The video assistant referee (VAR) became part of the Laws of the Game in 2018 and was used at that year’s men’s World Cup in Russia. It now operates in most top leagues. VAR has corrected many clear mistakes, but it remains one of the most debated topics in the sport. What VAR can review … Read more
Football is commercially stronger than ever, yet it faces serious questions about player health and about who will play the game in the future. How the sport handles them will shape the next decades. Head injuries and long-term health Research on concussions and on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease found in many … Read more
There are more ways than ever to follow football, from watching on TV to managing a fantasy team, coaching youth players or becoming an official. Getting more involved also makes the game more enjoyable to watch. Watching games In the United States, NFL games are shown on broadcast networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC), on ESPN, … Read more
Rivalries give football much of its emotion. Some are based on geography, some on decades of meaningful games, some on cultural identity. Here are several of the best known. NFL rivalries Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears. The oldest and most-played rivalry in the NFL, dating back to 1921. Two of the league’s founding-era franchises, … 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
Modern homes are built tighter to save energy, which is good for heating bills but means stale air, humidity and pollutants can build up indoors. The EPA notes that indoor levels of some pollutants are often higher than outdoors (EPA indoor air quality). Good ventilation brings in fresh air and removes moisture and pollutants at … Read more
