2008 NFL season

American football season March 2026 the American football season in the United States the Gaelic football season in Ireland 2008 National Football League (Ireland) November 2013 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers September 4 – December 28, 2008 January 3, 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens Arizona Cardinals Philadelphia Eagles XLIII February 1, 2009 Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida February 8, 2009 Pittsburgh Steelers The 2008 NFL season was the 89th regular season of the National Football League (NFL), themed with the slogan "Believe in Now." Super Bowl XLIII, the league's championship game, was at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, on February 1, 2009,http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/futuresites NFL.com: Future Super Bowl sites NFL.com December 25, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071017041447/http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/futuresites October 17, 2007 dead mdy with the Pittsburgh Steelers coming out victorious over the Arizona Cardinals 27–23 and winning their NFL-record sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy. Conversely, the Detroit Lions became the first NFL team with a winless season since the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season, finishing their season 0–16. Their 0-16 record would eventually be matched by the 2017 Cleveland Browns. For the first time since the NFL expanded to the sixteen-game season in 1978, three teams won two or fewer games: the Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the St. Louis Rams. Previously two teams won two or fewer games in 1979, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1992, and 2001. Also, for the first time since the 1985 Denver Broncos, a team finishing with an 11–5 record missed the playoffs — the defending AFC champion New England Patriots. The regular season began on September 4 with the defending Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants defeating the Washington Redskins. This was the last NFL season to air on analog television, as the Digital television transition in the United States, which required all full-power stations to convert to digital, began on June 12, 2009. Draft The 2008 NFL draft was held from April 26 to 27, 2008 at New York City's Radio City Music Hall. With the first pick, the Miami Dolphins selected offensive tackle Jake Long from the University of Michigan. New referees Gerald Austin and Larry Nemmers retired. Carl Cheffers and Alberto Riveron were promoted to referee. Ron Blum also retired from line judge position. Notable retirements Larry Allen Michael Strahan Steve McNair Jonathan Ogden John Lynch Warren Sapp Morten Anderson Troy Brown Marcus Robinson Dan Morgan Rod Smith Ted Washington Rule changes The following rule changes were passed at the league's annual owners' meeting in Palm Beach, Florida, during the week of March 31:April 2, 2008 Proposal to reseed playoff teams withdrawn by owners http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80789b13 April 2, 2008 NFL.com October 25, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121025020612/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80789b13 live One defensive player will be allowed to wear a radio similar to the one worn by the quarterback to communicate with the coaching staff on the field. The "force-out" rule on catches made near the sidelines has been eliminated. A receiver now must come down with the ball and both feet in bounds for a pass to be ruled complete; previously, passes would be ruled complete if the receiver was pushed by a defender while in the air and the official judged that he would have come down in bounds had he not been pushed. However, if a receiver is wrapped up in mid-air by a defender and carried out of bounds before both feet touch the ground, the official can still rule the play a completion.Boers and Bernstein 3:00 PM 7/24/08 http://www.670thescore.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=2776597 https://web.archive.org/web/20091125063209/http://www.670thescore.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audioId=2776597 dead November 25, 2009 WSCR July 24, 2008 July 25, 2008 The 5-yard incidental grabbing of the face mask penalty has been eliminated; incidental contact will not result in a penalty, though intentional grabbing of the face mask will remain a 15-yard personal foul. Teams that win the opening coin toss now have the option to defer the decision until the start of the second half, the same as in college and Canadian football. Field goal attempts that bounce off the goal post are now reviewable under instant replay. Legal forward hand offs that touch the ground and attempted snaps when the ball hits the ground before the quarterback touches it are now considered fumbles; previously, forward hand offs were treated as incomplete passes, while a snap that hit the ground before the quarterback touched it was a 5-yard illegal procedure penalty. Preseason In preseason games, the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Game was played August 3 between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins, which aired on NBC.http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/story.jsp?story_id=2688 Colts vs. Redskins in '08 HOF Game Pro Football Hall of Fame website February 10, 2008 February 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090113152438/http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/story.jsp?story_id=2688 January 13, 2009 dead mdy Washington won the game, 30–16.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29848&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2008&week=PRE0 NFL.com Gamecenter: Hall of Fame Week 2008 – Colts vs. Redskins February 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090206041201/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter?game_id=29848&displayPage=tab_gamecenter&season=2008&week=PRE0 February 6, 2009 live mdy Other preseason highlights included the first game of the Toronto Series, which was played August 14 between the Buffalo Bills and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Toronto's Rogers Centre. The Bills won that game, 24–21.Preseason national TV lineup to feature every '07 playoff team https://web.archive.org/web/20080406185559/http://www.nfl.com/preseason/story?id=09000d5d807906a0&template=with-video&confirm=true April 6, 2008 . NFL.com. April 3, 2008. Regular season Formula Based on the NFL's scheduling formula, the intraconference and interconference matchups for 2008 were:2006 NFL Record and Fact Book July 25, 2006 1-933405-32-5 16 Time Home Entertainment, Incorporated registration https://archive.org/details/2006nflrecordfac00edit/page/16 thumb|Thomas Jones scores a touchdown for the New York Jets against the St. Louis Rams in week 10 of the season Division AFC opponent NFC opponent AFC East West West AFC North South East AFC South North North AFC West East South NFC East West North NFC North South South NFC South North West NFC West East East Opening weekend The annual NFL Kickoff Game to start the season took place on September 4 and featured the Super Bowl XLII champion New York Giants winning over their division rivals, the Washington Redskins, at Giants Stadium by a score of 16–7. The game's kickoff was ninety minutes earlier than previous years, at 7 p.m. EDT, because of a time conflict with the 2008 Republican National Convention.NFL Considering Early Start for Opener Associated Press March 26, 2008 Other featured games during the opening week included the NBC Sunday Night Football game between the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts (the first regular season game at Lucas Oil Stadium and a rematch of Super Bowl XLI), in which the Kyle Orton-led Bears upset the Colts 29–13. In addition, there were two Monday Night Football contests, both division rivalries, as part of the now annual doubleheader: The Minnesota Vikings at the Green Bay Packers (the Packers' first game without Brett Favre since 1992) in which Aaron Rodgers helped the Packers win, 24–19, and the Denver Broncos at the Oakland Raiders, where Jay Cutler and Eddie Royal led the Broncos in beating the Raiders, 41–14.http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8077fc99&template=with-video&confirm=true Kickoff Weekend primetime schedule includes Monday doubleheader NFL.com March 31, 2008 February 17, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090107005718/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8077fc99&template=with-video&confirm=true January 7, 2009 live mdy Also, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a season-ending injury against the Kansas City Chiefs. Flexible scheduling The 2008 season also was the third season of the use of the "flexible scheduling" for Sunday games starting with Week 11. As had happened in 2007, a team played on consecutive Sunday nights due to a game being moved into the Sunday night time slot. The originally scheduled New York Giants-Dallas Cowboys game on December 14 was followed by a flexed December 21 home game for the Giants against the Carolina Panthers; the Giants-Panthers game was flexed because it carried serious playoff implications, as the winner would clinch the NFC's top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This was the second of three flexed games, with a December 7 interconference matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Redskins. The league filled the open spot on December 28 with a game between the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers with major playoff implications, as the winner of that game would win the AFC West and earn a home game in the playoffs while the loser would be eliminated. International play This was the second consecutive season that the league played at least one regular season game outside the United States as part of the NFL International Series. The contest between the San Diego Chargers and the New Orleans Saints was played at Wembley Stadium in London on October 26, with New Orleans winning 37–32.http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080127-9999-1s27chargers.html Chargers to play Saints in London The San Diego Union-Tribune January 27, 2008 January 27, 2008 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20081007021418/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/chargers/20080127-9999-1s27chargers.html October 7, 2008 The Chargers played against the Buffalo Bills on the road the week beforehand on October 19 so they could immediately travel to London afterward in order to get used to the time difference. The league has also approved the Bills' request to play at least one regular season home game at Toronto's Rogers Centre over each of the next five seasons.Bills have deal in place for Toronto games http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/264441.html The Buffalo News January 30, 2008 February 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080211235316/http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/264441.html February 11, 2008 live mdy Team owner Ralph Wilson petitioned the league to play at least one game in Canada to strengthen his club's fan base in Ontario.Mortensen Chris https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3205488 Bills likely to get OK to play game in Toronto ESPN.com January 8, 2008 February 2, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080123191329/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3205488 January 23, 2008 live mdy The game in Toronto was on December 7, after the end of the 2008 CFL season, against the Miami Dolphins; Miami won 16–3. CBS televised both games regionally; the Toronto game was carried across Canada on Rogers Sportsnet and City TV. Thanksgiving The traditional Thanksgiving Day gamesClark Judge http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/11135126 https://archive.today/20120910200441/http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/11135126 dead September 10, 2012 Turkeys times 10: NFL's biggest Thanksgiving gobblers Sportsline.com November 26, 2008 January 11, 2009 were held on November 27, with the Detroit Lions hosting the Tennessee Titans at 12:30 p.m. EST on CBS (with the then 10–1 Titans handily defeating the then 0–11 Lions by a 47–10 score), and the Dallas Cowboys' home game following suit on Fox at 4:15 p.m. EST against the Seattle Seahawks (the Cowboys defeated the Seahawks by a score of 34–9). A third game on NFL Network, featuring the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles followed at 8:15 p.m. EST. It was the first home game for the Eagles on Thanksgiving Day since 1940, and their first Thanksgiving game at any location since the infamous Bounty Bowl Game in 1989; the Eagles defeated the Cardinals by a score of 48–20. (The Cardinals and Eagles would, two months later, rematch in the NFC Championship Game, with Arizona winning this time by a score of 32–25.) thumb|Seattle and the New York Jets play on December 21, 2008 Christmas Despite NFL tradition to play games on Christmas if the holiday lands on a day of the week when the NFL normally plays, and the fact that Christmas landed on a Thursday in 2008, the NFL opted not to hold a Christmas game this season, instead scheduling all of its week 17 matchups for Sunday, December 28. Pro Bowl The NFL's Pro Bowl all-star game at the end of the season was played at Aloha Stadium in the Honolulu, Hawaii, for the 30th consecutive season. The league had the option under their current contract to hold the game elsewhere, including the possibility of moving it to the host site of the Super Bowl.http://starbulletin.com/2007/10/24/sports/story01.html Pro Bowl: More moving talk StarBulletin.com October 14, 2007 December 17, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20071226231911/http://starbulletin.com/2007/10/24/sports/story01.html December 26, 2007 live mdy NFL's Pro Bowl will stay in Honolulu http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/12/28/pro.bowl.ap/index.html SI.com December 28, 2007 December 29, 2007 https://web.archive.org/web/20080101111227/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/12/28/pro.bowl.ap/index.html January 1, 2008 dead mdy Schedule changes Week 2: The Baltimore–Houston game, originally scheduled for Sunday at 4:15 p.m. ET, was postponed to Monday at 8:30 p.m. ET due to Hurricane Ike. The game was later postponed to November 9 at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. Week 10: The Cincinnati–Houston game, originally scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET, was rescheduled to October 26 at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS, to accommodate the Baltimore–Houston game from Week 2. Week 11: The Tennessee–Jacksonville game, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, was flexed to 4:15 p.m. ET on CBS. Week 12: The Carolina–Atlanta game, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, was flexed to 4:15 p.m. ET on Fox. Week 14: The Washington–Baltimore game, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, was flexed into NBC Sunday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET, replacing the New England–Seattle game, which was moved to 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS. Week 15: The Denver–Carolina and Pittsburgh–Baltimore games, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, were flexed to 4:15 p.m. ET on CBS. Week 16: The Carolina–New York Giants game, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox, was flexed into NBC Sunday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET, replacing the San Diego–Tampa Bay game, which was moved to 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS. The Atlanta–Minnesota and Philadelphia–Washington games, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, were flexed to 4:15 p.m. ET on Fox. Week 17: The Denver–San Diego game, originally scheduled for 4:15 p.m. ET on CBS, was flexed into NBC Sunday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET. This game decided the AFC West champion. The Jacksonville–Baltimore and Miami–New York Jets games, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, were flexed to 4:15 p.m. ET on CBS. The Dallas–Philadelphia game, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, was flexed to 4:15 p.m. ET on Fox. Regular season standings Division Conference Postseason 2008–09 NFL playoffs The playoffs began with Wild Card Weekend on January 3–4, 2009. The Divisional Playoffs were played on January 10–11 and the Conference Championship Games on January 18. Super Bowl XLIII was played on February 1 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, with the Pittsburgh Steelers winning their record sixth Super Bowl. Miami Dolphins East Pittsburgh Steelers North San Diego Chargers West Tennessee Titans South Indianapolis Colts Baltimore Ravens New York Giants East Carolina Panthers South Minnesota Vikings North Arizona Cardinals West Atlanta Falcons Philadelphia Eagles 2008 Playoffs bracket Notable events Detroit Lions going 0–16 2008 Detroit Lions season The 2008 Detroit Lions would mark the capstone of the ill decisions of President/General Manager Matt Millen since arriving on the job in 2001. After an 0–3 start, the Lions fired Millen on September 23 after seven seasons, during the team's bye week. During that time, the Lions compiled the worst record in the league (31–84, .270 percentage) and had many questionable draft choices. However, by that point, the damage had been done. The Lions went on to lose every game and finished 0–16, the first winless season in the NFL since the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season saw the Baltimore Colts finish 0–8–1, and the first full-season imperfect season since the expansion 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished 0–14. It marked the first time that a non-expansion team, non-strike shortened team, non-merged team finished winless since the 1944 Brooklyn Tigers finished 0–10. It was the second winless season for the Lions, who finished 0–11 in 1942. The 0–16 record would be later matched by the 2017 Cleveland Browns. Retirement/Unretirement of Brett Favre The 2008 season marked the first time since September 20, 1992, that someone other than Brett Favre started at quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, as Aaron Rodgers became the new offensive "Leader of The Pack". At first, this was given Favre's announcement on March 4, 2008, that he would retire from the league after seventeen seasons. He owns many NFL records, including most wins as a quarterback, most touchdowns thrown, (broken by Peyton Manning in 2014) and most consecutive starts at quarterback, as well as most interceptions. He started every Packers game, regular season and postseason, for nearly sixteen full seasons (September 27, 1992 – January 20, 2008). thumb|260px|Aaron Rodgers hands off to Ryan Grant in Green Bay's week 5 encounter against the Atlanta Falcons The Packers were scheduled to retire Favre's #4 jersey in a ceremony during the first week of the season. However, on July 2, 2008, he publicly indicated that he wanted to play again as the starting quarterback. On July 11, 2008, Favre sent a letter to the Packers management asking for an unconditional release which will allow him to play for another team. The Packers did not give it to him, but they were unwilling to release him for fear that he would sign with division rival Minnesota Vikings (Favre's choice for an alternate team). Also, the Packers would not start him as quarterback if he came back to the team, and named the other Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as the starting quarterback and Favre as the backup. From July 14 to 15, Favre did TV interviews discussing his comeback, Rodgers taking his place, and frustrations on the Packers for not being honest with him, personally and publicly. On July 16, 2008, the Packers filed tampering charges against the Vikings for alleged improper communication between Favre, Vikings head coach Brad Childress and Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Favre filed for reinstatement on July 29, 2008, and by August 4, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reinstated Favre. Three days later on August 7, the Packers traded Favre to the New York Jets for a conditional draft pick. He played well for most of the year, but entering December he suffered a shoulder injury which dropped the Jets out of playoff contention. Favre again retired following the 2008 season. The Jets then released Favre in favor of moving in the direction of getting a star college quarterback in the draft, eventually landing Mark Sanchez. Another protracted "will he/won't he retire" saga emerged in 2009 which concluded in August of that year when Favre signed with, as expected, the Minnesota Vikings. Hurricane Ike Hurricane Ike Hurricane Ike forced several changes to the 2008 schedule. The Houston Texans' Week 2 home game against the Baltimore Ravens was first postponed to Monday, September 15, before Ike made landfall; damage to Reliant Stadium forced a further postponement, to Week 10, on Sunday, November 9, giving the Texans and the Ravens their bye weeks in Week 2. Furthermore, to accommodate this move, the Texans' home game against the Cincinnati Bengals was moved forward from November 9 to Sunday, October 26, pushing the Bengals' bye week from Week 8 to Week 10.http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80ac4273&template=without-video&confirm=true Ravens-Texans game postponed; Bengals also affected September 14, 2009 NFL.com September 13, 2009 January 7, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090107063634/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80ac4273&template=without-video&confirm=true live Although no other games were postponed, Ike and its remnants also impacted several other Week 2 games on September 14. The Texans ended up having to wait until Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts to have their home opener, the latest an NFL team went into the season before playing at home since the New Orleans Saints played their entire schedule on the road in 2005 due to the damages of the city of New Orleans as a result of Hurricane Katrina. (Every other NFL team had at least one home game by the end of Week 2.) With the Ravens eventually advancing to the AFC Championship Game against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers (and having to enter the playoffs as a wild card team), the impromptu decision to give the Ravens and Texans their bye week so early in the season ended up having the unintended effect of the Ravens playing in an NFL-record 18 consecutive weeks without a break in the schedule. New formations result in high scores The 2008 season saw a marked increase in the use of two new offensive philosophies (at least for the NFL, these offenses previously saw extensive use in college or Canadian football for a few years): the "wildcat formation", a formation based on the halfback option play, the "spread offense", which uses multiple wide-receiver sets and the quarterback frequently in shotgun, and the "Suggs package", which features two quarterbacks on the field at once. In week 3 of the season, the wildcat formation, used up until this point primarily as a trick play, was used eight times, including four times in a Miami Dolphins game and three times in a game between the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-09-24-formations_N.htm USA Today Jarrett Bell Odd formations could become latest fad across NFL September 25, 2008 February 17, 2009 January 6, 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120106180905/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2008-09-24-formations_N.htm live Season-ending injuries to the starting and backup quarterbacks for the Chiefs prompted the team's offensive coordinator Chan Gailey to switch to a spread offense after six games.A copycat game http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/12/02/a_copycat_game/ Rand Jonathan Kansas City Chiefs December 2, 2008 December 3, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081206125042/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2008/12/02/a_copycat_game/ December 6, 2008 dead mdy In Baltimore, the Ravens, led by rookie head coach John Harbaugh, implemented the "Suggs package", which places two quarterbacks on the field at once, Joe Flacco and Troy Smith.Can't-Miss Plays: Best trick plays of 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20090120132920/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e2df54&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true January 20, 2009 . NFL.com. January 24, 2009. Due mainly to the new formations, 837 points were scored league wide in Week 12, the most ever for one NFL weekend. The wildcat formation in particular was credited with turning the Miami Dolphins from a last-place team into the winner of the AFC East,Carucci, Vic. What rebuilding project? Dolphins focus on winning now https://web.archive.org/web/20081211011551/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80d0fe9b&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true December 11, 2008 . NFL.com. December 5, 2008. and four of the top ten plays ranked by NFL.com were directly based on the wildcat (two others featured wide receivers throwing passes). Tie game On November 16, during Week 11, a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium ended in a 13–13 tie, the first NFL tie game since November 10, 2002, when the Atlanta Falcons and the Pittsburgh Steelers ended in a 34–34 draw. After the game, Donovan McNabb mentioned that he did not know there were ties in the NFL, apparently confusing the NFL's postseason rules (where teams can and have played double overtime games because those contests continue until a team finally wins) with the regular season rules. This drew the ire of many fans, who thought that a quarterback of his caliber should know some fundamental rules; however, none of McNabb's critics accused him of not playing to win during the overtime period in Cincinnati, and his play was tied into a game that was widely derided as one of the ugliest, most disjointed, and controversial results in NFL history.https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=281116004 https://web.archive.org/web/20180910094947/http://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=281116004 dead September 10, 2018 Eagles, Bengals play to NFL's first tie in six years at 13-13 ESPN.com November 16, 2008 June 20, 2021 Ironically, the tie game ultimately helped the Eagles make the playoffs, as it was the deciding tiebreaker for the #6 seed in the NFC; the Eagles went on to lose to the Cardinals in the NFC Championship Game. No more games would end in a tie until 2012. Tributes St. Louis Rams and Georgia Frontiere On January 18, 2008, Georgia Frontiere, owner of the St. Louis Rams died due to complications with breast cancer.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22735534/ Former Rams owner Frontiere dies. January 20, 2008 MSNBC https://web.archive.org/web/20080120212436/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22735534/ January 20, 2008 dead mdy The Rams wore a commemorative patch in her honor, with her signature on their left shoulder. Kansas City Chiefs and Lamar Hunt On January 31, 2008, Clark Hunt, chairman of the board for the Kansas City Chiefs announced that henceforth the team's Lamar Hunt/American Football League tribute patch that was introduced in the 2007 season will be a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform.Lamar Hunt patch becomes a permanent part of the Chiefs' uniform https://web.archive.org/web/20080305010454/http://kcchiefs.com/news/2008/01/31/lamar_hunt_patch_becomes_a_permanent_part_of_the_chiefs_uniform/ March 5, 2008 KCChiefs.com, January 28, 2008, joining the Chicago Bears (with George Halas) and the Cleveland Browns (with Al Lerner) with such a patch. Tim Russert The stretch of highway outside Ralph Wilson Stadium along U.S. Route 20A in Orchard Park, New York, has been named the Timothy J. Russert Highway. Russert, who was NBC News's chief Washington bureau correspondent and the host of Meet the Press, was a Buffalo native and noted Buffalo Bills fan. He died of a heart attack in June 2008. Gene Upshaw The league honored National Football League Players Association leader Gene Upshaw, who died suddenly at age 63 on August 20 just three days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. For the entire season, the Oakland Raiders wore a patch on the left chest of the jerseys with the initials "GU" and his number 63, his jersey number with the Raiders.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3563858 NFL players to wear uniform patch this season in honor of Upshaw ESPN.com September 1, 2008 January 11, 2009 July 20, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180720022708/http://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3563858 live All NFL teams also honored Upshaw with a video tribute and a replica of the uniform patch painted onto the field during the opening weekend.https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nfl-upshaw&prov=ap&type=lgns NFL honors Upshaw at all 16 games Sports.yahoo.com September 2, 2008 January 11, 2009 September 17, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080917010113/http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ap-nfl-upshaw&prov=ap&type=lgns dead Originally, the patch on the field and the video tribute were only going to be done in Oakland at the Raiders' home opener against the Denver Broncos as Upshaw played his entire 15-year Hall of Fame career with the Raiders, and at Giants Stadium, when the Giants and Redskins opened the NFL season on September 4. All players wore the same patch during Week One, and later changed to a smaller helmet decal. The Raiders wore the patch through the remainder of the season. Sean Taylor The Washington Redskins honored the anniversary of death of Sean Taylor this season in a home game against the visiting New York Giants. Steelers ownership restructure thumb|260px|The eventual NFL champion Steelers (in throwbacks) in week 4 against Baltimore, the eventual AFC runner-up On July 7, 2008, owners of the Pittsburgh Steelers, including Art Rooney's five sons who own 80% of the franchise, looked to restructure the ownership plan of the franchise in order to comply with NFL ownership regulations.Steelers Ownership Transition http://news.steelers.com/article/91693/ PittsburghSteelers.com July 7, 2008 July 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080713092629/http://news.steelers.com/article/91693/ July 13, 2008 dead mdy Current Steelers Chairman, Dan Rooney, and his son, Art Rooney II, President of the franchise, wished to stay involved with the franchise, while the remainder of the brothers – Art Jr., Timothy, Patrick and John – wished to further pursue racetracks that they own in Florida and New York.Rooneys look to restructure Steelers ownership http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08189/895371-66.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 7, 2008 July 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080713041548/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08189/895371-66.stm July 13, 2008 dead mdy Since 2006, many of the racetracks have added video slot machines, causing them to violate "NFL policy that prohibits involvement with racetrack and gambling interests".Gerry Dulac Steelers ownership in turmoil http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08190/895506-66.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 8, 2008 July 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080713044056/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08190/895506-66.stm July 13, 2008 dead mdy On July 11, it was confirmed that investor Stanley Druckenmiller had been in discussion with the five Rooney brothers. Dan Fitzpatrick Investor confirms talks with 5 Rooneys http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08193/896345-66.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080714005504/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08193/896345-66.stm dead July 14, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 11, 2008 July 13, 2008 A Steelers fan for many years, Druckenmiller "has been known to paint his face black and gold" during games.Dan Fitzpatrick Steelers suitor Druckenmiller 'loves Pittsburgh' http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08191/895721-66.stm Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 9, 2008 July 13, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080713041624/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08191/895721-66.stm July 13, 2008 dead mdy Coach Mike Tomlin stated that the situation could become a distraction, but "I'm here to coach, they're [the players] here to play. Those questions will be answered by the Rooneys." Ed Bouchette Tomlin says ownership situation a potential distraction http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08205/898936-66.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080726235042/http://post-gazette.com/pg/08205/898936-66.stm dead July 26, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette July 23, 2008 July 24, 2008 On September 18, Druckenmiller withdrew his bid to purchase the team. Gerry Dulac Druckenmiller withdraws name from Steelers sale http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08262/913323-66.stm https://web.archive.org/web/20080919115439/http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08262/913323-66.stm dead September 19, 2008 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette September 18, 2008 September 19, 2008 NFL owners unanimously approved the restructuring of ownership on December 17, 2008, with Dan and Art II getting the mandated 30% stake. Meanwhile, brothers Timothy and Patrick (the ones who own race tracks with slot machines, which violate NFL ownership rules) sold their shares outright, while Art Jr., John, and the McGinley family sold some shares but retained smaller ownership roles, with the brothers reducing their shares from 16% to 6% and the McGinley family reducing their shares from 20% to 10%. Joining the ownership group were Pilot Travel Centers president Jim Haslam III, Legendary Pictures president and CEO Thomas Tull, and the Paul family each getting a 16% stake in the team.https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3776644 NFL approves Rooney's ownership plan ESPN.com December 18, 2008 January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081219015220/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3776644 December 19, 2008 live mdy Dan Rooney mentioned he has no ill will towards Druckenmiller, mentioning he's a great Steelers fan and wishes he remains one. Milestones The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the regular season: RecordPlayer/teamDate broken/opponentPrevious record holder Longest field goal attempt (76 yards) Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland September 28, vs San Diego Mark Moseley, Nov 25, 1979 (74 yards) Most receiving yards by a Tight End, career (10,887 yards) Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City October 5, at Carolina Shannon Sharpe, 1990–2003 (10,060)https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=3627151 Gonzalez sets NFL record for yards receiving by tight end ESPN.com October 5, 2008 October 5, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081007055311/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3627151 October 7, 2008 live mdy Longest overtime blocked punt return for a touchdown (3 yards) Monty Beisel, Arizona October 12, vs Dallas None, first time in NFL historyhttp://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=281012022 Cowboys rally in fourth, but blocked punt gives Cards OT win ESPN.com October 12, 2008 October 12, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081014063850/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=281012022 October 14, 2008 dead mdy Longest overtime field goal (57 yards) Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland October 19, vs NY Jets Chris Jacke, Oct 4, 1996 (53)http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=2898 Longest FG in OT history Pro Football Hall of Fame.com October 20, 2008 October 20, 2008 January 13, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090113152449/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=2898 dead Consecutive games with 6+ receptions, start of season (11 games) Wes Welker, New England November 9, vs Buffalo Jimmy Smith, 2001 (8)November 9, 2008 Patriots vs. Bills game notes https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-vs-bills-game-notes-154861 January 8, 2026 Patriots.com January 24, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20260124151534/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-vs-bills-game-notes-154861 live Consecutive games with 400+ yards passing (2) Matt Cassel, New England November 17, vs NY Jets, Miami Billy Volek, Dan Marino, Dan Fouts, Phil Simms (2) Longest interception return (108 yards) Ed Reed, Baltimore November 23, vs Philadelphia Ed Reed, Nov 7, 2004 (106)http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=2959 Reed rumbles 108 yards Pro Football Hall of Fame.com November 24, 2008 October 25, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20081205015028/http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.jsp?story_id=2959 December 5, 2008 live mdy Most passing yards, first 10 weeks of season (3,254 yards) Drew Brees, New Orleans November 23, vs Green Bay Dan Fouts 1982 (3,164 yards)Highest total points scored in a single week (837 points) All 32 teams 2008 Week 12 (Nov 20–24) Tied 3 times: 2002 Week 1 (Sept 5–9); 2004 Week 13 (Dec 5–6); and 2007 Week 17 (Dec 29–30) (788 points)Longest regular season interception return without TD (98 yards) Brandon McDonald, Cleveland December 15, at Philadelphia Julius Peppers October 10, 2004 (97 yards)Most consecutive games lost, start of season(16)Detroit LionsDecember 21, vs New Orleans 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 1980 New Orleans Saints (both started season 0–14)http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/team/gameslost NFL Team Records: Games Lost NFL.com January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20081225041045/http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/team/gameslost December 25, 2008 live mdy Most consecutive games lost, end of season(16)December 28, vs Green Bay2001 Carolina Panthers (15)Most games lost, season(16) Tied by 8 teams (15)1980 New Orleans Saints, 1989 Dallas Cowboys, 1990 New England Patriots, 1991 Indianapolis Colts, 1996 New York Jets, 2000 San Diego Chargers, 2001 Carolina Panthers and 2007 Miami Dolphins.Fewest sacks by a team, season(10)Kansas City ChiefsCincinnati Bengals 1982 Baltimore Colts (11)http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/def/sacks NFL Team Records: Defense Records – Sacks NFL.com November 20, 1966 January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090116211957/http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/def/sacks January 16, 2009 live mdy Fewest accepted penalties, 16-game season(58)New England PatriotsDecember 28, vs Buffalo Bills Seattle Seahawks, 2007 (59)December 2008Most wins without making playoffs, since 1990(11)New England PatriotsDecember 28Kansas City Chiefs, 2005, and Cleveland Browns, 2007 (10).(1990 was the year the playoff field expanded to its current 12 teams. The last team to miss with 11 games won was the 1985 Denver Broncos, at a time when only 10 teams made it into the playoffs.)Brandt, Gil. Wild finish to thrilling regular season sets the stage for playoffs https://web.archive.org/web/20090107041541/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80dbe301&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true January 7, 2009 . NFL.com. December 30, 2008.Lowest winning percentage while still making playoffs, non-strike season (.500)San Diego ChargersDecember 28Tied with multiple teams1985 Cleveland Browns, 1990 New Orleans Saints, 1991 New York Jets, 1999 Dallas Cowboys, 1999 Detroit Lions, 2004 St. Louis Rams, 2004 Minnesota Vikings and 2006 New York Giants.Only two teams had ever made the playoffs with losing records, both of them being in the strike-shortened 1982 season, when two teams with 4–5 records made it into an expanded 16-team playoff field.Most Super Bowl wins, team(6)Pittsburgh SteelersFebruary 1 vs. Arizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys (5 each) Regular season statistical leaders Teamhttp://www.nfl.com/stats/team NFL Stats: Team NFL.com January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111004432/http://www.nfl.com/stats/team January 11, 2009 live mdy Points scored New Orleans Saints (463)Total yards gained New Orleans Saints (6,571)Yards rushing New York Giants (2,518)Yards passing New Orleans Saints (5,069)Fewest points allowed Pittsburgh Steelers (223)Fewest total yards allowed Pittsburgh Steelers (3,795)Fewest rushing yards allowed Minnesota Vikings (1,230)Fewest passing yards allowed Pittsburgh Steelers (2,511) Individualhttp://www.nfl.com/stats/player NFL Stats: Player NFL.com January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111214603/http://www.nfl.com/stats/player January 11, 2009 live mdy Scoring Stephen Gostkowski, New England (148 points)Touchdowns DeAngelo Williams, Carolina (20 TDs)Most field goals made Stephen Gostkowski, New England (36 FGs)Rushing Adrian Peterson, Minnesota (1,760 yards)Passer rating Philip Rivers, San Diego (105.5 rating)Passing touchdowns Drew Brees, New Orleans and Philip Rivers, San Diego (34 TDs)Passing yards Drew Brees, New Orleans (5,069 yards)Pass receptions Andre Johnson, Houston (115 catches)Pass receiving yards Andre Johnson, Houston (1,575 yards)Punt returns Santana Moss, Washington (6 for 124 yards, 20.7 average yards)Kickoff returns Domenik Hixon, New York Giants (3 for 180 yards, 60.0 average yards)not enough to qualifyInterceptions Ed Reed, Baltimore (9)Punting Shane Lechler, Oakland (90 for 4,391 yards, 48.8 average yards)Sacks DeMarcus Ware, Dallas (20) Awards Regular season awards AwardPlayerPositionTeamMost Valuable Player Peyton ManningQuarterbackIndianapolis ColtsCoach of the Year Mike SmithHead coachAtlanta FalconsOffensive Player of the Year Drew BreesQuarterbackNew Orleans SaintsDefensive Player of the Year James HarrisonLinebackerPittsburgh SteelersOffensive Rookie of the Year Matt RyanQuarterbackAtlanta FalconsDefensive Rookie of the Year Jerod MayoLinebackerNew England PatriotsNFL Comeback Player of the YearChad Pennington QuarterbackMiami DolphinsWalter Payton NFL Man of the YearKurt WarnerQuarterbackArizona CardinalsSuper Bowl Most Valuable Player AwardSantonio HolmesWide receiverPittsburgh Steelers All-Pro team 2008 All-Pro Team 48% OffenseQuarterbackPeyton Manning, IndianapolisRunning backAdrian Peterson, MinnesotaFullbackLe'Ron McClain, BaltimoreWide receiverAndre Johnson, HoustonLarry Fitzgerald, ArizonaTight endTony Gonzalez, Kansas CityOffensive tackleJordan Gross, CarolinaMichael Roos, TennesseeOffensive guardSteve Hutchinson, MinnesotaChris Snee, New York GiantsCenterKevin Mawae, Tennessee 48% DefenseDefensive endJustin Tuck, New York GiantsJared Allen, MinnesotaDefensive tackleAlbert Haynesworth, TennesseeKevin Williams, MinnesotaOutside linebackerDeMarcus Ware, DallasJames Harrison, PittsburghInside linebackerRay Lewis, BaltimoreJon Beason, CarolinaCornerbackNnamdi Asomugha, OaklandCortland Finnegan, TennesseeSafetyEd Reed, BaltimoreTroy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Special teamsKickerStephen Gostkowski, New EnglandPunterShane Lechler, Oakland RaidersKick returnerLeon Washington, New York Jets Team superlatives thumb|260px|2008 NFC South champions Carolina against Chicago in week 2 of the season Offense Most points scored: New Orleans, 463 Fewest points scored: Cleveland, 204 Most total offensive yards: New Orleans, 6,571 Fewest total offensive yards: Cincinnati, 3,926 Most total passing yards: New Orleans, 4,977 Fewest total passing yards: Oakland, 2,369 Most rushing yards: New York Giants, 2,518 Fewest rushing yards: Arizona, 1,178 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/ Pro-Football-Reference.com: 2008 NFL Standings, Team & Offensive Statistics March 29, 2018 January 27, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180127084032/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/ live Defense Fewest points allowed: Pittsburgh, 223 Most points allowed: Detroit, 517 Fewest total yards allowed: Pittsburgh, 3,795 Most total yards allowed: Detroit, 6,470 Fewest passing yards allowed: Pittsburgh, 2,511 Most passing yards allowed: Seattle, 4,149 Fewest rushing yards allowed: Minnesota, 1,230 Most rushing yards allowed: Detroit, 2,754 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/opp.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com: 2008 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics March 29, 2018 October 7, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20221007152212/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/opp.htm live Players of the Week Week/Month Offensive Defensive Special teams AFC NFC AFC NFC AFC NFC1RB Willie Parker(Pittsburgh)RB Michael Turner(Atlanta)CB Cortland Finnegan(Tennessee)DE Adewale Ogunleye(Chicago)WR-KR Roscoe Parrish(Buffalo)KR/PR Will Blackmon(Green Bay)2WR Brandon Marshall(Denver)QB Kurt Warner(Arizona)S Troy Polamalu(Pittsburgh)S Chris Horton(Washington)LB Keith Bulluck(Tennessee)KR/RB Felix Jones(Dallas)3RB Ronnie Brown(Miami)RB Michael Turner(Atlanta)CB Antonio Cromartie(San Diego)S Brian Dawkins(Philadelphia)K Josh Scobee(Jacksonville)K John Carney(NY Giants)4QB Brett Favre(NY Jets)QB Jake Delhomme(Carolina)LB Derrick Johnson(Kansas City)LB Derrick Brooks(Tampa Bay)K Jeff Reed(Pittsburgh)K Matt Bryant(Tampa Bay) Sept.QB Jay Cutler(Denver)QB Drew Brees(New Orleans)DT Albert Haynesworth(Tennessee)S Charles Woodson(Green Bay)RB Darren Sproles(San Diego) Saverio Rocca(Philadelphia)5QB Ben Roethlisberger(Pittsburgh)RB Clinton Portis(Washington)LB Gary Brackett(Indianapolis)CB Antoine Winfield(Minnesota)K Matt Prater(Denver)PR/RB Reggie Bush(New Orleans)6QB Peyton Manning(Indianapolis)QB Drew Brees(New Orleans)CB Eric Wright(Cleveland)S Oshiomogho Atogwe(St. Louis)WR-PR Jacoby Jones(Houston)WR Sean Morey(Arizona)7QB Matt Cassel(New England)RB Steven Jackson(St. Louis)LB Terrell Suggs(Baltimore)S Aaron Rouse(Green Bay)K Sebastian Janikowski(Oakland)S Zackary Bowman(Chicago)8QB Chad Pennington(Miami)QB Drew Brees(New Orleans)S Chris Hope(Tennessee)DE Mathias Kiwanuka(NY Giants)WR-PR Jacoby Jones(Houston)PR/WR Santana Moss(Washington) Oct.WR Andre Johnson(Houston)RB Clinton Portis(Washington)LB Joey Porter(Miami)LB Jon Beason(Carolina)K Stephen Gostkowski(New England)K Josh Brown(St. Louis)9QB Joe Flacco(Baltimore)QB Matt Ryan(Atlanta)DT Kris Jenkins(NY Jets)S Antrel Rolle(Arizona)K Adam Vinatieri(Indianapolis)KR/PR Clifton Smith(Tampa Bay)10QB Jay Cutler(Denver)RB Adrian Peterson(Minnesota)LB Ray Lewis(Baltimore)DE Julius Peppers(Carolina)P Craig Hentrich((Tennessee)LB Chase Blackburn(NY Giants)11QB Peyton Manning(Indianapolis)QB Shaun Hill(San Francisco)LB James Harrison(Pittsburgh)CB Aaron Ross(NY Giants)KR-RB Leon Washington(NY Jets)K Neil Rackers(Arizona)12QB Matt Cassel(New England)QB Drew Brees(New Orleans)S Ed Reed(Baltimore)CB Ronde Barber(Tampa Bay)PR-WR Johnnie Lee Higgins(Oakland)PR/WR Harry Douglas(Atlanta)13RB Steve Slaton(Houston)RB Brian Westbrook(Philadelphia)DE Robert Mathis(Indianapolis)DE Jared Allen(Minnesota)CB Maurice Leggett(Kansas City)KR/PR Mark Jones(Carolina) Nov.RB Thomas Jones(NY Jets)QB Eli Manning(NY Giants)DE Dwight Freeney(Indianapolis)DE Julius Peppers(Carolina)K Dan Carpenter(Miami)KR/PR Clifton Smith(Tampa Bay)14QB Matt Schaub(Houston)RB DeAngelo Williams(Carolina)S Ed Reed(Baltimore)LB Gerald Hayes(Arizona)K Dan Carpenter(Miami)RB/KR Pierre Thomas(New Orleans)15QB Philip Rivers(San Diego)QB Tarvaris Jackson(Minnesota)DE Aaron Smith(Pittsburgh)LB DeMarcus Ware(Dallas)KR-CB Ellis Hobbs(New England)KR/S Danieal Manning(Chicago)16QB Peyton Manning(Indianapolis)RB Derrick Ward(NY Giants)CB Leon Hall(Cincinnati)CB Josh Wilson(Seattle)P Sam Koch(Baltimore)P Ryan Plackemeier(Washington)17QB Chad Pennington(Miami)RB Michael Turner(Atlanta)S Tyrone Carter(Pittsburgh)DE Chris Clemons(Philadelphia)P Chris Hanson(New England)K Ryan Longwell(Minnesota) Dec.QB Philip Rivers(San Diego)RB DeAngelo Williams(Carolina)S Ed Reed(Baltimore)S Brian Dawkins(Philadelphia)KR/PR Justin Miller(NY Jets)K Robbie Gould(Chicago) Head coach/front office changes Head coach Offseason The following teams hired new head coaches prior to the start of the 2008 season: Team 2008 Coach Former Coach(es) Reason for leaving Notes Atlanta Falcons Mike Smith, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinatorhttp://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806313ff&template=without-video&confirm=true Falcons hire Jaguars' Smith as head coach NFL.com July 30, 2008 January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090107032053/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d806313ff&template=without-video&confirm=true January 7, 2009 live mdy Bobby Petrino;Petrino leaves Falcons http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/12/11/king.petrino/?bcnn=yes SI.com December 11, 2007 January 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080219053946/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/football/nfl/12/11/king.petrino/?bcnn=yes February 19, 2008 dead mdy Emmitt Thomas, interim for 3 gamesThomas named Falcons interim coach http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/12/12/falconsday_1212.html Atlanta Journal-Constitution December 12, 2007 January 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080216041706/http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/12/12/falconsday_1212.html February 16, 2008 live mdy Petrino resigned after 13 games to take the head coaching job at the University of Arkansas. In his first and only season, Petrino went 3–10 before resigning. Under interim head coach Thomas, the Falcons went 1–2 over the remainder of the season. Thomas would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and remain as a special assistant coach for the Falcons.Baltimore RavensJohn Harbaugh, Philadelphia Eagles special teams coachRavens Hire Haubaugh As New Head Coach http://www.nfl.com/news/story?09000d5d80614e90&template=with-video&confirm=yes NFL.com January 18, 2008 January 18, 2008 mdy Brian BillickBillick fired https://www.baltimoresun.com/2008/01/01/billick-fired/ https://web.archive.org/web/20251207040527/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2008/01/01/billick-fired/ live December 7, 2025 The Baltimore Sun January 1, 2008 January 7, 2008FiredBillick coached the Ravens to a victory in Super Bowl XXXV, and was 80–64 with the Ravens in the regular season and 5–3 in the postseason, but went 5–11 in 2007, the worst record the Ravens had in his nine-year tenure. Became a color commentator for Fox Sports in 2008.Miami DolphinsTony Sparano, Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach/offensive line coachhttp://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7681946 January 16, 2008 Dolphins hire Sparano away from Cowboys Foxsports.com January 16, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080117231024/http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7681946 January 17, 2008 dead mdy Cam CameronDolphins Fire Cameron After 1–15 Season https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010401394.html https://web.archive.org/web/20121104120824/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/04/AR2008010401394.html dead November 4, 2012 The Washington Post January 4, 2008 January 7, 2008FiredIn his first and only season, the Cameron-led Dolphins finished with a league worst 1–15 record. After his sacking, Cameron became John Harbaugh's offensive coordinator at Baltimore.Washington RedskinsJim Zorn, Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coachhttp://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/09/zorn.redskins.ap/index.html Redskins hire Jim Zorn as head coach SI.com February 9, 2008 February 9, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080213021900/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/09/zorn.redskins.ap/index.html February 13, 2008 dead mdy Joe GibbsJoe Gibbs Resigns as Redskins Head Coach https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010801636.html The Washington Post January 8, 2008 January 8, 2008 Les Carpenter April 18, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080418032913/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/08/AR2008010801636.html live Retired Finished 16 overall seasons as Redskins head coach. During his first tenure, 1981–92, the club won three Super Bowls (XVII, XXII, and XXVI) and four NFC Championships (1982, 1983, 1987 and 1991). After being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, he rejoined the team in 2004, and returned to running the day-to-day operations of his self-owned racing team after his second retirement. In-season The following head coaches were fired during the 2008 season: Team Interim Coach Former Coach Reason for leaving NotesSt. Louis RamsJim Haslett, defensive coordinator; former head coach of the New Orleans SaintsScott LinehanDismissed September 29 four games into the seasonLinehan went 11–25 (.306 percentage) in his 2¼ seasons as Rams coach. After Haslett was named interim head coach, the Rams won two straight games against Washington and Dallas, but dropped the final 10 games of the season. On January 15, 2009, Haslett learned he would not be considered for the permanent head coach position. Haslett became the coach of the new United Football League's Orlando franchise.Oakland RaidersTom Cable, offensive line coachLane KiffinRelieved of duties September 30 after four gamesKiffin was fired in spite of being hired as the youngest coach in the NFL one year earlier, as shown by a 5–15 record (.250 percentage) in his 1¼ seasons as the fourth coach since Jon Gruden left. A dispute with owner Al Davis was said to be behind his dismissal, but Kiffin got a new job as coach of the University of Tennessee in December. Cable was named permanent head coach following back-to-back wins over Houston and at Tampa Bay, where the Buccaneers were eliminated from playoff contention.San Francisco 49ersMike Singletary, assistant head coach and linebackers coachMike NolanFired October 20 after seven gamesThe son of former coach Dick Nolan went 18–37 (.327 percentage) after nearly 3½ seasons as 49ers coach. Singletary had the interim tag removed following their 27–21 win over the Redskins on December 28, signing a four-year extension. The firing of Kiffin and Linehan marked the first time since the AFL–NFL merger in 1970 that multiple head coaches were fired before Week 5 of the season, and the first since 1989 that any coach was fired this early in a season. Both were released heading into their teams' respective bye weeks, while Nolan was released prior to the game just before the 49ers' bye. changes made since the end of the regular season 2009 NFL season coaching/front office changes Front office Offseason Team Position 2007 office holder Reason for leaving 2008 replacement NotesAtlanta FalconsGMRich McKayReplacedThomas Dimitroff The hiring of Dimitroff as general manager relegates McKay to the position of team president.Buffalo BillsGMMarv LevyRetiredRuss Brandon Although his title did not change, Brandon became de facto general manager after Levy retired.Denver BroncosGMTed SundquistFiredJim Goodman Jim Goodman (American football) (interim) Although Sundquist was fired in early March, Goodman is considered the interim general manager.Miami DolphinsGMRandy MuellerJeff Ireland Ireland and new-executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells had worked together previously, when Parcells was the head coach and football operations boss at the Dallas Cowboys from 2003-2006.San Francisco 49ersGMMike NolanGM duties revokedScot McCloughan Before the promotion of McCloughan, head coach Mike Nolan acted as his own general manager. In-season Team Position Departing office holder Reason for leaving Interim replacement NotesDetroit Lions President & GMMatt MillenFiredMartin Mayhew After a 0-3 start to the 2008 season, Lions vice chairman and Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman William Clay Ford Jr., told reporters on September 22, 2008, if it were up to him, he would fire Millen. Despite this, the elder Ford claimed he had no plans to dismiss Millen. Two days later, however, on September 24, 2008, Millen's tenure as team president and general manager ended. Lions owner William Clay Ford later announced that Millen had been relieved of his duties as Lions general manager and team president. Senior vice president and assistant general manager Martin Mayhew was named the interim general manager. On December 28th, 2008, Mayhew was promoted to permanent general manager.St. Louis RamsGMJay ZygmuntResignedBilly Devaney Zygmunt resigned on December 22nd, 2008, the day after a week 16 loss to the San Francisco 49ers that dropped the Ram's record to 2–13. The Rams hired Devaney as vice president of pro personnel in February 2008 to help conduct their 2008 draft. He was promoted to general manager of the Rams after Zygmunt's resignation. Stadium changes In addition to the Bills playing one home game in Toronto's Rogers Centre, this was the first season that the Indianapolis Colts played their home games at Lucas Oil Stadium.http://www.lucasoil.com/landing_pages/22,3.html Lucas Oil: Lucas Oil Stadium LucasOil.com January 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20071229034039/http://www.lucasoil.com/landing_pages/22%2C3.html December 29, 2007 dead mdy 2008 was the final year that the Dallas Cowboys played at Texas Stadium; they moved to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in 2009.Cowboys Build For The Future By Honoring The Past http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=76D4EF83-0139-732F-270038BD0731028D DallasCowboys.com December 12, 2006 January 7, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20071221232804/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news.cfm?id=76D4EF83-0139-732F-270038BD0731028D December 21, 2007 dead mdy McAfee Coliseum reverted to the Oakland Coliseum after McAfee declined to renew the naming rights. In addition, Monster Park reverted to Candlestick Park permanently after the naming right deal with Monster Cable expired, per the terms of Proposition H, passed by San Francisco voters in 2004, that prohibited the city from accepting another naming rights deals for that stadium.http://www.smartvoter.org/2004/11/02/ca/sf/meas/H/ Proposition H: Naming the Stadium at Candlestick Point - San Francisco County, CA www.smartvoter.org April 17, 2020 May 18, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110518230604/http://www.smartvoter.org/2004/11/02/ca/sf/meas/H/ live Uniforms The Tennessee Titans switched their home jerseys. They changed their alternate Columbia blue jersey to make it their primary color while the navy blue jersey became the alternate jersey. The Denver Broncos brought back the alternate orange jerseys after a three-year hiatus and wore them for games against the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.http://broncotalk.net/2008/08/2192/broncos-news/broncos-to-bust-out-orange-jerseys/ Broncos to Bust Out Orange Jerseys March 9, 2011 July 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110721131126/http://broncotalk.net/2008/08/2192/broncos-news/broncos-to-bust-out-orange-jerseys/ live In their first two home games, the New England Patriots wore their white jerseys against the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins. It was the first time the Patriots had worn white at home since 1994.http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/09/white_jerseys_n.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110629020747/http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/2008/09/white_jerseys_n.html dead June 29, 2011 The Boston Globe Mike Reiss White jerseys note September 7, 2008 March 9, 2011 For the first time in the team's history, the Oakland Raiders wore their white jerseys at home against the San Diego Chargers. New league logo 2008 was the first season that the NFL used a new, updated logo. Unveiled on August 31, 2007, in USA Today, the new design features eight white stars, representing each of the league's eight divisions, instead of 25 on the old logo. The football has been redesigned and rotated to the same angle as the one on the top of the Vince Lombardi Trophy given to the Super Bowl champion. Darker shades of red and blue, specifically navy blue, are also used, along with font lettering to that of the league's current typeface for other logos.NFL to revamp shield with redesigned logo https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-08-30-shield-change_N.htm USA Today Michael McCarthy December 24, 2007 August 31, 2007 August 22, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110822015141/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-08-30-shield-change_N.htm live The new logo officially made its debut during the 2008 NFL draft on April 26. Apparel The 2008 season marked just the third time in the salary cap era (and first since 2001) that no NFL team made major changes to their uniforms or logo. Since 1993, half of the league's teams (Arizona, Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Denver, Minnesota, New England, New York Giants, New York Jets, Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, and Tennessee) have completely redesigned their uniforms (The Patriots doing it four times, though none since 2000) while another five (Detroit, Green Bay, Miami, New Orleans, and Pittsburgh) making minor, though noticeable, changes. The Titans are swapping home and alternate designations on their light blue and navy blue jerseys though. The Detroit Lions, in celebration of their 75th season in Motown as well as by popular demand by the fans, abandoned their black third jerseys in favor of their 1950s style throwback uniforms. They wore these uniforms against Jacksonville (November 9) and Tennessee (Thanksgiving Day – November 27). In addition, the Pittsburgh Steelers will make their throwbacks from the previous season their alternate uniform, wearing them against the Baltimore Ravens on September 29 and the New York Giants on October 26.http://news.steelers.com/catalog/product/91379/ Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers – Product Display Steelers.com June 27, 2008 January 11, 2009 https://web.archive.org/web/20090127025504/http://news.steelers.com/catalog/product/91379/ January 27, 2009 dead mdy The Jets wore their New York Titans throwbacks at home against Arizona on September 28 and Cincinnati on October 12 this season, and the Bills donned their retro uniforms at home against Oakland Raiders September 21. Media Television NFL on television thumb|NFL on Fox announcers Matt Vasgersian and JC Pearson at Candlestick Park, November 16, 2008 This was the third season under the league's television contracts with its American broadcast partners. CBS Sports and Fox Sports televised Sunday afternoon AFC and NFC away games, respectively.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7868621 NFL.com - NFL News NFL.com 2005-12-13 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051204051301/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/7868621 December 4, 2005 mdy For primetime games, NBC broadcast Sunday Night Football and ESPN airs Monday Night Football.http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8397476 NFL.com - NFL News NFL.com 2005-12-13 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20051215074155/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8397476 December 15, 2005 mdy The NFL Network's Run to the Playoffs also broadcast seven Thursday and one Saturday late season night games,http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9193472 NFL.com - NFL News NFL.com 2006-01-28 bot: unknown https://web.archive.org/web/20060129133611/http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/9193472 January 29, 2006 mdy although there were reportedly negotiations to move those games to ESPN Classic.Pergament, Alan. Sports on the Air https://web.archive.org/web/20081007123704/http://www.buffalonews.com/opinion/columns/alanpergament/story/380460.html October 7, 2008 . The Buffalo News. June 28, 2008. This was also the last NFL season to be broadcast over the air in analog television in the United States; the digital television transition occurred in June 2009. Border stations in Canada and Mexico will continue to broadcast in analog; cable stations are unaffected and will be distributed in the format of the cable provider's choice. Beginning with this season, all regular season games would now be televised in high-definition. NBC broadcast Super Bowl XLIII, their first Super Bowl since Super Bowl XXXII at the end of the 1997 season. Changes ESPN reduced the on-air roles of sideline reporters Michele Tafoya and Suzy Kolber during the Monday Night Football telecast.https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2008-02-10-hiestand-mnf_N.htm MNF reduces roles for field reporters Kolber, Tafoya February 10, 2008 February 14, 2008 Michael Hiestand USA Today February 14, 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080214074453/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2008-02-10-hiestand-mnf_N.htm live Also, Emmitt Smith has been replaced on Sunday NFL Countdown by Cris Carter, who came over from HBO. Meanwhile, NBC's Football Night in America reunited Dan Patrick with Keith Olbermann on television for the first time since 1997 when they co-hosted SportsCenter. At Fox NFL Sunday, former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan joined the show as an analyst. The in-house NFL Network saw Bryant Gumbel resign as their play-by-play announcer after two seasons on the network's Run to the Playoffs package after critics described his play-by-play calling as "lackluster".Gumbel decides to leave NFL Network https://web.archive.org/web/20080412181624/http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d807b681a&template=without-video&confirm=true April 12, 2008 . NFL.com. April 13, 2008. New York Giants radio announcer Bob Papa took his place. Additionally, NFL Films-produced Inside the NFL changed premium cable homes from Time Warner's HBO after three decades to CBS' Showtime. Also changed: James Brown (from the parent network's The NFL Today) as host and Phil Simms as one of the analysts. Cris Collinsworth is staying, but Dan Marino has been dropped as a studio analyst, and the aforementioned Cris Carter moved to ESPN. Taking their place is Warren Sapp. 3-D Telecast On December 4, the NFL Network broadcast its game between the Oakland Raiders and the San Diego Chargers to theaters in New York City, Boston and Los Angeles using state of the art 3-D technology. The viewings, which were limited to NFL and consumer electronics executives, served as a test for future use of 3D in NFL television games.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB122749333275552323?mod=rss_whats_news_technology Coming at You! NFL Looks at 3-D The Wall Street Journal November 24, 2008 October 25, 2008 Sarah Mcbride https://web.archive.org/web/20081204055201/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122749333275552323.html?mod=rss_whats_news_technology December 4, 2008 live mdy Because of a technical glitch, the first half was not shown. Radio On radio, Westwood One separated from its longtime corporate sister, CBS Radio and the Sports USA Radio Network, another syndicator, has been sold along with parent company Jones Radio Networks to the Triton Media Group.. This led to the former "NFL on Westwood One" giving way in 2011 to "NFL on Dial Global". Internet television On Internet television, both NFL.com and NBCSports.com carried complete live games of NBC Sunday Night Football for the first time ever. NFL.com continued its live coverage of Thursday and Saturday Night Football, which began in 2007, however for the first time the complete game rather than live look-ins was shown. Home video The Pittsburgh Steelers 2008 season/Super Bowl XLIII championship home video went on sale on DVD on February 24, 2009. One week later on March 3, it was released on Blu-ray Disc, making it the first NFL Films home video release to be on Blu-ray Disc.Super Bowl XLIII Pittsburgh Steelers Blu-ray Disc The Blu-ray copy is "officially" sold exclusively through Amazon.com, though it is also available through the Sports Illustrated Super Bowl offer as well as eBay. Among its exclusive content included having most of the features in high-definition video as well as the NFL on Fox fourth-quarter coverage of the Steelers matchup against the Dallas Cowboys at Heinz Field in its entirety. The matchup, which took place during Week 14 and renewed the rivalry the two teams had in the 1970s & 1990s, saw the Steelers come back from a 4th quarter ten-point deficit to win 20–13. The New York Giants 2007 season/Super Bowl video was only released on DVD the previous year despite the fact that Toshiba dropped support of HD DVD (the primary rival of Blu-ray) just two weeks after Super Bowl XLII. See also Super Bowl XLIII 2008 NFL draft External links 2008 NFL season at NFL.com Football Outsiders 2008 DVOA Rankings Notes References 30em Category:NFL seasons