football

NFL owners approve revamp of kickoff rules inspired by XFL

By Rob Maaddi, Associated Press

For a standard kickoff, the ball would be kicked from the 35-yard line with the 10 kick coverage players lined up at the opposing 40, with five on each side of the field.

Why communities of color are embracing youth tackle football despite safety concerns

By Jenna Bloom, Sapna Bansil

Football's troubles with concussions and injuries have been well chronicled. That's started to change feelings about tackle football for kids. But in some communities of color, the commitment and belief in youth football remains strong. Sapna Bansil reports from Lexington,…

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Kansas City Chiefs beat San Francisco 49ers at Super Bowl in overtime

By Noah Trister, Associated Press

This Super Bowl will likely go down as one of the most memorable.

Chiefs and Dolphins play 4th-coldest game in NFL history as deep freeze sweeps the U.S.

By Dave Skretta, Associated Press

The Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins played the fourth-coldest game in NFL history on Saturday night, with bitter wind chills that made it feel even colder at kickoff and intrepid fans bundled up in parkas, snow pants and ski goggles.

Bill Belichick to end tenure as Patriots coach after 24 seasons, 6 Super Bowl titles

By Kyle Hightower, Jimmy Golen, Associated Press

Six-time NFL champion Bill Belichick has agreed to part ways as the coach of the New England Patriots, bringing an end to his 24-year tenure as the architect of the most decorated dynasty of the league's Super Bowl era.

Commanders fire coach Ron Rivera as new ownership begins making changes

By Stephen Whyno, Associated Press

General manager Martin Mayhew and a majority of the front office and coaching staff are also expected to depart as new ownership begins sweeping changes to put its stamp on the organization.

Michigan plays Penn State without coach Harbaugh after no ruling to lift Big 10’s ban

By Ralph D. Russo, Associated Press

No. 2 Michigan was without coach Jim Harbaugh on Saturday against No. 9 Penn State after a judge did not issue a ruling on the school’s attempt to at least temporarily lift the Big Ten’s penalty against the Wolverines for…

Dick Butkus, ferocious Chicago Bears linebacker and Hall of Famer, dies at 80

By Andrew Seligman, Associated Press

Fearsome Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus, a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history, has died at 80, the team announced on Thursday.

Michigan State fires coach Mel Tucker for bringing ridicule to school, breaching his contract

By Larry Lage, Associated Press

The school said Wednesday that it terminated what's left of Tucker's $95 million, 10-year contract for acknowledging actions that subjected the institution to ridicule, among other reasons.

Michael Oher, former NFL tackle and inspiration for ‘The Blind Side,’ sues to end conservatorship

By Teresa M. Walker, Associated Press

Oher accuses Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy of lying to him nearly two decades ago by having him sign papers making them his conservators rather than his adoptive parents.