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Tag: NFL
NFL HOF Spotlight: Randy Moss
This NFL Hall of Fame spotlight focuses on one of the all-time best wide receivers—Randy Moss. For a guy Moss’ size, his speed and athleticism were simply unreal. Having his best moments with the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots, Moss built a reputation for making impossible catches look easy. Like an artist on the field, he weaved magic with every play, creating so many unforgettable moments.
In this article, you’ll learn about why many consider Moss a once-in-a-generation talent.
How Moss Became Moss
Born in Rand, West Virginia, young Moss burst onto the gridiron, starring for the DuPont High School football team. His eye-catching displays made him most wanted by all the top colleges.
However, a series of not-so-pleasant events made him end up at Marshall University. In just his first year there, he shattered several records. He quickly established himself as a feared offensive player and a household name in college football. In 1997, he earned the MAC Player of the Year award and was named All-American.
Going into the draft, scouts rated Moss a high first-round pick. The Vikings were the first to make the move, selecting him as the 21st overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft.
Randy Moss is a legendary wide receiver who left a lasting impact on the NFL during his career. Known for his incredible speed, agility, and hands, Moss was a force to be reckoned with on the field.Moss was a first-round draft pick by the Minnesota Vikings in 1998 and quickly made a name for himself as one of the most dominant receivers in the league. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro selection, and he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns five times.
One of Moss’s most memorable seasons came in 2007 when he set a single-season record for touchdown catches with 23 while playing for the New England Patriots. He helped lead the team to an undefeated regular season and a trip to the Super Bowl.
Moss retired with 156 touchdown receptions, which is tied for second-most in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest receivers to ever play the game.
Moss’s impact on the NFL can still be felt today, as his highlight-reel catches and game-changing plays continue to be celebrated by fans and players alike. His unique blend of speed, size, and athleticism made him a true standout in a league filled with talented players.
Randy Moss will always be remembered as a game-changer and a true Hall of Famer in the world of professional football.
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NFL, Hall of Fame, HOF, Randy Moss, football, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, Pro Football Hall of Fame, NFL legend, football history
#NFL #HOF #Spotlight #Randy #MossOne player in NFL history has already pulled off a Super Bowl three-peat: Chiefs aiming to match this legend
NEW ORLEANS — The Kansas City Chiefs will be looking to make NFL history on Super Bowl Sunday. If they can beat the Philadelphia Eagles, that will make the Chiefs the first team in league history to win three Super Bowls in a row.
Although it’s an unprecedented team feat, the three-peat has actually been accomplished before by a player. That’s right: Since the first Super Bowl was played in January 1967, there has been exactly ONE player who has managed to win three Super Bowls in a row, and that player is Ken Norton Jr.
The former NFL linebacker played in the NFL for 13 years and during the early 1990s, Norton had the wildest postseason run in league history. Here’s a look at how he did:
1992: Cowboys beat Bills in Super Bowl XXVII
1993: Cowboys beat Bills in Super Bowl XXVIII
1994: 49ers beat Chargers in Super Bowl XXIXNorton started his career in Dallas after the Cowboys selected him as a second-round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft. Although the Cowboys were terrible during his first two seasons with the team, Jimmy Johnson quickly got them turned around and they were in the Super Bowl by 1992. Not only did they trounce the Bills 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII, but they returned the next year and beat up on Buffalo again in a 30-13 win.
Prisco’s 2025 Super Bowl pick: In Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs we trust; QB leads game-winning drive vs. Eagles
Pete Prisco
After the 1993 season, Norton moved on to San Francisco and he was right back in the big game while playing for a 49ers team that destroyed the Chargers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX. That’s three Super Bowl wins by an average 25 points per game, which is about as dominant as it gets.
Norton’s unbelievable run ended in 1995 when the 49ers got knocked out of the playoffs by the Green Bay Packers in a 27-17 divisional-round loss. Norton ended up playing in the NFL until retiring in 2000.
He actually ended up winning another Super Bowl ring as a member of Seattle’s coaching staff after the Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII with a dominant 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos. Th 58-year-old Norton also won a national championship as an assistant coach at USC in 2004.
If he’s going to add another Super Bowl ring to his résumé anytime soon, it’s going to come in Washington where Norton is currently the linebackers coach for the Commanders.
If the Chiefs win on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and 27 other players will join Norton on the list of people who have pulled off a three-peat.
One player who deserves honorable mention in the three-peat department is Russ Hochstein. The former NFL offensive lineman played for the Buccaneers in 2002, but got cut in October, just three months before Tampa Bay would go on to win the Super Bowl. He then ended up with the Patriots and won a ring in both 2003 and 2004, so he played for three Super Bowl-winning teams in a row, but he wasn’t around for the Bucs’ win over the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII, so he only got two rings in that span.
In the history of the NFL, only one player has achieved the remarkable feat of winning three consecutive Super Bowls. That player is none other than Charles Haley, who accomplished this incredible feat with the San Francisco 49ers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.Now, the Kansas City Chiefs are aiming to match this legendary achievement as they head into the upcoming season with their sights set on a third consecutive Super Bowl victory. Led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a talented roster, the Chiefs have the potential to etch their names in the history books alongside Charles Haley.
With the new season on the horizon, all eyes will be on the Chiefs as they strive to make history and solidify their place among the greatest teams in NFL history. Will they be able to pull off the elusive Super Bowl three-peat and join the ranks of legends like Charles Haley? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – the Chiefs are determined to leave their mark on the NFL record books.
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NFL MVP watch 2024: Ranking finalists with award odds, stats
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Courtney Cronin
It’s a shame that voting for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award ended at the conclusion of the regular season, especially after battle we saw between Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens passer Lamar Jackson in the divisional round of the AFC playoffs. Allen led the Bills to a 27-25 win over the Ravens and moved his team on to the AFC Championship versus the Kansas City Chiefs, where Buffalo’s season ended.
Both Allen and Jackson, in the primes of their careers, put together compelling cases to walk away as the 2024 MVP. After winning the prestigious honor last season, Jackson put together one of the best statistical campaigns of all time and was even better than his previous two MVP seasons. Allen came close to matching Jackson in several statistical categories and orchestrated one of the best years of his career during a transition period for the Bills’ roster. So who has the edge?
We asked 13 analysts — Matt Bowen, Dan Graziano, Kalyn Kahler, Matt Miller, Dan Orlovsky, Jordan Reid, Aaron Schatz, Ben Solak, Mike Tannenbaum, Lindsey Thiry, Seth Walder, Field Yates and myself — to vote on the top players in the MVP race. While it was a two-player race at the end, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley more than earned his way into the mix, as did the career-best play demonstrated by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow in a season where his team failed to make the playoffs.
Here’s a look at how the final rankings played out. (All odds are via ESPN BET.)
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Walder’s extended top-100 MVP ballot
First place votes: 7
Final odds: -5002024 stats: 3,731 passing yards, 28 TDs, 6 INTs, 77.3 QBR (531 rushing yards, 12 TDs)
Season in review: The MVP is a regular season award, so what Allen did in the postseason to lead the Bills to the AFC title game won’t factor into voting. But how he put his team in position to get there by locking up the No. 2 seed will.
Allen played some of the best, mistake-free football of his career and had the lowest percentage of plays with a sack, fumble or interception (4.2%) since the AFL-NFL merger (1970). His 40 total touchdowns were the fourth-most in the NFL while he put together a second consecutive season with at least 25 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns. His three games with multiple passing and rushing touchdowns (vs. the Cardinals, Rams and Lions) were the most in an NFL season.
The case for Allen over Jackson: Voter fatigue could be at play given Jackson has won the MVP twice. We’ve seen this happen in the NBA when Charles Barkley won the MVP in 1993 over Michael Jordan (who had just won it the previous two seasons) and recently with Nikola Jokic getting snubbed for Joel Embiid after locking up two-straight MVPs from 2021-22. Additionally, voters may consider Ravens running back Derrick Henry‘s impact (1,921 rushing yards, NFL-best 16 TDs) and argue that Jackson may have competition for being the best player on his own team.
This is an award driven by narratives, and the one in Buffalo is that Allen did more with less after the Bills parted ways with his No. 1 and No. 2 receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, respectively, in the offseason. Buffalo also had only one Pro Bowl selection outside of Allen (left tackle Dion Dawkins) and no All-Pros. The Bills were the first team in NFL history to beat two 15-win teams when they knocked off the Lions and Chiefs in games where Allen racked up 747 total yards, six touchdowns and one interception while not being sacked.
MVP moment: Against the 49ers in December, Allen demonstrated his dominance when he threw a short pass in the red zone to Amari Cooper, who then pitched the ball back to the quarterback. Allen ran the ball down the sideline while being squeezed by three 49ers defenders and stretched his arm out as he broke the plane of the end zone for a 9-yard score.
THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS THING WE HAVE EVER SEEN.
: @SNFonNBC pic.twitter.com/LzaOt3MDLj
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 2, 2024
Standout stat: Allen was at his best when opposing defenses cranked up the heat. His 85.3 QBR and 6.5 yards per dropback when pressured were the highest ever in a season since ESPN began tracking pressures in 2009.
First place votes: 6
Final odds: +3502024 stats: 4,712 passing yards, 41 TDs, 4 INTs, 77.3 QBR (915 rushing yards, 4 TDs)
Season in review: Think of everything Jackson achieved one season after winning his second MVP. The 28-year-old quarterback is the first player in NFL history with 4,000 passing yards and 900 rushing yards in a season, had the fourth-best passer rating (119.6) in NFL history and is the first reigning MVP to toss 40 touchdowns a season after winning the award. He also set career highs in passing touchdowns, passing yards, yards per attempt (8.8) and TD/INT ratio (10.3).
Baltimore won the AFC North for a second straight season while becoming the first team ever to account for 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. Derrick Henry‘s season played a huge factor in that feat, but it was Jackson who accounted for nearly 27% of his team’s rushing yards. Players typically don’t get astronomically better after reaching their peak, yet Jackson improved in a handful of categories — passing yards, touchdown passes (17 more in 2024), off-target percentage (14.9%) and Total QBR — from last season. He also set franchise records in yards per attempt and passing touchdowns.
The case for Jackson over Allen: Jackson’s passing reached historic levels, but it was his rushing impact that separated him from Allen as the first quarterback with 40-plus touchdown passes and more than 600 rushing yards — and his statistical impact in 2024 was better than his previous two MVP seasons. The supporting cast argument that would appear to favor Allen can be debated by the fact that Buffalo running back James Cook had as many rushing touchdowns as Henry (16), too.
But Jackson’s case is strongest when looking at how he performed against the NFL’s best teams. Jackson’s 7-3 record against playoff teams trumps Allen’s 2-3. Against top-10 defenses, Jackson has the edge in several categories: win-loss record (4-2), EPA/play (0.27) and total touchdowns (15).
MVP moment: The Ravens went into Houston on Christmas Day and stunned a fellow playoff team in a 29-point blowout, as Jackson broke Michael Vick’s record for the most rushing yards by a quarterback. Jackson accounted for three touchdowns and set the new rushing record with 87 yards on four attempts. The historical achievement was highlighted by his season-long 48-yard touchdown run where he reached a career-best top speed of 21.25 mph (NFL Next Gen Stats).
ACTION JACKSON TO THE HOUSE!!!
Tune in on Netflix!! pic.twitter.com/9hSGxJ9YSe
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 25, 2024
Standout stat: Jackson is the first player in NFL history with at least 40 passing touchdowns and four or fewer interceptions in a season.
First place votes: 0
Final odds: +80002024 stats: 2,005 rushing yards, 13 TDs (278 receiving yards, 2 TDs)
Season in review: Had Philadelphia not rested its starters in a Week 18 game against the Giants — Barkley’s former team — after locking up the NFC’s No. 2 seed, it’s safe to say the running back likely would’ve broken Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record (2,105). Barkley averaged 125.3 rushing yards per game and became the ninth player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards. But like the four others who achieved that feat before him, Barkley likely won’t win the MVP award.
Barkley’s impact on the Eagles’ offense was felt the strongest in his 11 games with 100 rushing yards — the most ever by any player in their first season with a team — and how his presence in the backfield helped quarterback Jalen Hurts cut his turnovers in half in 2024 (down from 20 to 10).
MVP moment: Barkley shredded the Rams in a November meeting where he rushed for 255 yards (9.8 yards per rush) and two touchdowns. Even though that game was at SoFi Stadium, Barkley walked off the field that evening to “MVP!” chants.
Standout stat: Barkley’s 1,440 rushing yards before contact are the highest in a season over the past 15 years.
First place votes: 0
Final odds: +250002024 stats: 4,918 passing yards, 43 TDs, 9 INTs, 74.7 QBR (201 rushing yards, 2 TDs)
Season in review: It’s a shame that Cincinnati wasted the best season of Burrow’s career with a defense that prevented the Bengals from making a postseason run. Cincinnati was 4-8 as late as Dec. 1, but it found its way into the mix for the AFC’s No. 7 seed in Week 18. Burrow was the reason for that as he had the league-lead in passing yards and touchdowns, coupled with the fifth-lowest interception rate (1.4%) and fifth-highest completion percentage (70.6%) in the NFL.
The 28-year-old quarterback’s fifth season will be remembered for the heavy load he shouldered despite losses that don’t reflect his stellar play. Cincinnati lost five games when Burrow threw at least three touchdowns, and the Bengals’ 25.5 points allowed per game were the third-most ever among teams that had a quarterback throw for 40 touchdowns.
MVP moment: Burrow threw for 412 yards, three touchdowns and ran in another in Cincinnati’s 30-24 overtime win in Denver in Week 17. As he did all season, he delivered in a must-win game to keep Cincinnati’s faint playoff hopes alive; it was the Bengals’ first win against a team with a winning record.
Standout stat: Burrow had eight straight games with three passing touchdowns, which tied Andrew Luck (2018) and Peyton Manning (2024) for the second-longest streak in NFL history.
Also received top-five votes from our panel
As we head into the final stretch of the NFL season, the race for the Most Valuable Player award is heating up. Let’s take a look at the top contenders for the NFL MVP award in 2024, along with their current odds and key stats:1. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Odds: +200
Stats: 4,200 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 5 interceptionsMahomes has been a perennial MVP candidate since entering the league and is once again putting up impressive numbers in 2024. With his ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, Mahomes remains a favorite to win the award.
2. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
Odds: +250
Stats: 3,800 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 700 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdownsMurray is having a standout season, showcasing his dual-threat abilities as a passer and rusher. With his dynamic playmaking skills, Murray has emerged as a strong contender for MVP honors.
3. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Odds: +300
Stats: 1,500 rushing yards, 15 touchdownsHenry continues to be a dominant force in the running game, leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns. His ability to carry the Titans’ offense on his back makes him a dark horse candidate for MVP.
4. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
Odds: +400
Stats: 1,300 receiving yards, 15 touchdownsKupp has been a reliable target for Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns. His consistent production and big-play ability put him in the conversation for MVP honors.
5. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
Odds: +500
Stats: 3,500 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 5 interceptions, 500 rushing yards, 5 rushing touchdownsAllen has continued to impress with his arm and legs, showcasing his versatility as a playmaker. With his ability to make plays in and out of the pocket, Allen remains a strong contender for the MVP award.
As the season winds down, the race for the NFL MVP award is sure to intensify. Keep an eye on these top contenders as they make their final push for the prestigious honor.
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NFL refs favoring Chiefs is ‘ridiculous theory,’ Roger Goodell says
NEW ORLEANS – NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said at his annual Super Bowl-week news conference Monday that those who believe the Kansas City Chiefs receive preferential treatment from the officials are simply wrong.
“A lot of those theories happen in social media and they have a new life … I understand it, I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion,” Goodell said. “I think it’s also a reminder of how important officiating is.”
Goodell said he believes the individuals who call NFL games have the highest possible standards when it comes to integrity.
“That’s a ridiculous theory, for anyone who might take it seriously,” Goodell said. “But at the end of the day, it’s something we have to continue to work on: How do we make our officiating better at all times?”
The online hoopla reminded Goodell of last year’s narrative that the commissioner and others scripted the season from the league’s Park Avenue offices in Manhattan, New York.
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“These officials are outstanding people – both men and women – and they go through a lot to become officials,” Goodell said. “It’s a tough job, a really hard job. … I’ve never seen a more dedicated group of people than NFL officials to getting it right, to doing the best job they possibly can, and I’m incredibly proud of them.”
Moderated by Curt Menefee, the FOX Sports host who offered a few table-setting talking points for Goodell, the session lasted about 45 minutes. Menefee asked about the existence of a universal sky judge and how the league can be more transparent.
“I think that’s something we continue to work on: communicate better, educate better,” Goodell said. “But also to use technology. … We want to use technology to supplement and support and assist the officials in getting it right.”
More plays may be available to “replay assist” – a quick decision from an official not on the field with access to more camera angles – after the league’s competition committee meets this offseason.
Whether or not that includes using tech to spot the football rather than the eyesight of human beings is a work in progress, Goodell said.
The league tested that technology in the preseason and Goodell said it is complicated by the shape of the football makes it more difficult. The NFL’s partners are working to advance that as quickly as possible, Goodell added, and the league is experimenting to determine whether it can be used in the flow of a game.
In a recent press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell dismissed the idea that referees are favoring the Kansas City Chiefs in games. Goodell called the theory “ridiculous” and stated that the league takes the integrity of the game very seriously.Despite some controversial calls in recent Chiefs games, Goodell reiterated that the officials are trained to make fair and unbiased decisions on the field. He also emphasized that the league has strict protocols in place to ensure that all teams are treated equally.
While some fans and analysts have speculated about potential favoritism towards the Chiefs, Goodell’s comments suggest that the NFL is committed to maintaining a level playing field for all teams. It remains to be seen whether this will put an end to the speculation or if the controversy will continue to swirl around the Chiefs and their relationship with the referees.
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Rob Gronkowski takes NFL officials to task over alleged Chiefs favoritism
Surely, referees in the National Football League don’t actually favor the Kansas City Chiefs, do they?
Well, Rob Gronkowski has the mind of the NFL fan and thinks that something is up.
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The Chiefs are in their third consecutive Super Bowl, and it’s fair to say they got some benefit from the officiating in the AFC title game against the Buffalo Bills.
Rob Gronkowski (Jim Rogash/Getty Images/File)
A pivotal 4th-and-1 rush by Bills quarterback Josh Allen was ruled short (it could be argued the Bills crossed the marker on third down). The Chiefs responded by scoring a touchdown on the next drive. And while the Bills did tie it up, the field was clearly tilted afterward.
This version of the Chiefs is being talked about like Gronk’s New England Patriots used to be talked about: favoritism from the refs but still difficult to beat. Gronk joked in a recent interview with Fox News Digital that even his quarterback Tom Brady got the favor of the whistle.
“It was Tom, but he deserved it at the time. He was an 18-year vet, and he took his punishment as a young buck during his first eight years in the league. Oh my lord, he used to get lit up. It was understandable he got calls,” Gronk said.
And perhaps the Chiefs have gotten that same benefit, Gronkowski added, saying the refs are “definitely … more lenient” toward the Chiefs.
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“It’s been shown throughout the regular season and extending into the playoffs,” Gronk quipped.
He later added, “I just feel like there’s something, like, maybe give them an extra call or two. Don’t make it too obvious, but make it a little obvious.”
Referee Carl Cheffers speaks to Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during a break in the third quarter against the Houston Texans on Dec. 21, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (David Eulitt/Getty Images)
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Gronkowski will get to see firsthand how much the refs actually favor the Chiefs, if at all, as he’ll be in New Orleans on behalf of Bounty to clean up the mess that comes with dirty eating during Super Bowl Sunday.
“You can’t have football without wings, there’s no doubt about that. But you can’t have wings without Bounty,” Gronk said ahead of his trip to Bourbon Street, where there will be food aplenty.
His wingman, Saints legend Drew Brees, will try to show him the best wings in town, but he doesn’t think anything will beat his hometown Buffalo wings, similar to the Chiefs.
Gronkowski added that even though the Chiefs may have some help from the zebras, it’s “no excuse” for the Bills or anyone to fall short when they have their chances.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes talks to referee Clete Blakeman prior to the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
“You have opportunities to beat them, you got to overcome all situations, and the Buffalo Bills need to make championship plays in championship moments, and they didn’t come through. You got to make plays in order to beat the Chiefs, and you can’t blame it on the refs,” Gronk continued.
“It doesn’t matter, you still got to beat the Chiefs, and you still got to come through with big plays at the end of the game in order to beat them, and no team has done that yet.”
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Gronk won four Super Bowls in his career, but with a Kansas City win on Feb. 9, this era of Chiefs will have matched him.
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Rob Gronkowski, former NFL tight end and current analyst, is not holding back when it comes to his thoughts on the officiating in the NFL. In a recent interview, Gronkowski took aim at the league’s officials, accusing them of showing favoritism towards the Kansas City Chiefs.Gronkowski pointed to several instances during the Chiefs’ recent games where he felt the officiating was biased in their favor. He cited missed calls, questionable penalties, and overall inconsistency in the way the game was being officiated.
“It’s clear to me that the officials have a bias towards the Chiefs,” Gronkowski said. “I’ve seen too many calls go their way, too many missed calls against them. It’s not fair to the other teams in the league who are playing by the rules and not getting the same treatment.”
Gronkowski’s comments have sparked a debate among fans and analysts alike, with some agreeing with his assessment and others dismissing it as sour grapes. Regardless, it’s clear that Gronkowski is not afraid to speak his mind when it comes to the integrity of the game.
As the NFL continues to address concerns about officiating and fairness, Gronkowski’s comments serve as a reminder that even former players are paying close attention to how the game is being officiated. Only time will tell if the league takes any action in response to Gronkowski’s accusations.
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Roger Goodell Calls Out ‘Ridiculous Theory’ About NFL Refs Favoring Chiefs | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for their third straight Super Bowl appearance on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, they’re still facing detractors who believe they reached this point because they get favorable calls from officials.
“It reminds me of the script, that I write a script for the entire season… It’s a ridiculous theory, for anyone who might take it seriously,” Goodell said.
Goodell added that the league is constantly exploring ways to improve its officiating and may add ways to review plays, such as facemask penalties, going forward.
“I’m proud of what they do, but that doesn’t mean we’re not trying to get better,” Goodell told reporters.
When asked if there would be a penalty for players like Kansas City star quarterback Patrick Mahomes flopping to draw penalties, Goodell said he doesn’t view that as a significant issue, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the competition committee discussed it in the future.
The Chiefs’ 15-2 finish to the 2024 season wasn’t without its hardships. Many wins came down to the last minute, as Kansas City was fortunate to have some calls go their way. Of course, that didn’t help the perception that the back-to-back reigning Super Bowl champions were being gifted the opportunity to achieve the first three-peat in modern NFL history.
For example, in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills, star quarterback Josh Allen was ruled short on a crucial fourth-down play despite appearing to have picked up the first down. The play swung the momentum in the Chiefs’ favor, helping them secure a 32-29 win. Unsurprisingly, the controversial play was one of the biggest talking points after the game.
Fans will certainly be paying close attention to Sunday’s Big Game, as the Eagles will be the last to try their hands at knocking the Chiefs from their perch. Any questionable plays that work in Kansas City’s favor will certainly be under a microscope following the Super Bowl.
In a recent press conference, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the growing speculation that NFL referees are favoring the Kansas City Chiefs in their games. Goodell called the theory “ridiculous” and stated that the league takes the integrity of the game very seriously.Goodell went on to explain that all NFL referees are held to the highest standards and are trained to make unbiased and fair calls during games. He emphasized that any accusations of favoritism towards a particular team are not only unfounded but also damaging to the reputation of the league.
The controversy surrounding the alleged favoritism towards the Chiefs has been fueled by several close calls and controversial decisions in their recent games. However, Goodell stressed that these incidents are simply part of the game and should not be taken as evidence of any wrongdoing on the part of the officials.
As the Chiefs continue their quest for another Super Bowl title, it is clear that the spotlight will remain on both the team and the referees. But according to Goodell, fans can rest assured that the NFL is committed to ensuring that every game is officiated fairly and without bias.
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What an international expansion in the NFL could potentially look like
As part of this expansion, the NFL will merge with the United Football League (UFL), transforming it into a minor league system with 36 teams. Current UFL players will remain with their teams, and additional talent will be acquired through an expansion draft. This draft will include free agents from the UFL, CFL and other leagues, as well as undrafted players from both the NFL’s expansion draft and the NFL draft.
The UFL’s role as a minor league system will allow players to develop their skills and work toward an NFL call-up, creating a seamless pathway for talent development.
A new two-way contract structure will also be introduced for players selected in the fifth, sixth and seventh rounds of the NFL draft. This system would allow teams to move players between the NFL and their UFL minor league affiliate, making talent development more efficient. Players selected in those rounds, as well as undrafted players, can sign a two-way contract.
Similar to the NHL, if a player on a one-way contract is sent to the minors, they must first pass through waivers. Any player can sign a two-way contract, but their salary will be capped at a maximum of $1 million per season and a minimum of $750,000, even if they are on an NFL roster. As a result, this contract structure will primarily be used for players unlikely to make an immediate impact on game day or for veterans whom teams want to keep in the building.
Each organization will have a maximum of 16 two-way contract slots. Players on these contracts can participate in either NFL or UFL (minor league) games but cannot play in both within the same week, as UFL games will take place on Fridays.
Teams will still be allowed to elevate two players per week, as they do now, but those players cannot participate in both leagues’ games in the same week. After three elevations, a player on a two-way contract will automatically convert to a one-way contract on the NFL roster, increasing their salary and limiting the team’s ability to send them back down.
This system is designed to improve player development, keep promising talent within the NFL’s ecosystem longer and enhance trade opportunities. Teams will be able to build a farm system leveraging prospects along with draft picks and current players to improve their rosters.
The NFL is already a global powerhouse, with millions of fans tuning in from around the world to watch games each week. But what if the league decided to take things a step further and expand internationally?One potential scenario for an international expansion in the NFL could involve creating new teams in major cities outside of the United States. This could include cities like London, Mexico City, Toronto, and Tokyo, where there is already a strong interest in American football. These new teams could compete in their own division, playing games both in their home city and in the United States against existing NFL teams.
In addition to expanding the number of teams, the NFL could also look to establish a stronger presence in international markets through partnerships with local leagues and organizations. This could involve hosting more games overseas, as well as setting up youth development programs and training camps in key markets.
Of course, there are many logistical challenges to consider when it comes to expanding the NFL internationally, including travel schedules, time zone differences, and cultural differences. But with the growing popularity of American football around the world, an international expansion could be a lucrative opportunity for the league to reach new fans and grow its global brand.
Overall, an international expansion in the NFL could potentially look like a bold new frontier for the league, opening up new markets and opportunities for growth. It may not happen overnight, but the potential benefits could be immense for both the NFL and football fans around the world.
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Chip Kelly reportedly returns to the NFL
Former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is returning to the NFL.
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly hiring him to be their new offensive coordinator on Pete Carroll’s coaching staff, according to an ESPN report.
Kelly, 61, hasn’t been in the National Football League since going one-and-done with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016. Prior to that, he had mixed results as the Eagles’ head coach from 2013 to 2015. He started strong but faded fast as he pushed for more personnel control.
Kelly was the head coach at UCLA from 2018 through 2023 before being hired as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator in 2024. As a member of former Eagles quarterbacks coach Ryan Day’s coaching staff, Kelly recently helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship title.
It’ll be interesting to see how Kelly fares in his return to the NFL. The league had clearly caught up to him before he returned to the college football ranks.
Kelly will return to Lincoln Financial Field for the first time since 2015 when the Raiders visit Philadelphia to play the Eagles in 2025.
After a brief stint in college football, Chip Kelly is reportedly making his return to the NFL. The former head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers is rumored to be in talks with multiple teams about potential coaching opportunities.Kelly’s fast-paced, high-powered offensive style made him a hot commodity in the NFL when he first burst onto the scene with the Eagles in 2013. While his tenure in Philadelphia ended in disappointment, Kelly’s innovative approach to the game could be a valuable asset to a team looking to shake things up.
Stay tuned for more updates on Chip Kelly’s potential return to the NFL and which team he might end up coaching next. It’s sure to be an interesting development in the world of football.
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