2014 NFL season

American football season the American football season in the United States the Gaelic football season in Ireland 2014 National Football League (Ireland) March 2026 March 2014 2014 September 4 – December 28, 2014 January 3, 2015 New England Patriots Seattle Seahawks New England Patriots XLIX February 1, 2015 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona January 25, 2015 University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona The 2014 NFL season was the 95th season in the history of the National Football League (NFL) and the 49th of the Super Bowl era. The season began on Thursday, September 4, 2014, with the annual kickoff game featuring the defending Super Bowl XLVIII champion Seattle Seahawks hosting the Green Bay Packers, which resulted with the Seahawks winning. The season concluded with Super Bowl XLIX, the league's championship game, on Sunday, February 1, 2015, at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, with the New England Patriots defeating the Seahawks 28–24, in one of the closest games in Super Bowl history. Some notable events of the season include every team losing at least 4 games, the Carolina Panthers going to the playoffs despite having a losing record, the NFC Championship Game where the Seahawks would make a comeback against the Packers, and Super Bowl XLIX where the Patriots would intercept the ball at the one yard line and win the game. Player movement The 2014 league year began at 4 pm EST on March 11,2013–2014 National Football League important dates http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/12-20-13-important-dates-3.pdf National Football League May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140406071537/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/12-20-13-important-dates-3.pdf April 6, 2014 December 20, 2013 live which marked the start of the league's free agency period.Free agency signing period begins; 471 players become free agents http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/03-11-14-free-agency-begins.pdf National Football League May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140506192130/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/03-11-14-free-agency-begins.pdf May 6, 2014 live The per-team salary cap was set at US$133000000,2014 NFL Free Agency Questions & Answers http://nflcommunications.com/2014/03/06/2014-nfl-free-agency-questions-answers/ National Football League May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140310022305/http://nflcommunications.com/2014/03/06/2014-nfl-free-agency-questions-answers/ March 10, 2014 dead mdy-all a $10 million increase from the previous year.Florio Mike Source: Cap will be $133 million per team http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/27/source-cap-will-be-133-million-per-team/ Pro Football Talk NBC Sports May 14, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140228025006/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/02/27/source-cap-will-be-133-million-per-team/ February 28, 2014 February 27, 2014 live The so-called "legal tampering" periodFarrar Doug What you need to know about legal free-agent tampering https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/know-legal-free-agent-tampering-054008690--nfl.html Shutdown Corner (blog) Yahoo! Sports April 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140421205619/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/shutdown-corner/know-legal-free-agent-tampering-054008690--nfl.html April 21, 2014 March 9, 2013 live during which time agents representing prospective unrestricted free agent players (though not the players themselves) were allowed to have contact with team representatives with the purpose of determining a player's market value and to begin contract negotiations, began at noon (EST) on March 8. Free agency A total of 471 players were eligible for some form of free agency at the beginning of the free agency period. In addition, a number of highly paid players were released after the start of the league year to allow their teams to regain space under the salary cap. Among the high-profile players who changed teams via free agency were:Emerick Thomas 20 Free Agency Signings That Will Impact The 2014 NFL Season http://www.thesportsdaily.net/nfl-free-agency-2014-ranking-signings-moves-contracts-analysis-impact-2014-season/ The Sports Daily (blog) May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140506211653/http://www.thesportsdaily.net/nfl-free-agency-2014-ranking-signings-moves-contracts-analysis-impact-2014-season/ May 6, 2014 March 19, 2014 dead mdy-all Quarterbacks Josh McCown (Chicago to Tampa Bay), Mark Sanchez (New York Jets to Philadelphia) and Michael Vick (Philadelphia to New York Jets) Running backs LeGarrette Blount (New England to Pittsburgh), Donald Brown (Indianapolis to San Diego), Toby Gerhart (Minnesota to Jacksonville), Chris Johnson (Tennessee to New York Jets), Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville to Oakland) and Ben Tate (Houston to Cleveland) Wide receivers Kenny Britt (Tennessee to St. Louis), Eric Decker (Denver to New York Jets), Devin Hester (Chicago to Atlanta), DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia to Washington), James Jones (Green Bay to Oakland), Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants to Indianapolis), Andre Roberts (Arizona to Washington), Emmanuel Sanders (Pittsburgh to Denver), Steve Smith (Carolina to Baltimore) and Golden Tate (Seattle to Detroit) Tight ends Owen Daniels (Houston to Baltimore) and Brandon Myers (New York Giants to Tampa Bay) Offensive tackles Branden Albert (Kansas City to Miami), Austin Howard (New York Jets to Oakland), Michael Oher (Baltimore to Tennessee) and Jared Veldheer (Oakland to Arizona) Guards Zane Beadles (Denver to Jacksonville), Shawn Lauvao (Cleveland to Washington) and Geoff Schwartz (Kansas City to New York Giants) Defensive tackles Jason Hatcher (Dallas to Washington), Arthur Jones (Baltimore to Indianapolis), Linval Joseph (New York Giants to Minnesota) and Paul Soliai (Miami to Atlanta) Defensive ends Jared Allen (Minnesota to Chicago), Lamarr Houston (Oakland to Chicago), Tyson Jackson (Kansas City to Atlanta), Michael Johnson (Cincinnati to Tampa Bay), Julius Peppers (Chicago to Green Bay), Antonio Smith (Houston to Oakland), Justin Tuck (New York Giants to Oakland), DeMarcus Ware (Dallas to Denver) and Willie Young (Detroit to Chicago) Linebackers Karlos Dansby (Arizona to Cleveland), D'Qwell Jackson (Cleveland to Indianapolis), Wesley Woodyard (Denver to Tennessee) and LaMarr Woodley (Pittsburgh to Oakland) Cornerbacks Brandon Flowers (Kansas City to San Diego), Corey Graham (Baltimore to Buffalo), Captain Munnerlyn (Carolina to Minnesota), Darrelle Revis (Tampa Bay to New England), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Denver to New York Giants), Aqib Talib (New England to Denver) and Alterraun Verner (Tennessee to Tampa Bay) Safeties Antoine Bethea (Indianapolis to San Francisco), Jairus Byrd (Buffalo to New Orleans), T. J. Ward (Cleveland to Denver) and Donte Whitner (San Francisco to Cleveland) Four players were assigned the non-exclusive franchise tag by their teams, which ensured that the team would receive compensation were the player to sign a contract with another team. These players were defensive end Greg Hardy (Panthers), tight end Jimmy Graham (Saints), placekicker Nick Folk (Jets) and linebacker Brian Orakpo (Redskins).Franchise and transition players named http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/03-03-14-franchise-transition-players-named1.pdf National Football League March 3, 2014 May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140506213800/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/03-03-14-franchise-transition-players-named1.pdf May 6, 2014 live Two other teams used the transition tag, which offers the player's current team a chance to match offers from other franchises and also guarantees draft pick compensation (at a lesser level than the franchise tag) if a tagged player signs elsewhere. Players given the transition tag were Jason Worilds (Steelers) and Alex Mack (Browns). Mack signed a five-year, $42 million offer sheet with the Jacksonville Jaguars which included $26 million in guaranteed money and a player option to void the contract after two seasons. The Browns matched the offer and retained Mack who became the league's highest paid center.Cabot Mary Kay Cleveland Browns matching Jaguars' five-year, $42 million offer for Alex Mack http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/04/cleveland_browns_jaguars_five-.html May 14, 2014 The Plain Dealer April 11, 2014 https://archive.today/20140414084518/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/04/cleveland_browns_jaguars_five-.html April 14, 2014 live One restricted free agent switched teams in 2014: wide receiver Andrew Hawkins of the Bengals was signed by the Browns.Smith Michael David Doug Baldwin doesn't sign an offer sheet, will stay in Seattle http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/doug-baldwin-doesnt-sign-an-offer-sheet-will-stay-in-seattle/ Pro Football Talk NBC Sports May 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140503114524/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/05/02/doug-baldwin-doesnt-sign-an-offer-sheet-will-stay-in-seattle/ May 3, 2014 May 2, 2014 live Restricted free agents are players with three or fewer seasons in the league whose contracts have expired. Teams may tender contract offers which allow them to match offers from other teams (i.e. the player's current team gets "right of first refusal") and may trigger draft pick compensation to be received from the signing team.2011–20 NFL/NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/collective-bargaining-agreement-2011-2020.pdf National Football League March 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140319185444/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/collective-bargaining-agreement-2011-2020.pdf March 19, 2014 36–43 August 4, 2011 live mdy Hawkins was tendered at the minimum level, which means the Bengals would not receive any draft compensation.Wilkening Mike Report: Browns extend four-year offer sheet to Bengals WR Andrew Hawkins http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/11/browns-extend-offer-sheet-to-bengals-wr-andrew-hawkins/ Pro Football Talk NBC Sports May 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140312051820/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/11/browns-extend-offer-sheet-to-bengals-wr-andrew-hawkins/ March 12, 2014 March 11, 2014 live The Browns signed him to a $13.6 million, four-year offer, which the Bengals declined to match.Smith Michael David Bengals decline to match Browns' offer for Andrew Hawkins http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/18/bengals-decline-to-match-browns-offer-for-andrew-hawkins/ Pro Football Talk NBC Sports May 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140319011811/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/18/bengals-decline-to-match-browns-offer-for-andrew-hawkins/ March 19, 2014 March 18, 2014 live Saints safety Rafael Bush signed an offer from the Falcons, but the Saints retained Bush by matching the offer.Gantt Darin Falcons give offer sheet to Saints RFA Rafael Bush http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/03/falcons-give-offer-sheet-to-saints-rfa-rafael-bush/ Pro Football Talk NBC Sports May 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140408203333/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/04/03/falcons-give-offer-sheet-to-saints-rfa-rafael-bush/ April 8, 2014 April 3, 2014 live Trades The following notable trades were made during the 2014 league year: March 11: Miami traded OT Jonathan Martin to San Francisco for a conditional draft pickMarch 12, 2014 Jonathan Martin headed to 49ers https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10592439/miami-dolphins-trade-jonathan-martin-san-francisco-49ers 2026-04-24 ESPN.com Associated Press en May 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512124031/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10592439/miami-dolphins-trade-jonathan-martin-san-francisco-49ers live March 11: Jacksonville traded QB Blaine Gabbert to San Francisco for a sixth-round draft pick https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10591240/jacksonville-jaguars-trade-blaine-gabbert-san-francisco-49ers QB Blaine Gabbert sent to Niners March 11, 2014 May 29, 2020 April 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140422212320/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10591240/jacksonville-jaguars-trade-blaine-gabbert-san-francisco-49ers live March 13: New Orleans traded RB Darren Sproles to Philadelphia for a fifth-round draft pick https://www.nfl.com/news/saints-trade-darren-sproles-to-philadelphia-eagles-0ap2000000333709 Saints trade Darren Sproles to Philadelphia Eagles NFL.com May 29, 2020 March 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140313192145/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000333709/article/darren-sproles-traded-to-philadelphia-eagles live May 9: Buffalo traded WR Stevie Johnson to San Francisco for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015 https://www.nfl.com/news/san-francisco-49ers-acquire-stevie-johnson-from-bills-0ap2000000348691 San Francisco 49ers acquire Stevie Johnson from Bills NFL.com May 29, 2020 May 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140513085745/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000348691/article/stevie-johnson-traded-to-san-francisco-49ers live May 10: Philadelphia traded RB Bryce Brown to Buffalo for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015https://www.nfl.com/news/philadelphia-eagles-trade-bryce-brown-to-buffalo-bills-0ap2000000349239 Philadelphia Eagles trade Bryce Brown to Buffalo Bills NFL.com May 29, 2020 October 21, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20201021142711/https://www.nfl.com/news/philadelphia-eagles-trade-bryce-brown-to-buffalo-bills-0ap2000000349239 live August 26: New England traded G Logan Mankins to Tampa Bay for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11412354/logan-mankins-traded-new-england-patriots-tampa-bay-buccaneers Pats trade Logan Mankins to Bucs August 26, 2014 May 29, 2020 April 2, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190402101820/http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11412354/logan-mankins-traded-new-england-patriots-tampa-bay-buccaneers live August 31: New England traded QB Ryan Mallett to Houston for a sixth-round draft pick in 2015 https://www.espn.co.uk/boston/nfl/story/_/id/11443840/ryan-mallett-traded-new-england-patriots-houston-texans Pats trade Ryan Mallett to Texans August 31, 2014 May 29, 2020 September 7, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200907103025/https://www.espn.co.uk/boston/nfl/story/_/id/11443840/ryan-mallett-traded-new-england-patriots-houston-texans live October 17: Seattle traded WR Percy Harvin to New York Jets for a sixth-round draft pick https://www.espn.co.uk/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11718459/seattle-seahawks-trade-percy-harvin-new-york-jets Jets land wideout Percy Harvin October 17, 2014 May 29, 2020 February 22, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200222113313/https://www.espn.co.uk/new-york/nfl/story/_/id/11718459/seattle-seahawks-trade-percy-harvin-new-york-jets live October 28: Tampa Bay traded LB Mark Barron to St. Louis for a fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2015https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-trade-safety-mark-barron-to-rams-for-picks-0ap3000000419401 Buccaneers trade safety Mark Barron to Rams for picks Sessler Marc NFL.com October 28, 2014 February 10, 2022 September 25, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210925221755/https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-trade-safety-mark-barron-to-rams-for-picks-0ap3000000419401 live Draft 2014 NFL draft The 2014 NFL draft was held May 8–10, 2014, in New York City.2014 NFL Draft Notes http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014.pdf National Football League May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140506192929/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014.pdf May 6, 2014 May 6, 2014 live The draft process began with the NFL Scouting Combine, where draft-eligible players were evaluated by team personnel, which was held in Indianapolis on February 19–25. The draft included a record number of 98 non-seniors.98 Players Granted Special Eligibility for 2014 NFL Draft http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/01-19-14-special-eligibility.pdf March 11, 2014 National Football League January 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140502005953/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/01-19-14-special-eligibility.pdf May 2, 2014 live mdy The event was delayed roughly two weeks compared to its traditional position on the NFL calendar in late April due to a scheduling conflict at Radio City Music Hall,https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/9318615/2014-nfl-draft-held-8-10-radio-city-music-hall 2014 draft set for May 8–10 ESPN May 29, 2013 May 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140422060458/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9318615/2014-nfl-draft-held-8-10-radio-city-music-hall April 22, 2014 live which had been the draft venue since 2006. In the draft, the Houston Texans made University of South Carolina defensive end, now outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney the first overall selection.2014 NFL Draft round 1 notes http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014-radio-city.pdf National Football League May 14, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140514151849/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/draft-notes-2014-radio-city.pdf May 14, 2014 live There was discussion leading up to the draft as to the future of the event in New York City, where it had been held since 1965. Given the increased interest in the draft over the past decade,Gagnon Brad How the NFL Draft became the biggest non-sporting sports event https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/apr/22/nfl-draft-2013-biggest-non-sport May 13, 2014 The Guardian April 22, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140228195732/http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/apr/22/nfl-draft-2013-biggest-non-sport February 28, 2014 live there was a belief that the event may have outgrown Radio City Music Hall, which was the venue for the past nine drafts. The possibility of extending the draft to four days was also being discussed. On October 2, 2014, Auditorium Theatre in Chicago was announced as the official site for the following year's draft.Shefter Adam L.A. or Chicago to host 2015 draft https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11230109/los-angeles-chicago-finalists-host-2015-nfl-draft July 17, 2014 ESPN.com July 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140718213420/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11230109/los-angeles-chicago-finalists-host-2015-nfl-draft July 18, 2014 live mdy-all New referees Referees Scott Green and Ron Winter retired after the 2013 season. Ron Torbert, who spent the past four seasons as a side judge, and Craig Wrolstad, who spent the past 11 seasons as a field judge, were promoted to referee to replace Green and Winter. On June 25, 2014, the NFL announced Mike Carey's retirement as a referee. Like former director of officiating Mike Pereira for Fox Sports, Carey will become the rules/refereeing analyst for CBS's NFL coverage on the network's Thursday night and Sunday afternoon games. He was replaced by Brad Allen, who spent the past nine seasons as an ACC referee. He was the first rookie NFL referee since 1962 when Tommy Bell was hired as a referee straight out of the Southeastern Conference. (NFL officials normally spend at least their first season in another position than head referee.) In addition to promoting Allen, Torbert, and Wrolstad to the referee position, ten new officials were hired, including Shawn Hochuli, son of referee Ed Hochuli.Associated Press NFL hires 13 new officials https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11140406/nfl-hires-13-new-officials-2014-season ESPN.com June 26, 2014 June 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140627150244/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11140406/nfl-hires-13-new-officials-2014-season June 27, 2014 live mdy-all Rule changes The following rule changes were passed for the 2014 NFL season at the owners' meeting on March 26, 2014:Five rules changes pass as NFL owners vote at league meeting https://web.archive.org/web/20140326171700/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/26/five-rules-changes-pass-as-nfl-owners-vote-at-league-meeting/ March 26, 2014 . Pro Football Talk. Retrieved March 26, 2014. Eliminating the referee's timeout after a sack (previously the clock did not stop for a sack only after the two-minute warning). Simplify spot of enforcement on defensive fouls committed behind the line of scrimmage to enforce from the previous spot instead of the end of the run or the spot of the foul. Raise the height of the goal post from 30 feet to 35 feet. The uprights had been 30 feet high since the 1974 NFL season. Extend the restriction on roll-up blocks to include such blocks from the side as well as from the back. "Dunking" the football through the goal post or crossbar (or any other means of using the goal post/crossbar as a prop in touchdown celebrations) is now considered unsportsmanlike conduct (15 yards). This rule was in response to New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham's tendency to dunk the football after scores. One of Graham's dunks bent the goal posts so much that the game was delayed several minutes in order for the stadium crew to make repairs. In addition, the aforementioned rule change to extend the goal posts will add extra weight, increasing the chances that it could collapse. This celebration was previously "grandfathered" as legal much like the Lambeau Leap. Expand replays to cover recovery of loose balls even if the play is blown dead. This was in response to San Francisco 49ers defensive player NaVorro Bowman's clear recovery of a loose ball and downing by contact in the 2013–14 NFL playoffs. The ball was given to the Seattle Seahawks after Seahawks running back Michael Robinson took it away from Bowman after Bowman was forced to let go of the ball due to a severe knee injury. Despite the indisputable video evidence of the recovery by Bowman, the play was not reviewable. Connecting the officiating command center to the field-to-booth communication relay, allowing the Referee to communicate with the command center during replay reviews. This was in response to some controversial replay reviews during the 2013 season, as well as league officials observing the NHL's command center. Unlike the NHL's replay system, however, NFL referees will still make the final decisions instead of the command center. Make on-field taunting and use of racial/sexual slurs subject to unsportsmanlike conduct penalties (15 yards). The league has also instructed game officials to strictly enforce offensive pass interference, defensive holding, and illegal contact.http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/expect-a-flurry-of-yellow-this-nfl-season-b99322037z1-269490981.html Expect a flurry of yellow this NFL season Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Bob McGinn July 31, 2014 August 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140802144940/http://www.jsonline.com/sports/packers/expect-a-flurry-of-yellow-this-nfl-season-b99322037z1-269490981.html August 2, 2014 live mdy-all A proposal to move the line of scrimmage on the extra point try from the 2-yard line to the 25-yard line to increase their difficulty (a 43-yard try as opposed to the more easily makable 20 yards) was tabled (as was a counterproposal from the Cincinnati Bengals to move it up to the 1-yard line, to encourage more two-point conversions),King Peter Peter King (sportswriter) March 31, 2014 http://mmqb.si.com/2014/03/31/jim-kelly-cancer-monday-morning-quarterback/2/ Jim Kelly Tough Sports Illustrated MMQB.com March 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140331145113/http://mmqb.si.com/2014/03/31/jim-kelly-cancer-monday-morning-quarterback/2/ March 31, 2014 live but the owners approved an experiment of kicking extra points snapping from the 20-yard line (a 38-yard try) for the first two weeks of the preseason. 94.3% of PATs were made during the two-week experiment, as opposed to a 99.6% success rate all of last season.August 20, 2014 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11382223/nfl-preseason-featuring-more-pat-misses Eight PAT misses in preseason Associated Press ESPN.com August 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140821063604/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11382223/nfl-preseason-featuring-more-pat-misses August 21, 2014 live mdy-all New sideline technologies As part of the league's deal with Microsoft, coaches will be equipped with Surface tablets to transmit images of plays taken from the top of the stadium to the sideline, eliminating the traditional practice of using printed photos and notebooks.http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/nfl-coaches-tablet-hall-of-fame-game NFL teams will use tablets on the sidelines for the first time Sunday Nick Schwartz USA Today August 3, 2014 August 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140806233127/http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/08/nfl-coaches-tablet-hall-of-fame-game August 6, 2014 live mdy-all The seven NFL game officials will wear radio headsets to communicate with each other during games, similar to the systems used by referees at the FIFA World Cup and other higher levels of association football.https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-officials-to-use-wireless-communication-in-2014-0ap2000000336262 NFL officials to use wireless communication in 2014 NFL.com March 24, 2014 August 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140811104624/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000336262/article/nfl-officials-to-use-wireless-communication-devices-in-2014 August 11, 2014 live mdy-all With this technology, the officials will not have to move around the field to talk to each other, saving time. Practice squads expanded The league and the players' union agreed in August to some changes to the practice squad rules. Under the new rules, each team will be able to carry up to 10 players on their practice squad, up from eight. Practice squad eligibility was also expanded by increasing the number of games in a season a player must be on the squad in order for that season to count as one of the player's three seasons of eligibility from three games to six games. Finally, each practice squad may include two players who have accrued too much playing time to be eligible for the squad under the previous rules, though these players may have no more than two accrued seasons in the league. The new rules cover the 2014 and 2015 seasons, and will lapse in 2016 absent their extension.NFL Practice Squads Expand to 10 Players http://nflcommunications.com/2014/08/19/nfl-practice-squads-expand-to-10-players/ National Football League September 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140911190110/http://nflcommunications.com/2014/08/19/nfl-practice-squads-expand-to-10-players/ September 11, 2014 August 19, 2014 dead mdy-all New drug policy including HGH testing A new drug policy that had been long delayed was agreed to by the league and the players' union in September. The revised policy includes testing for Human growth hormone (HGH) for the first time. Other significant changes include a higher limit for a positive test for marijuana as well as the reclassification of failed tests for amphetamines during the off-season as falling under the substance-abuse policy rather than the performance-enhancing drug (PED) policy. The changes were applied retroactively for suspensions handed out during the 2014 league year which meant that some players, including Wes Welker and Orlando Scandrick, who had failed tests due to amphetamine usage during the off-season were immediately reinstated despite being previously sentenced to four game bans.Belson Ken N.F.L. and Union Agree on Drug Plan https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/18/sports/football/nfl-and-union-agree-on-drug-plan.html September 19, 2014 New York Times September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140919094257/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/18/sports/football/nfl-and-union-agree-on-drug-plan.html September 19, 2014 live mdy-all 2014 deaths William Clay Ford right horizontal NFL team owners William Clay Ford Sr. and Ralph Wilson both died in March. center William Clay Ford Sr 1961.jpg 127 William Clay Ford Sr. in 1961 refer to caption 125 Ralph Wilson in 1961 refer to caption William Clay Ford Sr., the owner of the Detroit Lions, died March 9, two weeks shy of his 89th birthday.http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-ford-20140309,0,5287543.story William Clay Ford Sr., grandson of pioneer automaker, dies at 88 Lienert Paul Chicago Tribune March 9, 2014 March 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140311180723/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-ford-20140309%2C0%2C5287543.story March 11, 2014 dead Ford purchased the Lions in 1963 and had been the team's president since 1961;Battista Judy Automaker William Clay Ford Sr. couldn't make Lions hum https://www.nfl.com/news/automaker-william-clay-ford-sr-couldn-t-make-lions-hum-0ap2000000332257 NFL.com May 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140316074259/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000332257/article/automaker-william-clay-ford-sr-couldnt-make-lions-hum March 16, 2014 March 9, 2014 live at the time of his death, he was the second-longest tenured owner in the NFL, behind only Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson.Skurski Jay Other NFL teams faced succession questions http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/communities/other-nfl-teams-faced-succession-questions-20140326 May 9, 2014 The Buffalo News March 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140327055402/http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/communities/other-nfl-teams-faced-succession-questions-20140326 March 27, 2014 live The team achieved only a single playoff win (in 1991) under Ford's ownership. Ownership of the team passed to his widow, the former Martha Firestone. Ford's four children, including team vice-chairman William Clay Ford Jr., are also involved in running the team. Ralph Wilson Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson died at age 95 on March 25. He was the founding owner of the franchise, which began in 1960 in the American Football League (AFL). Wilson played a central role in the negotiations between the AFL and NFL which eventually led to the AFL–NFL merger in 1970. He was the last remaining NFL owner among the Foolish Club, as the original eight AFL owners were named. Wilson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.Goldstein Richard Ralph Wilson, Founding Owner of the Buffalo Bills, Dies at 95 https://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/26/sports/football/ralph-wilson-founding-owner-of-buffalo-bills-dies-at-95.html?_r=0 May 7, 2014 The New York Times March 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140508030736/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/26/sports/football/ralph-wilson-founding-owner-of-buffalo-bills-dies-at-95.html?_r=0 May 8, 2014 live mdy-all Coincidentally, both Wilson and Lions owner William Clay Ford Sr. died at their respective homes in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, within three weeks of each other. Ownership of the Bills passed to a trust headed by Wilson's widow, the former Mary McLean, and controlled by her and three other team officials. The trust put the team up for sale shortly after Wilson's death.Rodak Mike Mary Wilson takes control of Bills https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10723243/ralph-wilson-widow-mary-takes-ownership-buffalo-bills May 7, 2014 ESPN April 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140507204635/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10723243/ralph-wilson-widow-mary-takes-ownership-buffalo-bills May 7, 2014 live The bidders for the team included payroll processing magnate Tom Golisano, natural gas tycoon Terrence Pegula, future President Donald Trump, a consortium including former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly and bond manager Jeffrey Gundlach, and a consortium of Jon Bon Jovi and the principals of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.https://nypost.com/2014/07/29/first-round-buffalo-bills-bids-top-1-billion/ First round of Buffalo Bills bids tops $1 billion Kosman Josh NYP Holdings, Inc. July 29, 2014 NYPost.com September 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140830075505/http://nypost.com/2014/07/29/first-round-buffalo-bills-bids-top-1-billion/ August 30, 2014 live mdy-allhttp://pro32.ap.org/article/ap-source-golisano-submits-bid-buy-bills Golisano submits bid to buy Bills Wawrow John August 7, 2014 AP.org September 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140813181416/http://pro32.ap.org/article/ap-source-golisano-submits-bid-buy-bills August 13, 2014 live mdy-allhttp://wivb.com/2014/08/08/jim-kelly-and-investor-reportedly-met-with-bills-trust/ Jim Kelly and investor reportedly met with Bills trust Lenihan Emily LIN Television Corporation August 8, 2014 wvib.com September 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140812204521/http://wivb.com/2014/08/08/jim-kelly-and-investor-reportedly-met-with-bills-trust/ August 12, 2014 live mdy-all Despite a poor economy and attendance declines, the team was not in immediate jeopardy of relocating, mainly because of an ironclad stadium lease signed during Wilson's lifetime that effectively prevented the team from leaving until after the 2019 season and because potential Los Angeles-based interests had been intimidated away from buying the team. The Kelly/Gundlach and Golisano groups stepped aside when the Pegulas offered to buy the team, while Trump, who admittedly was not willing to bid as much as the other bidders, did endorse a smear campaign against the Bon Jovi/MLSE bid, run by political operative Michael R. Caputo, without focusing any opposition on the Pegulas.https://www.gq.com/story/donald-trump-shady-scheme-to-buy-nfl-buffalo-bills Inside Donald Trump's Shady Scheme to Keep Jon Bon Jovi from Buying the Buffalo Bills Ben Schreckinger October 26, 2017 gq.com October 15, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20181015231529/https://www.gq.com/story/donald-trump-shady-scheme-to-buy-nfl-buffalo-bills October 15, 2018 live mdy-all The team was eventually sold to Pegula for a reported price of 1.4 billion dollars. In honor of Wilson, the Bills wore a patch bearing his initials on their jerseys throughout the 2014 season.Brill Lauren May 8, 2014 http://wivb.com/2014/05/08/bills-continue-to-honor-ralph-wilson/ Bills to don patch honoring Wilson on their jerseys WIVB-TV May 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140509143431/http://wivb.com/2014/05/08/bills-continue-to-honor-ralph-wilson/ May 9, 2014 live Malcolm Glazer Tampa Bay Buccaneers' owner Malcolm Glazer died at age 85 on May 28. Glazer had owned the Buccaneers since 1995, a period which covers basically half of the team's history. The $192 million price Glazer paid set a record at the time for the price of a sports franchise. The franchise was in disarray when Glazer bought it after the death of founding owner Hugh Culverhouse. The Bucs had made the playoffs just three times in their 19 years under Culverhouse, while in the 19 seasons since Glazer took over, they made the playoffs seven times, including winning Super Bowl XXXVII in 2002.Romano John Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer dies https://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-owner-malcolm-glazer-dies/2181805/ May 31, 2014 Tampa Bay Times May 28, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140529155720/http://www.tampabay.com/sports/football/bucs/bucs-owner-malcolm-glazer-dies/2181805 May 29, 2014 live Glazer's widow, Linda Glazer, and the Glazers' six children continue to own and operate the team.Buccaneers Owner Malcolm Glazer Passes Away http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Buccaneers-Owner-Malcolm-Glazer-Passes-Away/93db9a70-e779-4653-a4e5-4dc7991365c0 Buccaneers.com May 28, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140528203749/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/Bucs-Owner-Malcolm-Glazer-Passes-Away/93db9a70-e779-4653-a4e5-4dc7991365c0 May 28, 2014 dead mdy-all thumb|left|125px|Noll in 1954 thumb|right|125px|Morrall in 1976 thumb|left|125px|Rob Bironas thumb|left|125px|Don Chuy thumb|right|125px|Abe Woodson Chuck Noll Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll died at age 82 on June 13. Noll was widely credited with building the Steelers' dynasty of the 1970s. He coached the team to four Super Bowl victories. When he was hired in 1969, the Steelers had not won a single title in nearly 40 years. He coached multiple Hall of Fame players including: Terry Bradshaw, "Mean" Joe Greene, Mike Webster, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, and Franco Harris. Noll was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Brumfield Ben Steelers' Chuck Noll, coach with the most Super Bowl rings, dead at 82 http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/14/us/chuck-noll-dead/ July 1, 2014 CNN June 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140701020130/http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/14/us/chuck-noll-dead/ July 1, 2014 live mdy-all Earl Morrall Earl Morrall died on April 25 at the age of 79. He had a 21-year NFL career and was a notable member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins team that is the only NFL squad to ever complete a perfect season. Morrall was the second player selected in the 1956 NFL draft and went on to play for six different NFL teams. He was named the league MVP in 1968 when he led the Baltimore Colts to a 13–1 record and the Super Bowl after replacing an injured Johnny Unitas. After joining the Dolphins in 1972 Morrall again proved to be a valuable back-up, replacing Bob Griese who suffered a broken ankle in the fifth game of the Dolphins immaculate season. Morrall started the final nine regular season games, before giving way to a healed Griese during the 1972–73 NFL playoffs. Morrall was named the Comeback Player of the Year by Pro Football Weekly for his contribution in 1972.Salguero Armando Former Miami Dolphins QB Earl Morrall dies at 79 http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article1963417.html February 3, 2015 The Miami Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20150203221050/http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nfl/miami-dolphins/article1963417.html February 3, 2015 April 26, 2014 live mdy Other 2014 deaths In addition to those mentioned above, the following people associated with the NFL (or AFL) died in 2014:2014 Pro Football Deaths https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/deaths.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com February 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150218080350/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/deaths.htm February 18, 2015 live mdy 12em Joe Abbey Mack Alston Ocie Austin Chris Banks Paul Barry Dave Behrman Art Best Dennis Biodrowski Rob Bironas Bill Boedeker Jim Boeke Don Bracken John Bramlett Carl Brettschneider Boyd Brown Jr. Les Bruckner Frank Budd Jim "Cannonball" Butler Jess Castete Ronnie Caveness Ernie Cheatham Don Chuy Dan Colchico Mo Collins Ted Connolly Jim Cox Hilton Crawford Dave Daniels Tony DiMidio Ray DiPierro Harley Dow Elbert Drungo Chris Dyko Charley Ellzey Fred Enke Bobby Epps Ledio Fanucchi Ken Farragut Jack Finlay Charlie Flowers Bill Frank Harry Gamble Goose Gonsoulin Hal Herring Donnie Humphrey Hal Hunter Sr. Allen Jacobs Jim Johnson (defensive back) Aki Jones Joe Katchik Edward Kelley Bob Kelly Larry Kelm Jim "Blackie" Kincaid Don King John Kompara John Kreamcheck Pete Ladygo Hank Lauricella Jeff Leiding Steve Little (former coach) Dave Lloyd Don Manoukian Toddrick McIntosh Leon McLaughlin Bob McNamara Eddie Meyer Tom Mikula Bob Mischak Sam Morley Dennit Morris John Morton (linebacker) Jim Myers Perry Moss Andy Natowich Robert Newhouse Anthero "Nick" Nicolau Reed Nilsen Tommy O'Connell Jack Parker Vaughn (former official) Rupert Pate Don Paul Charley Powell Mike Reed Tom Regner Pete Rodriguez Scott Ross Tim Rudnick Ken Russell Tom Saidock Jimmy Saxton Wayne Siegert Roy Simmons Bob Soleau, Gordy Soltau Ed Sprinkle Rebel Steiner Jim Stinnette Dave Strickland Jim Swink Deral Teteak Orlando Thomas Rodney Thomas Bobby Lee Thompson Fred "Fuzzy" Thurston Hal Turner T.J. Turner Al Vandeweghe Sam Venuto Ed Vereb John Weaver Todd Williams Dennis Wirgowski Abe Woodson Wilbur Young Walt Yowarsky Preseason Training camps for the 2014 season were held in late July through August. Teams may start training camp no earlier than 15 days before the team's first scheduled preseason game. Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played four preseason exhibition games. The preseason schedule got underway with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Sunday evening, August 3. The Hall of Fame game is a traditional part of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend celebrating new Hall of Fame members. It was played at Fawcett Stadium which is located adjacent to the Hall of Fame building in Canton, Ohio. The game, which was televised in the U.S. on NBC, featured the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills, with the Giants winning 17–13.Patra, Kevin Buffalo Bills, N.Y. Giants to play in Hall of Fame Game https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-n-y-giants-to-play-in-hall-of-fame-game-0ap2000000329635 NFL.com February 27, 2014 February 27, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140227235635/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000329635/article/billsgiants-announced-as-2014-hall-of-fame-game February 27, 2014 live mdy-all Continuing the recent trend of scheduling teams that are associated with former players being inducted into the Hall, the 2014 class included former Giants defensive end Michael Strahan and former Bills wide receiver Andre Reed. The others who were inducted into the Hall of Fame are linebacker Derrick Brooks, punter Ray Guy, defensive end Claude Humphrey, offensive tackle Walter Jones, and defensive back Aeneas Williams.Class of 2014 http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/class-of-2014.aspx Pro Football Hall of Fame May 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140223164339/http://www.profootballhof.com/enshrinement/class-of-2014.aspx February 23, 2014 dead mdy-all The 65-game preseason schedule wrapped up on Thursday, August 28, a week before the start of the regular season.NFL Preseason Schedule – 2014 https://www.espn.com/nfl/schedule/_/seasontype/1/week/5 ESPN May 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140508061938/http://espn.go.com/nfl/schedule/_/seasontype/1/week/5 May 8, 2014 live mdy-all Regular season The 2014 regular season featured 256 games played out over a seventeen-week schedule which began on the Thursday night following Labor Day. Each of the league's 32 teams played a 16-game schedule with one bye week for each team scheduled between weeks four and twelve. The slate featured seventeen games on Monday night including a doubleheader in the season's opening week. There were seventeen games played on Thursday, including the National Football League Kickoff game in prime time on September 4 and three games on Thanksgiving Day. The schedule also included two games played on Saturday, December 20, in the season's sixteenth week. The regular season concluded with a full slate of 16 games on Sunday, December 28, all of which, as it was since 2010, were intra-divisional matchups.2014 NFL Schedule Announced http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/2014-schedule-release1.pdf National Football League May 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140507154450/http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/2014-schedule-release1.pdf May 7, 2014 April 23, 2014 live Scheduling formula Under the NFL's current scheduling formula, each team plays each of the other three teams in their own division twice. In addition, a team plays against all four teams in one other division from each conference. The final two games on a team's schedule are against the two teams in the team's own conference in the divisions the team was not set to play who finished the previous season in the same rank in their division (e.g. the team which finished first in its division the previous season would play each other team in their conference that also finished first in its respective division). The pre-set division pairings for 2014 were as follows: Intra-conference AFC East vs. AFC West AFC North vs. AFC South NFC East vs. NFC West NFC North vs. NFC SouthInter-conference AFC East vs. NFC North AFC North vs. NFC South AFC South vs. NFC East AFC West vs. NFC West Highlights of the 2014 schedule include: International Series: Three games were played at Wembley Stadium in London, England in 2014. The Oakland Raiders lost to the Miami Dolphins 38–14 on September 28, the Atlanta Falcons lost to the Detroit Lions 22–21 on October 26,Zinski, Dan December 4, 2013 NFL 2014 Schedule Will Include Lions-Falcons Game With 9:30 AM ET Kickoff Fansided http://thevikingage.com/2013/12/04/nfl-2014-schedule-will-include-lions-falcons-game-930-et-kickoff/ December 4, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131205120302/http://thevikingage.com/2013/12/04/nfl-2014-schedule-will-include-lions-falcons-game-930-et-kickoff/ December 5, 2013 live mdy-all and the Jacksonville Jaguars lost to the Dallas Cowboys 31–17 on November 9, in the second of four consecutive appearances for the Jaguars in the International Series.Burke, Chris October 24, 2013 NFL announces three London games for 2014 season http://nfl.si.com/2013/10/24/nfl-london-games-2014-season/ Sports Illustrated October 28, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131027132039/http://nfl.si.com/2013/10/24/nfl-london-games-2014-season/ October 27, 2013 mdy-all November 28, 2013 NFL announces 2014 London dates https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10049390/nfl-announces-dates-2014-london-games Associated Press ESPN November 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131128194421/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10049390/nfl-announces-dates-2014-london-games November 28, 2013 live mdy-all CBS televised the Miami–Oakland game, while Fox televised the Dallas–Jacksonville and Detroit–Atlanta contests.2014 International Series Schedule Finalized http://nflcommunications.com/2013/12/04/2014-international-series-schedule-finalized/ NFL Communications December 4, 2013 December 4, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131205055609/http://nflcommunications.com/2013/12/04/2014-international-series-schedule-finalized/ December 5, 2013 mdy-all Thanksgiving Day games: These games occurred on Thursday, November 27, 2014. The Detroit Lions hosted the Chicago Bears at 12:30 p.m. ET, and aired on CBS, while the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Philadelphia Eagles at 4:30 p.m. ET (Dallas last hosted Philadelphia on Thanksgiving 25 years prior in what became known as the Bounty Bowl), and aired on Fox. The prime-time NBC game, featured the San Francisco 49ers hosting the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of the previous year's NFC Championship Game, was featured at 8:30 p.m. ET. For the first time ever, no AFC teams appeared on Thanksgiving. On March 4, 2014, the Buffalo Bills' official radio flagship (WGR) confirmed that the Bills Toronto Series would not take place in 2014"No Toronto in 2014." WGR. Retrieved March 5, 2014. "WGR has learned that the Buffalo Bills will not play in Toronto this season. The future of the Toronto Series is unclear. Keep it locked to WGR for details" and that the future of the series, which was otherwise scheduled to run through the 2017 season,Breer, Albert Five-year extension of Buffalo Bills' Toronto series approved https://www.nfl.com/news/five-year-extension-of-buffalo-bills-toronto-series-approved-09000d5d82943e05 NFL.com May 22, 2012 October 28, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130412184025/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d82943e05/article/fiveyear-extension-of-buffalo-bills-toronto-series-approved April 12, 2013 live mdy-all was not yet certain. The series was formally terminated on December 3, 2014.https://www.tsn.ca/bills-reach-deal-to-terminate-remaining-toronto-games-1.150543 Bills reach deal to terminate remaining Toronto games TSN December 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141221195832/http://www.tsn.ca/bills-reach-deal-to-terminate-remaining-toronto-games-1.150543 December 21, 2014 live mdy-all December 3, 2014Patra Kevin Buffalo Bills terminate Toronto series https://www.nfl.com/news/buffalo-bills-terminate-toronto-series-0ap3000000438147 National Football League 3 December 2014 3 December 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141209102230/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000438147/article/buffalo-bills-terminate-toronto-series December 9, 2014 live mdy-all Changes to flex scheduling The NFL introduced two major changes to the flexible scheduling procedure. First, the league would now be able to "cross-flex" games between CBS and Fox, enabling CBS to televise NFC away games (for the first time since 1993), and Fox to broadcast AFC away games (for the first time since 2011, and all-AFC matchups for the first time ever).https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/7265289/week-13-flex-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-now-night-denver-broncos-minnesota-vikings-fox NFL announces Week 13 flex plan ESPN November 21, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111124025016/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7265289/week-13-flex-detroit-lions-new-orleans-saints-now-night-denver-broncos-minnesota-vikings-fox November 24, 2011 live mdy-all November 21, 2011 https://www.newsday.com/sports/media/nfl-renews-lucrative-tv-deals-t44030 NFL renews lucrative TV deals Newsday Neil Best December 14, 2011 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131110235834/http://www.newsday.com/sports/media/nfl-renews-lucrative-tv-deals-1.3389953 November 10, 2013 live mdy-all The league could "cross-flex" some of these games before the start of, or during, the season. The first game affected by this "cross-flexing" change was the Week One contest between the Buffalo Bills and Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, which aired on Fox instead of CBS;http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2014&wk=1 506 Sports – NFL Maps: Week 1, 2014 506sports.com November 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141115193037/http://506sports.com/nfl.php?yr=2014&wk=1 November 15, 2014 live mdy-all all four of the Bills' interconference games (including their Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field) aired on Fox, and in Week 6, an all-AFC matchup, again involving the Bills (this time a division rivalry game against the New England Patriots) was moved to Fox, exacerbating financial problems at Buffalo's CBS affiliate WIVB-TV.Pergament, Alan (October 1, 2014). "NFL cross flex policy involving Bills is costing Ch.4 big time at a bad time https://web.archive.org/web/20141001204223/http://talkintv.buffalonews.com/2014/10/01/nfl-flex-policy-costing-ch-4-big-time-bad-time/ October 1, 2014 ." The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 1, 2014. An all-NFC matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks was given to CBS. The aforementioned Detroit-Chicago Thanksgiving game was also given to CBS instead of Fox. On April 23, 2014, the league announced a second major change to the flexible scheduling procedure: games could be flexed into the NBC Sunday Night time slot as soon as Week 5. NBC was allowed to flex up to two games between Weeks 5 and 10, while the same rules applied for the remainder of the season.https://www.nfl.com/news/2014-nfl-schedule-flex-games-can-now-start-in-week-5-0ap2000000343369 2014 NFL Schedule: Flex games can now start in Week 5 NFL.com 2014-04-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20140423233426/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000343369/article/2014-nfl-schedule-flex-games-can-now-start-in-week-5 April 23, 2014 live mdy-all In-season scheduling changes The following games were moved by way of flexible scheduling, severe weather, or for other reasons: Week 6: The New England–Buffalo game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox, while the Chicago–Atlanta game was moved from 1:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox).https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/2014week6crossflex.pdf Week 6 Flex Scheduling NFL September 28, 2014 September 28, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141107220447/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/2014week6crossflex.pdf November 7, 2014 live mdy-all Week 8: The Seattle–Carolina game was "cross-flexed" from Fox to CBS, while the Houston–Tennessee game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox, keeping their 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff times.NFL crossflexes in Week 8: CBS gets Seattle-Carolina, Fox receives Houston-Tennessee http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/nfl-quietly-crossflexes-week-8-cbs-gets-seattle-carolina-fox-receives-houston-tennessee.html Awful Announcing October 13, 2014 October 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141016001156/http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/nfl-quietly-crossflexes-week-8-cbs-gets-seattle-carolina-fox-receives-houston-tennessee.html October 16, 2014 live mdy-all Week 11: The Minnesota–Chicago game was "cross-flexed" from Fox to CBS, while the Philadelphia–Green Bay game was moved from 1:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox).http://nflcommunications.com/2014/11/02/week-11-flex-scheduling-eagles-packers-goes-to-425-pm-et-on-fox-vikings-bears-to-100-pm-et-on-cbs/ Week 11 Flex Scheduling NFL November 2, 2014 November 2, 2014 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20141103043129/http://nflcommunications.com/2014/11/02/week-11-flex-scheduling-eagles-packers-goes-to-425-pm-et-on-fox-vikings-bears-to-100-pm-et-on-cbs/ November 3, 2014 mdy-all Week 12: The New York Jets–Buffalo game was relocated from Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET to Ford Field in Detroit on Monday, November 24 at 7:00 p.m. ET due to the "Knife" lake-effect snowstorm that hit the Buffalo area the previous week. The game aired locally on WCBS-TV and WIVB-TV, respectively, while the previously scheduled Monday Night Football game between the Baltimore and New Orleans aired as scheduled.https://www.nfl.com/news/jets-bills-game-moved-to-detroit-on-monday-night-0ap3000000431579 Jets-Bills game moved to Detroit on Monday night NFL.com November 20, 2014 November 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141121132620/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000431579/article/jetsbills-game-moved-to-detroit-on-monday-night November 21, 2014 live mdy-all Week 14: The Indianapolis–Cleveland game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox, keeping the same 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff time.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2014week14crossflex.pdf Week 14 Flex Scheduling NFL November 24, 2014 November 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222061634/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2014week14crossflex.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all Week 15: The Cincinnati–Cleveland game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox, while the Minnesota–Detroit game was moved from 1:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox).https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2014week15-flex.pdf Week 15 Flex Scheduling / Week 16 Saturday Doubleheader Finalized NFL November 30, 2014 November 30, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222105849/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/2014week15-flex.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all Week 16: On November 30, the league announced the final start times and networks for the two Saturday, December 20 games: the Philadelphia–Washington game was played at 4:25 p.m. ET and aired on NFL Network, and the San Diego–San Francisco game was held at 8:25 p.m. ET and was broadcast on CBS. Week 17: The Cincinnati–Pittsburgh game, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS, was selected as the final NBC Sunday Night Football game, which decided the AFC North champion.https://www.nfl.com/news/bengals-steelers-flexed-to-snf-in-week-17-0ap3000000447897 Bengals-Steelers flexed to 'Sunday Night Football' in Week 17 NFL.com December 21, 2014 December 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222052700/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000447897/article/bengalssteelers-flexed-to-snf-in-week-17 December 22, 2014 live mdy-all The Jacksonville–Houston game, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS, was "cross-flexed" to Fox (keeping the same kickoff time).http://fangsbites.com/flexed/nfl-announces-the-final-week-17-schedule-of-the-2014-season.html NFL Announces the Final Week 17 Schedule of the 2014 Season Fang's Bites Fangsbites.com 2014-12-23 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20141223074215/http://fangsbites.com/flexed/nfl-announces-the-final-week-17-schedule-of-the-2014-season.html December 23, 2014 live mdy-all The Carolina–Atlanta game, which decided the NFC South champion, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Fox, was "cross-flexed" to 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.https://twitter.com/NFL345/status/547256656481234944 NFL345 on Twitter: "Week 17 Flex: @Panthers - @Atlanta_Falcons 4:25 @NFLonCBS ; @Lions - @packers 4:25 @NFLonFOX ; @Bengals - @steelers @SNFonNBC #Game256" Twitter.com 2014-12-22 2015-06-10 February 13, 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230213124505/https://twitter.com/NFL345/status/547256656481234944 live The Detroit–Green Bay game, which decided the NFC North champion, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Fox, was moved to 4:25 p.m. ET (still on Fox).http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Lions-Packers-flexed-to-425-pm-start/a06a70dc-294c-4a9c-bb98-c82c8b6fe6f5 Lions-Packers flexed to 4:25 p.m. start DetroitLions.com December 21, 2014 December 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222055659/http://www.detroitlions.com/news/article-1/Lions-Packers-flexed-to-425-pm-start/a06a70dc-294c-4a9c-bb98-c82c8b6fe6f5 December 22, 2014 dead mdy-all Regular season standings Division Conference Postseason 2014–15 NFL playoffs The wild card round was played on January 3–4, 2015. Divisional round games were played on January 10–11. Conference Championship Games were played on January 18 with the NFC Championship Game at 3:00 pm EST on Fox and the AFC Championship Game following at 6:30 pm EST on CBS. Super Bowl XLIX Super Bowl XLIX Super Bowl XLIX, the 49th contesting of the Super Bowl, decided the 2014 NFL champion on February 1, 2015, with the New England Patriots defeating the defending Super Bowl XLVIII champions Seattle Seahawks, who were looking to repeat, by a score of 28–24. With a controversial play call by Seattle's head coach, Pete Carroll, they decided to try to pass the ball in for a touchdown at the 1 yard line, and the ball was intercepted by rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler. Thus, New England sealed the win. The game took place at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.Klemko Robert Arizona, not Tampa, will host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/10/tampa-bay-arizona-super-bowl-xlix-2015/1 October 11, 2011 The Huddle (blog) USA Today May 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140612163145/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/10/tampa-bay-arizona-super-bowl-xlix-2015/1 June 12, 2014 live mdy It was televised in the U.S. by NBC with kickoff around 6:30 p.m. EST.David Barron NFL extends broadcast agreements through 2022, generating billions http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2011/12/nfl-extends-broadcast-agreements-through-2022-generating-billions/ Houston Chronicle Ultimate Texans (blog) December 14, 2011 May 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20131029222210/http://blog.chron.com/ultimatetexans/2011/12/nfl-extends-broadcast-agreements-through-2022-generating-billions/ October 29, 2013 live Playoffs bracket Pro Bowl 2015 Pro Bowl The Pro Bowl is the league's all-star game. On April 9, 2014, the NFL announced that the 2015 Pro Bowl would be played the week prior to the Super Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. It was broadcast in the U.S. by ESPN on Sunday, January 25, 2015. The draft format that debuted in the 2014 Pro Bowl continued with two former players, Cris Carter and Michael Irvin, drafting their players from a select list voted by the country, and without regard to league conference. Cleveland Browns CB Joe Haden was named a captain of one of the Pro Bowl rosters alongside RB DeMarco Murray of Dallas on January 15. DE J. J. Watt of Houston and WR Antonio Brown of Pittsburgh were named opposite roster captains.2015 Pro Bowl to be Played in Arizona; 2016 Pro Bowl Slated for Hawaii http://nflcommunications.com/2014/04/09/2015-pro-bowl-to-be-played-in-arizona-2016-pro-bowl-slated-for-hawaii/ National Football League April 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140409212415/http://nflcommunications.com/2014/04/09/2015-pro-bowl-to-be-played-in-arizona-2016-pro-bowl-slated-for-hawaii/ April 9, 2014 April 9, 2014 dead mdy Notable events 2014 NFL Season Review Infographic, Dish Network, retrieved February 12, 2015 Some NFL-related events that made headlines throughout 2014 include: Michael Sam becomes first openly gay player drafted by NFL left|thumb|150px|Michael Sam Michael Sam, an All-America defensive lineman from Missouri who was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013, announced in February that he is gay.Connelly Chris Mizzou's Michael Sam says he's gay https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay Outside the Lines (blog) ESPN May 7, 2014 Chris Connelly (journalist) https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235128/http://espn.go.com/espn/otl/story/_/id/10429030/michael-sam-missouri-tigers-says-gay April 26, 2014 February 10, 2014 live Sam was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2014 draft with the 249th overall selection.Silver Michael Michael Silver (sportswriter) May 10, 2014 St. Louis Rams draft Michael Sam, make NFL history https://www.nfl.com/news/st-louis-rams-draft-michael-sam-make-nfl-history-0ap2000000349452 live https://web.archive.org/web/20140512142901/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000349452/article/st-louis-rams-draft-michael-sam-make-nfl-history May 12, 2014 May 12, 2014 NFL.com He became the first openly gay draftee to be selected in the NFL draft and if he made an NFL roster, he would become the first openly gay player in the NFL. Sam, the Rams and the NFL were publicly congratulated upon Sam's selection by U.S. president Barack Obama who called Sam's selection "an important step forward today in our Nation's journey."Klein Betsy Good Chris Obama Congratulates Michael Sam, White House Says https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/05/obama-congratulates-michael-sam-white-house-says/ The Note (blog) ABC News May 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512040341/https://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2014/05/obama-congratulates-michael-sam-white-house-says/ May 12, 2014 May 10, 2014 live However, Sam stated after the draft that he felt he "should have gone in the top three rounds easily"Breech John Michael Sam: I should've been drafted in the first three rounds http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24557863/michael-sam-i-shouldve-been-drafted-in-the-first-three-rounds May 12, 2014 CBS Sports May 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512010045/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24557863/michael-sam-i-shouldve-been-drafted-in-the-first-three-rounds May 12, 2014 live and there was speculation that his announcement of his sexuality caused him to fall in the draft.Rhoden William C. A Triumph of Enlightenment ... Eventually https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/12/sports/football/a-triumph-of-enlightenment-eventually.html May 12, 2014 The New York Times May 11, 2014 William C. Rhoden https://web.archive.org/web/20140512040939/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/12/sports/football/a-triumph-of-enlightenment-eventually.html May 12, 2014 live Sam was the first ever SEC Defensive Player of the Year to not be selected in the first round of the draft.Belson Ken In Historic Pick, Rams Take Michael Sam in Final Round of Draft https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html May 12, 2014 The New York Times May 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512041004/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/sports/football/michael-sam-picked-by-st-louis-rams-in-nfl-draft.html May 12, 2014 live On the other hand, Sam's performance at the NFL Scouting Combine was widely judged as "mediocre" and at least one draft analyst assessed his odds of making an NFL roster as only "slightly better than average". ESPN aired Sam's reaction to being drafted which included an embrace and celebratory kiss with his partner. Miami Dolphins safety Don Jones tweeted a negative reaction to the display, which caused the Dolphins to fine him and ban him from participation in off-season team activities until he undergoes sensitivity training.Beasley Adam H. Miami Dolphins fine, suspend safety Don Jones for tweets about St. Louis Rams linebacker Michael Sam http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/12/4112117/dolphins-fine-suspend-safety-don.html May 12, 2014 The Miami Herald May 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140512143807/http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/05/12/4112117/dolphins-fine-suspend-safety-don.html May 12, 2014 live On August 30, Sam was cut by the Rams a few days before the regular season was to start. On September 3, the Dallas Cowboys added Sam to their practice squad; he was released from the practice squad on October 21.http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2014/10/21/cowboys-waive-michael-sam-practice-squad Cowboys Waive Michael Sam From Practice Squad Dallas Cowboys October 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141021203435/http://www.dallascowboys.com/news/2014/10/21/cowboys-waive-michael-sam-practice-squad October 21, 2014 live mdy-all Lawsuits by NFL cheerleaders During the offseason, a major headline was many current and former cheerleaders filing lawsuits against their respective NFL teams for unfair labor practices. Members of the Buffalo Jills, Cincinnati Ben–Gals, Jets Flight Crew, Oakland Raiderettes, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders all filed lawsuits against their respective teams (or, in the case of the Jills, the non-profit organization that runs the Jills) for violating their respective state laws for labor practices, stating that they were required to meet certain appearance standards in both weight and make-up (at the expense of the cheerleaders) and attend mandatory unpaid practices, while being paid very little for each game, and in some cases, only receiving a lump sum payment after the season.Jiggle Tests, Dunk Tanks, and Unpaid Labor: How NFL Teams Degrade Their Cheerleaders https://web.archive.org/web/20180316223544/https://www.motherjones.com/media/2014/05/nfl-cheerleader-lawsuits-sexism/ March 16, 2018 Mother Jones (05/2/2014) One lawsuit by a Raiderette, who had a young child at home and was prompted by her husband to initiate the lawsuit, was ruled as a seasonal job in federal court and thus not subject to minimum wage laws, but still was pending in a California state court and that state's more stringent labor laws.Just Cheer, Baby https://web.archive.org/web/20240719174617/https://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/10702976/just-cheer-baby-lacy-t-sues-oakland-raiders July 19, 2024 ESPN the Magazine (04/02/2014) Most controversial was the Jills' "Jiggle Test" that became public knowledge.Suit: Bills Cheerleaders Were Taught How To Wash "Intimate Areas" https://web.archive.org/web/20140529052723/http://deadspin.com/suit-bills-cheerleaders-were-taught-how-to-wash-intim-1566239771 May 29, 2014 Deadspin (04/22/14) The Jills suspended operations indefinitely in response to the lawsuit.Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders Suspend Operations https://web.archive.org/web/20150105034052/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/buffalo-bills-cheerleaders-halt-season-after-suit January 5, 2015 Associated Press (04/24/14) It has been speculated that all NFL teams might drop their cheerleading squads in response to the lawsuits instead of paying their squads accordingly despite having the financial means to do so,Cheerleader revolt against NFL grows with lawsuit against Jets https://web.archive.org/web/20140529031337/http://www.latimes.com/local/abcarian/la-me-ra-jets-cheerleader-lawsuit-20140506-column.html May 29, 2014 Los Angeles Times (05/06/14) though the Cleveland Browns are considering adding cheerleaders to the team.Are the Browns looking to add cheerleaders? https://web.archive.org/web/20140603232450/http://msn.foxsports.com/ohio/story/cleveland-browns-nfl-cheerleaders-043014 June 3, 2014 Fox Sports (04/30/14) Washington Redskins name controversy Washington Redskins name controversy On June 18, 2014, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, in a 2–1 decision, invalidated some of the trademark protections of the Washington Redskins, stating that the use of the team name "Redskins" constituted an ethnic slur.https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/19/sports/football/us-patent-office-cancels-redskins-trademark-registration.html?_r=0 U.S. Patent Office Cancels Redskins Trademark Registration June 18, 2014 The New York Times Ken Belson Edward Wyatt February 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20170501221331/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/19/sports/football/us-patent-office-cancels-redskins-trademark-registration.html?_r=0 May 1, 2017 live mdy-all The Redskins are not required to change their name. However, if the decision is upheld on appeal (the team intends to appeal and has no intention of changing the team name), they will not be able to prevent counterfeiters from manufacturing certain knockoff Redskins' apparel. With the Minnesota Vikings playing their first of two consecutive seasons at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium (see below), the university asked the Vikings to keep the Washington team's name from being used in printed materials or uttered by the game announcer at the stadium. The college also requested that the Redskins wear their throwback jerseys without the team name and logo when they visited the Vikings on November 2. University officials said that the use of the Redskins name at their stadium violates the institution's affirmative action, diversity and equal opportunity policy. Lester Bagley, the Vikings' executive vice president of public affairs, said that the team is still deciding how it will handle the college's request.http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/270266861.html University of Minnesota seeks to bar Redskins' name at stadium August 7, 2014 Star Tribune dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140810045459/http://www.startribune.com/politics/national/270266861.html August 10, 2014 mdy-allhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/local/university-of-minnesota-wants-redskins-to-wear-throwback-jerseys-at-vikings-game/2014/08/07/d1be02a8-1e57-11e4-ab7b-696c295ddfd1_story.html University of Minnesota wants Redskins to wear throwback jerseys at Vikings game Ian Shapira August 7, 2014 The Washington Post August 23, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180112160345/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/university-of-minnesota-wants-redskins-to-wear-throwback-jerseys-at-vikings-game/2014/08/07/d1be02a8-1e57-11e4-ab7b-696c295ddfd1_story.html January 12, 2018 live mdy-all Broncos' owner Pat Bowlen relinquishes control of team On July 23, Pat Bowlen, the Denver Broncos' owner since 1984, relinquished control of the team due to his battle with Alzheimer's disease. Bowlen had been privately battling the disease since 2009 after experiencing short-term memory loss, and had since taken a reduced role with the team, resulting in team president Joe Ellis and executive vice president/general manager John Elway making team decisions. Ellis and Elway assumed full control of the team, though Bowlen's long-term plan was for one of his seven children to run the team in the future, preventing the Broncos from being put up for sale.Klis, Mike Pat Bowlen resigns control of Denver Broncos, acknowledges he is dealing with Alzheimer's disease http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26199148/pat-bowlen-resigns-control-denver-broncos-acknowledges-dealing-alzheimers-disease The Denver Post July 23, 2014 July 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140723104759/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_26199148/pat-bowlen-resigns-control-denver-broncos-acknowledges-dealing-alzheimers-disease July 23, 2014 live mdy-all Wesseling, Chris Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen stepping back http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000367473/article/denver-broncos-owner-pat-bowlen-steps-down NFL.com July 23, 2014 July 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140725200759/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000367473/article/denver-broncos-owner-pat-bowlen-steps-down July 25, 2014 dead mdy-all Discipline for off-field incidents Colts' owner Jim Irsay guilty of OWI; suspended 6 games Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay was arrested on March 16 near his home in Carmel, Indiana, on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) after failing field sobriety tests. A search of Irsay's vehicle revealed "numerous prescription medication bottles containing pills" as well as almost $30,000 in cash. Preliminary charges of DUI and four counts of possession of a controlled substance were filed against Irsay, who was jailed overnight.Evans Tim Jim Irsay arrest reports tell of cash, pills, erratic driving https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/03/27/jim-irsay-arrest-reports-tell-of-cash-pills-erratic-driving/6949251/ May 14, 2014 USA Today March 27, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140501174421/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/colts/2014/03/27/jim-irsay-arrest-reports-tell-of-cash-pills-erratic-driving/6949251/ May 1, 2014 live mdy Irsay entered a rehabilitation facility shortly after his release from jail.Sobleski Brent Colts: Owner Jim Irsay enters rehab center http://q.usatoday.com/2014/03/18/indianapolis-colts-jim-irsay-enters-rehab/ May 14, 2014 USA Today March 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140514185616/http://q.usatoday.com/2014/03/18/indianapolis-colts-jim-irsay-enters-rehab/ May 14, 2014 live mdy Irsay had undergone treatment for prescription drug addiction previously in the early 2000s.Irsay admits past painkiller dependency http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/11/12/irsay_drugs_ap/ May 14, 2014 Sports Illustrated November 12, 2002 AP https://web.archive.org/web/20140319020138/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/news/2002/11/12/irsay_drugs_ap/ March 19, 2014 dead Irsay returned to the Colts shortly before the draft in May.Irsay returns to Colts, social media http://www.wthr.com/story/25471045/2014/05/08/irsay-returns-to-colts-social-media WTHR May 14, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140514150048/http://www.wthr.com/story/25471045/2014/05/08/irsay-returns-to-colts-social-media May 14, 2014 May 8, 2014 dead mdy-all In late May, Irsay was charged with two misdemeanor counts in the incident: operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the body. Prosecutors allege Irsay was under the influence of oxycodone or hydrocodone, both of which are prescription opioid narcotic pain medications.Alesia Mark Evans Tim Colts owner Jim Irsay charged with 2 counts of impaired driving http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2014/05/23/charges-irsay-arrest-yet/9503357/ May 27, 2014 The Indianapolis Star May 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140527140513/http://www.indystar.com/story/news/2014/05/23/charges-irsay-arrest-yet/9503357/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= May 27, 2014 live Irsay pleaded guilty on September 2 to one count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI), which is a Class C misdemeanor in Indiana. He was sentenced to one year of probation during which he is forbidden from consuming or possessing alcohol and his driving privileges were revoked for a period of one year and 40 days. He will be subject to random drug testing as a condition of his probation. In addition, the judge stipulated that any subsequent OWI charge in a five-year period will be treated as a felony. The NFL banned Irsay from any contact with his team for six games and also levied a fine of $500,000. He was also forbidden from doing any media interviews or making comments related to the team on social media during the suspension. It was expected that Irsay's daughter, Carlie Irsay-Gordon, would assume control of the team during his absence.Alesia Mark NFL suspends Colts owner Jim Irsay for 6 games http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2014/09/02/colts-owner-jim-irsay-court-today-plea-hearing/14954557/ September 17, 2014 The Indianapolis Star September 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140902183007/http://www.indystar.com/story/news/crime/2014/09/02/colts-owner-jim-irsay-court-today-plea-hearing/14954557/?from=global&sessionKey=&autologin= September 2, 2014 live Ray Rice domestic violence suspension On February 15, 2014, Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice and his fiancée Janay Palmer were both arrested for assault after a physical altercation that took place at Revel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Celebrity news website TMZ posted a video of Rice dragging Palmer's body out of an elevator at the casino.Ray Rice – Dragging Unconscious Fiancee ... After Alleged Mutual Attack video TMZ TMZ Sports has obtained footage of Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice dragging his fiancee (who appears to be out cold) out of an elevator in an Atlantic City casino ... moments after cops say they attacked each other on the property. February 19, 2014 http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_c5nk3w3n/ September 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140909024707/http://www.tmz.com/videos/0_c5nk3w3n/ September 9, 2014 live mdy-all The Ravens issued a statement following TMZ's release of the video, calling Rice's domestic violence arrest a "serious matter".Atlantic County prosecutor taking over Ray Rice assault investigation after video shows him dragging unconscious woman out of Revel elevator The Philadelphia Inquirer Interstate General Media, LLC February 19, 2014 http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/downashore/Atlantic-County-Prosecutor-taking-over-Ray-Rice-assault-investigation-after-video-shows-him-dragging-limp-fiance-out-of-Revel-elevator.html September 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140804111528/http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/downashore/Atlantic-County-Prosecutor-taking-over-Ray-Rice-assault-investigation-after-video-shows-him-dragging-limp-fiance-out-of-Revel-elevator.html August 4, 2014 live mdy-all On March 27, 2014, a grand jury indicted Rice on charges of third-degree aggravated assault, which could carry a jail sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Charges against Palmer were dropped.Ravens' Ray Rice indicted ESPN March 28, 2014 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10684250/ray-rice-baltimore-ravens-indicted-aggravated-assault September 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140910055606/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10684250/ray-rice-baltimore-ravens-indicted-aggravated-assault September 10, 2014 live mdy-all Rice and Palmer were married the day after his indictment.Report: Ray Rice marries woman he is accused of assaulting USA Today March 29, 2014 Lorenzo Reyes http://q.usatoday.com/2014/03/29/nfl-ray-rice-janay-palmer-marriage-baltimore-ravens/ September 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141025175357/http://q.usatoday.com/2014/03/29/nfl-ray-rice-janay-palmer-marriage-baltimore-ravens/ October 25, 2014 live mdy-all Rice pleaded guilty to one count of third degree aggravated assault and was accepted into a pretrial intervention program for first-time offenders on May 20.Fenton Justin Ray Rice avoids trial on assault charge, accepted into program https://www.baltimoresun.com/2014/05/20/ray-rice-avoids-trial-on-assault-charge-accepted-into-program/ September 17, 2014 The Baltimore Sun May 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140909122700/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-05-20/sports/bs-sp-ray-rice-pretrial-program-20140520_1_rice-and-palmer-ray-rice-janay-palmer September 9, 2014 live Under the terms of the plea deal, the charges would be dropped and expunged from Rice's record if he meets the conditions imposed by the judge for the next 12 months.Perez A. J. Ray Rice accepted into diversion program, assault arrest could eventually be expunged http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/05/ravens_rb_ray_rice_accepted_into_diversion_program_report_says.html September 17, 2014 NJ.com May 20, 2014 https://archive.today/20140917183442/http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2014/05/ravens_rb_ray_rice_accepted_into_diversion_program_report_says.html September 17, 2014 live Rice was suspended by the NFL for the first two games of the 2014 NFL season on July 25.Ray Rice suspended 2 games ESPN July 25, 2014 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11257692 September 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150319235945/http://m.espn.go.com/nfl/story?storyId=11257692&src=desktop March 19, 2015 live mdy-all On September 8, TMZ released footage from a camera inside the elevator in which the assault took place. The video appears to show Rice punching Palmer in the face causing Palmer to immediately fall to the ground, perhaps striking her head on the elevator's handrail on the way to the floor, and leaving her motionless. Within hours of the video's release, the Baltimore Ravens terminated Rice's contract. Shortly thereafter, Goodell announced that Rice had been suspended from the league indefinitely.Ken Belson Ray Rice Cut by Ravens and Suspended by N.F.L. The New York Times September 8, 2014 https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/09/sports/football/ray-rice-video-shows-punch-and-raises-new-questions-for-nfl.html?_r=0 February 26, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20180112214701/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/09/sports/football/ray-rice-video-shows-punch-and-raises-new-questions-for-nfl.html?_r=0 January 12, 2018 live mdy-allhttps://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11489134/baltimore-ravens-cut-ray-rice-new-video-surfaces Ravens terminate Ray Rice's deal September 8, 2014 September 8, 2014 ESPN https://web.archive.org/web/20140908205655/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11489134/baltimore-ravens-cut-ray-rice-new-video-surfaces September 8, 2014 live mdy-all Rice, along with the players' union, appealed the indefinite suspension on the grounds that a player cannot be disciplined twice for the same incident. The union requested that Goodell recuse himself from hearing the appeal (as he normally would under the league's personal conduct policy) since he will be a witness in the proceedings.Tom Pelissero NFLPA appeals Ray Rice's indefinite suspension from NFL https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/09/16/ray-rice-appeal-indefinite-suspension-ravens-domestic-abuse/15663525/ September 17, 2014 USA Today September 16, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140917224709/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/09/16/ray-rice-appeal-indefinite-suspension-ravens-domestic-abuse/15663525/ September 17, 2014 live mdy In late November, Rice was reinstated. It's reported that there are four teams looking into picking up Rice for the 2015 season. Two of those teams have been identified as the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11957981/four-teams-looking-ray-rice Sources: Rice drawing interest from teams December 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141203060009/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11957981/four-teams-looking-ray-rice December 3, 2014 live mdy-all November 30, 2014 New policy on domestic violence instituted by league As a result of widespread criticism of the two-game suspension handed down in the Ray Rice case, which was considered too lenient by many commentators,Powell Michael Suspended for Abuse, Then Patted on the Back https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/25/sports/football/a-penalty-for-abuse-is-less-than-for-steroids-.html September 17, 2014 New York Times July 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140916212452/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/25/sports/football/a-penalty-for-abuse-is-less-than-for-steroids-.html September 16, 2014 live mdy-all the NFL announced a new policy on dealing with domestic violence on August 28. Under the new policy the first offense of domestic violence would be punishable by a minimum six-game suspension without pay; a second offense would result in a "lifetime" ban from the league. These rules will apply to all league personnel, including executives and owners, not just players. A person who receives a "lifetime" ban would be eligible to petition the league for reinstatement after one year. The penalty for the first offense could be increased by a number of factors including a previous incident prior to joining the league, the use of a weapon, an act committed against a pregnant woman and the presence of a child. Reaction to the new domestic violence policy According to an Associated Press article on ESPN, the players' union has questioned why the NFL's domestic violence training and education program "treats all players as perpetrators". In a memo sent to the NFL Players Association members on Thursday by Executive Director DeMaurice Smith and obtained Friday by the Associated Press, the union also said the plan, "doesn't build a positive consensus to warning signs." Smith and union special counsel Teri Patterson described two meetings this month with the league in which an NFLPA commission was briefed on the league's approach to educating players, coaches, executives, owners and NFL personnel about domestic violence. He wrote that a "good overview of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse" was presented. But "it did not address larger issues of violence in and outside of the home". The NFL said of the "perpetrators" claim: "Nothing could be further from the truth. The presentation expressly recognizes that people in the NFL are often falsely portrayed and that the actions of a few damage the reputations of many." "What the program teaches is that everyone can and should be part of the solution," the league statement said. The union memo also said the "NFL's presentation doesn't focus on follow-ups and providing continuous resources at the clubs to address potentially violent situations as well as preventing them." The NFL's educational program was shown to the AP on Oct. 7, and it included information from a memo sent to the 32 clubs on Sept. 18 that pointed out local resources available to all team personnel and their families. That document indicated a plan was in place to provide those resources and follow-ups for those who need it. The union memo to the players also said the NFL presentation "doesn't include any psychological information about the type of behavior that could lead to acts of violence or warning signs of negative behavior, but instead seemed to focus almost entirely on what happens after a violent incident has been committed." The league's plan calls for experts who work in the psychological space to offer a research perspective of societal issues, recognized that these are intimate crimes that impact people in many ways. The program calls for each club to have such experts available to the teams, or what NFL calls "the entire club family". That can include a clinician, human resource workers, player engagement executives, security personnel and a mental health professional who works with the club. The union added that although the league indicated that the trainers for this educational program will be experts, the NFL did not list any specific names, titles or relevant backgrounds of the people they intend to utilize for the training. Previously, the NFL announced an advisory group that includes authorities in the domestic violence area such as Tony Porter, Beth E. Richie, Rita Smith, Jane Randel and Lisa Friel. Another NFLPA observation was: "Too much reliance was placed on using former players to participate in the training. While one former players possess the right qualifications and experience to train personnel on these issues, the league's inability to articulate who these players are raises concerns that call into question the effectiveness of the training." Many of the player ambassadors, as the NFL calls them, have personal testimonies around these issues and might be helpful, but they would not deliver the education program. The union added: "The league stated that at each presentation, they will distribute information on suggested local (team city/state specific) resources for domestic violence and sexual assault prevention specialists, licensed club mental health clinicians, club human resource directors and director of Player Engagement. The NFLPA commission members recommended that a broader net of resources be included, such as faith-based counselors and male-focused community organizations, etc. The NFL did not provide any explanation as to why one resource was chosen over another or how those resources would be specifically integrated into the workplace, if at all." In response to the union memo, the NFL said: "We were pleased to meet with the union and are working to incorporate their suggestions into the presentations is the start of a process of education that will continue in future years."Union: 'Treated as perpetrators' https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11756654/players-union-questions-nfl-domestic-violence-plan?src=mobile October 24, 2014 ESPN Associated Press October 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160305225741/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11756654/players-union-questions-nfl-domestic-violence-plan?src=mobile March 5, 2016 live mdy-allMcManus Jane Severe penalties for domestic violence https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/story/_/id/11425377/nfl-implements-domestic-violence-penalties September 17, 2014 ESPN W August 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140917025329/http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/11425377/nfl-implements-domestic-violence-penalties September 17, 2014 live Adrian Peterson child abuse arrest and benched Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson was indicted by a Houston grand jury on a felony charge of injury to a child on September 12. The charge stemmed from a beating with a tree branch, or switch, which Peterson allegedly administered to his 4-year-old son as a disciplinary measure.Eder Steve Borzi Pat N.F.L. Rocked Again as Adrian Peterson Faces a Child Abuse Charge https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/13/sports/football/adrian-peterson-indicted-on-child-injury-charge.html September 17, 2014 New York Times September 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140916203831/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/13/sports/football/adrian-peterson-indicted-on-child-injury-charge.html September 16, 2014 live mdy-all Peterson turned himself in for arrest following the indictment. The Vikings announced following the arrest that Peterson would be deactivated and would not play in the team's game that weekend. The following Monday the team announced that Peterson would be allowed to rejoin the team. The team reversed direction two days later and placed Peterson on the inactive list pending resolution of the charges.Goessling Ben Peterson's future with Vikings unclear https://www.espn.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/9204/petersons-future-with-vikings-unclear September 17, 2014 NFL Nation Vikings blog ESPN September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140917202511/http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-vikings/post/_/id/9204/petersons-future-with-vikings-unclear September 17, 2014 live Greg Hardy found guilty of domestic violence; placed on leave Carolina Panthers defensive end Greg Hardy was arrested on charges of domestic violence after an altercation with his girlfriend which took place on May 13. In July, Hardy was found guilty of assaulting a female and communicating threats and sentenced to 18 months of probation in a trial before a district judge. Hardy immediately requested a trial by jury which under North Carolina's legal system means that the terms of the sentencing are put on hold pending the jury trial.Greg Hardy found guilty of assault https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11220817/greg-hardy-carolina-panthers-guilty-2-counts-domestic-violence September 19, 2014 Associated Press ESPN July 16, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140915002516/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11220817/greg-hardy-carolina-panthers-guilty-2-counts-domestic-violence September 15, 2014 live Because the legal process had not yet played out, Hardy was not disciplined immediately by either the league or the Panthers and he was allowed to play in the team's first game. However, following the outcry surrounding the Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson situations, Hardy was de-activated for the Panther's second game and was subsequently placed on the inactive list until the charges are adjudicated. Hardy continued to get paid, but was not allowed to have any contact with the Panthers organization.Person Joseph Carolina Panthers Greg Hardy takes paid leave of absence https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article9166361.html September 19, 2014 The Charlotte Observer September 17, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140918060729/http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/09/17/5180347/carolina-panthers-greg-hardy-could.html#.VBwxCRKwU31 September 18, 2014 live Possible franchise relocations Buffalo Bills National Football League in Toronto In July 2014 it was reported that Jon Bon Jovi and the principals of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (a consortium between Bills Toronto Series lessee Edward Rogers III and Larry Tanenbaum) had joined forces as equal partners to bid on the Buffalo Bills, with Bon Jovi the proposed controlling owner.http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/18/rogers-joins-bon-jovi-and-tanenbaum-in-equal-stakes-bid-to-buy-bills Rogers joins Bon Jovi and Tanenbaum in equal-stakes bid to buy Bills John Kryk Toronto Sun 2014-07-18 2014-07-19 https://web.archive.org/web/20140726153659/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/18/rogers-joins-bon-jovi-and-tanenbaum-in-equal-stakes-bid-to-buy-bills July 26, 2014 live mdy-all It was also reported that the group had conducted a feasibility study in early 2013 on the construction of an NFL stadium in Toronto.http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/bon-jovi-group-exploring-toronto-nfl-stadium-sites-report-1.2717279 Bon Jovi group exploring Toronto NFL stadium sites: report 2014-07-24 2014-07-24 CBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20140831142144/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/nfl/bon-jovi-group-exploring-toronto-nfl-stadium-sites-report-1.2717279 August 31, 2014 live mdy-all Following protests by Buffalo area fans against the Toronto group, including radio stations banning Bon Jovi's music,http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/30/exclusive-rogers-wont-lead-second-toronto-group-bidding-for-bills Exclusive: Rogers won't lead second Toronto group bidding for Bills 2014-06-30 John Kryk Toronto Sun August 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140720111849/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/06/30/exclusive-rogers-wont-lead-second-toronto-group-bidding-for-bills July 20, 2014 live mdy-all Bon Jovi wrote a public letter to Bills fans saying that the group's objective was to "make the Bills successful in Buffalo" and committing to work with all levels of government "to identify the best possible site in the Buffalo area for a new stadium",http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bon-jovis-letter-to-buffalo-why-were-bidding-on-the-buffalo-bills-20140803 Bon Jovi's letter to Buffalo: "Why We're Bidding on the Buffalo Bills" 2014-08-03 2014-08-03 Buffalo News https://web.archive.org/web/20140819055908/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/bon-jovis-letter-to-buffalo-why-were-bidding-on-the-buffalo-bills-20140803 August 19, 2014 live mdy-all though it noticeably did not promise to keep the team in Buffalo.http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/03/bon-jovi-committed-to-keeping-bills-in-buffalo Toronto group bidding on Bills rate chances as 'slim' 2014-08-04 2014-08-04 John Kryk Toronto Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140808081245/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/03/bon-jovi-committed-to-keeping-bills-in-buffalo August 8, 2014 live mdy-all The group claimed it had plans to meet with developers in the Buffalo region to discuss the construction of a new stadium. However, there was widespread skepticism about the sincerity of the group's pledge to keep the team in Buffalo,http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/25/five-vital-questions-on-where-the-bills-sale-stands Five vital questions on where the Bills sale stands 2014-07-25 2014-07-30 John Kryk Toronto Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140727173718/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/25/five-vital-questions-on-where-the-bills-sale-stands July 27, 2014 live mdy-all with a sports franchise relocation expert quoted as saying that if they did intend to move the club, "I would suggest never saying that publicly" due to the legal implications of selling the team to a group planning on relocating it.http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/19/toronto-bid-group-wants-to-keep-bills-in-buffalo-sources Toronto bid group wants to keep Bills in Buffalo: sources 2014-07-19 2014-07-20 John Kryk Toronto Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140819060102/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/19/toronto-bid-group-wants-to-keep-bills-in-buffalo-sources August 19, 2014 live mdy-all The Toronto group was one of four known to have submitted a preliminary bid for the franchise. The other groups, which intend to keep the club in Buffalo, were: eventual winner Terrence Pegula, owner of the Buffalo Sabres; Donald Trump, who formerly owned the New Jersey Generals; and Tom Golisano, former owner of the Buffalo Sabres.http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/07/29/former-sabres-owner-golisano-didnt-submit-bid-to-buy-bills Former Sabres owner Golisano didn't submit bid to buy Bills 2014-07-29 2014-07-30 John Kryk Toronto Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140810031917/http://www.edmontonsun.com/2014/07/29/former-sabres-owner-golisano-didnt-submit-bid-to-buy-bills August 10, 2014 live mdy-allhttp://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/07/sources-many-eight-bills-suitors-scheduled-person-presentations-donald-trump-went-first-wednesday/ Sources: As many as eight Bills suitors scheduled for in-person presentations; Tom Golisano finally submits a bid 2014-08-07 2014-08-09 Buffalo News Tim Graham https://web.archive.org/web/20140812084851/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/07/sources-many-eight-bills-suitors-scheduled-person-presentations-donald-trump-went-first-wednesday/ August 12, 2014 dead mdy-all Trump described his chances of being the successful bidder as "very, very unlikely because I'm not going to do something totally stupid."http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/29/probably-few-new-bidders-will-bid-today-for-bills Probably few new bidders will bid today for Bills 2014-07-29 2014-07-30 John Kryk Toronto Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140808075658/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/07/29/probably-few-new-bidders-will-bid-today-for-bills August 8, 2014 live mdy-all Other Canadians who explored purchasing the team include John Bitove, who was co-founder the Toronto Raptors, and the family of Francesco Aquilini, who owns the Vancouver Canucks, though it is unknown if they intended to move the team.http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/08/nhl-owner-nba-founder-among-signed-bills-nondisclosure-agreement-hyatt-hotel-heirs-sniffing-around/ NHL owner, NBA team founder among those who signed Bills nondisclosure agreement; Hyatt hotel heirs have been sniffing around 2014-08-08 2014-08-09 Buffalo News Tim Graham https://web.archive.org/web/20140815081502/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/08/nhl-owner-nba-founder-among-signed-bills-nondisclosure-agreement-hyatt-hotel-heirs-sniffing-around/ August 15, 2014 dead mdy-allhttps://vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Canucks+owner+Aquilini+will+pursue+Bills/10102907/story.html Canucks owner Aquilini will not pursue bid for NFL's Bills 2014-08-08 2014-08-09 Vancouver Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140815211813/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/hockey/vancouver-canucks/Canucks+owner+Aquilini+will+pursue+Bills/10102907/story.html August 15, 2014 dead mdy-all Though Tanenbaum and Rogers had significant wealth, it had been reported that the Toronto group's bid was limited by Bon Jovi's resources and his desire to be the controlling partner; NFL regulations require the controlling partner to have a 30% equity stake.http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/05/toronto-group-bidding-on-bills-allowed-to-submit-higher-first-bid Toronto group bidding on Bills allowed to submit higher first bid 2014-08-05 2014-08-05 John Kryk Toronto Sun https://web.archive.org/web/20140819055829/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/08/05/toronto-group-bidding-on-bills-allowed-to-submit-higher-first-bid August 19, 2014 live mdy-all Los Angeles-based interests largely stayed away from the Bills, citing concerns over the stadium's lease and the fear that politicians will place intense scrutiny on any person who attempts to move the Bills out of Buffalo; multibillionaire Eli Broad declined to place a bid on the team for those reasons.Graham, Tim (August 14, 2014). Los Angeles suitors explored buying Bills, quickly found that moving team wasn't going to happen https://web.archive.org/web/20140816202331/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/08/14/los-angeles-suitors-explored-buying-bills-quickly-found-moving-team-wasnt-going-happen/ August 16, 2014 . The Buffalo News. Retrieved August 14, 2014. The sale was completed on September 9, to the Pegulas for a reported amount of 1.4 billion dollars which made the Bills purchase the most expensive in league history. The sale was done in time for the Pegulas to be unanimously approved at the NFL's owners meeting on October 6–8. Terry Pegula, owns the Buffalo Sabres and development projects in the Buffalo area. The Pegulas intend to keep the team in Western New York for the long term. Any possible relocation had one of the other bidders won (or if Pegula resells the team to anyone in the future) could not happen under the terms of the Bills' current lease on Ralph Wilson Stadium until the end of the 2019 season and would have, at least on paper, required league endorsement (whether the league could, in and of itself, stop a relocation is unclear; Al Davis moved the Oakland Raiders to Los Angeles in 1982 against the league's wishes). And a relocation fee, which had been speculated to be $100–$200 million, could be charged by the NFL,https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/ralph-wilson-made-sure-bills-will-stay-in-buffalo-for-as-least-six-years/article17686988/ Ralph Wilson made sure Bills will stay in Buffalo for at least six years 2014-03-26 2014-03-30 The Globe and Mail John Wawrow Toronto https://archive.today/20140330070947/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/ralph-wilson-made-sure-bills-will-stay-in-buffalo-for-as-least-six-years/article17686988/ March 30, 2014 live mdy-allhttp://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/with-passing-of-wilson-bills-future-in-question/ Wilson's passing leaves Bills' future in question Grange Michael 2014-03-26 2014-03-30 Sportsnet https://web.archive.org/web/20140729085213/http://www.sportsnet.ca/football/nfl/with-passing-of-wilson-bills-future-in-question/ July 29, 2014 live mdy-allKryk John March 26, 2014 http://www.torontosun.com/2014/03/26/bills-to-stay-in-buffalo-until-at-least-2020 Bills to stay in Buffalo until at least 2020 Toronto Sun March 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140330112237/http://www.torontosun.com/2014/03/26/bills-to-stay-in-buffalo-until-at-least-2020 March 30, 2014 live mdy-allhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/shoalts-torontos-quest-for-nfl-team-strewn-with-obstacles/article17687432/ Toronto's quest for NFL team strewn with obstacles David Shoalts 2014-03-26 2014-03-30 The Globe and Mail https://web.archive.org/web/20160917233511/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/football/shoalts-torontos-quest-for-nfl-team-strewn-with-obstacles/article17687432/ September 17, 2016 live mdy-all'Niagara Bills' group would be 'hard to beat' 2014-06-02 Toronto Sun John Kyrk though this could be offset by an increase in franchise value in a larger market.http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/what8217s-next-for-the-bills-for-now-the-team-will-be-controlled-by-a-trust-20140325 What's next for the Bills? For now, the team will be controlled by a trust 2014-03-25 2014-03-29 The Buffalo News Mark Gaughan https://web.archive.org/web/20140927203851/http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/bills-nfl/what8217s-next-for-the-bills-for-now-the-team-will-be-controlled-by-a-trust-20140325 September 27, 2014 live mdy-allhttp://www.buffalonews.com/columns/donn-esmonde/bills-at-risk-of-being-moved-to-larger-market-20140329 Bills at risk of being moved to larger market 2014-03-29 2014-03-30 Buffalo News Esmonde Donn https://web.archive.org/web/20140804055249/http://www.buffalonews.com/columns/donn-esmonde/bills-at-risk-of-being-moved-to-larger-market-20140329 August 4, 2014 live mdy-all Goodell has said the two votes would be held separately.http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24553903/roger-goodell-bills-need-new-stadium-to-stay-viable-in-buffalo Roger Goodell: Bills need new stadium to stay viable in Buffalo 2014-05-07 2014-05-10 John Breech CBS Sports https://web.archive.org/web/20140720122131/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24553903/roger-goodell-bills-need-new-stadium-to-stay-viable-in-buffalo July 20, 2014 live mdy-all Of the owners who made their position known, Jerry Jones was believed to have been in favor of the Bills moving to Toronto, while John Mara, Robert Wood Johnson IV, the Green Bay Packers Board of Directors, and Shahid Khan indicated they would have most likely opposed moving the team.Graham, Tim (May 20, 2014). https://archive.today/20140521014210/http://bills.buffalonews.com/2014/05/20/nfl-owners-say-votes-arent-there-for-moving-the-bills/ NFL owners say votes aren't there for moving the Bills. The Buffalo News. Retrieved May 20, 2014. Oakland Raiders History of the National Football League in Los Angeles On July 29, 2014, reports surfaced that the Oakland Raiders were considering relocating to San Antonio in 2015 after owner Mark Davis met with San Antonio civic leaders the week before at the encouragement of former Raider Cliff Branch, which Davis was in town to visit for a local ceremony for Branch. The Raiders themselves had acknowledged Davis being in San Antonio for the event for Branch before news broke about a possible relocation, but wouldn't confirm nor deny that Davis also mentioned being there discussing moving his team east.Raiders look at potential home deep in heart of Texas https://web.archive.org/web/20140730192329/http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-look-at-potential-home-deep-in-heart-of-5655367.php July 30, 2014 San Francisco Chronicle (07/29/2014) Among the two existing NFL teams in Texas, Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair and Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones—the latter of which has San Antonio as part of his territorial rights and previously voiced support of an NFL team moving there when the New Orleans Saints temporarily played in San Antonio in 2005 due to damages to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina—both favor an NFL team playing in San Antonio.McNair in favor of 'strong franchises' https://web.archive.org/web/20250426215413/https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11285618/houston-texans-owner-bob-mcnair-judge-oakland-raiders-san-antonio-buzz April 26, 2025 ESPN.com (07/30/2014) Though San Antonio is a smaller market than the San Francisco Bay Area, the Raiders wouldn't be sharing the market with another NFL team, and would only compete with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs among major sports teams. Additionally, the Raiders would use the Alamodome as a temporary home until an NFL-specific stadium could be constructed. The team's lease at the O.co Coliseum was expiring after the 2014 season.Goodell: Levi's might fit Raiders https://web.archive.org/web/20151119172029/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11229559/roger-goodell-floats-san-francisco-49ers-levi-stadium-oakland-raiders-option November 19, 2015 ESPN.com (07/18/2014) On September 3, 2014, the city of Oakland reached a tentative deal to build a new football stadium in Oakland, which would result in the Coliseum being demolished; Davis did not respond to the proposal, which would also force the Oakland Athletics to build a new stadium of their own (which they have yet to agree to do), while Alameda County (co-owners of the current stadium) indicated they would probably not support the plan.http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/New-stadium-deal-for-Raiders-give-s-team-land-5729877.php New stadium deal for Raiders gives team land, pays off debt September 3, 2014 San Francisco Chronicle September 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140903151639/http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/matier-ross/article/New-stadium-deal-for-Raiders-give-s-team-land-5729877.php September 3, 2014 live mdy-all Davis, in the meantime, continued to negotiate with San Antonio officials and had team officials scout the Alamodome to determine if it would be suitable for the NFL.Mark Davis, San Antonio group meet https://web.archive.org/web/20141108095435/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11838270/oakland-raiders-meet-san-antonio-officials-discuss-potential-move November 8, 2014 . Associated Press via ESPN.com. Retrieved November 8, 2014. St. Louis Rams The Dome at America's Center#The loss of the Rams (2012–2016) The Rams and the St. Louis CVC began negotiating deals to get the Rams home stadium, the Edward Jones Dome into the top 25 percent of stadiums in the league (i.e., top eight teams of the thirty two NFL teams in reference to luxury boxes, amenities and overall fan experience). Under the terms of the lease agreement, the St. Louis CVC was required to make modifications to the Edward Jones Dome in 2005. However, then-owner, Georgia Frontiere, waived the provision in exchange for cash that served as a penalty for the city's noncompliance. The City of St. Louis, in subsequent years, made changes to the score board and increased the natural lighting by replacing panels with windows, although the overall feel remained dark. The minor renovations which totaled about $70 million did not bring the stadium within the specifications required under the lease agreement. On February 1, 2013, an Arbitrator (3 panel) selected to preside over the arbitration process found that the Edward Jones Dome was not in the top 25% of all NFL venues as required under the terms of the lease agreement between the Rams and the CVC. The Arbitrator (3 panel) further found that the estimated $700 million in proposed renovations by the Rams was not unreasonable given the terms of the lease agreement. Finally, the City of St. Louis was ordered to pay the Rams attorneys' fees which totaled a reported $2 million. Publicly, city, county and state officials expressed no interest in providing further funding to the Edward Jones Dome in light of those entities, as well as taxpayers, continuing to owe approximately $300 million more on that facility. As such, if a resolution is not reached by the end of the 2014–2015 NFL season and the City of St. Louis remains non-compliant in its obligations under the lease agreement, the Rams would be free to nullify their lease and relocate. On January 31, 2014, both the Los Angeles Times and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Rams owner Stan Kroenke purchased 60 acres of land adjacent to the Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California. It was, by the most conservative estimates, sufficient land on which an NFL-proper stadium may be constructed. The purchase price was rumored to have been between US$90–100 million. Commissioner Roger Goodell represented that Mr. Kroenke informed the league of the purchase. As an NFL owner, any purchase of land in which a potential stadium could be built must be disclosed to the league. This development further fueled rumors that the Rams intend to return its management and football operations to Southern California. The land was initially targeted for a Walmart Supercenter but Walmart could not get the necessary permits to build the center. Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke who is a member of the Walton family and many of Kroenke's real estate deals have involved Walmart properties.https://www.espn.com/los-angeles/nfl/story/_/id/10380150/st-louis-rams-owner-stan-kroenke-buys-60-acres-land-los-angeles Stan Kroenke buys 60 acres in L.A. Wagoner Nick ESPN Internet Ventures February 1, 2014 ESPN.com September 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140921005816/http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/nfl/story/_/id/10380150/st-louis-rams-owner-stan-kroenke-buys-60-acres-land-los-angeles September 21, 2014 live mdy-allhttp://www.ksdk.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2014/01/30/stan-kroenke-plot-of-land-california-st-louis-rams/5069985/ Report: Rams owner bought 60 acres of land in Calif. Piper Brandie Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. January 31, 2014 ksdk.com September 4, 2014 dead https://archive.today/20140221154310/http://www.ksdk.com/story/sports/nfl/rams/2014/01/30/stan-kroenke-plot-of-land-california-st-louis-rams/5069985/ February 21, 2014 Records, milestones, and notable statistics Week 1 Peyton Manning defeated his former team, the Indianapolis Colts, and in doing so became the second quarterback to defeat all 32 current NFL teams, joining Brett Favre.Peyton Manning keys Broncos' first-half romp before Colts' rally falters https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554273 ESPN.com September 7, 2014 September 7, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140908092604/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400554273 September 8, 2014 live mdy-all Allen Hurns became the first player in NFL history to have two TDs receiving in the first quarter in his NFL debut.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/09/07/nfl-today-week-1/15263813/ NFL Today, Week 1 USA Today September 7, 2014 September 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140908063531/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/09/07/nfl-today-week-1/15263813/ September 8, 2014 live mdy-all In Week 1, quarterbacks completed 64.3 percent of their passes, an NFL record.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11496465/clayton-mailbag-quarterbacks-target-nfl-misfires-discipline-hgh-testing-injuries Clayton's mailbag ESPN ESPN NFL September 10, 2014 September 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140912003456/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11496465/clayton-mailbag-quarterbacks-target-nfl-misfires-discipline-hgh-testing-injuries September 12, 2014 live mdy-all Week 2 Bill Belichick became the sixth coach in NFL history to reach 200 regular-season wins.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-02.pdf What to look for – A look back National Football League September 15, 2014 NFL.com October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006160816/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-02.pdf October 6, 2014 live mdy-all The Philadelphia Eagles became the first team in NFL history to start the season 2–0 after trailing by at least 14 points at halftime in each of their first two games. Week 3 Devin Hester set an NFL record with 20 total returns for touchdowns. The previous record was held by Deion Sanders, who had 19 touchdowns.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014091800/2014/REG3/buccaneers@falcons#menu=drivechart&tab=analyze&pbp=gc-pbp-cd NFL Game center – Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta NFL.com September 18, 2014 September 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140918001952/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014091800/2014/REG3/buccaneers@falcons#menu=drivechart&tab=analyze&pbp=gc-pbp-cd September 18, 2014 live mdy-all The Philadelphia Eagles became the first NFL team to start a season 3–0 after trailing by 10-plus points in each game.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092108/2014/REG3/redskins@eagles#menu=gameinfo&tab=recap&recap=fullstory Game Center Wash. vs Phil. NFL NFL.com game center Sep 21, 2014 September 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140921141020/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014092108/2014/REG3/redskins@eagles#menu=gameinfo&tab=recap&recap=fullstory September 21, 2014 live mdy-all Peyton Manning threw his 100th touchdown pass in his 35th game with the Denver Broncos, becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL history to achieve that feat with a single team. The previous record was held by Dan Marino, who did so in 44 games with the Miami Dolphins.Jhabvala, Nicki By the Numbers: Broncos' Week 3 loss to the Seahawks http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/09/21/numbers-broncos-week-3-loss-seahawks/29834/ The Denver Post September 21, 2014 September 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140922084835/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/09/21/numbers-broncos-week-3-loss-seahawks/29834/ September 22, 2014 live mdy-all Week 4 The Green Bay Packers became the second NFL franchise to record their 700th regular-season victory, joining the Chicago Bears.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-04-seven-from-sunday.pdf Week4_Sunday7 National Football League September 28, 2014 NFL.com October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141007010841/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-04-seven-from-sunday.pdf October 7, 2014 live mdy-all There were zero punts in the Packers–Bears game, making it the second regular-season game in NFL history with no punts. The other regular-season game without a punt was a 1992 game between the Buffalo Bills and the San Francisco 49ers. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck became the first player in NFL history to throw for over 370 yards and 4 touchdowns, and have a completion percentage above 70 percent or above in consecutive games.https://sports.yahoo.com/news/colts-qb-andrew-luck-playing-004454480.html Colts QB Andrew Luck is Playing Phenomenal Football this Season Wilson Josh SB Nation September 28, 2014 sports.yahoo.com October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006132047/https://sports.yahoo.com/news/colts-qb-andrew-luck-playing-004454480.html October 6, 2014 live mdy-all Week 5 The Cleveland Browns overcame a 28–3 deficit in their 29–28 win at Tennessee which was the largest comeback victory by an away team in NFL history.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-05-seven-from-sunday.pdf SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 5 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141012213426/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-05-seven-from-sunday.pdf October 12, 2014 live mdy-all Peyton Manning became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes, joining Brett Favre. Jason Witten became the third tight-end in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, joining Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez. Tom Brady became the sixth quarterback in NFL history to reach 50,000 career passing yards.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-051.pdf WHAT TO LOOK FOR – A LOOK BACK NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141013145229/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-051.pdf October 13, 2014 live mdy-all Wes Welker became the NFL's all-time leader in career pass receptions amongst undrafted wide receivers.Swanson, Ben Welker sets record with most career receptions as an undrafted player http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Welker-sets-record-with-most-career-receptions-as-an-undrafted-player/40065ead-9175-46cc-9a96-f810ba04cc80 Denver Broncos October 5, 2014 October 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006103251/http://www.denverbroncos.com/news-and-blogs/article-1/Welker-sets-record-with-most-career-receptions-as-an-undrafted-player/40065ead-9175-46cc-9a96-f810ba04cc80 October 6, 2014 dead mdy-all No team started the season 4–0. This is only the third time that this has happened in the modern era; the others were 1970 and 2010.https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/10/8/6942989/nfl-picks-week-6-broncos-bengals NFL picks, Week 6: Broncos, Bengals among unanimous selections SBNation.com November 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141111110200/http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/10/8/6942989/nfl-picks-week-6-broncos-bengals November 11, 2014 live mdy-all October 8, 2014 Week 6 The Chicago Bears became the first NFL franchise to reach 750 total wins.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-06-seven-from-sunday.pdf SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 6 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141107131807/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-06-seven-from-sunday.pdf November 7, 2014 live mdy-all DeMarco Murray became the second player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards in each of his team's first six games to start a season, joining Jim Brown. Julius Thomas, with his nine touchdown catches through his team's first five games of the season, tied the NFL record that was set by Calvin Johnson in 2011.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-061.pdf WHAT TO LOOK FOR – A LOOK BACK NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141107191616/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-061.pdf November 7, 2014 live mdy-all With a passer rating above 120 for the fifth straight game, Philip Rivers has set an NFL record for most consecutive games above this mark. The previous record was shared by Johnny Unitas in 1965 and Kurt Warner in 2009, who each had four. Joe Flacco tied a league record set by Tommy Kramer in 1986 by recording 4 touchdown passes in the first quarter of a game.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11688951/joe-flacco-baltimore-ravens-tosses-4-tds-first-quarter Joe Flacco of Baltimore Ravens tosses 4 TDs in first quarter Espn.go.com October 12, 2014 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20150108092338/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11688951/joe-flacco-baltimore-ravens-tosses-4-tds-first-quarter January 8, 2015 live mdy-all The Carolina Panthers and Cincinnati Bengals played to a 37–37 tie. This was the highest scoring tie game since the 1974 introduction of overtime to the regular season. Week 7 Peyton Manning threw his 509th career touchdown pass, setting an NFL record. The previous record was held by Brett Favre, who had 508.https://www.nfl.com/news/peyton-manning-breaks-brett-favre-s-td-record-0ap3000000413952 Peyton Manning breaks Brett Favre's TD record NFL.com November 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141028104304/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000413952/article/peyton-manning-breaks-brett-favres-td-record October 28, 2014 live mdy-all DeMarco Murray became the first player in NFL history to rush for at least 100 yards in each of his team's first seven games to start a season, breaking the record he held with Jim Brown. Murray would go on to extend his record to eight games.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-07-seven-from-sunday.pdf SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 7 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141208103436/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-07-seven-from-sunday.pdf December 8, 2014 live mdy-all Reggie Wayne became the ninth player in NFL history to reach 14,000 receiving yards. Russell Wilson became the first player in NFL history to have passed for over 300 yards and rush for over 100 yards in the same game.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-07-week-that-was.pdf SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 7 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141210201900/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-07-week-that-was.pdf December 10, 2014 live mdy-all Week 8 Ben Roethlisberger became the first player in NFL history to have two 500-yard passing games.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-08-seven-from-sunday.pdf SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 8 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141217212814/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-08-seven-from-sunday.pdf December 17, 2014 live mdy-all Week 9 Ben Roethlisberger became the first player in NFL history to record at least six touchdown passes in consecutive games. The Denver Broncos scored 20 or more points for the 29th consecutive regular-season game, setting a new record. The previous record was held by the St. Louis Rams who had 28 such games in 1999 and 2000.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-09-week-that-was.pdf THE WEEK THAT WAS – WEEK 9 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141220112848/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-09-week-that-was.pdf December 20, 2014 live mdy-all Week 10 Michael Vick became the first quarterback in NFL history to reach 6,000 career rushing yards.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-10-seven-from-sunday.pdf SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 10 NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141221131458/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-10-seven-from-sunday.pdf December 21, 2014 live mdy-all Julius Thomas became the first tight end in NFL history to achieve back-to-back 12-touchdown seasons. Julius Thomas tied an NFL record for the most touchdown catches through nine games, with 12, joining Randy Moss in 2007.Renck, Troy Broncos vs. Patriots: Highs, lows of Denver's Week 9 loss http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/11/02/broncos-vs-patriots-highs-lows-denvers-week-9-matchup/30715/ The Denver Post November 2, 2014 November 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141111230222/http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2014/11/02/broncos-vs-patriots-highs-lows-denvers-week-9-matchup/30715/ November 11, 2014 live mdy-all Aaron Rodgers tied the NFL record with six touchdowns in a half that was set by Daryle Lamonica in 1969.http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014110910/2014/REG10/bears@packers#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000426068&tab=recap&recap=fullstory Watch Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers [11/09/2014] - NFL.com Nfl.com November 13, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141113191241/http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2014110910/2014/REG10/bears@packers#menu=gameinfo%7CcontentId%3A0ap3000000426068&tab=recap&recap=fullstory November 13, 2014 live mdy-all Week 11 Adam Vinatieri became the first player in NFL history to score more than 100+ points in 17 different seasons, breaking the record previously held by Jason Elam, who had 16.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-111.pdf What To Look For - A Look Back Nfllabor.files.wordpress.com November 17, 2014 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222053245/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-111.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all J. J. Watt became the only player in league history (since sacks became an official statistic) to register a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery and touchdown reception in the same game.http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/2014-NFL-Records--Milestones-Key-Individual-Performances/8d2436a1-e646-4685-9e6d-689fce9a69b5 2014 NFL Records & Milestones: Key Individual Performances Kcchiefs.com 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20150113053426/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/2014-NFL-Records--Milestones-Key-Individual-Performances/8d2436a1-e646-4685-9e6d-689fce9a69b5 January 13, 2015 dead mdy-all Week 12 The Atlanta Falcons became the first team in NFL history to lead a division while being three games below .500.http://www.foxsports.com/south/story/nfc-south-falls-to-historically-bad-levels-and-it-can-continue-112514 Knox Bardeen: NFC South falls to historically bad levels, and it can continue Fox Sports FOX Sports December 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141228121201/http://www.foxsports.com/south/story/nfc-south-falls-to-historically-bad-levels-and-it-can-continue-112514 December 28, 2014 live mdy-all November 25, 2014 Week 15 The Denver Broncos won their 12th consecutive divisional away game, tying an NFL record that the San Francisco 49ers set from 1987 to 1990;Peyton Manning, Broncos seal AFC West vs. Chargers https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2014/12/14/sick-sore-manning-leads-broncos-to-afc-west-title/20410661/ USA Today December 14, 2014 December 14, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141215081228/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/broncos/2014/12/14/sick-sore-manning-leads-broncos-to-afc-west-title/20410661/ December 15, 2014 live mdy-all John Fox became only the second head coach in NFL history to win four division titles in the first four seasons with a team, joining Chuck Knox.Klis, Mike Broncos sack Chargers to win fourth consecutive AFC West title http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27136365/manning-battles-flu-thigh-injury-lead-broncos-afc-west-title The Denver Post December 14, 2014 December 14, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141215032746/http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_27136365/manning-battles-flu-thigh-injury-lead-broncos-afc-west-title December 15, 2014 live mdy-all The New England Patriots set a record of 14 consecutive seasons of winning at least one game against all of their divisional opponents. The previous record of 13 seasons had been set by the 1971–83 Dallas Cowboys.Elias says... https://web.archive.org/web/20141215220929/http://espn.go.com/espn/elias?date=20141215 December 15, 2014 ESPN.com/Elias Sports Bureau (December 15, 2014). Retrieved December 15, 2014. Week 17 Antonio Gates became the fourth tight end in league history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, joining Tony Gonzalez, Jason Witten, and Shannon Sharpe.https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-171.pdf What To Look For - A Look Back Nfllabor.files.wordpress.com December 29, 2014 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20141230015849/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-171.pdf December 30, 2014 live mdy-all J. J. Watt became the first player in league history to have two separate seasons with 20 or more sacks.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/12088267/jj-watt-houston-texans-sets-nfl-record-second-20-sack-season J. J. Watt of Houston Texans sets NFL record with second 20-sack season Espn.go.com 2014-12-28 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20150106083559/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/12088267/jj-watt-houston-texans-sets-nfl-record-second-20-sack-season January 6, 2015 live mdy-all Matt Forte set the league season record for receptions by a running back, finishing with 102.Jared Dubin http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24919958/matt-forte-breaks-single-season-catches-mark-for-running-backs Matt Forte breaks single-season catches mark for running backs CBSSports.com 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20141229005027/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24919958/matt-forte-breaks-single-season-catches-mark-for-running-backs December 29, 2014 live mdy-all The Seattle Seahawks became the first team since the 1969–1971 Minnesota Vikings to lead the NFL in fewest points allowed in three consecutive seasons.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/30/seahawks-first-team-since-1969-71-vikings-to-lead-league-in-fewest-points-allowed-in-three-straight-seasons/ Seahawks first team since 1969-71 Vikings to lead league in fewest points allowed in three straight seasons ProFootballTalk Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com December 30, 2014 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20150118064015/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/12/30/seahawks-first-team-since-1969-71-vikings-to-lead-league-in-fewest-points-allowed-in-three-straight-seasons/ January 18, 2015 live mdy-all Drew Brees tied Sonny Jurgensen and Dan Marino for the league record for most seasons leading the league in passing yards, with five.http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Drew-Brees-NFL-records-and-milestones-in-2014/5d3d7910-59c9-4e7f-9090-ceb33ff3e19c Drew Brees' NFL records and milestones in 2014 Neworleanssaints.com 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20150107045423/http://www.neworleanssaints.com/news-and-events/article-1/Drew-Brees-NFL-records-and-milestones-in-2014/5d3d7910-59c9-4e7f-9090-ceb33ff3e19c January 7, 2015 dead mdy-all Joe Thomas became the first offensive lineman in NFL history to be selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first eight seasons. The Carolina Panthers became the second team in the modern era to win their division with a losing record (7–8–1), joining the 2010 Seattle Seahawks. Regular season statistical leaders Individualhttp://www.nfl.com/stats/player NFL Stats: Player NFL.com December 13, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20090111214603/http://www.nfl.com/stats/player January 11, 2009 live mdy Scoring leader Stephen Gostkowski, New England (156)Most field goals made Stephen Gostkowski, New England (35 FGs)Touchdowns Marshawn Lynch, Seattle (17 TDs)Rushing DeMarco Murray, Dallas (1,845 yards)Passing yards Drew Brees, New Orleans and Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh (4,952 yards)Passing touchdowns Andrew Luck, Indianapolis (40 TDs)Passer rating Tony Romo, Dallas (113.2 rating)Pass receptions Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh (129 catches)Pass receiving yards Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh (1,698 yards)Combined tackles Luke Kuechly, Carolina (171 tackles)Interceptions Glover Quin, Detroit (7)Punting Marquette King, Oakland (4,930 yards, 45.2 average yards)Sacks Justin Houston, Kansas City (22) Awards Individual season awards 4th NFL Honors The 4th NFL Honors, saluting the best players and plays from 2014 season, was held at Phoenix Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona on January 31, 2015.NFL Honors http://www.nfl.com/honors NFL.com NFL Enterprises LLC 31 December 2014 February 17, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130217020419/http://www.nfl.com/honors live Award Winner Position Team AP Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers Quarterback Green Bay Packers AP Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray Running back Dallas Cowboys AP Defensive Player of the Year J. J. Watt Defensive end Houston Texans AP Coach of the Year Bruce Arians Head coach Arizona Cardinals AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Odell Beckham Jr. Wide receiver New York Giants AP Assistant Coach of the Year Todd Bowles Defensive coordinator Arizona Cardinals AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Aaron Donald Defensive tackle St. Louis Rams AP Comeback Player of the Year Rob Gronkowski Tight end New England Patriots Pepsi Rookie of the Year Teddy Bridgewater Quarterback Minnesota Vikings Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Thomas Davis Linebacker Carolina Panthers PFWA NFL Executive of the Year Jerry Jones Owner/President/General Manager Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Tom Brady Quarterback New England Patriots All-Pro team 2014 All-Pro Team The following players were named first team All-Pro by the Associated Press:J. J. Watt, Rob Gronkowski unanimously voted to 2014 NFL all-pro team https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/01/02/watt-gronkowski-unanimous-ap-all-pros-dallas-leads-with-4/21189267/ January 15, 2015 Associated Press January 2, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150114171515/http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2015/01/02/watt-gronkowski-unanimous-ap-all-pros-dallas-leads-with-4/21189267/ January 14, 2015 live mdy-all OffenseQuarterbackAaron Rodgers, Green BayRunning backDeMarco Murray, DallasLe'Veon Bell, PittsburghFullbackJohn Kuhn, Green BayWide receiverAntonio Brown, PittsburghDez Bryant, DallasTight endRob Gronkowski, New EnglandOffensive tackleTyron Smith, DallasJoe Thomas, ClevelandOffensive guardMarshal Yanda, BaltimoreZack Martin, DallasCenterMaurkice Pouncey, PittsburghDefenseDefensive endJ. J. Watt, HoustonMario Williams, BuffaloDefensive tackleNdamukong Suh, DetroitMarcell Dareus, BuffaloOutside linebackerJustin Houston, Kansas CityElvis Dumervil, BaltimoreInside linebackerLuke Kuechly, CarolinaBobby Wagner, SeattleCornerbackDarrelle Revis, New EnglandRichard Sherman, SeattleSafetyEarl Thomas, SeattleEric Weddle, San Diego Special teamsKickerAdam Vinatieri, IndianapolisPunterPat McAfee, IndianapolisKick returnerAdam Jones, Cincinnati Players of the week/month The following were named the top performers during the 2014 season: Week/MonthOffensivePlayer of the Week/MonthDefensivePlayer of the Week/MonthSpecial TeamsPlayer of the Week/MonthAFCNFCAFCNFCAFCNFC1Julius ThomasBroncos TE Julius Thomas, Dolphins DE Cameron Wake & Bills K Dan Carpenter named AFC Players of Week 1 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-1-thomas-wake-carpenter.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140910215842/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-1-thomas-wake-carpenter.pdf NFL September 10, 2014 September 10, 2014 September 10, 2014 live(Broncos)Matt RyanFalcons QB Matt Ryan, Lions LB DeAndre Levy & Falcons K Matt Bryant named NFC Players of Week 1 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-01-ryan-levy-bryant.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140910215837/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-01-ryan-levy-bryant.pdf NFL September 10, 2014 September 10, 2014 September 10, 2014 live(Falcons)Cameron Wake(Dolphins)DeAndre Levy(Lions)Dan Carpenter(Bills)Matt Bryant(Falcons)2Antonio GatesChargers TE Antonio Gates, Patriots DE Chandler Jones & Bills RB-KR C.J. Spiller named AFC Players of Week 2 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-2-gates-jones-spiller.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140917173409/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-2-gates-jones-spiller.pdf NFL September 17, 2014 September 17, 2014 September 17, 2014 live(Chargers)Darren SprolesEagles RB Darren Sproles, Bears CB Kyle Fuller & Cardinals PR Ted Ginn Jr. named NFC Players of Week 2 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-02-sproles-fuller-ginn.pdf https://web.archive.org/web/20140917173941/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-02-sproles-fuller-ginn.pdf NFL September 17, 2014 September 17, 2014 September 17, 2014 live(Eagles)Chandler Jones(Patriots)Kyle Fuller(Bears)C. J. Spiller(Bills)Ted Ginn Jr.(Cardinals)3Andrew LuckColts QB Andrew Luck, Chargers DE Corey Liuget & Ravens K Justin Tucker Named AFC Players of Week 3 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-3-luck-liuget-tucker.pdf NFL September 24, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006100041/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-3-luck-liuget-tucker.pdf October 6, 2014 live mdy-all (Colts)Matt RyanFalcons QB Matt Ryan, Seahawks S Kam Chancellor & Falcons PR-KR-WR Devin Hester Named NFC Players of Week 3 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-03-ryan-chancellor-hester.pdf NFL September 24, 2014 September 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141007075945/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/week-03-ryan-chancellor-hester.pdf October 7, 2014 live mdy-all (Falcons)Corey Liuget(Chargers)Kam Chancellor(Seahawks)Justin Tucker(Ravens)Devin Hester(Falcons)4Jamaal CharlesChiefs RB Jamaal Charles, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Chargers K Nick Novak named AFC Players of Week 4 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-4-charles-watt-novak.pdf NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141007030420/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-4-charles-watt-novak.pdf October 7, 2014 live mdy-all (Chiefs)Aaron RodgersPackers QB Aaron Rodgers, 49ers S Antoine Bethea & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 4 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-04-rodgers-bethea-sproles.pdf NFL October 1, 2014 October 1, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006132452/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-04-rodgers-bethea-sproles.pdf October 6, 2014 live mdy-all (Packers)J. J. Watt(Texans)Antoine Bethea(49ers)Nick Novak(Chargers)Darren Sproles(Eagles)Sept.Philip RiversChargers QB Philip Rivers, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Colts P Pat McAfee Named AFC Players of Month for September https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/september-rivers-watt-mcafee.pdf NFL October 2, 2014 October 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006202235/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/september-rivers-watt-mcafee.pdf October 6, 2014 live mdy-all (Chargers)DeMarco MurrayCowboys RB DeMarco Murray, Lions LB DeAndre Levy & Seahawks P Jon Ryan Named NFC Players of Month for September https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/september-murray-levy-ryan.pdf NFL October 2, 2014 October 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141006170438/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/september-murray-levy-ryan.pdf October 6, 2014 live mdy-all (Cowboys)J. J. Watt(Texans)DeAndre Levy(Lions)Pat McAfee(Colts)Jon Ryan(Seahawks)5Demaryius ThomasBroncos WR Demaryius Thomas, Bills DT Marcell Dareus & Browns LB Tank Carder named AFC Players of Week 5 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-5-thomas-dareus-carder.pdf NFL October 8, 2014 October 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141024180013/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-5-thomas-dareus-carder.pdf October 24, 2014 live mdy-all (Broncos)Russell WilsonSeahawks QB Russell Wilson, Packers LB Julius Peppers & 49ers K Phil Dawson named NFC Players of Week 5 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-05-wilson-peppers-dawson.pdf NFL October 8, 2014 October 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141024175821/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-05-wilson-peppers-dawson.pdf October 24, 2014 live mdy-all (Seahawks)Marcell Dareus(Bills)Julius Peppers(Packers)Tank Carder(Browns)Phil Dawson(49ers)6Joe FlaccoRavens QB Joe Flacco, Titans DT Jurrell Casey & Colts P Pat McAfee named AFC Players of Week 6 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-6-flacco-casey-mcafee.pdf NFL October 15, 2014 October 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141109165731/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-6-flacco-casey-mcafee.pdf November 9, 2014 live mdy-all (Ravens)Tyron SmithCowboys T Tyron Smith, Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah & Cardinals K Chandler Catanzaro named NFC Players of Week 6 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-06-smith-ansah-catanzaro.pdf NFL October 15, 2014 October 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141109165752/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-06-smith-ansah-catanzaro.pdf November 9, 2014 live mdy-all (Cowboys)Jurrell Casey(Titans)Ezekiel Ansah(Lions)Pat McAfee(Colts)Chandler Catanzaro(Cardinals)7Peyton ManningBroncos QB Peyton Manning, Jaguars LB Telvin Smith & Patriots DT Chris Jones named AFC Players of Week 7 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-7-manning-smith-jones.pdf NFL October 22, 2014 October 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141213235921/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-7-manning-smith-jones.pdf December 13, 2014 live mdy-all (Broncos)Aaron RodgersPackers QB Aaron Rodgers, Redskins LB Keenan Robinson & Rams PR Stedman Bailey named NFC Players of Week 7 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-07-rodgers-robinson-bailey.pdf NFL October 22, 2014 October 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141213235701/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-07-rodgers-robinson-bailey.pdf December 13, 2014 live mdy-all (Packers)Telvin Smith(Jaguars)Keenan Robinson(Redskins)Chris Jones(Patriots)Stedman Bailey(Rams)8Ben RoethlisbergerSteelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Dolphins S Louis Delmas & Chiefs RB-KR Knile Davis named AFC Players of Week 8 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-8-roethlisberger-delmas-davis.pdf NFL October 29, 2014 October 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141219060840/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-8-roethlisberger-delmas-davis.pdf December 19, 2014 live mdy-all (Steelers)Larry FitzgeraldCardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Vikings LB Anthony Barr & Redskins K Kai Forbath named NFC Players of Week 8 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-08-fitzgerald-barr-forbath.pdf NFL October 29, 2014 October 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141219061204/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/week-08-fitzgerald-barr-forbath.pdf December 19, 2014 live mdy-all (Cardinals)Louis Delmas(Dolphins)Anthony Barr(Vikings)Knile Davis(Chiefs)Kai Forbath(Redskins)Oct.Tom BradyTom Brady, DeMarco Murray lead Players of the Month https://www.nfl.com/news/tom-brady-demarco-murray-lead-players-of-the-month-0ap3000000419995 NFL October 30, 2014 October 30, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141030174439/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000419995/article/tom-brady-demarco-murray-lead-players-of-the-month October 30, 2014 live mdy-all (Patriots)DeMarco Murray(Cowboys)Von Miller(Broncos)Everson Griffen(Vikings)Jarvis Landry(Dolphins)Shayne Graham(Saints)9Ben RoethlisbergerSteelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Dolphins CB Brent Grimes & Patriots WR-PR Julian Edelman named AFC Players of Week 9 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-9-roethlisberger-grimes-edelman.pdf NFL November 5, 2014 November 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141220160644/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-9-roethlisberger-grimes-edelman.pdf December 20, 2014 live mdy-all (Steelers)Jeremy MaclinEagles WR Jeremy Maclin, Saints LB Junior Galette & Cardinals ST Justin Bethel named NFC Players of Week 9 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-09-maclin-galette-bethel.pdf NFL November 5, 2014 November 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141220160649/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-09-maclin-galette-bethel.pdf December 20, 2014 live mdy-all (Eagles)Brent Grimes(Dolphins)Junior Galette(Saints)Julian Edelman(Patriots)Justin Bethel(Cardinals)10Justin ForsettRavens RB Justin Forsett, Jets S Jaiquawn Jarrett & Chiefs FB Anthony Sherman named AFC Players of Week 10 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-10-forsett-jarrett-sherman1.pdf NFL November 12, 2014 November 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222015152/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-10-forsett-jarrett-sherman1.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Ravens)Aaron RodgersPackers QB Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 10 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-10-rodgers-peterson-sproles.pdf NFL November 12, 2014 November 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222012743/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-10-rodgers-peterson-sproles.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Packers)Jaiquawn Jarrett(Jets)Patrick Peterson(Cardinals)Anthony Sherman(Chiefs)Darren Sproles(Eagles)11Jonas GrayPatriots RB Jonas Gray, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Chargers P Mike Scifres named AFC Players of Week 11 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-11-gray-watt-scifres.pdf NFL November 19, 2014 November 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222053615/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-11-gray-watt-scifres.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Patriots)Mike EvansBuccaneers WR Mike Evans, 49ers LB Chris Borland & Rams K Greg Zuerlein named NFC Players of Week 11 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-11-evans-borland-zuerlein.pdf NFL November 19, 2014 November 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222053613/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-11-evans-borland-zuerlein.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Buccaneers)J. J. Watt(Texans)Chris Borland(49ers)Mike Scifres(Chargers)Greg Zuerlein(Rams)12Justin ForsettRavens RB Justin Forsett, Raiders S Charles Woodson & Bills RB Boobie Dixon named AFC Players of Week 12 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-12-forsett-woodson-dixon.pdf NFL November 26, 2014 November 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222062144/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-12-forsett-woodson-dixon.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Ravens)Eddie LacyPackers RB Eddie Lacy, Seahawks S Kam Chancellor & Eagles KR Josh Huff named NFC Players of Week 12 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-12-lacy-chancellor-huff.pdf NFL November 26, 2014 November 26, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222062146/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/week-12-lacy-chancellor-huff.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Packers)Charles Woodson(Raiders)Kam Chancellor(Seahawks)Anthony Dixon(Bills)Josh Huff(Eagles)13Ryan FitzpatrickTexans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Colts LB D'Qwell Jackson & Jaguars K Josh Scobee named AFC Players of Week 13 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-13-fitzpatrick-jackson-scobee.pdf NFL December 5, 2014 December 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222205636/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-13-fitzpatrick-jackson-scobee.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Texans)Drew BreesSaints QB Drew Brees, Seahawks CB Richard Sherman & Vikings ST Adam Thielen named NFC Players of Week 13 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-13-brees-sherman-thielen.pdf NFL December 5, 2014 December 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222205550/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-13-brees-sherman-thielen.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Saints)D'Qwell Jackson(Colts)Richard Sherman(Seahawks)Josh Scobee(Jaguars)Adam Thielen(Vikings)Nov.Andrew LuckColts QB Andrew Luck, Bills DE Mario Williams & Ravens K Justin Tucker named AFC Players of the Month for November https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/november-luck-williams-tucker.pdf NFL December 5, 2014 December 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222205738/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/november-luck-williams-tucker.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Colts)Aaron RodgersPackers QB Aaron Rodgers, Eagles LB Connor Barwin & Falcons K Matt Bryant named NFC Players of the Month for November https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/november-rodgers-barwin-bryant.pdf NFL December 5, 2014 December 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222205811/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/november-rodgers-barwin-bryant.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all (Packers)Mario Williams(Bills)Connor Barwin(Eagles)Justin Tucker(Ravens)Matt Bryant(Falcons)14Le'Veon BellSteelers RB Le'Veon Bell, Ravens LB Elvis Dumervil & Patriots P Ryan Allen named AFC Players of Week 14 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-14-bell-dumervil-allen.pdf NFL December 10, 2014 December 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141223095205/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-14-bell-dumervil-allen.pdf December 23, 2014 live mdy-all (Steelers)Cam NewtonPanthers QB Cam Newton, Giants LB Devon Kennard & Rams PR-WR Tavon Austin named NFC Players of Week 14 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-14-newton-kennard-austin.pdf NFL December 10, 2014 December 10, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141223095207/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-14-newton-kennard-austin.pdf December 23, 2014 live mdy-all (Panthers)Elvis Dumervil(Ravens)Devon Kennard(Giants)Ryan Allen(Patriots)Tavon Austin(Rams)15Jeremy HillBengals RB Jeremy Hill, Broncos CB Aqib Talib & Chiefs PR-RB De'Anthony Thomas named AFC Players of Week 15 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-15-hill-talib-thomas.pdf NFL December 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141224080000/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-15-hill-talib-thomas.pdf December 24, 2014 live mdy-all(Bengals)Dez BryantCowboys WR Dez Bryant, Lions S Glover Quin & Cardinals K Chandler Catanzaro named NFC Players of Week 15 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-15-bryant-quin-catanzaro.pdf NFL December 18, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141224082814/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-15-bryant-quin-catanzaro.pdf December 24, 2014 live mdy-all(Cowboys)Aqib Talib(Broncos)Glover Quin(Lions)De'Anthony Thomas(Chiefs)Chandler Catanzaro(Cardinals)16Philip RiversChargers QB Philip Rivers, Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick & Texans K Randy Bullock named AFC Players of Week 16 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-16-rivers-kirkpatrick-bullock.pdf NFL December 24, 2014 December 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303195137/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-16-rivers-kirkpatrick-bullock.pdf March 3, 2016 live mdy-all (Chargers)Russell WilsonSeahawks QB Russell Wilson, Packers LB Clay Matthews & Falcons P Matt Bosher named NFC Players of Week 16 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-16-wilson-matthews-bosher.pdf NFL December 24, 2014 December 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190205/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-16-wilson-matthews-bosher.pdf March 3, 2016 live mdy-all (Seahawks)Dre Kirkpatrick(Bengals)Clay Matthews(Packers)Randy Bullock(Texans)Matt Bosher(Falcons)17C. J. AndersonBroncos RB C.J. Anderson, Colts LB Jonathan Newsome & Steelers WR-PR Antonio Brown named AFC Players of Week 17 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-17-anderson-newsome-brown.pdf NFL December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101203449/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-17-anderson-newsome-brown.pdf January 1, 2015 live mdy-all (Broncos)Aaron RodgersPackers QB Aaron Rodgers, Panthers S Roman Harper & Packers PR Micah Hyde named NFC Players of Week 17 https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-17-rodgers-harper-hyde.pdf NFL December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101203431/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/week-17-rodgers-harper-hyde.pdf January 1, 2015 live mdy-all (Packers)Jonathan Newsome(Colts)Roman Harper(Panthers)Antonio Brown(Steelers)Micah Hyde(Packers)Dec.Antonio BrownSteelers Antonio Brown, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Broncos K Connor Barth Named AFC Players of Month for December https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/december-brown-watt-barth.pdf NFL December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101203548/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/december-brown-watt-barth.pdf January 1, 2015 live mdy-all (Steelers)Tony RomoCowboys QB Tony Romo, Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner & Cardinals Special Teamer Justin Bethel Named NFC Players of Month for December https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/december-romo-wagner-bethel.pdf NFL December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101203700/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/december-romo-wagner-bethel.pdf January 1, 2015 live mdy-all (Cowboys)J. J. Watt(Texans)Bobby Wagner(Seahawks)Connor Barth(Broncos)Justin Bethel(Cardinals) WeekFedEx AirPlayer of the Weekhttp://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2014/REG/1 FedEx Air and Ground Players of the Week NFL.com September 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140912012008/http://www.nfl.com/voting/players-air-and-ground/2014/REG/1 September 12, 2014 live mdy-all (Quarterbacks)FedEx GroundPlayer of the Week(Running Backs)Pepsi NextRookie of the Weekhttp://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2014/REG/1 Pepsi Next Rookie of the Week NFL.com September 12, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140912010849/http://www.nfl.com/voting/rookies/2014/REG/1 September 12, 2014 live mdy-all 1Matt Ryan(Falcons)Knowshon Moreno(Dolphins)Kelvin Benjamin(Panthers)2Philip Rivers(Chargers)DeMarco Murray(Cowboys)Sammy Watkins(Bills)3Kirk Cousins(Redskins)Le'Veon Bell(Steelers)Kyle Fuller(Bears)4Philip Rivers(Chargers)DeMarco Murray(Cowboys)Teddy Bridgewater(Vikings)5Peyton Manning(Broncos)DeMarco Murray(Cowboys)Branden Oliver(Chargers)6Joe Flacco(Ravens)DeMarco Murray(Cowboys)Branden Oliver(Chargers)7Peyton Manning(Broncos)DeMarco Murray(Cowboys)Sammy Watkins(Bills)8Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers)Mark Ingram II(Saints)Sammy Watkins(Bills)9Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers)Jeremy Hill(Bengals)Jeremy Hill(Bengals)10Aaron Rodgers(Packers)Marshawn Lynch(Seahawks)Chris Borland(49ers)11Aaron Rodgers(Packers)Le'Veon Bell(Steelers)Chris Borland(49ers)12Tony Romo(Cowboys)Justin Forsett(Ravens)Odell Beckham Jr.(Giants)13Ryan Fitzpatrick(Texans)C. J. Anderson(Broncos)Teddy Bridgewater(Vikings)14Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers)Le'Veon Bell(Steelers)Derek Carr(Raiders)15Ben Roethlisberger(Steelers)Jeremy Hill(Bengals)Odell Beckham Jr.(Giants)16Philip Rivers(Chargers)Marshawn Lynch(Seahawks)Odell Beckham Jr.(Giants)17Joe Flacco(Ravens)Lamar Miller(Dolphins)Odell Beckham Jr.(Giants) MonthRookie of the MonthOffensiveDefensiveSept.Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin & Bears CB Kyle Fuller Named NFL Rookies of Month for September https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/september-kelvin-benjamin-kyle-fuller.pdf NFL October 2, 2014 October 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141007024229/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/september-kelvin-benjamin-kyle-fuller.pdf October 7, 2014 live mdy-all Kelvin Benjamin(Panthers)Kyle Fuller(Bears)Oct.Bills WR Sammy Watkins & Ravens LB C.J. Mosley Named NFL Rookies of Month for October https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/october-sammy-watkins-cj-mosley.pdf NFL October 31, 2014 October 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304042052/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/october-sammy-watkins-cj-mosley.pdf March 4, 2016 live mdy-all Sammy Watkins(Bills)C. J. Mosley(Ravens)Nov.Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr. & 49ers LB Chris Borland NFL Rookies of Month for November https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/november-odell-beckham-jr-chris-borland.pdf NFL December 5, 2014 December 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141222205735/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/november-odell-beckham-jr-chris-borland.pdf December 22, 2014 live mdy-all Odell Beckham Jr.(Giants)Chris Borland(49ers)Dec.Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr. & Ravens LB C.J. Mosley NFL Rookies of Month for December https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/december-odell-beckham-jr-cj-mosley.pdf NFL December 31, 2014 December 31, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20150101203637/https://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/2014/12/december-odell-beckham-jr-cj-mosley.pdf January 1, 2015 live mdy-all Odell Beckham Jr.(Giants)C. J. Mosley(Ravens) Head coach/front office personnel changes Head coach Offseason Team 2013 head coach(at start of season) 2013 interim head coach Reason for leaving 2014 replacement NotesHouston TexansGary KubiakWade Phillips FiredBill O'Brien American footballBill O'Brien to be Texans coach https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10231285/bill-obrien-hired-new-coach-houston-texans ESPN.com January 2, 2014 January 2, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140102193805/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10231285/bill-obrien-hired-new-coach-houston-texans January 2, 2014 live mdy-all Kubiak was fired on December 6, 2013, after accumulating a 61–63 record in just under eight seasons as the Texans' head coach. Wade Phillips was named the interim head coach for the remainder of the 2013 season.Sessler, Marc Gary Kubiak fired as Houston Texans head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/gary-kubiak-fired-as-houston-texans-head-coach-0ap2000000293330 NFL.com December 6, 2013 December 6, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131212111218/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000293330/article/gary-kubiak-out-as-houston-texans-head-coach December 12, 2013 live mdy-all Kubiak joined the Baltimore Ravens as offensive coordinator. O'Brien spent the past two seasons as the Penn State head coach and previously as a New England Patriots assistant.Cleveland Browns Rob ChudzinskiMike Pettine Chudzinski was fired on December 29, 2013, after going 4–12 in his only season as Browns head coach.Sessler Marc https://www.nfl.com/news/rob-chudzinski-fired-by-cleveland-browns-0ap2000000305869 Rob Chudzinski fired by Cleveland Browns National Football League December 29, 2013 December 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232009/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000305869/article/rob-chudzinski-fired-by-cleveland-browns December 30, 2013 live mdy-all Chudzinski joined the Indianapolis Colts as a special assistant to the head coach.Brinson Will http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24435988/colts-hire-rob-chudzinski-as-special-assistant-to-head-coach Colts hire Rob Chudzinski as special assistant to head coach CBS Sports February 8, 2014 February 8, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140208192208/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24435988/colts-hire-rob-chudzinski-as-special-assistant-to-head-coach February 8, 2014 live mdy-all Pettine was the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator last season.Rosenthal, Gregg Mike Pettine hired as Cleveland Browns' next coach https://www.nfl.com/news/mike-pettine-hired-as-cleveland-browns-next-coach-0ap2000000316434 NFL.com January 23, 2014 January 23, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140125062843/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000316434/article/mike-pettine-to-be-hired-as-cleveland-browns-coach January 25, 2014 live mdy-all Detroit Lions Jim SchwartzJim Caldwell American football Schwartz was fired on December 30, 2013, after a 1–6 stumble to end the 2013 season despite having led the NFC North earlier in the season. He finished with a 29–51 record over five seasons.Patra Kevin https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-schwartz-fired-by-detroit-lions-after-five-seasons-0ap2000000307053 Jim Schwartz fired by Detroit Lions after five seasons National Football League December 30, 2013 December 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233705/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000307053/article/jim-schwartz-fired-by-detroit-lions-after-five-seasons December 30, 2013 live mdy-all Schwartz joined the Buffalo Bills as defensive coordinator. Caldwell was hired as head coach on January 14. He had been head coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2009 to 2011 and finished with a 26–22 record. For the last year and a half, he was the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.https://www.nfl.com/news/jim-caldwell-hired-by-detroit-lions-as-next-coach-0ap2000000313063 Jim Caldwell hired by Detroit Lions as next coach NFL.com 2013-08-30 2014-04-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20140116085104/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000313063/article/jim-caldwell-to-be-hired-by-detroit-lions-as-coach January 16, 2014 live mdy-all Minnesota Vikings Leslie FrazierMike Zimmer Frazier was fired on December 30, 2013, after more than three seasons as Vikings head coach, ending 2013 with a 5–10–1 record, and his tenure with Minnesota at 21–32–1.https://www.foxnews.com/sports/vikings-fire-leslie-frazier/ Vikings fire Leslie Frazier Fox News Channel December 30, 2013 December 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140102153110/http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2013/12/30/vikings-fire-leslie-frazier/ January 2, 2014 live mdy-all Frazier joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as defensive coordinator. Zimmer was hired on January 15 and this is his first head-coaching position. He had been the defensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals since 2008. He was also the defensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 and the Dallas Cowboys from 2000 to 2006.http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/15/vikings-hire-mike-zimmer-as-next-head-coach/ Vikings hire Mike Zimmer as next head coach ProFootballTalk Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com January 15, 2014 2014-04-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20140116100933/http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/15/vikings-hire-mike-zimmer-as-next-head-coach/ January 16, 2014 live mdy-all Tampa Bay Buccaneers Greg SchianoLovie SmithLovie Smith Returns to Coach Buccaneers http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Lovie-Smith-Returns-to-Coach-Buccaneers/86627244-4cd3-453f-a0af-9c90b248714c January 2, 2014 January 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140103024324/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Lovie-Smith-Returns-to-Coach-Buccaneers/86627244-4cd3-453f-a0af-9c90b248714c January 3, 2014 dead mdy-all Schiano was fired on December 30, 2013, along with GM Mark Dominik. Schiano was 11–21 as head coach over two seasons.Brinson Will http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24391908/report-greg-schiano-and-gm-mark-dominik-fired-by-buccaneers Greg Schiano and GM Mark Dominik fired by Buccaneers CBS Sports December 30, 2013 December 30, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131231025110/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24391908/report-greg-schiano-and-gm-mark-dominik-fired-by-buccaneers December 31, 2013 live mdy-all Smith, a former Buccaneers assistant, served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012.Tennessee Titans Mike MunchakKen Whisenhunt Munchak was fired on January 4, 2014, after three seasons as Titans head coach, ending his 32-season tenure with the team. He was 22–26 as head coach.https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10242606/mike-munchak-fired-tennessee-titans Titans fire coach Mike Munchak ESPN.com January 4, 2014 January 4, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140104222817/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10242606/mike-munchak-fired-tennessee-titans January 4, 2014 live mdy-all Munchak joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as offensive line coach. Whisenhunt was previously the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2007 to 2012, compiling a record of 45–51, and served as the offensive coordinator of the San Diego Chargers in 2013.Washington Redskins Mike ShanahanJay Gruden Shanahan and his staff (except for defensive coordinator Jim Haslett) were fired on December 30, 2013, after a 3–13 record in 2013 and a 24–40 career regular season record with the Redskins.http://nfl.si.com/2013/12/30/mike-shanahan-fired-washington-redskins/?section=si_latest Mike Shanahan fired by Washington Redskins after four seasons Sports Illustrated December 30, 2013 December 30, 2013 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233934/http://nfl.si.com/2013/12/30/mike-shanahan-fired-washington-redskins/?section=si_latest December 30, 2013 mdy-all Gruden, who had spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals, had previously served as head coach of the Florida Tuskers of the UFL and Orlando Predators of the AFL.Jay Gruden expected to be hired as Redskins coach https://web.archive.org/web/20150514132248/http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/football-insider/wp/2014/01/09/jay-gruden-expected-to-be-hired-as-redskins-coach/ May 14, 2015 . The Washington Post. Retrieved January 9, 2014. In-season Team 2014 head coach Reason for leaving Interim head coach NotesOakland RaidersDennis Allen American football Fired Tony Sparano Allen was fired on September 29 after an 8–28 record as Raiders head coach, and an 0–4 start to the season.https://www.nfl.com/news/raiders-fire-dennis-allen-after-two-plus-seasons-0ap3000000403246 Raiders fire Dennis Allen after two-plus seasons National Football League September 29, 2014 September 29, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141001034403/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000403246/article/raiders-fire-dennis-allen-after-twoplus-seasons October 1, 2014 live mdy-all Sparano was named interim head coach on September 30. Sparano previously served as the Miami Dolphins' head coach from 2008 to 2011,Hanzus, Dan Tony Sparano named Raiders' interim head coach https://www.nfl.com/news/tony-sparano-named-raiders-interim-head-coach-0ap3000000403464 NFL.com September 30, 2014 September 30, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141003153927/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000403464/article/tony-sparano-to-be-raiders-interim-head-coach October 3, 2014 live mdy-all amassing a record of 29–32. Front office Offseason Team Position 2013 office holder Reason for leaving 2014 replacement Notes Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Mark DominikFired Jason LichtSessler Marc Jason Licht hired as Tampa Bay Buccaneers' GM https://www.nfl.com/news/jason-licht-hired-as-tampa-bay-buccaneers-gm-0ap2000000316199 Around the League (blog) NFL.com May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140221210627/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000316199/article/jason-licht-hired-as-tampa-bay-buccaneers-gm February 21, 2014 January 21, 2014 live Dominik was fired on December 30, 2013. He was replaced by Licht who had been the vice president of player personnel of the Arizona Cardinals in 2013. Prior to that Licht had served as the Cardinals director of player personnel and had also worked in the front offices of the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. He got his start in the NFL as a scout with the Patriots, Panthers and Dolphins. Cleveland Browns GM Mike Lombardi Michael Lombardi (American football)Cabot Mary Kay Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi ended on bad terms with each other, and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam wiped out both http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/02/joe_banner_and_mike_lombardi_e.html May 6, 2014 The Plain Dealer February 13, 2014 http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20140228184159/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/02/joe_banner_and_mike_lombardi_e.html February 28, 2014 live Ray FarmerCabot Mary Kay CLEVELAND BROWNS SHAKEUP: Joe Banner out as CEO, Mike Lombardi out as General Manager http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/02/cleveland_browns_shakeup_joe_b.html May 6, 2014 The Plain Dealer February 11, 2014 https://archive.today/20140213180630/http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/02/cleveland_browns_shakeup_joe_b.html February 13, 2014 live Lombardi and Banner were fired by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam on February 11 after a lengthy coaching search revealed discord between the two executives. Farmer was promoted from assistant GM to replace Lombardi while no replacement for Banner as CEO was named.King Peter Why The Browns Blew Up The Franchise ... Again http://mmqb.si.com/2014/02/12/cleveland-browns-jimmy-haslam-fires-joe-banner/ Sports Illustrated MMQB.com May 6, 2014 Peter King (sportswriter) https://web.archive.org/web/20140222230737/http://mmqb.si.com/2014/02/12/cleveland-browns-jimmy-haslam-fires-joe-banner/ February 22, 2014 February 12, 2014 live CEO Joe Banner not replaced Miami Dolphins GM Jeff IrelandHanzus Dan Jeff Ireland, Miami Dolphins mutually part ways https://www.nfl.com/news/jeff-ireland-miami-dolphins-mutually-part-ways-0ap2000000310576 Around the League (blog) NFL.com May 6, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140126121347/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000310576/article/jeff-ireland-miami-dolphins-mutually-part-ways January 26, 2014 January 7, 2014 live Mutual agreement Dennis Hickey Dennis Hickey (American football)Beasley Adam H. Miami Dolphins hire Tampa Bay Bucs' Dennis Hickey as team GM http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/27/3894310/miami-dolphins-hire-tampa-bay.html May 6, 2014 The Miami Herald January 27, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140330061821/http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/01/27/3894310/miami-dolphins-hire-tampa-bay.html March 30, 2014 live Ireland and the Dolphins announced on January 7 that he was leaving the team in the "mutual best interest" of both parties, although it was reported that Ireland was to have been stripped of powers had he remained with the team. He had been in the role since 2008. Dennis Hickey was hired to replace Ireland on January 27. He had been the director of player personnel of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since 2011. Prior to that he had been the Bucs' director of college scouting after starting with the team as a scout. Denver Broncos CEO Pat Bowlen Resigned Joe Ellis Bowlen resigned his post as CEO and relinquished control of his team on July 23, 2014. Since 2010, he had previously moved most of his duties to team president Joe Ellis and executive vice president/general manager John Elway, following a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. Stadium changes Levi's Stadium, the new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers, opened in July 2014.Rodriguez Juan 49ers Stadium will be ready for 2014 NFL season http://construction.about.com/b/2013/01/27/49ers-stadium-will-be-ready-for-2014-nfl-season.htm About.com January 27, 2013 February 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140414070402/http://construction.about.com/b/2013/01/27/49ers-stadium-will-be-ready-for-2014-nfl-season.htm April 14, 2014 live The stadium is located in Santa Clara, California, directly west of the 49ers long-existing team offices and practice facility, and hosted Super Bowl 50 in early 2016.Rosenthal Gregg San Francisco awarded Super Bowl L; Houston lands LI https://www.nfl.com/news/san-francisco-awarded-super-bowl-l-houston-lands-li-0ap1000000205086 NFL.com Around the League (blog) May 21, 2013 October 29, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20140319032303/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000205086/article/san-francisco-awarded-super-bowl-l-houston-lands-li March 19, 2014 live In November 2013, stadium and team officials requested that the NFL not schedule any weekday home games during the preseason or regular season – including Monday and Thursday Night Football – due to parking issues within the area. The plan was to borrow parking facilities from nearby businesses and a community college, but the concern was that those entities would have the parking needs on weekdays.Matier Phil Lack of Parking Means No Monday Night Football At Levi's Stadium http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/12/09/phil-matier-lack-of-parking-means-no-monday-night-football-at-levis-stadium/ KPIX-TV Sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com December 9, 2013 December 31, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20131231203250/http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2013/12/09/phil-matier-lack-of-parking-means-no-monday-night-football-at-levis-stadium/ December 31, 2013 live Two months later (January 2014), the Santa Clara City Council approved a two-year deal with the Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club that would have opened up 10,000 additional parking spaces within walking distance of Levi's Stadium, as well as reimbursed the club $250,000 for each year, which also would have enabled the 49ers to host Monday and Thursday night games for both the 2014 and 2015 seasons.Rosenberg, Mike 49ers new stadium adding 10,000 parking spaces; Monday night games back on http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_24912998/49ers-new-stadium-adding-10-000-parking-spaces San Jose Mercury News January 15, 2014 January 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140117020559/http://www.mercurynews.com/southbayfootball/ci_24912998/49ers-new-stadium-adding-10-000-parking-spaces January 17, 2014 live mdy-all However, the NFL decided not to schedule the 49ers for any weeknight prime-time games at Levi's Stadium during the 2014 season until traffic flow within the area is figured out.Biggs, Brad NFL uncertain of release date for 2014 schedule https://www.chicagotribune.com/2014/03/25/nfl-uncertain-of-release-date-for-2014-schedule/ Chicago Tribune March 25, 2014 March 25, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140327025015/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2014-03-25/sports/chi-nfl-2014-schedule-release-date-20140325_1_2014-schedule-night-game-bears March 27, 2014 live mdy-all An exception was made for Thanksgiving, when the regular work traffic and parking would not be an issue.Biggs, Brad NFL schedule to be announced Wednesday http://www.chatsports.com/san-francisco-49ers/a/NFL-schedule-to-be-announced-Wednesday-0-9712540 CSN Bay Area chatsports.com April 22, 2014 April 24, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140426235133/http://www.chatsports.com/san-francisco-49ers/a/NFL-schedule-to-be-announced-Wednesday-0-9712540 April 26, 2014 live mdy-all Reliant Stadium, the home of the Houston Texans, was renamed NRG Stadium. Reliant Energy, which held the naming rights to the Texans' home field since their inaugural 2002 season, was previously purchased in 2009 by its parent company NRG Energy.Collier, Kiah Reliant Stadium to be rebranded with the NRG name http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Reliant-Stadium-to-be-rebranded-with-the-NRG-name-5332768.php Houston Chronicle March 19, 2014 March 19, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140714152839/http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Reliant-Stadium-to-be-rebranded-with-the-NRG-name-5332768.php July 14, 2014 live mdy-all The Minnesota Vikings played their first of two consecutive seasons at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, as they awaited the construction of a new stadium at the site of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.Christopher Gates Vikings Might Have Two Seasons At TCF Bank Stadium Instead Of One http://www.dailynorseman.com/2012/8/17/3249855/vikings-might-have-two-seasons-at-tcf-bank-stadium-instead-of-one SB Nation Daily Norseman August 17, 2012 February 2, 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20121024050413/http://www.dailynorseman.com/2012/8/17/3249855/vikings-might-have-two-seasons-at-tcf-bank-stadium-instead-of-one October 24, 2012 live mdy-all Due to an agreement with the University of Minnesota, the Vikings did not host any Monday or Thursday night games at the stadium. The only exceptions would have been during Thanksgiving (in which the Vikings were not scheduled), Week 16 (which occurs after the university's academic finals), or times when the university is in recess in order to minimize the disruption of on-campus operations, and the Vikings also would have had to plan around the Gophers' home schedule and other UM events, including student move-in week and academic finals.http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/253948381.html Monday night home games difficult for Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium Tesfatsion Master 4 April 2014 Star Tribune 16 April 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140407113717/http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikings/blogs/253948381.html April 7, 2014 live mdy-all The Oakland Raiders' lease on O.co Coliseum expired after the 2013 season. The Raiders played at the stadium for seven of their 2014 home games under a one-year emergency extension but its future after that remained unclear.Killion, Ann (December 29, 2013). Raiders' stagnation offers no reason for hope https://web.archive.org/web/20140127212407/http://www.sfgate.com/raiders/article/Raiders-stagnation-offers-no-reason-for-hope-5100836.php January 27, 2014 . San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved January 27, 2014. "Will the Raiders, who signed a one-year lease to stay at the Coliseum through 2014, stay in Oakland beyond next year? " Prior to the season, the Raiders had announced their eighth home game was to be played at Wembley Stadium as part of the International Series.Roth, Leo (March 5, 2014). Bills should sack Toronto series https://web.archive.org/web/20200930164619/https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/columnist/roth/2014/03/05/leo-roth-buffalo-bills-toronto-series-postponed/6084799/ September 30, 2020 . Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved March 5, 2014. Uniforms The Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled a new logo and helmet on February 20, 2014,Smith, Scott Bucs Unveil Enhanced Logo and Helmet http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Bucs-Unveil-Enhanced-Logo-and-Helmet/744d6357-fe9f-4ecd-bda4-2dc05ff0f2d3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers February 20, 2014 February 20, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140225021748/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-smith/Bucs-Unveil-Enhanced-Logo-and-Helmet/744d6357-fe9f-4ecd-bda4-2dc05ff0f2d3 February 25, 2014 dead mdy-all as well as a new uniform on March 3.New Uniform Design Unveiled http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/New-Uniform-Design-Unveiled/b8944519-d276-482a-a9e7-d800fabb9401 Tampa Bay Buccaneers March 3, 2014 March 3, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140310183136/http://www.buccaneers.com/news/article-1/New-Uniform-Design-Unveiled/b8944519-d276-482a-a9e7-d800fabb9401 March 10, 2014 dead mdy-all The team also wore a patch with the initials of late owner Malcolm Glazer who died on May 28 at the age of 85.Bucs to wear 'MG' patch in 2014 https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11317329/tampa-bay-buccaneers-honor-late-owner-malcolm-glazer-patch ESPN August 6, 2014 August 1, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20151123185105/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11317329/tampa-bay-buccaneers-honor-late-owner-malcolm-glazer-patch November 23, 2015 live mdy-all The Philadelphia Eagles wore their alternate black jerseys during a preseason game against the New England Patriots as well as for their Week 6 game vs. the New York Giants, the latter of which marked the first time in franchise history that the team wore all black.Philadelphia Eagles set to wear all black uniforms for first time ever Sunday https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-sports-minute/philadelphia-eagles-set-to-wear-all-black-uniforms-for-first-time-ever-sunday-050526538.html Yahoo Sports October 8, 2014 October 9, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141010141748/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/yahoo-sports-minute/philadelphia-eagles-set-to-wear-all-black-uniforms-for-first-time-ever-sunday-050526538.html October 10, 2014 live mdy-all This was the result of the team upgrading their uniforms to take advantage of the "Elite 51" technology from Nike, which most teams had been using since 2012. The team's standard "midnight green" jerseys did not become available until their Week 10 game vs. the Carolina Panthers, because midnight green was considered a custom color and took longer to produce.Eagles To Wear Black For Early Part Of Season http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/08/15/eagles-to-wear-black-for-early-part-of-season/ CBS Philly August 15, 2014 August 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140816183845/http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2014/08/15/eagles-to-wear-black-for-early-part-of-season/ August 16, 2014 live mdy-all Shorr-Parks, Eliot Eagles announce upgrades to jerseys using new Nike technology http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2014/08/eagles_announce_upgrades_to_their_jerseys_using_new_nike_technology.html NJ.com August 15, 2014 August 15, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140818205053/http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2014/08/eagles_announce_upgrades_to_their_jerseys_using_new_nike_technology.html August 18, 2014 live mdy-all The Detroit Lions wore patches with the initials of late owner William Clay Ford Sr. who died on March 9 at the age of 88.Rothstein, Michael Lions to wear Ford Sr. jersey patch https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/11244311/detroit-lions-wear-patch-honoring-late-owner-william-clay-ford-sr ESPN July 21, 2014 July 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140722164218/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11244311/detroit-lions-wear-patch-honoring-late-owner-william-clay-ford-sr July 22, 2014 live mdy-all The Buffalo Bills wore patches with the initials of late owner Ralph Wilson who died on March 25 at the age of 95.Buffalo bills to don Ralph Wilson patches https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/10902759/buffalo-bills-honor-ralph-c-wilson-late-owner-jersey-patches ESPN May 8, 2014 August 1, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150927054834/http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10902759/buffalo-bills-honor-ralph-c-wilson-late-owner-jersey-patches September 27, 2015 live mdy-all The Tennessee Titans wore their white jerseys for every game during the 2014 season, for the exception of their Week 8 game vs. the Houston Texans, in which the Titans wore their alternate navy blue jerseys.Wyatt, Jim Titans will stick with white jerseys http://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/11/20/titans-white-nfl-tennessee/70021822/ The Tennessean November 21, 2014 November 21, 2014 April 29, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210429204812/https://www.tennessean.com/story/titansinsider/2014/11/20/titans-white-nfl-tennessee/70021822/ live The team did wear their standard light "Titans blue" jerseys for both of their preseason home games. Tommy Smith, who was named the new Titans' president and CEO following the death of longtime owner Bud Adams in 2013, indicated that the light "Titans Blue" jerseys, which had been the team's primary colored jersey since 2008, were being phased out. The navy blue jerseys, which were the Titans' primary colored jerseys from 1999 to 2007, returned as the team's primary home jersey beginning in 2015.Kuharsky, Paul Titans mailbag: Taking on your questions https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/10861/titans-mailbag-taking-on-your-questions ESPN November 22, 2014 November 22, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141125064814/http://espn.go.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/10861/titans-mailbag-taking-on-your-questions November 25, 2014 live mdy-all Kuharsky, Paul RTC: It's white the rest of the way for Titans https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/10844/rtc-its-white-the-rest-of-the-way-for-titans?ex_cid=espnapi_public ESPN November 21, 2014 November 21, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141129065953/http://espn.go.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/10844/rtc-its-white-the-rest-of-the-way-for-titans?ex_cid=espnapi_public November 29, 2014 live mdy-all The Pittsburgh Steelers honored the 40th anniversary of their first Super Bowl winning team, Super Bowl IX, during their Week 13 game against the New Orleans Saints at Heinz Field on Sunday, November 30 by wearing a special patch and honored the players at halftime. As it also served as the team's annual alumni weekend,Steelers To Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Team's First Championship https://web.archive.org/web/20140612002026/http://www.steelers.com/news/article-1/Steelers-To-Celebrate-40th-Anniversary-of-Teams-First-Championship/faaecc14-233e-4b73-b4e5-71e5c86b8e15 June 12, 2014 Pittsburgh Steelers (06/09/2014) the team wore their standard home uniforms for the game, opting instead to wear their alternate 1934 "Bumblebee" throwbacks against the Indianapolis Colts on October 26.Bryan, Dave Steelers To Wear Bumblebee Throwback Jerseys In 2014 Against Colts http://www.steelersdepot.com/2014/06/steelers-wear-1934-bumblebee-throwback-jerseys-2014-colts/ Pittsburgh Steelers June 12, 2014 June 12, 2014 mdy-all June 2022 medicmedic The New York Giants wore a patch commemorating their 90th season.http://www.giants.com/photos/photos/Giants-unveil-90th-season-patch/c1d2fb2b-64b7-4255-b7cf-40c46c86a638 Giants unveil 90th season patch Giants.com 2014-06-24 2015-06-10 https://web.archive.org/web/20140702143616/http://www.giants.com/photos/photos/Giants-unveil-90th-season-patch/c1d2fb2b-64b7-4255-b7cf-40c46c86a638 July 2, 2014 dead mdy-all The Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars wore patches to commemorate the 20th season of play for both franchises.http://cover32.com/jaguars/2014/05/13/jacksonville-jaguars-to-wear-commemorative-patch-in-2014/ Jacksonville Jaguars to wear commemorative patch in 2014 cover32.com 2014-05-13 2015-08-01 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20140904103857/http://cover32.com/jaguars/2014/05/13/jacksonville-jaguars-to-wear-commemorative-patch-in-2014/ September 4, 2014 mdy-all Media 2014 was the first season under a nine-year television contract with CBS (almost all AFC afternoon away games), Fox (almost all NFC afternoon away games), NBC (Sunday Night Football games, Thanksgiving night game, and the Kickoff game); and an eight-year contract with ESPN (Monday Night Football games).Updated: ESPN Kicks Off New Eight-Year, $14 Billion NFL Deal https://web.archive.org/web/20120802084109/http://www.multichannel.com/article/473506-Updated_ESPN_Kicks_Off_New_Eight_Year_14_Billion_NFL_Deal.php August 2, 2012 Multichannel News September 8, 2011The Tradition Continues: NFL to Remain on Network TV https://web.archive.org/web/20120107195844/http://nflcommunications.com/2011/12/14/the-tradition-continues-nfl-to-remain-on-broadcast-tv/ January 7, 2012 , NFL Press Release, December 14, 2011 Among the changes from the previous television contracts were allowing games to be "cross-flexed" between CBS and Fox, enabling CBS to televise NFC away games, and Fox to broadcast AFC away games (see above). NBC was given the rights to broadcast a Divisional playoff game, and their Spanish language sister network Mun2 simulcasted select NBC games, with Spanish language graphics and play-by-play during the Thanksgiving game; Mun2 changed their branding to the more sports-centric NBC Universo with their Spanish simulcast of Super Bowl XLIX. The contract also allowed ESPN to televise a Wild Card playoff game (which, like other NFL games carried on cable, was simulcast on an over-the-air station in each of the team's primary market). In addition, ESPN began exclusively televising all Pro Bowls for the next eight seasons. Under a new, one-year contract, CBS also took over the production of Thursday Night Football and aired the first eight games of the package, plus half of a Week 16 Saturday doubleheader, in simulcast with NFL Network. The arrangement was meant to bring more prominence and higher production values to TNF, which had historically hosted the league's least-watched primetime games.How CBS won Thursday night http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/02/10/Media/NFL-CBS.aspx 17 September 2014 Sports Business Daily https://web.archive.org/web/20150107163720/http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2014/02/10/Media/NFL-CBS.aspx January 7, 2015 live mdy-allCBS to broadcast NFL games on Thursday in 2014 https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/02/05/cbs-thursday-tv-games-nfl-network/5227869/ USA Today 5 February 2014 Reid Cherner February 5, 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20170710032146/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/02/05/cbs-thursday-tv-games-nfl-network/5227869/ July 10, 2017 live mdy-all As part of the arrangement, CBS affiliates were given the right of first refusal to air the required local simulcasts of TNF games solely broadcast elsewhere by NFL Network.Panthers' blowout loss sinks TV interest, too http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/queen_city_agenda/2014/10/panthers-blowout-loss-sinks-tv-interest-too.html Charlotte Business Journal 23 October 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20141029021046/http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/blog/queen_city_agenda/2014/10/panthers-blowout-loss-sinks-tv-interest-too.html October 29, 2014 live mdy-allBengals-Browns game on WLWT-TV on Thursday http://www.cincinnati.com/story/tvandmediablog/2014/11/03/bengals-wlwt-tv-nfl-network-phil-simms-jim-nantz-thursday-night-football-sunday-night-football-cris-collinsworth/18418247/ Cincinnati.com Gannett 9 December 2014 September 13, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190913034001/https://www.cincinnati.com/story/tvandmediablog/2014/11/03/bengals-wlwt-tv-nfl-network-phil-simms-jim-nantz-thursday-night-football-sunday-night-football-cris-collinsworth/18418247/ live The agreement was renewed for the 2015 season.https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/cbs-nfl-renew-deal-for-thursday-night-football-1201408283/ CBS, NFL Renew Deal For 'Thursday Night Football' Steinberg Brian 18 January 2015 Variety 18 January 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20180112214741/https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/cbs-nfl-renew-deal-for-thursday-night-football-1201408283/ January 12, 2018 live mdy-all CBS made several personnel changes following the retirements of Don Criqui, Marv Albert, and Dan Dierdorf from the NFL broadcast booth. Brian Anderson and Tom McCarthy joined as play-by-play announcers, while Chris Simms (Phil Simms' son) and Trent Green joined as color commentators, both of whom come over from Fox Sports. CBS used a three-man announcing crew of Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein and Steve Tasker on select regional NFL games, a departure from the typical practice of reserving three-man crews for national and high-profile contests.Pergament, Alan (June 10, 2014). Tasker to be part of three-man booth at CBS https://web.archive.org/web/20140714231255/http://blogs.buffalonews.com/talkintv/2014/06/tasker-to-be-part-of-three-man-booth-at-cbs.html July 14, 2014 . The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 10, 2014. Mike Carey joined the broadcast team as the network's in-house rules expert.CBS finally hires a rules expert, pulling Mike Carey off the field https://web.archive.org/web/20140703101307/http://awfulannouncing.com/2014/cbs-finally-hires-a-rules-expert-pulling-mike-carey-off-the-field.html July 3, 2014 . AwfulAnnouncing.com. Retrieved July 1, 2014. Jim Nantz and Phil Simms handled play-by-play for the Thursday Night Football games. There were also changes to The NFL Today, as Shannon Sharpe and Dan Marino both left the panel, replaced by Bart Scott and Tony Gonzalez.https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/02/18/cbs-tony-gonzalez-shannon-sharpe-dan-marino/5580021/ CBS hires Tony Gonzalez, parts with two Hall-of-Fame analysts usatoday.com Nate Davis 2014-02-18 2014-02-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20170807162634/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2014/02/18/cbs-tony-gonzalez-shannon-sharpe-dan-marino/5580021/ August 7, 2017 live mdy-all On Fox, the most notable personnel change was the demotion of Pam Oliver, Fox's top sideline reporter for nearly 20 years, to the second broadcast team as Erin Andrews took over the spot on the first broadcast team.Deitsch, Richard (July 14, 2014). Erin Andrews replaces Pam Oliver on Fox's No. 1 NFL team https://web.archive.org/web/20171122203711/https://www.si.com/nfl/2014/07/14/pam-oliver-erin-andrews-fox November 22, 2017 . Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 23, 2014. Other personnel changes include the additions of Donovan McNabb, David Diehl, Kirk Morrison, and Brendan Ayanbadejo to Fox's stable of color commentators, replacing outgoing commentators Tom McCarthy, Brian Billick and Tim Ryan.Lombardo, Matt (August 6, 2014). Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to call NFL games this season https://web.archive.org/web/20140811064703/http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2014/08/former_eagles_quarterback_donovan_mcnabb_to_call_nfl_games_this_season.html August 11, 2014 . NJ.com. Retrieved August 6, 2014. Brady Quinn also joined the Fox stable. Also briefly joining Fox's play-by-play stable was UFC announcer Mike Goldberg; Goldberg's time doing NFL telecasts was cut short after one game, and he was replaced by Tim Brando, who came over from CBS.Pergament, Alan (October 20, 2014). Fox's Brando proves to be a strong substitute and storyteller https://web.archive.org/web/20141021165302/http://talkintv.buffalonews.com/2014/10/20/foxs-brando-proves-strong-substitute-storyteller/ October 21, 2014 . The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 20, 2014. Television viewers and ratings Most watched regular season games DH = doubleheader Rank Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV Ratinghttp://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/3/ The NFL TV Ratings Page SportsMediaWatch.com 9 December 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20161220084744/http://www.sportsmediawatch.com/nfl-tv-ratings-viewership-nbc-cbs-fox-espn-nfln-regular-season-playoffs/3/ December 20, 2016 live mdy-all Window Significance 1 November 27, 4:30 ET Philadelphia Eagles 33 Dallas Cowboys 10 Fox 32.0 14.2 Thanksgiving Cowboys–Eagles Rivalry 2 November 30, 4:25 ET New England Patriots 21 Green Bay Packers 26 CBS 30.9 17.6 Late DHa a none 3 October 12, 4:25 ET Dallas Cowboys 30 Seattle Seahawks 23 Fox 30.0 17.4 Late DHb b none 4 November 27, 12:30 ET Chicago Bears 17 Detroit Lions 34CBS 29.4 14.2 Thanksgiving Bears–Lions Rivalry 5 November 2, 4:25 ET Denver Broncos 21 New England Patriots 43 29.1 16.8 Late DHc c none 6 December 28, 4:25 ET Detroit Lions 20 Green Bay Packers 30Fox 28.5 15.6 Late DHd d none Lions–Packers Rivalry 7 September 7, 4:25 ET San Francisco 49ers 28 Dallas Cowboys 17 28.0 15.7 Late DHe e none 49ers–Cowboys rivalry 8 September 21, 4:25 ET Denver Broncos 20 Seattle Seahawks 26 CBS 27.3 15.8 Late DHf f none Super Bowl XLVIII Rematch 9 October 19, 4:25 ET New York Giants 21 Dallas Cowboys 31 Fox 27.0 15.6 Late DHg g none Cowboys–Giants rivalry 10 September 4, 8:30 ET Green Bay Packers 16 Seattle Seahawks 36 NBC 26.9 15.5 Kickoff game Packers–Seahawks Rivalry *Note – Late DH matchups listed in table are the matchups that were shown to the largest percentage of the market. lower-alpha A A noneNE/GB was shown to 98% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage. B B noneDAL/SEA was shown in 69% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. C C noneDEN/NE was shown in 92% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage. D D noneDET/GB was shown in 87% of the markets in the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. E E noneSF/DAL was shown in 89% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. F F noneDEN/SEA was shown in 89% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage. G G noneNYG/DAL was shown in 92% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage. Playoff games Rank Game Date Matchup Network Viewers (millions) TV Rating 1 Super Bowl XLIX February 1, 2015, 6:30 ET New England Patriots 28 Seattle Seahawks 24 NBC 114.4 47.5 2 NFC Championship January 18, 2015, 3:05 ET Green Bay Packers 22 Seattle Seahawks 28Fox 49.8 27.4 3 Divisional Round January 11, 2015, 1:05 ET Dallas Cowboys 21 Green Bay Packers 26 44.4 24.9 4 Wild Card Round January 4, 2015, 4:40 ET Detroit Lions 20 Dallas Cowboys 24 42.3 23.6 5 AFC Championship January 18, 2015, 6:50 ET Indianapolis Colts 7 New England Patriots 45CBS 42.1 22.5 6 Divisional Round January 11, 2015, 4:40 ET Indianapolis Colts 24 Denver Broncos 13 41.8 23.3 7 Divisional Round January 10, 2015, 4:35 ET Baltimore Ravens 31 New England Patriots 35 NBC 34.1 19.6 8 Divisional Round January 10, 2015, 8:15 ET Carolina Panthers 17 Seattle Seahawks 31 Fox 31.0 17.2 9 Wild Card Round January 4, 2015, 1:05 ET Cincinnati Bengals 10 Indianapolis Colts 26 CBS 28.3 17 10 Wild Card Round January 3, 2015, 8:15 ET Baltimore Ravens 30 Pittsburgh Steelers 17 NBC 27.9 15.8 11 Wild Card Round January 3, 2015, 4:20 ET Arizona Cardinals 16 Carolina Panthers 27 ESPN 21.7 12.5 See also Deflategate References 30em External links http://www.nfl.com 2014