Introduction: The Rise of the Atlanta Falcons The Atlanta Falcons are one of the National Football League’ highly recognizable franchises. Established in 1965 and beginning play in 1966, the Falcons brought professional football to – and built a passionate fan base throughout the South. Known for their red, black, and white colors, the Falcons have produced outstanding quarterbacks, explosive running backs, dominant defensive players, and some of the most memorable teams in modern NFL history. Although Atlanta has yet to win a Super Bowl championship, the franchise has captured two NFC championships, reached the Super Bowl twice, won multiple division titles, and developed stars whose accomplishments have earned them places among football’s greatest players. From the defensive dominance of Claude Humphrey to the electrifying performances of Michael Vick and the record-setting passing of Matt Ryan, the Falcons’ story is one of perseverance, spectacular football, heartbreak, and hope. The Founding of the Atlanta Falcons On June 30, 1965, the NFL awarded Atlanta its 15th franchise. The original owner was businessman Rankin M. Smith Sr., who secured the team for $8.5 million. The name “Falcons” was selected through a public naming contest. A schoolteacher from Griffin, Georgia, suggested the name and explained that the falcon represented courage, dignity, and a fighting spirit. The Falcons played their first regular-season game on September 11, 1966, losing to the Los Angeles Rams. Their first victory came later that season against the New York Giants. The early years were difficult, as expansion teams generally struggled to compete with established NFL clubs. Nevertheless, Atlanta gradually developed a competitive identity and established a foundation for future success. Every Principal Owner of the Atlanta Falcons The franchise has had three principal ownership eras. Rankin M. Smith Sr. — 1965–1989 Rankin Smith was the original owner who brought the NFL to Atlanta. His investment established the foundation of the franchise and helped make professional football a permanent part of the city’s sporting culture. During his ownership, the Falcons developed their first significant defensive stars and began competing for division championships. The 1980 team won the NFC West with a 12–4 regular-season record, giving Atlanta its first division title. Smith remained the franchise’s principal owner until his death in 1990. Taylor Smith — 1990–2001 Taylor Smith, Rankin Smith’s son, succeeded him as principal owner. His ownership period included the transition from Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium to the Georgia Dome. The Falcons reached their first Super Bowl during this era. Following the 1998 season, Atlanta won the NFC championship and advanced to Super Bowl XXXIII. The team lost to the Denver Broncos, 34–19, but the season remains one of the defining accomplishments in franchise history. Arthur M. Blank — 2002–present Arthur Blank, co-founder of The Home Depot, purchased the Falcons in 2002. His ownership brought a new era of investment, organizational development, and stadium modernization. During Blank’s tenure, Atlanta experienced the Michael Vick era, the arrival of quarterback Matt Ryan, multiple division championships, and another Super Bowl appearance. Blank’s ownership also oversaw the construction and opening of Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. He has emphasized community involvement, fan experience, and the Falcons’ long-term place in Atlanta. Ownership summary: Rankin M. Smith Sr., Taylor Smith, and Arthur M. Blank represent the three principal ownership eras of the franchise. Taylor Smith’s period followed his father’s death; it was not a separate expansion franchise.. Every Home Stadium of the Atlanta Falcons Every Home Stadium The Falcons have played their home games in three stadiums. Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium — 1966–1991 The Falcons’ original home served as their football stadium for 26 seasons. It was also home to Major League Baseball’s Atlanta Braves. The stadium witnessed the franchise’s early struggles, the development of defensive standout Tommy Nobis, and the rise of quarterback Steve Bartkowski. In 1980, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium hosted a division-winning Falcons team that established itself as a legitimate NFC contender. Georgia Dome — 1992–2016 The Georgia Dome became the Falcons’ home in 1992 and provided an indoor environment for football in downtown Atlanta. It hosted some of the greatest moments in franchise history, including the 1998 NFC Championship season and the 2016 campaign that culminated in Super Bowl LI. The Falcons played their final regular-season game in the Dome on January 1, 2017. The stadium’s football legacy concluded with Atlanta defeating Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game later that month. Mercedes-Benz Stadium — 2017–present Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 on the site of the former Georgia Dome. It features a retractable roof, a distinctive architectural design, and modern amenities for fans. The Falcons opened their new home against the Green Bay Packers on September 17, 2017, winning 34–23. The stadium represents Atlanta’s modern sporting identity and has hosted major football and other sporting events. The Falcons’ home-stadium timeline: – 1966–1991: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium – 1992–2016: Georgia Dome – 2017–present: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Pro Football Hall of Fame: Falcons Players and Their Distinctions The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognizes players for their entire NFL careers. A player who spent a short period in Atlanta may be a Hall of Famer without having earned that distinction primarily through his Falcons accomplishments. Because this article distinguishes Falcons-specific achievement from Hall of Fame careers built elsewhere, the difference matters. Claude Humphrey — Defensive End Hall of Fame Class of 2014 Claude Humphrey is one of the strongest examples of a Hall of Fame career built substantially in Atlanta. Drafted by the Falcons in 1968, Humphrey became one of the NFL’s most feared defensive ends. He recorded 94.5 sacks during his Falcons career, according to the franchise’s historical records, and earned six Pro Bowl selections. Humphrey’s combination of strength, quickness, and pass-rushing ability made him a cornerstone of Atlanta’s early defensive identity. He is the clearest choice when highlighting a Pro Football Hall of Famer whose legacy is closely tied to the Falcons. Other Pro Football Hall of Famers Who Played for Atlanta The following players also wore Falcons uniforms, although their Hall of Fame recognition reflects their broader careers rather than being exclusively an Atlanta honor. Deion Sanders —… Continue reading Atlanta Falcons History: Legacy of the Dirty Birds
Tag: Super Bowl
Washington Commanders: A Complete History
The Washington Commanders are one of the National Football League’s oldest and most historically significant franchises. The organization began in Boston in 1932 as the Boston Braves, moved to Washington in 1937, and has gone through several names and eras before becoming the Washington Commanders in 2022. Over more than nine decades, the franchise has won two NFL championships before the Super Bowl era and three Super Bowl championships, produced numerous Pro Football Hall of Famers, and become associated with legendary figures such as Sammy Baugh, Bobby Mitchell, Darrell Green, John Riggins, Art Monk, Joe Gibbs and many others. The Franchise History is Officially Recognized As 1932: Boston Braves 1933–1936: Boston Redskins 1937–2019: Washington Redskins 2020–2021: Washington Football Team 2022–present: Washington Commanders Washington has won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942, followed by Super Bowl championships in 1982, 1987 and 1991. The Beginning: Boston Braves The franchise was established in 1932 when George Preston Marshall headed a group that purchased an NFL franchise in Boston. The original team was called the Boston Braves, and the club played its first season at Braves Field, the home of baseball’s Boston Braves. After the 1932 season, the organization changed its nickname to the Redskins. The team played at Fenway Park from 1933 through 1936. In 1937, the franchise moved from Boston to Washington, D.C. The move immediately produced one of the greatest beginnings in NFL history. Washington won the NFL championship in its first season in the nation’s capital. All Home Stadiums of the Franchise The Washington franchise has called seven principal stadium configurations home during its history. 1. Braves Field — Boston, Massachusetts 1932 Braves Field was the original home of the franchise when it entered the NFL as the Boston Braves in 1932. It was primarily a baseball stadium and was home to the Boston Braves of Major League Baseball. 2. Fenway Park — Boston, Massachusetts 1933–1936 After the franchise changed its name to the Boston Redskins, the team moved to Fenway Park. The football team shared the famous Boston stadium with the Boston Red Sox. 3. Griffith Stadium — Washington, D.C. 1937–1960 The franchise moved to Washington in 1937 and played at Griffith Stadium. This was the site of the team’s first Washington championship season. The 1937 Redskins won the NFL championship, defeating the Chicago Bears. Washington returned to the NFL championship game in 1942 and defeated the Bears again. Griffith Stadium therefore witnessed the beginning of Washington’s championship tradition. 4. D.C. Stadium / RFK Stadium — Washington, D.C. 1961–1996 Washington moved into the new D.C. Stadium in 1961. The facility was renamed Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, commonly known as RFK Stadium, in 1969. RFK became one of the most recognizable home fields in franchise history. The stadium was home for 36 seasons and hosted Washington through the George Allen era, the early Joe Gibbs era and the first two Super Bowl championships of the modern era. The Commanders’ own history describes RFK as the team’s home for 35 seasons from 1961 through 1996. 5. Jack Kent Cooke Stadium — Landover, Maryland 1997–1999 Washington moved across the Potomac into suburban Maryland in 1997. The new stadium was named Jack Kent Cooke Stadium in honor of the longtime owner who had died earlier that year. It opened shortly after Cooke’s death. 6. FedExField — Landover, Maryland 1999–2023 The stadium was renamed FedExField in 1999 after Washington sold the naming rights. It remained Washington’s home for 25 seasons. The stadium hosted the team throughout the majority of the Daniel Snyder ownership era and through the franchise’s transition from Redskins to Washington Football Team and then Commanders. 7. Northwest Stadium — Landover, Maryland 2024–present The stadium became known as Northwest Stadium in 2024. It remains the Commanders’ current home. The franchise is also planning a future return to Washington, D.C., with a new stadium project at the former RFK Stadium site targeted for the future. The Owners of the Washington Franchise Ownership has changed several times during the franchise’s long history. George Preston Marshall 1932–1969 George Preston Marshall was the founder of the franchise. He helped establish the Boston Braves in 1932, renamed the club the Redskins in 1933 and moved the organization to Washington in 1937. Marshall was also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor. Under Marshall, Washington won NFL championships in 1937 and 1942. Edward Bennett Williams 1960s–1970s — President and Partial Owner Edward Bennett Williams became one of the most important figures in the franchise during the transition from Marshall to Jack Kent Cooke. Williams served as team president and held an ownership interest. He was instrumental in the organization during the late Marshall and early Cooke years. Jack Kent Cooke 1960–1997; Majority Owner from 1974 Cooke first purchased a minority interest in Washington in 1960. He became the franchise’s majority owner in 1974 and eventually became the sole owner. Cooke became one of the most influential owners in Washington sports history. His ownership produced the greatest sustained championship period in franchise history. Under Cooke, Washington won: Super Bowl XVII — 1982 season Super Bowl XXII — 1987 season Super Bowl XXVI — 1991 season Cooke also oversaw the construction of the stadium that originally carried his name. He died in 1997. The Cooke Estate and John Cooke 1997–1999 After Jack Kent Cooke’s death, ownership passed through his estate while the franchise was being prepared for sale. His son, John… Continue reading Washington Commanders: A Complete History
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
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
The Kirk Cousins Curse: A Myth That Haunts NFL Teams
In the world of NFL folklore, few myths are as intriguing as the “Kirk Cousins Curse.” This peculiar belief suggests that any team that loses to Kirk Cousins in a regular season game is doomed to never win the Super Bowl that year. Let’s dive into the origins and details of this fascinating curse. Origins of the Curse The Kirk Cousins Curse began to gain traction around 2016. That year, the Green Bay Packers, after losing to Cousins’ Washington team, were eliminated in the NFC Championship game by the Atlanta Falcons. This pattern of playoff disappointment for teams that lost to Cousins in the regular season continued, giving rise to the myth. The Curse in Action Since its inception, the curse has claimed several high-profile victims: 2016: The Green Bay Packers lost to Cousins’ Washington team and were later defeated in the NFC Championship. 2017: The Los Angeles Rams, after losing to Cousins, were knocked out in the Wild Card Round. 2018: The Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Cousins, were eliminated in the Divisional Round. 2019: The Eagles again fell victim to the curse, losing in the Wild Card Round. 2020: The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers both lost to Cousins and were eliminated in the Wild Card and NFC Championship rounds, respectively. Recent Developments The curse has continued to be a topic of discussion, especially as teams prepare for the Super Bowl. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles, who lost to Cousins‘ team in the 2024 regular season, are now facing the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Many fans and analysts are watching closely to see if the curse will strike again. Breaking the Curse Interestingly, the only way to seemingly break the curse is to have Kirk Cousins on your team. However, this has not proven to be a successful strategy for winning the Super Bowl either, as Cousins himself has only one playoff win in his career. Conclusion Whether you believe in the Kirk Cousins Curse or not, it adds an extra layer of intrigue to the NFL season. As teams battle it out on the field, the shadow of this myth looms large, reminding everyone that in the world of sports, anything can happen. Views: 40
NFL PLAYERS THOUGHTS ENTERING THE SUPER BOWL GAME
[adrotate group=”1″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15138″] What does it feel like waiting to play in the SUPER BOWL? This is how I imagine it would be for me. (If I were ever able to be in this position). As the SUPER BOWL approaches, the anticipation and excitement in the air are palpable. For me, Artie Fischal, an NFL player who has dedicated years to perfecting my craft, the journey to the SUPER BOWL is a dream realized. As I stand in the locker room, surrounded by the camaraderie of my teammates, the gravity of the moment begins to sink in. The days leading up to the SUPER BOWL were a whirlwind of media interviews, team meetings, and intense practices. The city buzzes with energy, and fans dressed in their favorite teams colors fill the streets. Yet, for me, the most significant moments were those quiet hours before the big game. In the early morning on SUPER BOWL Sunday, I find myself staring out my hotel window, the skyline is painted with the first light of dawn. My mind is a mix of nerves and anticipation. I can’t escape the realization that I am about to step onto the grandest stage in football. The journey to the stadium feels like a slow march, the bus, filled with players immersed in their own thoughts. The sound of fans cheering grow louder as they approach the arena. I take a deep breath, attempting to calm the butterflies that flutter in my stomach. Once inside the locker room, the atmosphere is charged with intensity. The air is thick with the scent of adrenaline, sweat, and determination. As I lace up my cleats, the familiar routine providing a sense of comfort in the midst of the chaos. As the clock ticks down, the coaching staff delivers their final pep talks. My teammates exchange nods and words of encouragement, each player understands the magnitude of the moment. The SUPER BOWL is more than just a game; it is a culmination of sacrifices, hard work, and unyielding dedication. The minutes before kickoff feel like an eternity. I find solace in the quiet moments, reflecting on the journey that brought me to this point. The memories of grueling practices, late-night film sessions, and the unwavering support of my family floods my mind. When the moment finally arrives, and the team burst onto the field amidst a sea of cheers, I feel a surge of adrenaline. The roar of the crowd, the bright lights, and the realization that millions of eyes were watching fuels my determination. As the game unfolds, every play carries the weight of a season’s worth of effort. The ebb and flow of the match will test the resilience of mine, and my teammates. The SUPER BOWL is a BATTLEFIELD, and each yard gained will be a triumph, each tackle a testament to our skill and tenacity. In the end, whether victorious or defeated, the experience of waiting to play in the SUPER BOWL is etched into my memory. The journey, the emotions, and the sheer magnitude of the event will leave an indelible mark on my career. And as I stand on the field, regardless of the outcome, I, Artie Fischall, will know I have been a part of something extraordinary. 🏈Artie Fschall🏈 Views: 106
HOW the ON FIELD OFFICIALS PREPARE for the SUPER BOWL
[adrotate group=”1″] [wpcdt-countdown id=”15138″] The Super Bowl is the biggest event in American football, and it requires a lot of preparation from everyone involved, including the on field officials. The NFL has a rigorous process to select and train the best officials for the Super Bowl, and they have to follow strict protocols before and during the game. Here is how the on field officials prepare for the Super Bowl. Selection The NFL selects the officiating crew for the Super Bowl based on their performance during the regular season and the playoffs. The officials are graded on every play by the NFL officiating department, and they have to meet certain criteria, such as accuracy, consistency, communication, and professionalism. The officials also have to pass a comprehensive written test on the rules and mechanics of the game. The NFL announces the officiating crew for the Super Bowl two weeks before the game. For Super Bowl LVIII, which is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024, the crew chief is Bill Vinovich, who has 18 years of experience in the league and has worked two Super Bowls before. The rest of the crew includes Terry Killens as the umpire, Patrick Holt as the down judge, Mark Perlman as the line judge, Tom Hill as the field judge, Allen Baynes as the side judge, Brad Freeman as the back judge, and Mike Chase as the replay official. Training The officiating crew for the Super Bowl has to undergo intensive training before the game. They have to review the game film of both teams, study their tendencies, formations, and strategies, and anticipate any potential issues or challenges. They also have to review the rules and mechanics of the game, and practice their communication and positioning on the field. The crew also has to attend several meetings and briefings with the NFL officiating department, the competition committee, and the coaches and captains of both teams. The officiating crew for the Super Bowl also has to prepare for the unique aspects of the game, such as the longer halftime show, the increased media attention, and the higher stakes. They have to be mentally and physically ready to handle the pressure and the scrutiny of the game, and to perform at their best. Game Day On the day of the Super Bowl, the officiating crew arrives at the stadium several hours before the kickoff. They have to inspect the field, the equipment, and the communication systems, and make sure everything is in order. They also have to meet with the security personnel, the medical staff, and the game operations staff, and coordinate their roles and responsibilities. They also have to warm up, stretch, and hydrate, and review their assignments and signals. During the game, the officiating crew has to work as a team, and communicate effectively with each other and with the replay booth. They have to apply the rules and mechanics of the game consistently and fairly, and make the best possible calls on every play. They also have to manage the game clock, the timeouts, the challenges, and the penalties, and keep the game flowing smoothly. They have to be alert, focused, and confident, and handle any situations that may arise. The officiating crew for the Super Bowl has a very important and challenging job, and they have to prepare accordingly. They have to be professional, competent, and impartial, and uphold the integrity and the quality of the game. They have to be ready for the Super Bowl, and make it a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone. Views: 107
NFL Playoff Wild Card Confidence Picks Week 1 Jan.9-10,2016
Regular Season has ended. Is it just me, or did this season seem to just fly by? Maybe I was just having too much fun. (Yeah, that’s it as many low spots, as I have had this year). Like week 17, my gut was saying Seahawks over Cardinals. But NO! I went with the numbers. Maybe there are times when one should listen to their gut. RECAP: Two games were decided by 3 or less points. Perhaps the biggest unexpected blow out WAS the Seattle Vs Arizona game. I really expected it to be a close game. It’s a new season, now. A fresh start for all teams. Will the leaders continue, on there merry romp, or will they falter. It appears Seattle is peaking at the right moment. Will other teams begin their rise to the top? This year I am making a change in the scoring. YOU can adopt the new scoring or continue to use the old scoring. This year we get a negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: LAST YEAR if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pt on the second game and was wrong you would still have a Positive 1. HOWEVER. this year the same scenario would result with a -14 score. I will fill in my picks Friday. 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. All Times EST GAME VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE SATURDAY 01/09/16 16:35 1 K.C. CHIEFS 30 @ Hou. Texans 0 3 3/3 SATURDAY 01/09/16 20:15 2 PIT. STEELERS 18 @ Cin. Bengals 16 2 5/5 SUNDAY 01/10/16 13:05 3 STL. SEAHAWKS 10 @ Min. Vikings 9 4 9/9 SUNDAY 01/10/16 16:40 4 G.B, Packers 35 @ WA. REDSKINS 18 1 9/8 Tie Breaker (Sunday 2 team total game 45 Actual Score 53 Points Off –8 Possible Points 10 Views: 113
Confidence Picks, Week 17 01/03 /2015
WEEK 16 RECAP: Three games went into overtime. Two games were decided by 3 or less points. Three teams failed to score in double digits. This is the week that I expect to score low. This is the week too many teams have nothing gain by a win. Starters may see some or no action, to protect them from injury. Teams which do have something to gain will do whatever they can to get that added WIN. So you never know what to expect. My week was pretty dismal. But the two previous weeks were great. I suppose one must not let the bad weeks overshadow the good. I see Cleveland is still having trouble with Johnny Manziel. I think I would be tired of babysitting him. But….Let us consider this. Perhaps Manziel is playing a game of his own. I do not believe he wants to be in Cleveland. So what better way to get his release, (either by trade or out right release). If you believe this what would you do? Trade or release? OR, keep him but bench him. Hide him away if you will, till his contract is up. He will not have gained experience, as he should have been; had he behaved as an adult player. Would any team even remember him. Would any team want a QB with his record, both on and off the field? Something for him to consider. HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!! For those of you who do not know 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. We use the Monday night game as a TIE BREAKER. The tie is broke by the closest to the total (that is the COMBINED score of the two participating tams) final score, without going over. 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 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 pt on the second game and lost you would still have a Positive 1. HOWEVER. with the same scenario new scoring system would result with a -14 score. 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 MISS COPY OF THE GAMES AND TIMES FEEL FREE TO EMAIL ME AND TELL ME I GOOFED. I had some requests from the people who copy and paste, for their own pool to move the network out of the score column. I aim to please. So I hope this is better GOOD LUCK TO ALL. BYE WEEK: NONE NOTE: GAME TIME CHANGES. Are now posted All Times All Times EST GAME VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE SUNDAY 01/03/15 13:00 1 CBS N.Y. JETS 17 @ Buf. Bills 22 3 3/3 2 CBS N.E. PATRIOTS 20 @ Mia. Dolphins 10 14 14/11 3FOX Det. Lions 24 @ CHI. BEARS 20 2 14/9 4 FOX N.O. Saints 20 @ ATL. FALCONS 17 8 14/1 5 CBS Bal. Ravens 16 @ CIN. BENGALS 24 13 27/14 6 CBS PIT. STEELERS 28 @ Cle. Browns 12 15 42/29 7 CBS J’ville Jaguars 6 @ HOU. TEXANS 30 9 51/38 8 CBS TN. Titans 24 @ Indy Colts 30 1 52/39 9FOX Wa. Redskins 34 DAL. COWBOYS 23 6 52/33 10 FOX Phi. Eagles 35 @ N.Y. GIANTS 30 4 52/29 SUNDAY 01/03/15 16:25 11FOX St. L. RAMS 16 S.F. 49’ers 19 OT) 7 52/22 12 FOX T.B Buccaneers 10 CAR. PANTHERS 38 16 68/38 13CBS Oak. Raiders 17 K.C. CHIEFS 23 11 79/49 14 CBS S.D. Chargers 20 @ DEN. BRONCOS 27 12 91/61 15FOX Stl Seahawks 36 @ AZ. CARDINALS 6 10 91/51 Sunday 01/03/15 20:30 16NBC Min. Vikings 20 @ G.B. PACKERS 13 5 91/46 8 Tie Breaker Sunday 2 team total last game) 45 Games 9-7 67%/34% Actual Score 33 53% Points Off +12 Possible Points 136 Views: 102
NFL Conference Play Championships Confidence Picks Jan 18 2015
COMMENTS: Biggest Blown Call.. The reversal of Dez Bryant REVERSAL. I replayed the action numerous times. I had others observe it and we all agreed no doubt he had control. switched hands, stretched to cross line and scored a TD. But apparently scoring a TD is not considered completing a play in the NFL. Then you look at the TD in the College Playoff. Oregon players TD counted. But I can’t understand how he could have had control when he had like one finger touching the end of the ball when crossed the line. Oh well two different games. I know most of you aren’t playing the “pool” any more. What we did when I ran the company pool, was raised the entry fee. AND heavily relied on the Tie Breaker. Enjoy the rest of the season. I don’t care for the “PRO BOWL” so you won’t see any posts on that. But now we are down to the final four. We should be able to see an all out effort by all teams. Hopefully it will be more like the NCAA division 3 (I think it was). VERY,VERY few flags. They let them play. Enjoyed that game immensely. For those of you who do not know 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 17 games. The team you are most confident will win you would assign the number 17 and follow down to the team you are least confident in and assign that number 1. We use the Monday night game 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. 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 This year I am making a change in the scoring. YOU can adopt the new scoring or continue to use the old scoring. This year we get a negative score for missed games. We will continue to get a positive score for correct predictions. EXAMPLE: LAST YEAR if you scored 1 pt on the first game and you had 15 pt on the second game and was wrong you would still have a Positive 1. HOWEVER. this year the same scenario would result with a -14 score. I will fill in my picks Friday. 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. All Times EST GAME VISITOR SCORE HOME SCORE CONFIDENCE RUNNING SCORE SUNDAY 01/18/15 15:05 1 G.B. Packers 22 @ STL. SEAHAWKS 28 (OT 2 2/2 SUNDAY 01/18/15 18:40 2 Indy Colts 7 @ N.E. PATRIOTS 45 1 3/3 Tie Breaker (Sunday 2 team total) 54 Actual Score 52 100%/100% Points Off -2 Possible Points 3 Views: 95
