Antonio Gates, Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Sterling Sharpe elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has made it harder to earn induction into Canton. The change in the bylaws, which this year changed the way the 49 selectors vote, resulted in only a four-player class. Defensive back Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen, tight end Antonio Gates and wide
Bills To Add Ryan Nielsen To Staff
Ryan Nielsen has served as a defensive coordinator on three different teams over the past three years. He will not have another DC gig in 2025, but he has landed a new opportunity in the NFL. Nielsen has a deal in place with the Bills, as first reported by The Athletic’s
Josh Allen wins MVP award over Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson won first-team All-Pro. He did not win a third MVP award. In one of the most stunning results in the history of the award, Josh Allen beat out Jackson for the 2024 MVP. He received 27 first-place votes and 383 points, while Jackson had 23 first-place votes and
No snub: Eli Manning simply didn’t deserve first-ballot HOF honor
In a surprising development from the NFL Honors award show on Thursday night, Eli Manning is not a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The former Giants quarterback failed to earn inclusion as a member of the 2025 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Instead, Jared Allen, Eric Allen, Antonio
Lamar Jackson’s status as first-team All-Pro ultimately didn’t secure MVP award over Josh Allen
The same 50 people who voted for the MVP award also voted for the All-Pro team. The votes were due only two days apart, in the immediate aftermath of Week 18. And, somehow, the tabulation of the ballots resulted in Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson being named the first-team All-Pro quarterback
NFC West Notes: Rams, Seahawks, Cards
The Rams are hiring former Ravens, Giants, and Patriots defensive assistant Drew Wilkins as their next defensive pass-game coordinator, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Wilkins started out as an intern in Baltimore in 2011 and worked his way up John Harbaugh‘s staff. When Don ‘Wink’ Martindale took over as defensive
Here’s my full 2024 AP awards ballot
We’re big on transparency in these parts, because the lack of it causes people to wonder what’s really going on behind the curtain. Last year, I posted my full AP awards ballot, which went five deep at MVP and three for all other awards. My 2024 ballot, which now has
The ‘Super Bowl touchdown pass leaders’ quiz
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes isn’t even 30 years old yet, but he’s set to start his fifth career Super Bowl since taking over as signal caller seven seasons ago. Heading into Super Bowl LIX, Mahomes has already placed himself among icons of the NFL. He’s fifth all-time in
Browns Hire Christian Jones As TEs Coach
The Browns are hiring Christian Jones as their next tight ends coach, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Jones spent the 2024 season as the Giants assistant quarterbacks coach and will now reunite with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland. The two overlapped in Minnesota in 2019 when Stefanski was the Vikings’ offensive
Jaguars DE Arik Armstead wins Walter Payton Man of the Year
Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead was named the 2024 Walter Payton NFL Man of The Year on Thursday night at NFL Honors. Armstead is the second Jaguars player to win the award, joining Calais Campbell, who won the award in 2019. He was a nominee for the award for a
Eli Manning, others snubbed from 2025 Hall of Fame class
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its members of the class of 2025 at the NFL Honors award show in New Orleans on Thursday night. Four players were selected to be enshrined eternally in Canton, Ohio this August. Jared Allen, Antonio Gates, Eric Allen and Sterling Sharpe each earned
Kevin O’Connell earns coach of the year honors
The Vikings began the season with an over-under win total of 6.5 after losing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency. They drafted J.J. McCarthy and signed veteran Sam Darnold, but McCarthy was lost for the season in August with a full meniscus tear in his knee. Still, the Vikings went
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/6/25
Here is today’s lone reserve/futures deal: Washington Commanders RB Michael Wiley This content was brought to you by: Pro Football RumorsPro Football Rumors
Report: Prime Video will continue to televise playoff game for balance of current rights deal
It started as a one-year thing. And it will now continue. Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal reports that Prime Video will continue to televise a Wild Card game for the balance of its current broadcast deal. While reported a seven-year commitment, the NFL has an early out under all
For the second time, Burrow is named NFL Comeback Player of the Year
After missing half of the 2023 NFL season, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returned in 2024 and had not only the best season of his career, but also one of the best seasons in the league. It was not enough to get the Bengals in the playoffs, but it was
Lions, Holmes, Bears, Packers, Addison
The Lions are hiring former NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski as an offensive assistant, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Originally a Buccaneers sixth-round pick in 2006, Gradkowski bounced between six different teams in his career, finishing with 37 total appearances and 20 starts. He briefly coached at the high school level before
Pat Surtain II wins defensive player of the year
Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II became the second player in team history to win defensive player of the year. He joined Hall of Fame linebacker Randy Gradishar (1978) in earning the award. Von Miller finished second in voting for the award in 2012 and 2016 when he was with the
Cowboys should disregard this Hall of Famer’s NFL Draft advice
Emmitt Smith wants the Dallas Cowboys to avoid drafting Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, but his reasoning seems misguided. During a Thursday interview with Sirius XM’s Maggie Gray and Andrew Perloff, Smith — a former Cowboys RB and Pro Football Hall of Famer — suggested Jeanty would fail in
PFT’s Super Bowl LIX picks, Florio vs. Simms
It all comes down to this. For history. And, more importantly, for the Florio and Simms full-season competition. After 272 regular-season games and 12 postseason games, we’re one game apart in the straight-up picks contest. I’m 195-89, and he’s 194-90. And we disagree on who will win Super Bowl LIX.
Raiders Add Joe Woods, Chris Beatty To Coaching Staff
The Raiders are hiring veteran coach Joe Woods to serve as defensive pass-game coordinator on Pete Carroll’s staff, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Woods has 33 years of coaching experience – 11 in college and 22 in the NFL – including stints as defensive coordinator for the Broncos (2017-2018) and the
DeVonta Smith, Brandon Graham remain limited practice participants
Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (illness) returned to full participation in Thursday’s practice. He was limited Wednesday. He was the only player on the practice report with an illness, though Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told NBC Sports Philadelphia that an illness is going around through some of the team.
Travis Kelce expands on reasoning for retirement decision
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce confirmed during Monday’s prime-time Super Bowl media event that he plans to return for at least one more season regardless of the result of this Sunday’s championship game versus the Philadelphia Eagles. Kelce expanded on his mindset while speaking with reporters on Thursday.
Matt Araiza added to Chiefs injury report, but practices in full
The Chiefs added punter Matt Araiza to their injury report on Thursday. Araiza also handles the holding duties for kicker Harrison Butker, so his absence would affect them in multiple areas, but it doesn’t look like they’ll need to scramble for someone to fill his role. Araiza was able to
Joe Burrow Addresses Bengals’ Pending Decisions On Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson
Joe Burrow is on the books for the foreseeable future, but plenty of uncertainty currently surrounds the outlook for many other key Bengals players. Cincinnati’s franchise passer spoke on Thursday about the team’s financial situation and his role in helping to keep existing the core intact. [RELATED: Bengals, Burrow Meet Each
NFL Draft intel: Senior Bowl MVP’s stock should continue to soar
In his postgame interview with NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, the WR honored his brother, Tiger, who died in the New Orleans terror attack on Jan. 1. “It’s simple,” Jack Bech said. “My brother had some wings on me. He gave them to me and let that all take place.” Tankathon
Ashton Jeanty would see it as a dream to play for his hometown Cowboys
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty is expected to hear his name in the first round of the NFL draft. Jeanty’s dream is not to go as high as possible but to go to the Cowboys, who have the 12th overall pick. Jeanty grew up in Frisco, Texas, home of
Rick Spielman Takes On Full-Time Jets Role
Upon clearing house midway through the campaign (by firing head coach Robert Saleh, and later general manager Joe Douglas), the Jets set themselves up for a lengthy offseason search process. The team took an unusual route to fill those positions, turning to the 33rd Team to play a leading role. In particular,
Nick Sirianni: The tush push doesn’t work unless you have the players who can run it
The Eagles have been so effective gaining first downs with the “tush push” quarterback sneak that some teams have tried to get the NFL to ban it. But Eagles coach Nick Sirianni says it’s not about the play, it’s about the players who run it. “You don’t run the play
Steelers insider makes bold Mike Tomlin prediction for 2026
Pockets of Pittsburgh Steelers fans and local media personalities called for the club to part ways with head coach Mike Tomlin following his latest playoff defeat. However, Steelers owner and team president Art Rooney II made it quite clear in January that he never considered firing or trading Tomlin. For
Matthew Stafford: I’ll miss being on the same team as Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp is on the trade block with all indications being that his time with the Rams has come to an end. Quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose future in Los Angeles is also a bit in flux, said in an interview this week that it will be tough to see Kupp
Bears Owner Virginia McCaskey Dies At 102
The Bears’ matriarch has passed away. The team announced on Thursday that owner Virginia McCaskey has died at the age of 102. McCaskey’s father, George Halas, purchased the franchise in 1920 and participated in the meeting which founded the American Professional Football Association (later renamed to the National Football League). He remained the Bears’
Bucs promote Kevin Carberry to run game coordinator, Brian Picucci to OL coach
The Buccaneers blocked a pair of assistant coaches from interviewing with the Jaguars in the wake of Liam Coen’s move to Jacksonville as their new head coach and both of those coaches will have new titles for the 2025 season. Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times reports that they
Five bold predictions for Super Bowl LIX
Anybody can predict a winner for Super Bowl LIX but few dare to project specific details. We’re not afraid. Here are five things fans can expect to see in Sunday’s big game. DeVonta Smith will be named MVP Not only is Smith a longshot (+6500) to win the award, he
Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey dies at 102
The Bears announced that team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey died at the age of 102. McCaskey took control of the team after the death of her father George Halas in 1983. She was on hand for the team’s only Super Bowl title after the 1985 season and was alive for
Myles Garrett Trade Could Alter CB Denzel Ward’s Browns Future
As the countdown to the Super Bowl continues, one of the top storylines around the NFL is Myles Garrett‘s future. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year has requested a trade, something the Browns have no intention of honoring. Teams will no doubt make contact about a potential deal, though, with
Rome Odunze says he’s ready for anything with Ben Johnson’s trick plays
Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is excited to play for new head coach Ben Johnson — and excited about showing off some skills he hasn’t previously displayed, thanks to Johnson’s penchant for trick plays. Odunze said on the PFT Live set at Super Bowl LIX that he’s already thinking about
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce shares how he’s grown under Andy Reid
In February 2024, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce credited head coach Andy Reid for seeing “greatness” before the Chiefs made Kelce a third-round pick during the 2013 NFL Draft. Ahead of Kansas City’s Super Bowl LIX game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce shared how he has evolved under Reid,
George Kittle: At any moment, we can kick the window wide open
49ers tight end George Kittle said before the 2023 season that he and the rest of the team were “very aware” that their Super Bowl window might be closing because of the difficulty of keeping a winning team together for many seasons. The 49ers went to the Super Bowl that
The ‘Super Bowl pick-sixes’ quiz
How many of the NFL players with a Super Bowl pick-six can you name in four minutes? Good luck! Did you like this quiz? Are there any quizzes you’d like to see us make in the future? Let us know your thoughts at quizzes@yardbarker.com, and make sure to subscribe to
Maxx Crosby: I’ve had doubts in past, but this is the most optimistic I’ve been about Raiders
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby liked the energy in the room when Pete Carroll was introduced as the team’s new head coach last month and his good feelings about the direction of the organization haven’t gone away. Crosby was a guest on PFT Live in New Orleans on Thursday and
Jaguars To Add Shane Waldron, John Van Dam To Coaching Staff
Liam Coen‘s initial Jaguars staff continues to take shape. Grant Udinski was hired as offensive coordinator yesterday, and more additions are coming on that side of the ball. Jacksonville plans to hire Shane Waldron, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. His role will likely be pass-game coordinator but regardless of what it is this
Travis Kelce: I owe everything to Andy Reid
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce says no one has meant more to him than head coach Andy Reid. Kelce was drafted by the Chiefs just two months after Reid became their head coach, and the first person Kelce heard from was his brother, former Eagles center Jason Kelce, who had
What Falcons’ Kirk Cousins told Michael Penix Jr. before QB change
The 2024 Atlanta Falcons went from 6-3 to 7-7 before head coach Raheem Morris somewhat controversially benched quarterback Kirk Cousins in favor of 2024 first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. in an attempt to save Atlanta’s playoff hopes. During a recent chat with Scott Thompson of Fox News Digital, Penix revealed the advice
Report: Jaguars to add Shane Waldron to offensive staff
Former Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has found a landing spot for 2025. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Waldron is joining the Jaguars’ coaching staff, likely as pass-game coordinator. Waldron, 45, coached with Coen on the Rams from 2018-2020. The Bears hired Waldron last year after he’d spent 2021-2023
Seahawks Rework Leonard Williams’ Deal
With the new league year approaching, teams on currently on pace to be over the 2025 salary cap have work to do on the cost-cutting front. The Seahawks are among them, and they have manufactured some breathing room through simple means. Seattle has restructured defensive lineman Leonard Williams‘ contract, as detailed
Lions to hire Bruce Gradkowski as an offensive assistant
The Lions are remaking their coaching staff after a number of departures following their playoff loss to the Commanders and a former NFL quarterback will be among the new faces. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Bruce Gradkowski has agreed to join the team as an offensive assistant. Gradkowski spent
The ‘Most field goals in Super Bowl history’ quiz
While most headlines surrounding the Chiefs and Super Bowl history this year will have to do with their quarterback Patrick Mahomes or their goal for a historic three-peat. But Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker will have a chance to further entrench himself as the most productive (and one of the
Pro Bowl audience plummets by 18 percent for Sunday’s flag-football game
The non-Pro Bowl Pro Bowl isn’t doing very well with the customers. Via Austin Karp of Sports Business Journal, the NFL’s All-Star event attracted 4.7 million viewers on ABC, ESPN, and DisneyXD. The number reflects an 18-percent drop from last year. It’s also the lowers live audience for the Sunday
Repeat performances: Ranking every Super Bowl rematch
The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs will play Sunday in Super Bowl LIX (6:30 p.m. ET, Fox) just two years after meeting in Super Bowl LVII. Sunday’s matchup marks just the 10th SB rematch in NFL history. Here’s a ranking of each of the previous rematches, from worst to
Deion Sanders: I couldn’t coach pro ball
After word that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke to Deion Sanders early in the team’s coaching search, Sanders said that it was intriguing to hear from Jones but that he loves being the coach at the University of Colorado. Sanders never had a formal interview for the job before the