Football is a sport of short, explosive efforts: a typical play lasts only a few seconds, followed by about 30 to 40 seconds of rest. Training should build strength, power and the ability to repeat explosive efforts throughout a game. Strength and power Strength protects players in collisions and is the base for power. Core … Read more
American football is highly specialized. Each of the 11 players on the field has a defined job, and a play only works when all of them do theirs. Here is what each position group contributes. Offensive line Five linemen (center, two guards, two tackles) protect the quarterback on passing plays and open running lanes. They … Read more
Penalties are part of almost every football game. A single flag can wipe out a touchdown, extend a drive or flip field position, which is why disciplined teams often beat more talented ones. Offensive penalties Defensive penalties Penalties for both sides Unnecessary roughness and personal fouls (15 yards) cover late hits and dangerous contact. Face … Read more
Before replay, a missed call stayed missed. Today, cameras from many angles let officials check scoring plays, turnovers and key decisions. Replay has made officiating more accurate, but it has also changed the rhythm of the game and sparked new debates. A short history The NFL first used instant replay in 1986, dropped it after … Read more
The Super Bowl has produced some of the most famous moments in American sport. Some came from a single play, others from an entire team’s performance. Here are several that fans still talk about. Joe Namath’s guarantee (Super Bowl III, January 1969) New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath publicly guaranteed victory over the heavily favored … Read more
The commissioner is the NFL’s chief executive. Elected by the team owners, the commissioner runs the league office, represents the league publicly and holds significant disciplinary powers. Roger Goodell has held the role since 2006. Who the commissioner works for The 32 team owners hire the commissioner and approve major decisions such as rule changes, … Read more
American football began as a college game in the late 19th century and grew into the most-watched sport in the United States. Its rise is closely tied to television and to constant changes in the rules. College roots The game grew out of rugby and soccer-style games played at American colleges in the 1800s. Walter … Read more
Every spring, NFL teams select the top college players in the draft. It is the main way teams add young talent, and because rookie contracts are relatively cheap, good drafting gives a team a long-term advantage under the salary cap. How the order works The draft has seven rounds. Teams that did not make the … Read more
A football head coach leads dozens of players and a staff of assistants, makes split-second decisions on game day and shapes the team’s culture all year. Success at this level depends on much more than knowing plays. A clear vision Successful coaches know what kind of team they want to build and communicate it simply. … Read more
Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) raise difficult questions in a sport that rewards size, strength and speed, and where careers are short and contracts uncertain. The debate involves fairness, health and the responsibilities of leagues, teams and players. What counts as a PED The term covers substances that improve performance beyond what training and nutrition can produce: … Read more
