2014 NFL season
Regular season | |
---|---|
Duration | September 4 – December 28, 2014 |
Champions | |
The 2014 NFL season was the 95th season in the history of the
defeating the Seahawks, 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 intercepted the ball at the one yard line and win the game.
Player movement
The 2014 league year began at 4 pm
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:[6]
- 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 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).[7] 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.[8]
One
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 pick[14]
- March 11: Jacksonville traded QB Blaine Gabbert to San Francisco for a sixth-round draft pick[15]
- March 13: New Orleans traded RB Darren Sproles to Philadelphia for a fifth-round draft pick[16]
- May 9: Buffalo traded WR Stevie Johnson to San Francisco for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015[17]
- May 10: Philadelphia traded RB Bryce Brown to Buffalo for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015[18]
- August 26: New England traded G Logan Mankins to Tampa Bay for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015[19]
- August 31: New England traded QB Ryan Mallett to Houston for a sixth-round draft pick in 2015[20]
- October 17: Seattle traded WR Percy Harvin to New York Jets for a sixth-round draft pick[21]
- October 28: Tampa Bay traded LB Mark Barron to St. Louis for a fourth- and sixth-round picks in 2015[22]
Draft
The 2014 NFL Draft was held May 8–10, 2014, in
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,[27] 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.[28]
New referees
Rule changes
The following rule changes were passed for the 2014 NFL season at the owners' meeting on March 26, 2014:[30]
- 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 Michael Robinsontook 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.[31]
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),[32] 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.[33]
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.[34]
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.[35] 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 player's 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.[36]
New drug policy including HGH testing
A new drug policy that had been long delayed was agreed to by the league and the
2014 deaths
William Clay Ford
William Clay Ford Sr., the owner of the Detroit Lions, died March 9, two weeks shy of his 89th birthday.[38] Ford purchased the Lions in 1963 and had been the team's president since 1961;[39] at the time of his death, he was the second-longest tenured owner in the NFL, behind only Buffalo Bills owner Ralph Wilson.[40] The team achieved only a single playoff win (in 1991) under Ford's ownership.[39]
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.[40]
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.[41] 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.
In honor of Wilson, the Bills wore a patch bearing his initials on their jerseys throughout the 2014 season.[47]
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.[48]
Glazer's widow, Linda Glazer, and the Glazers' six children continue to own and operate the team.[49]
Chuck Noll
Former
Earl Morrall
Other 2014 deaths
In addition to those mentioned above, the following people associated with the NFL (or AFL) died in 2014:[52]
- 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
Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played four preseason
Regular season
The 2014
Scheduling formula
Under the NFL's current
Intra-conference |
Inter-conference |
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,[57] 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.[58][59] CBS televised the Miami–Oakland game, while Fox televised the Dallas–Jacksonville and Detroit–Atlanta contests.[60]
- 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[61] and that the future of the series, which was otherwise scheduled to run through the 2017 season,[62] was not yet certain. The series was formally terminated on December 3, 2014.[63][64]
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).[65][66] 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;[67] 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.[68] An all-NFC matchup between the Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks was given to CBS.[69] 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.[70]
In-season scheduling changes
The following games were moved by way of
- 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).[71]
- 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.[72]
- 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).[73]
- Week 12: The
- Week 14: The Indianapolis–Cleveland game was "cross-flexed" from CBS to Fox, keeping the same 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff time.[75]
- 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).[76]
- Week 16: On November 30, the league announced the final start times and networks for the two Saturday, December 20 games: the San Diego–San Francisco game was held at 8:25 p.m. ET and was broadcast on CBS.[76]
- 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.[77]
- The Jacksonville–Houston game, originally scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on CBS, was "cross-flexed" to Fox (keeping the same kickoff time).[78]
- 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.[79]
- 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).[80]
Regular season standings
Division
|
|
Conference
|
|
Postseason
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
Super Bowl XLIX
Super Bowl XLIX, the 49th contesting of the
Playoffs bracket
Jan 4 – Lucas Oil Stadium | Jan 11 – Sports Authority Field at Mile High
|
|||||||||||||||||
5 | Cincinnati | 10 | ||||||||||||||||
4 | Indianapolis | 24 | ||||||||||||||||
4 | Indianapolis | 26 | Jan 18 – Gillette Stadium | |||||||||||||||
2 | Denver | 13 | ||||||||||||||||
AFC | ||||||||||||||||||
Jan 3 – Heinz Field
|
4 | Indianapolis | 7 | |||||||||||||||
Jan 10 – Gillette Stadium | ||||||||||||||||||
1 | New England | 45 | ||||||||||||||||
6 | Baltimore | 30 | AFC Championship | |||||||||||||||
6 | Baltimore | 31 | ||||||||||||||||
3 | Pittsburgh | 17 | Feb 1 – University of Phoenix Stadium
| |||||||||||||||
1 | New England | 35 | ||||||||||||||||
Wild Card playoffs | ||||||||||||||||||
Divisional playoffs | ||||||||||||||||||
Jan 4 – AT&T Stadium | A1 | New England | 28 | |||||||||||||||
Jan 11 – Lambeau Field | ||||||||||||||||||
N1 | Seattle | 24 | ||||||||||||||||
6 | Detroit | 20 | Super Bowl XLIX | |||||||||||||||
3 | Dallas | 21 | ||||||||||||||||
3 | Dallas | 24 | Jan 18 – CenturyLink Field | |||||||||||||||
2 | Green Bay | 26 | ||||||||||||||||
NFC | ||||||||||||||||||
Jan 3 – Bank of America Stadium | 2 | Green Bay | 22 | |||||||||||||||
Jan 10 – CenturyLink Field
| ||||||||||||||||||
1 | Seattle | 28* | ||||||||||||||||
5 | Arizona | 16 | NFC Championship | |||||||||||||||
4 | Carolina | 17 | ||||||||||||||||
4 | Carolina | 27 | ||||||||||||||||
1 | Seattle | 31 | ||||||||||||||||
- * Indicates overtime victory
Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl is the league's
Notable events
External image | |
---|---|
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
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."[89] However, Sam stated after the draft that he felt he "should have gone in the top three rounds easily"[90] and there was speculation that his announcement of his sexuality caused him to fall in the draft.[91] Sam was the first ever SEC Defensive Player of the Year to not be selected in the first round of the draft.[92] 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."[92]
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.[94]
Lawsuits by NFL cheerleaders
During the offseason, a major headline was many current and former
Washington Redskins name controversy
On June 18, 2014, the
With the
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 has been privately battling the disease since 2009 after experiencing short-term memory loss, and has 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 will now assume full control of the team, though Bowlen's long-term plan is for one of his seven children to run the team in the future, preventing the Broncos from being put up for sale.[104][105]
Discipline for off-field incidents
Colts' owner Jim Irsay guilty of OWI; suspended 6 games
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.[110]
Irsay pleaded guilty on September 2 to one count of
Ray Rice domestic violence suspension
On February 15, 2014, Baltimore Ravens running back
On March 27, 2014, a grand jury indicted Rice on charges of third-degree
Rice was suspended by the NFL for the first two games of the 2014 NFL season on July 25.[118] 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.[119][120]
Rice, along with the
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.[122]
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,[123] 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
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."[124][125]
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.[126] 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.[127]
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.[128]
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.[129]
Possible franchise relocations
Buffalo Bills
In July 2014 it was reported that
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
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.
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
Oakland Raiders
On July 29, 2014, reports surfaced that the
Though San Antonio is a smaller market than the
On September 3, 2014, the city of
St. Louis Rams
The Rams and the St. Louis CVC began negotiating deals to get the Rams home stadium, the
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
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.[160]
- Allen Hurns became the first player in NFL history to have two TDs receiving in the first quarter in his NFL debut.[161]
- In Week 1, quarterbacks completed 64.3 percent of their passes, an NFL record.[162]
Week 2
- Bill Belichick became the sixth coach in NFL history to reach 200 regular-season wins.[163]
- 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.[164]
- The Philadelphia Eagles became the first NFL team to start a season 3–0 after trailing by 10-plus points in each game.[165]
- 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.[166]
Week 4
- The Green Bay Packers became the second NFL franchise to record their 700th regular-season victory, joining the Chicago Bears.[167]
- 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.[167]
- 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.[168]
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.[169]
- Peyton Manning became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw 500 touchdown passes, joining Brett Favre.[169]
- Jason Witten became the third tight-end in NFL history to reach 10,000 career receiving yards, joining Shannon Sharpe and Tony Gonzalez.[169]
- Tom Brady became the sixth quarterback in NFL history to reach 50,000 career passing yards.[170]
- undrafted wide receivers.[171]
- 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.[172]
Week 6
- The Chicago Bears became the first NFL franchise to reach 750 total wins.[173]
- 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.[173]
- 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.[174]
- 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.[174]
- Joe Flacco tied a league record set by Tommy Kramer in 1986 by recording 4 touchdown passes in the first quarter of a game.[175]
- 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.[176]
- 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.[177]
- Reggie Wayne became the ninth player in NFL history to reach 14,000 receiving yards.[177]
- 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.[178]
Week 8
- Ben Roethlisberger became the first player in NFL history to have two 500-yard passing games.[179]
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.[180]
Week 10
- Michael Vick became the first quarterback in NFL history to reach 6,000 career rushing yards.[181]
- 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.[182]
- Aaron Rodgers tied the NFL record with six touchdowns in a half that was set by Daryle Lamonica in 1969.[183]
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.[184]
- 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.[185]
Week 12
- The Atlanta Falcons became the first team in NFL history to lead a division while being three games below .500.[186]
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;[187] 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.[188]
- 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.[189]
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.[190]
- J. J. Watt became the first player in league history to have two separate seasons with 20 or more sacks.[191]
- Matt Forte set the league season record for receptions by a running back, finishing with 102.[192]
- 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.[193]
- Drew Brees tied Sonny Jurgensen and Dan Marino for the league record for most seasons leading the league in passing yards, with five.[194]
- 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
Individual[195] | |
---|---|
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
The 4th Annual NFL Honors, saluting the best players and plays from 2014 season, was held at Phoenix Symphony Hall in Phoenix, Arizona on January 31, 2015.[196]
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
The following players were named first team All-Pro by the Associated Press:[197]
|
|
Special teams | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kicker | Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis | ||||
Punter |
Pat McAfee, Indianapolis | ||||
Kick returner |
Adam Jones, Cincinnati |
Players of the week/month
The following were named the top performers during the 2014 season:
|
|
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 | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Houston Texans | Gary Kubiak | Wade Phillips | Fired | Bill O'Brien[245] | 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.[246] 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 Chudzinski | Mike Pettine | Chudzinski was fired on December 29, 2013, after going 4–12 in his only season as Browns head coach.[247] Chudzinski joined the Indianapolis Colts as a special assistant to the head coach.[248] Pettine was the Buffalo Bills' defensive coordinator last season.[249] | ||
Detroit Lions | Jim Schwartz | Jim Caldwell | 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.[250] 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.[251] | ||
Minnesota Vikings | Leslie Frazier | Mike 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.[252] 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.[253] | ||
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Greg Schiano | Lovie Smith[254] | Schiano was fired on December 30, 2013, along with GM Mark Dominik. Schiano was 11–21 as head coach over two seasons.[255] Smith, a former Buccaneers assistant, served as the head coach of the Chicago Bears from 2004 to 2012. | ||
Tennessee Titans | Mike Munchak | Ken 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.[256] 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 Shanahan | Jay Gruden | Shanahan and his staff (except for defensive coordinator |
In-season
Team | 2014 head coach | Reason for leaving | Interim head coach | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oakland Raiders | Dennis Allen | 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.[259] Sparano was named interim head coach on September 30. Sparano previously served as the Miami Dolphins' head coach from 2008 to 2011,[260] 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 Dominik | Fired | Jason Licht[261] | Dominik was fired on December 30, 2013.[255] 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.[261] |
Cleveland Browns | GM | Mike Lombardi[262] | Ray Farmer[263] | Lombardi and Banner were fired by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam on February 11 after a lengthy coaching search revealed discord between the two executives.[262] Farmer was promoted from assistant GM to replace Lombardi[263] while no replacement for Banner as CEO was named.[264] | |
CEO | Joe Banner[262] | not replaced | |||
Miami Dolphins | GM | Jeff Ireland[265] | Mutual agreement | Dennis Hickey[266] | 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.[265] He had been in the role since 2008.[265]
Dennis Hickey was hired to replace Ireland on January 27. |
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.[104] |
Stadium changes
- Levi's Stadium, the new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers, opened in July 2014.[267] 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.[268] 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.[269] 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.[270] 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.[271] An exception was made for Thanksgiving, when the regular work traffic and parking would not be an issue.[272]
- 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.[273]
- The TCF Bank Stadium, as they awaited the construction of a new stadium at the site of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome.[274] 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.[275]
- The 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.[276] 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.[277]
Uniforms
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers unveiled a new logo and helmet on February 20, 2014,[278] as well as a new uniform on March 3.[279] The team also wore a patch with the initials of late owner Malcolm Glazer who died on May 28 at the age of 85.[280]
- 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.[281] 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.[282][283]
- 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.[284]
- The Buffalo Bills wore patches with the initials of late owner Ralph Wilson who died on March 25 at the age of 95.[285]
- 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.[286] 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.[287][288]
- The alumni weekend,[289] 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.[290]
- The New York Giants wore a patch commemorating their 90th season.[291]
- The Carolina Panthers and the Jacksonville Jaguars wore patches to commemorate the 20th season of play for both franchises.[292]
Media
2014 was the first season under a nine-year television contract with
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.[295][296] 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.[69][297] The agreement was renewed for the 2015 season.[298]
CBS made several personnel changes following the retirements of
On Fox, the most notable personnel change was the demotion of
Television viewers and ratings
Most watched regular season games
- DH = doubleheader
Rank | Date | Matchup | Network | Viewers (millions) | TV Rating[305] | 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 DH[a] | |
3 | October 12, 4:25 ET | Dallas Cowboys | 30 | Seattle Seahawks | 23 | Fox
|
30.0 | 17.4 | Late DH[b] | |
4 | November 27, 12:30 ET | Chicago Bears | 17 | Detroit Lions | 34 | CBS | 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 DH[c] | Broncos–Patriots Rivalry | |
6 | December 28, 4:25 ET | Detroit Lions | 20 | Green Bay Packers | 30 | Fox
|
28.5 | 15.6 | Late DH[d] | Lions–Packers Rivalry |
7 | September 7, 4:25 ET | San Francisco 49ers | 28 | Dallas Cowboys | 17 | 28.0 | 15.7 | Late DH[e] | 49ers–Cowboys rivalry | |
8 | September 21, 4:25 ET | Denver Broncos | 20 | Seattle Seahawks | 26 | CBS | 27.3 | 15.8 | Late DH[f] | Super Bowl XLVIII Rematch |
9 | October 19, 4:25 ET | New York Giants | 21 | Dallas Cowboys | 31 | Fox
|
27.0 | 15.6 | Late DH[g] | 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.
- ^ NE/GB was shown to 98% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage.
- ^ DAL/SEA was shown in 69% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.
- ^ DEN/NE was shown in 92% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage.
- ^ DET/GB was shown in 87% of the markets in the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.
- ^ SF/DAL was shown in 89% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of Fox coverage.
- ^ DEN/SEA was shown in 89% of the markets during the late doubleheader time slot of CBS coverage.
- ^ NYG/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[305] | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 28 | Fox
|
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 | 45 | CBS | 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
References
- ^ a b c "2013–2014 National Football League important dates" (PDF). National Football League. December 20, 2013. Archived (PDF) from the original on April 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ "Free agency signing period begins; 471 players become free agents" (PDF). National Football League. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ a b "2014 NFL Free Agency Questions & Answers". National Football League. Archived from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Archivedfrom the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ Farrar, Doug (March 9, 2013). "What you need to know about legal free-agent tampering". Shutdown Corner (blog). Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on April 21, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2014.
- ^ Emerick, Thomas (March 19, 2014). "20 Free Agency Signings That Will Impact The 2014 NFL Season". The Sports Daily (blog). Archived from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ "Franchise and transition players named" (PDF). National Football League. March 3, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ Cabot, Mary Kay (April 11, 2014). "Cleveland Browns matching Jaguars' five-year, $42 million offer for Alex Mack". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Archivedfrom the original on May 3, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
- ^ "2011–20 NFL/NFLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement" (PDF). National Football League. August 4, 2011. pp. 36–43. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
- Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Archivedfrom the original on March 12, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
- Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Archivedfrom the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
- Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Archivedfrom the original on April 8, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2014.
- ^ "Jonathan Martin headed to 49ers". March 12, 2014.
- ^ "QB Blaine Gabbert sent to Niners". March 11, 2014.
- NFL.com.
- NFL.com.
- NFL.com.
- ^ "Pats trade Logan Mankins to Bucs". August 26, 2014.
- ^ "Pats trade Ryan Mallett to Texans". August 31, 2014.
- ^ "Jets land wideout Percy Harvin". October 17, 2014.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (October 28, 2014). "Buccaneers trade safety Mark Barron to Rams for picks". NFL.com. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
- ^ "2014 NFL Draft Notes" (PDF). National Football League. May 6, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 6, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ "98 Players Granted Special Eligibility for 2014 NFL Draft" (PDF). National Football League. January 19, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 2, 2014. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
- ^ "2014 draft set for May 8–10". ESPN. May 29, 2013. Archived from the original on April 22, 2014. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
- ^ "2014 NFL Draft round 1 notes" (PDF). National Football League. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 14, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ Gagnon, Brad (April 22, 2013). "How the NFL Draft became the biggest non-sporting sports event". The Guardian. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved May 13, 2014.
- ^ Shefter, Adam (July 17, 2014). "L.A. or Chicago to host 2015 draft". ESPN.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
- ^ "NFL hires 13 new officials". ESPN.com. Associated Press. June 26, 2014. Archived from the original on June 27, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2014.
- ^ Five rules changes pass as NFL owners vote at league meeting Archived March 26, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Pro Football Talk. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
- ^ McGinn, Bob (July 31, 2014). "Expect a flurry of yellow this NFL season". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Archived from the original on August 2, 2014. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
- ^ King, Peter (March 31, 2014). "Jim Kelly Tough". MMQB.com. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on March 31, 2014. Retrieved March 31, 2014.
- ^ "Eight PAT misses in preseason". ESPN.com. Associated Press. August 20, 2014. Archived from the original on August 21, 2014. Retrieved August 20, 2014.
- ^ Schwartz, Nick (August 3, 2014). "NFL teams will use tablets on the sidelines for the first time Sunday". USA Today. Archived from the original on August 6, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
- ^ "NFL officials to use wireless communication in 2014". NFL.com. March 24, 2014. Archived from the original on August 11, 2014. Retrieved August 7, 2014.
- ^ "NFL Practice Squads Expand to 10 Players". National Football League. August 19, 2014. Archived from the original on September 11, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
- ^ Belson, Ken (September 17, 2014). "N.F.L. and Union Agree on Drug Plan". New York Times. Archived from the original on September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
- ^ Lienert, Paul (March 9, 2014). "William Clay Ford Sr., grandson of pioneer automaker, dies at 88". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2014.
- ^ NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on March 16, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ a b Skurski, Jay (March 26, 2014). "Other NFL teams faced succession questions". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on March 27, 2014. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ Goldstein, Richard (March 25, 2014). "Ralph Wilson, Founding Owner of the Buffalo Bills, Dies at 95". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 8, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ Rodak, Mike (April 3, 2014). "Mary Wilson takes control of Bills". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ Kosman, Josh (July 29, 2014). "First round of Buffalo Bills bids tops $1 billion". NYPost.com. NYP Holdings, Inc. Archived from the original on August 30, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ^ Wawrow, John (August 7, 2014). "Golisano submits bid to buy Bills". AP.org. Archived from the original on August 13, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ^ Lenihan, Emily (August 8, 2014). "Jim Kelly and investor reportedly met with Bills trust". wvib.com. LIN Television Corporation. Archived from the original on August 12, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ^ Schreckinger, Ben (October 26, 2017). "Inside Donald Trump's Shady Scheme to Keep Jon Bon Jovi from Buying the Buffalo Bills". gq.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2018. Retrieved October 15, 2018.
- ^ Brill, Lauren (May 8, 2014). "Bills to don patch honoring Wilson on their jerseys". WIVB-TV. Archived from the original on May 9, 2014. Retrieved May 8, 2014.
- ^ Romano, John (May 28, 2014). "Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer dies". Tampa Bay Times. Archived from the original on May 29, 2014. Retrieved May 31, 2014.
- ^ "Buccaneers Owner Malcolm Glazer Passes Away". Buccaneers.com. Archived from the original on May 28, 2014. Retrieved May 28, 2014.
- ^ Brumfield, Ben (June 15, 2014). "Steelers' Chuck Noll, coach with the most Super Bowl rings, dead at 82". CNN. Archived from the original on July 1, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
- The Miami Herald. Archivedfrom the original on February 3, 2015. Retrieved February 3, 2015.
- ^ "2014 Pro Football Deaths". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Archived from the original on February 18, 2015. Retrieved February 9, 2015.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on February 27, 2014. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
- ^ "Class of 2014". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ "NFL Preseason Schedule – 2014". ESPN. Archived from the original on May 8, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ a b "2014 NFL Schedule Announced" (PDF). National Football League. April 23, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 7, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ Zinski, Dan (December 4, 2013). "NFL 2014 Schedule Will Include Lions-Falcons Game With 9:30 AM ET Kickoff". Fansided. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
- ^ Burke, Chris (October 24, 2013). "NFL announces three London games for 2014 season". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 27, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
- ^ "NFL announces 2014 London dates". ESPN. Associated Press. November 28, 2013. Archived from the original on November 28, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2013.
- ^ "2014 International Series Schedule Finalized". NFL Communications. December 4, 2013. Archived from the original on December 5, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2013.
- ^ "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"
- ^ Breer, Albert (May 22, 2012). "Five-year extension of Buffalo Bills' Toronto series approved". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved October 28, 2013.
- ^ "Bills reach deal to terminate remaining Toronto games". TSN. December 3, 2014. Archived from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (December 3, 2014). "Buffalo Bills terminate Toronto series". National Football League. Archived from the original on December 9, 2014. Retrieved December 3, 2014.
- ^ "NFL announces Week 13 flex plan". ESPN. November 21, 2011. Archived from the original on November 24, 2011. Retrieved November 21, 2011.
- ^ Best, Neil (December 14, 2011). "NFL renews lucrative TV deals". Newsday. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
- ^ "506 Sports – NFL Maps: Week 1, 2014". 506sports.com. Archived from the original on November 15, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
- ^ Pergament, Alan (October 1, 2014). “NFL cross flex policy involving Bills is costing Ch.4 big time at a bad time Archived October 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine.” The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ a b "Panthers' blowout loss sinks TV interest, too". Charlotte Business Journal. Archived from the original on October 29, 2014. Retrieved October 23, 2014.
- ^ "2014 NFL Schedule: Flex games can now start in Week 5". NFL.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- ^ "Week 6 Flex Scheduling" (PDF) (Press release). NFL. September 28, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 7, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
- ^ "NFL crossflexes in Week 8: CBS gets Seattle-Carolina, Fox receives Houston-Tennessee". Awful Announcing. October 13, 2014. Archived from the original on October 16, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ "Week 11 Flex Scheduling" (Press release). NFL. November 2, 2014. Archived from the original on November 3, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- NFL.com. November 20, 2014. Archivedfrom the original on November 21, 2014. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
- ^ "Week 14 Flex Scheduling" (PDF) (Press release). NFL. November 24, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 24, 2014.
- ^ a b "Week 15 Flex Scheduling / Week 16 Saturday Doubleheader Finalized" (PDF) (Press release). NFL. November 30, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
- ^ "Bengals-Steelers flexed to 'Sunday Night Football' in Week 17". NFL.com. December 21, 2014. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ "NFL Announces the Final Week 17 Schedule of the 2014 Season | Fang's Bites". Fangsbites.com. December 23, 2014. Archived from the original on December 23, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "NFL345 on Twitter: "Week 17 Flex: @Panthers - @Atlanta_Falcons 4:25 @NFLonCBS ; @Lions - @packers 4:25 @NFLonFOX ; @Bengals - @steelers @SNFonNBC #Game256"". Twitter.com. December 22, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Lions-Packers flexed to 4:25 p.m. start". DetroitLions.com. December 21, 2014. Archived from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ "2014 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ "2014 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- ^ Klemko, Robert (October 11, 2011). "Arizona, not Tampa, will host Super Bowl XLIX in 2015". The Huddle (blog). USA Today. Archived from the original on June 12, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ David Barron (December 14, 2011). "NFL extends broadcast agreements through 2022, generating billions". Ultimate Texans (blog). Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- ^ "2015 Pro Bowl to be Played in Arizona; 2016 Pro Bowl Slated for Hawaii". National Football League. April 9, 2014. Archived from the original on April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
- ^ Connelly, Chris (February 10, 2014). "Mizzou's Michael Sam says he's gay". Outside the Lines (blog). ESPN. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved May 7, 2014.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- ^ Klein, Betsy; Good, Chris (May 10, 2014). "Obama Congratulates Michael Sam, White House Says". The Note (blog). ABC News. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- ^ Breech, John (May 10, 2014). "Michael Sam: I should've been drafted in the first three rounds". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- ^ Rhoden, William C. (May 11, 2014). "A Triumph of Enlightenment ... Eventually". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- ^ a b Belson, Ken (May 10, 2014). "In Historic Pick, Rams Take Michael Sam in Final Round of Draft". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- The Miami Herald. Archivedfrom the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2014.
- ^ "Cowboys Waive Michael Sam From Practice Squad". Dallas Cowboys. Archived from the original on October 21, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
- ^ Jiggle Tests, Dunk Tanks, and Unpaid Labor: How NFL Teams Degrade Their Cheerleaders Archived March 16, 2018, at the Wayback Machine Mother Jones (05/2/2014)
- ESPN the Magazine(04/02/2014)
- ^ Suit: Bills Cheerleaders Were Taught How To Wash "Intimate Areas" Archived May 29, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Deadspin (04/22/14)
- ^ Buffalo Bills Cheerleaders Suspend Operations Archived January 5, 2015, at the Wayback Machine Associated Press (04/24/14)
- ^ Cheerleader revolt against NFL grows with lawsuit against Jets Archived May 29, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Los Angeles Times (05/06/14)
- ^ Are the Browns looking to add cheerleaders? Archived June 3, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Fox Sports (04/30/14)
- ^ Belson, Ken; Wyatt, Edward (June 18, 2014). "U.S. Patent Office Cancels Redskins Trademark Registration". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 1, 2017. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
- ^ "University of Minnesota seeks to bar Redskins' name at stadium". Star Tribune. August 7, 2014. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014.
- ^ Ian Shapira (August 7, 2014). "University of Minnesota wants Redskins to wear throwback jerseys at Vikings game". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2017.
- ^ a b Klis, Mike (July 23, 2014). "Pat Bowlen resigns control of Denver Broncos, acknowledges he is dealing with Alzheimer's disease". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on July 23, 2014. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on July 25, 2014. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Evans, Tim (March 27, 2014). "Jim Irsay arrest reports tell of cash, pills, erratic driving". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 1, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ Sobleski, Brent (March 18, 2014). "Colts: Owner Jim Irsay enters rehab center". USA Today. Archived from the original on May 14, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ "Irsay admits past painkiller dependency". Sports Illustrated. AP. November 12, 2002. Archived from the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ "Irsay returns to Colts, social media". WTHR. May 8, 2014. Archived from the original on May 14, 2014. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
- ^ Alesia, Mark; Evans, Tim (May 23, 2014). "Colts owner Jim Irsay charged with 2 counts of impaired driving". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on May 27, 2014. Retrieved May 27, 2014.
- ^ Alesia, Mark (September 2, 2014). "NFL suspends Colts owner Jim Irsay for 6 games". The Indianapolis Star. Archived from the original on September 2, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ "Ray Rice – Dragging Unconscious Fiancee ... After Alleged Mutual Attack" (video). TMZ. February 19, 2014. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
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.
- ^ "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. Archived from the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- ^ "Ravens' Ray Rice indicted". ESPN. March 28, 2014. Archived from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- ^ Reyes, Lorenzo (March 29, 2014). "Report: Ray Rice marries woman he is accused of assaulting". USA Today. Archived from the original on October 25, 2014. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- ^ Fenton, Justin (May 20, 2014). "Ray Rice avoids trial on assault charge, accepted into program". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on September 9, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ Perez, A. J. (May 20, 2014). "Ray Rice accepted into diversion program, assault arrest could eventually be expunged". NJ.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ "Ray Rice suspended 2 games". ESPN. July 25, 2014. Archived from the original on March 19, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2014.
- ^ Belson, Ken (September 8, 2014). "Ray Rice Cut by Ravens and Suspended by N.F.L." The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2017.
- ^ "Ravens terminate Ray Rice's deal". ESPN. September 8, 2014. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
- ^ Tom, Pelissero (September 16, 2014). "NFLPA appeals Ray Rice's indefinite suspension from NFL". USA Today. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ "Sources: Rice drawing interest from teams". November 30, 2014. Archived from the original on December 3, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
- ^ Powell, Michael (July 24, 2014). "Suspended for Abuse, Then Patted on the Back". New York Times. Archived from the original on September 16, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ "Union: 'Treated as perpetrators'". ESPN. Associated Press. October 24, 2014. Archived from the original on March 5, 2016. Retrieved October 24, 2014.
- ^ McManus, Jane (August 29, 2014). "Severe penalties for domestic violence". ESPN W. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ Eder, Steve; Borzi, Pat (September 12, 2014). "N.F.L. Rocked Again as Adrian Peterson Faces a Child Abuse Charge". New York Times. Archived from the original on September 16, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ Goessling, Ben (September 17, 2014). "Peterson's future with Vikings unclear". NFL Nation Vikings blog. ESPN. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ "Greg Hardy found guilty of assault". ESPN. Associated Press. July 16, 2014. Archived from the original on September 15, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
- ^ Person, Joseph (September 17, 2014). "Carolina Panthers Greg Hardy takes paid leave of absence". The Charlotte Observer. Archived from the original on September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
- ^ Kryk, John (July 18, 2014). "Rogers joins Bon Jovi and Tanenbaum in equal-stakes bid to buy Bills". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2014.
- ^ "Bon Jovi group exploring Toronto NFL stadium sites: report". CBC News. July 24, 2014. Archived from the original on August 31, 2014. Retrieved July 24, 2014.
- ^ Kryk, John (June 30, 2014). "Exclusive: Rogers won't lead second Toronto group bidding for Bills". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved August 22, 2014.
- Buffalo News. August 3, 2014. Archivedfrom the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 3, 2014.
- ^ Kryk, John (August 4, 2014). "Toronto group bidding on Bills rate chances as 'slim'". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ a b Kryk, John (July 25, 2014). "Five vital questions on where the Bills sale stands". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on July 27, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^ a b Kryk, John (July 29, 2014). "Former Sabres owner Golisano didn't submit bid to buy Bills". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on August 10, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- ^ Kryk, John (July 19, 2014). "Toronto bid group wants to keep Bills in Buffalo: sources". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved July 20, 2014.
- Buffalo News. Archived from the originalon August 12, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
- ^ a b Kryk, John (July 29, 2014). "Probably few new bidders will bid today for Bills". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on August 8, 2014. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
- Buffalo News. Archived from the originalon August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
- ^ "Canucks owner Aquilini will not pursue bid for NFL's Bills". Vancouver Sun. August 8, 2014. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
- ^ Kryk, John (August 5, 2014). "Toronto group bidding on Bills allowed to submit higher first bid". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved August 5, 2014.
- ^ Graham, Tim (August 14, 2014). Los Angeles suitors explored buying Bills, quickly found that moving team wasn't going to happen Archived August 16, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. The Buffalo News. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
- ^ Wawrow, John (March 26, 2014). "Ralph Wilson made sure Bills will stay in Buffalo for at least six years". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ Grange, Michael (March 26, 2014). "Wilson's passing leaves Bills' future in question". Sportsnet. Archived from the original on July 29, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ Kryk, John (March 26, 2014). "Bills to stay in Buffalo until at least 2020". Toronto Sun. Archived from the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved March 26, 2014.
- ^ Shoalts, David (March 26, 2014). "Toronto's quest for NFL team strewn with obstacles". The Globe and Mail. Archived from the original on September 17, 2016. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ a b Gaughan, Mark (March 25, 2014). "What's next for the Bills? For now, the team will be controlled by a trust". The Buffalo News. Archived from the original on September 27, 2014. Retrieved March 29, 2014.
- ^ Kyrk, John (June 2, 2014). "'Niagara Bills' group would be 'hard to beat'". Toronto Sun.
- Buffalo News. Archivedfrom the original on August 4, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
- ^ Breech, John (May 7, 2014). "Roger Goodell: Bills need new stadium to stay viable in Buffalo". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on July 20, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
- ^ Graham, Tim (May 20, 2014). NFL owners say votes aren't there for moving the Bills. The Buffalo News. Retrieved May 20, 2014.
- ^ a b Raiders look at potential home deep in heart of Texas Archived July 30, 2014, at the Wayback Machine San Francisco Chronicle (07/29/2014)
- ^ McNair in favor of 'strong franchises' Archived August 1, 2014, at the Wayback Machine ESPN.com (07/30/2014)
- ^ Goodell: Levi's might fit Raiders Archived November 19, 2015, at the Wayback Machine ESPN.com (07/18/2014)
- ^ "New stadium deal for Raiders gives team land, pays off debt". San Francisco Chronicle. September 3, 2014. Archived from the original on September 3, 2014. Retrieved September 3, 2014.
- ^ Mark Davis, San Antonio group meet Archived November 8, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. Associated Press via ESPN.com. Retrieved November 8, 2014.
- ^ Wagoner, Nick (February 1, 2014). "Stan Kroenke buys 60 acres in L.A." ESPN.com. ESPN Internet Ventures. Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ^ Piper, Brandie (January 31, 2014). "Report: Rams owner bought 60 acres of land in Calif". ksdk.com. Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. Archived from the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved September 4, 2014.
- ^ "Peyton Manning keys Broncos' first-half romp before Colts' rally falters". ESPN.com. September 7, 2014. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
- ^ "NFL Today, Week 1". USA Today. September 7, 2014. Archived from the original on September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
- ^ "Clayton's mailbag". ESPN NFL. ESPN. September 10, 2014. Archived from the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ "What to look for – A look back" (PDF). NFL.com. National Football League. September 15, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "NFL Game center – Tampa Bay vs. Atlanta". NFL.com. September 18, 2014. Archived from the original on September 18, 2014. Retrieved September 18, 2014.
- ^ "Game Center Wash. vs Phil". NFL.com game center. NFL. September 21, 2014. Archived from the original on September 21, 2014. Retrieved September 22, 2014.
- ^ Jhabvala, Nicki (September 21, 2014). "By the Numbers: Broncos' Week 3 loss to the Seahawks". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on September 22, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
- ^ a b "Week4_Sunday7" (PDF). NFL.com. National Football League. September 28, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ Wilson, Josh (September 28, 2014). "Colts QB Andrew Luck is Playing Phenomenal Football this Season". sports.yahoo.com. SB Nation. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ a b c "SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 5" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 12, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "WHAT TO LOOK FOR – A LOOK BACK" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ Swanson, Ben (October 5, 2014). "Welker sets record with most career receptions as an undrafted player". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 5, 2014.
- ^ "NFL picks, Week 6: Broncos, Bengals among unanimous selections". SBNation.com. October 8, 2014. Archived from the original on November 11, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
- ^ a b "SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 6" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 7, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ a b "WHAT TO LOOK FOR – A LOOK BACK" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 7, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "Joe Flacco of Baltimore Ravens tosses 4 TDs in first quarter". Espn.go.com. October 12, 2014. Archived from the original on January 8, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Peyton Manning breaks Brett Favre's TD record". NFL.com. Archived from the original on October 28, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
- ^ a b "SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 7" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 8, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 7" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 10, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 8" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 17, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "THE WEEK THAT WAS – WEEK 9" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ "SEVEN FROM SUNDAY – WEEK 10" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 21, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ Renck, Troy (November 2, 2014). "Broncos vs. Patriots: Highs, lows of Denver's Week 9 loss". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on November 11, 2014. Retrieved November 2, 2014.
- ^ "Watch Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers [11/09/2014] - NFL.com". Nfl.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2014. Retrieved November 13, 2014.
- ^ "What To Look For - A Look Back" (PDF). Nfllabor.files.wordpress.com. November 17, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "2014 NFL Records & Milestones: Key Individual Performances". Kcchiefs.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ Fox Sports (November 25, 2014). "Knox Bardeen: NFC South falls to historically bad levels, and it can continue". FOX Sports. Archived from the original on December 28, 2014. Retrieved December 21, 2014.
- ^ "Peyton Manning, Broncos seal AFC West vs. Chargers". USA Today. December 14, 2014. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- ^ Klis, Mike (December 14, 2014). "Broncos sack Chargers to win fourth consecutive AFC West title". The Denver Post. Archived from the original on December 15, 2014. Retrieved December 14, 2014.
- ^ Elias says… Archived December 15, 2014, at the Wayback Machine ESPN.com/Elias Sports Bureau (December 15, 2014). Retrieved December 15, 2014.
- ^ "What To Look For - A Look Back" (PDF). Nfllabor.files.wordpress.com. December 29, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 30, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "J. J. Watt of Houston Texans sets NFL record with second 20-sack season". Espn.go.com. December 28, 2014. Archived from the original on January 6, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ Jared Dubin. "Matt Forte breaks single-season catches mark for running backs". CBSSports.com. Archived from the original on December 29, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "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. Archived from the original on January 18, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Drew Brees' NFL records and milestones in 2014". Neworleanssaints.com. Archived from the original on January 7, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "NFL Stats: Player". NFL.com. Archived from the original on January 11, 2009. Retrieved December 13, 2019.
- ^ "NFL Honors". nfl.com. NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ "J. J. Watt, Rob Gronkowski unanimously voted to 2014 NFL all-pro team". Associated Press. January 2, 2015. Archived from the original on January 14, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
- ^ a b c "Broncos TE Julius Thomas, Dolphins DE Cameron Wake & Bills K Dan Carpenter named AFC Players of Week 1" (PDF). NFL. September 10, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Falcons QB Matt Ryan, Lions LB DeAndre Levy & Falcons K Matt Bryant named NFC Players of Week 1" (PDF). NFL. September 10, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 10, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Chargers TE Antonio Gates, Patriots DE Chandler Jones & Bills RB-KR C.J. Spiller named AFC Players of Week 2" (PDF). NFL. September 17, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Eagles RB Darren Sproles, Bears CB Kyle Fuller & Cardinals PR Ted Ginn Jr. named NFC Players of Week 2" (PDF). NFL. September 17, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Colts QB Andrew Luck, Chargers DE Corey Liuget & Ravens K Justin Tucker Named AFC Players of Week 3" (PDF). NFL. September 24, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Falcons QB Matt Ryan, Seahawks S Kam Chancellor & Falcons PR-KR-WR Devin Hester Named NFC Players of Week 3" (PDF). NFL. September 24, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Chargers K Nick Novak named AFC Players of Week 4" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, 49ers S Antoine Bethea & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 4" (PDF). NFL. October 1, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 1, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Chargers QB Philip Rivers, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Colts P Pat McAfee Named AFC Players of Month for September" (PDF). NFL. October 2, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray, Lions LB DeAndre Levy & Seahawks P Jon Ryan Named NFC Players of Month for September" (PDF). NFL. October 2, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas, Bills DT Marcell Dareus & Browns LB Tank Carder named AFC Players of Week 5" (PDF). NFL. October 8, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, Packers LB Julius Peppers & 49ers K Phil Dawson named NFC Players of Week 5" (PDF). NFL. October 8, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 24, 2014. Retrieved October 8, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Ravens QB Joe Flacco, Titans DT Jurrell Casey & Colts P Pat McAfee named AFC Players of Week 6" (PDF). NFL. October 15, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Cowboys T Tyron Smith, Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah & Cardinals K Chandler Catanzaro named NFC Players of Week 6" (PDF). NFL. October 15, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 9, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Broncos QB Peyton Manning, Jaguars LB Telvin Smith & Patriots DT Chris Jones named AFC Players of Week 7" (PDF). NFL. October 22, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Redskins LB Keenan Robinson & Rams PR Stedman Bailey named NFC Players of Week 7" (PDF). NFL. October 22, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 13, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Dolphins S Louis Delmas & Chiefs RB-KR Knile Davis named AFC Players of Week 8" (PDF). NFL. October 29, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Vikings LB Anthony Barr & Redskins K Kai Forbath named NFC Players of Week 8" (PDF). NFL. October 29, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 19, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f "Tom Brady, DeMarco Murray lead Players of the Month". NFL. October 30, 2014. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved October 30, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, Dolphins CB Brent Grimes & Patriots WR-PR Julian Edelman named AFC Players of Week 9" (PDF). NFL. November 5, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Eagles WR Jeremy Maclin, Saints LB Junior Galette & Cardinals ST Justin Bethel named NFC Players of Week 9" (PDF). NFL. November 5, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved November 5, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Ravens RB Justin Forsett, Jets S Jaiquawn Jarrett & Chiefs FB Anthony Sherman named AFC Players of Week 10" (PDF). NFL. November 12, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Cardinals CB Patrick Peterson & Eagles PR-RB Darren Sproles named NFC Players of Week 10" (PDF). NFL. November 12, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 12, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Patriots RB Jonas Gray, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Chargers P Mike Scifres named AFC Players of Week 11" (PDF). NFL. November 19, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Buccaneers WR Mike Evans, 49ers LB Chris Borland & Rams K Greg Zuerlein named NFC Players of Week 11" (PDF). NFL. November 19, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 19, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Ravens RB Justin Forsett, Raiders S Charles Woodson & Bills RB Boobie Dixon named AFC Players of Week 12" (PDF). NFL. November 26, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Packers RB Eddie Lacy, Seahawks S Kam Chancellor & Eagles KR Josh Huff named NFC Players of Week 12" (PDF). NFL. November 26, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved November 26, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Colts LB D'Qwell Jackson & Jaguars K Josh Scobee named AFC Players of Week 13" (PDF). NFL. December 3, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Saints QB Drew Brees, Seahawks CB Richard Sherman & Vikings ST Adam Thielen named NFC Players of Week 13" (PDF). NFL. December 3, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Colts QB Andrew Luck, Bills DE Mario Williams & Ravens K Justin Tucker named AFC Players of the Month for November" (PDF). NFL. December 4, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Eagles LB Connor Barwin & Falcons K Matt Bryant named NFC Players of the Month for November" (PDF). NFL. December 4, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell, Ravens LB Elvis Dumervil & Patriots P Ryan Allen named AFC Players of Week 14" (PDF). NFL. December 10, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 23, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Panthers QB Cam Newton, Giants LB Devon Kennard & Rams PR-WR Tavon Austin named NFC Players of Week 14" (PDF). NFL. December 10, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 23, 2014. Retrieved December 10, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Bengals RB Jeremy Hill, Broncos CB Aqib Talib & Chiefs PR-RB De'Anthony Thomas named AFC Players of Week 15" (PDF). NFL. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 24, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Cowboys WR Dez Bryant, Lions S Glover Quin & Cardinals K Chandler Catanzaro named NFC Players of Week 15" (PDF). NFL. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 24, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Chargers QB Philip Rivers, Bengals CB Dre Kirkpatrick & Texans K Randy Bullock named AFC Players of Week 16" (PDF). NFL. December 24, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Seahawks QB Russell Wilson, Packers LB Clay Matthews & Falcons P Matt Bosher named NFC Players of Week 16" (PDF). NFL. December 24, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 24, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Broncos RB C.J. Anderson, Colts LB Jonathan Newsome & Steelers WR-PR Antonio Brown named AFC Players of Week 17" (PDF). NFL. December 31, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Panthers S Roman Harper & Packers PR Micah Hyde named NFC Players of Week 17" (PDF). NFL. December 31, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Steelers Antonio Brown, Texans DE J. J. Watt & Broncos K Connor Barth Named AFC Players of Month for December" (PDF). NFL. December 31, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ a b c "Cowboys QB Tony Romo, Seahawks LB Bobby Wagner & Cardinals Special Teamer Justin Bethel Named NFC Players of Month for December" (PDF). NFL. December 31, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on September 12, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2014.
- ^ "Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin & Bears CB Kyle Fuller Named NFL Rookies of Month for September" (PDF). NFL. October 2, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 7, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ "Bills WR Sammy Watkins & Ravens LB C.J. Mosley Named NFL Rookies of Month for October" (PDF). NFL. October 31, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved October 31, 2014.
- ^ "Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr. & 49ers LB Chris Borland NFL Rookies of Month for November" (PDF). NFL. December 4, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 22, 2014. Retrieved December 5, 2014.
- ^ "Giants WR Odell Beckham, Jr. & Ravens LB C.J. Mosley NFL Rookies of Month for December" (PDF). NFL. December 31, 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2014.
- ^ "Bill O'Brien to be Texans coach". ESPN.com. January 2, 2014. Archived from the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved January 2, 2014.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (December 6, 2013). "Gary Kubiak fired as Houston Texans head coach". NFL.com. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved December 6, 2013.
- ^ Sessler, Marc (December 29, 2013). "Rob Chudzinski fired by Cleveland Browns". National Football League. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
- ^ Brinson, Will (February 8, 2014). "Colts hire Rob Chudzinski as special assistant to head coach". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on February 8, 2014. Retrieved February 8, 2014.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on January 25, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2014.
- ^ Patra, Kevin (December 30, 2013). "Jim Schwartz fired by Detroit Lions after five seasons". National Football League. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ "Jim Caldwell hired by Detroit Lions as next coach". NFL.com. August 30, 2013. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- Fox News Channel. December 30, 2013. Archivedfrom the original on January 2, 2014. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ "Vikings hire Mike Zimmer as next head coach | ProFootballTalk". Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. January 15, 2014. Archived from the original on January 16, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- ^ "Lovie Smith Returns to Coach Buccaneers". January 2, 2014. Archived from the original on January 3, 2014. Retrieved January 5, 2014.
- ^ a b Brinson, Will (December 30, 2013). "Greg Schiano and GM Mark Dominik fired by Buccaneers". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ "Titans fire coach Mike Munchak". ESPN.com. January 4, 2014. Archived from the original on January 4, 2014. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ "Mike Shanahan fired by Washington Redskins after four seasons". Sports Illustrated. December 30, 2013. Archived from the original on December 30, 2013. Retrieved December 30, 2013.
- ^ Jay Gruden expected to be hired as Redskins coach Archived May 14, 2015, at the Wayback Machine. The Washington Post. Retrieved January 9, 2014.
- ^ "Raiders fire Dennis Allen after two-plus seasons". National Football League. September 29, 2014. Archived from the original on October 1, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2014.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on October 3, 2014. Retrieved September 30, 2014.
- ^ NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on February 21, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ a b c Cabot, Mary Kay (February 13, 2014). "Joe Banner and Mike Lombardi ended on bad terms with each other, and Browns owner Jimmy Haslam wiped out both". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on February 28, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ a b Cabot, Mary Kay (February 11, 2014). "CLEVELAND BROWNS SHAKEUP: Joe Banner out as CEO, Mike Lombardi out as General Manager". The Plain Dealer. Archived from the original on February 13, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ King, Peter (February 12, 2014). "Why The Browns Blew Up The Franchise … Again". MMQB.com. Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on January 26, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- ^ The Miami Herald. Archivedfrom the original on March 30, 2014. Retrieved May 6, 2014.
- About.com. Archivedfrom the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
- NFL.com. Archivedfrom the original on March 19, 2014. Retrieved October 29, 2013.
- ^ Matier, Phil (December 9, 2013). "Lack of Parking Means No Monday Night Football At Levi's Stadium". Sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com. KPIX-TV. Archived from the original on December 31, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
- San Jose Mercury News. Archivedfrom the original on January 17, 2014. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
- ^ Biggs, Brad (March 25, 2014). "NFL uncertain of release date for 2014 schedule". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on March 27, 2014. Retrieved March 25, 2014.
- ^ Biggs, Brad (April 22, 2014). "NFL schedule to be announced Wednesday". CSN Bay Area. chatsports.com. Archived from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- ^ Collier, Kiah (March 19, 2014). "Reliant Stadium to be rebranded with the NRG name". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved March 19, 2014.
- ^ Christopher Gates (August 17, 2012). "Vikings Might Have Two Seasons At TCF Bank Stadium Instead Of One". Daily Norseman. SB Nation. Archived from the original on October 24, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2013.
- ^ Tesfatsion, Master (April 4, 2014). "Monday night home games difficult for Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on April 7, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
- ^ Killion, Ann (December 29, 2013). Raiders' stagnation offers no reason for hope Archived January 27, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. 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? "
- ^ Roth, Leo (March 5, 2014). Bills should sack Toronto series. Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. Retrieved March 5, 2014.
- ^ Smith, Scott (February 20, 2014). "Bucs Unveil Enhanced Logo and Helmet". Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Archived from the original on February 25, 2014. Retrieved February 20, 2014.
- ^ "New Uniform Design Unveiled". Tampa Bay Buccaneers. March 3, 2014. Archived from the original on March 10, 2014. Retrieved March 3, 2014.
- ^ "Bucs to wear 'MG' patch in 2014". ESPN. August 6, 2014. Archived from the original on November 23, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ "Philadelphia Eagles set to wear all black uniforms for first time ever Sunday". Yahoo Sports. October 8, 2014. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved October 9, 2014.
- ^ "Eagles To Wear Black For Early Part Of Season". CBS Philly. August 15, 2014. Archived from the original on August 16, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ^ Shorr-Parks, Eliot (August 15, 2014). "Eagles announce upgrades to jerseys using new Nike technology". NJ.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2014. Retrieved August 15, 2014.
- ^ Rothstein, Michael (July 21, 2014). "Lions to wear Ford Sr. jersey patch". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 22, 2014. Retrieved July 21, 2014.
- ^ "Buffalo bills to don Ralph Wilson patches". ESPN. May 8, 2014. Archived from the original on September 27, 2015. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ Wyatt, Jim (November 21, 2014). "Titans will stick with white jerseys". The Tennessean. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ^ Kuharsky, Paul (November 22, 2014). "Titans mailbag: Taking on your questions". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 25, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
- ^ Kuharsky, Paul (November 21, 2014). "RTC: It's white the rest of the way for Titans". ESPN. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2014.
- ^ Steelers To Celebrate 40th Anniversary of Team's First Championship Archived June 12, 2014, at the Wayback Machine Pittsburgh Steelers (06/09/2014)
- ^ Bryan, Dave (June 12, 2014). "Steelers To Wear Bumblebee Throwback Jerseys In 2014 Against Colts". Pittsburgh Steelers. Retrieved June 12, 2014.[dead link]
- ^ "Giants unveil 90th season patch". Giants.com. June 24, 2014. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved June 10, 2015.
- ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars to wear commemorative patch in 2014". cover32.com. May 13, 2014. Archived from the original on September 4, 2014. Retrieved August 1, 2015.
- ^ a b Updated: ESPN Kicks Off New Eight-Year, $14 Billion NFL Deal Archived August 2, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Multichannel News September 8, 2011
- ^ The Tradition Continues: NFL to Remain on Network TV Archived January 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine, NFL Press Release, December 14, 2011
- ^ a b "How CBS won Thursday night". Sports Business Daily. Archived from the original on January 7, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
- ^ Cherner, Reid (February 5, 2014). "CBS to broadcast NFL games on Thursday in 2014". USA Today. Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved February 5, 2014.
- ^ "Bengals-Browns game on WLWT-TV on Thursday". Cincinnati.com. Gannett. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
- ^ Steinberg, Brian (January 18, 2015). "CBS, NFL Renew Deal For 'Thursday Night Football'". Variety. Archived from the original on January 12, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
- ^ Pergament, Alan (June 10, 2014). Tasker to be part of three-man booth at CBS Archived July 14, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. The Buffalo News. Retrieved June 10, 2014.
- ^ CBS finally hires a rules expert, pulling Mike Carey off the field Archived July 3, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. AwfulAnnouncing.com. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
- ^ Nate Davis (February 18, 2014). "CBS hires Tony Gonzalez, parts with two Hall-of-Fame analysts". usatoday.com. Archived from the original on August 7, 2017. Retrieved February 18, 2014.
- ^ Deitsch, Richard (July 14, 2014). Erin Andrews replaces Pam Oliver on Fox's No. 1 NFL team Archived November 22, 2017, at the Wayback Machine. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
- ^ Lombardo, Matt (August 6, 2014). Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to call NFL games this season Archived August 11, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. NJ.com. Retrieved August 6, 2014.
- ^ Pergament, Alan (October 20, 2014). Fox's Brando proves to be a strong substitute and storyteller Archived October 21, 2014, at the Wayback Machine. The Buffalo News. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
- ^ a b "The NFL TV Ratings Page". SportsMediaWatch.com. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 9, 2016.