NFL

Sarah Johnson makes a call during the first half of an April 2014 preseason NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Diego Chargers.

NFL Makes It Official: Sarah Thomas Is First Woman To Be A Full-Time Ref

5:30pm April 08, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Confirming a long-anticipated move, the NFL has hired its first female official on a full-time basis. She has spent nearly a decade working her way through the ranks in the NCAA.

Sarah Thomas calls holding during a preseason game between the Oakland Raiders and New Orleans Saints in 2013.

NFL Is Reportedly Hiring Its First Female Full-Time Official

2:41pm April 03, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Sarah Thomas has officiated football games in the NCAA and for the NFL's preseason and training camps. For the 2015 NFL season, she'll reportedly work full time at the game's highest level.

'Borland Effect' A Fumble For Football? Deford Says It Will Pass

8:18am March 25, 2015

by Frank Deford

San Francisco 49ers player Chris Borland is retiring from the NFL after a single season to avoid potential brain injuries. Some see this as the beginning of the end of football's popularity.

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San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland (50) is seen here in a game last year against the New York Giants. Borland, who had two interceptions in that game, has announced that he is retiring from the NFL after his rookie season.

49ers Linebacker Quits After 1 Season, Citing Safety Concerns

12:56pm March 17, 2015

by Bill Chappell

Worries about possibly incurring brain injuries prompted 24-year-old Chris Borland to end his NFL career after one season. "I just honestly want to do what's best for my health," he said.

Fans hold a "Los Angeles Rams" sign during a San Diego Chargers game against the St. Louis Rams last year. Both teams are part of proposals to build new NFL stadiums in the LA area.

Inglewood Approves Plan For NFL Stadium, In Deal Involving Rams Owner

1:04pm February 26, 2015

by Bill Chappell

The unanimous vote Tuesday night came after "a consultant compared stadium noise in surrounding neighborhoods to that of bird calls," KPCC reports.

University of Connecticut defensive back Byron Jones takes off for the broad jump at the NFL combine Monday. Jones recorded an NFL record of 12 feet 3 inches.

12 Feet: A Soaring New Broad Jump Record Is Set At NFL Combine

2:10pm February 23, 2015

by Bill Chappell

If you're ever standing near Byron Jones when he jumps, you might want to stay well back. On Monday, the cornerback flew more than 12 feet from a standing start.

Football rules, uniforms, helmets and protective gear have changed a lot over the years.

Why Do We Love Football So Much? Theater Tackles Tough Questions

9:24am February 02, 2015

by April Dembosky

A play based on interviews with former NFL players, their families and fans digs deep: What's so fun about a sport that devastates bodies and brains? And what if it can't be made safer?

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Malcolm Butler (right) of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass intended for Ricardo Lockette of the Seattle Seahawks late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday.

WATCH: The Interception That Won The Super Bowl

8:41am February 02, 2015

by Krishnadev Calamur

The play came from New England cornerback Malcolm Butler, who intercepted a Russell Wilson pass at the goal line with 20 seconds left. The result: Patriots over Seahawks, 28-24.

Bill Parcells has been coach to the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Giants, the New England Patriots and the New York Jets.

Should Ray Rice Get A Second Chance? 'Maybe,' Parcells Says

10:54am January 30, 2015

by NPR Staff

In part two of David Greene's conversation with Bill Parcells, the football coach talks about how he dealt with players' drug use and about redemption for the former Baltimore Ravens running back.

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Sports

The Tennis Court Offers A Good Lesson For The NFL

1:06pm January 28, 2015

by Frank Deford

As Deflategate and other embarrassing incidents continue to hit the NFL, commentator Frank Deford says a selfless act by a little-known tennis player could teach the league something about fairness.

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