chicago bears season chicago bears season franchise season national_football_league firing general manager head coach following season team hired new_orleans saints director player personnel ryan pace denver head coach john fox fill positions respectively fox hiring marked bears head coach seasons bears entered season hopes improving record team started regular season poor note losing games following games team went including thanksgiving win rival green bay bears lost games december officially eliminated playoff contention week fourteen washington week sixteen tampa bay bears improved record win losing final game season detroit lions bears ended season north bears competitive games compared team losses touchdown additionally new adam helped offense defense respectively quarterback jay threw career low recorded rating highest career defense allowed points defenses previously allowed franchise highs points including team marred injuries year players starting sixteen games offseason organizational changes office years general manager fired december later day baltimore cleveland new_york_giants general manager presidential assistant bears founder george hired organization consultant help team find new head coach december nfl network insider reported bears candidates position kansas_city chiefs director player personnel bears director pro scouting chris giants vice president player evaluation finalist bears job ross tennessee vice president player personnel lake baltimore director pro personnel assistant general manager rumored potential candidate dan minnesota assistant george declined offer later announced intention remain later week chicago requested interview new_orleans saints director player personnel ryan pace houston director pro scouting brian january bears conducted interviews general manager pace interviewed day pace hired january january director pro personnel kevin turks fired bears hired saints area scout lucas director player personnel january scouting department scouts hired national scout joe douglas director college scouting assistant director pro personnel anthony kelly director pro scouting new_york jets area scout christopher hired role coaching day firing year head coach fired offensive coordinator aaron coach matt contract expired day retained team hunt new head coach bears requested interviews denver offensive coordinator adam arizona cardinals defensive coordinator seattle defensive coordinator dan quinn detroit lions defensive coordinator austin team showed interest offensive coordinator buffalo bills head coach announced january stay baltimore bears went seattle january interview quinn following day interviewed denver interviewed january austin interviewed days later january head coach john fox released january interviewed days interview fox hired signing year contract looking offensive coordinator bears requested interview tight ends coach mike denied bears showed interest san_francisco quarterback coach kansas head coach charlie position selected role january defensively hired january brought defensive backs coach serve position replacing jon nfl scouting combine bears announced switching base defense defensive scheme operated san_francisco fox assistants brought chicago special teams coordinator jeff hired january replacing joe day assistant defensive backs coach sam offensive line coach dave assistant special teams coach hired positions served denver day defensive coordinator tucker tight ends coach andy coach herring assistant special teams coach officially released replace herring respectively atlanta hired saints assistant offensive line coach frank smith succeeded tight ends coach spot hired january days later defensive line coach paul left bears join houston coach jay hired days later bears assistant coach reassigned outside february ohio_state running backs coach stan joined bears serve position day north shore senior high school assistant football coach nfl player ben hired assistant coach incumbent coach pat retained january strength conditioning coach mike clark fired day jason george hired place offensive quality control coach hired offensive assistant january days later chicago offensive quality control coaches fired february central michigan director strength conditioning perry hired assistant strength coach february team announced retain defensive quality control coach chris harris roster changes bears entered new league year free agents exclusive rights free agents nfl deadline apply franchise tag players march bears tag players free agency officially began march acquisitions signing january bears signed toronto receiver john reserve future contract second day free agency bears signed linebacker year deal worth million million guaranteed new_york_giants safety million million guaranteed san_diego receiver eddie royal million million guaranteed year deals bears began signing players year deals march offensive agreed contract days later chiefs long thomas signed march bears added defenders defensive ends ray mcdonald march tampa bay linebacker mason foster march jacksonville ball march march running joined team signing april occurred day cardinals linebacker sam acquired day center montgomery signed later month april tight end bear signed june acquisition year signing team signed tracy porter june april chiefs safety signed year deal bears signed quarterback pat linebacker kyle defensive tackle terry williams year contracts day new_york jets tight end chris claimed june safety martin running daniel thomas agreed contracts year days start training camp july team signed arizona receiver cardinals defensive david carter acquired day departures march bears agreed trade receiver marshall jets fifth round draft pick trade official start free agency defensive tackle stephen bears free agents leave team signing march days later safety chris joined april charles signed linebacker receiver morgan departed bears sign cardinals saints respectively april safety anthony center team longest player released seasons linebacker defensive lane released days later newly acquired defensive tackle ray mcdonald released accused domestic violence child june pat tight end jacob released brown days later nfl draft pre draft march analyst lance wrote bears biggest needs entering draft outside linebacker nose tackle offensive line safety wide receiver general consensus bears seventh overall pick select edge like florida shane ray missouri gregory nebraska believed bears trade pick players like oregon washington eddie florida state jordan phillips oklahoma brown texas fits bears new defense bears trade spot 10th 20th suggested position draft wide receiver particularly alabama cooper despite considered true need talent like tough pass defensive position considered pick nose tackle sports_illustrated writer andy staples believed defense focus result bears draft followed linebacker later rounds ucla mississippi state anthony paul second round draft running like allen mike davis south_carolina prior draft bears met players private visits met nfl scouting combine met college pro days meetings senior bowl east west shrine game iowa state david player team team held local pro day april featured players chicago area including northwestern quarterback safety campbell receiver kyle taylor graham hawaii connecticut matt wisconsin safety cooper nebraska offensive arthur ray michigan state tight ends matt illinois james illinois state iowa state draft class bears attempted trade quarterback jay overall pick tennessee interested eventually bears drafted west_virginia receiver kevin white seventh overall pick considered receiver draft class analyst mike white caught passes yards touchdowns second round florida state defensive eddie selected considered round prospect fallen associated_press american recorded tackles sacks tackles loss final college season oregon center drafted trophy finalist bears convinced guard kyle long draft oregon teammate white selections marked time bears drafted offensive players picks fourth round michigan state running selected time michigan state recorded rushing yards touchdowns carries recording games rushing yards school history holds record consecutive big conference games rushing yards ending college career bears drafted second defensive player fifth round penn state safety adrian having started consecutive games lions recorded tackles career totals tackles seven sacks tackles loss bears final pick draft sixth round drafting tackle big conference newcomer year football family issues returning help win big title draft class members agreed year deals bears sign following day white signed player sign contract agreeing deal notes bears traded original fifth round selection overall fifth round selection denver exchange seventh round selections bears traded wide receiver marshall seventh round selection overall new_york jets exchange jets fifth round selection overall free agents draft bears signed free agents offense players signed quarterback shane completed percent passes yards touchdowns coastal guard hamilton named team big south conference arkansas tackle cameron jefferson honorable mention mountain west conference team playing illinois state receiver cameron meredith led yards touchdowns receiver punt holds school record punt return touchdowns catching passes yards touchdowns alabama tight end brian recorded catches yards touchdowns years defensively seven players signed linebacker anderson recorded tackles tackles loss rice recorded tackles second school history tackles loss sacks forced recovery college games including career best tackles east central black team great american conference member time northeastern oklahoma college tackles interception east central recorded tackles seven picks named second team american american american athletic conference defensive player year ucla safety anthony jefferson led pass ranking tackles awarding spot second team conference roster miami defensive end recorded tackles tackles loss sacks forced recovery pass college games washington linebacker john recorded tackles touchdowns chicago signed special mid american conference special teams player year conversion percentage career old dominion long didn miss game college released june offseason activities bears held voluntary offseason program april players focusing strength conditioning having new head coach voluntary veteran held april rookie held organized team activities scheduled open media june june finally mandatory squad held june players reported training camp university july practice officially began following day camp lasted august practices held august training camp prior game preseason transactions occurred day camp rookie hamilton retired july tyler moore signed year contract place august tight end brian released days later guard ryan traded new_england patriots linebacker matthew wells preseason transactions schedule bears preseason schedule released april team opened preseason home miami defeated bears meeting followed visiting playoff teams indianapolis cincinnati bears faced teams season respectively chicago ended preseason hosting annual preseason opponent cleveland bears lost preseason game game bears struggled early preseason opening game starting scoring opening drive ryan yard touchdown pass concluding play yard drive offensive play tackle jordan mills false start plays bears chicago score early second quarter yard field goal responded field goal yard field goal later quarter left half backup quarterback jimmy attempted lead minute drill offense reached yard line wide receiver unable bounds clock ran early second half pulled ball away mike recovered led yard field goal miami narrowed margin point yard kick play thompson intercepted linebacker john seven plays later carey scored yard touchdown run bears lead followed point conversion pass wide receiver fourth quarter thompson intercepted linebacker sam miami led kicking yard field goal later quarter bears increased lead perry yard touchdown run making score turned ball downs bears game concluded miami freeman intercepted defensive bears led early yard yard field goals teams traded lead scores half indianapolis scored andrew luck yard touchdown run eventual point conversion pass johnson chicago responded ended half lead adam yard kick half bears quarter yard touchdown scramble kyle long holding penalty game lone occurred second quarter consecutive drives indianapolis quarterback matt pass intercepted mitchell pass tight end intercepted prince bears reclaimed lead possession second half yard touchdown pass established yard run driver sacked leading defensive tackle eddie recovering ensuing margin increased fifth play bears drive scoring yard run chicago receivers eddie royal wilson kevin white active game cincinnati game perry tracy porter wide receiver john linebacker jon suffered injuries penalties concern bears committed yards offense struggled converting downs successful defense bears allowed score unanswered touchdowns quarter andy yard run second touchdown pass jones hill yard run final seconds half bears scored yard field goal team offense left game quarter drive having ended punt drives unit failed record halfway final quarter bears able score blocked kevin punt returned yard touchdown chicago scored second quarter preseason ending game cleveland david yard touchdown pass wide receiver linebacker houston forcing mitchell recovered drive bears linebacker anderson sacked lewis leading time recovered defensive washington missed yard field goal quarter able throw yard touchdown pass escaping tank blitz later quarter martin intercepted lewis scored ensuing yard return remaining game scored final points game yard field goal bears recorded team preseason shutout end game defense excelled seven sacks forced limiting yards play bears concluded preseason record allowing score second half games turnover wise bears forced allowing regular season transactions schedule regular season schedule released april aside standard games north teams bears played west west teams place finishing east washington south tampa bay teams bears opponents combined record making schedule 13th strongest league game week green bay bears opened season hosting rival green bay meeting teams history season opener teams played chicago bears held time lead led series season opener record won games including game victory field analyst jeff believed bears run gain advantage chicago played green bay week season 30th ranked run defense allowed rushing yards game additionally offense avoid drives required long bears scored points outside red zone 29th best league protecting quarterback jay clay iii defense new defense faced fast paced green bay offense featuring quarterback aaron eddie led led north touchdowns having highest average yards play nfl provided challenge bears defensive backs liability league best rating touchdowns interception blitz receiver nelson caught touchdowns suffered tear preseason david tracy porter carey linebacker jon center tackle receiver cameron meredith inactive game won coin toss elected meaning bears started game ball possession game bears offense reached far yard line ended kicking yard field goal bears came close allowing turnover sacked reversed drives game ended scores teams scored yard touchdown pass james jones followed bears lead second quarter matt yard touchdown run possessions concluded field goals mason tied game bears ended half lead prior touchdown run kicked yard field goal sam shields play giving bears 4th bears capitalized yard run bears potential touchdowns dropping pass receiver touchdown canceled tackle holding penalty potential touchdown hurt penalty yard touchdown pass jones holding penalties second half scored quickly jones yard touchdown catch bears responded yard field goal eventually scored yard touchdown catch chicago following drive offense drove green bay yard line set goal situation yard run brought bears passes eddie royal royal fell incomplete leading bears turning ball downs bears failed score intercepted turnover set yard touchdown run increase score left game seconds left bears scored yard touchdown pass tight end bennett margin points green bay adams recovered kick ran clock end game field goal game allowed set franchise record field goals breaking tie kevin butler recorded rushing yards game bears running loss walter yards loss week arizona cardinals chicago hosted arizona week meeting time bears possessed record cardinals entering game won recent meeting arizona won game soldier field bears faced defense second consecutive week cardinals blitz heavy defense attack jeff wrote matt utilized passing bears wary left patrick arizona opponents threw passes yards times fifth lowest nfl result teams attempted throw right deep passes percent completed sixth lowest league defensively bears provide pressure excelled season opener saints touchdown game line allowed sacks week focusing challenging speed arizona receivers ego carey jon inactive game cardinals won toss decided receive opening david johnson returned yards touchdown teams exchanged receiver caught yard touchdown pass career touchdown reception cardinals ensuing drive bears forced fourth pass johnson went bounds reversed determined knee elbow plays later arizona gained yards pass john brown added defensive pass interference penalty corner kyle fuller placing offense bears yard line plays threw yard touchdown pass brown chicago drive scored yard dive cardinals scored touchdowns seconds larry yard touchdown reception tony jefferson intercepted scoring yard return tried dive tackle jefferson landed right shoulder suffered injury jimmy replaced rest game despite losing bears able score points yard field goal got ball drive linebacker allen pass intended nelson play bears settle yard field goal quarter pass wilson intercepted patrick cardinals turnover yard touchdown pass bears arizona increased score johnson yard touchdown run eventually kicked yard field goal score caught touchdown pass time yards widen margin points extra point wide left bears fell time points allowed home team history week seattle bears away game season occurred seattle led time series including regular season games bears won game seattle bears offense featuring jay faced defense led chancellor returned chancellor games season defense allowed complete percent passes rating jeff believed counter legion boom bears balance rushing passing attacks watching blitz pressured aaron times week defense bears watch quarterback russell wilson struggled pressure games sacked total times additionally run defense aware running game led lynch corps averaged yards game special teams bears stop rookie receiver tyler scored punt return earlier season jon defensive tackle linebacker young inactive won coin toss kicked bears offensive play delay game eventually teams traded seattle richard utilized trick punt return similar bears utilized johnny past record yard return bears yard line seattle eventually scored yard field goal drives ended teams later ended half prior drive controversy bears punt arose pat donnell ball started bounce bounds hit linebacker leg making available recover defensive taking advantage officials ruled punt downed led john fox challenging stood bears special teams struggles continued second half returned opening yards touchdown increased score touchdown later quarter jimmy graham yard touchdown catch wilson followed yard field goals fourth quarter final score bears shutout time games loss tampa bay week sixth longest streak league games bears allowed total points season allowed additionally bears drives game time data compiled despite hardships defense improved allowing touchdown allowing cardinals additionally having game teams sack bears recorded seattle defensive end linebacker week oakland raiders returning soldier field week bears hosted oakland raiders held time lead entering game game soldier field bears won raiders won oakland bears offense faced defense led defensive end secondary guided year old charles possessed career sealed raiders win previous week raiders struggled tight ends allowing catches yards total catches yards touchdowns games defense chicago quarterback led raiders offense combined points games rookie receiver cooper entering game recording yard touchdown week jeff wrote bears prevent raiders gaining touching ball raiders seventh yards catch murray recorded rushing yards week ranked fourth league rushing yards leading yards carry ranked fifth yards contact cooper yards catch second league wide receivers percent passing yards occurred plays comparison bears allowed fewest yards contact david patrick donnell carey tackle nose tackle inactive raiders won coin toss deferred second half bears managed record yard drive score opening possession jay seven yard touchdown pass eddie royal drive charles landed center montgomery leg injuring prompting matt replace extra point blocked struggles continued following kick bounced bounds game drives culminated raiders scored yard touchdown pass cooper despite initially ruled bounds raiders challenged ruling overturned bears series snap raiders dan williams recovered oakland capitalized roy scoring yard touchdown reception bears responded taking advantage open bennett score yard touchdown oakland drive swing pass murray landed pass eventually kicked yard field goal second half raiders drive reclaimed ball recovered matt oakland eventually took lead yard field goal eventually gave bears lead yard kick reclaimed possession ball murray dropping pitch sam recovered bears gave ball pass bennett fell short intercepted leading yard field goal left game began leading minute drill yard run followed sack incomplete pass bring fourth successfully converted seven yard pass bennett beat pass wilson fell incomplete seven yard run led situation led conversion seven yards wilson seconds left set downs pass receiver cameron meredith overthrown yard pass royal allowed offense enter oakland territory bears elected use seconds remaining offense entered field goal range yard pass wilson followed yard run seven seconds left bears allowed attempt yard field goal successfully converted field goal seconds remaining clock bears lead second attempt score raiders attempted lateral passes return illegal lateral early stages play bears eventually recovered clinch win later named special teams player week honor tying jeff paul team history field goal eleventh career game winner ran yards game increase career rushing yards total 14th player nfl history record career rushing receiving yards respectively second fastest player achieve milestone games win home win bears season finishing year horrific home record bears finish home combined week kansas_city chiefs fifth game season bears visited kansas_city trailed bears time series game kansas_city chiefs won entering game bears plagued injuries players listed injury report concussion ruled safety ankle doubtful questionable jeff wrote offense cautious bob defense particularly guided duo houston pass rush sacks combat defense chiefs targeted particularly rookie marcus targeted nfl touchdowns respectively additionally chiefs allowed touchdowns nfl red zone ranked worst league chiefs pass defense allowed passing touchdowns passing yards game ranked 28th league recording bears defense recorded sacks games faced offensive line allowed league high sacks despite struggles chiefs quarterback alex smith receivers like recorded receiving yards previous game smith completion percentage receivers worst league rushing attack chiefs running charles tied matt rushes yards nfl charles times career including twice special teams facing bears coordinator dave kansas_city return unit led davis anthony thomas davis ranked fourth nfl yards thomas tied seventh yards bears coverage unit took pro bowl ranked fourth gross punt average net average allowing yards return cairo led league field goals eddie royal david guard patrick defensive end inactive chiefs won toss deferred second half bears chiefs drives ended bears possession started yard line yard punt return holding penalty plays drive chiefs howard allen bailey sacked jay leading recovered wilson gave chiefs touchdown getting ball bears able score points late quarter yard field goal chiefs eventually bears pinned inside yard line drive stalled pat donnell despite playing team offensive line struggles bears failed employ pass rush chiefs drive smith threw pass thomas scored yard play kansas_city increased margin seconds left second quarter yard field goal end half chiefs drive second half offense reached bears yard line field goal blocked allowing bears play bears drive yard run marking bears opening quarter series concluded yard field goal drives game ended series held bears concluded turnover downs left game attempted lead comeback second consecutive game drive lasted plays yards concluding throwing yard touchdown pass wilson corner left bears attempted pass ruled challenge ruling upheld chiefs eventually bears starting drive led offense play yard drive concluding seven yard touchdown pass despite dropping snap bears failed point conversion chiefs started final drive seconds left game smith reached bears pass play threw yard pass pass going bounds result seconds left chiefs elected try nfl record yard field goal kick fell short giving bears win chicago victory bears won team records set game converting second field goal game leader points franchise history points surpassing kevin butler win 46th bears tying jim mcmahon team history week detroit lions second north game season took place detroit bears played lions bears led time series lions won meetings bears offensive players success detroit past career games lions jay threw yards touchdowns seven rating matt games rushing yards rushing touchdowns touchdown opponent potential weakness bears rushing attack exploit lions run defense departures defensive nick run defense allowed league low rushing yards game allowing yards game ranked 27th league lions pass defense suffered season lions allowed complete percent passes league high combined rating allowing second plays yards advantage bears saw returns eddie royal bennett injuries bears defense faced offense recorded yards play ranked 29th nfl lions quarterback matthew struggled having average yards pass worst year career lions week game arizona detroit running backs struggled averaging yards carry lions offense led league special teams lions led league returns yards running leading nfl category mitchell smith linebacker tackle nick nose tackle bruce inactive bears won toss deferred lions opening drive concluded touchdown lance moore beat score yard touchdown chicago unanswered points yard field goal yard touchdown run occurring second quarter lions reclaimed lead yard touchdown pass tim wright bears managed score points yard kick late half lions reached bears yard line threw pass golden crossed goal line stripped kyle fuller pass intercepted anderson ruled referee ruled play touchdown stating took steps broke plane chicago drive second half offense aided yard pass wilson reached detroit pass intercepted bears nearly regained ball lions ensuing possession sam stripped managed recover eventually lions bears possession jones recovered later kicked yard field goal lions series bears defense struggled allowing complete passes yards respectively followed yard touchdown pass johnson holding penalty bears forced punt pat donnell punt hit fuller leg safety chris recovered fourth quarter bears scored yard touchdown pass regained possession quickly toss hand anderson intercepted bears gained lead yard run followed point conversion pass lions took lead scores matt yard field goal yard touchdown pass johnson seconds left fourth quarter bears drove yards lions tied game yard kick overtime drives ended fifth kicked yard field goal claim win game featured controversial calls second quarter touchdown fox nfl commentator barber fox rules analyst mike believed controlled ball falling turf contrary nfl vice president dean stated controlled pass right goal line receiver going ground taking step demonstrated possession runner late fourth quarter appeared pushed lions game winning drive overtime young held penalty called nfl policies criticizing officials comment john fox stated allowed talk officials week bye week bears entered bye week record division comply nfl collective agreement required straight days players bears held practices tuesday wednesday entering bye bears seventh best conversion percentage having downs converted teams bears played october suspended games season released outside bears training facility ryan pace animated exchange forcing security escort lake forest police report area police intervention occurred reported hall poor condition requested leave relative pick replace bears signed jaguar hood later day week minnesota bears returned bye week hosting minnesota rivalry led time series winning game beaten bears soldier field jeff wrote offense protect jay defense sacked matthew seven times week seven total career games minnesota excelled throwing touchdowns record player believed attack rhodes allowed passing touchdowns league worst penalties additionally running backs target defense allowed yards carry worst nfl defense bears watch adrian averaged rushing yards game including consecutive games yards player quarterback completed passes players week seven watching speed minnesota receiving corps despite successes offense averaging yards game league red zone scored touchdowns percent drives worst nfl mitchell bruce carey cameron meredith inactive bears won coin toss deferred second half bears special teams unit struggled return despite bears took lead yard field goal minnesota scored marcus yard punt return touchdown return touchdown allowed bears despite return ensuing punt blair eventually kicked yard field goal second quarter score game drives ended twice bears turnover game occurred kyle fuller intercepted pass bears capitalized yard touchdown pass jumped rhodes catch left corner quarter bears reclaimed lead yard field goal chance increase margin points yard attempt kick went wide left miss season ending kick streak minnesota took advantage tying game yard field goal game possessions ended touchdowns teams bears scored targets unavailable running yards safety harrison smith goal line touchdown tied score throwing pass escaped score yard play left game bears drive ended punt yard line aided yard pass charles johnson kicked yard field goal time expired seal win touchdown pass tied touchdown passes bears history defensively recorded fifth sack game bears player brian sacks interception seven games second half matt suffered knee injury eddie royal missed following week game loss crucial bears responsible percent yards gained running backs week san_diego monday night football bears traveled west face san_diego teams met soldier field bears winning meeting san_diego won game san_diego victory games bears led series jeff wrote bears offense capitalize defense allowed yards catch nfl additionally offenses started drives yard line ranked 31st league points seven allowing yards play second worst nfl attack offense balance passes focused favorable receiver run making career start matt defensively bears faced offense struggling injuries particularly line positions seen players starting quarterback philip rivers excelled despite injuries having thrown touchdowns yards pass highest nfl rivers performance enabled position overtake manning single season passing yards record ranked offense nfl ranked catch offensive player bears faced tight end gates led league career touchdowns san_diego running game struggling rushing yards play ranked 30th league special teams wise teams worst nfl ranked 30th average return allowed bears 31st allowed league high returns yards punt return unit yard san_diego league starting yard line yards drives starting yard line average starting area receiver eddie royal safety jones defensive hood inactive won coin toss elected kick despite reaching yard line scoring opportunities denied jason jay pass field goal sailing wide left scored yard touchdown catch rivers bears possession offense entered territory reaching far yard line sack stripped ball recovered failed capitalize bears reclaimed ball tracy porter stripped linebacker christian jones recovered plays intercepted pass returning yards touchdown eventually missed extra point making score drive threw yard touchdown pass bennett teams exchanged scored final points half yard field goal second half yard field goal attempt hit left upright san_diego bears engineered yard drive culminated scoring yard run increased margin points kicking yard field goal guiding yard drive threw yard pass tight end miller caught pass hand scored ahead touchdown scored point conversion final drive fell apart plays like houston sacks 4th rivers deep pass fell incomplete left game times end game touchdown bennett overtook passing touchdowns franchise history additionally final touchdown marked twelfth fourth quarter touchdown league miller touchdown catch season week louis week game road louis bears played historically teams played joining cardinals common opponent outside north bears held series lead won game chicago offense faced defense pass rush featured players sacks rush second sacks league robert quinn despite missing previous week game knee injury led sacks second combined sacks league louis secondary starred johnson broke combined passes allowed touchdowns unit defense allowed touchdowns quarters having second best scoring defense nfl points game teams force negative plays jeff wrote bears bears 30th ranked offense took defense ranked fifth category bears defense rookie running target games averaged rushing yards attempts week fourth rushing yards league league high yards carry additionally defense pressure quarterback nick red zone completed percent passes situations completed percent completed percent sacks touchdowns like bears offense struggled ranked conversions percent special teams wise punt unit stop austin scored nfl punt return touchdowns austin pat donnell hang time seconds best nfl allow unit gunners reach contrast kick return team struggling ranked 30th starts yard line ranking 23rd kick return yards duo johnny best nfl gross punt average yards seven ranked fourth net average kicked yard field goal week missing league high seven field goals including blocked eddie royal matt return man thompson jones hood inactive bears won coin toss elected kick scored opening possession yard touchdown run bears tied score play drive stopped yard loss jay threw short pass miller managed break free score yard play drive saw offense punt return quickly hit bradley ball recovered louis alexander play turnover austin scored yard reverse touchdown robinson holding penalty eventually settle yard field goal bears regained possession play drive stripped mason recovered ball eventually kicked yard field goal tie score end quarter drive bears took lead throwing yard touchdown pass miller louis later chicago series started yard line ball holding penalty punt return yard run held defense throw screen pass scored yard play teams exchanged remainder half drives second half ended teams traded field goals yards yards louis drive team elected try fake punt pass davis fell short bears increased lead points yard field goal turned ball downs scored yard touchdown run drives ended teams young intercepted carey hit recovered aaron left game reached bears yard line time expired miller touchdown longest catch tight end chamberlain yard play longest touchdown reception bear matt yard score score yard touchdown bears team buffalo bills score multiple touchdowns yards game week denver john fox joined adam jeff quarterback jay faced team denver week game bears play games teams split series won recent game game soldier field bears won offense took league defenses denver pass rush leading nfl sacks players sacks defense allowing fewest average yards allowing points game despite injury von miller sacks bears despite eddie royal injuries bennett miller play role passing watch defensive jackson pass previous games bears decide run faced run defense led league multiple categories including sack percentage offense manning place career passing yards played garbage time nfl career fits west_coast offense jeff believed plays consisted percent passes decrease tight ends owen daniels davis targeted denver rushing attack struggling season average rushing yards game 29th ranked nfl won coin toss deferred second half bears threw pass thomas escaped chris score yard play teams exchanged bears scored points game second quarter yard field goal narrowed margin point scored yard kick denver chicago traded scored yard field goal time expired second quarter score drives second half ended turnover game occurred series pass receiver wilson intercepted failed capitalize feet fourth aided consecutive yard plays marshall defensive pass interference followed wilson yard catch bears reached yard line eventually kicked yard field goal later increased lead threw yard touchdown pass bears series capitalized late hit ward yard pass wilson reach seven yard line despite reaching far bears turned ball downs consecutive incomplete passes denver chicago offense reaching yard line hit marshall throwing ball intercepted jackson forced punt left game bears drove yards scored yard run stopped short point conversion kick thomas recovered end game bears ended game penalties time philadelphia eagles 24th team years bears team accomplish feat loss loss bears week defense recorded sacks team week green bay thanksgiving day game second game held thanksgiving day green bay teams meeting played holiday thanksgiving games bears chicago offense took defense ranked second league quarter points allowed defense recorded sacks week minnesota jeff added offense improve red zone performance denver bears failed score trips red zone leading percent touchdown efficiency games bears able score touchdowns yard line stated defense stop offense early opponents leading league quarter points average aaron thrown quarter touchdown passes nfl league best scoring differential bears defense allowed touchdowns defense given touchdown quarter wrote bears match surpass emotion night featured jersey retirement physical error free consistent performance eddie royal carey bennett nick inactive bears won toss deferred drives game ended scores turned ball downs drive ensuing series drive tracy porter intercepted illegal contact play threw yard touchdown pass bears continued following thompson collided attempting catch kick possessions led green bay drive recorded yard run hit chris ball recovered houston chicago took advantage jay threw yard touchdown pass miller missed tackle allowed jeff record yard return eventually converted yard field goal assisted yard return thompson bears offense scored yard touchdown pass wilson play overturned downed yard run gave bears lead mason kicked yard field goal end half quarter featured scores bears drive quarter lasted final quarter ended yard field goal extend lead points slant pass adams intercepted porter bears unable capitalize left game drove yard line bears passes james jones richard adams fell incomplete seal win win bears won consecutive away game time games bears allowed points accomplished game averaged million viewers watched thanksgiving primetime game nfl history second highest viewed regular season game nbc week san_francisco san_francisco visited soldier field week thirteen time meetings held lead bears won game bears offense took defense featuring aaron lynch brooks combined sacks including lynch provided size advantage kenneth duo having combined tackles pass unit defense struggled allowing average yards yards pass 29th overall touchdown passes opponent quarterback rating 29th ranked despite troubles held cardinals league best scoring offense points week bears defense 29th ranked rushing defense took running attack quarterback improving throwing yards arizona receiver recorded catches yards resulted downs san_francisco offense fewest points nfl league low combined touchdowns worst ranked plays yards bears allowed average points game fourth fewest league wilson eddie royal nick smith bruce inactive bears won coin toss elected went return bears behaved returning field actually returned scored yard play holding penalty linebacker play bears eventually scored field goal yard kick bears scored field goal yards san_francisco subsequently scored second play bears drive ward intercepted jay screen pass returned yards touchdown score remained tied defensive tackle eddie blocked extra point chicago drive lasted second quarter matt took advantage consecutive yard plays score yard run scored drive yard touchdown run tie score half ended teams tied bears received ball start quarter failed score new long patrick scales snap low missed yard kick seven drives ended trend broken carey scored yard run followed san_francisco scoring yard run ensuing thompson return went yards reach yard line drive bears ran play forcing use seconds left yard field goal sailed wide left resulting overtime won coin toss bears forced punt play series threw yard touchdown pass smith seal win week washington fourteenth week season featured game teams washington visited soldier field games led series won meetings chicago offense took washington defense excelled ranked tenth category led defensive backs tackles led team passes defended defensive rush sacks led ryan despite performances rush defense ranked 29th yards carry 25th average rushing yards jeff writes bears exploit man rushing attack matt carey defense bears faced cousins led offense focuses quick passes cousins completed league high percent passes yards pass cousins main targets tight end jordan reed scored touchdowns led yards catch rankings wise pass attack ranked 17th league passing yards game 16th yards play states bears force area cousins bears won coin toss elected washington recorded play yard drive route scoring alfred morris yard touchdown run bears scored cousins fake read option leading yard touchdown run second quarter chicago continued offense began drive seven yard line despite reaching washington jay strip sacked trent murphy recovered failed capitalize turnover following drives ended seconds left half bears took managed score seconds left threw yard touchdown pass cousins end half bears drive second half cousins threw yard touchdown pass reed bears responded yard touchdown pass miller managed escape hall contact reached score bears quarter touchdown cousins pass intercepted kyle fuller bears took advantage seven yard touchdown run tie score gave lead drive final quarter yard field goal drives later bears attempted yard field goal left game kick sailed wide left ran ball times end game week minnesota second game bears rivalry took place minneapolis game bank stadium bears won game won succeed jeff writes bears start game bears quarter scoring differential 31st league scoring twice game opening possessions quarter bears scored league worst points comparison defense allowed touchdown opening drives league low points quarter defense took offense spearheaded adrian yards led league special teams led league post starting position ranked returns yards returns yards additionally led league return average yards christian jones cameron meredith nick smith inactive won toss deferred despite yard kick return thompson bears struggles began quickly drive holding penalty sack scored drive beat tracy porter score yard touchdown increased score blair yard field goal second quarter drives ended caught yard touchdown pass jay draw bears points following series responded escaped blitz throw pass beat score yard play start second half bears attempted kick recovered plays brian sacked stripped jay recovering minnesota took advantage beating ball score yard touchdown bears decreased margin touchdowns kicked yard field goal consecutive drives concluded screen pass matt intercepted capitalized turnover yard touchdown run bears yard touchdown pass bears attempted kick failed later scored line yard touchdown left game bears drove far yard line time expired loss dropped bears officially eliminated playoff contention touchdown pass career touchdown pass kick attempted start quarter successful kick year career bears week tampa bay final road game season took place week sixteen bears visited tampa bay time meetings bears led series winning recent game game james stadium score jeff writes offense taking defense guided bears head coach smith patient philosophy teams smith tenure chicago smith defenses force offenses work long series followed forcing turnover defense recorded sacks defensive tackle player defense featured linebacker david recorded pass sacks forced tampa defense excelled run passing games allowed second fewest average yards carry ranked fifth yards allowed catch ranked eighth yards play opposing completing league high percent passes throwing total touchdowns defense linebacker alexander ranked second team tackles suspended drug use defense bears took rookie recorded passing yards touchdown passes receiving corps drops drop percentage second highest nfl chicago run defense faced martin averaged yards carry rushing yards league best yards carry contact nick bruce inactive won coin toss deferred bears opened game hurry offense gained eventually forced punt tampa bay later regained ball bears yard line blocked punt george escaped block pat donnell punt howard jones recovered converted play yard touchdown run martin teams later drives jay screen pass intercepted william returned pick bears yard line smith penalty play carey scored yard touchdown run tie score tampa drive martin stripped jones recovered john led yard field goal later forced punt minutes left half bears offense drove yards kicked yard field goal seconds left end half drive second half scored threw yard touchdown pass charles took advantage tracy porter score bears drive regained possession christian jones houston blitz forced throw charles jones pulled ball away bears eventually got ball stripped martin recovered play fourth quarter play action pass carey resulted yard touchdown series kicked yard field goal increase score connor later missed yard field goal wide left leading yard field goal second left game threw yard touchdown austin ensuing kick cameron meredith recovered time expired win bears officially improved record forced game best defense tying total games week detroit lions bears ended regular season home lions chicago bears led series jeff writes bears offense hold blitz lions sacks including defensive end ranked fourth sack percentage recording second negative plays nfl comparison bears fewest negative plays league despite frequency blitz lions sacks air lions pass defense struggled allowing 30th ranked rating touchdown passes recording bears maintain ball ranked sixth nfl time possession defense bears took lions offense improved offensive coordinator jim bob joe firing going points game matthew lions teams yards ranked touchdown passes sacked times rushing attack averaged yards game yards carry eddie royal miller terry williams inactive bears won toss elected drive game lions scored jones slipped covering threw yard touchdown pass tim wright bears offense reached lions yard line possession jay pass cameron meredith helmet intercepted james consecutive sacks forced lions punt second quarter bears matt attempted yard field goal missed wide right bears eventually lions reached bears yard line 4th pass johnson fell incomplete plays later lions regained possession ball hit arm threw pass intercepted detroit converted turnover yard field goal end half bears scored drive second half yard field goal detroit tied score yard touchdown pass lions scored yard touchdown pass johnson bears yard score matt detroit eventually responded yard touchdown bears narrowed score kicked yard field goal lions bears took left game despite reaching lions yard line hit throwing thompson intercepted minutes left game bears held lions 3rd yard pass johnson gave lions end game threw multiple game time ending game adding field goals game ended season field goals breaking record franchise history standings division conference statistics comparison counterpart bears competitive games worst losses points team losses touchdown ended overtime bears ended season away games won home worst home record team history additionally bears swept home division opponents time nfl realignment bears struggled injuries season players started sixteen games kyle long matt adrian kyle fuller sixteen games different starting lineup offense improved progressing 21st overall 18th unit recorded total net yards game passing attack improved 28th yards play 12th chicago ranked sixth efficiency converting percent downs allowed 13th nfl bears fewest introduction game schedule bears able score points twice quarters bears scored points respectively scored second fourth points game bears ranked 23rd nfl category scoring touchdowns red zone attempts percent red zone efficiency 27th league bears defense vastly improved comparison previous seasons allowing points franchise history defense allowed ranked 20th league defense gained places pass defense category end season fourth ranking unit allowed passing yards game number opposing offenses frequency run ball bears opponents passed fourth nfl wise defense allowed average gaining spots finish 14th bears allowed yards pass completion percentage 14th ranked league respectively pass defense allowed rating rating 26th touchdowns 25th recording second nfl total bears forced 28th ranked failing record seven games twice games red zone bears allowed touchdowns field goals attempts percent ranked 21st league


arthur arthur march november founder cleveland professional american football team america football conference national_football_league tenure owner team won league championships reached championship game times successful period cleveland sports team city modern history real estate developer investor active cleveland chicago florida owned taxi cab companies cleveland horse racing news wire sold information ties organized crime figures arising wire service arrested convicted crime early career born chicago worked age real job publishing william organization los_angeles san_francisco boston chicago moved cleveland mid twenties circulation manager cleveland news time circulation battles street corners turned violent started news salary today dollars charged organizing paper meant choosing strong young men comfortable fighting clubs knives chains author wrote business equivalent street gang salary depended organized avoid losing corners violent rivals having built fortune newspapers purchased apartment buildings cleveland suburb went business bought majority stake cleveland zone cab company later merged yellow cab company form city biggest taxi operator taxi businesses cities southeast cleveland taxi businesses prospered invested real estate cleveland chicago florida late 1930s newspaper connections launch wire service supplied results horse races contact organized crime figures gambling operations relied services invested continental press empire news based cleveland run morris sam miller james friend associate wire business murdered chicago feud federal grand jury indicted people including supply information gambling allegations based federal laws forbade interstate transmission lottery results prosecutors treated race results lottery lists arrested tried role business cleveland fan boxing baseball knew little football grew interested sport son arthur student university notre dame attended notre dame fighting irish football games south bend indiana drawn excitement surrounded football thought professional team profitable supermarket heir dan buying cleveland national_football_league team rebuffed chicago_tribune sports editor arch ward proposed new professional league called america football conference knew ward days newspaper business signed owner team circuit cleveland franchise set sights notre dame frank team head coach men shook hands deal coach general manager wanting lose notre dame president objected backed asked cleveland plain dealer sportswriter john hire suggested paul brown ohio_state coach serving navy coaching team great lakes naval training station outside chicago limited football knowledge heard brown ward initial approach later met brown star rise bringing ohio_state national championship offered year current dollar terms biggest salary football coach level ownership stake team offered brown rest time military brown accepted position saying sad leave ohio_state couldn turn deal family spared expense promoting team gave brown control personnel brown went signed future stars including tackle wide receiver quarterback graham got year monthly end world war held contest team cleveland popular choice brown rejected earlier failed football team old team failed brown said want august gave popular demand christened team despite paul brown objections team prepared season stepped aside let brown run immediate success financially field capacity crowd saw play preseason game rubber bowl team led football attendance won championship proposed play inter league championship game national_football_league champion philadelphia eagles nfl shot idea played role negotiating peace nfl competition talent drove player salaries ate owners profits season dissolved teams including merged established nfl early years paul brown wanted reserve number promising players team official roster happen putting reserves payroll taxi drivers asked drive group came known taxi squad term use describe players kept hand fill injured team members taxi squad ways backed brown viewed owning team primarily civic duty gift city cleveland good said interview great deal money looking rich quick investment thing buy pro football club risky business depends ideal weather conditions climate risk continued succeed entering nfl winning championship year reaching title game january testified nationally televised hearings committee questioned continental press service alleged ties organized crime illegal gambling emerged partnered cleveland police captain john real estate deals yellow cab payroll denied mafia connections claimed broke law charged crime congress later passed legislation making wire services illegal summer season sold today dollars twice largest sum paid professional football team old son edward minority owners including taxi business associate dan brown buyers group prominent cleveland men dave jones businessman cleveland_indians director ryan cleveland_indians president homer attorney founded cleveland owner horse race track later known associate said hearings growing public association mafia played role decision football said simply football wanted concentrate business activities came clean said considering happened started old america conference isn bad didn lose maybe thousand dollars tenure owner viewed favorably partly field success gave paul brown free hand coach sign players new ownership group acts assure cleveland fans brown retain complete control football operation later life death continued direct taxi real estate businesses sold kept public eye died heart attack cleveland clinic buried cleveland holy cross cemetery married mary jane kane children arthur edward jane


national_football_league national_football_league nfl professional american football league consisting teams divided equally national football conference american football conference nfl major professional sports leagues north_america highest professional level american football world nfl week regular season runs week labor day week christmas team playing games having bye week following conclusion regular season teams conference division winners wild card teams advance playoffs single elimination tournament culminating super bowl played champions nfl formed american professional football association renaming national_football_league season nfl agreed merge american football league super bowl held end season merger completed today nfl highest average attendance professional sports league world popular sports league united_states super bowl biggest club sporting events world individual super bowl games account watched television programs american history occupying nielsen tally time watched television broadcasts nfl executive officer commissioner broad authority governing league team nfl championships green bay thirteen team super bowl championships pittsburgh current nfl champions denver defeated super bowl history founding history august meeting held representatives cleveland_indians rock island jordan auto ohio meeting resulted formation american professional football conference group according evening intended raise standard professional football way possible eliminate bidding players rival clubs secure cooperation formation schedules meeting held september resulted renaming league american professional football association league hired jim president consisted teams teams chicago bears chicago cardinals arizona cardinals remain league maintain official standings inaugural season teams played schedules included non league opponents awarded championship virtue wins losses ties record event occurred september rock island defeated non league paul ideals douglas park october week league play occurred following season resulted chicago winning title buffalo americans changed national_football_league nfl season ended chicago bears portsmouth tied league standings time teams ranked single table team highest winning percentage including ties counted standings end season declared champion event tie teams played twice season result second game determined title source controversy method league creation situation encountered teams tied league quickly determined playoff game chicago portsmouth needed decide league champion teams originally scheduled play playoff game officially regular season game count regular season standings field chicago combination heavy snow extreme cold forced game moved indoors chicago stadium regulation size football field playing altered rules accommodate smaller playing field bears won game won championship fan interest facto championship game led nfl beginning split divisions championship game played division champions season marked seasons african americans absent league facto ban rescinded following public pressure coinciding removal similar ban major_league_baseball nfl foremost professional football league united_states faced large number rival professional leagues 1930s 1940s rival leagues included separate american football leagues america football conference regional leagues varying caliber nfl teams trace histories rival leagues including los_angeles came iteration american football league cleveland san_francisco came 1950s nfl effective monopoly professional football united_states competition north_america professional canadian football circuit formally canadian football league canadian football different football code american game established niche market canada survives independent league new professional league fourth american football league began play began challenge established nfl popularity gaining lucrative television contracts engaging bidding war nfl free agents draft picks leagues announced merger june effect meantime leagues hold common draft championship game game super bowl held times merger nfl winning super bowl super bowl winning super bowl iii super bowl league merged reorganized conferences national football conference consisting pre merger nfl teams american football conference consisting teams pre merger nfl teams today nfl considered popular sports league north_america growth attributed commissioner pete led league overall annual attendance increased million beginning tenure seventeen million end tenure million viewers watched super bowl nfl established nfl properties league licensing wing nfl properties earns league dollars annually tenure marked creation nfl charities national partnership united way paul elected commissioner succeed seventeen year tenure ended marked large increases television contracts addition expansion teams introduction league initiatives increase number minorities league team management roles league current commissioner roger focused reducing number illegal hits making sport safer mainly players break rules actions nfl taking reduce improve player safety season playoff development nfl set number games teams play instead setting minimum league mandated game regular season team beginning later shortening games games mainly world war war ended number games returned games nfl went game schedule retained switching current game schedule proposals increase regular season games rejected labor negotiations national_football_league players association nfl operated conference system champions conference meet nfl championship game teams tied conference lead meet game playoff determine conference champion nfl expanded teams teams instead evening conferences adding expansion new_orleans saints seven member western conference nfl realigned conferences split team divisions conference champions meet nfl playoffs round playoff nfl operated playoff bowl officially bell benefit bowl effectively place game pitting conference runners league considers playoff exhibitions playoff games league discontinued playoff bowl perception game following addition teams nfl nfl split conferences divisions expanded league teams feature expanded team playoff participants division champions conference wild card team team best win percentage conference league added second wild card team conference bringing total number playoff teams wild card teams added bring total nfl expanded teams league realigned changing division structure divisions conference divisions conference division champion gets playoff bid number wild card teams conference dropped corporate structure corporate level national_football_league considers trade association financed member teams league unincorporated nonprofit association section internal revenue code provides exemption federal income taxation business leagues chambers commerce real estate boards boards trade professional football leagues pension fund football players organized profit net earnings benefit private individual contrast individual team non profit green bay subject tax profit nfl gave tax exempt status following public criticism letter club owners commissioner roger labeled distraction saying effects tax exempt status league office repeatedly recent years dollar income generated television rights fees licensing agreements ticket sales means earned clubs remain case league office management council file returns entities change filing status material difference business result league office owe million longer required disclose salaries executive officers league defined officers commissioner secretary treasurer conference officer president commissioner elected vote thirds greater members league president conference elected vote conference members commissioner secretary treasurer broad authority disputes clubs players coaches employees principal executive officer nfl authority hiring league employees negotiating television contracts individuals nfl team clubs employed individuals nfl club violated league committed conduct detrimental welfare league professional football commissioner event misconduct party associated league suspend individuals hand fine cancel contracts league award strip teams draft picks extreme cases commissioner offer recommendations nfl executive committee including cancellation club franchise action necessary commissioner issue sanctions including lifetime ban league individual connected nfl bet games failed league plans bet fix games current commissioner national_football_league roger elected paul previous commissioner retired clubs nfl consists clubs divided conferences teams conference divided divisions clubs regular season team allowed maximum players roster active eligible play game days team player practice squad separate main roster practice squad composed players active games seasons league player practice squad maximum seasons nfl club granted franchise league authorization team operate home city franchise covers home territory miles surrounding city limits team miles league city half distance cities home marketing area home territory plus rest state club operates area team operates training camp duration camp nfl member exclusive right host professional football games inside home territory exclusive right advertise promote host events home marketing area exceptions rule relating teams close proximity san_francisco oakland raiders exclusive rights cities share rights outside teams operate city new_york_giants new_york jets state california florida texas share rights city home territory state home marketing area respectively nfl team based united_states team based foreign country buffalo bills played home game season rogers centre toronto ontario bills toronto series jacksonville play home game year stadium london england nfl international series mexico hosted nfl regular season game game san_francisco arizona cardinals known international preseason games played american bowl series raiders houston play game mexico_city november according forbes dallas approximately billion valuable nfl franchise valuable sports team world nfl teams rank valuable sports teams world nfl owners listed forbes sports league organization season format nfl season format consists week preseason seventeen week regular season team plays games team single elimination playoff culminating super bowl league championship game preseason nfl preseason begins pro football hall_of_fame game played stadium nfl team required schedule preseason games home stadium teams involved hall_of_fame game teams playing american bowl game play preseason games preseason games exhibition matches count regular season totals preseason count standings teams focus winning games instead coaches evaluate teams players performance current team teams cut quality preseason games criticized fans dislike having pay price exhibition games players coaches dislike risk injury games felt preseason necessary nfl season regular season currently thirteen opponents team faces game regular season schedule set pre determined formula national_football_league runs seventeen week game regular season season begun week labor day concluded week christmas opening game season normally primetime home game league defending champion nfl games played sundays monday night game typically held week thursday night games occurring weeks nfl games normally played saturdays late regular season federal law prohibits professional football leagues competing college high school football high school college teams typically play games friday saturday respectively nfl hold games days friday december nfl games rarely scheduled tuesday wednesday days twice sunday game rescheduled tuesday game moved thursday wednesday avoid conflict democratic national convention nfl regular season determined according scheduling formula division teams play fourteen sixteen games common opponents games home away played teams division game held members division division division determined rotating cycle years conference team years conference games games determined standings previous year example team finishes division play place teams conference team finishes play place teams conference total team plays sixteen games bye week play games teams given club play known end previous year regular season exact dates times home away status nfl games determined later league account things major_league_baseball postseason local events pose scheduling conflict nfl games season potential schedules created computers considered playable schedules reviewed nfl scheduling team arriving felt best schedule group nearly potential schedules developed try ensure chosen schedule best possible postseason following conclusion regular season team single elimination tournament nfl playoffs held teams selected conference winners divisions wild card teams remaining teams best overall record teams seeded according overall record division champions ranking higher wild card teams teams seeded conference awarded bye week remaining teams seeded conference compete round playoffs wild card round seed competing sixth seed fourth seed competing fifth seed winners wild card round advance divisional round matches lower seeded team seed higher seeded team second seed winners games compete conference championships higher remaining seed hosting lower remaining seed champions compete super bowl determine league champion postseason event hosted nfl pro bowl league star game pro bowl held week super bowl pro bowl considered competitive regular season game biggest concern teams avoid injuries star players trophies awards team trophies national_football_league different trophies honor champion existence trophy cup donated nfl corporation trophy appearance known description silver loving cup intended traveling trophy permanent team won titles league awarded champions inaugural season trophy discontinued current whereabouts unknown second trophy memorial trophy issued nfl trophy namesake referee league friend early league owners death league created trophy honor addition main trophy possession current league champion league issued smaller replica trophy champion maintain permanent control current location memorial trophy like predecessor unknown predominant theory minnesota team awarded trophy season current trophy nfl trophy super bowl trophy officially renamed head coach led green bay victories super unlike previous trophies new trophy issued year champion maintains permanent control trophies sterling silver worth additionally player winning team coaches personnel awarded super bowl rings commemorate victory winning team chooses company makes rings ring design varies nfl certain ring specifications degree room addition requiring super bowl logo ring losing team awarded rings half valuable winners rings worn conference champions receive trophies achievement champions receive george trophy named chicago bears founder george considered founders nfl champions receive hunt trophy named hunt founder kansas_city chiefs principal founder american football league players winning team receive conference championship ring player coach awards nfl recognizes number awards players coaches annual nfl honors presentation prestigious award valuable player mvp award major awards include offensive player year defensive player year comeback player year offensive defensive rookie year awards prestigious award walter man year award recognizes player field work addition field performance nfl coach year award highest coaching award nfl gives weekly awards air ground nfl players week max nfl rookie week awards media coverage united_states national_football_league television contracts networks cbs espn fox nbc general cbs afternoon games away team team fox carries afternoon games away team belongs fall camera system time live telecast preseason national_football_league game san_diego televised cbs league reserved right games contract normally air network network cbs carries package games thursday nights season nbc carries primetime sunday night football package seven thursday night games includes nfl game primetime thanksgiving day game espn carries monday night football games nfl network nfl network carries thursday night football games including cbs nbc thanksgiving games remain exclusive nbc super bowl television rights rotated year basis cbs fox nbc stations signed new year contracts nfl running cbs fox nbc estimated forbes pay combined total billion year espn pay billion year league deals spanish language broadcasters nbc fox espn air spanish language respective english language sister networks games league contracts cover preseason games individual teams free sell local stations directly minority preseason games distributed league national television partners season nfl policy games local television home team area home stadium sold clubs elect set requirement ticket revenue visiting team teams request specific exemption nfl game vast majority nfl games games season games nfl announced march suspend policy season according nielsen nfl regular season watched million individuals accounting television households united_states potential viewers united_states nfl regular season games accounted watched programs fall season nfl game ranked watched television weeks regular season local level nfl games highest ranked shows nfl markets time super account watched programs based total audience history including record million people watched super bowl conclusion season addition radio networks run nfl team select nfl games broadcast nationally known global season games broadcast networks giving nfl markets access primetime game nfl deal extended run nfl time experiment distributed october international series game stadium london buffalo bills jacksonville game live streamed internet exclusively yahoo air broadcasts local cbs buffalo jacksonville markets nfl began series public service announcements bring attention domestic abuse sexual assault response seen poor handling incidents violence players draft april excluding took place nfl holds draft college players draft consists seven rounds clubs getting pick round draft order non playoff teams determined regular season record playoff teams teams ranked round playoffs reached ranked regular season record example team reached divisional round given higher pick team reached conference championships given lower pick team divisional round super bowl champion drafts runner drafts potential years removed high school order eligible draft met criterion eligible draft write application nfl january remaining college eligibility clubs trade away picks future draft picks trade rights players selected previous drafts aside picks club gets draft picks given teams lost free agents gained spread rounds total given clubs required selection certain period time exact time depending round pick fail time clubs begin select players order lose pick outright happened draft minnesota failed selection time jacksonville able picks able use theirs selected players allowed negotiate contracts team picked choose sign eligible year draft current collective contract contracts drafted players year deals club option fifth contracts limited certain money depending exact draft pick player selected players draft eligible picked draft free sign club nfl operates drafts addition nfl draft league holds supplemental draft annually clubs submit league stating player wish select round team highest bid wins rights player exact order determined lottery held draft successful bid player result team rights pick equivalent round nfl draft players eligible supplemental draft granted petition special eligibility league holds expansion drafts recent happening houston began play expansion team drafts held league include allocation draft players teams played dissolved america football conference supplemental draft nfl teams rights players eligible main draft drafted signed contracts united_states football league canadian football league like major sports leagues united_states nfl maintains protocol disaster draft event near disaster players killed disabled caused club lose quarterback draft team event disaster players killed disabled results club season cancelled draft held implemented free agency free agents national_football_league divided restricted free agents seasons current contract expired free agents seasons contract expired season defined regular season games club active inactive reserved injured reserve physically unable perform lists restricted free agents allowed negotiate clubs club club right match offer choose compensated draft picks free agents free sign club compensation owed sign different club clubs given franchise tag offer free agent franchise tag year deal pays player previous contract average highest paid players position greater types franchise exclusive allow player negotiate clubs non exclusive allow player negotiate clubs gives club right match offer round draft picks decline match clubs option use transition tag similar non exclusive franchise tag offers compensation club refuses match offer stipulation transition tag rarely removal poison strategy offering contract club unable match essentially ended usage tag league wide club subject salary cap set million season million million members clubs practice squads despite paid working respective clubs simultaneously kind free agent able sign club active roster provided new club previous club opponent set number days compensation previous club practice squad players signed clubs practice squads released original club


tony tony born december retired professional american football running kick drafted dallas national_football_league nfl starring michigan football led big conference rushing went scandal ridden life college football career ended prematurely knee injury sentenced prison multiple times placed homes cocaine abuse youth born georgia family settled michigan years old grew predominantly white neighborhood african americans entire student body john high school attended marshall junior high school took woman high school allowed enter home pick college starred coach university_of_michigan twice named big repeat conference champions named team valuable player ncaa division football season final seasons michigan team won january rose bowl lost january contest shared big rushing title anthony thompson won title conference games thompson won title games played sophomore rushed yards junior season suffered season ending knee injury entering final game injury accumulated yards rushing games rushes starting support trophy candidacy season carries somewhat limited nerve seriously injured late season surgery knee replaced final games attempted senior season comeback wide receiver avail compiled yard games rushing yards years michigan addition playing running excelled kick accumulated yards touchdown returns yards return average jon powers carried load place retrospect regrets having gone historically black colleges universities injury projected round draft pick injury dropped school fell hard times dropped classes says didn want campus eventually stopped knee irregular professional career represented agent drafted eleventh round nfl draft overall selection dallas jimmy johnson rebuilding efforts cowboy draft class included round selections russell maryland harper picks rounds eighteen overall selections assigned rookie initiation duties washing smith instead washing car disappeared days eventually tested positive released placed reserve non football injury list august played season san_antonio riders world league american football season got mixed criminal activity mysteriously disappeared practice day random drug testing disappearance world league performance enabled signed free agent early april june team released life football november arrested charges possession drug petty theft wound jail naples florida discovered age biological father soon started cocaine football ended worked jobs construction working grocery store started selling drugs product led series arrests prison stays homeless periods teammates tracked set job car wash fell criminal ways convicted elderly couple sentenced years prison released work program found home substance abuse treatment center residential treatment center host recovering time providing anonymous anonymous meeting places military style roll calls daily tasks progress logs physically described starting gray missing teeth suffering knee stood feet inches pounds year old daughter kept touch mother stepfather died arrested michigan september pleaded guilty count receiving stolen property sentenced serve years prison receiving stolen property violation parole county circuit court previously served months prison unarmed robbery recent occurred outstanding warrant provided false officers investigating blocking traffic car find stolen detroit michigan attempting pedestrians purchasing drugs lost son christopher traffic accident age february


joe joe october june american football running played seasons national_football_league nfl seasons kansas_city chiefs set franchise records stand years time american athlete northwestern state demons football team track field star played seasons chiefs chosen rookie year united press international died june attempting rescue children drowning pond monroe northeastern louisiana posthumously awarded presidential citizen medal president reagan officially retired jersey number playing chiefs worn death early life children born henderson october attended high school parish northwestern louisiana discouraged father pursuing dreams playing football starting wide receiver junior year major division schools scouted included state texas oklahoma louisiana state played division northwestern state demons telling coach willingness play football collegiate level switched running position went american selection northwestern state met future wife children senior year october carried ball times gained yards northwestern state state university yards coming game second half rushing stats second half game ncaa record game scored touchdowns yard run led team victory finished career northwestern state yards rushing touchdowns points senior season ranked eighth nation purpose rushing yards november played game northwestern state school retired jersey number halftime elected college football hall_of_fame northwestern state starred track high school ran yard dash seconds northwestern state track field team won ncaa meter relay holds school meter dash record time seconds professional career selected second round nfl draft kansas_city chiefs united press international named rookie year american football conference nfl season rushed yards set club records averaged yards game effort helped propel chiefs record team winning season rookie season selected pro bowl setting chiefs records yards season yards game houston consecutive yard plus games yard games season coming bench record rushing yards initial nfl action new_england ran yards registered receiving yards professional start oakland chiefs october game denver broke loose yard touchdown run penalty caused play restarted yards second play penalty scored yard touchdown longest rushing play nfl season following record setting yard rushing performance houston november defensive end future pro football hall quoted saying strike nfl players eye injury limited playing time nfl season underwent surgery repair detached registered rushing yards game shortened season chiefs finished record averaged yards carry yards reception registered purpose yards career touchdowns professional statistics death legacy lifelong history helping paid funeral teacher family afford proper service june living nearby went friends creek amusement center park monroe louisiana reportedly swimming children far pond dove save children screaming help water hole left recent construction work water hole covered acres foot deep intended swimming add park aesthetics despite inability swim tried rescue children child managed water harm taken emergency room later died police recovered body remaining child amusement park closed public thousand people attended burial memorial service july held heat high school gymnasium president ronald_reagan honored presidential citizens medal july presented family vice president george bush reagan words nfl season chiefs honored wearing circular patch bearing gold eagle number upper left chest uniforms high school park joe park memory ncaa posthumously awarded ncaa award louisiana governor dave presented louisiana state civilian bravery award family following death heroism honored award nfl best running backs demonstrates admirable character traits embodied award given annually northwestern state football permanent team captains award joe memorial leadership award named honor annual spring football game bowl golf tournament generates support athletic program permanent shrine honoring sits home stands northwestern state stadium number jersey hangs football offices virginia athletic conference took honor memory fall today virginia private high schools comprise group chiefs fans kansas_city formed foundation works american red_cross provide swimming lessons children kansas_city chiefs unofficially retired jersey number following death elected team hall_of_fame included chiefs ring honor stadium


jon stewart born march professional american football player played running served kick national_football_league nfl seasons seattle new_england patriots kansas_city chiefs productive season led patriots rushing led nfl returns yards return average returns tenth nfl player accumulate return touchdowns career second accumulate return touchdowns different teams measured feet inches pounds nfl playing days prior declaring eligible nfl draft despite remaining eligibility starred big conference university_of_michigan earning big offensive football player year honors big champions ncaa division football season established new university_of_michigan standards yard games yards carry previously record setting missouri high school nearly decades held missouri state high school activities association metre metre records early life born raised missouri attended north high school missouri state high school meter dash record time seconds stood state meet time seconds metre event stood missouri high school record college short collegiate career university_of_michigan played big conference champions accumulated rushing statistics sixteen ncaa games course seasons sophomore season selected big offensive football player year university iowa players nick bell matt conference coaches started games wore michigan football program played running defensive wore claims important university_of_michigan football history continues hold university_of_michigan career yards attempt record minimum attempts second opened season posting rushing yards september university notre dame fighting irish following rushing yards university california los_angeles september big house feat michigan rush yards consecutive games feat mike hart claim yard effort ranks time michigan single game rushing yards list ron johnson yards wisconsin yards ohio_state addition claims yards rushing season ranks 13th michigan time single season rushing list sophomore season paired freshman powers set michigan freshman rushing record later broken hart tied team high yard rushing games accumulating far fewer total yards season closely watched press ncaa football rushing averages calculated game basis started season yard efforts atop rushing charts season entered michigan seventh game weekend october nation leading entering eighth week averaging yards game second nation big gained total yards ninth tenth eleventh games combined entered michigan bowl game nation ran yards final game ended season big offensive player year ended season eleventh nation rushing second big yards game oddly despite eventual professional success returned college howard alexander shared kick return duties howard tony shared role professional football entered national_football_league draft sophomore season began nation leading end october season trailed powers got late season workload consecutive yard efforts michigan wins relatively small class headlined rocket approved nfl second class players allowed declare eligible draft despite remaining amateur eligibility addition moore rob carpenter played patriots john drafted pick fifth round nfl draft new_england patriots coach dick rookie year russell featured patriots returns including touchdown average yards completed yard touchdown pass cook houston september patriots non quarterback touchdown pass dave repeated feat nfl season totals modest new_england led team rushing yards yards carries addition returns average yards including return touchdown second return touchdown patriot repeated feat buffalo bills yard rushing game yards carries november win new_york jets home carries lost team seasons new_england traded seattle undisclosed draft pick nfl season workload modest chris warren john williams got chance play rose occasion career best yards carries second yard rushing game spent nfl season released having seven carries december signed kansas_city chiefs accumulate statistics line chiefs returned teams recorded kick return touchdown including yard miami chiefs course nfl career ran total touchdowns ranked tenth short record nfl history nfl season way tie retirement nfl season return touchdowns different teams tied ron smith nfl record broken nfl season allen posted touchdown return fourth different team averaged yards return returns ranked 10th returns game posted averaged returns lead national_football_league second despite success kick released training camp career statistics yard games home team bold


season season franchise inaugural season american professional football association later named national_football_league entered season coming record ohio league season representatives ohio league wanted form new professional league created majority team stayed team including coaching staff players left team opened season win columbus game considered league game teams played game winning streak faced loss season future champions team losses year finished season record earned sixth place standings players awarded team pro award second team frank bacon team offseason finished season ohio league players added team season max davis guy early tiny turner players play coaching staff stayed season representatives ohio league teams cleveland tigers called meeting august discuss formation new league meeting tentatively agreed salary cap pledged sign college players players contract teams agreed circuit american professional football conference invited professional teams second meeting september meeting held owner hay representatives rock island cardinals tigers chicago cardinals hammond agreed join league representatives buffalo americans rochester attend meeting sent letters hay asking included league team representatives changed league slightly american professional football association elected officers installing jim president new league structure teams created schedules season progressed minimum maximum number games needed played representatives team voted determine winner trophy schedule game week columbus october triangle park opening game columbus considered football historians football game teams times standardized unknown game rock island game game played won defense goal line stand second quarter ball yard line halftime completed yard pass end dutch possession yard line failed convert time ran early quarter started possession yard line consecutive run plays carried soon succession runs resulted touchdown triangle score came middle fourth quarter end frank bacon returned punt yard touchdown touchdowns george responsible extra points week cleveland tigers october triangle park historic game played cleveland tigers owner tigers jimmy donnell helped foundation team scored game ended tie week hammond october triangle park hammond opponent quarter yard rushing touchdown scored touchdowns second quarter yard receiving touchdown yard receiving touchdown rushing touchdown extra point missed touchdown quarter kicked yard field goal score game receiving touchdown final score game crowd week october triangle park week battled hall fame jim opened scoring quarter yard rushing touchdown pete came second quarter scoring twice bacon yard rushing touchdown end dave yard receiving touchdown scored yard rushing touchdown second quarter extra point missed quarter responded yard rushing touchdown missed extra point score came game kicked yard field goal bring team points final minutes kicked yard field goal tie team score opening game previous year week cincinnati october triangle park cincinnati opponent directly affiliated join league following season lone score quarter came recovery george returned touchdown quarter ran interception touchdown score twice second quarter rushing touchdown yard field goal frank bacon yard interception return touchdown quarter route victory week rock island november douglas park week played rock island players returning injuries game quarter punt yard line gained possession possession bacon scored rushing touchdown controlled football majority second quarter final possession half traveled inch line referee signaled end half fourth quarter arnold left game injury scored passing touchdowns final minutes game caught dave second caught week november league park week played came game teams left undefeated game started scoreless quarters rip king threw yard passing touchdown fourth quarter frank future hall rushed yard touchdown charlie extra point missed beat loss season week detroit november triangle park coming loss season played detroit bacon contributed point quarter yard rushing touchdown followed catching receiving touchdown dick contributed second quarter scored rushing touchdown caught receiving touchdown halftime second half scoreless moved record game left season week november triangle park recognized team ohio rematch game classified world championship widened battlefield buffalo americans contention trophy fans showed game returned punt touchdown quarter receiving touchdown quarter king received second loss year post season hurt losses contend trophy performance team best folding sportswriter bruce compiled pro team players team second team bacon team players pro football hall_of_fame roster standings awarded cup named champions note tie games officially counted standings


tommy james american football thomas tommy james september february american football defensive played ohio_state university cleveland 1940s 1950s born near ohio attended washington high school played football team head coach paul brown james key team went undefeated graduating followed brown ohio_state played ohio_state won national championship james team year stint army world war james returned play final season ohio_state signed detroit lions national_football_league nfl stayed year rejoining brown head coach cleveland america football conference james spent seasons cleveland playing defensive championship teams including late 1940s nfl 1950s left football playing briefly baltimore later life worked salesman company died high school college james grew genoa small community ohio ohio oldest children younger brothers included don james hall_of_fame coach kent state university washington attended grammar school eighth grade town high school students choose attend washington high school rival high school james decided attend assistant coach football team saw playing informal street corner convinced come played football years head coach paul brown playing james team went undefeated scored touchdown victory high school biggest game year came matchup having won games row won straight james attended ohio_state university starting year brown hired school head football coach played freshman team year moving varsity team ohio_state finished season win loss record won college football national championship james played injured late season game university illinois caused miss ohio_state annual game arch rival michigan returned final game season iowa pre flight military squad james ran yard touchdown game play later added punt return touchdown ohio_state won james enlisted army served years world war returned ohio_state played varsity team finished record coach paul professional career james signed national_football_league nfl detroit lions eligible play college time wartime rules allowed skip professional ranks play lions selected nfl draft james broke arm second game season sat rest year detroit renew contract cleveland america football conference team coached paul brown picked started right defensive opposite tommy intercepted passes went won america football conference championship brown surprised abilities defense tommy pretty good man defense ohio_state said play year surprised knew high school college think definitely improved defensive right half year james continued key defensive player team won championship staunch defense offense led quarterback graham dissolved season moved nfl cleveland year nfl best james career intercepted passes setting club record stood team finished season record beat los_angeles win nfl championship james interception game held ball game winning field goal minute play cleveland reached championship ensuing years lost time twice detroit lions james intercepted passes recovered selected pro bowl nfl annual star game went win nfl championship james moved defensive safety later career hampered injuries brown released year old james season allowed teams pick contract brown said toughest things football effort james james worked offseason sporting goods salesman offer join firm said wanted continue football career year picked baltimore left team october injuring shoulder ended nfl career tying eighth place team history later life death football career james worked business salesman retiring age sons head track coach washington james died heart failure