Josh Dubow

Officials signal a touchdown by Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate, obscured, on the last play of a game against the Packers on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Proposed NFL rule changes include contingencies for replacement refs in hopes of avoiding another ‘Fail Mary’

March 24, 2026 at 5:52 p.m.

The NFL is preparing for the possibility of replacement officials in 2026, proposing a rule change for one season that would allow the replay center to correct any “clear and...

Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter speaks during the enshrining ceremony for the Class of 2025 on Aug. 2, 2025, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

Pro Football Hall of Fame will consider changes after Bill Belichick’s omission sparks outrage

February 6, 2026 at 1:58 p.m.

Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter said several tweaks could be made to the voting process but they aren’t specific to Bill Belichick’s perceived snub.

Bears tight end Cole Kmet makes the tying touchdown catch against the Rams in the final seconds of the fourth quarter Jan. 18, 2026, in an NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

NFL’s Next Gen Stats — completing its 10th season — has changed how the game is watched and played

February 3, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

The Next Gen Stats era of the NFL has transformed the way fans consume the game, how teams make decisions and how the league makes its rules.

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick stands on the sideline during a game against the Browns on Oct. 16, 2022, in Cleveland. (Kirk Irwin/AP)

How are inductees selected for Pro Football Hall of Fame? Bill Belichick’s snub puts new scrutiny on process.

January 29, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Bill Belichick’s reported snub from the Pro Football Hall of Fame has placed new scrutiny on the process of picking pro football Hall of Famers.

FILE – New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he celebrates the Patriots’ victory over the Seattle Seahawks in NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

Bill Belichick snubbed by Pro Football Hall of Fame in first year of eligibility, report says

January 27, 2026 at 7:08 p.m.

ESPN has reported that six-time Super Bowl champion head coach Bill Belichick didn’t get voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham warms up before a divisional playoff game against the Bills on Jan. 17, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Denver Broncos’ Jarrett Stidham will be 7th QB to make 1st start of season in playoffs. A look at the other 6.

January 20, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

After throwing no passes and taking four snaps all season, Jarrett Stidham will take over as the Denver Broncos starting QB in the AFC title game.

Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell and General Manager Monti Ossenfort acknowledge the media after firing coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

What are the NFL’s rules about timing and interviews for coaching searches during the playoffs?

January 6, 2026 at 8:25 a.m.

With six NFL teams already looking for new coaches, this month will require several top assistants on playoff teams to balance in both worlds.

The grounds crew prepares the grass Sept. 5, 2023, at Soldier Field before the Bears season opener against the Packers. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

NFL mandates playing surfaces for all stadiums meet new standards by 2028 to enhance player safety

December 4, 2025 at 3:56 p.m.

The playing surfaces at every NFL stadium will have to meet new enhanced standards set through lab and field testing by the start of the 2028 season.

Notre Dame's Jadarian Price (24) celebrates his 58-yard touchdown run against Syracuse on Nov. 22, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

No. 9 Notre Dame needs a win over Stanford in regular-season finale to stay in the playoff hunt

November 29, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Notre Dame has spent most of the last two seasons in must-win mode. The Irish have one last chance to impress the playoff selection committee.

Drew Brees waves to the crowd during the first half of a Chargers-Broncos game on Sept. 21, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Carrie Giordano)

Drew Brees, Philip Rivers and Larry Fitzgerald lead Pro Football Hall of Fame modern era semifinalists

November 25, 2025 at 8:55 a.m.

Drew Brees, Philip Rivers, Larry Fitzgerald, Jason Witten and Frank Gore made it to the semifinal stage in their first year of eligibility for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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