It was a busy—and somewhat disturbing–time in professional sports last week and the following may be of interest to you as NFL alumni.
- In the aftermath of the U.S. Justice Department’s two federal indictments relating to illegal gambling conspiracies involving NBA players and coaches, the NFL league office sent a memo to clubs last Friday that included the league’s 2025 Gambling Policy. The league specifically told clubs that today’s players should be reminded that they are prohibited from placing any bets on NFL football. They also are prohibited from sharing confidential nonpublic information regarding any NFL game, player or event with any third party.
- The league office on Friday announced that the Giants were fined $200,00 and head coach Brian Daboll $100,000 for their roles in violating the league-mandated concussion protocol during a “blue tent” sideline medical examination of their quarterback during their team’s October 9 win over the Eagles.
- The owners had a league meeting in New York last week. Commissioner Goodell said in a post-meeting press conference that no formal negotiations will be held with the NFLPA to extend the current CBA until the union names a new executive director. The timing of that announcement is most likely sometime in 2026.
- In on-the-field news, Goodell discussed the fact that kickoff returns dramatically increased through the first seven weeks of this season vs the same timeline in 2024. Kickoffs were returned at a rate of 79.3 % which is up significantly vs 31.7% last season. It is the highest return rate at this point since 2006. The league had tweaked the kickoff rules this past offseason which primarily accounts for the sudden increase.
- In post-season news, it was announced that this year’s Pro Bowl activities have been moved to Santa Clara during Super Bowl 60 Week there. The dates are Sunday, February 8, 2026 for the Super Bowl and Tuesday, February 3 for the Pro Bowl.
On another Super Bowl note, Goodell in response to a media question said there are no plans to replace international entertainment sensation Bad Bunny as the game’s primary halftime performer. All you Bad Bunny fans now can relax!
