Yellow Marker

10/29/2025

Minneapolis, Minnesota, on February 4th, 2018, became the unlikely stage for a Super Bowl upset for the ages. The New England Patriots, fresh off an AFC-best 13-3 regular season record and making their tenth Super Bowl appearance (their third in four years under the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady dynasty), were heavily favored against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles, who had rallied behind backup quarterback Nick Foles after an injury to their starter, were making their third Super Bowl appearance, carrying the underdog spirit of a city yearning for its first Lombardi Trophy. What transpired was a thrilling, high-scoring affair filled with trick plays and unforgettable moments, ultimately culminating in a stunning 41-33 victory for the resilient Eagles.

The game started with both teams trading field goals. However, the Eagles drew first blood with a touchdown, though a missed extra point kept their lead at 9-3. The Patriots then drove deep into Eagles territory but came away empty-handed after a missed field goal. A trick play attempt by the Patriots later in the half also failed, and the Eagles capitalized with another touchdown, extending their lead to 15-3. The Patriots managed to respond with a field goal and then capitalized on a Duron Harmon interception with a James White touchdown run, though a missed extra point kept the score at 15-12. The first half concluded with one of the most memorable plays in Super Bowl history: a trick play that saw quarterback Nick Foles catching a touchdown pass, giving the Eagles a 22-12 lead at halftime.

The second half saw the Patriots come roaring back, with Brady leading a 75-yard touchdown drive to narrow the deficit to 22-19. However, Foles continued his stellar performance, leading the Eagles on a drive that culminated in a 22-yard touchdown pass to Corey Clement, extending their lead to 29-19. Brady responded once again, connecting with Chris Hogan for a touchdown, bringing the Patriots within three points at 29-26. The Eagles opened the fourth quarter with a field goal, but Brady answered with his second touchdown pass of the game, finding Rob Gronkowski to give the Patriots their first lead at 33-32.

The lead was short-lived. Facing a crucial fourth down, Foles connected on a pass to keep the Eagles' drive alive, and then found Zach Ertz for another touchdown, putting Philadelphia back on top 38-33 with just over two minutes remaining. The Patriots' hopes rested on Brady's shoulders, but Brandon Graham delivered the game's only sack, stripping the ball from Brady, and the Eagles recovered the fumble. A late field goal extended the Eagles' lead to 41-33. With only seconds remaining, Brady's Hail Mary pass fell incomplete, sealing the Eagles' improbable Super Bowl victory. Despite throwing for a Super Bowl record 505 yards, Brady and the Patriots fell short, marking their fifth Super Bowl loss. The Philadelphia Eagles, fueled by Nick Foles's heroic performance, finally captured their elusive first Super Bowl title in a game that will forever be remembered for its offensive fireworks and the stunning upset.

10/29/2025

Imagine a bond between a player and a team so profound that it spans an entire career, a rare display of loyalty in the often transient world of professional sports. Donald Driver, the electrifying wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, etched his name into NFL history by achieving a remarkable feat: he is the only player to don the iconic green and gold in over 200 games without ever playing for another franchise. This singular dedication transforms him from a mere legend into an almost mythical figure in the annals of Packers lore.

Driver's journey with the Packers began in 1999 when he was drafted in the seventh round, the 213th overall pick. Few could have predicted the illustrious career that would unfold. For 14 seasons, he was the embodiment of consistency and reliability, becoming the Packers' all-time leading receiver in both receptions (743) and receiving yards (10,137). Beyond the statistical milestones, Driver's impact resonated through his unwavering commitment to the team and the Green Bay community. In a league where players often switch allegiances in pursuit of championships or lucrative contracts, Driver remained a constant, a symbol of steadfastness.

His loyalty wasn't just about staying with one team; it was about embracing the Packers' culture and the passionate fanbase. Driver played with an infectious energy and a genuine love for the game that endeared him to the "Cheeseheads." He was a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl XLV champion, achieving the ultimate team success while wearing only one uniform. When he finally hung up his cleats after the 2012 season, his retirement ceremony at Lambeau Field was a testament to the deep connection he forged with the fans, a mutual admiration society built on years of spectacular plays and unwavering dedication. Donald Driver's career stands as a powerful reminder that in the heart of professional sports, loyalty can indeed be a defining characteristic of a true legend.

10/29/2025

5 NFL Facts You Didn’t Know, Part 1

10/29/2025

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Cliff Branch in action against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XV at the Superdome. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. He spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, winning three Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII.

10/29/2025

Giants Steelers 1964

10/29/2025

Paul Hornung, affectionately known as "The Golden Boy," epitomized versatility and excellence on the football field. His remarkable performance on December 12, 1965, against the Baltimore Colts, showcased his multifaceted talent. In that game, Hornung scored five touchdowns—three rushing and two receiving—amassing 61 yards on the ground and 115 yards through the air. His ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, including kicking, made him an invaluable asset to the Green Bay Packers. Legendary coach Vince Lombardi, who led the Packers to five NFL Championships, lauded Hornung as "the greatest player I ever coached." This high praise underscores Hornung's unique blend of athleticism and intelligence, qualities that ultimately earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

10/29/2025

Mike Haynes History

10/29/2025

Deacon Jones, who had a relatively unnoticed college football journey before being selected in the 14th round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, quickly rose to become an outstanding defensive end. Gifted with remarkable speed, agility, and reflexes, “Deacon” evolved into one of the most dominant pass rushers in the game. Interestingly, his path to professional football might never have happened if two Rams scouts hadn't randomly noticed him while reviewing film of another player. They saw the 6-foot-4, 272-pound lineman outpacing the running backs they were actually evaluating and recommended him as a hidden gem.

Jones's college career included a season at South Carolina State in 1958, a break from football in 1959, and then a final season at Mississippi Vocational College in 1960. Initially, the Rams were unsure where he would fit best on the team, but he quickly found his place as a defensive end. For nearly ten years, he and tackle Merlin Olsen formed a dominant left side on the Rams’ defensive line, both consistently earning All-Pro honors.

Between 1965 and 1970, Jones was unanimously selected as an all-league player for six consecutive seasons. He also made seven straight Pro Bowl appearances from 1965 to 1971 and was chosen for an eighth in 1973. In both 1967 and 1968, he was named the NFL’s best defensive player by a major news outlet.

In 1972, Jones was part of a multi-player trade that sent him to the San Diego Chargers. He made an immediate impact, leading the Chargers' defensive linemen in tackles and earning a spot in the AFC Pro Bowl lineup. He was also appointed the team's defensive captain. Jones wrapped up his career with the Washington Redskins in 1974. Known for his toughness and commitment, he missed only five out of a possible 196 regular-season games during his 14-season NFL career.

10/29/2025

QB Kenny Stabler passes over the on-coming rush of Giants defensive lineman Bob Goich ( #68) & Carter Campbell ( #79) in 1973. Stabler had 2 touchdown passes as the Raiders thrashed New York 42-0. Also seen is Raiders tackle John Vella ( #75)

10/29/2025

A Glorious Game!

In the summer of 1981, I took my first trip to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. It was a great experience, and I was really impressed with the building and all of its exhibits.

One of the many unique sections that the Hall of Fame had back at that time was a large auditorium where they would show a variety of NFL Films productions. Visitors could request different team highlight films. The very first film that I watched there was entitled "A Glorious Game." It was a 1971 film detailing several players and coaches from the 1971 season, as well as discussing the sport with the viewpoint from the era that it was produced.

I enjoyed the film so much, that I decided to show it to you here on this page. One of the segments of the film is focused on former Los Angeles Rams head coach Tommy Prothro (in the photo talking strategy with his quarterback, Roman Gabriel).

10/29/2025

10/28/2025

This is a tough question, but it's a thinking type of question. To the best of your knowledge, what Super Bowl team from 1970 to 1979 (that's Super Bowl V to Super Bowl XIV) was the least prepared to play in a Super Bowl?

Try not to focus on the fact that a team struggled in scoring, although that is definitely a result of being unprepared. Because this is an opinion question, is there a Super Bowl team in your opinion that had difficulty adjusting to their opponent's game plan? Maybe they choked at the worst possible time. Maybe their coaching staff failed to address their potential matchup issues with their opponent in that Super Bowl.

Whatever criteria you use to answer this question, think about how well...or how poorly...a team competed in a Super Bowl during the 1970s.
Me? I'm saying that the 1977 Denver Broncos were the least prepared to play in Super Bowl XII (see the photo), where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys, 27-10. If you have never seen the NFL Films' highlight film from Super Bowl XII, click on the link below to check it out.