Denver Broncos History: Owners, Stadiums, Hall of Famers, MVPs and the Broncos Legacy The Denver Broncos are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional football. Founded in 1959 as a charter member of the American Football League, the Broncos began play in 1960 and joined the National Football League when the AFL and NFL merged in 1970. The early years were difficult. Denver struggled through most of its first decade, finishing the AFL era with a 39-97-4 record. But the franchise eventually transformed itself into one of the NFL’s most successful organizations. The Broncos have won three Super Bowls—XXXII, XXXIII and 50—and have captured AFC championships in 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2013 and 2015. The Birth of the Denver Broncos The Broncos were founded by Bob Howsam, who received an AFL franchise for Denver in 1959. Howsam had experience in professional baseball and had been involved in developing Bears Stadium, which would become the Broncos’ first regular home. The Broncos played their first regular-season game on September 9, 1960, defeating the Boston Patriots 13-10. That game was the first game ever played in the history of the American Football League. The Howsam family’s ownership lasted only briefly. Howsam sold his interest to a group headed by Gerald H. Phipps and Cal Kunz in 1961. Denver Broncos Ownership History The Broncos have had several ownership groups since their creation. Bob Howsam — 1959-1961 Robert “Bob” Howsam was the founder and original owner of the Broncos. He brought professional football to Denver by obtaining the AFL franchise. His first Broncos team went 4-9-1 in 1960, but the organization he created eventually became one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. Cal Kunz — 1961-1964 Cal Kunz became part of the ownership group that purchased the Broncos from Howsam in 1961. Kunz was an important member of the early Denver ownership group. Gerald and Allan Phipps — 1961-1981 Gerald H. Phipps and his brother Allan Phipps became the dominant owners of the Broncos. Gerald Phipps purchased the club in 1965 and became one of the most important figures in early Broncos history. Under his ownership, the team experienced its first winning season in 1973 and eventually reached its first playoffs and first Super Bowl in 1977. Gerald Phipps was later inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame. Edgar Kaiser Jr. — 1981-1984 Edgar Kaiser Jr., a member of the Kaiser family, purchased the Broncos from the Phipps ownership group in 1981. His ownership lasted only a few seasons, but it directly preceded the beginning of the greatest ownership era in franchise history. Pat Bowlen — 1984-2019 Pat Bowlen became majority owner of the Broncos in 1984 and eventually acquired 100 percent ownership. Bowlen’s ownership lasted more than three decades and included: 7 AFC championships 3 Super Bowl championships 21 winning seasons 18 playoff appearances 7 Super Bowl appearances Bowlen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor. His ownership era included the Broncos’ greatest sustained period of success. The Pat Bowlen Trust — 2019-2022 After Bowlen’s death in 2019, the franchise was operated through the Pat Bowlen Trust while the ownership succession process was completed. Joe Ellis served as the Broncos’ president and CEO during this transition. Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group — 2022-Present In 2022, the Broncos were purchased by the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group. Rob Walton became the principal owner, while Greg Penner serves as chairman and CEO. The ownership group also includes Carrie Walton Penner and other investors. As of 2026, the Walton-Penner group remains the Broncos’ ownership group. Every Stadium the Broncos Have Called Home The Broncos have a particularly interesting stadium history because they spent their first 41 seasons almost entirely in one facility. Bears Stadium — 1960-1968 The Broncos began playing in Bears Stadium, which had originally been built in 1948 for the Denver Bears baseball club. When the Broncos entered the AFL, the stadium was expanded for professional football. It became the original home of the Denver Broncos. University of Denver Stadium — 1962 and 1963 The Broncos also used University of Denver Stadium, commonly known as Hilltop Stadium, for two home openers because Bears Stadium was unavailable. These were unusual exceptions rather than a permanent change of home field. Mile High Stadium — 1969-2000 Bears Stadium was renamed Denver Mile High Stadium in 1969. For decades, “Mile High” became almost synonymous with the Denver Broncos. The Broncos played virtually all of their home games there from 1960 through 2000. Their record in the building was 190-108-7. The stadium also became famous for its enormous crowds and intimidating home-field atmosphere. Invesco Field at Mile High — 2001-2011 In 2001, the Broncos moved into their new stadium adjacent to the old Mile High Stadium site. The new facility was initially called Invesco Field at Mile High. Sports Authority Field at Mile High — 2011-2018 The stadium was renamed Sports Authority Field at Mile High in 2011. Broncos Stadium at Mile High — 2018-2019 Following the end of the Sports Authority naming agreement, the facility temporarily became known as Broncos Stadium at Mile High. Empower Field at Mile High — 2019-Present In 2019, the stadium became Empower Field at Mile High under a 21-year naming-rights agreement. As of 2026, Empower Field remains the Broncos’ home stadium. The stadium holds approximately 76,000 fans and has continued the tradition of “Mile High” football in Denver. Broncos in the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Broncos have produced a remarkable collection of Pro Football Hall of Famers. For this list, the focus is on individuals whose Hall of Fame careers included their major Broncos accomplishments—not players whose Hall of Fame credentials were primarily earned with another franchise. John Elway… Continue reading Denver Broncos History:
Category: Football
Buffalo Bills: A Complete History of Buffalo’s NFL Franchise
The Buffalo Bills are one of professional football’s most distinctive franchises. Born in the American Football League in 1959, the Bills became one of the AFL’s early powers, survived difficult decades, produced one of the greatest teams of the 1990s, and eventually became the first team in NFL history to reach four consecutive Super Bowls. The franchise has had only two ownership groups, but a long succession of coaches, several different home venues, Hall of Fame players, memorable draft successes and some painful draft misses. As of the 2026 season, the Bills have also entered a new era with the opening of a new Highmark Stadium and the hiring of Joe Brady as head coach. The Birth of the Buffalo Bills The modern Buffalo Bills franchise began on October 28, 1959, when Detroit businessman Ralph C. Wilson Jr. was awarded the seventh franchise in the new American Football League. Wilson was one of the original AFL owners—the group sometimes called the AFL’s “Foolish Club” because they were challenging the established NFL. He selected Buffalo as the home of his new team. The team was officially named the Buffalo Bills in November 1959 and began playing in 1960. The Bills became one of the AFL’s strongest clubs during the middle of the 1960s, winning consecutive AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965. Every Bills Owner One of the remarkable things about Buffalo’s history is the small number of ownership groups. 1. Ralph C. Wilson Jr. — 1959–2014 Wilson was the founder and original owner. He owned the Bills for 54 seasons, making him one of the longest-serving owners in NFL history. During his ownership, Buffalo won two AFL championships and appeared in four consecutive Super Bowls. Wilson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. Wilson also became an important figure in the AFL-NFL merger and was widely respected among NFL owners. 2. Terry and Kim Pegula — 2014–present Terry and Kim Pegula purchased the Bills in 2014 after Wilson’s death. NFL owners unanimously approved the sale on October 8, 2014. The Pegulas became only the second ownership group in Bills history. Terry Pegula is the team’s owner/CEO/president, while Kim Pegula is an owner and has also held prominent leadership positions with the Bills and Buffalo Sabres. Every Bills Home Stadium The Bills have had two primary physical homes; although their second hone went through numerous names. War Memorial Stadium — 1960–1972 The Bills began playing at War Memorial Stadium, commonly called the Rockpile, in Buffalo. The stadium originally opened in 1937 and was expanded during the Bills’ tenure. Buffalo played there for its entire AFL existence through the 1972 season. Rich Stadium — 1973–1997 The Bills moved to their new suburban stadium in Orchard Park in 1973. The stadium was originally named Rich Stadium. Ralph Wilson Stadium — 1998–2015 The stadium was renamed Ralph Wilson Stadium in honor of the franchise’s founder. New Era Field — 2016–2019 Naming rights changed again, producing the name New Era Field. Bills Stadium — 2020–2021 The stadium temporarily carried the straightforward name Bills Stadium. Highmark Stadium — 2021–2025 Highmark obtained naming rights in 2021, giving the Orchard Park stadium the name Highmark Stadium. New Highmark Stadium — 2026–present The Bills opened a new Highmark Stadium in 2026, replacing the previous stadium across the street. The new facility has a capacity of approximately 60,108, features a natural-grass field and was designed specifically around football. The first regular-season game in the new stadium was scheduled for September 17, 2026, against the Detroit Lions. Every Bills Head Coach Buffalo has had a long list of head coaches. Including interim coaches, the franchise has had 21 head-coaching tenures/named head coaches through the 2025 season, with Joe Brady beginning in 2026. Years Head Coach 1960–1961 Buster Ramsey 1962–1965 Lou Saban 1966–1968 Joe Collier 1968 Harvey Johnson 1969–1970 John Rauch 1971 Harvey Johnson 1972–1976 Lou Saban 1976–1977 Jim Ringo 1978–1982 Chuck Knox 1983–1985 Kay Stephenson 1985–1986 Hank Bullough 1986–1997 Marv Levy 1998–2000 Wade Phillips 2001–2003 Gregg Williams 2004–2005 Mike Mularkey 2006–2009 Dick Jauron 2009 Perry Fewell, interim 2010–2012 Chan Gailey 2013–2014 Doug Marrone 2015–2016 Rex Ryan 2016 Anthony Lynn, interim 2017–2025 Sean McDermott 2026–present Joe Brady The NFL’s official records document the historical coaching succession and records. Lou Saban and the First Bills Dynasty Lou Saban was the first great coach in Bills history. He coached Buffalo from 1962 through 1965 and returned from 1972 through 1976. His first Bills team won the AFL Championship in 1964. Buffalo repeated as champions in 1965. The 1964 team was led by stars including Jack Kemp, Cookie Gilchrist, Billy Shaw, Tom Sestak and Mike Stratton. The Bills came extremely close to reaching the first Super Bowl. They lost the 1966 AFL Championship Game to Kansas City, meaning the Chiefs—not Buffalo—advanced to Super Bowl I. The O.J. Simpson Era The 1970s produced one of the most famous players in franchise history: O.J. Simpson. Simpson became the centerpiece of the Buffalo offense and in 1973 became the first NFL running back to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season, finishing with 2,003. That accomplishment remained one of the defining individual achievements in Bills history. Chuck Knox and the Return to the Playoffs Chuck Knox became head coach in 1978. Known for his emphasis on physical football, Knox led Buffalo to the AFC East championship in 1980. The Bills reached the playoffs again in 1981 before losing to Cincinnati. After Knox’s departure, Buffalo went through another difficult period before one of the greatest transformations in franchise history. Marv Levy and the Greatest Era in Bills History Everything changed in 1986. The Bills replaced Hank Bullough with Marv Levy, who would eventually become a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach. Levy remained Buffalo’s head coach through 1997. He became the winningest coach in franchise history and led Buffalo to four consecutive AFC championships. Levy’s teams were built around an extraordinary collection of talent: Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Bruce Smith, James… Continue reading Buffalo Bills: A Complete History of Buffalo’s NFL Franchise
Cincinnati Bengals History: From Paul Brown to Joe Burrow
The history of the Cincinnati Bengals is one of the most fascinating stories in the NFL. Founded by Hall of Fame coach Paul Brown, The Bengals entered the American Football League in 1968 and became part of the NFL following the AFL-NFL merger. The franchise has produced Hall of Fame players, NFL MVPs, innovative offenses, dramatic playoff victories and three Super Bowl appearances. Cincinnati has yet to win a Super Bowl, but the Bengals have built several teams that came within one game of becoming NFL champions. From Ken Anderson and Anthony Muñoz, to Boomer Esiason and Ickey Woods, to Chad Johnson and Carson Palmer, and finally to Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals have repeatedly built their identity around talented quarterbacks, explosive receivers and some of the most memorable personalities in football. The Birth of the Bengals The Bengals’ story begins with Paul Brown. After leaving the Cleveland Browns following the 1962 season, Brown remained away from professional football for several years. He eventually became the driving force behind bringing professional football back to Cincinnati. Cincinnati was awarded an AFL franchise in 1967, with Brown becoming the organization’s founder, head coach and general manager. The team began play in 1968. Brown chose the name Bengals, a name that connected the new franchise to previous Cincinnati professional football teams that had used the same nickname. The Bengals struggled during their first season, finishing 3-11, but Brown immediately demonstrated his ability to build an expansion team. The following year, Cincinnati drafted quarterback Greg Cook fifth overall. Cook became an instant sensation. Unfortunately, his shoulder injury during the third game of the 1969 season permanently altered what appeared to be a potentially spectacular career. Cook won AFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the AFL passing title, but he played only one more game after 1969. His story remains one of the great “what if?” stories in Bengals history. Bengals Owners The Bengals have had remarkable ownership continuity compared with most NFL franchises. 1967-1991: Paul Brown Paul Brown was the founder and controlling figure of the franchise. He remained the organization’s principal owner and general manager until his death in 1991. 1983-1990: John Sawyer: John Sawyer became a significant shareholder and served as an owner/president during the later Paul Brown years. 1991-Present: Mike Brown and the Brown Family Following Paul Brown’s death in 1991, his son Mike Brown assumed control of the franchise. The Brown family has retained controlling ownership ever since. The Bengals have therefore remained locally owned throughout their history. The team said in 2011 that the Brown family continued to hold the controlling interest after purchasing shares previously held by the estate of original shareholder Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton. Original Ownership Group The original franchise also included several Cincinnati investors, including Austin E. “Dutch” Knowlton, John Sawyer and other local investors. Knowlton was an important early shareholder, and the Bengals later purchased his estate’s stake. So, in terms of the franchise’s controlling ownership: Paul Brown → Mike Brown/Brown family That continuity is one of the defining characteristics of the Bengals. Home Stadiums The Bengals have played in three principal home stadiums. 1. Nippert Stadium — 1968-1969 The Bengals played their first two seasons at Nippert Stadium, on the University of Cincinnati campus. The stadium was considerably smaller than the downtown facility that was being constructed, but it became the birthplace of Bengals football. Cincinnati played its first preseason game there in August 1968. 2. Riverfront Stadium — 1970-1999In 1970 the Bengals moved downtown to Riverfront Stadium, which they shared with baseball’s Cincinnati Reds. The stadium became the backdrop for some of the greatest moments in franchise history, including: The 1970 AFC Central championship Ken Anderson’s MVP season The 1981 playoff run The 1982 “Freezer Bowl” victory The 1988 Super Bowl season The Ickey Shuffle The stadium was renamed Cinergy Field in 1996 and remained the Bengals’ home through the 1999 season. 3. Paycor Stadium — 2000-Present The Bengals moved into their new riverfront stadium in 2000. It was originally called Paul Brown Stadium, honoring the franchise founder. In 2022, naming rights were sold to Cincinnati-based Paycor, making the official name Paycor Stadium. The stadium remains the home of the Bengals in 2026. It has become known throughout the NFL as “The Jungle.” The Paul Brown Era Brown coached the Bengals from 1968 through 1975. His teams reached the playoffs three times, including the remarkable 1970 season. In only their third season, the Bengals won the AFC Central at 8-6 and became the youngest franchise at the time to reach the playoffs. Brown won the AFL Coach of the Year Award in 1969 and the AP NFL Coach of the… Continue reading Cincinnati Bengals History: From Paul Brown to Joe Burrow
Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys
Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys to the Monsters of the Midway Few franchises in professional sports have a history as deep as the Chicago Bears. The Bears are one of the two remaining charter members of the NFL, tracing their roots to 1920. Before they became the Chicago Bears, they were the Decatur Staleys, an industrial football team sponsored by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The franchise moved to Chicago in 1921, changed its name to the Bears in 1922 and has been one of professional football’s most important organizations ever since. The Bears have won nine NFL championships, including the 1985 Super Bowl, and their history includes George Halas, Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Brian Urlacher, Devin Hester and many other Hall of Fame players. The franchise has also produced some of the most famous defenses in football history. The Birth of the Bears In 1920, the A.E. Staley Company of Decatur, Illinois, sponsored a football team. George Halas, who had experience as both a player and coach, became the team’s representative at the September 17, 1920 meeting in Canton, Ohio, where representatives of 11 other clubs helped form the American Professional Football Association, which became the National Football League in 1922. The franchise fee was only $100. The original team was the Decatur Staleys. In 1921, A.E. Staley gave Halas the team, $5,000 and permission to move the club to Chicago as long as it retained the Staleys name for one season. The move worked. The Chicago Staleys won the 1921 APFA championship. In January 1922, the franchise officially became the Chicago Bears. The Bears were born. George Halas: The Man Who Was the Bears It is almost impossible to tell the story of the Bears without telling the story of George “Papa Bear” Halas. Halas was: Player, Coach, Owner, General manager, Founder, Innovator, and NFL pioneer. He coached the Bears for 40 seasons, divided into four separate 10-year periods. His coaching record was an extraordinary 324-151-31, including playoffs. He led Chicago to six NFL championships as coach: 1921, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1946 and 1963. Halas retired from coaching after the 1967 season. He remained the guiding force of the organization until his death in 1983. Few people in NFL history have had a greater influence on a franchise. Bears Ownership History One of the unusual things about the Chicago Bears is that the franchise has remained in the same family since its earliest days. A.E. Staley Company — 1920 The original Decatur Staleys were owned by the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The company sponsored the team and employed many of its players. The Staleys’ financial problems helped lead to the decision to give George Halas control of the franchise and allow him to move it to Chicago. George Halas — 1920-1983 George Halas became the dominant owner and leader of the franchise. For more than six decades, the Bears were essentially his football kingdom. He was involved in virtually every aspect of the organization. The Pro Football Hall of Fame notes that almost all of the Bears’ successes from their beginning through 1983 can be attributed to Halas. Virginia Halas McCaskey — 1983-2025 After George Halas died in 1983, ownership passed to his daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey. She became one of the most important women in NFL history. McCaskey was born in 1923 and had literally grown up around the Bears. She had watched the franchise from the earliest days of professional football and eventually became its principal owner. She was the owner when the Bears won Super Bowl XX following the 1985 season. McCaskey remained the team’s principal owner until her death on February 6, 2025, at age 102. She had been the longest-tenured owner in the NFL. The McCaskey Family — 2025-present After Virginia McCaskey’s death, the Bears remained a McCaskey family-owned franchise. Her grandson, George H. McCaskey, serves as Bears chairman and is the current principal owner/representative of the family’s ownership. The important point is that the Bears have never been sold to an outside ownership group in their modern history. The same family that began with George Halas continues to control the franchise more than a century later. Every Major Bears Home Stadium The Bears have played their home games in several locations during their long history. Staley Field — Decatur, Illinois 1920 This was the original home of the Decatur Staleys. It was a small facility with a capacity of approximately 1,500. The limitations of playing in Decatur were one reason Halas moved the team to Chicago. Cubs Park — Chicago 1921-1925 After moving to Chicago, the Staleys played at Cubs Park. The ballpark was later renamed Wrigley Field. Wrigley Field 1926-1970 Wrigley Field became the Bears’ home for half a century. The Bears played their final game there on December 13, 1970, defeating the Green Bay Packers 35-17. Wrigley was home to some of the greatest players in early Bears history including: Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, George McAfee, Bulldog Turner, Dick Butkus, and Gale Sayers. Soldier Field 1971-2001 The Bears moved to Soldier Field in 1971. The stadium became the permanent symbol of Bears football. It was the home of Walter Payton, the 1985 championship team and the legendary Bears defenses. Memorial Stadium — Champaign, Illinois 2002 … Continue reading Chicago Bears History: From the Decatur Staleys
SUPER BOWL LX WRAP-UP
29 13 The Seattle Seahawks claimed Super Bowl LX with a comprehensive 29–13 victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026. This win secured the second, (Should have been 3rd ! But Coach Pete Carrol elected to not let Marshawn Lynch, run in the winning TD. He will always be remembered for that BONEHEAD CALL). Lombardi Trophy in franchise history for Seattle and capped a dominant 2025 season. Seattle Seahawks Both the Seahawks and the Patriots entered the Super Bowl with identical 14–3 regular season records, each earning top seeds in their respective conferences. Seattle seized the NFC West and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, while New England captured a playoff berth that marked one of the most dramatic turnarounds in franchise history. The Patriots’ journey under new leadership and with rookie quarterback Drake Maye captivated fans nationwide. The matchup was a rematch of their 2015 Super Bowl encounter, where New England secured a narrow victory. This time, Seattle sought redemption—and they delivered. Game Overview: A Defensive Masterclass From kickoff to final whistle, Super Bowl LX evolved into a defensive chess match dominated by the Seahawks’ front seven and secondary. Seattle’s unit—nicknamed the “Dark Side” defense—consistently disrupted New England’s offensive rhythm, generating pressure, turnovers, and field-position advantages throughout the game. Key Themes Defensive Dominance: Seattle’s defense held New England scoreless through the first three quarters, applying relentless pressure on Maye and forcing critical mistakes. Special Teams Impact: Seahawks kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals, a testament to Seattle’s ability to convert opportunities even when red-zone touchdowns proved elusive. Turnovers and Momentum: The defense generated multiple turnovers, including an interception returned for a touchdown by Uchenna Nwosu, swinging momentum decisively in Seattle’s favor. Seattle Seahawks Despite a modest performance from quarterback Sam Darnold, who engineered scoring drives at pivotal moments, it was Seattle’s all-around execution that defined the victory. Seattle Seahawks Standout Performances Kenneth Walker III — MVP Running Back Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III delivered a historic performance, rushing for 135 yards on 27 carries and contributing key receptions out of the backfield. His effort earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, making him the first running back in the 21st century to win the award since Terrell Davis in 1998. Reuters Walker’s versatility and physicality helped Seattle control the clock and sustain drives, giving the defense more rest and the opportunity to make game-changing plays. Sam Darnold — Steady Leadership While not the statistical star of the game, Darnold managed the Seahawks’ offense efficiently. He finished with 202 passing yards and a touchdown, avoiding turnovers and delivering when necessary—especially in the fourth quarter to expand the lead. Seattle Seahawks Seahawks Defense — Collective Excellence The Seattle defense operated as a cohesive unit. They combined quarterback pressures, sacks, and turnovers to stifle New England’s attack. Veterans and young playmakers alike contributed, with key plays from cornerback Devon Witherspoon and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu shifting the tide at critical junctures. Patriots: A Tough Night in Santa Clara For the New England Patriots, the Super Bowl journey ended in disappointment. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed flashes of brilliance—including multiple touchdowns and nearly 300 passing yards—but ultimately struggled against the Seahawks’ physical defensive front and opportunistic secondary. Seattle Seahawks The Patriots’ offense never fully found a consistent rhythm until late in the game, and when they did, it was too little too late. New England’s lone offensive touchdowns came in the fourth quarter, long after the Seahawks had seized control. Still, the Patriots’ season marked a remarkable turnaround, laying groundwork for future contention and establishing Maye as a rising star with invaluable postseason experience. Strategic Breakdown: How Seattle Won 1. Turnovers and Field Position Seattle’s defense forced multiple turnovers—both interceptions and fumbles—that directly led to points or shifted momentum. These plays not only halted New England drives but also flipped field position in crucial moments. Special Teams Superiority Jason Myers’ field goals weren’t just scoreboard padding; they kept momentum squarely in Seattle’s hands when red-zone touchdowns proved elusive early. Punter Michael Dickson also helped with impeccable placement, consistently pinning the Patriots deep. Run Game Control Kenneth Walker III’s steady ground attack helped control the clock and kept the Patriots’ defense honest. By balancing the attack with both run and pass, Seattle avoided predictability and kept New England off balance. Fan and Cultural Impact Super Bowl LX extended beyond sports, with performances that highlighted the intersection of pop culture and athletic spectacle. Artists such as Bad Bunny headlined the halftime show, bringing energy and global attention to the event. (I had to put in Bad Bunny, even though I thought it was so bad I tuned it out. In fact I tuned the entire half time show out). The game also sparked discussions across social media, from tactical debates to fan celebrations and reactions—highlighting how the Super Bowl remains a centerpiece of American culture every February. Legacy and Looking Forward The Seahawks’ victory in Super Bowl LX not only delivered redemption for their 2015 loss but also solidified the 2025 Seahawks as one of the franchise’s most balanced and resilient teams. Seattle’s blend of defensive excellence, strategic special teams, and opportunistic offense will be remembered as a blueprint for championship football. For the Patriots, the loss is a pivotal chapter in a rebuild centered around youth and innovation. With Maye and a promising core, New England’s future in the AFC looks bright, even as they reflect on lessons from this Super Bowl experience. Final Thoughts Super Bowl LX was a testament to discipline, defense, and execution—a game where Seattle’s formula of pressure, opportunism, and fundamentals triumphed on the biggest stage. For fans of the Seahawks, it’s a moment of celebration; for Patriots supporters, it’s motivation to return stronger. Either way, the 2026 Super Bowl will be remembered as a defining clash between two historic franchises. Artie Fischal Views: 2
SUPER BOWL LX CONFIDENCE PICK SHEET
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THE SUPER BOWL AIN’T JUST A GAME
Alright now, pull up a chair, ease your boots off by the door, and let’s talk about the 2026 NFL Super Bowl the way it oughta be talked about—slow, thoughtful, a little opinionated, and seasoned with the kind of common sense you don’t learn from a spreadsheet or a studio desk in New York City. This ain’t just another football game. This is church without the pews. This is Thanksgiving without the awkward relatives. This is America’s last agreed-upon holiday where folks from every walk of life can sit down, holler at the television, and pretend—just for one night—that none of the rest of the world’s mess matters one lick. So here’s what we need to know about the 2026 Super Bowl, and maybe a few things we need to remember, too. THE SUPER BOWL AIN’T JUST A GAME, IT’S A GATHERING By the time the Super Bowl rolls around in 2026, we wlll have watched seventeen, (each team gets a week off, you know), regular-season games, a whole pile of playoff heartbreaks, blown calls, last-second field goals, and coaches explaining in press conferences why “the tape tells a different story.” But the Super Bowl don’t care about excuses. The Super Bowl is where legacies get written in permanent ink—or erased with one bad read across the middle. It’s where quarterbacks either become legends or become trivia questions. It’s where kickers suddenly matter, and everybody realizes just how lonely it is to be a man standing thirty-five yards from glory with the whole country holding its breath. And in 2026, it’ll be bigger, louder, more commercialized, and more dissected than ever before. That’s just the world we live in now. But underneath all that noise, it’s still football. Eleven men versus eleven men. Grass—or turf—between them. A ball shaped funny on purpose. And the truth has a way of showing itself by the fourth quarter. WHERE IT’S GONNA BE, AND WHY THAT MATTERS The NFL don’t just pick Super Bowl locations by throwing darts at a map. These things are chosen years in advance, with more committees than a church bake sale and more planning than a moon landing. Wherever the 2026 Super Bowl lands, you can bet on three things: It’ll be warm or indoors, because the NFL has learned folks don’t love freezing their tails off for a “neutral-site” celebration. It’ll be shiny, because the league prefers stadiums that look like spaceship hangars instead of places where real football once got played. It’ll be expensive, because the Super Bowl ain’t for regular folks anymore unless they’ve been saving up since preseason. The host city will talk about “economic impact” and “global exposure,” which is fancy talk for hotel rooms costing triple and chicken wings suddenly becoming a luxury item. But for the players? Location don’t mean a thing once the ball’s kicked. You could play the Super Bowl in a soybean field, and it’d still come down to blocking, tackling, and who keeps their nerve when everything’s on the line. THE TEAMS: HOW YOU GET THERE MATTERS By the time two teams make it to the 2026 Super Bowl, they’ll have earned every bruise, every scar, and every skeptical comment from folks who said they “didn’t play anybody.” One team will probably be built the modern way: Franchise quarterback, Fast receivers. Analytics department the size of a small town. Head coach who wears sneakers with his suit. The other team? Might be old-school stubborn. Defense that hits like a mule kick. Offensive line full of lunch-pail types. A running game folks said was “outdated”. Coach who looks like he’d rather be fishing. And America will argue for two solid weeks about which one “deserves it more,” as if deserving has ever meant anything in football. What matters is who’s healthy, who’s hot, and who’s learned how to win ugly when pretty football ain’t working. THE QUARTERBACK: HERO OR GOAT (AND NOT THE GOOD KIND) Every Super Bowl, no matter how much we talk about defense, or coaching, or special teams, ends up resting squarely on the quarterback’s shoulders. In 2026, the quarterback storyline will be unavoidable. Is he: A young gun trying to announce himself? A veteran looking for that one ring to shut everybody up? A former backup who caught lightning in a bottle? Or a superstar with too much pressure and not enough patience? One good Super Bowl turns a man into a spokesman, a Hall of Fame lock, and a commercial pitchman for products he’s never used. One bad Super Bowl? That follows him forever. Ask around. Folks still remember interceptions thrown decades ago like they happened last Sunday. Quarterbacks don’t just play the game in the Super Bowl. They play history. THE UNSUNG FOLKS: LINEMEN, KICKERS, AND THE POOR PUNTER Now let me tell you something the television folks don’t like to dwell on. Super Bowls are won in the trenches. That big, quiet offensive lineman who never gets his name called? He’s the reason your quarterback has time to throw. That defensive tackle who eats up two blockers? He’s the reason the running back suddenly looks like a genius. And then there’s the kicker. Bless his heart. All game long, nobody says a word about him. He’s just over there stretching, swinging his leg, trying not to think about the fact that he might get exactly one chance to define his entire career. In the 2026 Super Bowl, don’t be surprised if it comes down to a kick, (It usually does). And when it does, half the country will act like they always believed in the kicker, and the other half will ask why he even has a job. That’s football ‘rithmatic THE HALFTIME SHOW: WHEN FOOTBALL TAKES A BACK SEAT Now we gotta talk about the part of the Super Bowl that ain’t really about football at all. The halftime show. By 2026, the halftime show will be: Louder than sense. Flashier than necessary. Talked about more than the first half. Some… Continue reading THE SUPER BOWL AIN’T JUST A GAME
2025 SEASON NFL DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP CONFIDENCE PICK SHEET
WHO WILL PLAY IN SUPER BOWL LX ??????????? For those of you who are new here. This is how confidence ranking goes, let me explain. If we were playing an office pool,(which we ARE NOT). The object is to score the most points. To obtain the score YOU rank the teams by how confident you are a team will win its game. EXAMPLE: Say this week we have 16 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 16 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1. You add up the TOTAL CORRECT PICKS.. That would be your score. We use the Monday night (Last game played) as a TIE BREAKER. The tie is broken by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating teams) final score, without going over. YOU can adopt the scoring described above. Or, the optional method. A negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pts on the second game and lost you would still have 1 pt. 1. HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a –14 score If we were playing this is how my sheet would look; My pick will be in bold Capital letters. you can use circling, underlining, or highlighting. I will show my correct points in Bold I will fill in my picks Thursday. Until then feel free to: Just copy and paste for your own Fun Pool Use. Or to see if you can beat me. IF YOU SEE I MADE A MIS-COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. BYES: NONE TRIVIA TIME: Who was the first head coach of the Seattle Seahawks? Answer below pick sheet All Times EST GAME TV VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE SUNDAY 01/12/25 15:00 1 CBS PATRIOTS (16–3) 10 @ Broncos (15–3) 7 2 2 /2 SUNDAY 01/12/25 18:30 2 FOX Rams (14–5) 27 @ SEAHAWKS (15–3) 32 1 3/3 100%/100% GAMES 2/0 100%/0% Points Possible 3 Tie Break (Total score last game) 46 Total points scored 58 Points off -12 TRIVIA ANSWER Jack Patera Views: 1
2025 NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF CONFIDENCE PICK SHEET
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From Snap to Throw: How Much Does an NFL Quarterback Make Per Play?
Fans often hear about NFL contracts in massive, abstract numbers: $40 million a year, $50 million a year, guaranteed money, bonuses. But those figures don’t really land until you shrink them down to the smallest unit of real football action. So let’s do exactly that. Let’s ignore practice, meetings, film study, weight training, travel, and warm-ups. We’re only counting the actual moment when the ball is snapped and the quarterback delivers the football. Step One: The Average Starting Quarterback Salary As of the current NFL landscape, the average starting quarterback earns roughly: $35 million per year That’s not the elite Mahomes-level contract, but a solid average for a full-time starter. Step Two: How Many Plays Does a QB Actually Run? An average NFL offense runs about: 65 offensive plays per game 17 regular-season games = 1,105 plays per season Now comes the key detail. Step Three: How Long Is a Quarterback “Working” Per Play? From the snap to the release of the ball, the average quarterback holds the football for about: 2.5 seconds per play (Some throws are quicker, some sacks last longer, but 2.5 seconds is a widely accepted average.) Step Four: The Math (Brace Yourself) Total live-action QB time per season: 1,105 plays × 2.5 seconds = 2,762.5 seconds That’s just: 46 minutes of actual football action per season Now divide salary by those seconds. $35,000,000 ÷ 2,762.5 seconds ≈ $12,670 per second Or… 💰 About $31,675 per play That’s what the average starting NFL quarterback earns each time the ball is snapped and released. What About Kickers? Surely kickers make less, right? Yes—but the per-play math gets even wilder. Step One: Average Kicker Salary The average NFL kicker earns about: $2.5 million per year Step Two: How Many Kicks Per Season? A typical kicker attempts: 2 field goals per game 3 extra points per game That’s about: 5 kicks per game 17 games ≈ 85 kicks per season Step Three: Time Per Kick From snap to foot contact: 1.3 seconds Step Four: The Math Total live-action kicker time per season: 85 kicks × 1.3 seconds = 110.5 seconds That’s less than two minutes of actual kicking time all season. Now the payout: $2,500,000 ÷ 110.5 seconds ≈ $22,624 per second Or… 💰 About $29,400 per kick The Final Perspective Position Avg Salary Time per Play Earnings per Play Starting QB $35M 2.5 sec ~$31,675 Kicker $2.5M 1.3 sec ~$29,400 So Who’s Overpaid? That’s not really the point. NFL salaries don’t pay for time spent—they pay for: Scarcity of elite skill Ability to perform under extreme pressure Years of preparation for a few seconds of perfection The cost of failure A quarterback’s throw or a kicker’s kick may last only seconds, but those seconds decide games, seasons, and legacies. When you realize that an entire NFL season can hinge on less than an hour of live action for a quarterback and less than two minutes for a kicker, it becomes clear: In the NFL, seconds are priceless. Views: 4
