NFL Kickoff 2017 (Digital 8.3)
NFL Kickoff 2017 (Digital 8.3)
KICKOFF 2017
PATRIOTS & CHIEFS KICK OFF SEASON ................................................................................................... 1-2
KICKOFF WEEKEND SCHEDULE ....................................................................................................................3
KICKOFF WEEKEND RECORDS OF NFL TEAMS...........................................................................................4
RECORDS OF NFL HEAD COACHES ON KICKOFF WEEKEND....................................................................4
2017 KICKOFF WEEKEND NOTES ............................................................................................................... 5-6
HEADLINE GAMES ............................................................................................................................................7
NFL RATCHETS UP THE EXCITEMENT...HOPE IS ALIVE .......................................................................... 8-9
UNPREDICTABLE NFL ...............................................................................................................................10-11
BEST OPENING MONTH RECORDS, PAST 10 YEARS ................................................................................12
BEST NFL RECORDS, PAST 10 YEARS ........................................................................................................13
DIVISION TITLES? UP FOR GRABS...............................................................................................................14
FROM WORST TO FIRST ................................................................................................................................15
SCORING REACHED RECORD HIGHS IN 2016 ............................................................................................16
MINNESOTA TO HOST SUPER BOWL LII ......................................................................................................17
FUTURE SUPER BOWLS ................................................................................................................................18
2017 NFL TRAVEL MILES................................................................................................................................19
SURVEY SAYS .................................................................................................................................................20
BEST KICKOFF WEEKEND PERFORMANCES, 1933-2016 ..........................................................................21
BEST KICKOFF WEEKEND PERFORMANCES, PAST 10 YEARS ...............................................................22
THE LAST TIME ......................................................................................................................................... 23-24
STARTING RECORDS OF ACTIVE NFL QUARTERBACKS .................................................................... 25-26
2017 NFL STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE ...........................................................................................................27
NFL ON TV IN 2017 .................................................................................................................................... 28-30
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING ................................................................................................................................30
NFL RADIO 2017 ........................................................................................................................................ 31-32
2017 NFL CALENDAR .....................................................................................................................................32
WOMENS IMPACT ON NFL KEEPS GROWING ...................................................................................... 33-37
NFL CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS FOR ASPIRING FEMALES ....................................................38
OVERTIME EXCITEMENT................................................................................................................................39
MODIFIED SUDDEN DEATH OVERTIME ........................................................................................................40
NFL ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICIATING LEADERSHIP TEAM ................................................................. 41-42
NEW NFL RULES FOR 2017 ..................................................................................................................... 43-44
TOUCHDOWN CELEBRATIONS .....................................................................................................................45
THREE COLLEGES TO ADD FOOTBALL PROGRAMS IN 2017...................................................................46
NFL PARTNERS WITH EAST-WEST SHRINE GAME .............................................................................. 47-48
THE FAMOUS LOVE THE NFL ........................................................................................................................49
70 YEARS AGO ON KICKOFF WEEKEND: A RECORD 87 POINTS!...................................................... 50-51
66 YEARS AGO ON KICKOFF WEEKEND: THE DUTCHMAN GOES WILD! ...............................................52
NFL KICKOFF 2017
PLAYER HEALTH & SAFETY
HOW THE NFL IS ADVANCING PLAYER HEALTH AND SAFETY .......................................................... 53-58
NFL NAMES DR. ALLEN SILLS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER ........................................................................59
CONCUSSION GAMEDAY CHECKLIST..........................................................................................................60
RETURN-TO-PARTICIPATION PROTOCOL ....................................................................................................61
THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM ......................................................................................................................62
2017 HELMET LABORATORY TESTING PERFORMANCE RESULTS..........................................................63
HEALTH AND SAFETY-RELATED CHANGES FOR THE 2017 SEASON......................................................64
47 HEALTH AND SAFETY-RELATED RULES CHANGES SINCE 2002 .................................................. 65-66
NFL & SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
BEYOND THE GAME: NFL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.................................................................................67
WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD .............................................................................. 67-68
SALUTE TO SERVICE ............................................................................................................................... 68-69
NFL PLAY 60 .............................................................................................................................................. 70-71
A CRUCIAL CATCH..........................................................................................................................................72
NFL FOUNDATION ..................................................................................................................................... 72-73
NFL AUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................73
MY CAUSE, MY CLEATS .................................................................................................................................75
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH .................................................................... 76-78
INTERNATIONAL NFL
NFL CONTINUES INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................. 79-83
INTERNATIONAL FEEL ............................................................................................................................. 84-85
HISPANICS MAKING THEIR MARK ON THE NFL ................................................................................... 86-87
FOUR INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS ADDED TO PRACTICE SQUADS FOR 2017 SEASON ................. 88-89
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
ANNIVERSARY ANNALS .................................................................................................................................91
OWNER MILESTONES ....................................................................................................................................92
85 YEARS AGO: THE NFL INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP ..................................................................................93
50 YEARS AGO: THE ICE BOWL .......................................................................................................... 94-97
45 YEARS AGO: THE PERFECT SEASON ............................................................................................. 98-100
45 YEARS AGO: THE IMMACULATE RECEPTION .......................................................................... 101-102
THE TEAMS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2017 ......................................................................................................................103
PATRIOTS WIN SUPER BOWL.............................................................................................................. 104-105
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR ........................................................................................................................106
SUPER FOLLOW-UPS ........................................................................................................................... 107-108
ATLANTA FALCONS: RISE UP ..............................................................................................................109-110
TURNOVERS ARE KEY TO VICTORY ................................................................................................... 111-112
QUARTERBACKS SUCCESS.................................................................................................................113-114
TIGHT ENDS ON THE RISE ....................................................................................................................115-116
TOP SUPERLATIVE? RUN THE BALL..........................................................................................................117
THIRD-DOWN CONVERSIONS .....................................................................................................................118
FOURTH-AND-ONE.................................................................................................................................119-120
SUPER BOWL TROPHY BY THE NUMBERS ...............................................................................................121
NFL KICKOFF 2017
THE PLAYERS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2017 .............................................................................................................. 123-127
TOM BRADY: TOM TERRIFIC ............................................................................................................... 128-129
MATT RYAN: MVP MATT ....................................................................................................................... 130-131
DREW BREES: COOL BREES .............................................................................................................. 132-133
AARON RODGERS: MR. RODGERS NEIGHBORHOOD ............................................................................134
DEREK CARR: FULL SPEED AHEAD ..........................................................................................................135
JAMEIS WINSTON: FAMOUS JAMEIS WINSTON .......................................................................................136
DAK PRESCOTT & EZEKIEL ELLIOTT: COWBOYS ROOKIES MAKE THEIR MARK ....................... 137-138
YOUNG QUARTERBACKS ON THE RISE ............................................................................................ 139-140
DAVID JOHNSON: DJ DOES IT ALL .............................................................................................................141
LARRY FITZGERALD: LARRY LEGEND ......................................................................................................142
ANTONIO BROWN: BROWN ON THE MOVE...............................................................................................143
ODELL BECKHAM, JR.: CATCH IT LIKE BECKHAM ..................................................................................144
KHALIL MACK: RETURN OF THE MACK ............................................................................................ 145-146
CLUTCH PERFORMERS ...............................................................................................................................147
ROOKIES EXCEL ................................................................................................................................... 148-149
DOUBLE TROUBLE RUNNING BACKS .......................................................................................................150
ON TARGET....................................................................................................................................................151
YARDS AFTER THE CATCH ..........................................................................................................................152
MOVING THE CHAINS ...................................................................................................................................153
BIG PLAY EXCITEMENT ................................................................................................................................154
MANY HAPPY RETURNS ..............................................................................................................................155
SAME FACES, NEW PLACES ............................................................................................................... 156-157
NOT DRAFTED? NOT A PROBLEM...................................................................................................... 158-159
SMALL SCHOOL SUCCESS ................................................................................................................. 160-161
PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK............................................................................................................162
AT A LOSS ......................................................................................................................................................163
FRANK GORE WINS ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD....................................................... 164-165
HEY BROTHER ..............................................................................................................................................166
WHOS YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER TO WATCH? .........................................................................................167
WHY I CHOSE MY NUMBER .........................................................................................................................168
VISITORS PASS: FAVORITE NFL STADIUM ...............................................................................................169
QUARTERBACKS OF THE FUTURE ............................................................................................................170
FOOTBALL REMAINS MOST POPULAR HIGH SCHOOL SPORT ..............................................................171
NFL PLAYER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS ......................................................................................... 172-173
SUMMARY OF NFL PROGRAMS & BENEFITS FOR NFL LEGENDS ................................................. 174-176
NFL LEGENDS BUSY & SUCCESSFUL IN POST-PLAYING CAREERS ............................................. 177-179
ACTIVE STATISTICAL LEADERS ......................................................................................................... 180-181
THE COACHES
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2017 ......................................................................................................................183
BILL WALSH NFL DIVERSITY COACHING FELLOWSHIP.................................................................. 184-185
EXCITEMENT ABOUNDS AS NEW COACHES TAKE OVER ......................................................................186
BUFFALO BILLS HEAD COACH SEAN MC DERMOTT ....................................................................186
DENVER BRONCOS HEAD COACH VANCE JOSEPH ......................................................................187
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS HEAD COACH DOUG MARRONE .......................................................188
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS HEAD COACH ANTHONY LYNN .........................................................189
LOS ANGELES RAMS HEAD COACH SEAN MC VAY.......................................................................190
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS HEAD COACH KYLE SHANAHAN...........................................................191
BILL BELICHICK: TOP BILLING ...................................................................................................................192
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES IN NFL FACILITIES ............................................................................................193
NFL HOSTS INAUGURAL COACHING ACADEMY .............................................................................. 194-195
NFL
KICKOFF
NFL KICKOFF 2017
PATRIOTS & CHIEFS KICK OFF SEASON ON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
Its time to get Back to Football!
Kansas City at New England, 8:30 PM (Thurs., NBC) Oakland at Tennessee, 12:00 PM
NY Jets at Buffalo, 1:00 PM Philadelphia at Washington, 1:00 PM
Atlanta at Chicago, 12:00 PM Indianapolis at LA Rams, 1:05 PM
Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1:00 PM Seattle at Green Bay, 3:25 PM
Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1:00 PM Carolina at San Francisco,1:25 PM
Arizona at Detroit, 1:00 PM NY Giants at Dallas, 7:30 PM (NBC)
Jacksonville at Houston, 12:00 PM New Orleans at Minnesota, 6:10 PM (Mon., ESPN)
Tampa Bay at Miami, 1:00 PM LA Chargers at Denver, 8:20 PM (Mon., ESPN)
SEASON OPENERS
Since 1978 when the NFL went to the 16-game schedule, and excluding the abbreviated season
of 1982, teams that are victorious in their season openers are more than twice as likely to reach
the playoffs than losers of an opening game:
Of the 570 teams which won openers298 went to the playoffs (179 won division titles).
Of the 571 teams which lost openers137 went to the playoffs (79 won division titles).
Note: There are a different number of winning and losing teams in season opening games due to
the fact the NFL had 31 teams in each season from 1999 to 2001, which creates an odd number
for the total number of results.
In 2016, nine of the 12 playoff teams Detroit, Green Bay, Houston, Kansas City, New England,
the New York Giants, Pittsburgh, Oakland and Seattle were victorious on Kickoff Weekend.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
KICKOFF WEEKEND RECORDS OF NFL TEAMS
(Note: Ties prior to 1972 do not count in winning percentage)
LONGEST STREAKS LONGEST STREAKS
AFC W L T PCT. WIN LOSS CURRENT NFC W L T PCT. WIN LOSS CURRENT
Denver 37 19 1 .661 5 4 W-5 Dallas 37 19 1 .661 17 5 L-1
Houston 9 6 0 .600 5 3 W-1 Chicago 54 38 5 .587 9 6 L-3
LA Chargers 32 25 0 .561 6 6 L-1 Green Bay 54 39 3 .581 5 6 W-2
New England 32 25 0 .561 10 3 W-2 NY Giants 50 37 5 .575 4 5 W-1
Miami 27 23 1 .540 11 5 L-1 Minnesota 31 24 1 .564 5 3 W-1
Pittsburgh 42 36 4 .538 8 3 W-1 San Francisco 37 29 1 .561 6 3 W-6
Kansas City 30 27 0 .526 7 4 W-2 Detroit 47 38 2 .553 10 4 W-1
Tennessee 30 27 0 .526 4 3 L-1 Atlanta 27 24 0 .529 5 3 L-1
Indianapolis 33 31 0 .516 8 8 L-3 LA Rams 40 39 0 .506 5 6 L-1
Jacksonville 11 11 0 .500 6 5 L-5 Washington 40 41 4 .494 6 5 L-4
Baltimore 10 11 0 .476 5 4 W-1 Philadelphia 36 46 1 .439 5 9 W-1
NY Jets 27 30 0 .474 5 5 L-1 Arizona 40 54 2 .426 6 7 L-1
Cincinnati 23 26 0 .469 4 4 W-3 Seattle 16 25 0 .390 3 8 W-1
Oakland 26 31 0 .456 5 8 W-1 Tampa Bay 16 25 0 .390 3 5 W-1
Cleveland 27 37 0 .422 5 11 L-12 Carolina 8 14 0 .364 3 5 L-1
Buffalo 23 34 0 .404 6 5 L-1 New Orleans 17 33 0 .340 3 6 L-3
Some clubs have excelled in openers. Here is a sampling of notable active NFL Kickoff streaks:
The Super Bowl LI champion NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, who open the season
at home against the defending AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs, have won
their past eight home openers played on Kickoff Weekend. The Patriots are tied for
the fourth-most Kickoff Weekend wins among AFC teams (32).
The defending NFC champion ATLANTA FALCONS will open their new home,
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in Week 2 on Sunday Night Football against the defending
NFC North champion Green Bay Packers. The Falcons have won 10 of their past 12
home openers.
The DENVER BRONCOS, who start the season at home against the LOS
ANGELES CHARGERS on Monday Night Football, have posted a 43-13-1 (.763)
record in home openers, the top mark in the NFL. Denver has won 23 of its past
26 home openers. The Chargers are tied with the Patriots (32) for the fourth-most
Kickoff Weekend wins among AFC teams.
The defending AFC South champion HOUSTON TEXANS, who open the season
hosting Jacksonville, have won six of their past seven home openers.
The defending NFC East champion DALLAS COWBOYS host the NEW
YORK GIANTS on Sunday Night Football in a divisional showdown.
The Cowboys and Giants have faced off on Kickoff Weekend in four of
the past five seasons, with Dallas winning three of the four previous
matchups. Dallas leads the NFC with 32 wins in home openers since 1970.
The Giants have 50 wins on Kickoff Weekend, the third-most all-time.
The MIAMI DOLPHINS, who made the playoffs last season for the first time since
2008, host Tampa Bay on Kickoff Weekend and have won four of their past five home
openers.
The defending NFC North champion GREEN BAY PACKERS, who host the
defending NFC West champion Seattle Seahawks on Kickoff Weekend, have won
their past four home openers and nine of their past 10 Kickoff Weekend games
dating back to 2007. The Packers are tied with Chicago for the most wins (54) on
Kickoff Weekend.
The CHICAGO BEARS, who host Atlanta in Week 1, have the most wins (65) all-time
in home openers.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
HOME SWEET HOME: The SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, who host San Francisco in Week 2, have
won eight consecutive home openers, the longest active streak in the leaguethe BALTIMORE
RAVENS (14-7), who host Cleveland in Week 2, have a .667 winning percentage in home openers, the
third-best mark in the AFCthe PITTSBURGH STEELERS, who open at home in Week 2 against
Minnesota, have the most wins (49) among AFC teams in home openersand the DETROIT LIONS,
who begin the year by hosting Arizona, have a 52-35 (.598) record in openers at home, the third-most
wins in NFL history.
HEAD COACHES: New Englands BILL BELICHICK is 15-7 (.682) on Kickoff Weekend and his
15 wins are the most among active head coachesBelichick and Kansas Citys ANDY REID (10-8;
.556) are the only active head coaches who have won at least 10 Kickoff Weekend games and own
an opening weekend winning percentage above .500Cincinnatis MARVIN LEWIS has won three
consecutive games on Kickoff Weekend, the longest current streak among active head coaches
DIRK KOETTER (1-0) of the Buccaneers, BEN MC ADOO (1-0) of the Giants and DOUG PEDERSON
(1-0) of the Eagles are the only active head coaches with perfect records on Kickoff Weekendand
five head coaches Denvers VANCE JOSEPH, the Chargers ANTHONY LYNN, Buffalos SEAN
MC DERMOTT, the Rams SEAN MC VAY and San Franciscos KYLE SHANAHAN make
their Kickoff Weekend debuts in 2017.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
HEADLINE GAMES
With only 16 games per team, every game is important. Its just that, some weeks, some games
seem to be even more important!
The following is a 2017 Weeks 1-17 list of Headline Games, but far from the only ones:
Week 1 KC at NE Thursday-night Kickoff Weekend opener features meeting of 2016 playoff clubs.
Week 2 MIA at LAC/GB at ATL Chargers return to LA & Atlanta opens Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Week 3 BAL at JAX (London) 2017 international slate of games kicks off at Londons Wembley Stadium.
Week 4 CHI at GB NFLs oldest rivalry continues on Thursday Night Football in battle of NFC North foes.
Week 5 KC at HOU Texans host Chiefs in Sunday Night Football meeting of 2016 AFC division winners.
Week 6 IND at TEN Battle between two contenders from AFC South on Monday Night Football.
Week 7 ATL at NE Super Bowl LI rematch on NBCs Sunday Night Football.
Week 8 MIN at CLE (London) Showdown at Twickenham Stadium is last of four games played in UK in 2017.
Week 9 ATL at CAR Past two NFL MVPs Matt Ryan & Cam Newton face off in NFC South battle.
Week 10 SEA at ARZ NFC West rivalry will be tri-cast on NBC, NFLN and Amazon Prime.
Week 11 NE at OAK (Mexico City) Oakland hosts New England as NFL returns to Mexico for second consecutive year.
Week 12 MIN at DET/LAC at DAL/ Thanksgiving triple-header featuring food, family and football!
NYG at WAS
Week 13 DEN at MIA Broncos first-year head coach Vance Joseph squares off against his former team.
Week 14 DAL at NYG Giants host Cowboys as NFC East foes square off at MetLife Stadium.
Week 15 CHI at DET/LAC at KC Saturday double-header features two divisional matchups.
Week 16 PIT at HOU/OAK at PHI Christmas Day doubleheader showcases three teams from 2016 playoff field.
Week 17 16 Division Matchups Final weekend features all division games with playoff berths on tthe line!
Close games and great comeback victories, new teams making the playoffs and winning
divisions, consistent teams excelling once again, records falling and so much more.
The 2016 season featured many exciting games with close finishes, as 57 percent were decided
by one score 146 of 256 games were decided by eight or fewer points, the most of any season
since the NFL adopted the two-point conversion in 1994.
Games continued to have a flare for the dramatic, as tight contests frequently came down to the
wire. In 2016, there were 72 games in which the winning team trailed at some point in the fourth
q
quarter,, the most such g
games in a season in NFL history, surpassing the previous high of 70 in
1989
1989.
The Detroit Lions won eight games when
trailing in the fourth quarter in 2016, the most
in a single season in NFL history.
The 201
2017
17 season promises more of the same. Every
team en
nte the new year with hope.
enters
Six team
teams
ms that missed the postseason in 2015 Atlanta
(11-5), D
Da
Dallas (13-3), Detroit (9-7), Miami (10-6), the New
York Gi ian (11-5) and Oakland (12-4) advanced to
Giants
the 20166 playoffs.
p Since the 12-team playoff format was
adopte
adopteded in 1990, at least four teams have qualified
th
he playoffs in every season that were not in the
for the
p sts
pos
postseason the year before.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
The Cowboys rebounded to win the NFC East division title after finishing in last place in 2015,
which marked the 13th time in the past 14 seasons that one or more teams went from last or tied
for last place to a division championship the following year.
The teams since 1990 to make the playoffs a season after failing to qualify:
v
ven
135 of 256 games (52.7 percent) were decided by seven or fewer
points, the most in any season in NFL history.
170 of the seasons 256 games (66.4 percent) were within seven points in the fourth quarter, the
most in any season in NFL history.
The average margin of victory was 10.23 points per game, the third-smallest margin in NFL
history and the lowest figure since 1935 (10.08 points per game).
72 games were won by teams that trailed in the fourth quarter, the most such games in a
season in NFL history.
Over the past 10 years, six teams NEW ENGLAND, DENVER, DALLAS, GREEN BAY,
BALTIMORE and ARIZONA have a winning percentage of at least .600 through the seasons
first month. Those six clubs have combined for 37 playoff berths and nine Super Bowl appearances
including five Super Bowl championships during that span.
TEAM RECORD PCT.
New England 25-8-0 .758
Denver 24-10-0 .706
Dallas 23-11-0 .676
Green Bay 23-11-0 .676
Baltimore 22-12-0 .647
Arizona 21-13-0 .618
Patriots LB
Donta Hightower
Broncos LB
Von Miller
NFL KICKOFF 2017
BEST NFL RECORDS, PAST 10 YEARS
Over the past 10 years, four NFL teams New England (126-34, .788), Green Bay (106-53-1, .666),
Pittsburgh (103-57, .644) and Indianapolis (100-60, .625) have posted a winning percentage
over .600. Those four clubs have combined for 32 playoff berths, eight Super Bowl appearances
and four Super Bowl championships during that span.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (left) and Colts head coach Chuck Pagano (right)
NFL KICKOFF 2017
DIVISION TITLES? UP FOR GRABS
Unpredictable NFL? It sure seems that way! In the 15 seasons since realignment in 2002, 28
different teams have won division titles.
The teams that have won their divisions in the 15 seasons since realignment in 2002:
TEAM
T DIVISION TITLES PLAYOFF BERTHS
New England
N 13 13
IIndianapolis 9 12
GGreen Bay 9 12
SSeattle 8 11
P
Pittsburgh 7 10
D
Denver 6 8
P
Philadelphia 6 8
C
Carolina 5 6
L Chargers
LA 5 6
B
Baltimore 4 8
C
Cincinnati 4 7
A
Atlanta 4 7
D
Dallas 4 6
H
Houston 4 4
N Giants
NY 3 7
K
Kansas City 3 6
N
New Orleans 3 5
M
Minnesota 3 5
A
Arizona 3 4
S Francisco
San 3 4
I think its a huge significance Chicago 3 3
in terms of consistency and Tampa Bay 3 3
its something that we really Tennessee 2 4
do take great pride in because
of the implications for the Washington 2 4
playoffs. Thats what its all NY Jets 1 5
about. The division allows LA Rams 1 2
you to have a home game in Miami 1 2
the playoffs. Oakland 1 2
-Seahawks head coach
Pete Carroll
NFL KICKOFF 2017
FROM WORST TO FIRST
ST
Competitive balance, one of the hallmarks of the NFL, gives fans
f hope
entering each season.
For the 13th time in the past 14 seasons, at least one team finished is
shed
in first place in its division the season after finishing in last or ti
ied
tied
for last place. In fact, of the 44 teams in league history to go fromm
worst-to-first, 21 of them have done so in the past 14 years
(2003-16), including an NFL-record three such teams in 2005 5
and 2006.
as
After finishing in last place in the division in 2015, the Dallas
Cowboys won 13 games to claim the NFC East crown and the he
best record in the NFC. After losing the season opener, the he
Cowboys won nine consecutive games and qualified for the
playoffs for the second time in three seasons.
TEAMS TO GO WORST TO FIRST IN DIVISION SINCE 2003
SEASON TEAM RECORD PRIOR SEASON RECORD
2003 Carolina 11-5 7-9
2003 Kansas City 13-3 8-8*
2004 Atlanta 11-5 5-11
2004 San Diego 12-4 4-12*
2005 Chicago 11-5 5-11
2005 New York Giants 11-5 6-10*
2005 Tampa Bay 11-5 5-11
2006 Baltimore 13-3 6-10*
2006 New Orleans 10-6 3-13
2006 Philadelphia 10-6 6-10
2007 Tampa Bay 9-7 4-12
2008 Miami 11-5 1-15 Cowboys TE
2009 New Orleans** 13-3 8-8 Jason Witten
2010 Kansas City 10-6 4-12
2011 Denver 8-8 4-12
2011 Houston 10-6 6-10*
2012 Washington 10-6 5-11
2013 Carolina 12-4 7-9*
2013 Philadelphia 10-6 4-12
2015 Washington 9-7 4-12
2016 Dallas 13-3 4-12
*Tied for last place
**Won Super Bowl
NFL KICKOFF 2017
SCORING REACHED RECORD HIGHS IN 2016
A total of 11,661 points were scored during the 2016 season, the third-highest total all-time
(11,985 points in 2013 and 11,680 points in 2015). Games averaged 45.55 points per game, the
third-highest average since the 1970 merger and trailing only the 46.82 points per game average
in 2013 and the 45.63 average in 2015. In all, 1,306 total touchdowns were scored, also the third-
most all-time.
YEAR TOTAL POINTS SCORED YEAR POINTS PER GAME AVG. YEAR TOTAL TOUCHDOWNS
2013 11,985 2013 46.82 2013 1,338
2015 11,680 2015 45.63 2015 1,318
2016 11,661 2016 45.55 2016 1,306
Nine teams scored at least 400 points last season Atlanta (540), New Orleans (469), New
England (441), Green Bay (432), Dallas (421), Arizona (418), Oakland (416), Indianapolis (411)
and San Diego (410) tying the 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2015 seasons for the second-most all-time.
Those nine teams combined for a .601 winning percentage and five qualified for the playoffs.
Led by the NFC champion Falcons, whose 540 points tied for the eighth-highest single-season
total in NFL history, many of the NFLs top-scoring offenses translated those points into wins.
Super Bowl LI featured the top-scoring team in each conference NFCs Atlanta (540) and AFCs
New England (441).
We appreciate the collaborative effort from Minnesotas business and community leadership
in putting together this winning bid, says Vikings Owner/President MARK WILF. It was
evident to me and my brother ZYGI that the other NFL owners were extremely impressed with
everything Minnesota had to offer, and we have no doubt they will be even more excited with
what the community will deliver in February 2018.
The game will be the first Super Bowl in Minnesota since Super Bowl XXVI when the Washington
Redskins defeated the Buffalo Bills 37-24 on January 26, 1992 at The Metrodome.
Leading up to the Super Bowl, fans can attend the Bold North Festival, a 10-day festival featuring
celebrations, parties, football and fun with events for all ages including the Minneapolis Loppet
Ski Festival, snowmobiling and outdoor ice bars.
Its a huge opportunity for us to showcase the things that were proud of in Minnesota, says
Super Bowl Host Committee Vice President of Communications ANDREA MOKROS.
The Bold North festival will open on January 26, giving local residents the opportunity to
experience the festival before out-of-town guests arrive.
Our goal for the week is to make sure everybody is involved, says Vikings Executive Vice
President LESTER BAGLEY.
Aiming to impact the community long after Super Bowl LII, the Minnesota Super Bowl Host
Committee has partnered with the Minnesota Department of Healths Statewide Health
Improvement Program to form the Legacy Fund, a program that will provide 52 grants to 52
community projects across the state over the 52 weeks leading up to Super Bowl LII.
The Super Bowl Experience, the NFLs interactive theme park, will take place at the Minneapolis
Convention Center, and will feature participatory games, displays, entertainment attractions,
youth football clinics and free autograph sessions with both former and current NFL players.
SUPER BOWL HOST CITIES (I-LII)
CITY SUPER BOWLS CITY SUPER BOWLS
New Orleans 10 Detroit 2
South Florida 10 Minnesota 2*
Los Angeles 7 San Francisco Bay Area 2
Tampa Bay 4 Indianapolis 1
Houston 3 Jacksonville 1
Arizona 3 North Texas 1
San Diego 3 New York/New Jersey 1
Atlanta 2 *Includes Super Bowl LII
NFL KICKOFF 2017
FUTURE SUPER BOWL SITES
SUPER BOWL DATE SITE
LII February 4, 2018 U.S. Bank Stadium, Minnesota
*Tentative date
NFL KICKOFF 2017
TOTAL MILES TRAVELED & NOTES ON 2017 TRAVEL
(Mileage is based on the estimated round-trip distance for every regular-season road game)
TEAM MILES TEAM MILES
1. Los Angeles Rams 32,600 17. New England 17,830
2. Oakland 30,899 18. New York Jets 16,483
3. Arizona 30,035 19. Cleveland 16,386
4. Miami 27,520 20. Kansas City 14,671
5. Los Angeles Chargers 26,134 21. Tampa Bay 13,683
6. Jacksonville 24,522 22. Buffalo 13,272
7. Seattle 24,121 23. Tennessee 13,048
8. San Francisco 24,092 24. Atlanta 11,687
9. New York Giants 21,883 25. Indianapolis 11,236
10. New Orleans 20,968 26. Minnesota 10,460
11. Washington 20,762 27. Carolina 9,808
12. Philadelphia 20,227 28. Chicago 8,318
13. Denver 18,842 29. Detroit 8,218
14. Houston 18,546 30. Green Bay 8,074
15. Dallas 18,084 31. Cincinnati 7,662
16. Baltimore 18,055 32. Pittsburgh 6,694
Five teams the LOS ANGELES RAMS (32,600), OAKLAND RAIDERS (30,899), ARIZONA
CARDINALS (30,035), MIAMI DOLPHINS (27,520) and LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (26,134)
will travel around the world at least once. A trip around the globe is 25,000 miles.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
SURVEY SAYS
For more than two decades, NFL television ratings have been the highest of all televised sports.
NFL games attract up 98.9 million viewers on an average weekly basis. NFL popularity can be
measured in other ways as well. For instance:
The 2016 regular season reached 204 million unique viewers, representing 77 percent of all
television homes and 68 percent of potential viewers in the U.S., and household ratings on
each of the NFLs broadcast partners continue to outpace all other programming.
The 2016 NFL regular season averaged 16.6 million viewers per game telecast.
NFL games accounted for nine of the top 10 and 66 of the top 100 most-watched telecasts
(based on average audience) from Labor Day through the end of the calendar year 2016.
NFL games were the top-ranked program locally in NFL home television markets 88 percent of
the time during the 2016 regular season.
In addition, NBCs Sunday Night Football package ranked as the most-watched primetime
program for a record sixth consecutive season averaging 20.3 million viewers.
The average regular-season ratings for NFL games on broadcast television (including Sunday
afternoon games) have exceeded the average primetime household ratings of the major over-
the-air networks (currently ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC) for the past decade. For the 2016 regular
season, this differential was 163 percent.
The following charts detail television ratings for the major sports in 2015-2016 and the top 10
most watched television programs of all time:
Sports Telecasts Household Ratings in 2015-2016 Top 10 Most-Viewed Television Programs of All-Time
PROGRAM DATE NETWORK TOTAL AUDIENCE
Super Bowl LI 02/05/17 FOX 172.0 million
Super Bowl 50 02/07/16 CBS 167.0 million
Super Bowl XLVII 02/03/13 CBS 164.5 million
Super Bowl XLV 02/06/11 FOX 163.1 million
Super Bowl XLVIII 02/02/14 FOX 161.5 million
Super Bowl XLIX 02/01/15 NBC 161.4 million
Super Bowl XLVI 02/05/12 NBC 159.3 million
Super Bowl XLIV 02/07/10 CBS 153.5 million
Super Bowl XLIII 02/01/09 NBC 151.7 million
Super Bowl XLII 02/03/08 FOX 148.3 million
Source: The Nielsen Company Source: The Nielsen Company
2015-16 seasons were included for NBA and NHL data, given that Total Viewership is based on Total Audience based on a 6 minute qualifier
the Playoffs and Finals had not finished for the 2016-17 seasons, as (viewers had to tune into a program for at least 6 minutes). Total audience
of May 2017. is a reach value that includes visitors.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
BEST KICKOFF WEEKEND PERFORMANCES, 1933-2016
(2016 Performances in Bold & Italics)
MOST YARDS RUSHING
PLAYER YARDS ATT LG TD
O.J. Simpson, Buffalo vs. New England, 9/16/73 250 29 80t 2
Arian Foster, Houston vs. Indianapolis, 9/12/10 231 33 42 3
Michael Turner, Atlanta vs. Detroit, 9/7/08 220 22 66t 2
Eddie George, Tennessee vs. Oakland, 8/31/97 216 35 29t 1
George Rogers, New Orleans vs. St. Louis, 9/4/83 206 24 76t 2
Gerald Riggs, Atlanta vs. New Orleans, 9/2/84 202 35 57 2
Duce Staley, Philadelphia vs. Dallas, 9/3/00 201 26 60 1
Norm Bulaich, Baltimore vs. N.Y. Jets, 9/19/71 198 22 67t 1
Curtis Martin, N.Y. Jets vs. Cincinnati, 9/12/04 196 29 24t 1
Alan Ameche, Baltimore vs. Chicago, 9/25/55 194 21 79t 1
MOST YARDS PASSING
PLAYER YARDS ATT COMP TD INT
Norm Van Brocklin, L.A. Rams vs. N.Y. Yanks, 9/28/51 554 41 27 5 2
Tom Brady, New England vs. Miami, 9/12/11 517 48 32 4 1
Dan Marino, Miami vs. New England, 9/4/94 473 42 23 5 1
Peyton Manning, Denver vs. Baltimore, 9/5/13 462 42 27 7 0
Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants vs. Dallas, 9/8/13 450 42 27 4 3
Matt Ryan, Atlanta vs. New Orleans, 9/7/14 448 43 31 3 0
Kurt Warner, St. Louis vs. Denver, 9/4/00 441 35 25 3 3
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis vs. Houston, 9/12/10 433 57 40 3 0
Drew Brees, New Orleans vs. Oakland, 9/11/16 423 42 28 4 0
Cam Newton, Carolina vs. Arizona, 9/11/11 422 37 24 2 1
MOST YARDS RECEIVING
PLAYER YARDS REC LG TD
Frank Clarke, Dallas vs. Washington, 9/16/62 241 10 58t 3
Anquan Boldin, Arizona vs. Detroit, 9/7/03 217 10 71t 2
Hugh Taylor, Washington vs. Philadelphia, 9/28/47 212 8 62t 3
Lance Alworth, San Diego vs. Denver, 9/11/65 211 7 48 1
Irving Fryar, Miami vs. New England, 9/4/94 211 5 54t 3
Anquan Boldin, San Francisco vs. Green Bay, 9/8/13 208 13 43 1
Wes Chandler, New Orleans vs. Atlanta, 9/2/79 205 6 42 1
Don Maynard, N.Y. Jets vs. Kansas City, 9/15/68 203 8 57t 2
Marty Booker, Chicago vs. Minnesota, 9/8/02 198 8 54 1
Tim Smith, Houston vs. Green Bay, 9/4/83 197 8 47t 1
NFL KICKOFF 2017
BEST KICKOFF WEEKEND PERFORMANCES, PAST 10 YEARS
(2016 Performances in Bold & Italics)
MOST YARDS RUSHING
PLAYER YARDS ATT LG TD
Arian Foster, Houston vs. Indianapolis, 9/12/10 231 33 42 3
Michael Turner, Atlanta vs. Detroit, 9/7/08 220 22 66t 2
LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia vs. Washington, 9/9/13 184 31 34t 1
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota vs. Cleveland, 9/13/09 180 25 64t 3
Chris Brown, Tennessee vs. Jacksonville, 9/9/07 175 19 42 0
C.J. Spiller, Buffalo vs. N.Y. Jets, 9/9/12 169 14 56t 1
Carlos Hyde, San Francisco vs. Minnesota, 9/14/15 168 26 18 2
Darren McFadden, Oakland vs. Denver, 9/12/11 150 22 47 0
DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh vs. Washington, 9/12/16 143 26 17 2
Mike Bell, New Orleans vs. Detroit, 9/13/09 143 28 22 0
MOST YARDS PASSING
PLAYER YARDS ATT COMP TD INT
Tom Brady, New England vs. Miami, 9/12/11 517 48 32 4 1
Peyton Manning, Denver vs. Baltimore, 9/5/13 462 42 27 7 0
Eli Manning, N.Y. Giants vs. Dallas, 9/8/13 450 42 27 4 3
Matt Ryan, Atlanta vs. New Orleans, 9/7/14 448 43 31 3 0
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis vs. Houston, 9/12/10 433 57 40 3 0
Drew Brees, New Orleans vs. Oakland, 9/11/16 423 42 28 4 0
Cam Newton, Carolina vs. Arizona, 9/11/11 422 37 24 2 1
Drew Brees, New Orleans vs. Green Bay, 9/8/11 419 49 32 3 0
Chad Henne, Miami vs. New England, 9/12/11 416 49 30 2 1
Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco vs. Green Bay, 9/8/13 412 39 27 3 0
MOST YARDS RECEIVING
PLAYER YARDS REC LG TD
Anquan Boldin, San Francisco vs. Green Bay, 9/8/13 208 13 43 1
Randy Moss, New England vs. N.Y. Jets, 9/9/07 183 9 51t 1
A.J. Green, Cincinnati vs. New York Jets, 9/11/16 180 12 54 1
Steve Smith, Carolina vs. Arizona, 9/11/11 178 8 77t 2
Willie Snead, New Orleans vs. Oakland, 9/11/16 172 9 49 1
Keenan Allen, San Diego vs. Detroit, 9/13/15 166 15 21 0
Calvin Johnson, Detroit vs. N.Y. Giants, 9/8/14 164 7 67t 2
Austin Collie, Indianapolis vs. Houston, 9/12/10 163 11 73t 1
A.J. Green, Cincinnati vs. Chicago, 9/8/13 162 9 45t 2
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis vs. Jacksonville, 9/13/09 162 10 39 1
NFL KICKOFF 2017
THE LAST TIME
(2016 games in red)
PASSING
500 YARDS, 513, Derek Carr, Oakland at Tampa Bay, 10/30/2016
GAME 503, Matt Ryan, Atlanta vs. Carolina, 10/2/2016
7 TD PASSES, GAME Drew Brees, New Orleans vs. New York Giants, 11/1/2015
60 ATTEMPTS, 63, Eli Manning, New York Giants at Philadelphia, 12/22/2016
GAME 60, Carson Wentz, Philadelphia at Cincinnati, 12/4/2016
20 CONSECUTIVE 24, Matt Schaub, Houston vs. Jacksonville, 11/18/2012 (OT)
COMP., GAME
99-YARD TD PASS Tom Brady to Wes Welker, New England vs. Miami, 9/12/2011
Eli Manning to Victor Cruz, New York Giants vs. New York Jets, 12/24/2011
RECEIVING
3 100-YARD GAMES, Dallas vs. Denver, 10/6/2013
SAME TEAM Jason Witten, 7-121-1; Dez Bryant, 6-141-2; Terrance Williams, 4-151-1
300 YARDS, GAME 300, Julio Jones, Atlanta vs. Carolina, 10/2/2016
15 RECEPTIONS, 16, Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh vs. Denver, 12/20/2015
GAME 17, Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh vs. Oakland, 11/8/2015
15, Keenan Allen, San Diego vs. Denver, 9/13/2015
4 TDs, GAME Jamaal Charles, Kansas City vs. Oakland, 12/15/2013
Eric Decker, Denver vs. Kansas City, 12/1/2013
Marvin Jones, Cincinnati vs. New York Jets, 10/27/2013
RUSHING
5 TDs, GAME Clinton Portis, Denver vs. Kansas City, 12/7/2003
4 TDs, GAME Jonas Gray, New England vs. Indianapolis, 11/16/2014
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle vs. New York Giants, 11/9/2014
40 ATTEMPTS, GAME 40, Shaun Alexander, Seattle vs. Green Bay, 11/27/2006
250 YARDS, GAME 251, Doug Martin, Tampa
p Bay y vs. Oakland,, 11/4/2012
Raiders QB
Derek Carr
Giants QB
Eli Manning
NFL KICKOFF 2017
INTERCEPTIONS
4, GAME DeAngelo Hall, Washington vs. Chicago, 10/24/2010
3, GAME Kurt Coleman, Philadelphia vs. Washington, 10/16/2011
2 TDs, GAME Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis vs. Tennessee, 11/25/2012
Zach Brown, Tennessee vs. Jacksonville, 12/30/2012
100-YARD TD RETURN 100, Xavier Rhodes, Minnesota vs. Arizona, 11/20/2016
SCORING
8 PATs, GAME 8, Matt Bryant, Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay, 9/18/2014
3 FGs, 50 YARDS OR Justin Tucker, Baltimore vs. Cincinnati, 11/27/2016
MORE, GAME
60 OR MORE POINTS, New Orleans (62) vs. Indianapolis (7), 10/23/2011
GAME, TEAM
100 OR MORE POINTS, 101, New Orleans (52) vs. New York Giants (49), 11/1/2015
GAME, BOTH TEAMS
SCORELESS TIE New York Giants vs. Detroit, 11/7/1943
KICKOFF RETURNS
2 TDs, GAME Leon Washington, Seattle vs. San Diego, 9/26/2010
2 CONSECUTIVE TDs, New England vs. Oakland, 12/14/2008
BOTH TEAMS, GAME
PUNT RETURNS
2 TDs, GAME Darius Reynaud, Tennessee vs. Jacksonville, 12/30/2012
Vikings CB
Xavier Rhodes
Ravens K
Justin Tucker
NFL KICKOFF 2017
STARTING RECORDS OF ACTIVE NFL QUARTERBACKS
(Minimum 10 regular-season starts)
REGULAR SEASON POSTSEASON OVERALL
QUARTERBACK W L T PCT. W L PCT. W L T PCT.
Dak Prescott 13 3 0 .813 0 1 .000 13 4 0 .765
Tom Brady 183 52 0 .779 25 9 .735 208 61 0 .773
Russell Wilson 56 23 1 .706 8 4 .667 64 27 1 .701
Ben Roethlisberger 123 60 0 .672 13 7 .650 136 67 0 .670
Aaron Rodgers 90 45 0 .667 9 7 .563 99 52 0 .656
Brock Osweiler 13 8 0 .619 1 1 .500 14 9 0 .609
Drew Stanton 8 5 0 .615 0 0 .000 8 5 0 .615
Andrew Luck 43 27 0 .614 3 3 .500 46 30 0 .605
Andy Dalton 56 35 2 .613 0 4 .000 56 39 2 .588
Teddy Bridgewater 17 11 0 .607 0 1 .000 17 12 0 .586
Joe Flacco 83 55 0 .601 10 5 .667 93 60 0 .608
Matt Ryan 85 57 0 .599 3 5 .375 88 62 0 .587
Alex Smith 79 56 1 .585 2 4 .333 81 60 1 .574
Trevor Siemian 8 6 0 .571 0 0 .000 8 6 0 .571
Drew Brees 131 101 0 .565 6 5 .545 137 106 0 .564
Cam Newton 51 40 1 .560 3 3 .500 54 43 1 .556
Nick Foles 20 16 0 .556 0 1 .000 20 17 0 .541
Philip Rivers 97 79 0 .551 4 5 .444 101 84 0 .546
Eli Manning 108 91 0 .543 8 4 .667 116 95 0 .550
Matt Moore 15 13 0 .536 0 1 .000 15 14 0 .517
Brian Hoyer 16 15 0 .516 0 1 .000 16 16 0 .500
Carson Palmer 89 84 1 .514 1 3 .250 90 87 1 .508
Mark Sanchez 37 35 0 .514 4 2 .667 41 37 0 .526
Matt Schaub 47 45 0 .511 1 1 .500 48 46 0 .511
Tyrod Taylor 14 14 0 .500 0 0 .000 14 14 0 .500
Cowboys QB
Dak Presco
Prescott
ott Seahawks
e
eahawks QB
Russell
u
ussell Wilson
Pa
Patriots
atriots QB
To
Tom
om Brady
NFL KICKOFF 2017
REGULAR SEASON POSTSEASON OVERALL
QUARTERBACK W L T PCT. W L PCT. W L T PCT.
Shaun Hill 17 18 0 .486 0 0 .000 17 18 0 .486
Colin Kaepernick 28 30 0 .483 4 2 .667 32 32 0 .500
Ryan Tannehill 37 40 0 .481 0 0 .000 37 40 0 .481
Kirk Cousins 19 21 1 .476 0 1 .000 19 22 1 .464
Jameis Winston 15 17 0 .469 0 0 .000 15 17 0 .469
Derek Carr 22 25 0 .468 0 0 .000 22 25 0 .468
Matthew Stafford 51 58 0 .468 0 3 .000 51 61 0 .455
Matt Cassel 36 44 0 .450 0 1 .000 36 45 0 .444
Carson Wentz 7 9 0 .438 0 0 .000 7 9 0 .438
Derek Anderson 20 27 0 .426 0 0 .000 20 27 0 .426
Sam Bradford 32 45 1 .417 0 0 .000 32 45 1 .417
Marcus Mariota 11 16 0 .407 0 0 .000 11 16 0 .407
Christian Ponder 14 21 1 .403 0 0 .000 14 21 1 .403
Ryan Fitzpatrick 46 69 1 .401 0 0 .000 46 69 1 .401
Geno Smith 12 18 0 .400 0 0 .000 12 18 0 .400
Kellen Clemens 8 13 0 .381 0 0 .000 8 13 0 .381
Robert Griffin III 15 25 0 .375 0 1 .000 15 26 0 .366
Case Keenum 9 15 0 .375 0 0 .000 9 15 0 .375
EJ Manuel 6 11 0 .353 0 0 .000 6 11 0 .353
Chad Henne 18 35 0 .340 0 0 .000 18 35 0 .340
Josh McCown 18 42 0 .300 0 0 .000 18 42 0 .300
Terrelle Pryor 3 7 0 .300 0 0 .000 3 7 0 .300
Colt McCoy 7 18 0 .280 0 0 .000 7 18 0 .280
Mike Glennon 5 13 0 .278 0 0 .000 5 13 0 .278
Blake Bortles 11 34 0 .244 0 0 .000 11 34 0 .244
Brandon Weeden 6 19 0 .240 0 0 .000 6 19 0 .240
Blaine Gabbert 9 31 0 .225 0 0 .000 9 31 0 .225
Luke McCown 2 8 0 .200 0 0 .000 2 8 0 .200
Dan Orlovsky 2 10 0 .167 0 0 .000 2 10 0 .167
Zach Mettenberger 0 10 0 .000 0 0 .000 0 10 0 .000
NFL KICKOFF 2017
2017 NFL STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE
OPPONENTS 2016 GAMES VS. TEAMS GAMES VS. 2016
TEAM PCT. & RECORD .500 OR BETTER PLAYOFF TEAMS
Denver Broncos 0.578 147 107 2 8 10
Kansas City Chiefs 0.576 147 108 1 8 11
Los Angeles Chargers 0.568 145 110 1 8 11
Oakland Raiders 0.564 144 111 1 6 11
Buffalo Bills 0.561 143 112 1 7 10
Miami Dolphins 0.547 140 116 0 5 9
Washington Redskins 0.543 138 116 2 7 9
New York Jets 0.535 137 119 0 7 9
New York Giants 0.535 135 117 4 6 10
Dallas Cowboys 0.531 134 118 4 7 10
Philadelphia Eagles 0.531 134 118 4 7 10
New England Patriots 0.527 135 121 0 7 9
Atlanta Falcons 0.521 133 122 1 6 9
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0.518 132 123 1 7 8
New Orleans Saints 0.510 130 125 1 6 10
Carolina Panthers 0.504 129 127 0 6 9
Los Angeles Rams 0.482 121 130 5 5 9
Green Bay Packers 0.480 122 132 2 6 10
Chicago Bears 0.479 122 133 1 6 10
San Francisco 49ers 0.475 119 132 5 5 8
Cleveland Browns 0.469 119 135 2 5 10
Detroit Lions 0.469 119 135 2 5 9
Arizona Cardinals 0.467 118 135 3 6 10
Baltimore Ravens 0.461 117 137 2 7 10
Houston Texans 0.455 115 138 3 4 9
Seattle Seahawks 0.455 115 138 3 5 8
Pittsburgh Steelers 0.453 115 139 2 5 10
Minnesota Vikings 0.453 115 139 2 6 9
Cincinnati Bengals 0.449 115 141 0 5 11
Tennessee Titans 0.439 111 142 3 6 9
Jacksonville Jaguars 0.439 111 142 3 4 9
Indianapolis Colts 0.424 107 146 3 4 8
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NFL ON TV IN 2017
Includes Thursday Night Football Tri-Cast distribution model of
broadcast (CBS/NBC), cable (NFL Network) & digital (Amazon Prime)
NFL fans continue to tune in to the sport they love. Heres a look at whats in store on TV in 2017.
The regular-season schedule spanning 17 weeks and 256 games kicks off on Thursday night,
September 7 in New England and concludes on Sunday, December 31 with 16 division games.
The season begins with the NFLs annual primetime kickoff game. The opener on September
7 on NBC (8:30 PM ET) will feature the defending champion New England Patriots hosting the
Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium.
Week 1 is a FOX national weekend with the key doubleheader game on Sunday, September 10
(4:25 PM ET) featuring the Seattle Seahawks at the Green Bay Packers. Week 3 is the first CBS
national weekend with the key doubleheader game showcasing the Cincinnati Bengals facing
the Packers at Lambeau Field.
NBCs Sunday Night Football gets underway on September 10 when the Dallas Cowboys
host the New York Giants (8:30 PM ET) at AT&T Stadium.
Kickoff Weekend concludes on Monday, September 11 with an ESPN Monday Night Football
doubleheader. The Minnesota Vikings will host the New Orleans Saints (7:10 PM ET) in the first
game followed by the Los Angeles Chargers visiting the Denver Broncos in the nightcap (10:20
PM ET).
ESPN will televise one game each Monday night in Weeks 2-16. There will be no Monday
night game on the final regular-season weekend (Week 17) to provide more flexibility for the
scheduling of the opening weekend of the NFL playoffs. The 2018 Pro Bowl will be played on
Sunday, January 28 (3:00 PM ET) at Orlandos Camping World Stadium and will be simulcast
nationally on ABC and ESPN. It marks the first time the Pro Bowl will air on both broadcast and
cable networks.
A select number of games will be cross-flexed, moving between CBS and FOX to bring
potentially under-distributed games to wider audiences. Some of those contests have already
been announced, including the Seahawks at the Giants (4:25 PM ET, CBS) in Week 7 and the
Vikings at the Carolina Panthers (1:00 PM ET, CBS) in Week 14. Other cross-flexed games will
be decided during the season.
The regular season will conclude with Week 17 on Sunday, December 31. For the eighth
consecutive year, all 16 games scheduled for Week 17 are division contests, enhancing the
potential for more games with playoff ramifications.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
Other highlights of the schedule include:
In Week 2, the Atlanta Falcons will open their new home Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday,
September 17 in primetime (8:30 PM ET, NBC) when they host the Packers in a rematch of last
seasons NFC Championship Game. Earlier that day, the Chargers will make their return to Los
Angeles as they host the Miami Dolphins at the StubHub Center (4:05 PM ET, CBS).
The Patriots will host the Falcons in Week 7 on Sunday night, October 22 (8:30 PM ET, NBC) in
a rematch of Super Bowl LI, the first Super Bowl in NFL history to go into overtime.
Thanksgiving will feature a tripleheader on Thursday, November 23. The first game will send the
Vikings to Detroit to face the Lions (12:30 PM ET, FOX) for the second consecutive year. The late
afternoon game will feature the Chargers visiting the Cowboys (4:30 PM ET, CBS). The holiday
concludes with the Washington Redskins hosting the Giants on NBC (8:30 PM ET).
In Week 16, NBCs Sunday Night Football game (Vikings at Packers) will move to Saturday night,
December 23 (8:30 PM ET, NBC) due to Christmas Eve and is not subject to flexible scheduling.
Christmas Day will feature a doubleheader on Monday, December 25 with the Houston Texans
hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers (4:30 PM ET, NBC/NFLN/Amazon Prime) in the first game and the
Oakland Raiders visiting the Philadelphia Eagles (8:30 PM ET, ESPN) in primetime.
The NFLs international slate includes four games in London the first time the league will play
four games in the UK and one in Mexico City. On Sunday, September 24, the Jacksonville
Jaguars will host the Baltimore Ravens at Londons Wembley Stadium (9:30 AM ET) in a contest
that will be streamed globally by Verizon. The next weekend, on Sunday, October 1, the Dolphins
will host the Saints at Wembley (9:30 AM ET, FOX). In Week 7, the Los Angeles Rams will host
the Arizona Cardinals at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday, October 22 (1:00 PM ET, FOX). The
following week, the Cleveland Browns will host the Vikings at Twickenham on Sunday, October
29 (9:30 AM ET, NFLN). The NFL will return to Mexico City on Sunday, November 19 (4:25 PM ET,
CBS) when the Oakland Raiders host the Patriots at Estadio Azteca.
The NFL has partnered with Amazon Prime this season and will once again use a Tri-Cast
distribution model of broadcast (CBS/NBC), cable (NFL Network) and digital (Amazon
Prime) for 10 Thursday Night Football games and a Christmas Day contest. CBS and NBC will
each broadcast five Thursday Night Football games which will be simulcast on NFL Network
and streamed to Amazon Prime members worldwide. NBC will also broadcast the Christmas Day
game. CBS will start in Week 4 (Thursday, September 28) when the Packers host the Chicago
Bears. NBCs Tri-Cast package begins in Week 10 (Thursday, November 9) when the Seahawks
visit the Arizona Cardinals. Additionally, NFL Network will also exclusively televise a seven-
game schedule comprised of three Thursday Night Football games, three late-season Saturday
contests and a Sunday morning London matchup.
The NFLs 32 teams will each play 16 games over 17 weeks. Byes will begin in Week 5 and end
in Week 11.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
Flexible scheduling will be used in Weeks 10-15 and 17. Additionally, in Weeks 5-9, flexible
scheduling may be used in no more than two weeks. In Weeks 5-15, the schedule lists the games
tentatively set for Sunday Night Football on NBC. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to
be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would
be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on
Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights. A flexible scheduling move would be announced at least
12 days before the game. For Week 17, the Sunday night game will be announced no later than
six days prior to December 31. The schedule does not list a Sunday night game in Week 17, but
an afternoon game with playoff implications will be moved to that time slot. Flexible scheduling
ensures quality matchups in all Sunday time slots in those weeks and gives surprise teams a
chance to play their way into prime time.
The playoffs will include four division winners and two wild cards from each conference. The
playoffs begin with Wild Card Weekend on Saturday and Sunday, January 6-7. The two division
winners with the best records in each conference will earn first-round byes.
Wild Card Weekend winners join the top two division champions in each conference in the
Divisional Playoffs on Saturday and Sunday, January 13-14. The AFC and NFC Championship
Games will be played on Sunday, January 21. The winners meet two weeks later on Sunday,
February 4 in Super Bowl LII at Minnesotas U.S. Bank Stadium (NBC).
The Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 28 (3:00 PM ET, ABC/ESPN) at Orlandos
Camping World Stadium.
The NFL is the only sports league that presents all regular-season and postseason games on
free, over-the-air television in local markets. All postseason games are televised nationally.
FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING
Flexible scheduling will be used in Weeks 10-15 and 17. Additionally, in Weeks 5-9, flexible
scheduling may be used in no more than two weeks.
In Weeks 5-15, the schedule lists the games tentatively set for Sunday Night Football on NBC.
Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the
tentatively scheduled Sunday night game would be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible
scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights.
A flexible scheduling move would be announced at least 12 days before the game.
For Week 17, the Sunday night game will be announced no later than six days prior to December
31. The schedule does not list a Sunday night game in Week 17, but an afternoon game with
playoff implications will be moved to that time slot.
Flexible scheduling ensures quality matchups in all Sunday time slots in those weeks and gives
surprise teams a chance to play their way into prime time.
Additionally, a select number of games are being cross-flexed, moving between CBS and FOX
to bring potentially under-distributed games to wider audiences.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NFL RADIO 2017: WESTWOOD ONE & SIRIUS XM COVER THE NFL
NFL fans can listen to games on the radio in a number of ways on Westwood One and SiriusXM NFL
Radio.
WESTWOOD ONE remains the official network radio partner of the NFL, its 31st consecutive season
with that distinction.
The Westwood One NFL schedule features more than 60 national games, including the Thursday
night Kickoff game, Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, the
Thanksgiving Day tripleheader and the entire postseason, culminating with Super Bowl LII at U.S.
Bank Stadium. Westwood One also broadcasts a Sunday afternoon NFL doubleheader each week
during the regular season, and produces weekly specialty programs, including The NFL Today, NFL
Preview, NFL Insider, NFL Sunday and NFL Fantasy Football Forecast.
KEVIN HARLAN and BOOMER ESIASON return as the lead broadcast crew, calling Monday Night
Football and Super Bowl LII for the network. This will mark the 31st consecutive year and 45th time
overall that Westwood One will be the exclusive network radio home of footballs biggest game.
In addition to being heard on more than 500 radio stations across the United States, all of Westwood
Ones primetime NFL broadcasts can also be heard on SiriusXM Satellite Radio, as well as online and
on mobile devices. For complete information regarding Westwood Ones NFL coverage, including
schedules, announcers, highlights, features, interviews and more, log on to
westwoodonesports.com.
This year will mark the NFLs 14th season on SiriusXM. SiriusXM creates and offers commercial-
free music, premier sports talk and live events, comedy, news, exclusive talk and entertainment
programming.
SiriusXM provides live play-by-play of every NFL game from the preseason through Super Bowl LII
on satellite radios, as well as on the SiriusXM app and online at SiriusXM.com for its satellite radio
subscribers.
SiriusXM NFL RADIO (channel 88 on satellite radios and on the SiriusXM app) offers in-depth radio
coverage of the NFL 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. SiriusXM NFL Radio offers a daily lineup of
exclusive talk programming hosted by former NFL stars and radio personalities. For more information
visit siriusxm.com/nfl.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
SIRIUSXM NFL RADIO SCHEDULE
WEEKDAY PROGRAMMING TIME (All times ET) HOSTS
The Morning Kickoff 6:00-7:00 AM Ross Tucker
The Opening Drive 7:00-11:00 AM Bob Papa, Ross Tucker, Booger
McFarland, Solomon Wilcots, Torry
Holt
The SiriusXM Blitz 11:00 AM-3:00 PM Bruce Murray, James Lofton, Brady
Quinn
Movin the Chains 3:00-7:00 PM Jim Miller, Pat Kirwan
Late Hits 7:00-11:00 PM Alex Marvez, Gil Brandt, Bill Polian
Pro Football Hall of Fame Radio 2:00-4:00 PM Howard Balzer, Joe Horrigan & Gold
Jacket Guest Hosts
The End Zone 4:00-7:00 PM Jim Miller & Pat Kirwan
Late Hits 7:00-11:00 PM Zig Fracassi
NFL CALENDAR
September 7, 10-11 Kickoff 2017 January 13-14 Divisional Playoffs
October 31 Trading deadline January 21 Conference Championships
December 31 Regular season ends January 28 Pro Bowl, Orlando, Florida (ESPN)
January 6-7 Wild Card Playoffs February 4 Super Bowl LII, Minnesota (NBC)
NFL KICKOFF 2017
WOMENS IMPACT ON NFL KEEPS GROWING
Super Bowl LI averaged 51.8 million female viewers, making it the fourth most-watched show of
all-time among women. Since 2010, Super Bowls represent the eight most-watched shows ever
among women.
Additionally, for the 12th consecutive year, more women watched the Super Bowl than the
combined male and female audience for both the Academy Awards (33 million) and the Grammy
Awards (26.1 million).
Overall, more than 86 million women watched the 2016 NFL season. According to ESPN
Sportspoll, female sports fans choose the NFL over any other sport. More women identify the
NFL as their favorite sport (20.9 percent) than the MLB (11.5 percent) and NBA (8.5 percent)
combined. Women make up 46 percent of the NFL fan base.
Women are not just watching and following the NFL. Some very accomplished women recently
joined the NFL - or were elevated to new positions - to change the game both on and off the field,
including CATHY LANIER, MARY ANN TURCKE, JULIE HADDON, AMY STEADMAN,
SAM RAPOPORT and TERRI VALENTI.
Mary Ann Turcke (right) was recently named the NFLs President of Digital Media
and NFL Network. Turcke, formerly President of Bell Media (Canadas largest
media company), leads the operations of the NFL Network, as well as oversees
NFL owned and operated media assets including NFL Films, NFL Digital and
NFL.com. Turcke also supervises digital product development and execution
against the NFLs content strategy and roadmap.
This past year, Julie Haddon (left), founder and CEO of The Marketing
Farm, was named the NFLs Senior Vice President of Marketing for NFL
Media. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in media marketing
and entertainment to the NFL, Haddon is responsible for the brand and
marketing strategies for all NFL Media properties, which include NFL
Network, NFL Now, NFL Mobile, NFL.com, NFL Films and NFL RedZone.
Additionally, her responsibilities include ensuring the continued growth of
the NFL audience and increasing the visibility of league initiatives across
internal and external media platforms.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
As the NFLs Vice President of Media Strategy & Business Development, Amy
Steadman (right) works to enhance existing relationships with broadcast
partners and explore new revenue and partnership opportunities in an ever-
evolving media landscape. Prior to joining the NFL this past season, Steadman,
a Harvard Business School graduate, previously worked at The Carlyle Group,
specializing in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications sector.
Sam Rapoport (left) was named the NFLs Director of Football Development last
September. Rapoport spearheads programming designed to identify, develop
and promote qualified female candidates into Football Operations positions at
NFL clubs with a focus on coaching, scouting and operations.
During the offseason, Rapoport created the NFLs Womens Careers in Football
Forum aimed at inspiring and educating females to apply for positions in
football. She also administered the first-ever NFL symposium designed to
connect and develop women currently in Football Operations roles.
This season, Terri Valenti (right) will make history as the NFLs first female
replay official. Valenti has worked in instant replay for the NFL for the past five
seasons, serving as a replay communicator from 2012-15 and a replay assistant
in 2016 before being promoted to her current position. Prior to turning her
focus to replay, Valenti was an on-field official at the high school, collegiate
and professional level (Arena Football League, United Football League), as
well as in various international football leagues.
The impact of women permeates the NFL at all levels, with some key women at the helm of
NFL teams and in important positions at the league. At the NFL office, women account for 26.5
percent of employees at the Vice President level and above and 32.6 percent of all employees.
Overall, women hold 30.7 percent of management positions across the NFL, including 14 who
are either principal owners or hold significant ownership stakes in NFL franchises.
Below is a list of female executives in the NFL at the vice president level and above:
NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION
Theresa Abato VP, Suite Sales & Service Baltimore Ravens
Charlotte Jones Anderson EVP/Chief Brand Officer Dallas Cowboys
Renie Anderson SVP, Sponsorship and Partnership Management National Football League
Michelle Andres SVP, Digital Media and Broadcasting Baltimore Ravens
Dawn Aponte Chief Football Administrative Officer National Football League
Mary Pat Augenthaler VP, Events National Football League
Gayle Benson Executive Officer New Orleans Saints
Nicole Bienert VP, Partnership Activation Miami Dolphins
Katie Blackburn EVP Cincinnati Bengals
Rosie Bone SVP, Community Relations and Public Affairs Oakland Raiders
Jeanne Bonk EVP/Chief Operating Officer Los Angeles Chargers
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NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION
Robin Boudreau VP, Human Resources New England Patriots
Melissa Brown VP, Commercial Partnerships NFL UK
Lisa Chang SVP, Human Resources Atlanta Falcons
Pat Curley VP, Information Technology, The Kraft Group New England Patriots
Aileen Dagrosa SVP, General Counsel Philadelphia Eagles
Anastasia Danias SVP/Chief Litigation Officer National Football League
Jennifer Davenport VP, Marketing and Community Development Houston Texans
Carol Davis Owner Oakland Raiders
Laini DeLawter VP, Ticket and Fan Services Philadelphia Eagles
Dolores DiBella VP, Legal National Football League
Tina DOrazio VP, Office of the Chairman and Chief Executive Philadelphia Eagles
Officer
Tanya Dreesen VP, Partnerships Activation and Special Projects Minnesota Vikings
Gabrielle Valdez Dow VP, Marketing and Fan Development Green Bay Packers
Brooke Ellenberger VP, Ticketing Tennessee Titans
Johanna Faries VP, Fan Strategy and Development National Football League
Jen Ferron SVP, Marketing and Brand Development New England Patriots
Kimberly Fields Special Assistant to the Commissioner National Football League
Kelly Flanagan SVP/Chief Financial Officer Jacksonville Jaguars
Martha Firestone Ford Owner/Chairman Detroit Lions
Casey Foyt Vice Chair/Owner Indianapolis Colts
Maria Franklin VP, International National Football League
Lisa Friel SVP/Special Counsel for Investigations National Football League
Gretchen Geitter VP, Community Relations Buffalo Bills
Jessica Gelman CEO, Kraft Analytics Group New England Patriots
Amanda Gibbison-Briggs VP, IT and Business Enterprise Solutions National Football League
Robyn Glaser VP, The Kraft Group and Club Counsel New England Patriots
Anne Gordon SVP, Media and Communications Philadelphia Eagles
Hannah Gordon General Counsel San Francisco 49ers
Emily Griffin SVP, Marketing and Partnerships Detroit Lions
Julie Haddon SVP, Marketing for NFL Media National Football League
Sheila Ford Hamp Vice Chair Detroit Lions
Renee Harvey VP, Cleveland Browns Foundation Cleveland Browns
Dee Haslam Owner Cleveland Browns
Molly Higgins VP, Community Affairs and Engagement Los Angeles Rams
Natara Holloway VP, Youth and High School Football National Football League
Tery Howard SVP/Chief Technology Officer Miami Dolphins
Nancy Hubacher VP, Sales & Marketing Washington Redskins
Dawn Hudson EVP/Chief Marketing Officer National Football League
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION
Patty Inglis EVP San Francisco 49ers
Kalen Jackson Vice Chair/Owner Indianapolis Colts
Gretchen Geitter VP, Community Relations Buffalo Bills
Carlie Irsay-Gordon Vice Chair/Owner Indianapolis Colts
Anna Isaacson SVP, Social Responsibility and Communications National Football League
Elizabeth Jackson VP, Human Resources Baltimore Ravens
Stacy Johns VP, Finance and Human Resources Indianapolis Colts
Linda Glazer Owner Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz Co-President, Glazer Family Foundation Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jenneen Kaufman SVP/Chief Financial Officer Tennessee Titans
Cindy Kelley SVP, Human Resources & Administration Seattle Seahawks
Cindy Kellogg VP, Community Development Denver Broncos
Elizabeth Ford Kontulis Vice Chair Detroit Lions
Kelly Kozole SVP, Business Development Detroit Lions
Kirsten Krug VP, Human Resources and Administration Kansas City Chiefs
Jennifer Langton VP, Health and Safety Policy National Football League
Cathy Lanier SVP, Security National Football League
Ronit Larone VP, Senior Coordinating Producer NFL Network
Nicole Ledvina VP, Human Resources Green Bay Packers
Belinda Lerner VP, Alumni Affairs and Retired Player Programs National Football League
Susan Lewis Owner Tennessee Titans
Marilan Logan VP/Chief Accounting Officer Houston Texans
Jennifer Love VP, Production NFL Network
Christina Weiss Lurie Owner/President Eagles Youth Partnerships and Philadelphia Eagles
Social Responsibility
Rhiannon Madden VP, Consumer Products National Football League
Allison Maki SVP, Administration/Chief Financial Officer Detroit Lions
Jessica Mandler VP, Human Resources New York Jets
Lisa Manning VP, Marketing Arizona Cardinals
Rachel Margolies VP, Legal National Football League
Qiava Martinez VP, Premium Seating and Service Oakland Raiders
Virginia McCaskey Owner Chicago Bears
Susan McGalla VP, Business Strategy and Creative Development Pittsburgh Steelers
Kim McFadden VP, Human Resources National Football League
Michelle McKenna-Doyle SVP/Chief Information Officer National Football League
Penny McPhee President, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Atlanta Falcons
Julie Moeller VP, Digital Media National Football League
Jocelyn Moore SVP, Public Policy & Government Affairs National Football League
Martha Ford Morse Vice Chair Detroit Lions
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NAME TITLE ORGANIZATION
Erica Muhleman EVP, Business Development Buffalo Bills
Karen Murphy SVP/Chief Financial Officer Chicago Bears
Cheryl Nichols SVP, Administration, Facilities and Ownership Oakland Raiders
Karin Nelsen VP, Legal & Human Resources Minnesota Vikings
Vicky Neumeyer SVP/General Counsel New Orleans Saints
Kim Pegula Owner Buffalo Bills
Kristie Pappal VP, Human Resources Philadelphia Eagles
Megha Parekh SVP/Chief Legal Officer Jacksonville Jaguars
Morgan Shaw Parker VP, Football Communications Atlanta Falcons
Joanne Pasternack VP/Executive Director, Community Relations and San Francisco 49ers
49ers Foundation
Julie Perlish VP, Research and Consumer Insights National Football League
Tracy Perlman VP, Football Communications and Marketing National Football League
Christine Procops SVP/CFO New York Giants
Natalie Ravitz SVP, Communications National Football League
Tracie Rodburg VP, Sponsorship National Football League
Lucia Roriquez Owner Los Angeles Rams
Rosemary Roser VP, Controller National Football League
Kate Shibilski VP, Finance Minnesota Vikings
Kennie Smith Executive in Charge of Project Management NFL Films
Susie Adams Smith Co-Chairman/Owner Tennessee Titans
Karen Spencer Chief Financial Officer Seattle Seahawks
Amy Sprangers VP, Corporate Partnerships Seattle Seahawks
Allison Stangeby VP, Community and Corporate Relations New York Giants
Amy Steadman VP, Media Strategy and Business Development National Football League
Amy Adams Strunk Co-Chairman/Controlling Owner Tennessee Titans
Nancy Svoboda SVP, Human Resources Denver Broncos
Sarah Swanson VP, Marketing & Promotions NFL UK
Karla Tai VP, Human Resources and Operations Oakland Raiders
Suzie Thomas EVP, General Counsel and Chief Administrative Houston Texans
Officer
Mary Ann Turcke President, Digital Media and NFL Network National Football League
Christine Vicari VP, Labor Finance National Football League
Courtnee Westendorf SVP/Chief Marketing Officer Oakland Raiders
Jaime Weston SVP, Brand and Marketing National Football League
Tara Wood VP, Employee Relations National Football League
Cathy Yancy VP, Broadcasting National Football League
Denise DeBartolo York Owner/Co-Chairman San Francisco 49ers
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NFLS CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS OFFER
TRAINING & NETWORKING FOR ASPIRING FEMALE
FOOTBALL OPERATIONS EXECUTIVES
As part of its ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, the NFL hosted innovative career
development programs aimed to engage aspiring female executives and continue to expand
opportunities for women in football.
Among the symposiums speakers and presenters were Arizona Cardinals President MICHAEL
BIDWILL, Blackburn, Atlanta Falcons Assistant General Manager SCOTT PIOLI and Los
Angeles Chargers President of Football Operations JOHN SPANOS. In addition, the participants
took part in roundtable discussions and networking sessions with NFL senior staff members,
including KIM FIELDS, DAVE GARDI, ROD GRAVES and ARTHUR MC AFEE.
In hiring decisions, the No. 1 criteria is simple: determining the best person for the job,
irrespective of gender, age, race or any other characteristic, said Bidwill. A diverse workplace
leads to a diversity of perspectives and opinions that are an invaluable part of any organization.
All participants of the womens career development programs were entered into the NFLs
Diverse Talent Community a recruitment platform that encourages dynamic candidates with
diverse backgrounds to join its ranks through a shared talent acquisition database for Human
Resources across the NFL and its 32 clubs.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
OVERTIME EXCITEMENT
In 2016, nearly 72 percent of all regular-season games (184 of 256) were within one score in the
fourth quarter. The 184 such games are the most of any season in NFL history. With so many
close games, its no surprise that 13 contests in the regular season were ultimately decided in
overtime.
The overtime action started early as the Chiefs overcame a 21-point second-half deficit to defeat
the Chargers 33-27 in overtime on Kickoff Weekend and extended all the way to Super Bowl LI,
as running back James Whites 2-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of overtime capped
New Englands 34-28 OT victory over Atlanta in the first Super Bowl to go to overtime.
The teams with the best regular-season overtime records since overtime was instituted in 1974:
In 2017, NFL owners approved the shortening of all overtime periods in the preseason and
regular season from 15 minutes to 10 minutes in an effort to improve player safety. Seven of the
13 regular-season overtime contests in 2016 ended in fewer than 10 minutes.
Teams have the opportunity to possess the ball at least once in the extra period unless the team
that receives the overtime kickoff scores a touchdown on its first possession.
Following a three-minute intermission after the end of Following a three-minute intermission after the end
the regulation game, there shall be a maximum of one of the regulation game, play will be continued in
10-minute period. Each team must possess or have 15-minute periods until a winner is declared. Each
the opportunity to possess the ball unless the team team must possess or have the opportunity to possess
that has the ball first scores a touchdown on its initial the ball unless the team that has the ball first scores a
possession. touchdown on its initial possession.
Play continues in sudden death until a winner is Play continues in sudden death until a winner is
determined, and the game automatically ends upon determined, and the game automatically ends upon
any score (by safety, field goal, or touchdown) or any score (by safety, field goal, or touchdown) or
when a score is awarded by the referee for a palpably when a score is awarded by the referee for a palpably
unfair act. Each team shall be entitled to two timeouts, unfair act. Each team has three time outs per half and
and if there is an excess timeout, the usual rules shall all general timing provisions apply as during a regular
apply. The try is not attempted if a touchdown is game. The try is not attempted if a touchdown is
scored. Disqualified players are not allowed to return. scored. Disqualified players are not allowed to return.
If the score is tied at the end of the 10-minute overtime Instant Replay: No challenges. Reviews to be initiated
period, the game shall result in a tie. by the replay official.
Riveron, who was named the NFLs Senior Vice President of Officiating,
will oversee all aspects of the leagues officiating department
including the implementation of the centralized replay model approved
by clubs at the annual meeting in March as well as administration,
evaluation and development.
A native of Cuba, Riveron moved to Miami at age five with his family
and developed a passion for the game. He began as an official in local
youth leagues in 1977, made his collegiate officiating debut in 1990 and
joined the NFL officiating ranks in 2004. In 2008, Riveron was promoted
to referee, earning the distinction as the NFLs first Hispanic referee. He
came off the field following the 2012 season to join the league office as
senior director of officiating.
Al has done a terrific job as a key member of our officiating staff for the past four seasons, says
NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. Prior to that, Al was an outstanding on-field official who
earned the respect of his fellow officials, as well as coaches and players alike. To have Al leading
our officiating department, and then to add talented, knowledgeable instant replay and officiating
experts like Russell and Wayne, is a tremendous positive for us as we look forward to the 2017
season.
Reporting to Riveron, who will report to NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations
TROY VINCENT, will be two new hires designed to aid in the departments long-standing goal of
excellence in officiating performance RUSSELL YURK and WAYNE MACKIE.
Yurk, who was named Vice President of Instant Replay and Administration, will direct the leagues
instant replay operations in the Art McNally GameDay Central room and oversee all instant replay-
related personnel. He will also be responsible for officiating administration, including supervising
operational aspects of scheduling and logistics as well as the training and development of instant
replay personnel.
Yurk spent the past seven seasons as an NFL instant replay official after working as an on-field
official for 10 seasons at the high school and college level. He has also assisted in authoring the
replay section of the NFL Referees Manual for the past two years.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
Mackie, a 10-year veteran NFL game official, was named Vice President of Officiating Evaluation
and Development and will be responsible for the officiating evaluation and development program,
managing the on-field officials weekly crew evaluation process, as well as the staff of officiating
supervisors and trainers, and the management of the Officiating Development Program.
A highly-respected on-field game official for the past two decades at the collegiate and
professional level, Mackie entered the NFL in 2007 as a head linesman and quickly established
himself as one of the leagues top officials at his position. He has officiated in eight NFL playoff
games, including Super Bowl 50 and two Conference Championship Games during his 10-year
NFL career.
Mackie began his collegiate officiating career in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference in 1996 and
also officiated in the Atlantic 10 and Big East through his final collegiate season in 2006 prior
to joining the NFL.
Riveron, Yurk and Mackie will all work in GameDay Central throughout the season and have
the final say on instant replay decisions, in consultation with the referee as part of the new
replay rules for the 2017 season.
Al, Russell and Wayne are a team dedicated to delivering the highest quality of officiating
and game administration in professional sports, says Vincent. The structure of their
responsibilities will provide us with a sustainable model for greater efficiency, improved
performance from our officials, and operational excellence in collaboration, development and
training of our officiating team.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NEW NFL RULES FOR 2017
Following are the rules changes for the 2017 season:
Additionally, it is now an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty to commit multiple fouls during the
same down designed to manipulate the game clock.
REPLAY REVIEWS: All sideline replay monitors will be replaced with a hand-held device
and designated members of the NFL Officiating department will be authorized to make the final
decision on replay reviews from the NFL league office.
LEAPING: Prohibits a player who is off the line of scrimmage from running and jumping over
offensive lineman on the line of scrimmage in an attempt to block a FG or PAT attempt.
TOUCHBACKS: For the 2017 season, after a touchback resulting from a kickoff or safety kick,
the ball will be placed at the receiving teams 25-yard line. The rule, which was also used in the
2016 season, was approved on a one-year basis for 2017.
OVERTIME: The length of preseason and regular season overtime periods is reduced from
15 minutes to 10 minutes.
CLOCK STOPPAGES: All illegal acts to conserve time are not permitted after the two-minute
warning of either half. The previous rule applied inside of one minute of either half.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
There will also be points of emphasis on several existing rules this season (although the rules
themselves have not changed):
Game officials, and especially referees, will continue to enforce the rules that protect the
quarterback from forcible contact in the knee area or below. Driving the helmet, shoulder,
forearm or chest into the quarterback in the knee area or below will be a foul. The onus is on the
defender to avoid this type of contact whenever possible. This will be called even if the defender
uses his arm or arms to wrap. The defender must use his arm or arms to swipe or grab the lower
leg of the passer to tackle him legally. If the defender is thrown, pushed or fouled into the knee
area and the contact is unavoidable, there is no foul. Once the quarterback tucks the ball and
takes a running posture or moves outside of the pocket and throws on the run, he no longer
receives protection from low hits.
Blindside blocks will continue to be strictly enforced. Anytime a blocker is moving toward
his own endline, he cannot block an opponent in the head or neck area. When moving in this
direction, the legal target area is above the waist and below the neck.
Launching and hits away from the play are two more points of emphasis for 2017. It is
illegal for a player to leave both feet before making forcible contact with any part of his helmet
to any part of a defenseless players body. In addition, game officials will pay close attention to
unnecessary hits away from the flow of the play.
Just as NFL teams use the offseason to get better, at the league we use this time to listen to players,
coaches, officials and fans about how we can continue to improve our great game.
Earlier this spring, we announced plans to deliver a more exciting game experience, with changes to
improve the pace of the game and minimize unnecessary disruptions to the action on the field. We also
took important steps on health and safety, including approving new rules prohibiting the leaper block
attempta top priority from our players.
Today, we are excited to tell you about another change that comes after conversations with more than
80 current and former players: we are relaxing our rules on celebrations to allow players more room to
have fun after they make big plays.
We know that you love the spontaneous displays of emotion that come after a spectacular touchdown.
And players have told us they want more freedom to be able to express themselves and celebrate their
athletic achievements.
So here are a few examples of celebrations that will be allowed after scores under the new policy:
In my conversations with NFL players, it was also clear how much our players care about sportsmanship,
clean competition, and setting good examples for young athletes. That is why offensive demonstrations,
celebrations that are prolonged and delay the game, and those directed at an opponent, will still be
penalized.
We know we have more work to do. We are grateful to the many current and retired players who
engaged with us on this topic and we look forward to ongoing dialogue with them as we continue to
work to improve this game we all love.
I am so excited that UAB Football will return to FBS competition in 2017, says UAB head coach
BILL CLARK. Like our fans, I wanted to light the scoreboard much sooner, but doing it right is
more important than doing it fast, and this was our best option. We want a program that is here
to stay. We have to start by building a new, stronger foundation. We need to take our time to do
it right, then we can compete for conference and bowl championships.
Three schools plan to add football programs in 2018 including Indiana Wesleyan, which is
adding the universitys first mens sport since 1970.
Following our study with the consulting firm, they came back and recommended that we
consider adding intercollegiate football, says Indiana Wesleyan athletic director MARK
DEMICHAEL. We are here to make Indiana Wesleyan stronger and more sustainable. Adding
105-130 more students who will excel in the classroom is a great long-term thing for Indiana
Wesleyan University.
The Colleges that Plan to Add Football Programs in 2017 and 2018
St. Andrews Texas Wesleyan UAB Clarke Indiana Wesleyan New England
Laurinburg, NC Fort Worth, TX Birmingham, AL Dubuque, IA Marion, IN Biddeford, ME
2017-NAIA 2017-NAIA 2017-NCAA, 2018-NAIA 2018-NAIA 2018-NCAA, Div. III
Division I-FBS
NFL KICKOFF 2017
NFL PARTNERS WITH EAST-WEST SHRINE GAME TO
INCREASE DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR COACHES
& DRAFT-ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
Last season, the NFL entered a partnership with
the historic East-West Shrine Game to increase
development opportunities for coaches and draft-
eligible players.
The NFL supplied the coaching staffs for the two teams
from among current league assistant coaches whose
teams did not advance to the playoffs. Additionally, the
NFL provided the game officials for the contest, which
featured some of college footballs best prospects.
The East-West Shrine Game is not only a showcase for tremendous athletes who have a dream
of playing at the next level, it is also a venue for upwardly mobile coaches in the NFL, says NFL
Executive Vice President of Football Operations TROY VINCENT. This is an opportunity to
further develop, evaluate and showcase our assistant coaches who may be our next generation
of head coaches.
At the conclusion of the NFL regular season, teams nominated deserving assistant coaches who
were reviewed by a panel that included NFL Football Operations staff, East-West Shrine Game
leadership and two members of the NFLs General Managers Advisory Committee. Once the
head coaches were selected, each head coach filled his staff from among other NFL assistant
coaches nominated by the clubs, a key job requirement for head coaches at every level of the
sport.
Coaches nominated by NFL clubs must be active assistant coaches who display extraordinary
teaching and communications skills, and are recognized for their integrity and commitment to
excellence in the coaching profession. The coaches must be accomplished at developing and
preparing players to compete in the NFL.
It is an honor for the East-West Shrine Game to partner with the NFL to promote opportunities
for professional growth and development not only for our outstanding players, but also for the
potential future generation of head coaches in the league, says HAROLD RICHARDSON,
executive director of the East-West Shrine Game. We are proud to be able to provide a national
stage for some of footballs greatest talents to develop their skills and showcase their abilities,
all while supporting an exceptional cause.
NFL KICKOFF 2017
The 92nd annual East-West Shrine Game took place on January 21, 2017 at Tropicana Field in
St. Petersburg, Florida.
T
The 12-touchdown scoring blitz, an NFL record at the time,
w
was highlighted by the play of two future Pro Football Hall of
Famers Washington quarterback SAMMY BAUGH (left) and
F
Philadelphia halfback STEVE VAN BUREN.
P
Baugh, whose 1947 totals in completions (210), attempts (354) and yards passing (2,938) were
NFL records, threw for 364 yards and five touchdowns, including three to rookie end HUGH
TAYLOR. Van Buren, whose 1,008 rushing yards for the year were also a league record, returned
a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and rushed for another while totaling 98 yards on the ground.
Phi - FG Muha 40
Phi - Pihos 19 pass from Thompson (Patton kick)
Was - Nussbaumer 25 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Was - Taylor 62 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Phi - Van Buren 95 kickoff return (Patton kick)
Phi - Sherman 1 run (Patton kick)
Was - Saenz 94 kickoff return (Poillon kick)
Phi - Van Buren 1 run (Patton kick)
Phi - Pihos 21 pass from Thompson (Patton kick)
Was - Poillon 4 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Phi - Armstrong 29 pass from Thompson (Patton kick)
Was - Taylor 36 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
Was - Taylor 18 pass from Baugh (Poillon kick)
NFL KICKOFF 2017
The highest scoring games on Kickoff Weekend in NFL history:
DATE GAME COMBINED POINTS
September 28, 1947 Philadelphia (45) vs. Washington (42) 87
September 19, 1971 Dallas (49) vs. Buffalo (37) 86
September 19, 1971 New York Giants (42) vs. Green Bay (40) 82
September 9, 2007 Dallas (45) vs. New York Giants (35) 80
September 4, 1983 Green Bay (41) vs. Houston (38) (OT) 79
September 8, 2002 Kansas City (40) vs. Cleveland (39) 79
The record for most combined points in any NFL game is 113 by Washington (72) and the New
York Giants (41) on November 27, 1966.
Its the finest exhibition of passing Ive ever seen, said Rams
coach JIMMY PHELAN after the game. Van Brocklin was hitting
them in the eye practically every time he threw the ball.
Van Brocklin, who passed away in 1983, remained subdued about the performance. Everything
I threw seemed to be caught and run for a long gain, he said.
The Rams TOM FEARS averaged 23.1 yards on his seven catches and ELROY CRAZYLEGS
HIRSCH averaged 19.2 yards on nine receptions. Los Angeles amassed an NFL-record 735 total
yards and 34 first downs.
They dont need me out here anymore, said Waterfield after the game. The two quarterbacks
would split time for the rest of the season as the Rams captured the 1951 NFL Championship.
Van Brocklins record has stood for the past 65 years. Quarterbacks MATT SCHAUB and
WARREN MOON have come the closest to breaking Van Brocklins mark. In 2012, Schaub,
then with the Houston Texans, passed for 527 yards against Jacksonville on November 18, while
Moon had a 527-yard day for the Houston Oilers against Kansas City on December 16, 1990.
Youth Concussion Laws: In 2010, the NFL began advocating for youth sports concussion laws in every state. These
laws are modeled after Washingtons Lystedt Law, which includes three components: 1) concussion education for
parents, coaches and players; 2) immediate removal from play of an athlete who has sustained a concussion; and 3)
clearance by a licensed medical professional before a young athlete may return to play or practice. These laws have
now been adopted in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia.
NFL PLAY 60: NFL PLAY 60 aims to promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle among todays youth by
encouraging at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Since 2007, the league has committed more than
$325 million to grants, health and fitness programming for youth, and media time for public service announcements.
The NFL and its clubs have supported programs in over 73,000 schools nationwidegiving more than 38 million
children the chance to boost their activity levels. Research conducted by The Cooper Institute through its NFL
PLAY 60 FitnessGram Project revealed annual improvements in aerobic capacity and body mass index for students
participating in NFL PLAY 60 programming when compared to schools not utilizing NFL PLAY 60 programs.
NFL FLAG: Flag football is a great way for boys and girls of all ages to learn the fundamentals of the game. In
2016, more than 375,000 participants played in NFL FLAG leagues in all 50 states. Additionally, the NFL FLAG-
In-Schools program, which includes an in-school PE curriculum, reaches more than four million students. In 2016,
the NFL Foundation worked with the Womens Sports Foundation to distribute 200 NFL FLAG In-Schools kits to
organizations throughout the country that serve girls.
Play Smart. Play Safe. begins with a pledge $40 MILLION allotted for medical research over the next five
years, primarily dedicated to neuroscience.
of an additional $100 million in support
for independent medical research and
engineering advancementsbuilding on the $60 million will go towards championing new
$100 million that the NFL and its partners developments in engineering, biomechanics,
$60 MILLION
are already spending on medical and advanced sensors and material science that
neuroscience researchand a commitment mitigate forces and better prevent against
to look at anything and everything to protect injuries in contact sports and recreational
NFL players and make the game safer. sports and for the military.
For more information about the NFLs health and safety efforts, please visit www.playsmartplaysafe.com.
Updated May 2017 Page 6
NFL NAMES DR. ALLEN SILLS CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
Commissioner Goodell Appoints Esteemed Neurosurgeon to Advance NFLs Health and Safety Efforts
On March 26, 2017, NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL named DR. ALLEN SILLS as the NFLs Chief Medical Officer
(CMO), a new full-time position based in New York.
Dr. Sills joined the NFL from Vanderbilt University Medical Center where he serves as Professor of Neurological Surgery,
Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, and Founder and Co-Director of the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion Center.
Dr. Sills, a neurosurgeon who has specialized in the treatment of athletes, strengthens the NFLs ongoing efforts to advance the
health and safety of the sport. In his role, he works closely with team medical staffs across the league, the NFL Players
Association and its advisors and the many medical and scientific experts who comprise the NFLs medical committees and guide
the NFLs health and research efforts.
In September 2016, Commissioner Goodell launched Play Smart. Play Safe an initiative to drive progress in the prevention,
diagnosis and treatment of head injuries, enhance medical protocols and further improve the way the game is taught and played.
As part of the initiative, the NFL and its 32 club owners pledged $100 million to help spur independent medical research and
engineering advancements.
The appointment followed a rigorous search conducted by a premier panel of health and medical experts led by DR. BETSY
NABEL, Chief Health and Medical Advisor to the NFL and President of Brigham Health, and including DR. ROB HEYER,
President of the NFL Physicians Society and Team Internist for the Carolina Panthers, RONNIE BARNES, Senior Vice President,
Medical Services and Head Athletic Trainer for the New York Giants, DR. ROBERT CANTU, Clinical Professor of Neurosurgery
and Co-Director, Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, Boston University School of Medicine, and PETER FOSS,
GE Healthcare.
The panel worked closely with DR. JOHN YORK, and JEFF MILLER, NFL Executive Vice President of Health and Safety
Initiatives. The NFL consulted with the NFL Players Association, including interviewing the final candidates. Dr. Sills reports to
Miller.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Sills has worked with numerous professional and collegiate sports programs. In addition
to providing care for players on NFL sidelines as an Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant, he has served as a neurological
consultant to the NCAA and the International Equestrian Foundation (FEI). He has also worked as consulting neurosurgeon for
the NBAs Memphis Grizzlies, the NHLs Nashville Predators, the US Equestrian Foundation and all Vanderbilt University,
Belmont University and Mississippi State University athletic teams.
Dr. Sills is an active researcher who has published more than 150 scientific articles and presentations including more than 40 in
the last five years on the topic of sports concussion. He is a member of the Concussion in Sport Group, which publishes
international standards regarding concussion in sport. Dr. Sills is also a fellow of the American Board of Neurological Surgery and
the American College of Surgeons and currently serves as Section Editor for Sports and Rehabilitation for the journal
Neurosurgery.
Previously, Dr. Sills has served as Founder and Executive Director, Memphis Regional Brain Tumor Center; Director of the
Neuroscience Institute at Methodist University Hospital, Memphis; Associate Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, College of
Medicine at the University of Tennessee, Memphis and the Semmes-Murphey Clinic; and Chief, Division of Neurosurgery at the
Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Dr. Sills graduated summa cum laude from Mississippi State University with a degree in engineering and received his medical
degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, where he also completed his internship in
General Surgery, his residency training in Neurological Surgery and an NIH-funded Neuro-Oncology Fellowship.
Dr. Sills and his wife Shawne live in Tennessee and have four children. He serves on the Board of Directors for Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Middle Tennessee, the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County Tennessee and has served as a
youth baseball coach for more than 20 years.
CONCUSSION GAME DAY
CHECKLIST
Player receives Player exhibits or reports ATC, booth ATC, team physician,
impact to the AND symptoms or signs suggestive OR NFL official, coach, teammate
head of a concussion or stinger or UNC initiates protocol
During above checklist, if player demonstrates progressive/ worsening concussion symptoms -> No Return to Play
Revised June 2017
RETURN-TO-PARTICIPATION
PROTOCOL
1
The player is prescribed rest until his signs and symptoms and neurologic
examination, including cognitive and balance tests, return to baseline status.
2
Under direct oversight of the teams medical staff, the player should
begin graduated cardiovascular exercise and may also engage in
dynamic stretching and balance training.
3
The player continues with supervised cardiovascular exercises that are
increased and may mimic sport-specific activities, and supervised
strength training is introduced.
4
The player continues cardiovascular, strength and balance training and
participates in non-contact football activities (e.g. throwing, catching,
running, and other position-specific activities).
5
Upon clearance by the Team Physician for full football activity involving contact, the
player must be examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant (INC) assigned
to his Club. If the INC concurs with the team physician that the players concussion
has resolved, he may participate in his Clubs next practice or game.
These changes were proposed by clubs and the NFL Competition Committee, a group that met several times since the Super
Bowl to study film and discuss player safety with physicians, safety experts and advocates including the NFL medical
committees and the NFL Players Association.
The committee continues to emphasize the importance of sportsmanship and taking improper techniques out of the game, said
TROY VINCENT, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations.
Clubs also agreed on certain changes to the way games are officiated. This includes a point of emphasis on forcible hits to the
quarterback a defensive player cannot wrap a quarterback at the knee area or below to bring him down.
Another new point of emphasis: on flagrant hits, a player still can be ejected immediately by an official for a flagrant hit, but now a
suspension may also follow from the league office, even for a first-time offender.
We were impressed when we watched the tape this year and its a credit to our players, to our coaches, to college football and
to high school football that you are seeing players adjust the way they play the game, said RICH MC KAY, President and CEO
of the Atlanta Falcons and Chairman of the NFL Competition Committee.
McKay said there were just a few plays last season that would warrant ejection and suspension, even for a first-time offense.
The hits were very egregious, and we quite frankly want to get any of those hits out of the game, he said. We think one way to
get them out of the game is suspension because that is the ultimate deterrent to all players.
47 HEALTH AND SAFETY-RELATED RULES CHANGES SINCE 2002
As the NFL learns more about player health and safety, the league evaluates and changes rules to evolve the game and try to
improve protections for players. Since 2002 alone, the NFL has made 47 rules changes intended to eliminate potentially
dangerous tactics and reduce the risk of injuries.
2017
Prohibits the leaper block attempt on field goal and extra point plays.
Extends the rule changing the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a free kick to the 25-yard line for
another year.
Gives a receiver running a pass route defenseless player protection.
Prohibits crackback blocks by a backfield player who is in motion, even if he is not more than two yards outside the tackle
when the ball is snapped.
Reduces the length of overtime in the preseason and regular season to 10 minutes.
2016
All chop blocks are prohibited.
The horse collar tackle rule is expanded to include when a defender grabs the jersey at the name plate or above and pulls
a runner toward the ground.
In an effort to increase touchbacks, the spot of the next snap after a touchback resulting from a kickoff is moved from the
20- to the 25-yard line.
2015
Rules prohibiting illegal peel back blocks are extended to cover all offensive players.
Offensive backs are prohibited from chopping a defensive player engaged above the waist by another offensive player
outside the tackle box.
Defenseless player protections are expanded to cover the intended receiver of a pass in the immediate continuing action
following an interception.
When a team presents a punt, field-goal or try kick formation, defenders are prohibited from pushing teammates on the
line of scrimmage.
2014
Clipping and unnecessary roughness penalties are expanded to prohibit blockers from rolling up on the side of a
defenders leg.
2013
Players are required to wear protective knee and thigh pads.
It is illegal for a runner or tackler to initiate forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top or crown of his helmet against
an opponent when both players are clearly outside the tackle box.
Peel back blocks below the waist are illegal inside the tackle box.
The list of defenseless players is expanded to include long snappers on field goals and PATs (point after touchdowns).
The bunch formation is eliminated on field goals and PATs. No more than six defenders may be on the line of
scrimmage on either side of the snapper at the snap for these plays.
2012
The list of defenseless players is expanded to include defensive players on crackback blocks, making it illegal to hit
them in the head or neck area.
2011
The restraining line for the kicking team is moved from the 30- to the 35-yard line in an effort to increase touchbacks.
All kicking team players other than the kicker must be lined up no more than five yards behind their restraining line,
eliminating the 15- to 20-yard running head start that had become customary for many players.
The list of defenseless players is expanded to include: a kicker/punter during the kick or during the return; a quarterback
at any time after a change of possession; and a player who receives a blindside block when the blocker is moving
toward his own endline and approaches the opponent from behind or from the side. Previously, these players were
protected against blows to the head, but not against blows delivered by an opponent with the top/crown or
forehead/hairline parts of the helmet against other parts of the body.
A receiver who has completed a catch is a defenseless player until he has had time to protect himself or has clearly
become a runner. A receiver/runner is no longer defenseless if he is able to avoid or ward off the impending contact of an
opponent. Previously, the receiver who had completed a catch was protected against an opponent who launched and
delivered a blow to the receivers head.
2010
During a field-goal attempt, punt or try-kick, a defensive team player who is within one yard of the line of scrimmage at the
snap must have his entire body outside the snappers shoulder pads.
After a half has expired, dead ball personal fouls by either team will be enforced on the succeeding kickoff.
A player who has just completed a catch is protected from blows to the head or neck by an opponent who launches.
All defenseless players are protected from blows to the head delivered by an opponents helmet, forearm or shoulder.
Kickers and punters during the kick and return, and quarterbacks after a change of possession, are protected from blows
to the head delivered by an opponents helmet, forearm or shoulder, instead of just helmet-to-helmet contact.
The ball is declared dead at the spot if a runners helmet comes completely off.
2009
Teams are not permitted to intentionally form a wedge of more than two players on a kickoff return in an attempt to block
for the runner.
The bunch formation on kickoffs is eliminated. The kickoff team must have at least three players outside each hash
mark, one of whom must be outside the yard-line number.
It is an illegal blindside block if the blocker is moving toward his own endline and approaches the opponent from behind
or from the side, and the initial force of the contact by the blockers helmet, forearm or shoulder is to the head or neck
area of an opponent.
It is an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver if the initial force of the contact by the defenders helmet, forearm or shoulder
is to the head or neck area of the receiver.
The rule regarding low hits on passers is clarified:
A. A defender cannot initiate a roll or lunge and forcibly hit the passer in the knee area or below, even if he is being
contacted by another player.
B. It is not a foul if the defender swipes, wraps or grabs a passer in the knee area or below in an attempt to tackle
him.
2007
A block below the waist against an eligible receiver while the quarterback is in the pocket is a 15-yard penalty instead of a
5-yard penalty (an illegal cut block).
2006
Low hits on the quarterback are prohibited when a rushing defender has an opportunity to avoid such contact.
Blocks in the back above the waist by the kicking team while the ball is in flight during a scrimmage kick are illegal.
The definition of a horse collar tackle is expanded to include grabbing the inside collar of the jersey.
During a field-goal attempt or a try, a defensive player who is within one yard of the line of scrimmage at the snap must
have his helmet outside the snappers shoulder pad.
Personal or unsportsmanlike conduct fouls that occur during halftime or during intermission between the fourth period and
an overtime period will be penalized on the ensuing kickoff.
During a free kick, at least four kicking team players must be on each side of the kicker when the ball is kicked.
2005
It is illegal to grab the inside collar of the shoulder pads to tackle a runner (horse collar tackle).
Unnecessarily running, diving into or throwing the body against a player who should not have reasonably anticipated such
contact by an opponent is unnecessary roughness. Previously, the rule only protected a player who is out of the play.
A kicker/punter must not be unnecessarily contacted by the receiving team through the end of the play or until he
assumes a distinctly defensive position. An opponent may not unnecessarily initiate helmet-to-helmet contact to the
kicker/punter during the kick or during the return.
An offensive player who is aligned in the tackle box at the snap and moves to a position outside the box is prohibited from
initiating contact on the side or below the waist of an opponent if the blocker is moving toward his own end line and
approaches the opponent from behind or from the side (peel back block). The near shoulder of the blocker must be in
front of his opponents body.
2002
The chop block technique is illegal on all kicking plays.
It is illegal to hit a quarterback helmet-to-helmet any time after a change of possession.
NFL & SOCIAL
RESPONSIBILITY
BEYOND THE GAME:
NFL SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
MISSION
The NFL will implement consistent and thoughtful responses to societal issues
by educating the NFL family, instituting transparent league policies, and actively
engaging with communities to positively impact society.
OFF-THE-FIELD STATS
ENCOUR AGING YOUTH ATHLETICS AND HEALTHY LIVING FOSTERING SOCIAL RESPONSIBILIT Y
As a result of the enhanced contributions and the fact that there were two award recipientsArizona Cardinals wide
receiver LARRY FITZGERALD and New York Giants quarterback ELI MANNINGa total of $1,250,000 was donated
on behalf of the 2016 Award winners. The funds were allocated as follows: $625,000 in the name of each winner,
with$312,500 going to a charity of Fitzgerald and Mannings choice and $312,500 supporting the expansion of
Character PlaybookTM.
AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg
AP Photo/Ben Liebenberg
LARRY FITZGERALD: ELI MANNING:
2016 WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR 2016 WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR
As the runner-up, Carolina Panthers tight end GREG OLSEN received a $125,000 donation that went toward his
foundation, Receptions for Research, which provides resources to enhance the lives of those affected by cardiovascular
diseases and cancer, and a $125,000 donation in his name to expand Character PlaybookTM. In addition, the 29 team
winners received a $50,000 donation to their charity of choice and an additional $50,000 donation in their name
toCharacter PlaybookTM. Donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation, Nationwide, and United Way Worldwide.
To further celebrate and promote the 32 nominees, Nationwide, the presenting sponsor of the Award, hosted the
second annual Charity Challenge. The month-long social media contest gave NFL fans the opportunity to show support
for their favorite nominee and offered players a chance to secure a $25,000 donation to their charity of choice,
courtesy of Nationwide. Fans were invited to vote for their favorite nominee by using that players unique hashtag. The
player hashtag that generated the most mentions was Greg Olsen, who received a $25,000 donation to his Receptions
for Research foundation. As a show of appreciation to runner-up Torrey Smith and his fans for their participation,
Nationwide also donated $10,000 to The Torrey Smith Family Fund.
SALUTE TO SERVICE
The NFL and NFL Players Association continue their long history of honoring veterans and active-duty
military members and their families as part of the leagues SALUTE TO SERVICE campaign. Throughout the
year, the league, teams, and partners give back to the men and women in uniform who sacrifice so much
for this country. These efforts culminate in November with NFL Salute to Service games and other special
events honoring veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
Since 2011, more than $15 million has been raised through Salute to Service to support the leagues military
appreciation nonprofit partners: USO, Pat Tillman Foundation, and Wounded Warrior Project. During the 2016 season,
the NFL again donated $1,000 for every point scored during Salute to Service games to these partners, along with all
proceeds raised from Salute to Service products auctioned on nfl.com/auction.
USO For the past 50 years, the NFL and USO worked together to honor and celebrate our service members and their
families year-round. Through the lens of football, the league will continue to keep service members connected to the
things they hold dear family, home, and country with an additional $5 million donation over the next three years.
This includes support for the USOs Force Behind the Forces, a new development and renovation project that will allow
the USO to expand its services to an additional 125,000 service members and military families.
PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION Contributions from the NFLs Salute to Service campaign support the Tillman Scholar
Program, which provides academic scholarships to veterans, active-duty service members, and their spouses. To date,
the foundation has provided more than 460 Tillman Scholars the opportunity to pursue degree programs of their
choice. The NFL partnered with the Pat Tillman Foundation in 2010 to annually honor Scholars who best exemplify
Tillmans enduring legacy of service. The NFLs contributions also support the annual Pat Tillman Leadership Summit,
which convenes Tillman Scholars to network, collaborate, and present solutions to challenges facing the country
through scholar keynotes, panels, and workshops with industry, nonprofit, and community leaders.
WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT The NFL works closely with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) to honor and empower
Wounded Warriors. Contributions from the leagues Salute to Service campaign have funded the WWPs Physical Health
and Wellness Expos throughout the United States, supporting more than 800 wounded warriors and family members. This
year, the NFL will provide financial support to one of WWPs programs, Project Odyssey, which helps provide continued
mental health care for more than 2,000 wounded veterans annually to help them cope with the invisible wounds of war.
TRAGEDY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR SURVIVORS The NFL and its clubs work together with the Tragedy
Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to honor fallen service members and provide support to all those who have
lost a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. This past year, during their Salute to Service games, players from the
Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams recognized surviving military families by wearing a special
helmet decal with a fallen service members initials. Also, this year the NFL hosted 16 military families from TAPS at
the 2017 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida.
The NFL PLAY 60 CHARACTER CAMPS program is a partnership between the NFL and the Muoz Agency. The
mission of the camps is to make a positive impact on youth through teaching football skills, emphasizing exercise,
and reinforcing the importance of character in athletics and life. The Character Camps are part of the NFLs year-round
Hispanic outreach initiative, focused on offering youth opportunities to play and experience the game of football. Since
the inception of NFL PLAY 60 Character Camps in 2012, more than 60 camps have taken place, impacting more than
20,000 youth across the country.
Support 11 Special Olympics programs in Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Colorado, northern California,
Illinois, Pennsylvania, Kansas, Texas, Washington, and Virginia
Increase the collective participation of athletes, partners, and coaches in Special Olympics flag football
The NFL and SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN continue to work together to present opportunities for athletes of
all abilities by providing a free NFL PLAY 60 All-Ability Guide. This guide includes adaptive activities to help those with
different physical abilities live an active lifestyle so that no child is left on the sidelines.
To download or learn more about the NFL PLAY 60 All-Ability Guide, visit NFLRUSH.com/play60/partners.
USA FOOTBALL
The NFL Foundation is a MORE THAN $43 MILLION in NFL Foundation
strong supporter of youth Grassroots grants has supported the creation or
football, flag football, and the refurbishment of322 fields nationwide since 1998.
broad efforts to help the youngest players learn proper
fundamentals, be active, have fun, and, most importantly,
stay safe. The NFL Foundation made a five-year, $45 These field refurbishments ensure athletes have
million commitment to USA Football, the sports national a safe place to come together, play with friends,
governing body and a member of the U.S. Olympic and enjoy the many benefits sports offer.
Committee, to support the development, participation, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
safety, and values of football through a variety of
programs across all levels of the game.
CHARACTER
PROMOTING POSITIVE CHARACTER
Investing in youth education and social and emotional wellness is a priority area for the
NFL Foundation, which has committed more than $4 million in funding for character
education initiatives. This includes the InSideOut Initiative, currently underway in Colorado
and Texas and Ohio, and expanding in 2017 to California, Louisiana and several other
states and NFL markets to reject a win-at-all-costs high school sports culture in favor
of one that defines and promotes sports as an opportunity for personal growth and
promotion of leaders who model excellent character on and off the field. The InSideOut
Initiative helped coaches impact more than 1 million student athletes last year.
Positive character, core values, and healthy relationships are the focus of Character PlaybookTM. The program
launched at the 2016 NFL Draft in Chicago and is already active in more than 466 schools and rolling out in all 32
NFL markets by 2017, with major launch events at schools with players and clubs. The digital course comprises six
interactive modules that support positive character development, social-emotional learning, and healthy relationships
for grades 7-9. Character PlaybookTM is the first online program of its kind that helps students develop the skills and
strategies necessary to navigate complex decisions and relationships. It covers topics such as character education,
communicating effectively, understanding and managing emotions, and resolving conflicts.
This past fall, the NFL Foundation, in collaboration with Gatorade, the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA),
the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), and the Professional Football Athletic Trainers Society (PFATS), launched a pilot
program to provide funding to public high schools with football programs that have limited or no access to an
athletic trainer. This program is an expansion of the athletic trainer initiatives developed and implemented by the
NFLFoundation and its partners over the past two years. The NFL Foundation awarded 81 grants to high schools in
the four pilot states of Arizona, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Oregon. Each grant will be in the amount of $35,000 awarded
over a three-year period to fund an athletic training program. The Korey Stringer Institute will lead the administration
of the grant program and conduct research to assess the impact of the pilot program and the effect of athletic
trainers on student athlete health outcomes.
COMMITTED TO A STRONGER SOCIETY
The NFL takes its position of leadershipseriously. Among its players and personnel, the league
strives to reflect the changes it wishes to see across society as a whole. This work includes
educational programs focusing on domestic violence, sexual assault, substance abuse, and
character education, as well as initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion in the league and its
32NFL clubs. The NFL continues to use its unique stage to support causes and address topics
thataffect millions of lives.
(APPhoto/Mark Zaleski)
More than 500 players showcased their causes on-field during games, and many worked directly with Nike,
UnderArmour, and Adidas to design their cleats.
In addition, players had the opportunity to raise funds for the cause of their choosing by auctioning their cleats off
atNFL Auction, where the NFL is donating all funds to charities selected by players.
Photo Courtesy Ad Council
FOCUSING ON INCLUSION
The NFL collaborated with the AD COUNCIL for the
February launch of a new PSA called Fans of Love,
anextension of their Love Has No Labels campaign.
The new PSAs, filmed at the Pro Bowl, put a twist on
the traditional kiss cam by replacing it with an unbiased
camera that features all forms of lovefriendships,
families, and romantic relationshipsacross race,
religion, gender, sexuality, ability, and age.
ONGOING EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
The NFL is committed to addressing social issues, including domestic violence, sexual assault, safe firearm storage,
and driving under the influence. Together with experts and advisors, the league educates its staff, teams, players, and
the public about these important issues, and identifies steps that can prevent them before they occur. During the 2016
season, all NFL and team employees and personnel more than 6,000 in total participated in year three of social
responsibility education. These mandatory sessions included a focus on the importance of active bystanders on the
issues of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA), as well as segments on DUI and firearm safety.
In 2016, The Hotline answered more than 323,000 contacts from women, children, and men reaching out forhelp with
domestic violence and dating abuse.
And, in June, the organization answered its 4 millionth
contact from a woman seeking support and resources
The NFL also supported the National Sexual Violence The Hotline hires 30new advocates
Resource Center and their partners efforts in sexual 2015 toanswer calls, chats,andtexts
assault prevention, public policy initiatives, and support The Hotline launches its PSA, which
services for victims and survivors. The impact includes: airsonNFL Network andNFL.com
The Hotline moves toa new office in
Launching Raliance, a new national sexual violence Austin, TX, doublingservice capacity
prevention partnership, based in Washington, D.C.
2016 The Hotline answers its4millionth
The partnership, comprising the National Alliance to contact from a womanseeking support
End Sexual Violence, the California Coalition Against
Sexual Assaults PreventConnect, and the National
Sexual Violence Resource Center, sponsored a launch
event inSeptember 2016.
The Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns will all play their first regular-
season game in the UK this season which marks a total of 26 different teams to play in the
London Game Series since it began in 2007.
In the first of four 2017 London games, the Ravens will visit the Jaguars in an AFC showdown
on September 24 at Wembley (9:30 AM ET).
The Jaguars have committed to playing a home game in the UK through 2020, all at Wembley,
and will return to London for the fifth consecutive year. The Ravens will make their first trip to
London and play in the franchises first international game.
INTERNATIONAL
Our London initiative has been every bit as rewarding as we anticipated, certainly due in large
part to the leagues commitment to the UK and the world class experience that Wembley Stadium
has provided the Jaguars, our fans and our partners, says Jaguars owner SHAD KHAN.
Baltimore tackle JERMAINE ELUEMUNOR, who was selected by the Ravens in the fifth round
of the 2017 NFL Draft, was born in London and discovered his love for football through the
London Game Series.
w Orleans
In the second 2017 London game, the Dolphins will host the New
9::30 AM
Saints on October 1 in an interconference match at Wembley (9:30
ET).
es
st,
The Dolphins, who played in the first ever London Series contest,
will be making their fourth appearance in the UK.
hiins
Its very exciting for me personally, says UK-born Dolphins
running back JAY AJAYI (right). My own family is in the UK,U
too, so it makes me want to keep pushing forward and raising my
m
game.
the
The Saints will make their first trip to the UK since defeating the
Chargers in the second London Series game in 2008.
ans
I think we gain something going over there, says New Orleans
head coach SEAN PAYTON. As an organization, it gives you ou
ua
rin
ng
chance to bring your team closer together and a chance to bring
the organization closer together.
The action will move to Twickenham Stadium for the final twoo
n
London games, the first of which will take place in Week 7 on
October 22 when the Los Angeles Rams host the Cardinals s
(1:00 PM ET).
The Rams will play their third game in London while this will mark the first London contest for
the Cardinals.
We are excited to return to the UK for the third time since the inception of the International
Series, says Rams EVP of Football Operations and Chief Operating Officer KEVIN DEMOFF.
NFL fans in London always give us a warm welcome and we look forward to rewarding their
passion with a divisional match-up when we host the Cardinals in October.
INTERNATIONAL
In 2014, I attended the Raiders-Dolphins game at Wembley Stadium and experienced first-
hand the incredible enthusiasm UK fans have for the NFL, says Cardinals president MICHAEL
BIDWILL. I also encountered a huge number of Cardinals fans asking when our team would
be playing there. I know this is great news for them as well as the US members of the Red Sea
who couldnt have a cooler destination to see a road game. Were looking forward to seeing
them all there.
The final London game will take place on October 29 as the Browns host the Minnesota Vikings
at Twickenham (above) (9:30 AM ET).
The Vikings will be making their second trip to London after defeating the Steelers 34-27 on
September 29, 2013. The Browns will be making their first trip to London.
We are honored to once again represent the NFL on a global level and help grow the game of
football, says Vikings Owner/President MARK WILF. This is a unique opportunity to continue
highlighting the Vikings brand on an international stage and to give our fans around the world
another opportunity to see their favorite team up close.
The NFL is commendably dedicated to developing football at all levels within the United States
and throughout the globe, and we share in that commitment to help make our game as great
as possible and the opportunities to bring it to more people, both within our community and in
other regions, say Browns Owners DEE and JIMMY HASLAM. We appreciate the opportunity
provided by the league selecting our team to join the many others who have represented their
cities and the league internationally, as well as the unique experience it will give to our great
fans who will join us in London and those who live overseas.
The London Game Series began on October 28, 2007 when the Giants defeated the Dolphins
13-10 at Wembley. Since its inception, participation in amateur football in the UK has risen
by approximately 15 percent per year. The London Game Series to date has contributed to
increasing NFL fan interest in the UK, with a current fan base of more than 13 million people,
including close to four million avid fans.
INTERNATIONAL
A look at what some of the players and coaches thought about playing in London through the
years:
Both clubs are looking forward to the opportunity to play in Mexico City.
The Raiders are excited to return to Estadio Azteca and represent the
National Football League once again on an international stage, says
Raiders Owner MARK DAVIS. We enjoyed tremendous support from the Raider Nation in
Mexico in 2016 and look forward to experiencing that great passion again this year.
The largest crowd the Patriots have played in front of was in Mexico City in 1998, says Patriots
Chairman and CEO ROBERT KRAFT. It was a great experience and I am looking forward to
our return. I know that we have a lot of passionate Patriots fans in Mexico. We have had plenty
of success in international games and I attribute that to our tremendous fan support in those
venues. I look forward to meeting some of our fantastic fans and enjoying the food and culture
there in the fall.
According to a study completed by the Sports Industry group of EY, last seasons NFL game in
Mexico City and related events produced an incremental increase in the citys Gross Domestic
Product of $45 million, supporting 2,840 jobs in the city.
EYs research demonstrates the value to Mexico City from hosting the NFL game between the
Oakland Raiders and the Houston Texans in November last year, says MARK GREGORY,
Chief Economist for EY UK&I. By leveraging the interest and excitement that the league
generates, Mexico City gained a significant boost to its economy with around 31,000 visitors
bringing additional income for local businesses, supporting thousands of jobs and generating
significant tax receipts for the national government. Fans travelling to Mexico City also took the
opportunity to extend their stay beyond that of game night, visiting a range of attractions in the
city and more broadly across the country.
The live broadcast of the game in the United States on ESPN and ESPN Deportes reached 33
million people with an average audience of 12 million. Additionally, from the announcement
of the game in February through game day, there were nearly 20,000 mentions of the game on
digital, social and traditional media in the United States with an estimated PR value of nearly
$250 million according to Repucom and Prime Research.
Fan engagement around the game was also strong, with 205,000 fans attending the NFL Fan
Fest in Chapultepec Park and more than 55,000 people taking part in other community-focused
events in the city during the week of the game.
INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL FEEL
While the NFL continues to grow in popularity across the globe,
international players are making an increasing impact on the field.
For the 11th time in the past 12 seasons, at least one player who attended
high school outside of the United States was selected in the NFL Draft.
Im for sure done with soccer, says Luani. I just want to pay
attention to one thing and pursue it. I just started playing football
when I was a freshman in high school and as I went through my
career, I realized I loved contact.
I was flicking through the TV channels and I came upon the Dolphins and the Giants playing at
Wembley, says Eluemunor, who was selected in the fifth round out of Texas A&M, of the 2007
game. I loved the way they were hitting each other, the intensity.
Chiefs LB This season, four teams will carry an overseas player on their
Tamba Hali practice squads as part of the new International Player Pathway
(Liberia) program.
COUNTRY PLAYERS
Albania DE/DT Kristjan Sokoli
American Samoa G Mike Iupati, Arz; G, Nila Kasitati, Jax; G; NT Domata Peko, Den; DE; DT Destiny Vaeao, Phi;
S Shalom Luani, Oak
Austrailia P Jordan Berry, Pit; P Lachlan Edwards, NYJ; DE Adam Gotsis, Den; P Cameron Johnston,
Phi; G Blake Muir, Ind; P Brad Wing, NYG; G David Yankey, Car
Belize NT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, KC
Brazil K Cairo Santos, KC
Cameroon G Arie Kouandjio, Was; T Cyrus Kouandjio, Det; T Stephane Nembot, Bal
Canada DE Mehdi Abdesmad, Ten; T Brett Boyko, LAC; DT Stefan Charles, Jax; DE Christian
Covington, Hou; DT Tyrone Crawford, Dal; G Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, KC; C Brett Jones,
NYG; WR TJ Jones, Det; LS L.P. LaDouceur, Dal; P Jon Ryan, Sea; T Justin Senior, Sea; WR
Tevaun Smith, Ind; DE Brent Urban, Bal; G/C John Urschel, Bal; TE Luke Willson, Sea; TE
Adam Zaruba, Phi
Congo LB Andy Mulumba, Oak
Dominican Republic G Josue Matias, Ten
England RB Jay Ajayi, Mia; DE Jack Crawford, Atl; T Jermaine Eluemunor, Bal; Alex Gray, Atl; Alex
Jenkins, NO; DT Josh Mauro, Arz; S Obi Melifonwu, Oak; DE Efe Obada, Car; T Menelik
Watson, Den
Estonia DE Margus Hunt, Ind
France WR Anthony Dabl, Atl
Germany WR Moritz Bhringer, Min; LB Kasim Edebali, Den; TE Ladarius Green; WR Jamaal Jones,
LAC; P Jeff Locke, Ind; Eric Nzeocha, TB; LB Mark Nzeocha, Dal; T Tyrus Thompson, Car; S
Andrew Williamson, Ind
Ghana DE Ezekiel Ansah, Det
Haiti CB Pierre Desir, Sea; G Vladimir Ducasse, Buf; S Karl Joseph, Oak; LB Dadi Nicolas, KC
Italy K Giorgio Tavecchio, Oak; S Mykkele Thompson, NYG
Jamaica S Patrick Chung, NE; G Laken Tomlinson, Det
Kenya G Rees Odhiambo, Sea
Liberia LB Tamba Hali, KC
New Zealand DT Stephen Paea, Dal
Nigeria WR Nelson Agholor, Phi; LB Jerry Attaochu, LAC; G Caleb Benenoch, TB; DE Obum Gwachum,
NO; DE Ufomba Kamalu, Hou; Emmanuel Ogbah, Cle; David Onyemata, NO
Oman WR Amba Etta-Tawo, Jax
Poland K Sebastian Janikowski, Oak
Scotland K Graham Gano, Car
South Korea DT Kyle Love, Car; K Younghoe Koo, LAC
Tonga DT Star Lotulelei, Car; LB Pita Taumoepenu, SF
Turkey WR Chris Conley, KC
Virgin Islands DT Linval Joseph, Min
Zimbabwe DE Stansly Maponga, NYG
INTERNATIONAL
HISPANICS MAKING THEIR MARK ON NFL
Hispanic players are making their mark on the NFL. The following are some examples:
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle ALEJANDRO VILLANUEVA (right) entered the
NFL as an undrafted free agent and spent the 2014 season on the practice
squad. After earning a starting job in 2015, he started all 16 games at left
tackle for the Steelers in 2016.
I lo
love challenges, says Villanueva, who started 24 of 28
games
gaam at West Point. I love competing, finding new things to
do
do tthat challenge me as a person.
Villanuevas
Vill
V parents are natives of Spain, and his father,
Ignacio,
Ig was stationed in the United States as part of the
Spanish
Sp Navy.
M
Miami Dolphins linebacker KIKO ALONSO (left) hosted a youth football
ca
camp in Puerto Rico this offseason. The clinic was free of charge and included
les
lessons from Alonso and some of his Dolphins teammates.
I think that although American football isnt the primary sport in Latino areas,
iitt iis still played by a great number of kids, says Alonso. I believe through
g
sp
pre
spreading awareness through camps it will increase the
po
popularity
op of the sport and help kids with their football careers.
Alon
Alonso was born to a Cuban father and Colombian mother.
Minnesota Vikings safety ANDREW SENDEJO (right) made the journey from
undrafted free agent, to special teamer to starting safety. However, Sendejo
has not forgotten his roots.
When I was in college, I wish I took nutrition more seriously, says Sendejo.
Now, I do take it seriously. Ive always been a big weight room guy, so it kind
of hit home for me and was something I care about. It was a no brainer.
INTERNATIONAL
Some of the biggest offseason acquisitions took place
in the television world as former Dallas Cowboys
quarterback TONY ROMO (left) signed on with CBS
to be the networks lead NFL analyst and legendary
tight end TONY GONZALEZ (right) joined FOXs
NFL Kickoff pregame show.
When you think about the NFL, two of the most iconic
brands are the Dallas Cowboys and CBS Sports, says
Romo. Going from one legendary team to another as
I begin the next phase of my career is a dream come
true. I have always known that once my playing career
was over I wanted to become a broadcaster. I am
ecstatic for the opportunity to work with JIM NANTZ
as I learn the craft and convey to fans my passion for
this great game.
The four participants are former England rugby star ALEX GRAY (Atlanta Falcons), recent
college players ALEX JENKINS (New Orleans Saints) and ERIC NZEOCHA (Tampa Bay
Buccaneers) and defensive end EFE OBADA (Carolina Panthers), who was originally signed by
the Dallas Cowboys in 2015.
For three months during the 2017 offseason, the players trained alongside NFL players and draft
hopefuls in Florida, under the supervision of two-time Super Bowl champion OSI UMENYIORA
and NFLUK head of football development ADEN DURDE.
This is going to change peoples lives, says Umenyiora. They have a great opportunity. They
are going to be seen not only by their new teams but by everyone who might imagine they can
be NFL players. They will inspire people around the globe; people who never thought they had a
chance to make it to the NFL. Now they see they have a viable pathway. These guys have worked
very hard for this chance and I am confident they will make a great contribution to their teams
while improving their skills and understanding of the game.
This is an important part of the leagues overall strategy to grow internationally, says NFL
Executive Vice President of International & Events MARK WALLER. We are building this
pathway program to provide international athletes with the opportunity to play in the league,
which will increase the pool of talent, inspire others and ultimately drive fan growth.
INTERNATIONAL
ALEX GRAY, Tight End (UK), Age: 26 Atlanta Falcons: Born and raised in Bishop Auckland,
England, Gray captained Englands rugby teams at under-16, under-18, under-20 and International
Sevens levels and played for the Newcastle Falcons and London Irish. He was named to the
original extended Great Britain Sevens squad for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio before suffering
an injury. He signed with Yorkshire Carnegie for the 2016-17 rugby season and recently decided
to convert to football.
I have been working hard for this goal and to be told it was going to happen was an amazing
moment, Gray said. This is the start of another journey. It is a fantastic thing that is happening
but I am not going to get to where I want to be without keeping myself grounded. Making the
decision to give this my all from rugby, there was a big transition period and it was mentally
very humbling. When you have to start from scratch again, that was a huge mental battle for me.
When I look back, I will be very proud of the way I approached this.
ALEX JENKINS, Defensive End (UK), Age: 24 New Orleans Saints: Born and raised in Bath,
England, Jenkins began playing football at the Bath City Academy and for the Bristol Aztecs,
earning a spot on the Great Britain youth team. Having been selected to participate in an all-star
high school camp in Virginia, he earned a scholarship to play college football at the University
of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas. He was a three-year starter at defensive end at UIW,
posting 3.5 sacks in his senior year.
This is a chance to develop and become a player in the NFL, Jenkins said. It has been a pretty
intense time. It feels too good to be true. I always thought I would be trying to do this on my own
until NFL International found me. The fact that the Saints will be playing in London this season
makes it even more exciting for me.
ERIC NZEOCHA, Linebacker (Germany), Age: 24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nzeocha began
playing football for the Franken Knights youth team in Neusitz, Germany, and was selected for
the German national junior team. He played three years at the University of Wyoming, switching
from tight end to linebacker before the 2015 season. His brother, Mark, is a linebacker for the
Dallas Cowboys.
It is overwhelming, one of the greatest moments of my life, said Nzeocha when hearing the
news of his placement. It has been my dream since I started playing football at the age of 14.
When they told me this was happening, I was overwhelmed. I am looking forward to it so much.
Its unreal.
EFE OBADA, Defensive End (UK), Age: 25 Carolina Panthers: Raised in London after arriving
from the Netherlands at age 10, Obada signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 2015
after playing only five games of amateur football with the London Warriors. He played in the
preseason for the Cowboys and spent part of the 2015 season on the clubs practice squad. He
has since had spells on the rosters of the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons.
I am very happy and excited about the opportunity, Obada said. I feel like this is something I
need to progress and further my career. I am very grateful to the guys who have worked with us
and put their neck on the lines for us. Its a chance to develop my skills and it is going to be nice
to be in that NFL environment again.
ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATIONS
ANNIVERSARIES
A SAMPLING OF THE 2017 NFL ANNIVERSARIES
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
125th William Pudge Heffelfinger becomes the first professional football player (1892).
120th The Latrobe Athletic Association football team becomes the first team to play a full
season with only professional players (1897).
115th A precursor to what would eventually become the Super Bowl called the World Series
of Pro Football is played for the first time (1902).
95th The American Professional Football Association changes its name to the National
Football League (1922).
85th The Washington Redskins franchise plays its first season. The team is founded in
Boston and is called the Braves (1932).
85th Official statistics are kept for the first time (1932).
85th On December 18, 1932, the NFL has its first playoff game and first indoor game.
Chicagos Wrigley Field is scheduled to host the game but a blizzard makes it
impossible to play, and the game is moved indoors to Chicago Stadium.
85th Season The Pittsburgh Steelers franchise plays its first season. The team is called the Pirates
(1933). The Philadelphia Eagles franchise plays its first season (1933).
65th The Pittsburgh Steelers are the last pro team to abandon the single-wing in favor of
the T-formation (1952).
55th The NFL reaches a single-network agreement with CBS for telecasting all regular-
season games for $4.65 million annually (1962).
55th Season The Pro Football Hall of Fame is established (1963).
55th Season The Chiefs franchise moves to Kansas City (1963).
50th The Green Bay Packers defeat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in the coldest NFL game on
record: the 1967 NFL Championship dubbed forevermore as the Ice Bowl.
50th On August 15, 1967, Denver defeats Detroit in a preseason game, 13-7, to notch the
AFLs first win over an NFL team.
45th The Miami Dolphins complete the NFLs only perfect championship season (1972).
45th The Immaculate Reception touchdown was scored in an AFC Divisional playoff
game by the Pittsburgh Steelers Franco Harris on December 23, 1972.
45th The inbounds lines are moved closer to the center of the field so that they are 23
yards, 1 foot, 9 inches from the sidelines (1972).
30th The first two NFL games on ESPN produce the two highest-rated and most-watched
sports programs in basic cable history (1987).
15th The NFL kicks off the season on Thursday night for the first time in history (2002).
15th The Houston Texans franchise is founded (2002).
10th The first regular season game is played in London, as the New York Giants defeat the
Miami Dolphins 13-10 at Wembley Stadium (2007).
10th The New England Patriots become the first team to complete a perfect regular season
since the league expanded to a 16-game season (2007).
ANNIVERSARIES
OWNER MILESTONES
Many NFL owners will be celebrating notable milestones in 2017, including Arizonas WILLIAM
V. BIDWILL, whose family has reached the 85th anniversary of when his father, CHARLES V.
BIDWILL, purchased the team when the franchise was located in Chicago.
Chicagos Wrigley Field was scheduled to host the game but a blizzard made it impossible to
play, and the game was moved indoors to Chicago Stadium. So on December 18, 1932, the NFL
had its first playoff game...and first indoor game.
The history-making didnt stop there. Because of space limitations, the field was only 80 yards
long, and the following changes were dictated:
ged forever
At a February league meeting, the NFL was changed
when a forward pass thrown from anywhere behind hind the line
of scrimmage was legalized. Also, as a result of the success
sions with the
of the game, the league was divided into two divisions
ship game.
division winners meeting in an annual championship
ANNIVERSARIES
50 YEARS AGO: THE ICE BOWL
Great players. Great coaches. Great plays. Arctic weather. They all combined for one of the
most memorable games in NFL history.
Fifty years ago, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 in the coldest NFL
game on record: the 1967 NFL Championship dubbed forevermore as the Ice Bowl.
The Cowboys came to Green Bay as upstarts seeking their first NFL title and had the momentum
of a 52-14 win over the Cleveland Browns in the Eastern Conference Championship Game the
week before. In addition, the Cowboys had gained experience from their narrow 34-27 loss
to Green Bay in the 1966 NFL Championship when quarterback DON MEREDITHs possible
game-tying pass was intercepted in the end zone with 28 seconds remaining.
Green Bay entered the contest as two-time defending NFL champions, vying to become the first
team in league history to win three consecutive championships since the playoff system was
instituted in 1933. But the Packers were not the same club that had dominated the league in the
early and mid-1960s. They were older, had struggled to a 9-4-1 record, and were without future
Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs PAUL HORNUNG (retired) and JIM TAYLOR (with
New Orleans) for the first time. Packers quarterback BART STARR knew his team was in for
a stiff challenge.
Coach (VINCE) LOMBARDI was quick to point out all week long how good the Cowboys
were and what respect he had for them, said Starr. We had seen the year before when they
were a younger team how well they had played against us in the championship game down in
Dallas. We knew this was going to be a special game and it was.
What was already a great matchup was made more intriguing by the sub-zero temperature.
The official game-time temperature was 13 degrees below zero with the wind chill at minus 48
degrees. It was and remains the coldest game in NFL history.
It was 20 degrees the day before, said Cowboys head coach TOM LANDRY. It was great.
Vince (Lombardi) and I were together that night and we talked about how good the conditions
were and what a great game it would be.
But a cold front was moving in, and by the next morning, it had arrived.
ANNIVERSARIES
The operator said, Its 7:30 AM and 19 below, said
Cowboys linebacker LEE ROY JORDAN. I got up out of
C
b
bed, looked out the window and saw 40 other guys staring
o
out in disbelief. It was cold.
We werent prepared for that kind of cold, said JIM
T
TUNNEY, who served as the alternate referee for the
g
game and patrolled the Packers sidelines. We went out
tthat morning and rousted the store owners out of bed. We
g
got more thermals and gloves.
W
When the teams arrived at the stadium, they found the
field nearly frozen. A layer of condensation had built up
b
between the field and the covering tarpaulin the night
b
before. When the tarpaulin was removed and the field was
e
exposed to the bitter cold, it froze.
Astroturf was like a pillow compared to this, said Packers running back CHUCK MERCEIN.
The Packers began the game like two-time defending champions. Starr hit wide receiver BOYD
DOWLER with an eight-yard touchdown pass to give Green Bay a 7-0 first-quarter lead. In the
second quarter on third-and-one, Starr connected with Dowler again, this time for a 46-yard
touchdown and a 14-0 advantage.
But the Cowboys began adjusting to the cold and came to life in the second quarter.
After you forget about how cold it is and all the other things that are going through your mind,
you just figure youve got to go play football, said Cowboys cornerback CORNELL GREEN.
They werent going to cancel the game or call it off so you better get it in, try to play and try to
win. Thats when we started playing better.
The Dallas defense stepped up. Defensive end GEORGE ANDRIE recovered a Starr fumble and
returned it seven yards for a touchdown, cutting the Packers lead to 14-7. Another Green Bay
fumble led to a second Dallas score a 21-yard field goal by kicker DANNY VILLANUEVA. The
Cowboys had stormed back and trailed by only 14-10 at halftime.
Despite the freezing temperatures, 50,861 fans braved the cold. The game was a sellout.
The fans were tough to stay out there and watch that game, said Green. I have to give them a
lot of credit. Theres some tough people in Green Bay.
When the second half began, the Cowboys continued their defensive dominance and stifled the
Packers. The Dallas offense started to move the ball and was poised for a score at the beginning
of the fourth quarter. Running back DAN REEVES took a handoff, ran to his left, stopped to
throw and hit a wide-open LANCE RENTZEL for a 50-yard touchdown and the Cowboys first
lead of the game, 17-14.
It was a difficult play, said Landry. I dont think the Packers expected it. They didnt expect
that we would throw a pass like that. It was a big play and it put us into position to win the game.
It was the biggest play of the game to that point. But Green Bay wasnt finished.
ANNIVERSARIES
After playing 37:15 without scoring, the Packers found themselves down to their last chance.
With 5:04 remaining in the game and trailing 17-14, Green Bay received a punt at its own 32-yard
line and began one of the greatest touchdown drives in NFL history. A third NFL championship
awaited 68 yards away.
We were ready on that last drive, said Starr. We were totally focused on what we needed to
do in order to go down and win the ballgame. As I looked into the eyes of my teammates, I knew
all I had to do was call the play.
And to add that last bit of incentive, linebacker RAY NITSCHKE roared from the sidelines,
Dont let me down! Dont let me down!
On first down, Starr passed to running back DONNY ANDERSON for six yards. Mercein ran
around right end for seven. Starr completed his second pass of the drive to Dowler for 13 yards.
The Packers had crossed midfield, but on the next play, Anderson lost nine yards on a handoff.
Starr regained those yards with a 12-yard pass to Anderson, but now faced third-and-seven at
the Dallas 39.
One thing most people dont know about that game, said Starr, was the excellent awareness
of our two running backs, Anderson and Mercein. Twice during the final drive, they made me
aware that they were open as secondary receivers.
Starr completed his fourth pass of the drive to Anderson for nine yards and a first down. On
the next play, he connected with a wide-open Mercein in the left flat who then ran to the Dallas
11 for a 19-yard gain. It was Starrs final pass of the game. He finished a perfect five-for-five on
the drive.
On the next play, with 1:11 remaining, Starr called 30 Give. Tackle BOB SKORONSKI opened
a hole with a powerful block and Mercein charged through the middle to the three-yard line for
a gain of eight.
It is the best play I ever called in my career, said Starr. Its hard to explain why we had not
run it before that. I just didnt feel that the time was correct, but at that moment I knew it was
the play to call.
Anderson took a handoff and gained two yards to give the Packers a first-and-goal at the one-
yard line with 30 seconds remaining. Starr handed off to Anderson again, but he slipped and fell
short of the goal line. They tried the same play again and got the same result.
Starr called the Packers final timeout and asked his linemen if they had enough footing to run
31 Wedge. They said they did. 31 Wedge was put into the Packers playbook by Lombardi
during the week after guard JERRY KRAMER had noticed a weakness in the Cowboys short-
yardage defense and suggested the play.
On the sidelines, Starr suggested to Lombardi that he run it instead of the backs because of the
poor traction. Lombardi replied, Then run it and lets get the hell out of here.
When the ball was snapped, Kramer and Bowman plowed into Cowboys defensive tackle
JETHRO PUGH, opened a hole and Starr lunged through for the game-winning touchdown
and a third consecutive NFL championship.
ANNIVERSARIES
I understood my responsibility, said Kramer. If I dont get a great block, we dont do it. I
understood perfectly.
I dont know if the execution on that drive, under those conditions, will ever be surpassed,
said Packers tackle FORREST GREGG.
The Cowboys had time to try some desperation passes, but they all fell incomplete. The Ice
Bowl was over. Packers 21, Cowboys 17. The Green Bay Packers were NFL champions again.
They went on to win Super Bowl II two weeks later in somewhat warmer conditions in Miami,
Florida.
What that game meant was unbelievable, said Starr. We had fought through a very tough
year. We won two consecutive championships prior to that and to have it come down to such
brutal conditions and to win it in that fashion, from our perspective, we think it was the greatest
game of all time.
DECEMBER 31, 1967
ICE BOWL SCORING
Dallas 0 10 0 7 17
Green Bay 7 7 0 7 21
That season is special because nobody has ever done it, said
the teams Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback BOB GRIESE,
of the Dolphins Perfect Season, whose 45th anniversary will be
celebrated this year.
But the road to the Super Bowl was not always smooth. In the fifth game of the season, the club
lost Griese to an injury in the first quarter. Backup EARL MORRALL came in and threw two
scoring passes in Miamis 24-10 win over San Diego. The 38-year-old Morrall started the next
11 games for the Dolphins.
When I was coaching the Colts in 1968, Earl came on
w
when JOHNNY UNITAS got hurt and did a great job
t get us to the Super Bowl, Shula recalled. When he
to
b
became available, I didnt hesitate to bring him down
t Miami as insurance for Griese. Earl just stepped in
to
a
and gave us great confidence in the games that he
s
started.
W
While Morralls leadership was essential, it was the
D
Dolphins ground game which carried the offensive
l
load.
L
LARRY CSONKA (1,117) and MERCURY MORRIS
(
(1,000, left) comprised the first teammate duo in NFL
h
history to each reach the 1,000-yard rushing mark in
t
the same season. The success of the running game
e
epitomized the teams selflessness.
ANNIVERSARIES
We were a very unselfish team, said former Dolphins defensive tackle MANNY FERNANDEZ.
A lot of players sacrificed their personal ambitions for the good of the team. PAUL WARFIELD,
for example, was playing for a team that threw him the ball three times per game. In todays
game he would be the go-to guy with 10 passes a week going to him. He was more than willing
to take that backseat to become a blocker in the running game.
Warfield, the Hall of Fame receiver who led the 72 Dolphins with 606 receiving yards a total
lower than in any of his previous six seasons agreed with Fernandez assessment. The
success of the team was paramount, he said. Everyones focus was to win and win at the
highest level.
That desire to reach the highest level was fueled by failure one year earlier. The drive for the
whole season was the Super Bowl VI loss to Dallas, said Griese. There was nothing that was
going to stop us from going to the Super Bowl and winning it.
Our 17-0 happened because the Miami Dolphins football team had something to prove,
Warfield added. We were humiliated in Super Bowl VI and when we came to training camp in
1972, our objective was to get back to the Super Bowl and to reinforce in our own minds as
well as those of the fans across the country that we were a better football team.
It was a very well-balanced team, said Fernandez, who posted 10 tackles and one sack in the
Super Bowl while playing for the teams unsung defense, aptly called the No-Name defense.
The No-Name defense took pride in the 11-man concept, said Shula of a unit which allowed
an NFL season-low 171 points.
It was a concept embraced by the entire team. The group was the essence of the word team,
said Warfield. That is why we accomplished something that no one else has ever accomplished,
and perhaps, something that no other team will ever accomplish in the history of this game.
To me, said Shula (below), every team is separate and distinct. I have always felt that the
reason you keep scores and the reason you keep records is to make determinations. Nobody
has done what this team has done.
ANNIVERSARIES
1972 DOLPHINS: DID YOU KNOW?
The 1972 Miami Dolphins played the AFC Championship Game on the road at Three Rivers
Stadium in Pittsburgh due to a rotating playoff site system. We were a team that had more wins
than anyone else and we had to take our show on the road, said Warfield.
The game I remember most, recalled Shula, is the (October 1) Minnesota game. The
Dolphins trailed the Vikings 14-6 in the fourth quarter. We needed 10 points to win it, Shula
said. I chose to go for the field goal first and GARO YEPREMIAN kicked a 51-yarder. Then
we had to get the ball back, which we did, and we drove down for the touchdown. We needed
those points and we got them.
ANNIVERSARIES
45 YEARS AGO: THE IMMACULATE RECEPTION
The man who pulled it off wasnt where he was supposed to be. Two others involved didnt even
see it. The fourth participant didnt believe it happened legally, that is. And the man who would
have been thrilled to see it was staring at elevator doors.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back FRANCO HARRIS, fullback FRENCHY FUQUA, and
quarterback TERRY BRADSHAW, former Oakland Raiders safety JACK TATUM and Steelers
owner ART ROONEY were the main players in a moment that may be the most memorable in
the history of the National Football League the Immaculate Reception touchdown scored in
the AFC Divisional Playoff game by the rookie Harris that magically occurred 45 years ago on
December 23, 1972.
The Participants
The Oakland Raiders, 1972 champions of the AFC Western Division with a 10-3-1 record, traveled
to Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh to face the 11-3 AFC Central champion Steelers in the
Divisional Playoff game. It was the Steelers second playoff contest in their 40-year history. In
1947, they lost their first postseason game to Philadelphia 21-0.
The Immaculate Reception, said Harris, was really the start of a great decade for the Pittsburgh
Steelers. Pittsburgh would collect four Super Bowl titles in six years during the 1970s.
The Prologue
With 50,350 fans many of whom had attended a raucous pep rally the night before directly
across the street from the Raiders Hilton Hotel looking on, the teams maneuvered to a
relatively quiet first half.
Eleven minutes into the fourth quarter, the Steelers were up 6-0 thanks to two ROY GERELA
field goals. That is where things got interesting. With three-and-a-half minutes left in the game,
Oakland rookie quarterback KENNY STABLER, taking over for a flu-weakened DARYLE
LAMONICA, took the Raiders 80 yards in a 12-play sequence that culminated with a 30-yard
touchdown run.
After the kickoff, the Steelers were at their own 20 with 1:13 left.
The Play
After completing his first two passes, Bradshaw threw
three consecutive incomplete passes before he was
faced with a fourth-and-10 play from his own 40-yard line
with 22 seconds left. After desperately scrambling in the
pocket, Bradshaw rifled a pass to fullback Fuqua.
All three Fuqua, Tatum and the ball collided. I hit him
and I thought the game was ours, said Tatum. I looked
down at him on the ground and he didnt have the ball.
The ball had rebounded like a rubber ball off a house,
and headed straight for Harris. He was supposed to be
in the backfield protecting Bradshaw, but he leaked out
and tried to get open when he noticed the quarterback
looking for a receiver.
ANNIVERSARIES
I saw Frenchy and Tatum go
up, said Harris. I saw the
ball go up in the air and I said
Oh no! But then I saw the ball
coming toward me and I figured
were not out of this yet.
The ball caromed nearly eight yards backwards
and was caught in full stride by Harris (right), a
mere hairs length away from the artificial turf at
Three Rivers Stadium. Harris rumbled 60 yards
for a touchdown and was surrounded by fans as
he entered the end zone.
The Postscript
There was no signal by referee FRED
SWEARINGEN on whether the touchdown
counted. Both teams and fans ran onto the
field, trying to find out what had happened, and
what was going to be ruled. There were still 15
seconds to go in the game.
The lingering question surrounding the play was whom did the ball carom off of: Fuqua or Tatum?
The 1972 NFL rulebook stated If a defensive player touches a pass first, or simultaneously
with or subsequent to its having been touched by only one eligible offensive player, then all
offensive players become and remain eligible.
The Raiders said the ball bounced from Fuqua to Harris. I came up and hit him from behind,
and there wasnt any way I could have made contact with that ball, Tatum said.
After a conference with the officiating crew, Swearingen disappeared into a dugout, and got
on the phone to the press box to speak to ART MC NALLY, the NFL supervisor of officials.
Swearingen said to McNally: Two of my men ruled that the ball was touched by opposing
players (Tatum and Fuqua), and caught by Harris, and that therefore the reception was legal,
as was the touchdown. He then put the receiver down, ran back to the field, and signaled
touchdown! And 50,350 fans erupted as the Steelers captured a 13-7 victory.
Prior to the miraculous play and expecting a Steelers loss, Rooney, who purchased the team
for $2,500 in 1933, snuffed out his cigar and entered an elevator for the long journey down to
the field. By the time he reached the field, his club had completed the most improbable play in
team history.
After the game, Fuqua approached Rooney and told him exactly what transpired during the
play. Fuqua then asked Rooney if he could say what really happened during the play. Fuqua
said, Chief, I want to tell what happened so bad. What do you think?
Rooney replied, Frenchy, let it stay immaculate.
THE
TEAMS
THE TEAMS
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN 2017: THE TEAMS
The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS need one Super Bowl victory to tie the Pittsburgh Steelers
(six) for the most Super Bowl wins in NFL history.
New England has recorded a winning record in 16 consecutive seasons (2001-16) and can
surpass San Francisco (1983-98) and Dallas (1970-85) for the most consecutive seasons with a
.500 or better record since the 1970 merger.
The Patriots have qualified for the playoffs in eight consecutive seasons (2009-16), tied with
Green Bay (2009-16), Pittsburgh (1972-79), the Los Angeles Rams (1973-80), Dallas (1966-73)
and San Francisco (1983-90). With a playoff berth, New England would tie Dallas (1975-83) and
Indianapolis (2002-10) for the most consecutive playoff appearances (nine) in NFL history.
The DALLAS COWBOYS need seven wins to reach 500 regular-season victories. Dallas all-
time regular-season record is 493-367-6.
The DENVER BRONCOS need 12 victories to reach 500 total victories. Denvers all-time record
is 488-412-10.
The BALTIMORE RAVENS need four victories to reach 200 total victories. Baltimores all-time
record is 196-162-1.
THE TEAMS
PATRIOTS WIN SUPER BOWL
The New England Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl title last season,
overcoming a 25-point second-half deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-
28 in the first Super Bowl to go to overtime.
New England Chairman and CEO ROBERT KRAFT, head coach BILL
BELICHICK and quarterback TOM BRADY (left) have won five Super Bowl
titles together, the most by an owner, head coach and starting quarterback
trio in NFL history. The Patriots five Super Bowl titles are tied for the second-
most in NFL history, trailing only the Pittsburgh Steelers (six).
he S
Theyre all special, says Brady about winning the Super Bowl. Two years ago, it came down
to MALCOLM BUTLER making the play. Last year, we were dow down 25 points. It took a lot of
great plays and thats why you play to the end.
New Englands success as a team can be attributed to a high-level of play from the teams core
group of talent.
Six Patriots earned Pro Bowl accolades in 2016, including running back LE GARRETTE
BLOUNT (1st), Brady (12th), cornerback MALCOLM BUTLER (2nd), linebacker DONTA
HIGHTOWER (1st), safety DEVIN MC COURTY (3rd) and special teamer MATTHEW SLATER
(6th).
Blount led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns while wide receiver JULIAN EDELMAN (below),
who made an acrobatic, one-handed catch on the Patriots game-tying drive in the waning
minutes of the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LI, ranked second in the AFC with 98 receptions.
THE TEAMS
RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR
In June, the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS hosted a private event to present their Super Bowl LI
championship rings to the team and club personnel.
ncredible
Every detail of the ring was considered in telling the story of this incredible
team. The Super Bowl LI championship ring features the iconic Patriots logo made from a
custom-cut created corundum sapphire and ruby. An additional corundum sapphire in the
background proudly surrounds the Patriots logo and five iconic Vince Lombardi Trophies.
Each trophy features a marquise-cut diamond and is pav-set with brilliant round diamonds.
Surrounding the custom sapphire corundum is another perimeter row of diamonds, bringing
the total to 283 diamonds. The title WORLD CHAMPIONS surrounds the sides contributing to
the rings unique shape and size.
The left side of the ring features the recipients name with their number encrusted in diamonds.
An image of the lighthouse and bridge, which form Gillette Stadiums signature view, are
accented with the years of each of the Patriots previous Super Bowl victories.
r
On the right side of the ring, the Super Bowl LI logo is highlighted with the games final
te
score at the top and the teams stellar 17-2 overall record at the bottom. Framing the side is
un
Krafts unforgettable postgame comment that this Super Bowl victory was
UNEQ
UNEQUIVOCALLY THE SWEETEST.
T
Two custom arbors make up the inside of the ring, highlighted with
K
Krafts memorable quote, WE ARE ALL PATRIOTS, along with
h signature and the date when he first delivered that line. The
his
r
right arbor reads, GREATEST COMEBACK EVER, a nod to the
3
31-unanswered points scored to record the most dramatic come-
f
from-behind win in Super Bowl history.
C
Crafted in 10-karat white gold, the ring has a carat weight of 5.1 and
f
features a stone count of 283 diamonds, including five marquise-
d
cut diamonds representing the franchises five Vince Lombardi trophies.
la
This latest Patriots Super Bowl ring is the largest Super Bowl ring ever
t behold.
created and is truly a sight to
THE TEAMS
SUPER FOLLOW UPS
How Super Bowl winners fared the following season, with teams that repeated in bold (eight
Super Bowl winners won the title game the next year and four lost it):
h
he
Atlanta led the NFL in scoring with 540 points, tied for the
eighth-highest single-season total in NFL history, and s et
set
n
franchise records in total points, total yards (6,653), net
passing yards (4,725) and first downs (347).
MOST TOTAL POINTS IN A SINGLE-SEASON
IN NFL HISTORY
TEAM YEAR TOTAL POINTS
Denver Broncos 2013 606
New England Patriots 2007 589
Green Bay Packers 2011 560
New England Patriots 2012 557
Minnesota Vikings 1998 556
New Orleans Saints 2011 547
Washington Redskins 1983 541
Atlanta Falcons 2016 540
St. Louis Rams 2000 540
In 2016, Ryan threw a touchdown pass to 13 different players, the most in a single-season in NFL
history, including six to wide receiver JULIO JONES. Jones led the NFC with 1,409 receiving
yards and was the only player in 2016 to average at least 100 receiving yards per game (100.6
per game).
THE TEAMS
Young stars emerged on defense for the Falcons as second-year
linebacker VIC BEASLEY, JR. (right) led the NFL with 15.5
sacks, while a quartet of rookies linebacker DEVONDRE
CAMPBELL, linebacker DEION JONES, safety KEANU
NEAL and cornerback BRIAN POOLE started for Atlanta
in Super Bowl LI, becoming the first team in Super Bowl
history to start four rookies on defense.
The Falcons had six players selected to the 2017 Pro Bowl: Beasley
(1st), kicker MATT BRYANT (1st), running back
ba DEVONTA FREEMAN
(4th), center ALEX MACK (4th) and Ryan (4th).
(2nd), Jones (4th),
Were on to 2017, says Ryan. Were moving forward and preparing to try and be the best
football team that this group can be.
THE TEAMS
TURNOVERS ARE KEY TO VICTORY
What is one of the keys to success in the NFL? Winning the
turnover battle certainly ranks high on the list.
I love using turnover margin because its a team stat, says Quinn. Now,
you can say its just offensive-related or just defensive-related, but its not.
Its the way the defense goes after the ball, but its also the attitude the
offense has, to take care of it. Were much clearer to that vision now than
weve ever been.
Last year, the AFC champion Patriots (+12) and NFC champion Falcons
(+11) had the third-highest combined turnover differential of any of the
previous 10 Super Bowl participating teams.
For us to be way in the plus in turnover margin along with New England
as well I think thats one of the real factors in our season that we dont
talk about a lot, said Quinn. It didnt happen overnight. This attitude
to take care of it and go after it, it came from every day at practice,
going for it, battling for it. Thats been the biggest difference for us.
The
Th league-wide completion percentage (63.0)
tie
e the previous record set in 2015, while the
tied
leaa
league-wide passer rating (89.3) ranked second
beh h
behind only the 2015 season (90.2). There were
786 6 touchdown passes thrown in 2016, the fourth-
high
gh
highest total in NFL history.
Game
Gamese averaged 700.8 total net yards per game, the
second-best mark in NFL annals (705.3 in 2015). Explosive
offe
e
passing offenses fueled that trend, with an average of 483.0
Titans QB
p
net passingg yards per game, the second-highest total all-
Marcus Mariota
time (487.6 in 2015).
leaguu
The league-wide interception percentage of 2.3 percent
lo
o
was the lowest of any season in NFL history, surpassing
p
previo
the previous mark of 2.4 in 2015. New England Patriots
quarterbb
quarterback TOM BRADY finished the 2016 season with
intt
a 0.5 interception percentage (two INTs in 432 passing
attemptt
attempts), the third-lowest interception percentage
byy a quarterback
q since 1960. Brady passed for 28
touchd d
touchdown passes and two interceptions last season,
record d
recording the highest touchdown/interception ratio
in NFL L history.
Its a passing league, says Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager JASON LICHT. Its a
quarterback-driven league, so you want a great quarterback. If youve got a great quarterback,
youve got a chance.
As professional football has evolved, the sophistication and importance of the passing game
have grown consistently. Defenders have grown stronger and faster while defensive coordinators
have become more creative. Moving the ball downfield three yards at a time via the run has
grown increasingly difficult.
THE TEAMS
This trend has helped allow the growing number of star NFL quarterbacks ranging from
established veterans like Brady, Rodgers, DREW BREES and BEN ROETHLISBERGER to
talented youngsters like DEREK CARR, JAMEIS WINSTON, MARCUS MARIOTA and DAK
PRESCOTT to fully showcase their passing talents.
An NFL-record 13 passers reached the 4,000-yard mark in 2016, eclipsing 2015 for the most of
any season in NFL history (12). Brees led the NFL with 5,208 passing yards, the fourth-highest
passing yardage total in league history. Brees is the first player to lead the league in passing
yards seven times, extending his NFL record.
Five quarterbacks recorded a 100+ passer rating in 2016, led by Atlanta Falcons quarterback
MATT RYAN, whose 117.1 rating was the fifth-highest in NFL history.
The quarterbacks with 4,000+ passing yards, 30+ touchdown passes or a 100+ passer rating in
2016:
4,000+ PASS YARDS 30+ PASS TDs
PLAYER YARDS PLAYER TDs
Drew Brees 5,208 Aaron Rodgers 40
Matt Ryan 4,944 Matt Ryan 38
Kirk Cousins 4,917 Drew Brees 37
Aaron Rodgers 4,428 Philip Rivers 33
Philip Rivers 4,386 Andrew Luck 31
Matthew Stafford 4,327
100+ PASSER RATING
Joe Flacco 4,317
PLAYER RATING
Andrew Luck 4,240
Matt Ryan 117.1
Carson Palmer 4,233
Tom Brady 112.2
Russell Wilson 4,219
Dak Prescott 104.9
Andy Dalton 4,206
Aaron Rodgers 104.2
Jameis Winston 4,090
Drew Brees 101.7
Eli Manning 4,027
Beng
Bengals
gals QB
ga
Andy
dy
y Da
Dalton
alton Colts QB
Andrew Luck
Redskins QB
Kirk Cousins
THE TEAMS
TIGHT ENDS ON THE RISE
NFL tight ends have been performing at an historic level and the 2016 season was no different.
Last year, tight ends recorded the second-most catches (2,494) and receiving yards (27,340) in
a single season for the position.
Last season, four tight ends Baltimores DENNIS PITTA (86), Kansas Citys TRAVIS KELCE
(85), Minnesotas KYLE RUDOLPH (83) and Carolinas GREG OLSEN (80) reached the
80-reception mark, tied for the most tight ends with at least 80 receptions in a single season in
NFL history.
In 2016, Olsen recorded 1,073 receiving yards and became the first tight end in NFL history to
record three consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards.
Chiefs TE
C Pan
Panthers
nth
the TE
Tr
Travis
ravis Kelce Greg
eg
gO Olsen Vi
Vikings
ik
kings TE
Ky
Kyle
yle Rudolph
h
THE TEAMS
Los Angeles Chargers tight end ANTONIO GATES (right) had ad
d
seven receiving touchdowns in 2016 and has 111 career touchdown
w
wn
catches, tying TONY GONZALEZ for the most by a tight end in NFL
N
history.
ND
MOST CAREER RECEIVING YARDS BY TIGHT END D
TIGHT END TEAMS Y
RECEIVING YARDS
Tony Gonzalez Kansas City, Atlanta 7
15,127
Jason Witten* Dallas 8
11,888
Antonio Gates* Los Angeles Chargers 11,192
92
2
* Active
The importance of the tight end position was evident in this years NFL Draft as well. Three tight
ends O.J. HOWARD (Tampa Bay, No. 19), EVAN ENGRAM (New York Giants, No. 23) and
DAVID NJOKU (Cleveland, No. 29) and) were chosen in the first round, tied for the most first-
round tight
g ends ((1970 and 2002)) sin
since the advent of the common draft in 1967.
Giants TE
Buccaneers TE Evan Engram
O.J. Howard Browns TE
David Njoku
THE TEAMS
TOP S
SUPERLATIVE? RUN THE BALL
A tough, re
reliable running game allows an offense to command a games pace.
In the m
majority of contests, it can also control the games result.
In 20
2016,
0 NFL teams with a 100-yard rusher posted a 68-27-1 record for
.7
7 winning percentage. That rated higher than clubs with a 100-
a .714
yarr receiver (94-73-2, .562) or a 300-yard passer (56-60-2, .483).
yard
Le
V
LeVeons one of the greatest players on our team, says Steelers
quart
t
quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER. Hes one of the best running
backs in the world. Its an honor to play with him.
Last season, six playoff teams converted at least 40 percent of their third-down attempts
GREEN BAY (46.7 percent), NEW ENGLAND (45.8), DETROIT (42.6), DALLAS (42.3),
ATLANTA (42.1) and PITTSBURGH (41.1).
Packers wide receiver RANDALL COBB (below) understands the importance of converting.
We talk about it continuously, says Cobb. Being able to break a tackle and picking up a first
down is important. We try and do that consistently throughout games.
PLAYOFF TEAMS WHICH CONVERTED AT LEAST 40 PERCENT
OF THEIR THIRD-DOWN ATTEMPTS IN 2016
TEAM 3RD DOWN ATT 3RD DOWN CONV 3RD DOWN PCT
Green Bay 210 98 46.7
New England 227 104 45.8
Detroit 195 83 42.6
Dallas 189 80 42.3
Atlanta 178 75 42.1
Pittsburgh 202 83 41.1
Converting on third down extends drives ultimately leading
towards the end zone. Last season, nine of the top 10
offensive scoring teams converted at least 40 percent of third
downs. The ATLANTA FALCONS and NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS, who met in Super Bowl LI, both converted at
least 40 percent of third downs last season.
Three teams were perfect on fourth-and-one conversions in 2016 (minimum five attempts)
DALLAS, CLEVELAND and CAROLINA. Three teams with perfect fourth-and-one
conversion rates (minimum five attempts) are tied for the most in a single season in NFL
history (2005).
HIGHEST CONVERSION RATE PERFECT FOURTH-AND-ONE
ON FOURTH-AND-ONE IN 2016 SINCE 2005 (MIN. 5 ATT)
(MIN. 5 ATT) YEAR TEAM ATT CONV
TEAM ATT CONV PCT 2016 Dallas 7 7
Dallas 7 7 100 2016 Carolina 6 6
Cleveland 6 6 100 2016 Cleveland 6 6
Carolina 6 6 100 2013 Arizona 5 5
New Orleans 11 10 90.9 2013 Denver 5 5
Detroit 5 4 80 2012 Cincinnati 7 7
Denver 8 6 75 2010 St. Louis 6 6
Baltimore 7 5 71.4 2009 Miami 8 8
New England 7 5 71
71.4 2009 Atlanta 7 7
2008 Seattle 5 5
2007 New England 11 11
2006 Chicago 8 8
2006 Minnesota 6 6
2005 Kansas City 7 7
Thirteen teams stopped at least half of their opponents fourth-and-one attempts, including
seven playoff teams HOUSTON, DETROIT, PITTSBURGH, SEATTLE, MIAMI, NEW YORK
GIANTS and OAKLAND.
LOWEST OPPONENTS FOURTH-AND-ONE
CONVERSION RATE, 2016
TEAM ATT CONV PCT
Houston* 5 1 20
Detroit* 4 1 25
Minnesota 3 1 33.3
New York Jets 3 1 40
Pittsburgh* 5 2 42.9
Buffalo 7 3 44.4
Seattle* 9 4 50
Indianapolis 2 1 50
Miami* 6 3 50
New Orleans 4 2 50
New York Giants* 6 3 50
Oakland* 8 4 50
San Francisco 2 1 50
y
* Playoff team
Texans
T ans DE
Texa
Lions DE Jadeveon
n Clowney
Clo
owney Vikings DE
Ezekiel Ansah Everson Griffen
THE TEAMS
SUPER BOWL TROPHY BY THE NUMBERS
Immediately following a Super Bowl victory, the winner is presented with the VINCE LOMBARDI
TROPHY.
Tiffany & Co. creates many of the worlds greatest championship trophies, and the Vince
Lombardi trophy is certainly one of them, says VICTORIA WIRTH REYNOLDS, group director
of business sales at Tiffany & Co., the trophys manufacturer. Made by Tiffany artisans, who
use age-old silversmithing techniques from the 1800s, the Vince Lombardi Trophy is a lasting
tribute to the athletes dedication and goal of greatness.
After the trophy is presented, it is then returned to Tiffany & Co. for any repairs and the engraving
of the Super Bowl team names and the final score onto the base. It then goes back to the winning
team for permanent possession.
7 LBs in weight
w
22 inches tall
72 Man-hours to complete
Brees has led the league in completions five times and can tie Dan
Marino (six) for the all-time record.
Brees needs 3,889 passing yards to join P. Manning (71,940) and Favre (71,838) as the third
quarterback with 70,000 career passing yards. In 16 seasons, Brees has 66,111 passing yards.
Brees needs five games with at least four touchdown passes to surpass P. Manning (35) and
move into first place on the NFLs all-time list for games with at least four touchdown passes.
Brees can become the first player to lead the league in passing yards eight times in his career.
Sonny Jurgensen (five) and Dan Marino (five) are tied for the second-most such seasons in NFL
history. Brees led the NFL with 5,208 passing yards in 2016.
Brees can extend his NFL-record streak of seasons with at least 4,000 passing yards. Brees has
passed for at least 4,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons.
Brees has four seasons with at least 35 touchdown passes and can become the first player in
NFL history to pass for at least 35 touchdown passes in five seasons (see Brady and Rodgers
notes).
Brees has led the league in touchdown passes four times and can become the first quarterback in
NFL history to lead the league in touchdown passes five times (see Brady note).
Brees can become the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 40 touchdowns in
three seasons. Brees has two seasons with at least 40 touchdown passes (see Rodgers note).
TOM BRADY, New England, has six seasons with at least 30 touchdown passes and can join
Favre (nine), P. Manning (nine) and Brees (nine) as the only players to pass for at least 30
touchdowns in seven seasons.
THE PLAYERS
Brady has four seasons with at least 35 touchdown passes and can become the first player in
NFL history to pass for at least 35 touchdowns in five seasons (see Brees and Rodgers notes).
Brady has led the league in touchdown passes four times and can become the first quarterback in
NFL history to lead the league in touchdown passes five times (see Brees note).
Brady has 183 regular-season wins and needs four wins to pass P. Manning (186) and Favre
(186) for the most regular-season wins by a starting quarterback in NFL history.
Brady has 51 career games with three touchdown passes and no interceptions and needs one
to pass P. Manning (51) for the most such games in NFL history.
Brady
B has passed for at least 4,000 yards eight times in his career
and
a can join P. Manning (14) and Brees (11) as the only players to
p
pass for 4,000 yards in nine seasons.
ELI
E MANNING (left), New York Giants, needs 1,786 passing yards
to become the seventh player in NFL history with 50,000 career
p
passing yards (see Rivers and Roethlisberger note). In 13 seasons,
M
Manning has 48,214 passing yards.
M
Manning needs 30 touchdown passes to become the sixth player
in NFL history with 350 career touchdown passes. In 13 seasons,
M
Manning has 320 touchdown passes.
P
PHILIP RIVERS, Los Angeles Chargers, needs 4,167 passing
d to
yards t become
b th seventh
the th player in NFL history to reach 50,000 career passing yards (see
E. Manning and Roethlisberger notes). In 13 seasons, Rivers has
45,833 passing yards.
Rivers has 3,811 career completions and needs 189 to become the
eighth player in NFL history with at least 4,000 completions (see
Roethlisberger note).
Rodgers can become the first quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 40 touchdowns in
three seasons (see Brees note). Rodgers has passed for at least 40 touchdowns in two seasons.
Rodgers has four seasons with at least 35 touchdown passes and can become the first player
in NFL history to pass for at least 35 touchdown passes in five seasons (see Brees and Brady
notes).
CARSON PALMER, Arizona, needs 15 touchdown passes to become the 11th player in NFL
history to reach 300 career touchdown passes (see Rodgers note). In 13 seasons, Palmer has
285 touchdown passes.
MATT RYAN, Atlanta, has passed for at least 4,000 yards in six
consecutive seasons and can become the second player in NFL
history with 4,000 passing yards in seven consecutive seasons,
joining Brees (11) (see Stafford note).
JAMEIS WINSTON, Tampa Bay, needs 35 touchdown passes to become the fourth player
in NFL history to pass for at least 85 touchdowns in his first three seasons. In two seasons,
Winston has 50 touchdown passes.
ADRIAN PETERSON, New Orleans, needs 10 rushing touchdowns to join LaDainian Tomlinson
(nine) as the only players in NFL history to rush for 10 touchdowns in at least nine different
seasons. Peterson is currently tied with Emmitt Smith (eight).
Peterson has six 200-yard rushing games in his career. He needs one 200-yard game to surpass
O.J. Simpson (six) for the most all-time.
Peterson needs three rushing touchdowns to become the ninth player in NFL history with 100
rushing touchdowns. In 10 seasons, Peterson has 97 rushing touchdowns.
Peterson needs 566 rushing yards to pass Thurman Thomas (12,074), Franco Harris (12,120),
Marcus Allen (12,243), Edgerrin James (12,246), Marshall Faulk (12,279) and Jim Brown (12,312)
to move into 10th all-time in rushing yards. In 10 seasons, Peterson has 11,747 rushing yards.
FRANK GORE, Indianapolis, needs 1,000 rushing yards to join Curtis Martin (10), Barry Sanders
THE PLAYERS
(10), Walter Payton (10) and E. Smith (11) as the only players in NFL
history to rush for 1,000 yards in at least 10 different seasons. In 12
seasons, Gore has rushed for 1,000 yards nine times.
Gore needs 935 rushing yards to become the fifth player in NFL
history to reach 14,000 career rushing yards. In 12 seasons, Gore
has 13,065 rushing yards.
Fitzgerald needs eight touchdown catches to pass Gonzalez (111) and Antonio Gates (111) and
move into sixth place all-time. In 13 seasons, Fitzgerald has 104 touchdown receptions.
BRANDON MARSHALL, New York Giants, needs 59 receptions to become the 15th player in
NFL history with 1,000 career catches. In 11 seasons, Marshall has 941 receptions.
MIKE EVANS, Tampa Bay, has at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons
and can become the third player in NFL history to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in each
of his first four seasons, joining A.J. Green and Randy Moss.
W
Witten needs 11 receptions to become the sixth player in NFL
h
history to record at least 1,100 career receptions. In 14 seasons,
W
Witten has 1,089 catches.
A
ANTONIO GATES (left), Los Angeles Chargers, needs one
to
touchdown catch to pass Gonzalez (111) for the most all-time by a
ti
tight end.
R
ROB GRONKOWSKI, New England, has three seasons with at
le
least 1,000 receiving yards and can join Gonzalez (four) and Witten
(f
(four) as the only tight ends with at least four seasons with 1,000
re
receiving yards.
J
JULIUS PEPPERS, Carolina, needs 6.5 sacks to become the
fo
fourth player with 150 sacks since the sack became an official
THE PLAYERS
statistic in 1982. In 15 seasons, Peppers has 143.5 sacks.
st
J.J. WATT (left), Houston, can increase his NFL record total of 20-
J
sack seasons. In six seasons, Watt has two seasons with 20 sacks,
sa
th
the most since the sack became an official statistic in 1982.
Watt has three seasons with at least 15 sacks and can tie Reggie
W
W
White (four) for the most seasons with at least 15 sacks since the
sa
sack became an official statistic in 1982.
W
Watt has led the league in sacks twice in his career and can
b
become the first player to lead the league three times since the
sa became an official statistic in 1982.
sack
E
ELVIS DUMERVIL, San Francisco, needs one sack to reach 100
ca
career sacks. In 10 seasons, Dumervil has recorded 99 sacks.
A
ADAM VINATIERI, Indianapolis, needs to convert 36 field goals
to pass Morten Andersen (565) for the most made field goals in
NFL history. In 21 seasons, Vinatieri has converted 530 field goals.
Vinatieri needs 22 points to become the third player in NFL history to record 2,400 career points.
In 21 seasons, Vinatieri has 2,378 points.
STEPHEN GOSTKOWSKI, New England, has led the league in scoring five times in his career
and can surpass Don Hutson (five) and Gino Cappelletti (five) as the only player to lead the
league in points scored six times.
Gostkowski has led the league in field goals three times in his career and can join Lou Groza
(five), Ward Cuff (four) and Jack Manders (four) as the only player to
lead the league in field goals at least four times.
With 30 field goals, Gostkowski will join David Akers (five) and John
Carney (five) as the only players in NFL history with five seasons of
30 or more field goals.
Bradys star has always shined the brightest during the playoffs.
He is the all-time postseason leader in career completions (831),
touchdown passes (63), passing yards (9,094) and wins by a
starting quarterback (25). In Super Bowl LI, Brady set single-
game records in pass attempts (62), completions (43) and
passing yards (466) en route to his NFL-record fourth Super
Bowl MVP Award.
On the way tto his fifth Super Bowl title as a starting quarterback
the most al
all-time Brady threw 28 touchdown passes with two
interceptio
interceptions in 2016, the highest single-season touchdown/
intercepti
p
interception ratio in NFL history.
HIGHEST SINGLE-SEASON TD/INT RATIOS
PLAYER TEAM SEASON TDs INTs TD/INT RATIO
Tom Brady NE 2016 28 2 14.0
Nick Foles PHI 2013 27 2 13.5
Josh McCown CHI 2013 13 1 13.0
that
Tom is able to put it all together better than any player
Ive ever coached. Putting all that together at once
in just a couple of seconds of time, he has to process it
once he gets the calls and gets to the line of scrimmage.
I think his preparation allows him to, in part, do that.
He has the football instincts as well. Hes a great role
model for all of us any player and any coach.
All of us.
-Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
THE PLAYERS
MATT RYAN: MVP MATT
Atlanta Pro Bowl quarterback MATT RYAN led the NFL with a 117.1
passer rating the fifth-best mark in NFL history and guided the
Falcons to a berth in Super Bowl LI. Ryan, who set franchise passing
records in yards (4,944), touchdowns (38) and passer rating (117.1),
was named the leagues Most Valuable Player and Offensive
Player of the Year.
second-longest such streak in NFL history. Ryan and Stafford can both
extend their streaks in 2017 and join DREW BREES (11) as the only
players to accomplish the feat in at least seven consecutive seasons.
11 Seasons 6 Seasons 6 Seasons
2006-2016* 1999-2004 2011-2016*
6 Seasons
2011-2016*
*Active Streak
about him. Im all in with Matt.
Entering 2017, Brees has 66,111 career passing yards, the third-most in NFL history. With
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
3,889 passing yards in 2017, Brees would become the third quarterback in NFL history to
reach 70,000 career passing yards, joining PEYTON MANNING and BRETT FAVRE.
laye
er
Entering 2017, Rodgers will attempt to become the first player
in NFL history to throw at least 40 touchdown passes in thr ree
three
different seasons.
Aaron Rodgers does things that no one in the league has ever done,
says New England quarterback TOM BRADY. Some of the t plays he
makes are just phenomenal. Everything looks effortless with
h him, which
st an
is the amazing part. He makes hard look easy. Hes just a incredible
player.
MOST SEASONS WITH 40+ TD PASSES
PLAYER TEAM(S) SEASONS WITH 40+ PASS TD YEARS
Dan Marino Miami 2 1984, 1986
Drew Brees New Orleans 2 2011, 2012
Peyton Manning Indianapolis, Denver 2 2004, 2013
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay 2 2011, 2016
The players with the highest career passer rating (min. 1,500 att.):
PLAYER TEAM(S) SEASONS RATING
Aaron Rodgers Green Bay 2005-2016 104.1*
Russell Wilson Seattle 2012-2016 99.6*
Tom Brady New England 2000-2016 97.2*
Tony Romo Dallas 2004-2016 97.1
Steve Young Tampa Bay, 1985-1999 96.8
San Francisco
*Active
THE PLAYERS
DEREK
DERE
EK CARR:
C FULL SPEED AHEAD
Oakland Pro Bowl quarterback DEREK CARR passed for 3,937 yards with
touch
hdow and six interceptions for a 96.7 passer rating in 2016, leading
28 touchdowns
Raid
ders to a 12-4 record and the teams first playoff berth since 2002.
the Raiders
se
A second-round draft choice by Oakland in 2014, Carr has 81 career
touc
touchdown passes and is one of five players in NFL history with
le
at least 80 touchdown passes in his first three seasons. He is the
onlyy player in league history with at least 80 touchdown passes
and fewer than 35 interceptions in his first three seasons.
Entering 2017, Winston (50 touchdown passes through his first two seasons) will aim to
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
join Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (98), Luck (86) and Manning (85) as the only
players in NFL history to pass for at least 85 touchdowns in his first three seasons.
Cowboy are the only team in NFL history to have a rookie pass for 20
The Cowboys
touchdowns (Prescott, 23) and a rookie rush for 15 touchdowns (Elliott,
sa
15) in the same season. Dallas is also the only club in league annals to
rook pass for at least 3,500 yards (Prescott, 3,667) and a rookie
have a rookie
l
rush for at least 1,500 yards (Elliott, 1,631) in the same season.
Presco and Elliott were named to the Pro Bowl, marking the first
Both Prescott
fran
time in franchise history two rookies were selected to the All Star game
in the same season.
Prescott tied the NFL rookie record with 13 wins (BEN ROETHLISBERGER,
p
2004) and posted a 104.9 passer rating, the highest single-season rating
by a rookie quarterback in league history. Prescott had 11 games with a
100+ passer rating, the most ever by a rookie.
Prescott began his career with 176 pass attempts without an interception, surpassing TOM
BRADY (162) for the longest streak to begin a career in NFL history. Prescott finished the season
with four interceptions in 459 attempts and his 0.9 interception percentage is the best ever by a
rookie quarterback. He completed 311 of 459 attempts for a 67.8 completion percentage, passing
Roethlisberger (66.4) for the highest single-season completion percentage by a rookie in NFL
history.
In Weeks 9-13 (November 6 to December 1), Prescott had a streak of five consecutive games with
at least one touchdown pass and no interceptions, the only rookie in NFL history to accomplish
the feat.
Obviously, I couldnt have done this without Zeke, said Prescott when he was named the
NFLs Offensive Rookie of the Year. The defense honed in on him which made my job easier. He
deserves this award just as much as I do, from his yards, his catches, the way he handled things
in the backfield. It was always together as a team. Without Zeke, I dont win this.
THE PLAYERS
Elliott led the NFL with 1,631 rushing yards and became the fifth rookie
ro
ookie
since the 1970 merger and first since EDGERRIN N JAMES in 1999 to
lead the league in rushing. Elliotts 1,631 rushing yards are the thir
rd-
third-
ro Football Hall of
most in a single season by a rookie, trailing only Pro o
Famer ERIC DICKERSON (1,808) and GEORGE ROGERS OGERS (1,674).
MOST SINGLE-SEASON RUSHING YARDS BY ROOKIE
PLAYER TEAM YEAR RUSH
USH YARDS
Eric Dickerson Los Angeles Rams 1983 1,808
George Rogers New Orleans 1981 1,674
Ezekiel Elliott Dallas 2016 1,631
Elliott had five games with at least 130 rushing yards, tying Dickersoon (1983)
Dickerson
and MIKE ANDERSON (2000) for the most by a rookie ie in a single season.
s
In Weeks 3-6 (September 25 to October 16), Elliott had ad a streak ofo four
consecutive games with at least 130 rushing yards and is the only roo okie in
rookie
NFL history to accomplish the feat.
Elliott finished his rookie season with 1,994 scrimmage yards, the third-highest total by a rookie
in a season in NFL history. Only Dickerson (2,212 in 1983) and James (2,139 in 1999) had more.
One of the most astounding statistics that Ive seen in football in the
he
e
last 25 years is the amount of young quarterbacks that are playing g
early and playing well, says ESPN NFL analyst and former NFL head
coach JON GRUDEN. They are coming into the league much more
se
es.
accomplished in terms of throwing the football and recognizing defenses.
DAK PRESCOTT of the Dallas Cowboys and CARSON WENTZ (right) ghtt) of the
Philadelphia Eagles each started all 16 games as rookies in 2016, an andd have
proven that young quarterbacks can play early and succeed in todays ays NFL.
k 1 game
The league has now had at least one rookie quarterback start in a Week
in nine consecutive seasons, the longest streak since at least 1950.
Prescott and Wentz are two of the many young quarterbacks taking the NFL by storm. Third-year
WIN
quarterbacks JAMEIS WINSTON of Tampa Bay and MARCUS MARIOTA (left) of Tennessee,
f
along with fourth-year quarterback DEREK CARR of Oakland, all hope to build
ex
e
on their experience entering 2017.
se
e
Last season, Winston passed for 4,090 yards and became the first player in
h
NFL history to record at least 4,000 passing yards in each of his first two
seaas
seasons (4,042 yards as a rookie in 2015). He has 50 career touchdown
paa
passes and became the fifth player in league history to throw at least
5 touchdown passes in his first two seasons.
50
Mari
Mariota threw multiple touchdown passes in eight consecutive games
from Weeks 5-12 in 2016, the second-longest single-season streak in
h
NFL history by a quarterback in his first two seasons, trailing only Pro
Footbaal Hall of Famer DAN MARINOs streak of 10 games in 1984. He also
Football
becam the first quarterback in NFL history to have three games with a
became
700
70.0+ completion percentage, at least four touchdown passes and no
interceptions in his first two seasons.
THE PLAYERS
A few of the rising stars at quarterback who were drafted since 2014:
Johnson had 1,239 rushing yards and 879 receiving yards, becoming only the fourth different
player in league history to have at least 1,200 rushing yards and 800 receiving yards in a single
season.
PLAYER (SEASON) TEAM RUSH YDS REC YDS
Marshall Faulk (1999) St. Louis 1,381 1,048
Steven Jackson (2006) St. Louis 1,528 806
Marshall Faulk (1998) Indianapolis 1,319 908
LeVeon Bell (2014) Pittsburgh 1,361 854
Marshall Faulk (2000) St. Louis 1,359 830
David Johnson (2016) Arizona 1,239 879
In 2016, Johnson joined Pro Football Hall of
Fame running back BARRY SANDERS
(1997) as the only players to have
at least 100 scrimmage yards in
15 consecutive games in a single season.
Last year marked the second time in his career that Fitzgerald
led the league in receptions (103 catches in 2005). He is the
first player in NFL history to lead the NFL in catches at least 10
years apart. Prior to Fitzgerald, the longest such span was six
years by Rice (1990 and 1996).
er.
career game. He had more receptions (1,116) in his first 200 career
the
l ev
games than any other player in NFL history. Rice held the previous
mark with 1,115 catches in his first 200 games.
y is
l Bi resid dina
ill nt
arr
Fitzgerald has 1,125 career receptions, the third-most in NFL
r
e
Mic nals Ca
history. He has 14,389 career receiving yards the ninth-most gre hink L
dw
ever and needs 904 yards to move into third-place on the
t
p
leagues all-time list. Fitzgeralds 104 career touchdown catches are
- Ca ate
s
I t
hae
the eight-most in NFL history and he is one of only six players to
rdi
Entering 2017, Fitzgerald has a catch in 195 consecutive regular-season games, the
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
third-longest streak in NFL history. If he records a catch in all 16 games this season,
he will tie TONY GONZALEZ (211) for the second-longest streak all-time.
MOST CONSECUTIVE GAMES WITH A CATCH
274 games 211 games 195 games*
(1985-2004) (2000-13) (2004-present)
* Active streak
THE PLAYERS
ANTONIO BROWN: BROWN ON THE MOVE
Pittsburgh wide receiver ANTONIO BROWN ranked second in the NFL with 106 catches in
2016, marking his fourth consecutive season with at least 100 receptions, tying Pro Football Hall
of Famer MARVIN HARRISON (1999-2002) for the most consecutive 100-catch seasons in NFL
history.
MOST CONSECUTIVE SEASONS WITH 100+ CATCHES
PLAYER SEASONS TEAM CONSEC. SEASONS
Antonio Brown 2013-2016 Pittsburgh 4*
Marvin Harrison 1999-2002 Indianapolis 4
Brandon Marshall 2007-2009 Denver 3
Wes Welker 2007-2009 New England 3
Herman Moore 1995-1997 Detroit 3
Jerry Rice 1994-1996 San Francisco 3
*Active streak
Brown, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, finished the 2016
season with 106 receptions for 1,284 yards and 12 touchdowns
and became the sixth player in NFL history to record at least
90 receptions, 1,100 receiving yards and 10 touchdown catches
in three consecutive seasons.
Since 2013, Brown has totaled 481 catches, the most receptions
by a player over any four-year span in NFL history, surpassing
Harrison (469 catches from 1999-2002).
Hes one of the best in the business, and the plays that
he makes and has made over his career are so special.
We wouldnt be in the places we are without him.
Beckham is the only player in NFL history to record at least 80 catches and 1,000 receiving yards
in each of his first three seasons and joined JOHN JEFFERSON (1978-1980) and RANDY
MOSS (1998-2000) as the only players to have at least 1,000 receiving yards and 10 touchdown
catches in each of their first three NFL seasons. Beckham will attempt to join Moss (1998-2001)
as the only players to accomplish the feat in each of their first four seasons.
Beck
Beckhams 288 career receptions are tied with Miamis JARVISS
L
LANDRY who played with Beckham in college at LSU
for the most ever by a player in his first three seasons.
RECEPTIONS IN 1ST 3 SEASONS
PLAYER (YEARS) TEAM RECEPTIONS
Odell Beckham, Jr. (2014-16) NYG 288
Jarvis Landry (2014-16) MIA 288
A.J. Green (2011-13) CIN 260
Anquan Boldin (2003-05) AZ 259
DeAndre Hopkins (2013-15) HOU 239
The fifth overall selection in the 2014 Draft, Mack has excelled at
putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leading the NFL with
26 sacks since 2015.
Mack was the only player in the NFL in 2016 with at least
10 sacks (11) and an interception-return touchdown. He
was one of four players in the NFL last season with at
least 10 sacks and five forced fumbles.
Steelers QB
Ben Roethlisberger
Colts QB
Andrew Luck
THE PLAYERS
ROOKIES EXCEL
The 2016 season continued a strong NFL trend of standout rookie play, with many young
contributors on offense, defense and special teams.
Dallas quarterback DAK PRESCOTT recorded a 104.9 passer rating in 2016, the highest single-
season passer rating by a rookie in NFL history, earning the leagues Offensive Rookie of the
Year Award. Prescott helped guide the Cowboys to a 13-3 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC,
tying BEN ROETHLISBERGER (13 in 2004) for the most wins by a rookie starting quarterback
in NFL history.
Prescott was joined in the Dallas backfield by running back EZEKIEL ELLIOTT, who led the
NFL with 1,631 rushing yards in 2016, the third-highest single-season total by a rookie in NFL
history trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer ERIC DICKERSON (1,808 in 1983) and GEORGE
ROGERS (1,674 in 1981).
Dallas became the only team in NFL history to have a rookie pass for 20 touchdowns (Prescott,
23) and a rookie rush for 15 touchdowns (Elliott, 15) in the same season.
Philadelphia quarterback CARSON WENTZ set the NFL record for most completions by a
rookie (379), surpassing SAM BRADFORD (354 in 2010). Chicagos JORDAN HOWARD
(left) ranked second in the NFL with 1,313 rushing yards and joined Elliott as the first pair of
rookies
rook
ro okie
iess to finish
finn
nis
ish rs and second in the league in rushing yards since PAUL
ish first
ROBINSON
ROBI
RO BINS
NSONON (1,023)
((1,
1,0
,0
023
02 3 and ROBERT HOLMES (866) of the AFL in 1968.
On defense,
def
defen se,, Chargers
ense Cha
Ch
C a defensive end JOEY BOSA led all rookies with
10.5
10.5 sacks,
sac
s ackks,, the highest total by a rookie since ALDON SMITH
ks
k
(14)
((14)) in
in 2011, despite appearing in only 12 games. Jacksonville
defensive
de ef end YANNICK NGAKOUE made an impact
on n the Jaguars defensive line and was the only rookie in
the
he NFL with at least eight sacks (eight) and four forced
th
fumbles
fu
u (four).
Kansas
K City wide receiver and return specialist TYREEK
HILL
H joined Pro Football Hall of Famer GALE SAYERS as
the
t only players with at least five receiving touchdowns
(six),
(six
((s ), three
ix), thr ee rushing
three ru touchdowns (three), a punt-return touchdown
(two)
(two
((t wo)) and
and a kick-return
kiic touchdown (one) in a single season.
Hill
Hill was
was among
a
amo ng four outstanding rookies to earn a Pro Bowl selection
mon
n
in 2016,
201
2 6, along
016, alo
a g with Elliott, Howard and Prescott.
long
ng
Additionally,
Addi
Ad diti
tion
onal ly,, six
ally s rookies started in Super Bowl LI, including four
Falcons
Falc
Fa lcon
ons s defenders
defe
de feen (DEVONDRE CAMPBELL, DEION JONES,
KEANU
KEAN
KE ANU U NEAL
NEA
NE AL and BRIAN POOLE) and two members of the Patriots
A
offense
offe
offens
nse (MA
MAL LC
L
e (MALCOLM MITCHELL and JOE THUNEY). The Falcons
became
beca
be me the
came the fifirrst
r team in NFL history to start four rookies on defense
in a Super
Sup
S per Bowl.
uper Bo
B ow
o
THE PLAYERS
Below are just a few of the notable accomplishments by the NFLs 2016 rookie class:
Double-threat running backs not only force defenses to be ready for anything, but they allow
offenses to keep their best playmakers on the field in any situation.
Ive been very fortunate to be around guys like David Johnson, MARSHALL FAULK and
EDGERRIN JAMES, says Arizona head coach BRUCE ARIANS. Its fun to coach them
because theyre like a toy. You can do so many things and change them any way you want.
More and more offenses are relying on these dual-threat runners to keep the chains moving.
Nine running backs gained more than 1,000 rushing yards while registering at least 30 catches
in 2016.
Last season, Tampa Bay wide receiver MIKE EVANS (left) was
targeted 173 times, the most in the NFL.
When your superstars are making plays for you, it gives everyone
, says
else around an extra boost of confidence, y Winston. The more
ing up to Mikes level, the scarier our offense
we can get people playing
can be.
- Giants quarterback
rbac
ck Eli Manning
You want yards after the catch, says Kansas City head coach ANDY
REID. Thats especially important in the short and intermediate
game.
Pittsburgh running back LEVEON BELL (right) led the league with
685 yards after the catch last season, his second time leading the
league in the past three years (2014).
Kansas City tight end TRAVIS KELCE led NFL tight ends with 653
yards after the catch last year, the most in a season by a tight end
since New Englands ROB GRONKOWSKI had 637 yards in 2011.
ys
s
Weve come to look to him for big plays, catch-and-run plays, says
Chiefs assistant head coach BRAD CHILDRESS. A lot of guys can an
n
catch and fall down. But he has the ability to catch it and make
yards after the catch.
Detroit wide receiver GOLDEN TATE led all wide receivers with 6355y ards
ards a
yards aft
fter
er the
after the cat
catch
ch iin
catch n
en at
2016. In two of the past three seasons (2014), Tates name has been atop
op tthe
he wwid
ide
id
widee re
rece
ceiv
iver
er
receiver
leaderboard in the category.
PLAYERS WITH MOST YARDS AFTER CATCH IN 2016
PLAYER TEAM POS YAC REC YARDS AVG TD
LeVeon Bell Pittsburgh RB 685 75 616 8.2 2
David Johnson Arizona RB 659 80 879 11.0 4
Travis Kelce Kansas City TE 653 85 1,125 13.2 4
Golden Tate Detroit WR 635 91 1,077 11.8 4
Jarvis Landry Miami WR 634 94 1,136 12.1 4
Cardinals RB Lions WR
David Johnson Golden Tate
Chiefs TE Dolphins WR
Travis Kelce Jarvis Landry
THE PLAYERS
MOVING THE CHAINS
MOV
A precise route can be the difference between a game-
c
changing play and an appearance by the punt team. Its a
sk
skill for a receiver to know exactly where he needs to go in
ord
order to move the chains and keep a drive going. On third
dow
down, the best receivers carefully gauge each step to ensure
thei
their routes finish beyond the first-down marker.
Tampa Bay Pro Bowl wide receiver MIKE EVANS (left) led all
receive on third down with 28 first-down catches in 2016. He
receivers
had 20 fir
first-down receptions on third down in 2015, the 10th most
in the NFL.
wha Mike is capable of and hes really just scratching the
I know what
s
surface, says Tampa Bay offensive coordinator TODD MONKEN.
be
I really believe that. We have a huge tendency and that is to throw
it to a gre
great player. I like that tendency. Thats what you should do.
If you have a really good running back, you give him the ball. If you
have a really good receiver, you find a way to get him the ball.
Hes their big-play guy, always capable of changing the complexion off a g
gam
am
me,
e,
game, sa
says
ys
Brown about Hilton.
The top
The top five big
big
bigpplay
play
y receivers and rushers in 2016:
play
P
PLAYER
PLAY 2016 TEAM 20+ YARD RECEPTIONS
ONS
Hilton
T.Y. H
T Colts 28
Julio Jones
J Falcons 27
Anto
A
Antonio Brown Steelers 22
Amari
Amar Cooper
A Raiders 21
Odel
O
Odell Beckham, Jr. Giants 20
Giants WR Raiders WR
Odell Beckham, Jr. Amari Cooper
PLA
PLAYER
A 2016 TEAM 20+ YARD RUSHES
S
Ezek
Eze
Ezekiel Elliott Cowboys 14
LeSe
LeSean McCoy Bills 11
Jay Ajayi Dolphins 10
Jord Howard
Jordan Bears 10
Isaia
Isaiah Crowell Browns 8
Bears RB Browns RB
Jordan Howard Isaiah Crowell
THE PLAYERS
MANY HAPPY RETURNS
URN
NS Jaguars WR
Marqise Lee
The 2016 season featured many exciting plays in the return
urn game,
as both established veterans and explosive young stars pro
ovided
provided
exhilarating action throughout the season.
Kansas City rookie TYREEK HILL led the NFL with a 15.2 yards rds
ha
per punt return average and was the only player to have both
punt-return touchdown (two) and a kickoff-return touchdown wn
SAYE
(one) in 2016. Hill joined Pro Football Hall of Famer GALE SAYERSERS
as the only players with at least five receiving touchdowns (six)
((six),
) three
),
rushing touchdowns (three), a punt-return touchdown (two) wo)) and
a a
kick-return touchdown (one) in a single season.
Th
The
he defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots restocked via trade,
accquiring WR BRANDIN COOKS from New Orleans, TE DWAYNE ALLEN
acquiring
fr Indianapolis and DE KONY EALY from Carolina. In Jacksonville, the
rom Indianap
from
Jaguars lured CB A.J. BOUYE who tied for fourth in the AFC with 16 passes
J
defensed in 2016 from the Texans, while TE MARTELLUS BENNETT
d
((left) joined Green Bay after catching seven touchdowns for the Patriots last
season.
s
Once I foun
found out about it, I was thankful for the opportunity to play in New
Orleans and the opportunity they gave me there, says Cooks on the trade
O
tthat sent him to New England. I was ecstatic to be able to come play for an
organization like New England and play for a guy like Coach Belichick, Tom
o
Brady and M
B Mr. Kraft and his family.
S
Several nota
notable running backs were on the move during the offseason,
headlined by LE GARRETTE BLOUNT (Philadelphia), JAMAAL CHARLES
h
Denver), E
(D
(Denver), EDDIE LACY (Seattle), MARSHAWN LYNCH (Oakland),
LATAVIUS M
L MURRAY (Minnesota) and ADRIAN PETERSON (New Orleans).
A nu
umber of form
number former Pro Bowlers will don a new uniform this season, including wide
receeivers DE SE
receivers SEAN JACKSON (Tampa Bay), ALSHON JEFFERY (Philadelphia)
andd BRANDON MARSHALL (New York Giants), tight end JULIUS THOMAS
(Miaami), tackles RUSSELL OKUNG (Los Angeles Chargers) and ANDREW
(Miami),
WHI TWORTH (Los Angeles Rams), defensive ends CALAIS CAMPBELL
WHITWORTH
(J k ill ) and
(Jacksonville) d JULIUS PEPPERS (Carolina), defensive tackle DONTARI POE (Atlanta)
and linebackers ZACH BROWN (Washington) and LAWRENCE TIMMONS (Miami).
PLAYER NEW TEAM 2016 TEAM PLAYER NEW TEAM 2016 TEAM
TE Dwayne Allen NE IND DT Tim Jernigan PHI BAL
CB Prince Amukamara CHI JAX FB Kyle Juszczyk SF BAL
DE Chris Baker TB WAS RB Eddie Lacy SEA GB
TE Martellus Bennett GB NE G T.J. Lang DET GB
RB LeGarrette Blount PHI NE DT Bennie Logan KC PHI
CB A.J. Bouye JAX HOU RB Marshawn Lynch OAK (Retired) SEA
WR Kenny Britt CLE LAR WR Jeremy Maclin BAL KC
LB Zach Brown WAS BUF WR Brandon Marshall NYG NYJ
DE Calais Campbell JAX AZ QB Josh McCown NYJ CLE
RB Jamaal Charles DEN KC RB Latavius Murray MIN OAK
S Barry Church JAX DAL T Russell Okung LAC DEN
CB Morris Claiborne NYJ DAL QB Brock Osweiler CLE HOU
TE Jared Cook OAK GB DE Julius Peppers CAR GB
WR Brandin Cooks NE NO RB Adrian Peterson NO MIN
S Johnathan Cyprien TEN JAX DT Dontari Poe ATL KC
WR Eric Decker TEN NYJ WR Terrelle Pryor, Sr. WAS CLE
DE Kony Ealy NE CAR T Riley Reiff MIN DET
WR Pierre Garon SF WAS CB Logan Ryan TEN NE
CB Stephon Gilmore NE BUF DE Jabaal Sheard IND NE
QB Mike Glennon CHI TB WR Torrey Smith PHI SF
DT Johnathan Hankins IND NYG TE Julius Thomas MIA JAX
LB David Harris NE NYJ LB Lawrence Timmons MIA PIT
QB Brian Hoyer SF CHI G Larry Warford NO DET
S Micah Hyde BUF GB T Andrew Whitworth LAR CIN
WR DeSean Jackson TB WAS CB Tramon Williams AZ CLE
S Tony Jefferson BAL AZ G Kevin Zeitler CLE CIN
WR Alshon Jeffrey PHI CHI C Jeremy Zuttah SF BAL
Jets QB
Josh McCown Jaguars CB
A.J. Bouye
Browns WR
Kenny Britt
THE PLAYERS
NOT DRAFTED? NOT A PROBLEM
EM
How does an undrafted player develop into an NFL star?
Broncos cornerback CHRIS HARRIS JR. (right) never forgets being overlooked.
o
That motivates me a lot, says Harris. Just not having any offers coming
ming
out of high school until finally getting one offer to Kansas, and then n
just the way I came into the league and nobody thought I could be in
the NFL, that just all stays with me.
th,, says
It doesnt add up, but thats my path and thats what I had to deal with,
Wake. Its definitely different. You look around the locker room and se ee the
see
super blue-chip first-rounders. I didnt come in with a silver spoon myy spoon
o work
was all bent, dirty and rusty. I had to scratch and claw twice. I had to w my
way up in Canada, then hit the reset button when I got to Miami.
Wake
Bennett
Hekker
H ek
kker Tucker
THE PLAYERS
Quarterback KURT WARNER, a member of the Class of 2017, is one of 17 undrafted players
enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After failing to make the Packers as an undrafted free
agent, Warner would resurface four years later with the St. Louis Rams. In 1999, at the age of 28,
Warner would make his first start as an NFL quarterback beginning his Hall of Fame campaign.
I tell all these guys when I talk to them, whether they are playing for some big school or some
small school, I dont care where you came from, says Tennessee general manager JON
ROBINSON. If you can play football, if you can buy into our philosophy, our style of football,
then you can play for the Tennessee Titans.
Arizona running back DAVID JOHNSON who last year led the NFL with 2,118 scrimmage
yards and was named to his first Pro Bowl was drafted by the Cardinals in the third round of
the 2015 NFL Draft out of Northern Iowa.
NFL teams continue to scout at all levels looking to find talent. The Philadelphia Eagles traded
up and used the No. 2 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to select quarterback CARSON WENTZ
(right) out of North Dakota State.
it doesnt matter.
Everyone is bigger, I always had confidence
faster, stronger in in myself. The biggest
the NFL. Obviously, we thing is when I went to
believe at the FCS level the Senior Bowl and
DAVID JOHNSON
that there is a lot of I was able to size
good talent, and you myself up against
are playing a lot of those guys. I didnt
good competition. have a chance until
I went to the Senior
Bowl. But after the
Senior Bowl, I knew
for a fact I was going
to be able to be
successful.
THE PLAYERS
A sampling of some of the most productive and high-profile small-school stars in the NFL today:
PLAYER, TEAM COLLEGE CAREER HIGHLIGHT
S Mike Adams, Car. Delaware Named to 2 Pro Bowls; led Colts with 79 tackles in 2016
S Antoine Bethea, AZ Howard Three-time All-Star; started all 162 career games
CB Justin Bethel, AZ Presbyterian Three-time All-Star
CB Malcolm Butler, NE West Alabama Named to 2016 Pro Bowl; had game-sealing INT in SB XLIX
CB Brandon Carr, Bal. Grand Valley State 15 career INTs; started all 144 career games
WR Victor Cruz, Chi. Massachusetts Set NYG season record with 1,536 receiving yards in 2011
LS Zak DeOssie, NYG Brown Two-time All-Star as long snapper
QB Joe Flacco, Bal. Delaware Super Bowl XLVII MVP; club-record 182 career TD passes
LB Jerrell Freeman, Chi. Mary Hardin-Baylor Has 100+ tackles in 4 of 5 career seasons
LB Junior Galette, Was. Stillman Recorded 10+ sacks in 2013 (12) and 2014 (10)
WR Pierre Garon, SF Mount Union NFL-best 113 rec. in 2013; 600+ rec. yards in 8 of 9 seasons
CB Brent Grimes, TB Shippensburg Four-time All-Star; has 4+ INTs in each of past 4 seasons
DE William Hayes, Mia. Winston-Salem State Second on team with 5 sacks last season; 34.5 career sacks
WR/RS Tyreek Hill, KC West Alabama Led NFL with 3 return TDs (2 PR, 1 KR) as rookie last season
CB Janoris Jenkins, NYG North Alabama Named to 2017 Pro Bowl; has 13 career INTs
RB David Johnson, AZ Northern Iowa Led NFL in TDs (20) & scrimmage yards (2,118) in 2016
FB Kyle Juszczyk, SF Harvard Named to 2017 Pro Bowl; has 6 career TDs
P Marquette King, Oak. Fort Valley State Ranked 2nd in AFC last season with 48.6 yard punt avg.
CB Josh Norman, Was. Coastal Carolina Has 49 passes defensed since 2014, tied for 2nd-most in NFL
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, NYG Tennessee State Had career-high & team leading 6 INTs last season
WR Adam Thielen, Min. Minn. State-Mankato Led team with career-high 967 rec. yards in 2016
TE Julius Thomas, Mia. Portland State Two-time All-Star; posted 12 TD receptions in 2013 & 2014
FB Mike Tolbert, Buf. Coastal Carolina Named to 3 Pro Bowls, incl. each of past 2 (2016 & 2017)
K Adam Vinatieri, Ind. South Dakota State Three-time All-Star; has 4 Super Bowl victories
TE Delanie Walker, Ten. Central Missouri Two-time All-Star; has 800+ rec. yards in each of past 3 seasons
S Lardarius Webb, Bal. Nicholls State Has 13 career INTs, incl. at least 1 in each of past 7 seasons
QB Carson Wentz, Phi. North Dakota State Passed for 3,782 yards & 16 TDs as rookie in 2016
RB Charcandrick West, KC Abilene Christian Led Chiefs with 634 rush yards in 2015
RB Danny Woodhead, Bal. Chadron State Has 16 rec. TDs since 2012, most by NFL RB
LB Paul Worrilow, Det. Delaware Led Falcons in tackles in 3 of past 4 seasons
Bills FB
Mike Tolbert
Redskins CB
Josh Norman
49ers WR
Pierre Garon
THE PLAYERS
PROTECTING THE QUARTERBACK
PROTECTI
Redskins T Protecting tthe quarterback is vital to NFL success.
Brandon Scherff
I have alalways felt that the offensive line is the heartbeat for a
franchis
franchise,
se says FOX NFL analyst and Pro Football Hall of Fame
quarte
er
quarterback TROY AIKMAN. If youve got tough, physical
offe ns
offensive linemen, then your team is going to be tough and
phy ys
physical. That becomes what your identity is.
W
With such a premium placed on keeping the quarterback
out of harms way, it is no surprise that teams have made
it a priority to draft offensive tackles. In the past four NFL
Draft ts, there have been a total of 16 offensive tackles drafted in
Drafts,
the firstt rround, including six in the top 10 picks.
Last season, the three teams with the fewest sacks allowed in the regular season OAKLAND
(18), PITTSBURGH (21) and the NEW YORK GIANTS (22) all won at least 11 games and
earned postseason berths. The NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, who allowed the fifth-fewest
sacks in the league with 24, finished with an NFL-best 14-2 record and won Super Bowl LI.
Speaking of early success, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end JOEY BOSA
tied for first in the league in tackles for loss and recorded 10.5 sacks as a rookie,
despite playing in only 12 games.
I was humbled to receive the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award because it is an honor that
is decided by the players themselves, says Woodson, who presented the 2016 Award to Gore
at the NFL Honors ceremony in Houston the night before Super Bowl LI. Frank Gore is a
combination of power and speed, who could run around you or through you. But hes also the
first guy to offer you a hand to get you back on your feet.
Gore received a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation which went to his high school (Coral
Gables) football booster club and the Church Gospel Arena International Ministry.
A 12-year NFL veteran, Gore ranks eighth in NFL history with 13,065 rushing yards and is one
of only five players in league annals with at least 13,000 rushing yards and 400 receptions in
his career. Gore joined the Colts prior to the 2015 season after a 10-year stint with the San
Francisco 49ers, where he rushed for a franchise record 11,073 yards and 64 touchdowns. A
five-time Pro Bowler and 2006 AP All-Pro selection, he was a third-round draft choice of San
Francisco in 2005.
Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award. A panel of former players from the
NFL Legends Community selected eight finalists (four in the AFC; four in the NFC) from the 32
nominees. The panel of Legends Coordinators was comprised of WARRICK DUNN, CURTIS
MARTIN, KARL MECKLENBURG and LEONARD WHEELER.
THE PLAYERS
The eight finalists were listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the Art Rooney Sportsmanship
Award. From the finalists, each teams players submitted a consensus vote of their choice for
the winner. As in Pro Bowl voting, a team could not vote for its own player.
To commemorate the honor, Gore was presented on-stage with The Art Rooney Trophy, which
represents the important role that sportsmanship plays in the game and how NFL players that
demonstrate integrity and honor on the field serve as role models for other players at all levels.
The award design was inspired by the upward arc of a football in motion and contains a gold
line embedded in glass that represents the path of sportsmanship throughout a career. Etched
into the award are the words integrity, honor, respect, and fairness, the values that
define excellent sportsmanship.
The eight finalists, featuring four players from each conference, were linebacker BRIAN
CUSHING (Houston), Gore, tight end GREG OLSEN (Carolina), linebacker JULIUS PEPPERS
(Green Bay), running back DARREN SPROLES (Philadelphia), tackle JOE STALEY (San
Francisco), linebacker DE MARCUS WARE (Denver) and guard/tackle MARSHAL YANDA
(Baltimore).
The 32 player nominees for the 2016 Art Rooney Sponsorship Award (finalists listed in bold/
italics):
TEAM NOMINEE TEAM NOMINEE
Arizona Cardinals DT Calais Campbell Los Angeles Rams DE Robert Quinn
Atlanta Falcons FB Patrick DiMarco Miami Dolphins T Branden Albert
Baltimore Ravens G Marshal Yanda Minnesota Vikings CB Terence Newman
Buffalo Bills DT Kyle Williams New England Patriots S Devin McCourty
Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen New Orleans Saints T Zach Strief
Chicago Bears LB Sam Acho New York Giants WR Victor Cruz
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green New York Jets WR Brandon Marshall
Cleveland Browns T Joe Thomas Oakland Raiders QB Derek Carr
Dallas Cowboys CB Brandon Carr Philadelphia Eagles RB Darren Sproles
Denver Broncos LB DeMarcus Ware Pittsburgh Steelers LB Arthur Moats
Detroit Lions S Glover Quin San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers
Green Bay Packers LB Julius Peppers San Francisco 49ers T Joe Staley
Houston Texans LB Brian Cushing Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett
Indianapolis Colts RB Frank Gore Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy
Jacksonville Jaguars LB Paul Posluszny Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota
Kansas City Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson Washington Redskins QB Kirk Cousins
THE PLAYERS
HEY BROTHER
The NFL is a family game for players, coaches and fans. Not only can they all share the experience,
but brothers also can share the field and sidelines.
New England is the only team in the NFL which has two sets of
brothers sharing a locker room tight end ROB and fullback
GLENN GRONKOWSKI, along with rookies CODY and
JACOB HOLLISTER. Brothers MATT and RYAN KALIL
are the only other teammate brothers in the NFL this season
and they will share space on the offensive line in Carolina.
On Kickoff Weekend, Seattle defensive end MICHAEL BENNETT will face his brother, Green
Bay tight end MARTELLUS BENNETT, who signed witht the Packers this offseason.
So, who did NFL players select as their favorite player to watch?
Hes poetic and fiery at the same time, says Chicago Bears tight
end ZACH MILLER about Brady. He plays with a ton of passion
and enjoys it. Its almost poetic to watch him out there and dish the
ball around.
His poise and the way he carries himself is incredible, adds Green
Bay Packers cornerback DAMARIOUS RANDALL about Brady. I grew
up a Patriots fan and to see his success over the years is great.
A SAMPLING OF NFL PLAYERS FAVORITE PLAYERS TO WATCH
PLAYER, TEAM PLAYER HE LIKES TO WATCH
Martellus Bennett, Green Bay Michael Bennett. Hes the best defensive player in the NFL. Theres no
way around it.
Jurrell Casey, Tennessee J.J. Watt. I love his mindset. He goes full every game and, as a fellow
defensive lineman, I like to watch his battles.
Landon Collins, NY Giants Ha Ha Clinton Dix because he is one the best free safeties in the league
and he just loves the game so much.
Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Aaron Rodgers because he has one of the biggest arms, he can create
plays and he does it all.
Robbie Gould, San Francisco Odell Beckham, Jr. Hes probably the most electrifying player at any
position in the game.
Tony Jefferson, Baltimore Patrick Peterson. He follows the best receiver every game, and he does a
heck of a job at it.
David Johnson, Arizona I would say LeVeon Bell because of his ability to be patient as a runner
and because of how effective he is as a receiver out of the backfield, running
routes and catching the ball.
Brandon LaFell, Cincinnati Julio Jones because you dont see too many guys with that size that can
run and jump. He can do it all. Hes just a freak of nature.
Zach Miller, Chicago Tom Brady. Hes poetic and fiery at the same time. He plays with a ton of
passion and enjoys it. Its almost poetic to watch him out there and dish the
ball around.
Brian Peters, Houston I enjoy watching Luke Kuechly, just from his anticipation, communication
and the speed he plays with. I really enjoy watching him play.
Damarious Randall, Green Bay Tom Brady. His poise and the way he carries himself is incredible. I
grew up a Patriots fan and to see his success over the years is great.
Robert Woods, LA Rams DeSean Jackson because of the way that he plays the receiver position.
THE PLAYERS
WHY I CHOSE MY NUMBER
For some NFL players, their jersey number is just a number. But for others, it carries a special
significance.
Oakland Raiders quarterback DEREK CARR and Houston Texans cornerback ROBERT
NELSON chose their numbers because of two Pro Football Hall of Famers.
Carr selected the No. 4 because of BRETT FAVRE and how he played the game while Nelson
selected the No. 21 because DEION SANDERS is his all-time favorite player.
That means the world to me because I wear No. 4 because of you, Carr said after Favre told
him that he loves watching him play. I love the way that you played and I was able to watch it
first-hand growing up. That means everything to me. You have no idea.
THE REASONING BEHIND SOME NFL PLAYERS NUMBERS
PLAYER, TEAM POS. NO. EXPLANATION
Christian Covington, DE 95 Covington selected his number because it is his high school
Houston football number (56) upside down.
Corey Davis, WR 84 Davis requested 84 because of ties to his grandfathers birthday.
Tennessee
Bucky Hodges, TE 84 Hodges selected 84 because Randy Moss was his favorite player
Minnesota growing up.
Latavius Murray, RB 25 Murray requested 25 after signing with the Vikings to honor his
Minnesota best friend and former college teammate, Jonathan Diaz, who
passed away last Thanksgiving.
Danny Shelton, DL 55 Shelton switched to 55 in tribute to his late brother, Skeevie, who
Cleveland wore the number and because of legendary Polynesian LB Junior
Seau.
D.J. Swearinger, S 36 Swearinger chose 36 to honor former Redskins Pro Bowl safety
Washington Sean Taylor.
Michael Thomas, WR 88 Thomas switched from 13 to 88 to honor his late grandmother,
LA Rams whose favorite number was 88.
SOLOMO
SOLOMON ON THOMAS, the No. 3 overall
pick of th
the
he 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft,
spent timee tr
training with the recently-retired
DeMarcus s Ware.
W Because of Wares impact,
Thomas ch changed his 49ers jersey from
96 toto 94 Wares number when he
played
pla
aye to pay homage to his new
men
m
mentor.
MITCHELL TRUBISKY, the No.
2 overall selection in the 2017
NFL Draft, chose 10 because that
is the number his father wore
throughout high school and
college.
THE PLAYERS
VISITORS PASS: FAVORITE NFL STADIUMS
Its great to have home-field advantage, but road trips have their perks, too. Traveling to stadiums
that pride themselves on unique weather conditions, loyal fans and rich traditions can present
excellent opportunities for the visiting team to rise to the challenge. Plus, for some players, it
means heading back to your hometown or bringing back Super Bowl-winning memories.
GIL BRANDT, who oversaw the Dallas Cowboys personnel department ment fo
or
for
nalyst
29 years and currently shares his gridiron knowledge as a senior analyst
for NFL.com, sees plenty of quarterback talent coming up the pike.
The quarterbacks we see in college now are so much more developed ped
passers than the quarterbacks we saw 25 years ago, simply because ause
giate
teams are throwing the ball so much more at the high school and collegiate
level, says Brandt. The increase of personal quarterback coaches es cann
also be attributed to quarterbacks being NFL-ready at a younger age.e.
The number of boys playing high school football totaling 11, nine, eight and six-player teams
led all sports with 1,112,251 participants, according to the most recently published National
Federation of State High School Associations participation survey (2015-16 school year).
MOST POPULAR BOYS HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
The 1,112,251 boys involved in the
sport account for approximately SPORT NO. OF PARTICIPANTS
25 percent of the 4,544,574 boys Football 1,112,251
that participate in athletics and is Outdoor Track and Field 591,133
significantly larger than the next most-
played sport, outdoor track and field, Basketball 546,428
in which 591,133 boys participated. Baseball 488,815
Soccer 440,322
Texas is home to the most high school student-athletes playing 11-man football with 163,835
participants. Texas also ranked in the top five states for the most players selected in the 2017
NFL Draft with 24.
STATES WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT PLAYERS SELECTED IN 2017 NFL DRAFT
STATE PLAYERS DRAFTED STATE PLAYERS DRAFTED
Georgia 29 Louisiana 16
Florida 27 Ohio 16
California 26 Pennsylvania 11
Texas 24 Illinois 10
A total of 242 high schools contributed to the 253 players selected in the 2017 draft. Twelve high
schools had two players selected in the 2017 NFL Draft.
HIGH SCHOOLS WITH MULTIPLE PLAYERS DRAFTED BY NFL CLUBS IN 2017
HIGH SCHOOL TOTAL PLAYERS (NFL TEAM/ROUND)
Cass Technical (Detroit, MI) 2 Jourdan Lewis (Dallas/3); Delano Hill (Seattle/3)
Cypress Bay (Weston, FL) 2 Danny Isidora (Minnesota/5); Matthew Dayes (Cleveland/7)
Dacula (Dacula, GA) 2 Alex Armah (Carolina/6); Corey Levin (Tennessee/6)
Ensworth (Nashville, TN) 2 Corn Elder (Carolina/5); Conor McDermott (New England/6)
Gainesville (Gainesville, GA) 2 Jeremiah Ledbetter (Detroit/6); Deshaun Watson (Houston/1)
Hebron (Carrollton, TX) 2 Jamal Adams (New York Jets/1); Deatrich Wise (New England/4)
John Curtis Christian (New Orleans, LA) 2 Duke Riley (Atlanta/3); Malachi Dupre (Green Bay/7)
Lakewood (Saint Petersburg, FL) 2 Shaquill Griffin (Seattle/3); Rodney Adams (Minnesota/5)
Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, CA) 2 JuJu Smith-Schuster (Pittsburgh/2); Jayon Brown (Tennessee/5)
Pickerington North (Pickerington, OH) 2 Pat Elflein (Minnesota/3); Jake Butt (Denver/5)
Saint Rita (Chicago, IL) 2 Kenny Golladay (Detroit/3); Pat OConnor (Detroit/7)
West Monroe (West Monroe/LA) 2 Cam Robinson (Jacksonville/2); Xavier Woods (Dallas/6)
THE PLAYERS
NFL PLAYER ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS
NFL Player Engagement influences and impacts the culture and
values within the NFL and its community while assisting in the
personal and professional growth of the players and their families
during and beyond their NFL experience.
This is really to create players and develop them so that when they do make the transition out
of football, theyre better prepared, adds Miami Dolphins Owner STEPHEN ROSS. I think
every owner should have the responsibility of developing them not only as football players, but
also after their careers and as people.
The Player Engagement department has four focal points: Continuing Education, Financial
Education, Career Development, and Total Wellness.
The National Football League Continuing Education Program assists current and former
NFL players in completing their undergraduate degree, pursuing graduate studies and utilizing
other educational opportunities to prepare for life after football.
The Financial Education Program provides players with engaging and unbiased education
through programs and seminars that will improve the financial decision-making ability of
players. The program is primarily made up of three components:
Rookie Programming
Financial Education Seminars
The Personal Finance Boot Camp
You are making an investment in yourself, says Kansas City Chiefs safety ERIC BERRY on
his experience at this years Personal Finance Boot Camp. You get a head start and a crash
course on how to put your financial plan together and execute it.
The Career Development Program provides players with professional development training
(brand assessment, presentation skills, training, business etiquette, resum writing, and
interview skills) to facilitate their growth as public figures and their transition out of professional
football and into a desired second career. These trainings include:
I want to learn as much as possible, says NFL Legend LANCE MOORE. I want to get better
at writing and the journalistic side of things. Hopefully Ill be able to parlay that into being
successful at the Broadcasting Boot Camp and eventually get a gig, whether that be on TV or
the radio.
Additionally, Player Engagement offers current and former players internship opportunities at
the NFL Offices in Canada, China, London, Mexico and the United States. Among many benefits,
these internships allow players to gain professional experience and a better understanding of
the NFLs business functions.
NFL Player Engagement reaches more than 2,000 NFL players and spouses each year through
these various programs and services.
Club Events From Homecoming celebrations to Legends golf tournaments, more than
2,100 Legends participated in events hosted by their former teams in 2016.
Legends Lounge The Legends Lounge is a free and private hospitality space open
exclusively to current and former NFL players. Available at major NFL calendar events, it is
a place for the games greats to relax and reengage with other players.
Legends Newsletter A monthly newsletter designed to keep the Legends Community
informed on upcoming offers, events and opportunities available for them. Additionally,
the newsletter highlights what Legends are doing beyond the game and success they have
found in their post-playing days.
League Events The Legends Community hosts recently retired players at the NFL
offices in New York City as part of continuous efforts to connect them with each other,
their former teams and the league. While there, Legends will hear from league and team
executives, participate in networking opportunities and learn about the initiatives and
programs specifically designed for them.
Lunch & Learns The Legends Lunch and Learn series consists of an interactive hour-
long lunch where they can learn more about the Legends Community.
To date, more than 5,700 Legends are registered in the Legends Community.
OTHER PROGRAMS
Other groups affiliated with the NFL also offer programs to benefit former players. The NFL
Alumni Associations mission is to serve, assist and inform its members to enrich their post
NFL lives. The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund provides financial grants and pro bono
medical assistance to retired players in dire need. Finally, the TRUST, powered by the NFLPA, is
committed to the well-being of former players and works to meet each individual where he is in
his transition off the playing field. For more information on the programs and services provided
by the NFLPA for both active and former players, go to www.nflpa.com.
BENEFITS
NEUROLOGICAL CARE
The NFL Neurological Care Program has neurological specialists available at five medical centers
to evaluate and treat possible neurological conditions among retired players. The program will
assist players with coordinated care at excellent healthcare facilities nationwide.
After retirement, Jarvis went back to finish his degree at the University of Alabama and began
pursuing a career as a pilot. Today, Jarvis remains a pilot for Delta Airlines, flying a 767-400.
Jarvis, who says most of his trips are to Europe and South America, frequently leans on the
values and lessons he learned while playing in the NFL, and stresses he wouldnt be where
he is today without the support system hes been fortunate to have by making connections
throughout the years.
It was a lot of hard work and I had a great support team that helped me with my career change,
says Jarvis.
To top it off the 17-year veteran flyer and former Alabama defensive lineman even piloted the
Alabama football team to California and the BCS Championship back in 2013.
In 2006, former NFL great AL BUBBA BAKER, who played for Detroit, St. Louis, Cleveland
and Minnesota from 1978-1990, and his wife, Sabrina opened Bubbas-Q World Famous Bar-B-Q
& Catering in Avon, Ohio. That same year, Bubba and his daughter, Brittani, became business
partners before pursuing patents for their top item in the restaurant, their boneless ribs.
Seven years later, in 2013, the father and daughter team pitched their patented product to a
national audience on ABCs hit television show Shark Tank. They received glowing reviews from
the Sharks and were offered deals from both Kevin OLeary and Daymond John, ultimately
partnering with John.
The NFL was like getting my MBA from The Wharton Business School of the University of
Pennsylvania and being around Daymond John from Shark Tank these last few years has been
like an internship with a Fortune 100 company, says Baker. It requires a detailed business
plan, with the ability to audible and change at halftime depending on how that plan is going.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, Baker has been seen on QVC, Good Morning America, Deals &
Steals, Zulily, Costco.com and SamsClub.com.
Being a team player is critical in any business, just like the NFL, and we have to execute at
100 percent every day, says Baker. In business, success is sharing in profits and growing the
company. In the NFL, the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl. They both require commitment!
THE PLAYERS
WHERE ARE NFL LEGENDS NOW?
The below list is just a sampling of what some former NFL players are doing in their second or
even third careers:
Jets RB Cardinals WR
Matt Fort Larry Fitzgerald
Seahawks QB
Russell Wilson
THE PLAYERS
TOP 10 ACTIVE SCORERS TOP 10 ACTIVE INTERCEPTORS
PLAYER TD FG PAT TP PLAYER NO. YARDS TD
1. Adam Vinatieri 0 530 786(1#) 2,378 1. DeAngelo Hall 43 838 5
2. Sebastian Janikowski 0 414 557 1,799 2. Terence Newman 41 360 3
3. Phil Dawson 1 404 480 1,698 3. Reggie Nelson 35 483 1
4. Matt Bryant 0 334 485 1,487 4. Aqib Talib 33 619 9
5. Stephen Gostkowski 0 303 548 1,457 5. Brent Grimes 30 394 3
6. Mason Crosby 0 262 481 1,267 Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie 30 535 6
7. Robbie Gould 0 286 399 1,257 Richard Sherman 30 375 2
8. Nick Folk 0 239 335 1,052 Tramon Williams 30 425 1
9. Dan Carpenter 0 236 291 999 9. Darrelle Revis 29 466 3
10. Matt Prater 0 216 348 996 10. Leon Hall 27 290 3
#Two-point conversion
TOP 10 ACTIVE PUNTERS
TOP 10 ACTIVE SACKERS (50 PUNTS OR MORE)
PLAYER SACKS PLAYER PUNTS AVG. LG.
1. Julius Peppers 143.5 1. Shane Lechler 1,352 47.5 80
2. Dwight Freeney 122.5 2. Thomas Morstead 467 47.0 70
3. Terrell Suggs 114.5 3. Johnny Hekker 434 46.9 78
4. Elvis Dumervil 99.0 4. Sam Martin 282 46.9 72
5. Mario Williams 97.5 5. Marquette King 357 46.7 72
6. Trent Cole 90.5 6. Bryan Anger 430 46.7 73
7. Tamba Hali 89.5 7. Tress Way 196 46.4 77
8. James Harrison 81.5 8. Andy Lee 1,047 46.3 82
Cameron Wake 81.5 9. Drew Kaser 59 46.3 69
10. J.J. Watt 76.0 10. Matt Darr 182 46.0 70
Belichick needs eight victories to pass Tom Landry (270) for the third-most total victories by a
head coach in NFL history. In 22 seasons, Belichick has 263 career victories.
JOHN HARBAUGH, Baltimore, needs five victories to reach 100 total wins in his career. In nine
seasons, Harbaugh has 95 career victories.
JACK DEL RIO, Oakland, needs 12 victories to reach 100 total wins in his career. In 11 seasons,
Del Rio has 88 career victories.
Steelers head coach MIKE TOMLIN, who became the youngest head coach (36) in NFL history
to win a Super Bowl when he led Pittsburgh to a victory in Super Bowl XLIII, interned with
the Cleveland Browns in the summer of 2000 when he was the defensive backs coach at the
University of Cincinnati.
Tomlin is one of four current NFL head coaches joining HUE JACKSON (Cleveland), MARVIN
LEWIS (Cincinnati) and ANTHONY LYNN (LA Chargers) who is a graduate of the program.
Lynn, who enters his first season as the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers, began to
consider coaching a viable post-career option following a conversation with Walsh during his
playing career.
He started talking to me about coaching, says Lynn of his conversation with Walsh. He said,
Ive identified you as a coach in the National Football League and I want to tell you about my
program for minority coaches. And we begin this talk about coaching. I had never thought
about coaching before but thats where the seed was planted. From that moment on, every team
meeting I sat in, I started taking notes like a coach, I started preparing like a coach.
Carolina Panthers head coach RON RIVERA knows the value of the program and serves on
the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship Advisory Council. The council is comprised
of club presidents, general managers, head coaches and assistant coaches, who focus on
developing a pipeline of diverse coaches, including former NFL players pursuing opportunities
in the coaching profession.
Marvin Lewis Hue Jackson Anthony Lynn
Mike Tomlin
THE COACHES
The Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship is essential in creating opportunities,
says Rivera. You can see the benefits of the fellowship program on virtually every coaching
staff in the league and the education provided through the program has been invaluable in the
development of young coaches who may not have received exposure to the NFL without it.
The program has tutored more than 1,800 minority coaches through the years and has grown to
the point that now every NFL team participates during offseason workout programs, minicamps
and training camp.
Active NFL head coaches who are graduates of the Bill Walsh NFL Diversity Coaching Fellowship:
Dougs been here the last two years, says Jaguars General
Manager DAVE CALDWELL. I know the kind of person
he is. Ive spent the last two years working with him day in,
day out. I think Dougs a great human being and great person
and I think he learned how to handle different situations and I
think its going to make him a better coach this time around.
He was able to identify quickly what went wrong and what
needs to be fixed...The players really responded to him the
last two weeks of the season.
In both of Lynns seasons in Buffalo, the Bills led the league in rushing
yards (2,630 in 2016 and 2,432 in 2015) and rushing touchdowns (29
in 2016 and 19 in 2015). Prior to joining the Bills, he served as the
running backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys (2005-06), Cleveland
Browns (2007-08) and New York Jets (2009-14). Lynn also added the
title of assistant head coach to his role with the Jets in 2014.
in NFL history.
Below is a sample:
Bringing together more than 50 current NFL coaches, the clinic provided a foundation for
communicating and teaching position fundamentals through engaging and interactive sessions.
To have this opportunity has had a huge impact on me, says Dallas defensive tackles coach
LEON LETT. Ive still got notes that I took as a player 20 years ago. Now Im taking notes again.
Its a great experience. Im definitely going to take this back to share with my coaching staff and
players. A great coach is someone who helps players improve.
During the three-day event, a panel of speakers composed of former coaches renowned for their
coaching success and reputation as teachers demonstrated techniques, discussed effective
communication and shared perspectives on best practices. There were also presentations,
panel discussions, breakout sessions and on-the-field demonstrations throughout the clinic.
As an educator and a coach, you have to be willing to learn and grow, says Carolina assistant
special teams coach CHASE BLACKBURN. So any time I get an opportunity to hear something
from great coaches, I take that opportunity. This has given me the ability to learn and understand
concepts. Its important for players to not only understand what theyre
doing but also why theyre doing it.
This NFL coaching clinic is a wonderful undertaking, says Polian. It gives young coaches an
opportunity to learn skills and technique from the very best coaching minds in the game.
THE COACHES
Below is a list of the club participants:
TEAM PARTICIPANTS
Arizona Terry Allen, Wesley Goodwin
Atlanta Charlie Weis Jr.
Baltimore Richard Angulo, Drew Wilkins
Buffalo Chad Hall, Jim Salgado
Carolina Chase Blackburn, Cameron Turner
Chicago Brandon Staley, Ben Wilkerson
Cincinnati Robert Couch, Marcus Lewis, Dan Pitcher
Cleveland Jerod Kruse, Blake Williams
Dallas Leon Lett, Turner West
Denver Charles Gordon, Chris Kragthorpe
Detroit Payton McCollum, Steven Williams
Green Bay Jeff Blasko, Jerry Montgomery
Houston Shane Bowen,Tim Kelly
Indianapolis Tim Berbenich, Shawn Terlecky
Jacksonville John Donovan, Mike Rutenberg
LA Chargers DAnton Lynn, Mark Ridgley
Miami Ryan Condon, Josh Grizzard
Minnesota Andrew Janocko, Robert Rodriguez
New Orleans Michael Hodges, Deuce Schwartz
NY Giants Bobby Blick, Alonso Escalante
Oakland Brent Vieselmeyer
Philadelphia Joe DOrazio
Pittsburgh Steve Meyer
San Francisco Vince Oghobaase, Bobby Slowik
Seattle Brennan Carroll, John Glenn
Tampa Bay Butch Barry, Danny Breyer, Zack Grossi
Tennessee Frisman Jackson, Keith Willis
Washington Kevin Carberry