to decide Cincinnati's Super Bowl 56 opponents.
Defending AFC champions Kansas City were heavy favourites to book a third successive Super Bowl appearance and appeared to be cruising to victory when they opened up a daunting 18-point lead.
But the Bengals made a crucial stop just before half-time to limit their deficit, which quarterback Joe Burrow clawed back during the second half as his opposite number Mahomes began to go awry.
Before this season, Cincinnati - who were the worst team in the NFL two years ago with a 2-14 record - had not won a play-off game in 31 years but they have now won three in quick succession.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60193578
The Cincinnati Bengals produced a stunning comeback to upset the Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 and book a first Super Bowl appearance in 33 years.
Trailing 21-3, Cincinnati scored 21 unanswered points before the Chiefs landed a field goal as time expired.
But Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was intercepted in overtime and Evan McPherson kicked Cincinnati to victory.
The San Francisco 49ers meet the Los Angeles Rams later on Sunday to decide Cincinnati's Super Bowl 56 opponents.
Defending AFC champions Kansas City were heavy favourites to book a third successive Super Bowl appearance and appeared to be cruising to victory when they opened up a daunting 18-point lead.
But the Bengals made a crucial stop just before half-time to limit their deficit, which quarterback Joe Burrow clawed back during the second half as his opposite number Mahomes began to go awry.
Before this season, Cincinnati - who were the worst team in the NFL two years ago with a 2-14 record - had not won a play-off game in 31 years but they have now won three in quick succession.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60193578
Unfortunately not - the other way around. Niners thoroughly deserved to lose for a very dumb decision of sticking with JG - one of the worst and overrated Niners QB ever whose success is all on the back of running game. Bye Bye JG. The niners will have a chance to win SB in next 3 years with Lance.
JaDed
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Hilarious result this similar to Aus open final 
I spoke too soon..,
Jinxed it.
JG was predictably awful, his stats are totally padded by the brilliance of Deebo. Wasn't impressed with Shanahan either, barely used Deebo in the 4th quarter when we needed and his play-calling generally very conservative. Another 4th quarter blown lead on the resume. Should have also given the ball to Deebo on 3rd and 2. The D looked gassed couldn't get as much pressure on Stafford, the corners were roasted and couldn't get stops on 3rd down.
Rams deserved it, they made clown mistakes of their own, Stafford played well but offered a gift to Tarrt who dropped a sitter, their receivers also made crucial drops which cost them points.
Go Bengals. Got to say they were superb, what an adjustment their D made. Hope they complete the fairytale.
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Tom Brady, one of the greatest players in the history of the NFL, has confirmed his retirement.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, 44, won seven Super Bowls in an astonishing career spanning 22 seasons.
Brady won six titles with the New England Patriots before his final triumph with the Buccaneers last year.
The five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player is retiring after deciding he could no longer make the "competitive commitment" to continue.
His final game in the NFL was a 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the play-offs, when his heroics narrowly failed to pull off a sensational comeback from 27-3 down.
Brady, a three-time NFL season MVP, had a year remaining on his contract with the Bucs.
In a statement posted on social media, he said: "I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.
"My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending.
"As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against - the competition was fierce and deep, just how we like it.
"But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and revisit them often.
"I feel like the luckiest person in the world."
Following Brady's announcement, the Patriots tweeted: "It was quite the ride. Thank you and congratulations, Tom Brady."
The Buccaneers said: "Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, 44, won seven Super Bowls in an astonishing career spanning 22 seasons.
Brady won six titles with the New England Patriots before his final triumph with the Buccaneers last year.
The five-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player is retiring after deciding he could no longer make the "competitive commitment" to continue.
His final game in the NFL was a 30-27 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the play-offs, when his heroics narrowly failed to pull off a sensational comeback from 27-3 down.
Brady, a three-time NFL season MVP, had a year remaining on his contract with the Bucs.
In a statement posted on social media, he said: "I have always believed the sport of football is an 'all-in' proposition - if a 100% competitive commitment isn't there, you won't succeed, and success is what I love so much about our game.
"My playing career has been such a thrilling ride, and far beyond my imagination, and full of ups and downs. When you're in it every day, you really don't think about any kind of ending.
"As I sit here now, however, I think of all the great players and coaches I was privileged to play with and against - the competition was fierce and deep, just how we like it.
"But the friendships and relationships are just as fierce and deep. I will remember and cherish these memories and revisit them often.
"I feel like the luckiest person in the world."
Following Brady's announcement, the Patriots tweeted: "It was quite the ride. Thank you and congratulations, Tom Brady."
The Buccaneers said: "Memories to last a lifetime. Thank you."
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Brian Flores: Former Miami Dolphins coach sues NFL for alleged 'racist hiring policies'
Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores has filed a class action lawsuit against the NFL, the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices.
The suit, filed on the first day of Black History Month, begins with an errant text message from New England coach Bill Belichick congratulating Flores on getting the Giants job. However, Flores subsequently asked Belichick whether he had meant him or former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Brian Daboll, at which point Belichick realised his error and informed Flores the Giants were hiring Daboll.
In addition to the NFL and Giants, the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos are named as defendants along with John Doe Teams 1-29.
The suit was filed in United States District Court Southern District of New York. Flores is represented by Wigdor Law and the firm of Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek.
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...h-sues-nfl-for-alleged-racist-hiring-policies
Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores has filed a class action lawsuit against the NFL, the New York Giants, Miami Dolphins and the Denver Broncos alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices.
The suit, filed on the first day of Black History Month, begins with an errant text message from New England coach Bill Belichick congratulating Flores on getting the Giants job. However, Flores subsequently asked Belichick whether he had meant him or former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Brian Daboll, at which point Belichick realised his error and informed Flores the Giants were hiring Daboll.
In addition to the NFL and Giants, the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos are named as defendants along with John Doe Teams 1-29.
The suit was filed in United States District Court Southern District of New York. Flores is represented by Wigdor Law and the firm of Elefterakis, Elefterakis & Panek.
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...h-sues-nfl-for-alleged-racist-hiring-policies
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The Washington American football team have announced they will now be known as the Commanders.
The NFL franchise retired its former name, the Redskins, in July 2020.
The team's name and logo, introduced in in 1933, had long been criticised as racist by its sponsors and fans.
The Washington DC-based team had faced years of pressure over the name - seen as offensive to Native Americans - which was dropped upon completion of a review demanded by its major sponsors.
Owner Dan Snyder, a boyhood fan of the team which moved from Boston to DC in 1937, had vowed never to change its moniker.
However major sponsors including FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all called on Snyder to reconsider amid threats to pull funding from the team.
The franchise, which has won three Super Bowl titles, had been known as Washington Football Team for the past two seasons before revealing the Commanders name.
"As an organisation, we are excited to rally and rise together as one under our new identity while paying homage to our local roots and what it means to represent the nation's capital," said Snyder.
The franchise was founded by businessman George Preston Marshall, who believed in racial segregation.
They were the last team to allow black players on to the team, and only did so after the US government threatened to revoke the lease on their stadium in 1962.
The NFL team are not the first Washington DC sports franchise to change their name amid shifting cultural attitudes.
In 1997, basketball's Washington Bullets were renamed the Wizards after the NBA team owner said he had become uncomfortable with the name's violent overtones.
There are still three US sports franchises with names associated with Native American themes - the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League.
MLB's Cleveland franchise changed their name from the Indians to the Guardians following the end of the 2021 season.
The NFL franchise retired its former name, the Redskins, in July 2020.
The team's name and logo, introduced in in 1933, had long been criticised as racist by its sponsors and fans.
The Washington DC-based team had faced years of pressure over the name - seen as offensive to Native Americans - which was dropped upon completion of a review demanded by its major sponsors.
Owner Dan Snyder, a boyhood fan of the team which moved from Boston to DC in 1937, had vowed never to change its moniker.
However major sponsors including FedEx, Nike, Pepsi and Bank of America all called on Snyder to reconsider amid threats to pull funding from the team.
The franchise, which has won three Super Bowl titles, had been known as Washington Football Team for the past two seasons before revealing the Commanders name.
"As an organisation, we are excited to rally and rise together as one under our new identity while paying homage to our local roots and what it means to represent the nation's capital," said Snyder.
The franchise was founded by businessman George Preston Marshall, who believed in racial segregation.
They were the last team to allow black players on to the team, and only did so after the US government threatened to revoke the lease on their stadium in 1962.
The NFL team are not the first Washington DC sports franchise to change their name amid shifting cultural attitudes.
In 1997, basketball's Washington Bullets were renamed the Wizards after the NBA team owner said he had become uncomfortable with the name's violent overtones.
There are still three US sports franchises with names associated with Native American themes - the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves and the Chicago Blackhawks in the National Hockey League.
MLB's Cleveland franchise changed their name from the Indians to the Guardians following the end of the 2021 season.
the Great Khan
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Gutted we lost..are we replacing Jimmy next year?
I'm gonna sit off season and catch up on tactics etc as some of them go over my head a bit lol..otherwise I'm loving this game after getting really into it this season and last..
Burrows looks class..could be a Brady 2001/02 situation..
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Former Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores is suing the NFL, the New York Giants and every other NFL franchise alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices.
Flores, who was passed over for a job with the Giants last week, said the league and its owners ran their operation "like a plantation".
He has filed a class action lawsuit in the US courts.
The league and teams have denied the racism claims.
The suit, filed on the first day of Black History Month in the US, begins with an errant text message said to be from New England coach Bill Belichick congratulating who he thought was Brian Daboll on getting the Giants job.
However, it was Flores he was texting with, three days before Flores interviewed with the team.
In addition to the NFL and Giants, the Dolphins and Denver Broncos are named as defendants along with 'John Doe Teams 1-29', meaning every other NFL franchise.
The lawsuit says: "In certain critical ways, the NFL is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation.
"Its 32 owners - none of whom are black - profit substantially from the labour of NFL players, 70% of whom are black."
Flores alleges he was fired after rejecting an offer from Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for $100,000 for every defeat late in the season which would have improved the club's position in the off-season entry draft.
He also says he refused to violate the league's tampering rules when owner Ross arranged a meeting between Flores and a "prominent quarterback".
"After the incident, Mr Flores was treated with disdain and held out as someone who was non-compliant and difficult to work with," the suit reads.
"From that point forward, Mr Flores was ostracised and ultimately he was fired."
Flores, 40, finished with a 24-25 record over three seasons at Miami.
The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and purportedly shows screen grabs from Flores' phone of text messages between he and Belichick.
"I hear from Buffalo & NYG that you are their guy," Belichick is alleged to have texted Flores, mistaking him for Daboll.
Belichick apologised when he realised his mistake and said: "I double checked and I misread the text. I think they are naming Daboll. I'm sorry about that."
The lawsuit says Flores subsequently gave an extensive interview for a job he already knew he would not get.
"An interview that was held for no reason other than for the Giants to demonstrate falsely to the League Commissioner Roger Goodell and the public at large that it was in compliance with the Rooney Rule," it says.
The Rooney Rule, introduced by the NFL in 2003, states clubs must interview at least one black, Asian or minority ethnic candidate for each head coach and general manager vacancy.
Does the Rooney Rule actually work?
In a statement put out by his law firm, Flores said: "God has gifted me with a special talent to coach the game of football, but the need for change is bigger than my personal goals.
"My sincere hope is that by standing up against systemic racism in the NFL, others will join me to ensure that positive change is made for generations to come."
The Broncos were named in the suit for their "sham interview" with Flores in 2019.
"It was clear from the substance of the interview that Mr Flores was interviewed only because of the Rooney Rule, and that the Broncos never had any intention to consider him as a legitimate candidate for the job," the suit reads.
What do the NFL and teams say?
The NFL said Flores' allegations were baseless and it was committed to providing equal opportunities.
"Diversity is core to everything we do, and there are few issues on which our clubs and our internal leadership team spend more time. We will defend against these claims, which are without merit," it said.
The Dolphins released a statement saying they "vehemently deny any allegations of racial discrimination".
"The implication that we acted in a manner inconsistent with the integrity of the game is incorrect," the team said.
The Giants said: "We are pleased and confident with the process that resulted in the hiring of Brian Daboll.
"We interviewed an impressive and diverse group of candidates. The fact of the matter is, Brian Flores was in the conversation to be our head coach until the 11th hour.
"Ultimately, we hired the individual we felt was most qualified to be our next head coach."
In his complaint against the Broncos, Flores said then-general manager John Elway and president Joe Ellis showed up an hour late to the interview, adding "it was obvious that they had drinking heavily the night before".
The Broncos called those allegations "blatantly false" in their statement.
"There were five Broncos executives present for the interview, which lasted approximately three and a half hours - the fully allotted time and concluded shortly before 11am," it said.
"Pages of detailed notes, analysis and evaluations from our interview demonstrate the depth of our conversation and sincere interest in Mr Flores as a head coaching candidate.
"The Broncos will vigorously defend the integrity and values of our organization - and its employees - from such baseless and disparaging claims."
BBC
Flores, who was passed over for a job with the Giants last week, said the league and its owners ran their operation "like a plantation".
He has filed a class action lawsuit in the US courts.
The league and teams have denied the racism claims.
The suit, filed on the first day of Black History Month in the US, begins with an errant text message said to be from New England coach Bill Belichick congratulating who he thought was Brian Daboll on getting the Giants job.
However, it was Flores he was texting with, three days before Flores interviewed with the team.
In addition to the NFL and Giants, the Dolphins and Denver Broncos are named as defendants along with 'John Doe Teams 1-29', meaning every other NFL franchise.
The lawsuit says: "In certain critical ways, the NFL is racially segregated and is managed much like a plantation.
"Its 32 owners - none of whom are black - profit substantially from the labour of NFL players, 70% of whom are black."
Flores alleges he was fired after rejecting an offer from Dolphins owner Stephen Ross for $100,000 for every defeat late in the season which would have improved the club's position in the off-season entry draft.
He also says he refused to violate the league's tampering rules when owner Ross arranged a meeting between Flores and a "prominent quarterback".
"After the incident, Mr Flores was treated with disdain and held out as someone who was non-compliant and difficult to work with," the suit reads.
"From that point forward, Mr Flores was ostracised and ultimately he was fired."
Flores, 40, finished with a 24-25 record over three seasons at Miami.
The suit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and purportedly shows screen grabs from Flores' phone of text messages between he and Belichick.
"I hear from Buffalo & NYG that you are their guy," Belichick is alleged to have texted Flores, mistaking him for Daboll.
Belichick apologised when he realised his mistake and said: "I double checked and I misread the text. I think they are naming Daboll. I'm sorry about that."
The lawsuit says Flores subsequently gave an extensive interview for a job he already knew he would not get.
"An interview that was held for no reason other than for the Giants to demonstrate falsely to the League Commissioner Roger Goodell and the public at large that it was in compliance with the Rooney Rule," it says.
The Rooney Rule, introduced by the NFL in 2003, states clubs must interview at least one black, Asian or minority ethnic candidate for each head coach and general manager vacancy.
Does the Rooney Rule actually work?
In a statement put out by his law firm, Flores said: "God has gifted me with a special talent to coach the game of football, but the need for change is bigger than my personal goals.
"My sincere hope is that by standing up against systemic racism in the NFL, others will join me to ensure that positive change is made for generations to come."
The Broncos were named in the suit for their "sham interview" with Flores in 2019.
"It was clear from the substance of the interview that Mr Flores was interviewed only because of the Rooney Rule, and that the Broncos never had any intention to consider him as a legitimate candidate for the job," the suit reads.
What do the NFL and teams say?
The NFL said Flores' allegations were baseless and it was committed to providing equal opportunities.
"Diversity is core to everything we do, and there are few issues on which our clubs and our internal leadership team spend more time. We will defend against these claims, which are without merit," it said.
The Dolphins released a statement saying they "vehemently deny any allegations of racial discrimination".
"The implication that we acted in a manner inconsistent with the integrity of the game is incorrect," the team said.
The Giants said: "We are pleased and confident with the process that resulted in the hiring of Brian Daboll.
"We interviewed an impressive and diverse group of candidates. The fact of the matter is, Brian Flores was in the conversation to be our head coach until the 11th hour.
"Ultimately, we hired the individual we felt was most qualified to be our next head coach."
In his complaint against the Broncos, Flores said then-general manager John Elway and president Joe Ellis showed up an hour late to the interview, adding "it was obvious that they had drinking heavily the night before".
The Broncos called those allegations "blatantly false" in their statement.
"There were five Broncos executives present for the interview, which lasted approximately three and a half hours - the fully allotted time and concluded shortly before 11am," it said.
"Pages of detailed notes, analysis and evaluations from our interview demonstrate the depth of our conversation and sincere interest in Mr Flores as a head coaching candidate.
"The Broncos will vigorously defend the integrity and values of our organization - and its employees - from such baseless and disparaging claims."
BBC
the Great Khan
Senior Test Player
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These institutionally racist organisations know how to play the game. They will never change unless they are made to change. Black players in all sports are just wage slaves. Positive discrimination is the only way. But then as we have seen on this forum you hear the whinging from white people about how they are suddenly the victim.
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49ers gave up 3 firsts and a third for QB Trey Lance in last years draft. No doubt the Trey Lance era begins next season. Jimmy has a year left on his contract, likely the 49ers will try and draft him but given he is reasonably expensive (26 million i think) teams may baulk. Most likely 49ers will do well to get a 5th round back and they may have to pay a chunk of that salary. Or they could cut him and the dead money would be nominal. Either way there is no way he should be on the 49ers roster come next season.
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Washington Commanders defensive back Deshazor Everett has been charged with involuntary manslaughter following an investigation into a fatal car crash.
His girlfriend, Olivia Peters, died from injuries sustained in a one-car accident on 23 December.
Everett was driving "over twice the posted 45mph speed limit just prior to the crash," according to police.
The 29-year-old turned himself in after being served with a warrant and has been released on $10,000 bail.
Everett sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.
"Our team continues to investigate this matter as we intend on vigorously defending Mr Everett against these allegations," his attorney, Kaveh Noorishad, said in a statement.
"We continue to ask that judgment be reserved until all facts are fully investigated and litigated in the proper forum."
Since coming into the NFL in 2015, Everett has played in 89 games for the Washington franchise, and last season played in all 14 games before the accident.
"We are aware of these charges and are continuing to monitor the situation," the Commanders said in a statement. "We will have no further comment at this time."
His girlfriend, Olivia Peters, died from injuries sustained in a one-car accident on 23 December.
Everett was driving "over twice the posted 45mph speed limit just prior to the crash," according to police.
The 29-year-old turned himself in after being served with a warrant and has been released on $10,000 bail.
Everett sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries in the crash.
"Our team continues to investigate this matter as we intend on vigorously defending Mr Everett against these allegations," his attorney, Kaveh Noorishad, said in a statement.
"We continue to ask that judgment be reserved until all facts are fully investigated and litigated in the proper forum."
Since coming into the NFL in 2015, Everett has played in 89 games for the Washington franchise, and last season played in all 14 games before the accident.
"We are aware of these charges and are continuing to monitor the situation," the Commanders said in a statement. "We will have no further comment at this time."
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Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named the NFL Most Valuable Player on Thursday, earning the designation for the second year in a row and becoming a four-time winner.
Rodgers, who guided the Packers to the NFC's No 1 seed in this season's playoffs, also was named MVP in 2011, 2014 and 2020.
The only other player to win the honour at least four times was Peyton Manning, who was a five-time MVP. Manning presented the award to Rodgers on Thursday.
In 16 games this season, Rodgers passed for 4,115 yards and 37 touchdowns against just four interceptions in leading the Packers to a 13-3 record. Green Bay were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers.
Rodgers thanked his teammates and gave credit to Packers coach Matt LaFleur for putting him in a position to have success.
"You're a huge part of this and I love you and I appreciate you," Rodgers said. "Thanks for trusting me, supporting me, empowering me and making things easy for me. I appreciate you, buddy."
Check out Rodgers' best throws from his four-touchdown game as the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 45-30.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt was chosen the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, while Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Watt's 22.5 sacks in the 2021 season tied the NFL record set by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan in 2001.
The award was presented to Watt by his brother J.J. Watt of the Arizona Cardinals, a three-time defensive player of the year (2012, 2014, 2015).
"My teammates, coaches back home in Pittsburgh, this truly is not possible without you guys," said T.J. Watt, a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2017 who has 72 career sacks. "There are so many guys that put in so much work that goes unnoticed -- and that goes for the guys in the cafeteria to the guys who are taping ankles. This one is for all of you guys."
Kupp claimed the Offensive honour after claiming the wide receiver triple crown, leading the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16). The last wide receiver to lead the league in all three categories was Steve Smith in 2005.
Kupp's exploits helped the Rams to a spot in Sunday's Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Los Angeles' 20-17 NFC Championship Game victory against the San Francisco Giants, Kupp had 11 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Watch the best bits from wide receiver Cooper Kupp's record-breaking evening as he broke the Rams' single-season receptions record.
"I have my teammates and coaches who have made it an absolute joy to come in and do the work every single day," Kupp said. "I have enjoyed it."
Kupp's teammate, offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, received the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his charitable contributions off the field.
Whitworth has a unique perspective on Sunday's Super Bowl as somebody who played for both teams. His first 11 seasons came with the Bengals before he played the past five seasons with the Rams.
Watch as Justin Tucker hits a NFL-record 66-yard field goal as the Ravens beat the Lions.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was honoured with NFL Moment of the Year for his record-breaking, 66-yard field goal at Detroit on Sept. 26 as time expired in a 19-17 victory.
Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Chase, the No. 5 overall selection in last year's draft, had 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns for the AFC champions.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was named unanimous NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 13 sacks and 84 tackles. The No. 12 selection in last year's draft out of Penn State had three forced fumbles in 16 games.
Ja'Marr Chase broke Chad Ochocinco's single-season receiving yardage record for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Quarterback Joe Burrow was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after guiding the Bengals to Sunday's Super Bowl.
Burrow's rookie season in 2020 was cut short after 10 games because of a devastating knee injury sustained against the Washington Football Team. He tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee while also damaging his PCL and meniscus.
The Tennessee Titans' Mike Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year after guiding his team to a 12-5 record and a No. 1 seed in the AFC for this season's playoffs.
2021 NFL award winners
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans)
Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Rookie of the Year: Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)
Moment of the Year: Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's record-breaking 66-yard field goal
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Andrew Whitworth (Los Angeles Rams)
Hall of Fame inductees announced
Eight inductees were also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday, including former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler, ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young and late New Orleans linebacker Sam Mills.
Others named to the Hall of Fame from the NFL Honors celebration at Los Angeles included late Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch, New England Patriots and Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour, Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli, Super Bowl-winning head coach Dick Vermeil and former referee and director of officiating Art McNally.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is set for Aug. 6 at Canton, Ohio.
Full list of inductees:
Tony Boselli
LeRoy Butler
Sam Mills
Richard Seymour
Bryant Young
Cliff Branch
Art McNally
Dick Vermeil
Butler played 181 games over 12 seasons as a second-round draft pick out of Florida State. He led the Packers in interceptions five times and picked off 38 passes in his career.
"Family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone in the Packers organization, WE MADE IT!" Butler wrote on his website leroybutlerinc.com "I will forever be thankful for all of the love and support you have shown to me, both personally and professionally. And, while I am sure I will be working hard to express my thanks to all of you, I want to make sure that my Packers teammates, especially that special 1996 team, are thanked."
Young played 208 games over 14 seasons, all with the 49ers. The first-round pick in 1994 out of Notre Dame was named to the Pro Bowl four times. Bryant had 89.5 sacks in his career.
The 49ers issued a statement that read in part, "Congratulations to Bryant Young for receiving the ultimate honor of being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. B.Y.'s tenacity, dedication and leadership throughout his illustrious 14-year career earned him respect from his teammates and the 49ers Faithful alike, helping him garner numerous career accolades highlighted by a Super Bowl championship. While he inspired us all through his courageous play, his legacy derives from the integrity, class and character he exemplified to all of us at the 49ers and in the community."
Mills, who died from cancer in 2005 at the age of 45, played the first nine seasons of his 12-year career in New Orleans. He finished with the Carolina Panthers and totaled 1,265 tackles with 20.5 sacks and 11 interceptions.
"It's probably one of the more inspirational stories because this is a guy that never gave up, that was told: You can't, you can't, you can't,'" former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said, according to The Athletic, about the 5-foot-9 Mills.
"But that never stayed with him. He just kept doing it and kept doing it. It tells people the right message. In spite of all those things, you can succeed."
Branch, who died in 2019 at age 71, was a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler. He had 501 career receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns.
Seymour, who played 164 games over 12 seasons, was the sixth overall draft pick in 2001 out of Georgia. He had 57.5 career sacks and was on seven Patriots teams that won at least 10 games.
Boselli played 91 games over seven seasons after he was the Jaguars' first-ever draft pick, selected No. 2 overall in 1995 out of Southern California.
A first-team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons, Boselli helped the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game in his second NFL season. He becomes Jacksonville's first Hall of Famer.
"Tony's well-deserved selection for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is long overdue and one of the greatest moments in the history of our franchise," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. "Tony embraced being a Jaguar from the moment he was drafted and from there fought for Jacksonville as one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever play the game."
Vermeil led the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl title after the 1999 season.
As coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, he went 120-109 in 15 NFL seasons.
"I am overwhelmed. I'm not sure I belong there," Vermeil said.
Also See:
The rise and rise of Joe Burrow
Kurt Warner: Burrow a natural leader | Stafford can silence doubters
Munich and Frankfurt to host NFL games | UK games unlikely to be impacted
NFL's pursuit of racial equality in a critical moment
McNally is a former official who became supervisor of officials from 1968-90.
He worked as an NFL officiating observer and trainer until 2015.
SKY
Rodgers, who guided the Packers to the NFC's No 1 seed in this season's playoffs, also was named MVP in 2011, 2014 and 2020.
The only other player to win the honour at least four times was Peyton Manning, who was a five-time MVP. Manning presented the award to Rodgers on Thursday.
In 16 games this season, Rodgers passed for 4,115 yards and 37 touchdowns against just four interceptions in leading the Packers to a 13-3 record. Green Bay were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers.
Rodgers thanked his teammates and gave credit to Packers coach Matt LaFleur for putting him in a position to have success.
"You're a huge part of this and I love you and I appreciate you," Rodgers said. "Thanks for trusting me, supporting me, empowering me and making things easy for me. I appreciate you, buddy."
Check out Rodgers' best throws from his four-touchdown game as the Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 45-30.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt was chosen the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, while Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Watt's 22.5 sacks in the 2021 season tied the NFL record set by the New York Giants' Michael Strahan in 2001.
The award was presented to Watt by his brother J.J. Watt of the Arizona Cardinals, a three-time defensive player of the year (2012, 2014, 2015).
"My teammates, coaches back home in Pittsburgh, this truly is not possible without you guys," said T.J. Watt, a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2017 who has 72 career sacks. "There are so many guys that put in so much work that goes unnoticed -- and that goes for the guys in the cafeteria to the guys who are taping ankles. This one is for all of you guys."
Kupp claimed the Offensive honour after claiming the wide receiver triple crown, leading the league in receptions (145), yards (1,947) and touchdowns (16). The last wide receiver to lead the league in all three categories was Steve Smith in 2005.
Kupp's exploits helped the Rams to a spot in Sunday's Super Bowl against the Cincinnati Bengals. In Los Angeles' 20-17 NFC Championship Game victory against the San Francisco Giants, Kupp had 11 catches for 142 yards and two touchdowns.
Watch the best bits from wide receiver Cooper Kupp's record-breaking evening as he broke the Rams' single-season receptions record.
"I have my teammates and coaches who have made it an absolute joy to come in and do the work every single day," Kupp said. "I have enjoyed it."
Kupp's teammate, offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth, received the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award for his charitable contributions off the field.
Whitworth has a unique perspective on Sunday's Super Bowl as somebody who played for both teams. His first 11 seasons came with the Bengals before he played the past five seasons with the Rams.
Watch as Justin Tucker hits a NFL-record 66-yard field goal as the Ravens beat the Lions.
Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was honoured with NFL Moment of the Year for his record-breaking, 66-yard field goal at Detroit on Sept. 26 as time expired in a 19-17 victory.
Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Chase, the No. 5 overall selection in last year's draft, had 81 receptions for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns for the AFC champions.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was named unanimous NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording 13 sacks and 84 tackles. The No. 12 selection in last year's draft out of Penn State had three forced fumbles in 16 games.
Ja'Marr Chase broke Chad Ochocinco's single-season receiving yardage record for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Quarterback Joe Burrow was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year after guiding the Bengals to Sunday's Super Bowl.
Burrow's rookie season in 2020 was cut short after 10 games because of a devastating knee injury sustained against the Washington Football Team. He tore the ACL and MCL in his left knee while also damaging his PCL and meniscus.
The Tennessee Titans' Mike Vrabel was named NFL Coach of the Year after guiding his team to a 12-5 record and a No. 1 seed in the AFC for this season's playoffs.
2021 NFL award winners
Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
Coach of the Year: Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans)
Offensive Player of the Year: Cooper Kupp (Los Angeles Rams)
Defensive Player of the Year: TJ Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Comeback Player of the Year: Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
Rookie of the Year: Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)
Moment of the Year: Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's record-breaking 66-yard field goal
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year: Andrew Whitworth (Los Angeles Rams)
Hall of Fame inductees announced
Eight inductees were also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Thursday, including former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler, ex-San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Bryant Young and late New Orleans linebacker Sam Mills.
Others named to the Hall of Fame from the NFL Honors celebration at Los Angeles included late Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch, New England Patriots and Raiders defensive lineman Richard Seymour, Jacksonville Jaguars tackle Tony Boselli, Super Bowl-winning head coach Dick Vermeil and former referee and director of officiating Art McNally.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony is set for Aug. 6 at Canton, Ohio.
Full list of inductees:
Tony Boselli
LeRoy Butler
Sam Mills
Richard Seymour
Bryant Young
Cliff Branch
Art McNally
Dick Vermeil
Butler played 181 games over 12 seasons as a second-round draft pick out of Florida State. He led the Packers in interceptions five times and picked off 38 passes in his career.
"Family, friends, teammates, coaches, fans, and everyone in the Packers organization, WE MADE IT!" Butler wrote on his website leroybutlerinc.com "I will forever be thankful for all of the love and support you have shown to me, both personally and professionally. And, while I am sure I will be working hard to express my thanks to all of you, I want to make sure that my Packers teammates, especially that special 1996 team, are thanked."
Young played 208 games over 14 seasons, all with the 49ers. The first-round pick in 1994 out of Notre Dame was named to the Pro Bowl four times. Bryant had 89.5 sacks in his career.
The 49ers issued a statement that read in part, "Congratulations to Bryant Young for receiving the ultimate honor of being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. B.Y.'s tenacity, dedication and leadership throughout his illustrious 14-year career earned him respect from his teammates and the 49ers Faithful alike, helping him garner numerous career accolades highlighted by a Super Bowl championship. While he inspired us all through his courageous play, his legacy derives from the integrity, class and character he exemplified to all of us at the 49ers and in the community."
Mills, who died from cancer in 2005 at the age of 45, played the first nine seasons of his 12-year career in New Orleans. He finished with the Carolina Panthers and totaled 1,265 tackles with 20.5 sacks and 11 interceptions.
"It's probably one of the more inspirational stories because this is a guy that never gave up, that was told: You can't, you can't, you can't,'" former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera said, according to The Athletic, about the 5-foot-9 Mills.
"But that never stayed with him. He just kept doing it and kept doing it. It tells people the right message. In spite of all those things, you can succeed."
Branch, who died in 2019 at age 71, was a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowler. He had 501 career receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns.
Seymour, who played 164 games over 12 seasons, was the sixth overall draft pick in 2001 out of Georgia. He had 57.5 career sacks and was on seven Patriots teams that won at least 10 games.
Boselli played 91 games over seven seasons after he was the Jaguars' first-ever draft pick, selected No. 2 overall in 1995 out of Southern California.
A first-team All-Pro in three consecutive seasons, Boselli helped the Jaguars to the AFC Championship Game in his second NFL season. He becomes Jacksonville's first Hall of Famer.
"Tony's well-deserved selection for enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is long overdue and one of the greatest moments in the history of our franchise," Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. "Tony embraced being a Jaguar from the moment he was drafted and from there fought for Jacksonville as one of the greatest offensive linemen to ever play the game."
Vermeil led the St. Louis Rams to the Super Bowl title after the 1999 season.
As coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, the Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs, he went 120-109 in 15 NFL seasons.
"I am overwhelmed. I'm not sure I belong there," Vermeil said.
Also See:
The rise and rise of Joe Burrow
Kurt Warner: Burrow a natural leader | Stafford can silence doubters
Munich and Frankfurt to host NFL games | UK games unlikely to be impacted
NFL's pursuit of racial equality in a critical moment
McNally is a former official who became supervisor of officials from 1968-90.
He worked as an NFL officiating observer and trainer until 2015.
SKY
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- Runs
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One way or another, it's going to be a Hollywood ending to an enthralling NFL season with Super Bowl 56 set to provide either the final act of a true underdog story or the completion of an ambitious all-star gamble.
The Los Angeles Rams went all-in in assembling an all-star cast to make sure they played the Super Bowl in their magnificent new home stadium, but nobody was expecting the Cincinnati Bengals, 125-1 outsiders at the start of the season, to be lining up against them.
With another bumper set of all-stars set to make the half-time show a blockbuster too, it's all set up to be a night like no other in Los Angeles.
Absolutely nobody fancied the Bengals, with just six wins in two previous seasons combined, to make it this far - and in fact no team has ever had a worse record in the two years before making the Super Bowl.
But this year it all clicked. With second-year quarterback Joe Burrow reunited with college team-mate Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals have been an attacking team full of highlight-reel big plays.
Burrow and Chase aside, the Bengals have a squad more in keeping with a low-key franchise that has never won the Super Bowl, and went 31 years without even winning a play-off game until this season.
By contrast, since the Rams moved back to LA from St Louis in 2016 they've really taken the Hollywood theme to heart, embarking on an ambitious plan of blockbuster trades to bring in established star players in vital positions.
They have played four Super Bowls in their 86-year history - having started life in Cleveland in 1936, they moved to LA in the 1940s, and to St Louis in the mid-90s, before returning to LA - but have won only one, in 2000.
They have now put down permanent roots in the City of Angels. Owner Stan Kroenke splashed out $5bn to build the stunning SoFi Stadium and bring the Super Bowl back to LA, where it was first staged in 1967 before the game was even known as the Super Bowl - for some reason 'the AFL-NFL World Championship Game' did not catch on as a title.
The Rams last had a first-round draft pick in 2016 and are next scheduled one in 2024. Instead they've got older players on huge wages pushing the salary cap to the limit, but it's all part of their win-now mentality.
It's an interesting approach from Kroenke, who has not exactly demonstrated the same vision at Arsenal, as Gunners fans will tell you. Most fans in north London will be about as happy with Kroenke's Rams winning on Sunday as Manchester United fans were about the Glazers winning last year's Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.
Two top picks, two top receivers and two close head coaches
Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow are only the second pair of quarterbacks both picked number one overall in the draft to meet in the Super Bowl.
A decade with struggling Detroit gave Stafford little chance to shine, but the fact the Rams paid such a high price for a 34-year-old shows just how desperate they were to win a Super Bowl. He simply has to deliver in a game that will define his career.
Burrow is in just his second year but walks and talks like a man destined for the big stage - and his 7-0 record in play-off games in college and the NFL show you he usually delivers when the stakes are highest.
He's tough - he has recovered from a brutal knee injury and been sacked more times than any other QB in the league this season, but he keeps on getting up to win. His presence on the field is about the closest you can get to that of Tom Brady - who, incidentally, won his first Super Bowl in his second season and as a big underdog.
At wide receiver you have the Rams' Cooper Kupp - coming off a season when he topped the charts in catches, yards and touchdowns - against Bengals rookie Chase, who has taken the league by storm. Both look unstoppable at times and either could be a game winner.
There is also intrigue on the sidelines, where Rams head coach Sean McVay goes up against a former assistant in Bengals boss Zac Taylor - who was on LA's staff for their last Super Bowl appearance three years ago. That inside knowledge could potentially give Taylor an edge.
It's been a nail-biting season all year, with a record 35 games won on the very last play of the game and all four matches in a crazy divisional round of the play-offs settled by walk-off wins.
The Bengals had two walk-off wins to get to the Super Bowl and are known for their second-half comebacks, with a talent for making tactical changes at the break.
They outscored opponents by a league-best 73 points in the third quarter over the season, and as they showed with a huge wobble against Brady's defending champions the Buccaneers, the Rams can struggle to kill games off.
With an extra long half-time interval for Taylor to work his tactical magic, do not go switching this one off early.
As the Super Bowl returns to Los Angeles for the first time in almost 30 years, the NFL has pulled out all the stops with a bumper half-time show that will feature Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Dr Dre.
With 43 Grammys between them it's another all-star cast for this Hollywood epic, and a homecoming for Lamar, Dre and Snoop Dogg.
After 54 years with no team playing a Super Bowl at home, the Rams are the second on the bounce after the Buccaneers won in Tampa last year.
This is just the second time two QBs who were number one overall picks in the draft have met in the Super Bowl - Payton Manning and Cam Newton were the first, at Super Bowl 50.
The Bengals have played in two previous Super Bowls, losing both to the 49ers, while the Rams have won one of their four previous appearances.
With Bengals head coach Zac Taylor aged 38 and opposite number Sean McVay 36, this is the youngest head coaching Super Bowl match-up of all time.
If the Rams win, Sean McVay will be the youngest ever Super Bowl winning head coach, beating the record held by Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin who won aged 36 years and 323 days.
The pre-match betting underdogs have won six of the past 10 Super Bowls.
This is the first Super Bowl since 1975 not to have a first or second seed taking part. Both teams were seeded four in their conference so there will be a fourth seed as Super Bowl champs for the first time since Baltimore in 2012.
If the Rams beat the Bengals, they will become the third franchise to win Super Bowls while being located in two cities, after the Colts - Baltimore and Indianapolis - and the Raiders, who have won while in Oakland and Los Angeles.
BBC
The Los Angeles Rams went all-in in assembling an all-star cast to make sure they played the Super Bowl in their magnificent new home stadium, but nobody was expecting the Cincinnati Bengals, 125-1 outsiders at the start of the season, to be lining up against them.
With another bumper set of all-stars set to make the half-time show a blockbuster too, it's all set up to be a night like no other in Los Angeles.
Absolutely nobody fancied the Bengals, with just six wins in two previous seasons combined, to make it this far - and in fact no team has ever had a worse record in the two years before making the Super Bowl.
But this year it all clicked. With second-year quarterback Joe Burrow reunited with college team-mate Ja'Marr Chase, the Bengals have been an attacking team full of highlight-reel big plays.
Burrow and Chase aside, the Bengals have a squad more in keeping with a low-key franchise that has never won the Super Bowl, and went 31 years without even winning a play-off game until this season.
By contrast, since the Rams moved back to LA from St Louis in 2016 they've really taken the Hollywood theme to heart, embarking on an ambitious plan of blockbuster trades to bring in established star players in vital positions.
They have played four Super Bowls in their 86-year history - having started life in Cleveland in 1936, they moved to LA in the 1940s, and to St Louis in the mid-90s, before returning to LA - but have won only one, in 2000.
They have now put down permanent roots in the City of Angels. Owner Stan Kroenke splashed out $5bn to build the stunning SoFi Stadium and bring the Super Bowl back to LA, where it was first staged in 1967 before the game was even known as the Super Bowl - for some reason 'the AFL-NFL World Championship Game' did not catch on as a title.
The Rams last had a first-round draft pick in 2016 and are next scheduled one in 2024. Instead they've got older players on huge wages pushing the salary cap to the limit, but it's all part of their win-now mentality.
It's an interesting approach from Kroenke, who has not exactly demonstrated the same vision at Arsenal, as Gunners fans will tell you. Most fans in north London will be about as happy with Kroenke's Rams winning on Sunday as Manchester United fans were about the Glazers winning last year's Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.
Two top picks, two top receivers and two close head coaches
Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow are only the second pair of quarterbacks both picked number one overall in the draft to meet in the Super Bowl.
A decade with struggling Detroit gave Stafford little chance to shine, but the fact the Rams paid such a high price for a 34-year-old shows just how desperate they were to win a Super Bowl. He simply has to deliver in a game that will define his career.
Burrow is in just his second year but walks and talks like a man destined for the big stage - and his 7-0 record in play-off games in college and the NFL show you he usually delivers when the stakes are highest.
He's tough - he has recovered from a brutal knee injury and been sacked more times than any other QB in the league this season, but he keeps on getting up to win. His presence on the field is about the closest you can get to that of Tom Brady - who, incidentally, won his first Super Bowl in his second season and as a big underdog.
At wide receiver you have the Rams' Cooper Kupp - coming off a season when he topped the charts in catches, yards and touchdowns - against Bengals rookie Chase, who has taken the league by storm. Both look unstoppable at times and either could be a game winner.
There is also intrigue on the sidelines, where Rams head coach Sean McVay goes up against a former assistant in Bengals boss Zac Taylor - who was on LA's staff for their last Super Bowl appearance three years ago. That inside knowledge could potentially give Taylor an edge.
It's been a nail-biting season all year, with a record 35 games won on the very last play of the game and all four matches in a crazy divisional round of the play-offs settled by walk-off wins.
The Bengals had two walk-off wins to get to the Super Bowl and are known for their second-half comebacks, with a talent for making tactical changes at the break.
They outscored opponents by a league-best 73 points in the third quarter over the season, and as they showed with a huge wobble against Brady's defending champions the Buccaneers, the Rams can struggle to kill games off.
With an extra long half-time interval for Taylor to work his tactical magic, do not go switching this one off early.
As the Super Bowl returns to Los Angeles for the first time in almost 30 years, the NFL has pulled out all the stops with a bumper half-time show that will feature Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Dr Dre.
With 43 Grammys between them it's another all-star cast for this Hollywood epic, and a homecoming for Lamar, Dre and Snoop Dogg.
After 54 years with no team playing a Super Bowl at home, the Rams are the second on the bounce after the Buccaneers won in Tampa last year.
This is just the second time two QBs who were number one overall picks in the draft have met in the Super Bowl - Payton Manning and Cam Newton were the first, at Super Bowl 50.
The Bengals have played in two previous Super Bowls, losing both to the 49ers, while the Rams have won one of their four previous appearances.
With Bengals head coach Zac Taylor aged 38 and opposite number Sean McVay 36, this is the youngest head coaching Super Bowl match-up of all time.
If the Rams win, Sean McVay will be the youngest ever Super Bowl winning head coach, beating the record held by Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin who won aged 36 years and 323 days.
The pre-match betting underdogs have won six of the past 10 Super Bowls.
This is the first Super Bowl since 1975 not to have a first or second seed taking part. Both teams were seeded four in their conference so there will be a fourth seed as Super Bowl champs for the first time since Baltimore in 2012.
If the Rams beat the Bengals, they will become the third franchise to win Super Bowls while being located in two cities, after the Colts - Baltimore and Indianapolis - and the Raiders, who have won while in Oakland and Los Angeles.
BBC
Romali_rotti
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Rooting for the Bengals for my close friend Anna who grew up in Ohio as a huge Bengal's fan, unfortunately she lost her fight to cancer a few years back in Atlanta..
Lets go Bengals, bring it home for Anna RIP..
Lets go Bengals, bring it home for Anna RIP..
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- 217,716
The Los Angeles Rams scored a late touchdown to beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl 56.
The Bengals looked set to win their first Super Bowl - just two years after being the NFL's worst team.
But the Rams' star-studded roster produced when it mattered most, with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading a game-winning 15-play drive.
With just one minute 25 seconds left, Cooper Kupp scored his second touchdown to give the Rams a second NFL title.
Kupp was named the game's Most Valuable Player, adding to the Offensive Player of the Year award he won last week.
With the game taking place at SoFi Stadium, the Rams are only the second team to win a Super Bowl in their own stadium after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers achieved the feat last year.
Victory also vindicated their decision to return to Los Angeles from St Louis six years ago.
Although they reached the NFL's championship game at the end of their third season back in California, losing to the New England Patriots, they then traded away a flurry of future draft picks to rebuild their squad.
Built at a cost of $5bn (£3.7bn) by Rams and Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, the SoFi Stadium earned the right to stage the first Super Bowl in the LA region since 1993 and the Rams went all in to ensure they were part of the big show.
The gamble paid off as they not only reached their fifth Super Bowl but delivered a Hollywood ending.
The Rams gave up significant draft capital to bring in Stafford, linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, while Odell Beckham Jr was picked up as a free agent in November.
Stafford and Beckham, in particular, have enjoyed a new lease of life in LA after being starved of success with the Detroit Lions and New York Giants respectively.
Stafford tied for a career-high 41 touchdowns in the regular season before claiming his first play-off win - in his 186th NFL game - while Beckham scored his first play-off touchdown.
Beckham's second opened the scoring on the Rams' second possession of Super Bowl 56, before Stafford made an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kupp to give them a 13-3 lead early in the second quarter.
The Bengals hit straight back to make it 13-10, but on the Rams' next possession Beckham dropped a catch and immediately clutched his left knee.
The receiver did not return to the game and, after the Bengals went 20-13 up early in the third quarter, the defences took charge.
LA eked out a field goal and, with 6mins 13secs on the clock, Stafford knew this was the time to show the Rams were right to trade Jared Goff and three draft picks for him last March.
With the Super Bowl on the line, the 34-year-old relied on the man he helped to secure the receiving triple crown of most catches, yards and touchdowns in the regular season.
Stafford found Kupp five times on the drive, capped by his third touchdown pass, to put the Rams back in front and finish with 283 passing yards.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald then made a tackle to stop the Bengals getting a first down before forcing quarterback Joe Burrow to throw the ball away under pressure on fourth and one. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year finished with eight pressures, including two sacks.
Unlike the Rams, Cincinnati used the draft to turn around their fortunes in the past couple of years, selecting Burrow with the first pick in 2020 and receiver Ja'Marr Chase, his former college team-mate, with the fifth pick in 2021.
The Bengals opted for Chase rather than an offensive lineman, which would have given their franchise quarterback greater protection.
Although Cincinnati still have one of the NFL's most porous offensive lines, Burrow became the first quarterback to reach the Super Bowl after leading the league in times sacked (51).
That was mainly because of his connection with Chase, who claimed a rookie record for receiving yards this season and the Rookie of the Year award.
After leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl in 33 years, they connected again for 46 yards to set up a successful field-goal attempt late in the first quarter.
When the Rams went 13-3 up, Cincinnati hit straight back with a 12-play scoring drive ending with a trick play, Burrow shovelling it off to running back Joe Mixon to find Tee Higgins for a six-yard touchdown.
Higgins scored again with a huge play from the first play after half-time, although he appeared to pull Ramsey's facemask before catching Burrow's deep pass to the sideline and running in a 75-yard score.
An interception on the next play resulted in another field goal to put the Bengals 20-13 up, but then LA began to capitalise on the visitors' Achilles heel.
The Bengals offensive line allowed Burrow to be sacked seven times as defences forced a run of seven straight punts - four of them by the Bengals - before the Rams ended Cincinnati's hopes of completing their Cinderella story.
Rams head coach Sean McVay: "It feels outstanding. I am so proud of this team. We talk all the time about competitive greatness, about being your best when your best is required and Matt gets to finish it off - it is poetic.
"Those guys did a great job - they took over the game. World champs baby!"
Rams quarterback Matt Stafford: "I just thank the coach for saying 'you and Cooper Kupp go and get this thing done', and calling plays for him.
"I kept finding ways to get him the ball, and he kept making unbelievable plays. That is what he does."
Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp: "I'm just so thankful. These guys here, they challenge me, they push me and they make it so much fun coming into work every day."
Aaron Donald: "I wanted this so bad, I feel amazing. It was one last play to be world champs, and we made a play and won so that's all that matters."
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (on Twitter): "Sorry we couldn't get it done. Proud of our team and our fans. Love these guys."
With five joint headliners, the question hanging over 2022's hip-hop half-time show was how to do justice to the stars' sizeable back catalogues.
But Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige and Kendrick Lamar struck the perfect balance between packing in as many monster hits as possible, while also giving each one - and each other - time to breathe.
And as if five headliners weren't enough, 50 Cent made his Super Bowl debut by hanging upside down, a recreation of his most famous music video for his most famous song, In Da Club. He might have been a little out of breath, but the crowd went wild.
Curse words were replaced with family-friendly lyrics, and the only thing vaguely approaching controversy came when Eminem took to the stage, taking the knee towards the end of his performance.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/60370985
The Bengals looked set to win their first Super Bowl - just two years after being the NFL's worst team.
But the Rams' star-studded roster produced when it mattered most, with quarterback Matthew Stafford leading a game-winning 15-play drive.
With just one minute 25 seconds left, Cooper Kupp scored his second touchdown to give the Rams a second NFL title.
Kupp was named the game's Most Valuable Player, adding to the Offensive Player of the Year award he won last week.
With the game taking place at SoFi Stadium, the Rams are only the second team to win a Super Bowl in their own stadium after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers achieved the feat last year.
Victory also vindicated their decision to return to Los Angeles from St Louis six years ago.
Although they reached the NFL's championship game at the end of their third season back in California, losing to the New England Patriots, they then traded away a flurry of future draft picks to rebuild their squad.
Built at a cost of $5bn (£3.7bn) by Rams and Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke, the SoFi Stadium earned the right to stage the first Super Bowl in the LA region since 1993 and the Rams went all in to ensure they were part of the big show.
The gamble paid off as they not only reached their fifth Super Bowl but delivered a Hollywood ending.
The Rams gave up significant draft capital to bring in Stafford, linebacker Von Miller and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, while Odell Beckham Jr was picked up as a free agent in November.
Stafford and Beckham, in particular, have enjoyed a new lease of life in LA after being starved of success with the Detroit Lions and New York Giants respectively.
Stafford tied for a career-high 41 touchdowns in the regular season before claiming his first play-off win - in his 186th NFL game - while Beckham scored his first play-off touchdown.
Beckham's second opened the scoring on the Rams' second possession of Super Bowl 56, before Stafford made an 11-yard touchdown pass to Kupp to give them a 13-3 lead early in the second quarter.
The Bengals hit straight back to make it 13-10, but on the Rams' next possession Beckham dropped a catch and immediately clutched his left knee.
The receiver did not return to the game and, after the Bengals went 20-13 up early in the third quarter, the defences took charge.
LA eked out a field goal and, with 6mins 13secs on the clock, Stafford knew this was the time to show the Rams were right to trade Jared Goff and three draft picks for him last March.
With the Super Bowl on the line, the 34-year-old relied on the man he helped to secure the receiving triple crown of most catches, yards and touchdowns in the regular season.
Stafford found Kupp five times on the drive, capped by his third touchdown pass, to put the Rams back in front and finish with 283 passing yards.
Defensive tackle Aaron Donald then made a tackle to stop the Bengals getting a first down before forcing quarterback Joe Burrow to throw the ball away under pressure on fourth and one. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year finished with eight pressures, including two sacks.
Unlike the Rams, Cincinnati used the draft to turn around their fortunes in the past couple of years, selecting Burrow with the first pick in 2020 and receiver Ja'Marr Chase, his former college team-mate, with the fifth pick in 2021.
The Bengals opted for Chase rather than an offensive lineman, which would have given their franchise quarterback greater protection.
Although Cincinnati still have one of the NFL's most porous offensive lines, Burrow became the first quarterback to reach the Super Bowl after leading the league in times sacked (51).
That was mainly because of his connection with Chase, who claimed a rookie record for receiving yards this season and the Rookie of the Year award.
After leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl in 33 years, they connected again for 46 yards to set up a successful field-goal attempt late in the first quarter.
When the Rams went 13-3 up, Cincinnati hit straight back with a 12-play scoring drive ending with a trick play, Burrow shovelling it off to running back Joe Mixon to find Tee Higgins for a six-yard touchdown.
Higgins scored again with a huge play from the first play after half-time, although he appeared to pull Ramsey's facemask before catching Burrow's deep pass to the sideline and running in a 75-yard score.
An interception on the next play resulted in another field goal to put the Bengals 20-13 up, but then LA began to capitalise on the visitors' Achilles heel.
The Bengals offensive line allowed Burrow to be sacked seven times as defences forced a run of seven straight punts - four of them by the Bengals - before the Rams ended Cincinnati's hopes of completing their Cinderella story.
Rams head coach Sean McVay: "It feels outstanding. I am so proud of this team. We talk all the time about competitive greatness, about being your best when your best is required and Matt gets to finish it off - it is poetic.
"Those guys did a great job - they took over the game. World champs baby!"
Rams quarterback Matt Stafford: "I just thank the coach for saying 'you and Cooper Kupp go and get this thing done', and calling plays for him.
"I kept finding ways to get him the ball, and he kept making unbelievable plays. That is what he does."
Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp: "I'm just so thankful. These guys here, they challenge me, they push me and they make it so much fun coming into work every day."
Aaron Donald: "I wanted this so bad, I feel amazing. It was one last play to be world champs, and we made a play and won so that's all that matters."
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (on Twitter): "Sorry we couldn't get it done. Proud of our team and our fans. Love these guys."
With five joint headliners, the question hanging over 2022's hip-hop half-time show was how to do justice to the stars' sizeable back catalogues.
But Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige and Kendrick Lamar struck the perfect balance between packing in as many monster hits as possible, while also giving each one - and each other - time to breathe.
And as if five headliners weren't enough, 50 Cent made his Super Bowl debut by hanging upside down, a recreation of his most famous music video for his most famous song, In Da Club. He might have been a little out of breath, but the crowd went wild.
Curse words were replaced with family-friendly lyrics, and the only thing vaguely approaching controversy came when Eminem took to the stage, taking the knee towards the end of his performance.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/american-football/60370985
Romali_rotti
Senior T20I Player
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So close Bengals were, well played by the Rams....
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- 15,745
Odell Beckham Jr.: Los Angeles Rams receiver believed to have suffered torn ACL in Super Bowl win
Odell Beckham Jr. is faced with another gruelling offseason of recovery and a race to be fit for the start of the 2022 NFL campaign after reportedly suffering the second ACL tear of his career in Sunday night's Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver was forced off in the second quarter of the 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals after going down clutching his knee in visible pain with a non-contact injury sustained while attempting a catch.
It came not long after the mid-season acquisition from the Cleveland Browns had opened the scoring at SoFi Stadium with a 17-yard touchdown catch.
Beckham was eventually ruled out before returning to the sideline in street clothes to watch his side win the franchise's first Super Bowl title since the 1999 season.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed on Monday that it is believed the 29-year-old tore his ACL.
"I know what a huge impact he's had on our football team since we got him. It was heartbreaking to see that because, just to be able to get to that moment, and he had really made an impact with those two catches that were huge plays," said Rams head coach Sean McVay.
"My heart goes out to him, I love Odell, really grateful for the many contributions he made, we wouldn't be champs without him."
Beckham Jr had arguably been playing his best football since the heights of his career with the New York Giants having arrived in Los Angeles in November after being released by the Browns, where his production had been limited in a run-first offense.
In eight regular season games with the Rams he made 27 catches for 305 yards and five touchdowns, before following up in the playoffs with 21 catches for 288 yards and two scores on his way to a first career Super Bowl ring.
It will be the second time he has torn his ACL, the first coming against the Bengals in Week Seven of the 2020 season.
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...d-to-have-suffered-torn-acl-in-super-bowl-win
Odell Beckham Jr. is faced with another gruelling offseason of recovery and a race to be fit for the start of the 2022 NFL campaign after reportedly suffering the second ACL tear of his career in Sunday night's Super Bowl.
The Los Angeles Rams wide receiver was forced off in the second quarter of the 23-20 win over the Cincinnati Bengals after going down clutching his knee in visible pain with a non-contact injury sustained while attempting a catch.
It came not long after the mid-season acquisition from the Cleveland Browns had opened the scoring at SoFi Stadium with a 17-yard touchdown catch.
Beckham was eventually ruled out before returning to the sideline in street clothes to watch his side win the franchise's first Super Bowl title since the 1999 season.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport confirmed on Monday that it is believed the 29-year-old tore his ACL.
"I know what a huge impact he's had on our football team since we got him. It was heartbreaking to see that because, just to be able to get to that moment, and he had really made an impact with those two catches that were huge plays," said Rams head coach Sean McVay.
"My heart goes out to him, I love Odell, really grateful for the many contributions he made, we wouldn't be champs without him."
Beckham Jr had arguably been playing his best football since the heights of his career with the New York Giants having arrived in Los Angeles in November after being released by the Browns, where his production had been limited in a run-first offense.
In eight regular season games with the Rams he made 27 catches for 305 yards and five touchdowns, before following up in the playoffs with 21 catches for 288 yards and two scores on his way to a first career Super Bowl ring.
It will be the second time he has torn his ACL, the first coming against the Bengals in Week Seven of the 2020 season.
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...d-to-have-suffered-torn-acl-in-super-bowl-win
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NFL: Green Bay Packers to play their first international game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
The Green Bay Packers will visit London for their first regular-season game outside the USA as the NFL confirmed its international fixtures for 2022.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the Packers game, on a date to be decided.
The New Orleans Saints will play at the same venue, with the Jacksonville Jaguars to feature at Wembley Stadium.
Munich's Allianz Arena will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what will be the first-ever NFL regular season game to be held in Germany.
Earlier this month, the NFL confirmed that Munich and Frankfurt will host one game per season until 2025.
The Arizona Cardinals will play in Mexico City, where they hosted the league's first-ever regular-season game outside the United States in 2005.
The Packers will become the 32nd team to play in London since the NFL started staging games in the UK in 2007.
Following the success of the early years in London, there was an expansion to three fixtures per season in 2014, and there were four games in 2019, although the impact of Covid meant there were no games in 2020 and two in 2021.
The four-time Super Bowl champions will be joined in London by the Saints, who will be visiting the city for the third time after winning at Wembley in 2008 and 2017. The Jacksonville Jaguars will return to Wembley for the first time in three years having played there for seven straight seasons until 2019.
"The Green Bay Packers are excited to make our international debut during the 2022 season," said Packers president and chief executive Mark Murphy.
"Our fans in the UK and elsewhere in Europe have been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to see the Packers play in their backyard, and we know that many of our fans in the United States will travel to London."
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said: "It's always an honour when we are selected to play in the United Kingdom.
"We have enjoyed successful trips in the past and look forward to representing New Orleans and our fans from around the globe."
The NFL has said dates, match-ups and kick-off times will be confirmed as part of the full 2022 schedule announcement later this year.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60561449
The Green Bay Packers will visit London for their first regular-season game outside the USA as the NFL confirmed its international fixtures for 2022.
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the Packers game, on a date to be decided.
The New Orleans Saints will play at the same venue, with the Jacksonville Jaguars to feature at Wembley Stadium.
Munich's Allianz Arena will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what will be the first-ever NFL regular season game to be held in Germany.
Earlier this month, the NFL confirmed that Munich and Frankfurt will host one game per season until 2025.
The Arizona Cardinals will play in Mexico City, where they hosted the league's first-ever regular-season game outside the United States in 2005.
The Packers will become the 32nd team to play in London since the NFL started staging games in the UK in 2007.
Following the success of the early years in London, there was an expansion to three fixtures per season in 2014, and there were four games in 2019, although the impact of Covid meant there were no games in 2020 and two in 2021.
The four-time Super Bowl champions will be joined in London by the Saints, who will be visiting the city for the third time after winning at Wembley in 2008 and 2017. The Jacksonville Jaguars will return to Wembley for the first time in three years having played there for seven straight seasons until 2019.
"The Green Bay Packers are excited to make our international debut during the 2022 season," said Packers president and chief executive Mark Murphy.
"Our fans in the UK and elsewhere in Europe have been eagerly awaiting an opportunity to see the Packers play in their backyard, and we know that many of our fans in the United States will travel to London."
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said: "It's always an honour when we are selected to play in the United Kingdom.
"We have enjoyed successful trips in the past and look forward to representing New Orleans and our fans from around the globe."
The NFL has said dates, match-ups and kick-off times will be confirmed as part of the full 2022 schedule announcement later this year.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60561449
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
Aaron Rodgers to remain with Green Bay Packers into 18th season
Aaron Rodgers says he will remain with the Green Bay Packers for an 18th season but denies he has signed a record-breaking new contract.
Some reports suggested the quarterback was to become the highest-paid NFL player in history after agreeing a four-year deal worth $200m (£152.4m).
However, the 38-year-old insisted those reports were "inaccurate".
Rodgers was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second time in as many seasons in February.
Writing on Twitter, Rodgers confirmed he would stay with the Packers but insisted "reports about me signing a contract are inaccurate, as are the supposed terms of the contract I 'signed'".
The news ends months of speculation over the future of Rodgers, who had been linked with a move to the Denver Broncos.
Rodgers finished 2021's regular season with the NFL's highest passer rating (111.9), helping the Packers become the top seed in the NFC Conference.
Only three quarterbacks had more touchdown passes than Rodgers (37), who threw just four interceptions.
His performances made him the first player to win the NFL's MVP award in back-to-back seasons since Peyton Manning in 2008 and 2009.
Rodgers, who also won the award in 2011 and 2014, is now only behind Manning (five) for the most MVPs.
Prior to last season there were doubts over whether Rodgers would stay in Green Bay having become disgruntled with team management.
He returned after the Packers agreed for him to be more involved in team discussions and restructured his contract, making it easier for him to leave at the end of the 2021 season.
Green Bay again came up short in the play-offs and Rodgers, who has spent his entire career with the Packers, still has just one Super Bowl title to his name.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60667621
Aaron Rodgers says he will remain with the Green Bay Packers for an 18th season but denies he has signed a record-breaking new contract.
Some reports suggested the quarterback was to become the highest-paid NFL player in history after agreeing a four-year deal worth $200m (£152.4m).
However, the 38-year-old insisted those reports were "inaccurate".
Rodgers was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the second time in as many seasons in February.
Writing on Twitter, Rodgers confirmed he would stay with the Packers but insisted "reports about me signing a contract are inaccurate, as are the supposed terms of the contract I 'signed'".
The news ends months of speculation over the future of Rodgers, who had been linked with a move to the Denver Broncos.
Rodgers finished 2021's regular season with the NFL's highest passer rating (111.9), helping the Packers become the top seed in the NFC Conference.
Only three quarterbacks had more touchdown passes than Rodgers (37), who threw just four interceptions.
His performances made him the first player to win the NFL's MVP award in back-to-back seasons since Peyton Manning in 2008 and 2009.
Rodgers, who also won the award in 2011 and 2014, is now only behind Manning (five) for the most MVPs.
Prior to last season there were doubts over whether Rodgers would stay in Green Bay having become disgruntled with team management.
He returned after the Packers agreed for him to be more involved in team discussions and restructured his contract, making it easier for him to leave at the end of the 2021 season.
Green Bay again came up short in the play-offs and Rodgers, who has spent his entire career with the Packers, still has just one Super Bowl title to his name.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/american-football/60667621
Seattle Seahawks agree to trade QB Russell Wilson to Denver Broncos, get three players, picks
play
10:48 AM PT
Adam Schefter
After weeks of negotiations, in one of the biggest trades in NFL history, the Denver Broncos have agreed to send a significant package of players and draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, sources told ESPN.
The Broncos have agreed to trade quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks (2022 -- No. 9 overall -- and 2023), two second-round picks (2022 -- No. 40 overall -- and 2023) and a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Seahawks for Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round pick, sources said.
The trade gives Denver the quarterback it has sought since Peyton Manning retired, and it gives Seattle a foundation on which to rebuild without the quarterback who led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl title.
Most starting QBs, since 2016
The Broncos have used 11 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired before the 2016 season, tied for the most in the NFL over that span.
TEAM STARTING QBS
Broncos 11
Washington 11
Jets 10
Bears 9
Browns 9
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Upon Wilson's approval to waive his no-trade clause, the Seahawks will send him to Denver, ending his historic 10-season run in Seattle that included nine Pro Bowl selections, one Super Bowl title and more wins than any quarterback ever has posted during his first 10 seasons in the league.
The Broncos were Wilson's preference, if he was traded, sources told ESPN's Brady Henderson.
Wilson also will have to pass a physical. The trade can't be officially announced until Wednesday, March 16 at 4 p.m. ET, which is the start of the 2022 league year.
Denver acquiring Wilson has nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers' decision to return to Green Bay. Denver general manager George Paton initiated trade talks with Seattle for Wilson at least two weeks ago, per sources. But in recent days, as trade talks with Seattle heated up, it became clear that Wilson was the Broncos' Plan A. The Broncos and Packers have not discussed a Rodgers trade this offseason.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Denver Broncos go all-in to get Russell Wilson, but with a little pragmatism on the side
1hJeff Legwold
Russell Wilson trade: Jerry Jeudy has emotional emoji swing and social media reacts
3hESPN
Tom Brady to Tampa Bay? MJ to MiLB? Russell Wilson's not the first star to leave longtime team
3hESPN staff
The Seahawks quietly were listening to offers for Wilson and got calls from multiple teams. One league source estimated the total to be over a dozen teams. Wilson sensed he was going to have to move on, and if he did, he wanted to be going to a winning program. Denver, with all its offensive talent and its tough defense, is in "win-now" mode.
Denver has been trying to find a suitable quarterback since Manning retired, just as the organization tried for years to find a suitable quarterback after John Elway retired. Enter the 33-year-old Wilson.
Wilson will join a Broncos team lead by new head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The team's offense includes wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and running back Javonte Williams.
The Broncos' odds to win the Super Bowl improved from 25-1 to 12-1 Tuesday at Caesars Sportsbook. Only three teams -- the Buffalo Bills (15-2), Kansas City Chiefs (8-1) and Green Bay Packers (10-1) have better odds to win the Super Bowl than the Broncos at Caesars Sportsbook. The Seahawks, meanwhile, saw their odds to win the Super Bowl fall from 40-1 to 75-1 at Caesars.
Wilson beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII and will become the first quarterback to start for a team he beat in the Super Bowl, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Wilson was set to count $37 million against Seattle's salary cap this coming season. His trade will save the Seahawks $11 million in 2022 cap space. They could create more cap space before next week's start of free agency depending on what they do with All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, another franchise cornerstone who was drafted on the same day as Wilson in 2012.
The Seahawks take on $26 million in dead money by trading Wilson. Per ESPN Stats & Information research, that's the second-most dead money a team has ever incurred, trailing the $33.8 million the Philadelphia Eagles ate in the Carson Wentz trade.
Most pass TDs in first 10 seasons
Russell Wilson has 292 career touchdown passes, the second most in a quarterback's first 10 seasons in NFL history.
PLAYER TDS
Peyton Manning 306
Russell Wilson 292
Dan Marino 290
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Coach Pete Carroll told reporters at the scouting combine last week that the Seahawks had "no intention" of trading Wilson, but Carroll again stopped short of shooting down the possibility entirely. Carroll said general manager John Schneider's standard response to teams inquiring about Wilson is that the Seahawks aren't shopping their quarterback, according to The (Tacoma) News Tribune.
Wilson's trade comes 13 months after his frustrations with the organization bubbled to the surface. He publicly complained last February about the all the hits and sacks he had taken over his career -- lobbying for the team to improve his pass protection -- and about his perceived lack of say in personnel matters relative to other top quarterbacks.
Wilson's comments rankled some in the organization, sources told ESPN. But those tensions seem to have subsided during a drama-free 2021 season.
It's not clear whether Wilson requested a trade.
Wilson, according to a source, always planned on revisiting his concerns after the 2021 season. He spoke on multiple occasions about his desire to remain in Seattle long-term, saying he wanted to win more Super Bowls with the Seahawks. But Wilson stopped short of declaring he would stay, even though his no-trade clause could guarantee that.
Wilson has two years and $51 million left on the four-year, $140 million extension he signed in April 2019. That includes base salaries of $19 and $22 million, with $5 million March roster bonuses in each year making up the remainder. Had Wilson remained on Seattle's roster as of March 20, the Seahawks would have owed him his $5 million bonus.
Wilson leaves Seattle as the franchise's career leader in most relevant passing categories and the only quarterback to win a Lombardi Trophy for the Seahawks.
The Seahawks are scheduled to play a home game against the Broncos next season.
ESPN's David Purdum contributed to this report.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...ahawks-trade-qb-russell-wilson-denver-broncos
play
10:48 AM PT
Adam Schefter
After weeks of negotiations, in one of the biggest trades in NFL history, the Denver Broncos have agreed to send a significant package of players and draft picks to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson, sources told ESPN.
The Broncos have agreed to trade quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, two first-round picks (2022 -- No. 9 overall -- and 2023), two second-round picks (2022 -- No. 40 overall -- and 2023) and a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Seahawks for Wilson and a 2022 fourth-round pick, sources said.
The trade gives Denver the quarterback it has sought since Peyton Manning retired, and it gives Seattle a foundation on which to rebuild without the quarterback who led the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl title.
Most starting QBs, since 2016
The Broncos have used 11 different starting quarterbacks since Peyton Manning retired before the 2016 season, tied for the most in the NFL over that span.
TEAM STARTING QBS
Broncos 11
Washington 11
Jets 10
Bears 9
Browns 9
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Upon Wilson's approval to waive his no-trade clause, the Seahawks will send him to Denver, ending his historic 10-season run in Seattle that included nine Pro Bowl selections, one Super Bowl title and more wins than any quarterback ever has posted during his first 10 seasons in the league.
The Broncos were Wilson's preference, if he was traded, sources told ESPN's Brady Henderson.
Wilson also will have to pass a physical. The trade can't be officially announced until Wednesday, March 16 at 4 p.m. ET, which is the start of the 2022 league year.
Denver acquiring Wilson has nothing to do with Aaron Rodgers' decision to return to Green Bay. Denver general manager George Paton initiated trade talks with Seattle for Wilson at least two weeks ago, per sources. But in recent days, as trade talks with Seattle heated up, it became clear that Wilson was the Broncos' Plan A. The Broncos and Packers have not discussed a Rodgers trade this offseason.
EDITOR'S PICKS
Denver Broncos go all-in to get Russell Wilson, but with a little pragmatism on the side
1hJeff Legwold
Russell Wilson trade: Jerry Jeudy has emotional emoji swing and social media reacts
3hESPN
Tom Brady to Tampa Bay? MJ to MiLB? Russell Wilson's not the first star to leave longtime team
3hESPN staff
The Seahawks quietly were listening to offers for Wilson and got calls from multiple teams. One league source estimated the total to be over a dozen teams. Wilson sensed he was going to have to move on, and if he did, he wanted to be going to a winning program. Denver, with all its offensive talent and its tough defense, is in "win-now" mode.
Denver has been trying to find a suitable quarterback since Manning retired, just as the organization tried for years to find a suitable quarterback after John Elway retired. Enter the 33-year-old Wilson.
Wilson will join a Broncos team lead by new head coach Nathaniel Hackett. The team's offense includes wide receivers Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler, tight end Albert Okwuegbunam and running back Javonte Williams.
The Broncos' odds to win the Super Bowl improved from 25-1 to 12-1 Tuesday at Caesars Sportsbook. Only three teams -- the Buffalo Bills (15-2), Kansas City Chiefs (8-1) and Green Bay Packers (10-1) have better odds to win the Super Bowl than the Broncos at Caesars Sportsbook. The Seahawks, meanwhile, saw their odds to win the Super Bowl fall from 40-1 to 75-1 at Caesars.
Wilson beat the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII and will become the first quarterback to start for a team he beat in the Super Bowl, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
Wilson was set to count $37 million against Seattle's salary cap this coming season. His trade will save the Seahawks $11 million in 2022 cap space. They could create more cap space before next week's start of free agency depending on what they do with All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner, another franchise cornerstone who was drafted on the same day as Wilson in 2012.
The Seahawks take on $26 million in dead money by trading Wilson. Per ESPN Stats & Information research, that's the second-most dead money a team has ever incurred, trailing the $33.8 million the Philadelphia Eagles ate in the Carson Wentz trade.
Most pass TDs in first 10 seasons
Russell Wilson has 292 career touchdown passes, the second most in a quarterback's first 10 seasons in NFL history.
PLAYER TDS
Peyton Manning 306
Russell Wilson 292
Dan Marino 290
-- ESPN Stats & Information
Coach Pete Carroll told reporters at the scouting combine last week that the Seahawks had "no intention" of trading Wilson, but Carroll again stopped short of shooting down the possibility entirely. Carroll said general manager John Schneider's standard response to teams inquiring about Wilson is that the Seahawks aren't shopping their quarterback, according to The (Tacoma) News Tribune.
Wilson's trade comes 13 months after his frustrations with the organization bubbled to the surface. He publicly complained last February about the all the hits and sacks he had taken over his career -- lobbying for the team to improve his pass protection -- and about his perceived lack of say in personnel matters relative to other top quarterbacks.
Wilson's comments rankled some in the organization, sources told ESPN. But those tensions seem to have subsided during a drama-free 2021 season.
It's not clear whether Wilson requested a trade.
Wilson, according to a source, always planned on revisiting his concerns after the 2021 season. He spoke on multiple occasions about his desire to remain in Seattle long-term, saying he wanted to win more Super Bowls with the Seahawks. But Wilson stopped short of declaring he would stay, even though his no-trade clause could guarantee that.
Wilson has two years and $51 million left on the four-year, $140 million extension he signed in April 2019. That includes base salaries of $19 and $22 million, with $5 million March roster bonuses in each year making up the remainder. Had Wilson remained on Seattle's roster as of March 20, the Seahawks would have owed him his $5 million bonus.
Wilson leaves Seattle as the franchise's career leader in most relevant passing categories and the only quarterback to win a Lombardi Trophy for the Seahawks.
The Seahawks are scheduled to play a home game against the Broncos next season.
ESPN's David Purdum contributed to this report.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id...ahawks-trade-qb-russell-wilson-denver-broncos
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
NFL legend Tom Brady backtracks on retirement and confirms return to Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2022
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG <a href="https://t.co/U0yhRKVKVm">pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm</a></p>— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady/status/1503147141795045378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">These past two months I’ve realized my place is still on the field and not in the stands. That time will come. But it’s not now. I love my teammates, and I love my supportive family. They make it all possible. I’m coming back for my 23rd season in Tampa. Unfinished business LFG <a href="https://t.co/U0yhRKVKVm">pic.twitter.com/U0yhRKVKVm</a></p>— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) <a href="https://twitter.com/TomBrady/status/1503147141795045378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,716
The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback died at age 24 this weekend when he was hit by a car, his agent Cedric Saunders told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Haskins was in Florida getting in offseason work with other Steelers quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers. He played for Ohio State before being drafted by Washington in 2019. He then went on to sign with the Steelers in 2021.
Shocked to hear about Dwayne Haskins death.
When he was at OSU I thought he was going to be a top tier QB but it never worked out in Washington. Still thought he was going to resurrect his career with the Steelers as he was so talented. Got taken so soon
When he was at OSU I thought he was going to be a top tier QB but it never worked out in Washington. Still thought he was going to resurrect his career with the Steelers as he was so talented. Got taken so soon
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The Jacksonville Jaguars selected defensive lineman Travon Walker with the first pick of the 2022 draft.
The defensive end, 21, and fellow pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson were the leading contenders to be the top pick.
The Detroit Lions took Hutchinson, also 21, with the second pick and, for the first time since 1991, the first five chosen were all defensive players.
Walker did not attend the event, held in Las Vegas after a two-year delay, but watched from a hotel in Atlanta.
Having again finished with the NFL's worst record, it was the second straight year that the Jaguars had the first pick after selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
Walker emerged from hundreds of NFL hopefuls playing in the US college system last season, starting all 15 games for Georgia as they won the national championship.
Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback chosen in the first round, with the Pittsburgh graduate taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th pick.
David Ojabo, who was born in Nigeria and raised in Scotland, was not among the first 32 picks in the first round, but the draft continues with the second and third rounds on Friday (midnight BST).
All the glitz and glamour normally associated with what is a life-changing day for many young players returned this year after the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to plans to host the event in Las Vegas in 2020.
That year the draft was held virtually, while a watered-down version took place last year, but it finally got the Las Vegas treatment this time around, with a red-carpet stage constructed in front of the Bellagio fountains and the main stage built beside the Caesars Forum.
From this year's top prospects, 21 attended the event including Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was expected to go first earlier this year but drifted down fans' and analysts' mock drafts during the draft process.
The former Oregon defensive end was ultimately taken fifth by the New York Giants, who also took offensive tackle Evan Neal with the seventh pick.
Because of previous trades, the Giants and their fellow strugglers the New York Jets both had two picks in the top 10, and the Jets went for cornerback Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
idan Hutchinson, the second pick, was the first man to be greeted on stage by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
The biggest drama on draft day came as the Philadelphia Eagles traded the 18th pick and a third-round choice to the Tennessee Titans for AJ Brown.
The 25-year-old has been the Titans' top receiver in his first three years in the NFL but entering the final year of his rookie contract, both parties were struggling to agree on financial terms over a new deal.
Brown is set to earn a four-year deal worth $100m (£79.8m) with the Eagles, while with the 18th pick the Titans chose another receiver, Treylon Burks.
With social distancing over, the bear hugs for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell were well and truly back, and linebacker Devin Lloyd stole the show after being chosen with Jacksonville's second pick of the first round, the 27th overall.
After team-mate Ty Jordan was tragically killed in December 2020, Lloyd vowed to play another year at Utah rather than declaring for the 2021 draft, aiming to win a championship and become a first-round pick in 2022.
Another Utah player - Aaron Lowe - was killed last September but nine weeks later the team did indeed win their conference championship and, after seeing his other dream come true, Lloyd celebrated by lifting commissioner Goodell off the stage in Vegas.
BBC
The defensive end, 21, and fellow pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson were the leading contenders to be the top pick.
The Detroit Lions took Hutchinson, also 21, with the second pick and, for the first time since 1991, the first five chosen were all defensive players.
Walker did not attend the event, held in Las Vegas after a two-year delay, but watched from a hotel in Atlanta.
Having again finished with the NFL's worst record, it was the second straight year that the Jaguars had the first pick after selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2021.
Walker emerged from hundreds of NFL hopefuls playing in the US college system last season, starting all 15 games for Georgia as they won the national championship.
Kenny Pickett was the only quarterback chosen in the first round, with the Pittsburgh graduate taken by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 20th pick.
David Ojabo, who was born in Nigeria and raised in Scotland, was not among the first 32 picks in the first round, but the draft continues with the second and third rounds on Friday (midnight BST).
All the glitz and glamour normally associated with what is a life-changing day for many young players returned this year after the Covid-19 pandemic put paid to plans to host the event in Las Vegas in 2020.
That year the draft was held virtually, while a watered-down version took place last year, but it finally got the Las Vegas treatment this time around, with a red-carpet stage constructed in front of the Bellagio fountains and the main stage built beside the Caesars Forum.
From this year's top prospects, 21 attended the event including Kayvon Thibodeaux, who was expected to go first earlier this year but drifted down fans' and analysts' mock drafts during the draft process.
The former Oregon defensive end was ultimately taken fifth by the New York Giants, who also took offensive tackle Evan Neal with the seventh pick.
Because of previous trades, the Giants and their fellow strugglers the New York Jets both had two picks in the top 10, and the Jets went for cornerback Ahmad 'Sauce' Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson.
idan Hutchinson, the second pick, was the first man to be greeted on stage by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell
The biggest drama on draft day came as the Philadelphia Eagles traded the 18th pick and a third-round choice to the Tennessee Titans for AJ Brown.
The 25-year-old has been the Titans' top receiver in his first three years in the NFL but entering the final year of his rookie contract, both parties were struggling to agree on financial terms over a new deal.
Brown is set to earn a four-year deal worth $100m (£79.8m) with the Eagles, while with the 18th pick the Titans chose another receiver, Treylon Burks.
With social distancing over, the bear hugs for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell were well and truly back, and linebacker Devin Lloyd stole the show after being chosen with Jacksonville's second pick of the first round, the 27th overall.
After team-mate Ty Jordan was tragically killed in December 2020, Lloyd vowed to play another year at Utah rather than declaring for the 2021 draft, aiming to win a championship and become a first-round pick in 2022.
Another Utah player - Aaron Lowe - was killed last September but nine weeks later the team did indeed win their conference championship and, after seeing his other dream come true, Lloyd celebrated by lifting commissioner Goodell off the stage in Vegas.
BBC
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,716
Russell Wilson will return to Wembley in October after it was confirmed the Denver Broncos will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2022 NFL London Games.
After the home teams for the three London fixtures in October - New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and the Jaguars - had been announced in February, the NFL on Wednesday revealed each of their opponents.
The Saints host the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 2, with the Packers taking on the New York Giants at the same venue a week later. Then on October 30, the Jags host the Broncos at Wembley.
Wilson, who was acquired by the Broncos in a blockbuster offseason trade, will make his second appearance at Wembley after starring in a 2018 Seattle Seahawks victory over the then-Oakland Raiders.
For the Broncos, it is a first trip to the UK since they lost to the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley in 2010. The Jaguars, meanwhile, return to Wembley for the first time since 2019, having previously played there for seven straight seasons.
The Packers, who are playing an international game for the first time, are taking on the Giants, who are playing in the UK for the third time, having won the inaugural London game at Wembley in 2007.
The NFL also confirmed that the Seahawks will travel to Munich to play the first-ever regular season game in Germany, as they take on Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had already been confirmed as the home team at Bayern Munich's stadium on November 13.
The Arizona Cardinals' opponent for their game in Mexico will be confirmed at a later date.
Last year, as part of the League's expansion of the regular season to 17 games, it was determined that, beginning with the 2022 season, up to four of the teams from the conference whose teams were eligible for a ninth regular-season home game would instead be designated to play a neutral-site international game each year.
Sky
After the home teams for the three London fixtures in October - New Orleans Saints, Green Bay Packers and the Jaguars - had been announced in February, the NFL on Wednesday revealed each of their opponents.
The Saints host the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 2, with the Packers taking on the New York Giants at the same venue a week later. Then on October 30, the Jags host the Broncos at Wembley.
Wilson, who was acquired by the Broncos in a blockbuster offseason trade, will make his second appearance at Wembley after starring in a 2018 Seattle Seahawks victory over the then-Oakland Raiders.
For the Broncos, it is a first trip to the UK since they lost to the San Francisco 49ers at Wembley in 2010. The Jaguars, meanwhile, return to Wembley for the first time since 2019, having previously played there for seven straight seasons.
The Packers, who are playing an international game for the first time, are taking on the Giants, who are playing in the UK for the third time, having won the inaugural London game at Wembley in 2007.
The NFL also confirmed that the Seahawks will travel to Munich to play the first-ever regular season game in Germany, as they take on Tom Brady's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had already been confirmed as the home team at Bayern Munich's stadium on November 13.
The Arizona Cardinals' opponent for their game in Mexico will be confirmed at a later date.
Last year, as part of the League's expansion of the regular season to 17 games, it was determined that, beginning with the 2022 season, up to four of the teams from the conference whose teams were eligible for a ninth regular-season home game would instead be designated to play a neutral-site international game each year.
Sky
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- 15,745
Jeff Gladney: Arizona Cardinals cornerback killed in car accident aged 25
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident on Monday morning.
His agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed the 25-year-old's death to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
"We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss," the Cardinals said.
Pro Football Focus reported that Gladney and a 26-year-old female passenger died in a two-vehicle crash in Dallas.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Gladney, a TCU product, with the No 31 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played in 16 games, starting 15, and made 81 tackles, had three passes defensed and forced one fumble in 2020.
The Vikings released him last August following his indictment in Texas on a felony assault charge in a domestic violence case. He sat out the 2021 season and in March a jury in Dallas found him not guilty.
The Cardinals signed him to a two-year deal earlier this month following his acquittal.
Condolences poured in on social media Monday.
"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man... ain't too much more I can take man damn!" Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, a team-mate of Gladney at TCU, wrote on Twitter.
"RIP Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...als-cornerback-killed-in-car-accident-aged-25
Arizona Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident on Monday morning.
His agent, Brian Overstreet, confirmed the 25-year-old's death to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
"We are devastated to learn of Jeff Gladney's passing. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and all who are mourning this tremendous loss," the Cardinals said.
Pro Football Focus reported that Gladney and a 26-year-old female passenger died in a two-vehicle crash in Dallas.
The Minnesota Vikings selected Gladney, a TCU product, with the No 31 overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. He played in 16 games, starting 15, and made 81 tackles, had three passes defensed and forced one fumble in 2020.
The Vikings released him last August following his indictment in Texas on a felony assault charge in a domestic violence case. He sat out the 2021 season and in March a jury in Dallas found him not guilty.
The Cardinals signed him to a two-year deal earlier this month following his acquittal.
Condolences poured in on social media Monday.
"Lost my Brother, my best friend, my right hand man... ain't too much more I can take man damn!" Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor, a team-mate of Gladney at TCU, wrote on Twitter.
"RIP Jeff Gladney, brother watch over me please."
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...als-cornerback-killed-in-car-accident-aged-25
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Super bowl winning star Aaron Donald has agreed a contract restructure with the LA Rams that will make him the highest paid non-quarterback in #NFL history 
Despite hinting at retirement the Rams defender is committed until 2024
Despite hinting at retirement the Rams defender is committed until 2024
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- Mar 19, 2015
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- 15,745
Rob Gronkowski: Four-time Super Bowl winner retires again
Four-times Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski called time on his career for a second time on Tuesday following his two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gronkowski, who first retired in 2019 after winning the Super Bowl three times with the New England Patriots, came out of retirement in 2020 to reunite with long-time team-mate Tom Brady.
The duo eventually helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl last year, with Gronkowski scoring two touchdowns as the Florida-based team ended an 18-year drought.
"I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field," Gronkowski wrote on Twitter.
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...ski-four-time-super-bowl-winner-retires-again
Four-times Super Bowl champion Rob Gronkowski called time on his career for a second time on Tuesday following his two-year stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gronkowski, who first retired in 2019 after winning the Super Bowl three times with the New England Patriots, came out of retirement in 2020 to reunite with long-time team-mate Tom Brady.
The duo eventually helped the Buccaneers win the Super Bowl last year, with Gronkowski scoring two touchdowns as the Florida-based team ended an 18-year drought.
"I will now be going back into my retirement home, walking away from football again with my head held high knowing I gave it everything I had, good or bad, every time I stepped out on the field," Gronkowski wrote on Twitter.
https://www.skysports.com/nfl/news/...ski-four-time-super-bowl-winner-retires-again
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