The Seattle Seahawks edged past the Chicago Bears 6-3 in a tightly contested game at Soldier Field on December 26, 2024. The low-scoring affair, played under mostly cloudy skies at 47°F, was a showcase of defensive dominance and special teams efficiency. Both teams failed to find the end zone, relying solely on field goals to put points on the board. Jason Myers’ two successful kicks from 27 and 50 yards proved decisive for the Seahawks, while Cairo Santos managed a single 42-yard field goal for the Bears.

Seattle started the game strongly, with quarterback Geno Smith orchestrating an efficient opening drive that spanned 11 plays and 71 yards. Key contributions came from running back Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 24 yards, and tight end Noah Fant, who added a crucial 15-yard reception. Myers capped the drive with a 27-yard field goal, giving the Seahawks an early 3-0 lead. The Bears responded in the second quarter with a sustained 13-play drive led by quarterback Caleb Williams and running back D’Andre Swift. A 24-yard pass to Swift was the highlight of the series, setting up Santos’ 42-yard field goal to level the score. However, Seattle reclaimed the lead late in the half when Myers drilled a 50-yarder after a methodical 8-play, 38-yard drive.

The second half turned into a defensive struggle, with neither team able to generate consistent offensive momentum. The Seahawks’ defensive line, led by Uchenna Nwosu and Dre’Mont Jones, applied relentless pressure on Caleb Williams, sacking him multiple times and forcing hurried throws. On the other side, the Bears’ defense, featuring standout performances from Montez Sweat and Kyler Gordon, managed to disrupt Seattle’s rhythm but couldn’t capitalize offensively. Both teams punted frequently as drives fizzled out due to sacks, penalties, and tight coverage.

The game’s defining moment came in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter. Trailing 6-3, the Bears mounted a last-ditch drive, but Tariq Woolen intercepted Williams’ deep pass intended for D.J. Moore, sealing the Seahawks’ victory. Despite a valiant effort, Chicago’s offensive inefficiency, including a 33% third-down conversion rate and seven sacks allowed, proved costly.

Statistically, Seattle’s Geno Smith completed 17 of 23 passes for 160 yards, while Charbonnet led the ground game with 57 yards on 15 carries. Noah Fant and DK Metcalf combined for 85 receiving yards. For Chicago, Williams threw for 122 yards but struggled with accuracy and protection. Swift added 53 rushing yards, and Moore was the leading receiver with 54 yards.

This game underscored the Seahawks’ ability to win in tough conditions, relying on disciplined defense and special teams. For the Bears, it was a missed opportunity, with their offensive line and execution under pressure falling short. Myers’ clutch field goals and Woolen’s game-sealing interception were the highlights of a gritty battle that kept fans on edge until the final whistle.

LAS VEGAS — In an electrifying showcase of resilience and talent, the Kansas City Chiefs, under the combined brilliance of Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and coach Andy Reid, have solidified their status as an NFL dynasty by clinching their second consecutive Super Bowl title, the first team to achieve this feat in 19 years. The Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime triumph over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII not only marks their third championship in five years but also reignites aspirations of a rare three-peat in the annals of football history.

Mahomes, the linchpin of the Chiefs’ success, orchestrated a masterful comeback, culminating in a decisive 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime. This victory not only showcased Mahomes’ unparalleled ability to perform under pressure but also his role in propelling the Chiefs to their ninth Super Bowl victory, placing them among the elite franchises in NFL history.

The stage for this historic win was set in America’s entertainment capital, Las Vegas, hosting its first Super Bowl, which unfolded as a gripping narrative of highs and lows, marred by errors yet redeemed by moments of sheer brilliance. The introduction of new overtime rules ensured a fairer contest, allowing both teams a chance at possession, adding a layer of excitement to the already tense finale.

Despite trailing 22-19 in overtime following a field goal by the 49ers’ Jake Moody, Mahomes’ indomitable spirit shone through as he led the Chiefs down the field, converting crucial plays including a daring 8-yard run on fourth-and-1, setting the stage for the winning touchdown.

Mahomes, at just 28, joins the pantheon of quarterbacks with three Super Bowl victories, a testament to his extraordinary talent and leadership. His performance not only earned him his third Super Bowl MVP award but also places him and Reid on the path to emulating the legendary duo of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

The game was not without its dramatic moments, highlighted by a sideline interaction between Kelce and Reid following a costly turnover, underscoring the high stakes and emotional intensity of the game. The Chiefs’ resilience was further tested as they overcame a 10-point deficit, a scenario familiar to them in their Super Bowl conquests, showcasing their never-say-die attitude.

The 49ers, led by the unlikely hero Brock Purdy, displayed commendable skill and determination, with notable performances by Jauan Jennings and Christian McCaffrey. However, strategic missteps and missed opportunities ultimately cost them the championship, despite a valiant effort that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moments.

Super Bowl LVIII was a spectacle that lived up to the grandeur of its setting in Las Vegas, with celebrities, a captivating halftime show headlined by Usher, and a record attendance at the Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs’ victory is a story of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of greatness, marking a new chapter in the annals of the NFL, as the league and its fans look forward to the possibility of a historic three-peat.

​LAS VEGAS –– Feb. 11, 2024 –– Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes was voted the winner of the Pete Rozelle Trophy awarded to the Super Bowl LVIII Most Valuable Player.

Mahomes completed 34 of 46 attempts (73.9 percent) for 333 yards and two touchdowns with a 99.3 rating and added 66 rushing yards in helping the Chiefs overcome a 10-point deficit en route to a 25-22 overtime win in Super Bowl LVIII. It marked the second Super Bowl ever to go to overtime as the Chiefs became the first team to repeat as Super Bowl champions since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. Kansas City recorded the seventh comeback of 10-or-more points in a Super Bowl, including the team’s Super Bowl LIV and LVII victories.

Mahomes, who was also named Super Bowl LIV and LVII MVP, is the third player ever to win three Super Bowl Most Valuable Player awards, joining Tom Brady (five) and Pro Football Hall of Famer Joe Montana (three). He is the third player ever to be named Super Bowl MVP in consecutive seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Bart Starr (Super Bowls I and II) and Terry Bradshaw (Super Bowls XIII and XIV). Mahomes is the fifth quarterback with at least three Super Bowl titles, joining Brady (seven) as well as Pro Football Hall of Famers Bradshaw (four), Montana (four) and Troy Aikman (three).

It marks the 33rd time that a quarterback has been named Super Bowl Most Valuable Player. Mahomes recorded his 15th career postseason win, trailing only Brady (35) and Montana (16) for the most postseason wins by a quarterback all-time.

The award is chosen by a panel comprised of 16 media members – CBS and Westwood One analysts, media from Las Vegas, Kansas City, and San Francisco, PFWA-appointed pool reporters that have attended team practice sessions during Super Bowl week, past Pro Football Writers of America presidents, at-large members of the national media – and fans interactively through the National Football League’s official website, NFL.com.

NEW YORK – Feb. 11, 2024 –Today, the NFL debuted its new campaign for Super Bowl LVIII, “Born To Play,” a powerful ode to the diverse and inclusive spirit of the international game of football. In an unprecedented two-minute commercial immediately following the Apple Music Halftime Show, the spot celebrates the growth of football around the globe and promotes increased opportunity to the sport for anyone who dreams of playing. 

The spot opens in a traditional Ghanaian home with a young football fanatic itching to get outdoors to play the game, imagining himself in an intense football game through the city on his way to school – alongside NFL’s prominent players including Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings), Cameron Jordan (New Orleans Saints) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Cleveland Browns). The journey leads the young fan to an NFL camp, where he witnesses others training to one day play at the highest levels of the game.

“The momentum around the global expansion of American football is real and exciting. Our intent is to embrace and celebrate this movement through powerful communication on our biggest stage, focusing on the growth of both flag and tackle football,” said NFL Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Ellis. “This is an inspiring and warm-hearted story about a boy from Ghana who fantasizes and dreams of playing football, and it celebrates the fact that anyone, from any background, can turn that dream into reality.”

Inspired by a speech given to NFL hopefuls at a football camp hosted by British-Nigerian former NFL player-pioneer and two-time Superbowl champion, Osi Umenyiora, the story mirrors the NFL and Osi’s collective mission to encourage and offer youth around the world the life-changing experience and opportunity to play at the highest levels of the game.  

“Talent is global but opportunity is not. Opening doors for international athletes is not only a passion of mine, but it’s a way to give back to future generations of athletes” said Osi Umenyiora. “The NFL is life changing, and the pathway to play the sport is now a truly global one. The league’s international football development programs are helping to change young people’s lives and grow the game around the world. This campaign shows young people globally that it doesn’t matter where you were born, but you were born to play.”

The commercial was created by 72andSunny and directed by Andrew Dosunmu, a renowned photographer-turned-director and native of Lagos, Nigeria who is celebrated for his powerful film collaborations with Travis Scott. All film production took place in Ghana, with more than 90 local Ghanian crew members and a cast of 400 local Ghanaian actors incorporated into the spot.

Growing the game of football globally and increasing the number of international athletes playing in the NFL are priorities for the league. Five regular season games will be played as part of the 2024 NFL International Games, including an historic first-ever regular season game in São Paulo, Brazil – the first in South America.​​

Seeing explosive growth around the world at both the grassroots and elite levels, flag football is the most accessible format of the game. The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), supported by the NFL, led efforts for flag football’s successful inclusion in the Olympics Games Los Angeles 2028. 

In addition to flag, there are a number of exciting international football development programs, including the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program, which sees the NFL work to engage and enable participation for all ages and all stages to play American football (tackle and flag formats) around the world. Established in 2017, the IPP program provides opportunities for elite international athletes to compete for a potential spot on an NFL roster. To learn more about the IPP Program and other football developments programs including the NFL Academy and NFL Flag, please visit https://www.nfl.com/international/.

NEW YORK — Jan. 23, 2024 — This year’s NFL Divisional Round averaged 40.0 million viewers (TV+Digital) – the highest on record dating back to 1988.

The 40.0 million average viewers for the four games – Houston Texans versus Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers versus San Francisco 49ers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers versus Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs versus Buffalo Bills – are up +7% versus last year, and up +5% versus the prior record in 2021-22.

In total, 126.7 million viewers tuned in for the Divisional Round.

Highlights from the NFL’s Divisional Round include:

• The Saturday primetime game on FOX between the Packers and 49ers averaged 37.5 million viewers, the most-watched Saturday NFL playoff game on record.
  
• The Sunday primetime game on CBS between the Chiefs and Bills averaged 50.4 million viewers, the most-watched Divisional or Wild Card game on record.
  

The schedule for this Sunday’s AFC and NFC Championship games is as follows:

• Kansas City Chiefs at Baltimore Ravens – 3 p.m. ET on CBS
   
• Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers – 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX

Source: Nielsen and first-party digital

NEW YORK –– Jan. 23, 2024 –– The National Football League announced today the head coaches for the 2024 Reese’s Senior Bowl, Jeff Ulbrich of the New York Jets and Terrell Williams of the Tennessee Titans.

“This is an opportunity for two excellent coaches, Jeff Ulbrich of the Jets and Terrell Williams of the Titans, to take the reins as head coaches in leading their staffs and top football athletes in the Senior Bowl’s week-long evaluation of NFL prospects,” said Troy Vincent Sr., executive vice president of football operations for the NFL. “The Senior Bowl is not only a showcase for top football student-athletes, but also a wonderful opportunity for coaches that are nominated by their NFL clubs to further develop their skills and learn from one another.”

Ulbrich recently completed his third season as the Jets’ defensive coordinator after joining New York as part of Robert Saleh’s first staff in 2021. Ulbrich, a 10-year NFL linebacker, has 14 years of coaching experience, 11 at the NFL level.

Williams has 26 seasons of coaching experience, including 12 in the NFL. He coached the past six seasons as a member of the Titans’ coaching staff, including the 2023 season as the team’s assistant head coach/defensive line coach. 

“The Senior Bowl is excited about having two highly respected coaches like Jeff Ulbrich and Terrell Williams lead our teams in Mobile,” said Jim Nagy, executive director of the Senior Bowl. “I had a chance to observe Jeff down here at the Senior Bowl two years ago when the Jets’ staff coached in the game, and he brought tons of juice to his defensive players. Jeff also has an impactful story to tell our players about being a one-year starter at Hawaii and the Senior Bowl helping him become a top-100 draft pick. I met Terrell years ago when he was defensive line coach at Purdue and always came away impressed with how he connected with his guys at practice. Over the past week, I’ve spoken to a number of friends in the league who have worked alongside Terrell, and they all gave him glowing recommendations. Our players are going to have a great week learning under these two men.”

This is the second year the Senior Bowl is implementing a “Coach Up” format in which coordinators and assistant coaches are placed into elevated or different roles from the ones they currently hold with their respective clubs. Head coaches and general managers from all non-playoff teams and Wild Card round participants had the opportunity to nominate assistant coaches. Ulbrich and Williams were then selected by a group composed of league office executives and representatives from the General Managers Advisory Committee.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl, widely regarded as the preeminent college football all-star game and the first stage in the NFL Draft process, is the longest continuously running all-star game and has taken place in Mobile, Ala., for the previous years. The 75th anniversary Senior Bowl will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 3, from the University of South Alabama’s Hancock Whitney Stadium and will be televised on NFL Network.

​NEW YORK ––Jan. 23, 2024 –– The National Football League announced today the head coaches for the 2024 East-West Shrine Bowl, Richard Hightower of the Chicago Bears and Mike Kafka of the New York Giants.

“Coaches Hightower and Kafka have the opportunity to not only evaluate top athlete prospects, but also to showcase their skills in leading players and coaching staffs in this high-profile game,” said Troy Vincent Sr., executive vice president of football operations for the NFL. “This is an important evaluation week for prospects as well as for coaches as they pursue their professional and personal goals. The game also shows the humanitarian side of football as participants greatly encourage the children and families at the Shriners Hospitals.”

Hightower has spent the past two seasons as the Bears’ special teams coordinator and completed his third year overall in Chicago in 2023 after previously serving as the club’s assistant special teams coach in 2016. Hightower has 17 years of NFL coaching experience, including stops with Houston (2006-08), Washington (2010-13), Cleveland (2014), San Francisco (2015, 2017-21) and Chicago (2016, 2022-23).

Kafka recently completed his second season as the Giants’ offensive coordinator and has seven years of NFL coaching experience. He spent five seasons as an assistant coach on Andy Reid’s staff with the Kansas City Chiefs, the last two as the team’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator. In 2016, Kafka served as an offensive graduate assistant at his alma mater, Northwestern University.

“We’re excited to have Mike Kafka and Richard Hightower as our head coaches for the 99th annual East-West Shrine Bowl,” said Bob Roller, vice president of sports for Shriners Hospitals for Children. “Coach Kafka played in our game 14 years ago and was the game’s most valuable player. Now, he returns to coach, develop and provide his wisdom to our quarterbacks and the entire West roster. Coach Hightower is among the best special teams coordinators in the NFL and has Texas ties as a University of Texas alum. We’re looking forward to him leading the East roster.”

At the conclusion of the NFL regular season, teams nominated deserving assistant coaches who were reviewed by a panel that includes NFL Football Operations staff, East-West Shrine Bowl leadership, members of the NFL’s General Managers Advisory Committee and the Fritz Pollard Alliance.

Coaches nominated by NFL clubs must be active assistant coaches who display extraordinary teaching and communication 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.

The 99th East-West Shrine Bowl, which features some of college football’s best prospects, will kick off at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, Feb. 1, from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will be televised on NFL Network.

For more than 90 years, some of football’s greatest players and coaches have contributed to the tradition of the East-West Shrine Bowl, the nation’s first college all-star football game. Created by the Shriners in 1925, the game is driven by the desire to support Shriners Hospitals for Children in its mission to help children in need of expert medical care. Participating players make an annual visit to the local Shriners Hospital, visiting children and staff in an experience that they will truly never forget.

​NEW YORK –– Jan. 19, 2024 –– The National Football League announced today the names of 54 players who have been granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft and four underclassmen who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college football eligibility remaining and are also eligible for selection in the April 25-27 Draft in Detroit, Mich.

Thirty-four players applied for special eligibility prior to the newly instituted early “soft” deadline of Jan. 5, which was added to assist players and all-star game organizers in the planning and invitation process. Twenty additional players submitted their petitions prior to the traditional deadline of Jan. 15 to apply for special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Each of the 54 players listed below have met the league’s three-year eligibility rule and have renounced their college football eligibility by submitting written notification to the league office on or before the Jan. 15 deadline. Consequently, they are eligible for selection:

The players granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft (players marked by asterisks are newly added since the Jan. 5 deadline):

	Name	Pos	College
1	Ajou, Ajou	WR	Garden City CC
2	Allen, Braelon	RB	Wisconsin
3	Alt, Joe	T	Notre Dame
4	Amegadjie, Kiran	T	Yale
5	Arnold, Terrion*	DB	Alabama
6	Bishop, Cole	DB	Utah
7	Booker, Austin	DE	Kansas
8	Bowers, Brock*	TE	Georgia
9	Brooks, Jonathon*	RB	Texas
10	Bruce, Arland*	WR	Oklahoma State
11	Bullard, Javon	DB	Georgia
12	Bullock, Calen*	DB	Southern California
13	Coleman, Keon	WR	Florida State
14	Colson, Junior*	LB	Michigan
15	DeJean, Cooper*	DB	Iowa
16	Elliss, Jonah	DE	Utah
17	Estimè, Audric	RB	Notre Dame
18	Fisher, Blake	T	Notre Dame
19	Franklin, Troy	WR	Oregon
20	Hall, Michael*	DT	Ohio State
21	Harrison, Marvin*	WR	Ohio State
22	Hicks, Jaden*	DB	Washington State
23	Irving, Bucky	RB	Oregon
24	King, Kalen	DB	Penn State
25	Lassiter, Kamari	DB	Georgia
26	Latham, J.C.*	T	Alabama
27	Little, Cam	K	Arkansas
28	Maye, Drake	QB	North Carolina
29	McCarthy, J.J.*	QB	Michigan
30	Mims, Amarius	T	Georgia
31	Mitchell, Adonai*	WR	Texas
32	Nabers, Malik	WR	LSU
33	Polk, Ja’Lynn*	WR	Washington
34	Powers-Johnson, Jackson	C	Oregon
35	Rakestraw, Ennis	DB	Missouri
36	Robinson, Chop	DE	Penn State
37	Rosengarten, Roger*	T	Washington
38	Sanders, Ja’Tavion*	TE	Texas
39	Shirden, Jaden	RB	Monmouth (N.J.)
40	Smith, Maason*	DT	LSU
41	Steele, Carson	RB	UCLA
42	Suamataia, Kingsley	T	BYU
43	Taylor, Leonard	DT	Miami (Fla.)
44	Thomas, Brian	WR	LSU
45	Trotter, Jeremiah*	LB	Clemson
46	Turner, Dallas*	LB	Alabama
47	Vaki, Sione	DB	Utah
48	Wallace, Trevin	LB	Kentucky
49	Wiggins, Nate	DB	Clemson
50	Williams, Caleb*	QB	Southern California
51	Williams, James	DB	Miami (Fla.)
52	Wingo, Mekhi	DT	LSU
53	Worthy, Xavier	WR	Texas
54	Wright, Jaylen	RB	Tennessee

The following underclassmen have in timely fashion under NFL rules officially notified the league office that they have fulfilled their degree requirements. Consequently, they are eligible for selection (players marked by asterisks are newly added since the Jan. 5 deadline):

	Name	Pos	College
1	Kinchens, Kamren*	DB	Miami (Fla.)
2	McKinstry, Kool-Aid*	DB	Alabama
3	Murphy, Byron*	DT	Texas
4	Shipley, Will	RB	Clemson

NEW YORK — Jan. 18, 2024 — The National Football League has announced its International Player Pathway (IPP) program Class of 2024, featuring 11 athletes from around the world and a first-ever group of five specialists from England and Ireland.

Established in 2017, the IPP program aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster.

The IPP Class of 2024, including the program’s first-ever specialists, spans talent from eight nations and represents a total of 16 players transitioning to the sport of American football.

Athletes come from various sporting backgrounds including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football and Australian football, among others — showcasing how diverse sporting experience and capabilities can continue to enable the impact of international player pathways in enriching the fabric of the league.

“We are thrilled to welcome the International Player Pathway program Class of 2024,” said Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president international, club business and major events at the NFL. “As we focus on the global growth of the game, expanding international talent within the NFL is critical — connecting our sport with fans across the world. The 2024 program participants are an elite, diverse group of athletes and we look forward to following their journeys in the months ahead.”

“The IPP Class of 2024 presents a group of incredibly talented athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds and nations across the globe,” said Osi Umenyiora, who is spearheading the NFL’s Africa program. “Our international football development programs at the NFL offer life-changing opportunities for talent, and will only continue to impact the league this season and in the seasons ahead. This is only the beginning for these players, and we look forward to sharing their stories and the game of football with the world.”  

Since its inception, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent), with 18 IPP athletes currently on NFL rosters. Five players – Jordan Mailata, Jakob Johnson, Efe Obada, Sammis Reyes and David Bada – have seen active rosters with the Philadelphia Eagles, Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, since the program began in 2017.

Players will begin training in the United States in January at IMG Academy and will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to NFL club scouts in March.

At the conclusion of training camp, the group of 16 IPP athletes will be eligible to fill a 17^th practice squad roster spot across any of the 32 teams — an additional spot reserved for an international player — following the rule change beginning with the 2024 season applicable to athletes outside of the United States and Canada.

The International Player Pathway Program Class of 2024 includes:

PLAYER	COUNTRY
Jotham Russell	Australia
Patrick Murtagh	Australia
Florian Bierbaumer	Austria
Bayron Matos	Dominican Republic
George Smith	England
Travis Clayton	England
Harry Mallinder	England
Mark Jackson	Ireland
Charlie Smyth	Ireland
Darragh Leader	Ireland
Rory Beggan	Ireland
Sam Orji	Nigeria
Isaac Ajanah	Nigeria
Udo Uzuegbu	Nigeria
Praise Olatoke	Nigeria/Scotland
Louis Rees-Zammit	Wales

The International Player Pathway program is part of a broader long-term commitment from the NFL and its 32 clubs to accelerate global football development efforts, and see more international talent play the game. The NFL has a strategic focus on engaging and enabling athletes of all ages to find, play and thrive in the sport.

NEW YORK — Jan. 18, 2024 — The 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will bring together the league’s best talent to showcase their skills on the field, while also highlighting the NFL family’s commitment to giving back off the field. In the return to Orlando for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon, the league will host events throughout the city aimed at leaving a positive philanthropic legacy in the community and engaging with youth through flag football.

The 2024 Pro Bowl Games features players competing in the Pro Bowl Skills contest, a multi-day AFC versus NFC competition that culminates in an action-packed flag football game. The Pro Bowl Games will have cumulative scoring starting with Skills competitions on Thursday, Feb. 1, leading up to the AFC versus NFC flag football game on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Camping World Stadium. The conference with the most collective points will be crowned the winner.

Celebrations for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games will begin with the Pro Bowl Welcome Press Conference and Legacy Project on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at the Rock Lake Neighborhood Center in Orlando. Following the press conference, students will participate in NFL PLAY 60 football activities. Community volunteers and students who utilize the recreation center will plant low water use trees alongside the Pro Bowl team captains around the facility’s sports field and revitalize its learning garden. Bookshelves and books will be added to the computer room to provide increased reading opportunities.

Throughout the week, the NFL is once again partnering with TAPS to bring military families to Orlando for the 2024 Pro Bowl Games. TAPS is a nonprofit organization and an NFLSalute to Service partner that offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a loved one who passed away while serving in our Armed Forces or as a result of their service. Through its partnership with TAPS, the NFL honors families of those who sacrificed their lives for our country by hosting them at year-round NFL events and supporting programs that help heal through mentorship and counseling. The NFL and TAPS will bring military families to the NFC and AFC Pro Bowl practices, participate in a meet and greet with Pro Bowl players, and engage in NFL PLAY 60 activities. On Sunday, Feb. 4, TAPS families will join other community groups to watch the 2024 Pro Bowl Game.

During Pro Bowl Games Week, the NFL will also help grant a wish for Make-A-Wish kids Luca and Hudson. Make-A-Wish is a long-standing partner of the NFL and creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Luca is a 13-year-old from Illinois with a nervous system disorder. He is an avid football fan. His favorite player is Justin Fields of the Chicago Bears who he looks up to for his willingness to talk about his nervous system disorder. Hudson is an 11-year-old from Indiana with a respiratory condition. He has several favorite players scattered throughout the league, and the Pro Bowl presents an opportunity to see many of them take the field at the same time. As part of their experience, Luca, Hudson and their families will attend the Pro Bowl Skills Show on Thursday, Feb. 1, interact with Pro Bowl players at both the NFC and AFC practices and attend the 2024 Pro Bowl Game.

The NFL is also working with community groups across Orlando to invite them to the 2024 Pro Bowl Game. Invited groups include members of the LGBTQ community, veterans and their families, youth groups, groups that serve domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, and more.

In addition to the community activities and engagement at the Pro Bowl Games events, flag football will be taking center stage throughout the week. 252 teams comprising over 3,600 players will take part in the largest flag football tournament at the NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games. Tournament games will start Friday, Feb. 2, culminating in the championship game occurring during the pregame of the AFC versus NFC flag football Pro Bowl game on Sunday, Feb. 4.

A full list of Pro Bowl Games Week community and flag football events is below.

Salute to Service Screening of 100 Yards of Hope

On Tuesday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. ET, the NFL will host a special screening of 100 Yards of Hope at the Orlando Museum of Art. 100 Yards of Hope is the story of a partnership between the NFL, FORCE BLUE special ops military veterans, marine scientists, environmental agencies and Super Bowl Host Committees to restore a coral reef, and in the process, restore a sense of purpose and mission for highly skilled military veterans. This documentary has been shown to military audiences across the country and has inspired service members to repurpose their skills outside of the military, continue to make a difference in the world and serve their country in new ways. The screening will be followed by an interactive panel discussion between the NFL, FORCE Blue and one of the marine experts who helped implement this unique project.

Pro Bowl Welcome Press Conference and Legacy Project

On Wednesday, Jan. 31, the NFL will begin the Pro Bowl Games celebrations at Orlando’s Rock Lake Neighborhood Center with a kickoff press conference and a community project. Community volunteers and the 70 students who utilize the recreation center will plant low water use trees around the center’s sports field and revitalize the facility’s learning garden. Bookshelves and books will be added to the computer room to provide increased reading opportunities for the students. Following the press conference, the students will enjoy NFL PLAY 60 football activities. The event’s community service component will begin at 12:30 p.m. ET and the press conference will begin at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Truist Youth Financial Literacy and NFL PLAY 60 Event

On Thursday, Feb. 1, Truist and the NFL will visit a local youth organization to bring financial literacy education and NFL PLAY 60 activities to the community. Youth participating will have the opportunity to attend the Pro Bowl Skills Showdown later that evening.

NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games Tournament

 The NFL will host the largest flag football tournament to date through the NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games. The tournament will feature 252 teams comprised of more than 3,600 players. Fourteen different countries will be represented, including Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, and the United Kingdom. There will be an adult and youth competition, with participants in the latter featuring boys and girls aged 8-17. The four-day event will consist of pool play and a single elimination tournament. The games will start on Friday, Feb. 2 at the University of Central Florida (UCF) Rec Fields and will conclude with championship games played on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Camping World Stadium.
 

AYF Middle School All-Star Game

On Saturday, Feb. 3, American Youth Football’s (AYFs) top middle school football players will compete in an All-Star game to celebrate their immense contribution to their teams. About 100 players will participate in the game played at The Master’s Academy in Orlando.

 NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games – Championship Games

NFL FLAG Championships will be held at the Pro Bowl Games for the fourth consecutive year as part of the week-long celebration of football across all levels. 14U Boys & 17U Girls Championship games of the tournament will compete during the pre-game of the 2023 Pro Bowl Game on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Camping World Stadium. The 17U Girls Championship game will be televised on ESPN beginning at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Don Shula High School Coach of the Year Award

The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award honors an exemplary football coach at the high school level who displays the integrity, achievement, and leadership demonstrated by Coach Shula. Coaches are nominated for the national award by all 32 NFL teams, and the winner is selected by a panel of judges including Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Scott Pioli, and more. The two winners will be invited to the Pro Bowl Games with on-field access on Sunday, Feb. 4, and will be recognized throughout the week.

NEW YORK — Jan. 18, 2024 —The NFL announced the pregame entertainment lineup for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, which will be played at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, and will air on CBS.

Multi-media entertainment mogul Reba McEntire will sing the national anthem. A household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality, McEntire is a Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member who has more than 50 award wins under her belt, including honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, GRAMMY® Awards and GMA Dove Awards.

Post Malone, the eight-time diamond-certified, Grammy-nominated phenomenon, will sing “America the Beautiful.” Since emerging in 2015, Post Malone’s catalog comprises the Grammy Award-nominated “rockstar” [feat. 21 Savage” (Diamond), “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse)” [feat. Swae Lee] (Diamond), “I Fall Apart” (5x-platinum), “Psycho” [feat. Ty Dolla $ign] (5x-platinum), “White Iverson” (5x-platinum), “Better Now” (4x-platinum) and more.

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, activist and acclaimed actress Andra Day will sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Initially known for her 2016 Grammy-nominated behemoth, “Rise Up,” which amassed over 1 billion streams and an RIAA triple-platinum certification, Day has performed alongside numerous global artists and stars. Her feature-acting debut “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the Oscars, two Golden Globes for Actress in a Drama Motion Picture and Original Song in a Motion Picture.

The national anthem and “Lift Every Voice and Sing” will be produced and arranged by Emmy Award-winning Musical Director/Producer Adam Blackstone.

The pregame entertainment and Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show will also feature premiere American Sign Language (ASL) performances. On behalf of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD), actor Daniel Durant, who starred in the Academy Award-winning movie “CODA,” will perform the national anthem in ASL; Actress, model and dancer Anjel Piñero will sign “America the Beautiful;” and Shaheem Sanchez, actor and choreographer, will sign “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Sanchez will perform the ASL rendition of the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The ASL pre-game performances and the ASL Halftime show will be produced in partnership with Alexis Kashar of LOVE SIGN and Howard Rosenblum of the NAD.

The NFL previously announced one of the most influential artists of a generation, Usher, will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, which will be produced by DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins serving as executive producers, and Hamish Hamilton and Shawn Carter serving as directors.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Jan. 17, 2024 — NFL Network provides exclusive live coverage of three collegiate and one high school all-star games, starting Friday, Jan. 19 with the Polynesian Bowl at 9 p.m. ET, and continuing throughout the month of February with the East-West Shrine Bowl (Feb. 1), Reese’s Senior Bowl (Feb. 3) and the HBCU Legacy Bowl (Feb. 24).​

The 2024 Polynesian Bowl from Kūnuiākea Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii features the best high school players from around the world, including 10 five-star players. Play-by-play announcer Kanoa Leahey and analyst Steve Wyche, along with Kainoa Carlson and Matt Carpenter on the sidelines, call the action. Popular YouTuber Deestroying will also contribute during the broadcast.

Collegiate coverage on NFL Network starts Thursday, Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. ET with the 99th East-West Shrine Bowl from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX. Rhett Lewishandles play-by-play duties withanalyst Bucky Brooks and reporter Jane Slater.

NFL Network provides live coverage of the 75th Reese’s Senior Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. ET from Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, AL. Play-by-play announcer Andrew Siciliano, analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis, and reporter Tom Pelissero have the call.

Leading up to the Senior Bowl, live coverage of Reese’s Senior Bowl practices air Tuesday, Jan. 30, Wednesday, Jan. 31 and Thursday, Feb. 1 at 10:30 a.m. ET and 1 p.m. ET on NFL Network. Special editions of “The Insiders” start the coverage each day at 10 a.m. ET, with Pelissero, Ian Rapoport and Mike Garofolo live in Mobile.

NFL Network’s collegiate all-star game coverage concludes with the HBCU Legacy Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 4 p.m. ET from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, LA. Play-by-play announcer Steve Wyche and Bucky Brooks will be in the booth, while Sherree Burruss reports from the field. Leading up to the HBCU Legacy Bowl, NFL Network provides live coverage of the third annual HBCU Combine on Monday, Feb. 19 at noon ET from the New Orleans Saints practice facility. Rhett Lewis and Bucky Brooks host the event, with Wyche and analyst Scott Pioli reporting from New Orleans.

All all-star coverage on NFL Network is available across multiple devices (smartphone, PC, tablet and connected TVs) through the NFL app and NFL Network app for subscribers of participating NFL Network providers. Fans can also stream the game on NFL+, the league’s direct-to-consumer offering which is available across all devices (NFL App, NFL CTV and NFL.com). 

Ahead of the upcoming Divisional Playoffs, here is the latest injury report for the teams involved in the clashes:

GREEN BAY PACKERS at SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (Saturday night)

GREEN BAY PACKERS:

• Did Not Participate in Practice (Tuesday):
• RB A.J. Dillon (thumb, neck)
• DT Kingsley Enagbare (knee)
• G Elgton Jenkins (knee, ankle)
• LB Isaiah McDuffie (neck)
• LB Preston Smith (ankle)
• Limited Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder, ankle)
• DE Kenny Clark (back)
• LB Rashan Gary (knee)
• RB Aaron Jones (knee, finger)
• CB Keisean Nixon (toe)
• S Jonathan Owens (knee)
• WR Jayden Reed (chest)
• S Darnell Savage (shoulder, calf)
• WR Christian Watson (hamstring)
• Full Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• LB Quay Walker (shoulder)

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS:

• Did Not Participate in Practice (Tuesday):
• DE Clelin Ferrell (knee)
• LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles)
• S Logan Ryan (groin)
• T Trent Williams (not injury related – resting player)
• Limited Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• DT Arik Armstead (foot, knee)
• S George Odum (biceps)
• Full Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• S Ji’Ayir Brown (knee)
• C Jon Feliciano (back)
• S Tashaun Gipson (quadricep)
• WR Danny Gray (shoulder)
• TE George Kittle (back)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (calf)
• CB Ambry Thomas (hand)

HOUSTON TEXANS at BALTIMORE RAVENS (Saturday)

HOUSTON TEXANS:

• Did Not Participate in Practice (Tuesday):
• FB Andrew Beck (back)
• C Dieter Eiselen (illness)
• DE Jerry Hughes (ankle)
• G Shaquille Mason (not injury related – resting player)
• DT Sheldon Rankins (ribs, shoulder)
• T Laremy Tunsil (not injury related – resting player)
• Limited Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• DE Will Anderson (ankle)
• LB Blake Cashman (knee)
• DT Maliek Collins (hip)
• DE Jonathan Greenard (ankle)
• WR John Metchie (foot)
• LB Denzel Perryman (ribs)
• WR Robert Woods (hip)

BALTIMORE RAVENS:

• Did Not Participate in Practice (Tuesday):
• CB Marlon Humphrey (calf)
• LB Del’Shawn Phillips (shoulder)
• WR Tylan Wallace (knee)
• Limited Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• TE Mark Andrews (ankle)
• WR Zay Flowers (calf)
• LB Malik Harrison (groin)
• LB Odafe Oweh (ankle)
• Full Participation in Practice (Tuesday):
• WR Devin Duvernay (back)

This injury report provides key insights into player availability and potential lineup adjustments that may impact the outcomes of these critical playoff games.

NEW YORK –– Jan. 16, 2024 –– The National Football League today announced the six finalists for the 2023 Pepsi^® Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award.

2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year Finalists

​PLAYER	POSITION	TEAM
De’Von Achane	Running Back	Miami Dolphins
Jahmyr Gibbs	Running Back	Detroit Lions
Sam LaPorta	Tight End	Detroit Lions
Puka Nacua	Wide Receiver	Los Angeles Rams
Bijan Robinson	Running Back	Atlanta Falcons
C.J. Stroud	Quarterback	Houston Texans

Through the end of the voting period on Friday, Feb. 2, fans will be able to learn more about the Rookie of the Year finalists on NFL and Pepsi social media channels.

The 2023 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award winner will be recognized during Super Bowl Week in Las Vegas and presented with a custom, Pepsi Zero Sugar-themed trophy.

The six finalists were selected for their outstanding performances this season. Each week, six nominees were chosen for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Week and fans voted for the winner on NFL.com. Those results were used to help determine the finalists.

A closer look at the finalists:

• Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane tied for the most scrimmage touchdowns (11) and ranked fourth in scrimmage yards (997) among rookies this season. His 11 scrimmage touchdowns are tied for the second-most by a rookie in franchise history. In Week 3, Achane became the second player in NFL history with at least 200 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns and two touchdown receptions in a single game.
  
• Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was the only rookie this season with at least 1,000 scrimmage yards (1,261 – ranked third) and at least 10 scrimmage touchdowns (11 – tied for the most). From Weeks 7-11, Gibbs recorded 95 scrimmage yards and a touchdown, which tied for the third-most consecutive such games by a rookie in the Super Bowl era. Gibbs and teammate Sam LaPorta (10) became the first pair of rookie teammates each with at least 10 scrimmage touchdowns in NFL history.
  
• Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta ranked second in receptions (86) and ranked fourth in receiving yards (889) among rookies this season as well as tied for the fourth-most touchdown receptions (10) in the NFL. LaPorta recorded the most receptions and fourth-most receiving yards by a rookie tight end in NFL history. He became the third rookie tight end in NFL history to record at least 10 touchdown receptions, and the second rookie all-time with at least 85 receptions and 10 touchdown receptions.
  
• Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua led all rookies and set NFL rookie records in receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). He had seven games with at least 100 receiving yards, tied for the second-most such games by a rookie in NFL history. Nacua also became the fifth rookie in NFL history with at three games of 150-or-more receiving yards.
  
• Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson led all rookies in rushing yards (976), ranked second in scrimmage yards (franchise-record 1,463) and ranked third in rushing touchdowns (four). He had two games with at least 100 rushing yards, tied for the second-most such games by a rookie in franchise history.
  
• Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud led all rookie quarterbacks in passing yards (4,108), touchdown passes (23), passer rating (100.8) and completion percentage (63.9%). Stroud finished with the third-most passing yards by a rookie in NFL history and became the fourth qualifying rookie quarterback in NFL history with a passer rating of 100-or-higher. Stroud had nine games with at least 250 passing yards this season, the second-most such games by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.

This is the 23^rd year with Pepsi as the Official Soft Drink of the NFL and the 22^nd year that Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year award.

The Detroit Lions, led by Jared Goff, broke their 32-year playoff drought with a thrilling 24-23 victory over the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field. Goff, playing against his former team, threw for a touchdown and made a crucial pass for a first down in the game’s final moments, sealing the win for the Lions.

The Lions, now with a 13-5 record, ended the longest postseason losing streak in NFL history, dating back to a win over Dallas in 1992. This victory marks a significant moment for the franchise and the city, with Goff acknowledging the importance of the win and expressing optimism for the team’s future.

Detroit, the NFC’s No. 3 seed, will host either Tampa Bay or Philadelphia in the divisional round, marking the first time in franchise history they will have two home playoff games. The Rams, finishing the season 10-8, struggled to capitalize on late opportunities, including a failed fourth-down attempt by Matthew Stafford, who was playing against his former team.

Stafford, who led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory after being traded, played with a bandaged hand for most of the game but still managed to throw for 367 yards and two touchdowns. Despite his efforts, the Lions’ defense held strong, denying the Rams a late lead.

Rookie Puka Nacua had a standout performance for the Rams with nine receptions for 181 yards and a touchdown. The Lions’ offense was also powered by contributions from David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who made key plays throughout the game.

The atmosphere at Ford Field was electric, with the crowd reaching deafening levels to support the Lions. Notable attendees included Detroit legends Eminem, Barry Sanders, and Calvin Johnson. The fans expressed their emotions throughout the game, booing Stafford upon his entrance but rallying behind Goff, who has become a symbol of the team’s resurgence.

The Lions’ victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but a significant emotional triumph for a city and fan base that has long awaited

success in the postseason. Coach Dan Campbell praised the team’s energy and the fans’ support, which played a crucial role in the game.

The Lions’ defense, a key factor in the win, managed to contain the Rams’ offensive threats in critical moments, particularly in the fourth quarter. The game came down to the wire, with Goff’s completion to St. Brown allowing Detroit to run out the clock and secure the historic win.

Injuries did play a part in the game, with the Rams losing key players like Kyren Williams, Tyler Higbee, and Jordan Fuller. The Lions, on the other hand, managed their lineup effectively despite missing some players due to injuries.

The Lions’ victory is a testament to their resilience and growth as a team, promising an exciting future for the franchise. As they prepare for their next playoff game, the team carries the momentum of this historic win and the support of a city that has long awaited a return to postseason glory.

The Green Bay Packers delivered a stunning upset against the Dallas Cowboys with a 48-32 victory in the wild-card round, ending Dallas’s 16-game home winning streak. Aaron Jones, a lifelong Cowboys fan, was instrumental in the victory, rushing for three touchdowns, while Jordan Love threw for three scores in his postseason debut. Darnell Savage’s 64-yard interception return for a touchdown further bolstered the Packers’ dominant performance.

Jones, who has now amassed 488 yards in four career games against the Cowboys, expressed his special connection to

Dallas, having grown up idolizing Emmitt Smith and the Cowboys. His performance in Arlington was a full-circle moment for him, especially poignant considering his late father’s support for the team.

The Packers, who entered the game with a 10-8 record, continued their strong form by securing a spot in the divisional round against the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers. Green Bay’s victory was remarkable, considering their late arrival at the stadium due to weather and mechanical issues, which did not deter their focus and execution.

The loss was a significant blow for the No. 2 seed Cowboys (12-6), especially for quarterback

Dak Prescott, who threw two interceptions and then three touchdown passes when the game was essentially out of reach. This defeat adds to Dallas’s playoff woes, as they have not reached an NFC championship game since their last Super Bowl win 28 years ago. The performance raises questions about the future of Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who lost his playoff opener at home for the second time in three postseasons with the team.

Romeo Doubs had a standout game for the Packers with a career-high 151 receiving yards, contributing significantly to Green Bay’s offense. The Packers maintained their impressive record at AT&T Stadium, never having lost in six visits, including two playoff victories over the Cowboys.

The Packers’ offense was particularly effective, matching their 2010 Super Bowl-winning team for the most points in a playoff game. This was a collective effort, with contributions from various players, including those who stepped up in the absence of Aaron Rodgers. The game ended with the Packers showcasing their potential as a formidable postseason team, while the Cowboys face a period of reflection and potential changes after another disappointing playoff exit.