EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The NFL has pushed the kickoff return further toward irrelevance with a priority on player safety.
Jaguars will play twice in London, 2 Germany games set
May 10, 2023 GMTTrevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars will become the first NFL team to play two international games in the same season when they spend back-to-back weeks in London this year.
The Jaguars will “host” the Atlanta Falcons at Wembley Stadium on Oct.
New Patriots receiver Smith-Schuster already feeling at home
May 2, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — JuJu Smith-Schuster's first few weeks with the New England Patriots have made him feel as if he’s back in college.
Every day has been a new learning experience.
He’s entering the second phase of the team’s offseason conditioning program and aside from getting his body ready for upcoming organized team activities, the receiver has also been diving into the third new playbook of his career after joining the Patriots in free agency.
Pats focus on offense, special teams on final day of draft
April 30, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — After focusing exclusively on defense with their first three picks, the New England Patriots used the final day of the NFL draft to address their offense and special teams.
Patriots take edge rusher White, versatile Mapu in NFL draft
April 29, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Keion White was one of 17 NFL draft prospects who made the trip to Kansas City, Missouri, to sit backstage in hopes of getting selected and having a national TV moment on stage with Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Patriots trade back, select CB Christian Gonzalez at No. 17
April 28, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots waited patiently with their top pick of the NFL draft, trading back three spots and addressing a hole in their secondary by selecting Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the 17th pick on Thursday night.
2023 NFL Seven Round Draft Order
April 25, 2023 GMT1. Carolina Panthers (from Chicago)
Patriots enter NFL draft holding 11 picks to address needs
April 20, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Most of the New England Patriots’ shortcomings last season can be traced back to the experiments they tried on offense that simply didn’t pan out.
Entrusting that side of the ball and the pivotal second year of quarterback Mac Jones' development to coaches with non-offensive pedigrees in Matt Patricia (defense) and Joe Judge (special teams), proved to be a mistake that coach Bill Belichick quickly addressed this offseason.
Vikings agree to terms with ex-Patriots CB Joejuan Williams
April 17, 2023 GMTEAGAN, Minn. (AP) — The Minnesota Vikings agreed to terms on a contract on Monday with former New England Patriots cornerback Joejuan Williams, enhancing one of their thinnest positions ahead of the NFL draft.
Patriots owner Robert Kraft campaigns against antisemitism
March 28, 2023 GMTNew England Patriots owner Robert Kraft faced the camera during a video call, pointing to a small, sky-blue lapel pin on his blazer.
The pin is the symbol of a $25 million “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” campaign launched Monday by the 81-year-old billionaire through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, aiming to raise awareness nationwide about soaring incidents of antisemitism online and in person.
Ravens agree to deal with WR Nelson Agholor
March 24, 2023 GMTOWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — The Baltimore Ravens agreed to a contract with wide receiver Nelson Agholor.
The team announced Friday that it had reached an agreement in principle with the 29-year-old, who caught 31 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns with the New England Patriots last season.
Tom Brady becomes minority owner of WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces
March 23, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Seven-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Tom Brady has acquired an ownership stake in the WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces.
He attended an Aces game on May 31 and later sent Las Vegas star Kelsey Plum a jersey and other gifts.
Bills sign former Pats running back Damien Harris
March 21, 2023 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The Buffalo Bills restocked their offensive backfield by signing free agent Damien Harris to a one-year contract on Tuesday.
Harris spent his first four NFL seasons with the division-rival New England Patriots, and his signing comes a day after Buffalo lost starter Devin Singletary, who agreed to a deal with Houston.
Jakobi Meyers hopes to create new memories in Las Vegas
March 21, 2023 GMTHENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Jakobi Meyers knew the question was coming at some point in his introductory news conference Thursday, and finally 14 queries in, a Las Vegas TV sports reporter asked it.
“I was waiting on it,” Meyers said, pounding his right fist on the podium.
Dont’a Hightower retires from NFL after decade with Patriots
March 21, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Dont'a Hightower is making a quiet exit to a memorable career with the New England Patriots.
The veteran linebacker, who did not play last season, announced his retirement Tuesday in an essay posted on the Players' Tribune website.
Pats safety Devin McCourty retiring after 13 NFL seasons
March 10, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Devin McCourty has only known one home during his NFL career since being selected by the New England Patriots as a first-round draft pick out of Rutgers in 2010.
Three Super Bowl rings and 13 seasons later, he’s walking away from the sport as one of the Patriots’ most decorated and respected players on and off the field.
‘Master thief’ convicted of Giants ring theft back in prison
March 8, 2023 GMTFALL RIVER, Mass. (AP) — The self-described “master thief" and New England Patriots fan convicted of stealing New York Giants Super Bowl rings in 2008 is back behind bars after a judge determined he had violated the terms of his probation, prosecutors said.
Patriots captain Matt Slater returning for 16th NFL season
February 17, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — After the New England Patriots' season came to an end last month, Matt Slater said he'd given everything he had during his 15 years in the NFL.
Alabama announces hiring of coordinators Steele, Rees
February 13, 2023 GMTTUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Alabama coach Nick Saban has hired Kevin Steele as defensive coordinator and Tommy Rees as offensive coordinator.
Alabama announced the already widely reported moves on Monday, along with the addition of inside linebackers coach Austin Armstrong.
Super Bowl week turns Phoenix area into Valley of Fun
February 10, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The winter and spring months are tourist season in Arizona, with visitors descending upon the Valley of the Sun to escape the cold and enjoy the outdoors.
The Super Bowl adds another layer of boisterousness, the extra 100,000-plus people filling bars, restaurants and parties across the desert.
Andy Reid aims to lead Chiefs past former team in Super Bowl
February 10, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — Andy Reid already proved he can win the big game in Kansas City after coming up short several times throughout his 14 seasons in Philadelphia.
S. Africa rugby player killed by Hawaii police had acute CTE
February 10, 2023 GMTHONOLULU (AP) — A Black former professional rugby player from South Africa shot by police months after moving to Hawaii suffered from a degenerative brain disease often found in American football players and other athletes subjected to repeated head trauma, autopsy results show.
Depth of roster gives Eagles edge in Super Bowl matchup
February 10, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — If the Super Bowl is decided in the trenches: Advantage Philadelphia Eagles with their two All-Pro offensive linemen and four double-digit sack artists.
If it comes down to which team has better receiving and running options: Advantage Eagles with their pair of 1,000-yard receivers and record-setting running game.
Pro Picks: Eagles’ talent over Chiefs’ experience
February 9, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles left their dog masks at home.
Back in the Super Bowl five years after winning the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, the Eagles took a different path to reach this one.
Eagles GM Howie Roseman again shows his resilience
February 7, 2023 GMTPHOENIX (AP) — The “Howie! Howie! Howie” chants at the team’s send-off party in Philadelphia followed Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to Super Bowl opening night.
Brady will not move into Fox announcing booth until 2024
February 6, 2023 GMTLOS ANGELES (AP) — Tom Brady will not go immediately from the playing field to the broadcast booth.
Brady told Colin Cowherd during Monday's episode of “The Herd” on FS1 and Fox Sports Radio that he will not start his broadcasting career with Fox until the 2024 season.
AP source: Alabama hiring Notre Dame OC Tommy Rees
February 3, 2023 GMTAlabama is hiring Notre Dame assistant coach Tommy Rees to be its offensive coordinator, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Friday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was being finalized and still needed university approval.
Super Bowl prop betting increasing in popularity
February 3, 2023 GMTLAS VEGAS (AP) — Jay Kornegay was behind the counter in 2004 when someone approached with $5,000 to bet on the Super Bowl but had no idea how to decide.
The man, not a regular sports bettor, thought for a few moments and decided to put it all on the Carolina Panthers to score exactly 29 points at 30-1 odds.
Tom Brady’s plate remains full after retirement announcement
February 2, 2023 GMTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Tom Brady’s future figures to be busy.
The seven-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback’s retirement announcement ended speculation about if and where Brady might want to play next season, opening the door for numerous off-the-field endeavors that could occupy his time.
AP sources: Saban talks with Notre Dame’s Rees about OC job
February 2, 2023 GMTNotre Dame offensive coordinator Tommy Rees has spoken with Alabama coach Nick Saban about filling a vacancy on the Crimson Tide's coaching staff and was scheduled to be in Tuscaloosa on Thursday, two people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.
Portal to Pros: NFL teams eyeing rising number of transfers
February 1, 2023 GMTMOBILE, Ala. (AP) — The prolific pace of school-switching among college players has helped some NFL prospects have breakout seasons and demonstrate they can adapt to a new system.
Reaction to Tom Brady announcing his retirement for 2nd time
February 1, 2023 GMTReaction from social media and elsewhere poured in after Tom Brady announced his retirement on Wednesday for the second time. Brady won seven Super Bowls and set numerous passing records in an unprecedented 23-year NFL career.
Tom Brady retires at 45, insisting this time it’s ‘for good’
February 1, 2023 GMTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — This time, Tom Brady says he's done for good.
The seven-time Super Bowl winner with New England and Tampa Bay announced his retirement from the NFL on Wednesday, exactly one year after first saying his playing days were over, by posting a brief video lasting just under one minute on social media.
Brady’s unprecedented career filled with highlight moments
February 1, 2023 GMTNobody drove Tom Brady harder than the record-setting quarterback himself, even if his 23rd and final season after a brief retirement didn't end with him lifting yet another Lombardi Trophy.
Andy Reid turned a 6-inch binder into a Hall of Fame resume
January 31, 2023 GMTAndy Reid was an unknown assistant in Green Bay when Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie took a chance on hiring Brett Favre’s position coach to revive a struggling franchise in Philadelphia.
A newspaper headline greeted Reid’s arrival with a headline that said: “Andy Who?”
Massachusetts kicks off sports betting ahead of Super Bowl
January 31, 2023 GMTBOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts sports fans who want to wager on their favorite teams are finally getting their chance as the state kicks off sports betting at casinos Tuesday, with online betting likely to follow in a few months.
Bengals headed back to KC for rematch of AFC title game
January 26, 2023 GMTCINCINNATI (14-4) at KANSAS CITY (15-3)
Sunday, 6:30 p.m. EST, CBS
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Bengals by 1 1/2.
Patriots announce hiring of Bill O’Brien as new OC
January 26, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Bill O’Brien is back with the New England Patriots.
The team announced Thursday that O'Brien was hired as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
The move comes 12 days after the Patriots said they were searching for a new leader of their offense following a disappointing season that saw second-year quarterback Mac Jones struggle under an offense largely directed by play caller Matt Patricia and quarterbacks coach Joe Judge.
AP source: Bill O’Brien agrees to return as Patriots OC
January 24, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Bill O’Brien has agreed to return to the Patriots as their offensive coordinator, a person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the deal hasn’t been finalized.
Column: Lawrence and the Jags finally have things covered
January 20, 2023 GMTWe can’t give credit to the scattered and covered hash browns, because Trevor Lawrence didn’t place his order until he was done with one of the greatest comebacks in NFL playoff history.
Still, a late-night trip to Waffle House after an improbable victory is a striking metaphor of just how far the Jacksonville Jaguars have come from the Urban Chop House.
Bucs oust offensive coordinator Leftwich, 5 other assistants
January 19, 2023 GMTTAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Byron Leftwich is out as offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are shaking up their coaching staff after finishing with the only losing record Tom Brady has had in more than two decades as a NFL starter.
Analysis: Right coach can turn around a franchise quickly
January 19, 2023 GMTThe Jaguars and Giants combined for seven wins last season.
Now, they’re two victories away from playing in the Super Bowl.
Both teams hired new coaches who quickly delivered success.
NFL: 5 teams to play home games in Germany, London in 2023
January 19, 2023 GMTThe Buffalo Bills, Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots will each play international games during the NFL’s 2023 regular season.
Cards GM Ossenfort on rebuild: ‘Ego will not be tolerated’
January 17, 2023 GMTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Monti Ossenfort watched in dismay two years ago as Arizona's Kyler Murray ripped apart the Tennessee Titans defense, accounting for five touchdowns in Arizona's 38-13 victory.
He's much more excited to see the quarterback again now that they're part of the same team.
Cardinals hire Monti Ossenfort as team’s new general manager
January 16, 2023 GMTTEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Cardinals have hired Monti Ossenfort as the team's new general manager.
The franchise announced the hiring of Ossenfort on Monday, one week after owner Michael Bidwill announced that head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim would not return following a dreadful 4-13 season.
NFL regular-season ratings down 3% over last season
January 14, 2023 GMTNFL regular-season ratings saw a 3% decrease from last season, which was not unexpected with “Thursday Night Football” moving from Fox and NFL Network to exclusively airing on Amazon Prime Video.
The 272 regular-season games averaged 16.7 million viewers across television and digital platforms, The league also said that 185 million fans watched games at some point during the 18 weeks.
Eagles, Hurts get week of much-needed rest as NFC’s top team
January 13, 2023 GMTJalen Hurts couldn't wait to get back to work so he could get some more time off.
Hurts returned to Philadelphia's lineup last weekend after missing two weeks with a sprained right shoulder and helped the Eagles secure the top seed and lone bye in the NFC playoffs.
AP source: Panthers add Ryans, Mayo to coach candidate list
January 12, 2023 GMTCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have requested permission to interview San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans and New England Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Chargers say inexperience doesn’t matter in playoff return
January 12, 2023 GMTCOSTA MESA, Calif. (AP) — Kyle Van Noy already has been everywhere the Los Angeles Chargers are trying to go on their franchise's first playoff trip in four years, and the veteran linebacker wants his new teammates to know their postseason inexperience means absolutely nothing on this journey.
Jim Schwartz first to meet with Browns for D-coordinator job
January 11, 2023 GMTBEREA, Ohio (AP) — Jim Schwartz is getting the first crack to prove to the Browns that he can fix their troubled defense.
Detroit's former coach is interviewing Wednesday with Cleveland for its defensive coordinator position after coach Kevin Stefanski fired Joe Woods earlier this week following a disappointing 7-10 season.
Defensive lapses worry Chargers’ Staley going into playoffs
January 10, 2023 GMTBrandon Staley is more concerned about the Los Angeles Chargers defense than he is about having a short week to prepare for Saturday night's AFC wild-card matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After a solid four-game run, the Bolts defense reverted to giving up big plays and struggling to stop the run in their 31-28 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Bills safety Hamlin back in Buffalo to continue recovery
January 10, 2023 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Bills safety Damar Hamlin said he returned to Buffalo on Monday “with a lot of love on my heart” to continue his recovery in a hospital there, a week after going into cardiac arrest and having to be resuscitated on the field during a game in Cincinnati.
Soul-searching offseason ahead for underachieving Patriots
January 9, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Bill Belichick was truculent throughout the preseason whenever questions arose about his decision to put Matt Patricia, an assistant coach with a defensive pedigree, in charge of the Patriots’ offense.
Analysis: Teammates gave Damar Hamlin the ultimate tribute
January 9, 2023 GMTAn emotional week for the NFL filled with fear, tears, prayer and uncertainty ended with exciting games, dramatic finishes and a celebration for Damar Hamlin.
When Hamlin left the stadium in Cincinnati in an ambulance Monday night fighting for his life, football didn’t matter.
Bills win for Hamlin and eliminate Patriots from playoffs
January 9, 2023 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — The echoes of “Let’s Go Buffalo!” pregame chants were still reverberating through an emotionally charged Bills stadium celebrating injured safety Damar Hamlin, when another roar suddenly erupted as Nyheim Hines returned the opening kickoff 96 yards for a touchdown.
Unhappy returns: Pats eliminated in losing to Bills
January 9, 2023 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Playing in an emotionally charged stadium, where fans and Bills players celebrated safety Damar Hamlin's remarkable recovery after his cardiac arrest in Cincinnati, isn't what cost the New England Patriots a playoff berth.
Bills uplifted by Hamlin’s recovery, place focus on Patriots
January 6, 2023 GMTORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Whatever happens Sunday, when the Bills close the regular season hosting New England and beyond once the NFL playoffs begin, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane won’t feel disappointed.
Patriots’ playoff spot on line at emotionally driven Bills
January 6, 2023 GMTNEW ENGLAND (8-8) at BUFFALO (12-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST, CBS
FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NFL LINE: Bills by 7
Patriots navigating uncertainty as matchup with Bills looms
January 5, 2023 GMTFOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Bill Belichick doesn’t usually watch Monday night games on television.
But with the Patriots preparing to play the Bills, and with New England's playoff hopes hinging on a victory, the longtime coach happened to have the Buffalo-Cincinnati game on.