Opinion: Who are the real winners in the NFL?
NPR's Scott Simon reflects on football coach Sean Payton's new contract with the Denver Broncos as well as NFL player safety ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl game.
Football
5 storylines to watch for a Super Bowl between heavyweights: the Chiefs and Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles were the league's most complete team this year, but Kansas City had its best offense by far. Plus, look out for a pair of brothers and a historic quarterback matchup.
4 storylines to watch in this weekend's NFL conference championship games
Can the 49ers' seventh-round rookie QB lead them to the Super Bowl? Did the Eagles' Christmas album put them on Santa's nice list? And just how fast is it possible to recover from a high ankle sprain?
Damar Hamlin's 'Did We Win?' shirts to raise money for first responders and hospital
The proceeds from the t-shirts will benefit first responders and the University of Cincinnati's Trauma Center where Hamlin had been receiving treatment.
No. 15 UNC faces Wake Forest to clinch ACC title-game trip
North Carolina has finally figured out how to win on the road. That has the 15th-ranked Tar Heels a win away from clinching a trip to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game.
Appalachian State football shines in national spotlight
Appalachian State University’s football program is enjoying some time in the national spotlight.
The XFL is relaunching. Here's what we know so far and how it will be different
The 2023 season will mark the third launch for the XFL spring football league. Now under new ownership, the league is hoping to bring an enhanced experience to fans next February.
Marlin Briscoe, the 1st Black starting quarterback in the AFL, dies at 76
The Nebraska native was a star quarterback for Omaha University before the Denver Broncos drafted him as a cornerback in the 14th round in 1968. He wasn't allowed to compete for the QB job in 1969.
NFL receiver Calvin Ridley suspended for 2022 season after gambling on games
The NFL said Ridley placed several bets last November while he was taking a break from football. It found no evidence that Ridley had inside information or that his team knew he had placed the bets.
The NFL and players' union agree to suspend COVID protocols for the 2022 season
With the change in protocol, league players and staff will no longer have to wear face coverings at NFL facilities, regardless of their vaccination status.