2015 NFL season

This article is about the American football season in the United States. For the Gaelic football season in Ireland, see 2015 National Football League (Ireland).
2015 National Football League season
Regular season
Duration September 10, 2015 (2015-09-10)–January 3, 2016 (2016-01-03)
Playoffs
Start date January 9, 2016
AFC Champions Denver Broncos
NFC Champions Carolina Panthers
Super Bowl 50
Date February 7, 2016
Site Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
Champions Denver Broncos
Pro Bowl
Date January 31, 2016
Site Aloha Stadium, Honolulu, Hawaii

The 2015 NFL season was the 96th season in the history of the National Football League (NFL), and the 50th of the Super Bowl era. The season began on Thursday, September 10, 2015, with the annual kickoff game featuring the defending Super Bowl XLIX champion New England Patriots hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers, which ended with the Patriots winning 28–21. The season concluded with Super Bowl 50,[note 1] the league's championship game, on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California,[1] with the Denver Broncos defeating the Carolina Panthers 24–10.

During the 2015 season, the Oakland Raiders, the St. Louis Rams, and the San Diego Chargers announced their intentions to relocate back to Los Angeles in the ensuing offseason (all three teams had previously resided in the city at various points in their history). NFL owners eventually only approved the relocation of the Rams, by a vote of 30–2 on January 12, 2016. Thus, 2015 ended up being the Rams' last season in St. Louis.

Player movement

The 2015 NFL League Year began on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. ET. On Saturday, March 7, clubs started to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who became unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2014 contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 10.[2] On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, clubs exercised options for 2015 on all players who have option clauses in their 2014 contracts, submitted qualifying offers to their restricted free agents with expiring contracts and to whom they desire to retain a Right of First Refusal/Compensation, submitted a Minimum Salary Tender to retain exclusive negotiating rights to their players with expiring 2014 contracts and who have fewer than three accrued seasons of free agency credit, "Top-51" began, all clubs must be under the 2015 salary cap, all 2014 player contracts expired at 4:00 p.m. ET and trading period for 2015 began. (4:00 p.m. ET).[3]

Free agency

A total of 453 players were eligible for some form of free agency at the beginning of the free agency period.[4] Among the high-profile players who changed teams via free agency were cornerbacks Darrelle Revis (left the Patriots, joined the Jets),[5] Antonio Cromartie (from Cardinals to Jets),[6] Tramon Williams (from Packers to Browns)[7] and Byron Maxwell (from Seahawks to Eagles);[8] defensive end Greg Hardy (from Panthers to Cowboys);[9] defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh (from Lions to Dolphins),[10][11] Terrance Knighton (from Broncos to Redskins),[12] Nick Fairley (from Lions to Rams),[13] Dan Williams (from Cardinals to Raiders)[14] and Vince Wilfork (from Patriots to Texans);[15] guards Mike Iupati (from 49ers to Cardinals),[16] James Carpenter (from Seahawks to Jets),[17] and Orlando Franklin (from Broncos to Chargers);[18] center Rodney Hudson (from Chiefs to Raiders);[19][20] wide receivers Jeremy Maclin (from Eagles to Chiefs),[21] Eddie Royal (from Chargers to Bears),[22] Torrey Smith (from Ravens to 49ers),[23] and Andre Johnson (from Texans to Colts);[24] running backs DeMarco Murray (from Cowboys to Eagles),[25] Frank Gore (from 49ers to Colts)[26] and Ryan Mathews (from Chargers to Eagles);[27] and linebackers Brian Orakpo (from Redskins to Titans),[28] and Nate Irving (from Broncos to Colts).[29]

Four players were assigned the non-exclusive franchise tag by their teams, which ensured that the team would receive compensation were the player to sign a contract with another team. These players were wide receivers Dez Bryant (Cowboys)[30] and Demaryius Thomas (Broncos),[31] linebacker Justin Houston (Chiefs),[32] and defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (Giants).[33] One other team used the transition tag, which offers the player's current team a chance to match offers from other franchises and also guarantees draft pick compensation (at a lesser level than the franchise tag) if a tagged player signs elsewhere. The player given the transition tag was Charles Clay (Dolphins). On March 19, 2015, Clay signed a five-year, $38M contract with the Buffalo Bills, after the Dolphins elected not to match the offer.[34]

Trades

An unusually large number of big name players switched teams via trade prior to the 2015 season.[35] Eagles coach Chip Kelly used his newly obtained GM powers to make many blockbuster trades. The Philadelphia Eagles traded 2-time All-Pro running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for linebacker Kiko Alonso.[36] The Eagles also traded Pro Bowl quarterback Nick Foles along with their selection in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft to the St. Louis Rams for quarterback Sam Bradford; the deal also included a swap of draft picks in the 2015 NFL Draft as well as a possible additional 2016 draft pick from the Rams contingent on Bradford's playing time with the Eagles.[37] The New Orleans Saints traded All-Pro tight end Jimmy Graham along with their fourth-round selection in the draft to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for All-Pro center Max Unger and the Seahawks' first-round selection in the draft.[38] The Saints also traded away Pro Bowl guard Ben Grubbs (to the Kansas City Chiefs for a fifth round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft) and wide receiver Kenny Stills (to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for linebacker Dannell Ellerbe and a third rounder in the 2015 draft). The Detroit Lions acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata from the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for draft picks to help make up for the loss of Ndamukong Suh in free agency.[39]

Draft

For more details on this topic, see 2015 NFL draft.

The 2015 NFL Draft was held April 30 – May 2, 2015, in Chicago.[40] The draft process began with the NFL Scouting Combine, where draft-eligible players were evaluated by team personnel, which was held in Indianapolis on February 17–23. On October 2, 2014, Auditorium Theatre in Chicago was announced as the official site of the draft.[41] The previous fifty NFL drafts (since 1965) had been held in New York.[42] The 2015 NFL Draft was the first to feature an outdoor component, where fans would be able to see the Commissioner on the Auditorium Theatre stage from across the street in Grant Park; this area was called Draft Town.[43] In the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston the first overall selection.[44]

Preseason

Training camps for the 2015 season began July 22 and continued through the end of preseason, September 3. The normal training camp window ran from late July to late August or early September. Most of the camps had rookies report first, then veterans. At that point, some teams practiced versus another organization, like the Bills practiced against the Browns this year. Teams started training camp no earlier than fifteen days before the team's first scheduled preseason game. At that point, the rosters for each team were open to 90 players. Those rosters were cut to 75 by Week 3 of preseason, and the final 53-man roster was submitted at the end of preseason.

Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played at least four exhibition games. The preseason schedule got underway with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Sunday evening, August 9. The Hall of Fame game is a traditional part of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend celebrating new Hall of Fame members. It was played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium which is located adjacent to the Hall of Fame building in Canton, Ohio. The game, which was televised in the U.S. on NBC, featured the Minnesota Vikings and Pittsburgh Steelers; as in previous years, each team had an inductee in the class of 2015 (Mick Tingelhoff for the Vikings, Jerome Bettis for the Steelers).[45] The 65-game preseason schedule ended on Thursday, September 3, a week before the start of the regular season, with each team having played four preseason games, except for the Steelers and Vikings, who played five games. The preliminary preseason schedule was released Thursday, April 9.

Regular season

The 2015 regular season featured 256 games played out over a seventeen-week schedule which began on the Thursday night following Labor Day. Each of the league's 32 teams played a 16-game schedule with one bye week for each team scheduled between weeks four and eleven. The slate also featured seventeen games on Monday night, two of which were played at the end of the first week of the regular season. Additionally, there was no Monday Night game at the end of the final week of the regular season, the same as in previous years. There were games played on Thursday, including the opening game of the regular season on Thursday, September 10 and three games on Thanksgiving Day. The regular season concluded with a full slate of 16 games on Sunday, January 3, all of which were intra-divisional matchups, as it has been since 2010, with the Minnesota Vikings beating the Green Bay Packers on NBC Sunday Night Football

Scheduling formula

Under the NFL's scheduling formula, each team plays each of the other three teams in their own division twice (one home and one away). In addition, a team plays against all four teams in one other division within the conference, on a 3-year rotation; and one division from the opposite conference, on a 4-year rotation. Two games on a team's schedule are against the two teams in the team's own conference in the divisions the team was not set to play who finished the previous season in the same rank in their division (e.g. the team which finished first in its division the previous season would play each other team in their conference that also finished first in its respective division). The pre-set division pairings for 2015 are as follows:[46]

   Intra-conference
AFC East vs. AFC South
AFC North vs. AFC West
NFC East vs. NFC South
NFC North vs. NFC West

   Inter-conference
AFC East vs. NFC East
AFC West vs. NFC North
AFC North vs. NFC West
AFC South vs. NFC South

Highlights of the 2015 schedule include:

In-season scheduling changes

Regular season standings

Division

AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) New England Patriots 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 465 315 L2
New York Jets 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 387 314 L1
Buffalo Bills 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 379 359 W2
Miami Dolphins 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 310 389 W1
AFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Cincinnati Bengals 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 419 279 W1
(6) Pittsburgh Steelers 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 423 319 W1
Baltimore Ravens 5 11 0 .313 3–3 4–8 328 401 L1
Cleveland Browns 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 278 432 L3
AFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Houston Texans 9 7 0 .563 5–1 7–5 339 313 W3
Indianapolis Colts 8 8 0 .500 4–2 6–6 333 408 W2
Jacksonville Jaguars 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 376 448 L3
Tennessee Titans 3 13 0 .188 1–5 1–11 299 423 L4
AFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Denver Broncos 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 355 296 W2
(5) Kansas City Chiefs 11 5 0 .688 5–1 10–2 405 287 W10
Oakland Raiders 7 9 0 .438 3–3 7–5 359 399 L1
San Diego Chargers 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 320 398 L2

NFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(4) Washington Redskins 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 388 379 W4
Philadelphia Eagles 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 377 430 W1
New York Giants 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 420 442 L3
Dallas Cowboys 4 12 0 .250 3–3 3–9 275 374 L4
NFC North
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Minnesota Vikings 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 365 302 W3
(5) Green Bay Packers 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 368 323 L2
Detroit Lions 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 358 400 W3
Chicago Bears 6 10 0 .375 1–5 3–9 335 397 L1
NFC South
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(1) Carolina Panthers 15 1 0 .938 5–1 11–1 500 308 W1
Atlanta Falcons 8 8 0 .500 1–5 5–7 339 345 L1
New Orleans Saints 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 408 476 W2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 342 417 L4
NFC West
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) Arizona Cardinals 13 3 0 .813 4–2 10–2 489 313 L1
(6) Seattle Seahawks 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 423 277 W1
St. Louis Rams 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 280 330 L1
San Francisco 49ers 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 238 387 W1

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division Leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] Denver Broncos West 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 .500 .479 W2
2[lower-alpha 1] New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .473 .448 L2
3[lower-alpha 1] Cincinnati Bengals North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 .477 .406 W1
4 Houston Texans South 9 7 0 .563 5–1 7–5 .496 .410 W3
Wild Cards
5 Kansas City Chiefs West 11 5 0 .688 5–1 10–2 .496 .432 W10
6[lower-alpha 2] Pittsburgh Steelers North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .504 .463 W1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7[lower-alpha 2] New York Jets East 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .441 .388 L1
8[lower-alpha 3] Buffalo Bills East 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 .508 .438 W2
9[lower-alpha 3] Indianapolis Colts South 8 8 0 .500 4–2 6–6 .500 .406 W2
10 Oakland Raiders West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 7–5 .512 .366 L1
11 Miami Dolphins East 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 .469 .469 W2
12[lower-alpha 3] Jacksonville Jaguars South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 .473 .375 L3
13[lower-alpha 3] Baltimore Ravens North 5 11 0 .313 3–3 4–8 .508 .425 L1
14 San Diego Chargers West 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 .527 .328 L2
15[lower-alpha 3] Cleveland Browns North 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .531 .271 L3
16[lower-alpha 3] Tennessee Titans South 3 13 0 .188 1–5 1–11 .492 .375 L4
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 4]
  1. 1 2 3 Denver finished ahead of New England and Cincinnati for the No. 1 seed based on head-to-head sweep. New England finished ahead of Cincinnati for the No. 2 seed based on record vs. common opponents — New England's cumulative record against Buffalo, Denver, Houston and Pittsburgh was 4–1, while Cincinnati's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3.
  2. 1 2 Pittsburgh finished ahead of the New York Jets for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents — Pittsburgh's cumulative record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and Oakland was 4–1, while the Jets' cumulative record against the same four teams was 3–2.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The tiebreaker was based on head-to-head victory.
  4. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division Leaders
1 Carolina Panthers South 15 1 0 .938 5–1 11–1 .441 .438 W1
2 Arizona Cardinals West 13 3 0 .813 4–2 10–2 .477 .457 L1
3 Minnesota Vikings North 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 .504 .449 W3
4 Washington Redskins East 9 7 0 .563 4–2 8–4 .465 .403 W4
Wild Cards
5[lower-alpha 1] Green Bay Packers North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .531 .450 L2
6[lower-alpha 1] Seattle Seahawks West 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .520 .431 W1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7 Atlanta Falcons South 8 8 0 .500 1–5 5–7 .480 .453 L1
8[lower-alpha 2] St. Louis Rams West 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 .527 .482 L1
9[lower-alpha 2] Detroit Lions North 7 9 0 .438 3–3 6–6 .535 .429 W3
10[lower-alpha 2] Philadelphia Eagles East 7 9 0 .438 3–3 4–8 .508 .473 W1
11[lower-alpha 2] New Orleans Saints South 7 9 0 .438 3–3 5–7 .504 .402 W2
12[lower-alpha 3] New York Giants East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .500 .396 L3
13[lower-alpha 3] Chicago Bears North 6 10 0 .375 1–5 3–9 .547 .469 L1
14[lower-alpha 3] Tampa Bay Buccaneers South 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 .484 .406 L4
15 San Francisco 49ers West 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .539 .463 W1
16 Dallas Cowboys East 4 12 0 .250 3–3 3–9 .531 .438 L4
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 4]
  1. 1 2 Green Bay finished ahead of Seattle based on head-to-head victory.
  2. 1 2 3 4 St. Louis and Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on conference record. St. Louis finished ahead of Detroit based on head-to-head victory. Detroit finished ahead of Philadelphia and New Orleans based on head-to-head sweep, while Philadelphia finished ahead of New Orleans based on head-to-head victory.
  3. 1 2 3 The New York Giants and Chicago each finished ahead of Tampa Bay based on head-to-head victory, while the Giants finished ahead of Chicago based on conference record.
  4. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Postseason

The 2015 playoffs opened with the Wild Card playoff round on the weekend of Saturday, January 9 and Sunday, January 10, 2016, with the winner of each of the games visiting the top two seeded teams in each conference. The Divisional round games were then played on the weekend of Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17, 2016. The Conference championships were held on Sunday, January 24, 2016 with the AFC Championship Game and the NFC Championship Game.

The 2016 Pro Bowl was held on January 31, 2016 at the Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. The game continued the "unconferenced/draft" format that was started in 2014, with Jerry Rice and Michael Irvin serving as the alumni captains. Team Irvin defeated Team Rice 49–27.

Super Bowl 50 decided the 2015 NFL Champion and was played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California on Sunday, February 7, 2016. Instead of naming it Super Bowl L with Roman numerals like in previous Super Bowls, this game was marketed with the Arabic numeral "50".[1] According to Jaime Weston, the league's vice president of brand and creative, the primary reason was that the league's graphic designers had difficulty designing a suitable, aesthetically pleasing logo with only the Roman numeral "L".[1]

Playoffs bracket

                                   
Jan. 10 – FedEx Field   Jan. 16 – University of Phoenix Stadium          
  5   Green Bay   35
  5   Green Bay   20
  4   Washington   18     Jan. 24 – Bank of America Stadium
  2   Arizona  26*  
NFC
Jan. 10 – TCF Bank Stadium   2   Arizona   15
Jan. 17 – Bank of America Stadium
    1   Carolina   49  
  6   Seattle   10 NFC Championship
  6   Seattle   24
  3   Minnesota   9   Feb. 7 – Levi's Stadium
  1   Carolina   31  
 
Jan. 9 – NRG Stadium  N1   Carolina   10
Jan. 16 – Gillette Stadium
   A1   Denver   24
  5   Kansas City   30 Super Bowl 50
  5   Kansas City   20
  4   Houston   0     Jan. 24 – Sports Authority Field
  2   New England   27  
AFC
Jan. 9 – Paul Brown Stadium   2   New England   18
Jan. 17 – Sports Authority Field
    1   Denver   20  
  6   Pittsburgh   18 AFC Championship
  6   Pittsburgh   16
  3   Cincinnati   16  
  1   Denver   23  
* Indicates overtime victory

Notable events

Some NFL-related events that made headlines in 2015 include:

Aftermath of Deflategate scandal
Further information: Deflategate

In May, after a lengthy investigation led by Ted Wells, the external investigator appointed by the NFL, the league levied its punishment against the Patriots in the so-called "Deflategate" scandal. The scandal stemmed from the discovery that several of the footballs used by the Patriots during the previous season's AFC championship game were not within the league's inflation guidelines. The Patriots were fined $1 million and stripped of their first-round selection in the 2016 NFL draft and their fourth-round selection in the 2017 NFL draft. Quarterback Tom Brady, who the league's report determined was likely aware of a scheme to manipulate inflation levels, was suspended for four games. Additionally, two locker room attendants employed by the Patriots were suspended indefinitely.[55]

While the team agreed not to appeal the fine and draft pick revocation, Brady appealed his suspension. League commissioner Roger Goodell heard the appeal and confirmed the sentence on July 28. Immediately upon the announcement of the appeal verdict, the league filed suit against the NFL Players Association in civil court in an effort to gain a ruling upholding the punishment.[56] Judge Richard M. Berman pushed the two sides hard to reach a settlement, but when they were unable to he ruled for Brady and the union vacating the suspension imposed by the league. Although the league appealed Judge Berman's ruling, Brady's suspension was lifted clearing the way for him to play in the season opener.[57][58]

The two Patriots employees, assistant equipment manager John Jastremski and officials locker room attendant Jim McNally, who had previously been suspended by the team were allowed by the league to be reinstated in September. As a condition for the lifting of the suspensions, neither employee is allowed to be involved with the handling or preparation of game balls.[59]

Surprising retirements of several players

A number of relatively young NFL players walked away from the game prior to the 2015 season. The San Francisco 49ers lost three potential starters as linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland and offensive tackle Anthony Davis all announced their retirements. Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Jason Worilds and Tennessee Titans quarterback Jake Locker also both retired despite having yet to reach the age of 30.

Willis, who was regarded as one of the best middle linebackers in the league, played in just six games in 2014 as he dealt with a toe injury. He announced in March his decision to retire at age 30 due to the chronic nature of the foot injuries he had endured in his eight-year career.[60]

Borland led the 49ers with 107 tackles in his rookie season in 2014 despite starting just eight games after being selected in the third round of the 2014 draft. Borland cited concerns over the potential long-term impact to his brain health in continuing to play the game in announcing his retirement which he did in March just days after Willis' announcement.[61]

Davis missed four games in 2014 with his first diagnosed concussion. In announcing his retirement in June, he said that he planned to take "a year or so away from the NFL" to "allow my brain and body a chance to heal."[62]

Worilds was entering free agency after playing for the Steelers the previous five seasons. He turned down contract offers worth tens of millions of dollars in order to devote more time to his Jehovah's Witnesses faith.[63]

Locker played four years for the Titans after they made him the eighth overall selection in 2011 draft. He was a free agent when he announced that he would be retiring because he had lost "the burning desire necessary to play the game for a living."[64]

First female coach and on-field official

The 2015 season marked the hiring of the first female NFL coach and first female NFL on-field official. Jen Welter was hired by the Arizona Cardinals as a coaching intern. Welter worked with the team's inside linebackers through the off-season and pre-season.[65] Welter's internship with the Cardinals expired after the team's third preseason game on August 30.[66]

Sarah Thomas became the NFL's first female on-field official when she was hired by the league in April.[note 2] Thomas had previously become the first female to officiate a major college football game as well as the first to officiate a bowl game.[68]

Official suspended one game due to timekeeping gaffe

The NFL suspended side judge Rob Vernatchi (from Pete Morelli's crew) for week six of the regular season due to a timekeeping blunder that occurred during a game the previous week. During week five's Monday Night Football game, the host San Diego Chargers kicked a field goal to take a 3-point lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers with 2:56 remaining in the fourth quarter. The subsequent kickoff was a touchback, which shouldn't have resulted in any time coming off the game clock. However, when the Steelers took over on offense the scoreboard clock read 2:38. Vernatchi was responsible for keeping the official game time, but he did not notice the 18-second discrepancy. The Steelers ended up scoring a touchdown to secure a win with no time left on the clock.[69]

Referee crew demoted following questionable calls

The referee crew led by Pete Morelli had been assigned to officiate a prime-time NBC Sunday Night game between the Indianapolis Colts and Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, but was reassigned to a different game (Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots), due to heavy criticism for questionable calls made during the Arizona CardinalsSan Francisco 49ers game during the previous week. Morelli's crew drew the ire of Cardinals' head coach Bruce Arians and 49ers' safety Eric Reed, including a botched roughing-the-passer call on Cardinals' quarterback Carson Palmer that aided the Cardinals' eventual game-winning drive, as well as a missed delay-of-game penalty. Morelli's crew had previously been the subject of criticism, following a clock error during a Monday Night game in Week 5 — see above.[70] In addition, Morelli's crew was involved in a missed call at the end of the Jacksonville JaguarsBaltimore Ravens game in Week 10, where they missed a false start penalty against the Jaguars before the final snap that resulted in a facemask penalty against the Ravens when time expired, allowing the Jaguars to gain 15 yards and kick the game-winning field goal.[71]

Discipline for off-field incidents

A total of 26 players were suspended by the league as of the season's first week. Most of these suspensions were for violations of the league's performance-enhancing drug (PED), substance abuse and personal conduct policies.[72]

Browns GM suspended for texting scandal

Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer was suspended by the league for the first four games of the 2015 season due to a texting scandal which occurred in 2014. The league found that Farmer had used a cellphone to communicate with personnel on the Browns' sideline "on multiple occasions during games" in violation of league rules which prohibit such communications. In addition to Farmer's suspension, the team was assessed a fine of $250,000.[73]

Falcons stripped of draft pick after being caught supplementing crowd noise

The league stripped the Atlanta Falcons of their selection in the fifth round of the 2016 draft after it was determined that they had been using pre-recorded crowd noise during the team's home games throughout 2013 and into 2014. In addition to losing the draft pick the franchise was fined $350,000 and team president Rich McKay was suspended from his post as chairman of the league's Competition Committee for three months starting in April. The team fired event marketing director Roddy White who they determined was directly responsible for the violation.[74][75]

Bills suspend assistant coach Aaron Kromer after assault arrest

Buffalo Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer was suspended by the team for the first six weeks of the season after he was arrested for an altercation during which Kromer allegedly punched a teenager. The incident occurred in July near Kromer's home in Florida. Charges in the matter were eventually dropped.[76][77][78]

Browns assistant coach Andy Moeller suspended following an alleged domestic incident

Cleveland Browns offensive line coach Andy Moeller was suspended indefinitely by the Browns in September after in incident in which police were called to Moeller's house after a female houseguest alleged that Moeller physically assaulted her.[79] Prosecutors declined to press charges related to the incident despite their conclusion that "it is quite clear an incident of volatile nature took place."[80] On September 29, 2015, the Browns officially parted ways with Moeller.[81]

2015 deaths

The following people associated with the NFL (or AFL) died in 2015.[82][83]

Frank Gifford
Gifford in 2009

Frank Gifford died on August 9, just a week shy of his 85th birthday. Gifford had a 12-year playing career with the New York Giants in the 1950s and 1960s. He was a 4-time All-Pro, played in eight Pro Bowls and was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team. In 1956 Gifford was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. After his playing career Gifford transitioned to sports broadcasting, most notably joining ABC's Monday Night Football in the program's second season and serving as the broadcast's play-by-play announcer and later color commentator for the next 27 seasons. Gifford was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well as the College Football Hall of Fame.[84][85]

Bednarik in 1952
Stabler in 2007
Sanders (far right) in 2007
Yepremian in 2013
St. Clair in 2009
Mara (right) in 1954
Chuck Bednarik

Chuck Bednarik died on March 31 at age 89. Bednarik was the first player selected in the 1949 NFL Draft and played linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles for fourteen seasons. He won championships with the Eagles in 1949 and 1960. He was a 5-time first team All-Pro and played in eight Pro Bowls. Bednarik was selected as a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Two-Way Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1967. He was also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.[86][87]

Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler died on July 8 at age 69. Stabler had a fifteen-year NFL career as a quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, Houston Oilers and New Orleans Saints in the 1970s and 1980s. He was named the league's MVP in 1974, led the Raiders to their first championship in Super Bowl XI and was a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team.[88][89]

Ed Sabol

Ed Sabol died on February 9 at age 98. Sabol founded NFL Films in 1962 where he pioneered a documentary style of capturing the game of football that many credit as a driver of the huge surge in the NFL's popularity. Sabol was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.[90]

Charlie Sanders

Charlie Sanders died on July 2 at age 68. Sanders played tight end for the Detroit Lions for ten seasons. He was twice named first-team All-Pro, was selected for seven Pro Bowl teams and was a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team. After his playing career he continued to be involved with the Lions, first as a broadcaster and later as a coach and scout. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.[91][92]

Garo Yepremian

Garo Yepremian died on May 15 at age 70. Yepremian had a fourteen-year career as a placekicker for four NFL teams, most notably with the Miami Dolphins of the 1970s. He was twice named a first-team All-Pro and was a member of two Pro Bowl teams as well as a 2-time Super Bowl champion. He led the league in field goal accuracy three times and was named to the 1970s All-Decade Team.[93][94]

Bob St. Clair

Bob St. Clair died on April 20 at age 84. St. Clair had an eleven-year career as an offensive tackle for the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s and 1960s. He played in the Pro Bowl five times and was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team. St. Clair was the mayor of Daly City, California from 1958 through 1964. St. Clair was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.[95][96][97]

Other 2015 deaths

Bill Arnsparger, Pete Athas, George Atkins, Billy Baggett, Monk Bailey, Tom Bettis, M. L. Brackett, C. O. Brocato, Curtis Brown, Doug Buffone, Bryan Caldwell, Henry Carr, Sam Cathcart, Damion Cook, John David Crow, Doug Cunningham, Willie Daniel, Jack Davis, JaJuan Dawson, Clyde Duncan, Bill Enyart, Mel Farr, Jesse Freitas, Jr., Ed Fullerton, Mike Gaechter, Jim Gaffney, Gary Glick, Ray Graves, Jimmy Gunn, Rip Hawkins, Dick Hensley, Gary Henson, Ray Hill, Gordy Holz, Marv Hubbard, Tommy Hudspeth, Kevin Hunt, Lindy Infante, Bill Jessup, Sonny Karnofsky, Bill Keating, Vince Kendrick, Mike Kostiuk, Jim LaRue, Eddie LeBaron, Dan Lewis, Jack Linn, Tom Longo, Don Looney, Ann Mara, Tommy Mason, Jim McCusker, Ralph McGill, Steve Meilinger, John Mellekas, Terdell Middleton, Ed Modzelewski, Jim Mutscheller, Ray Nagel, Joe O'Malley, John Papit, Pat Peppler, Jim Phillips, John Polonchek, Art Powell, Bob Priestley, Steve Pritko, Jethro Pugh, Mike Pyle, Lee Remmel, Adrian Robinson, William Roffler, Tyler Sash, Tom Scott, Allie Sherman, John Siegal, Joe Skibinski, J. D. Smith, Robert Sowell, Dick Stanfel, Jim Steffen, Charlie Sumner, Rich Szaro, Bob Toneff, Laverne Torczon, LaVern Torgeson, Bobby Towns, Ted Vaught, Danny Villanueva, Jerry Wilson, Dick Wood.

Rule changes

The following rule changes were passed for the 2015 NFL season at the owner's meeting on March 25, 2015:[98]

The following changes to the extra point rules were passed for the 2015 NFL season at the owner's meeting on May 19, 2015:[100]

The following changes to game ball protocol were passed for the 2015 NFL season on July 27, 2015.[102]

Records, milestones, and notable statistics

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 10
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Week 15
Week 16
Week 17
Divisional Weekend
Super Bowl 50

Head coach/front office personnel changes

Head coach

Offseason

Team 2014 head coach 2014 interim head coach Reason for leaving 2015 replacement Story/Accomplishments
Atlanta Falcons Mike Smith Fired Dan Quinn Smith compiled a record of 67–50 (.573), including the postseason, in seven seasons with the Falcons. He is the only coach to lead the franchise to consecutive winning seasons and consecutive playoff berths.[174]

Quinn, who never held a head coaching position prior to 2015, had served as defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Due to league anti-tampering rules, the Falcons had to wait until after the completion of the Seahawks' playoff run, before formally hiring Quinn.[175]

Buffalo Bills Doug Marrone Resigned Rex Ryan Marrone compiled a record of 15–17 (.469) in two seasons with the Bills and resigned on December 31, 2014.[176] His tenure was marked by the team's first winning season since 2004 but also by tensions with general manager Doug Whaley and players, especially Mike Williams, who requested a trade during the season. Marrone's contract had an opt-out clause which allowed him to resign his position within three days of the end of the season and still collect his full salary for the rest of the contract (he had one year remaining) if the team changed ownership which it did when the Bills were sold to the Pegula family in September. Marrone joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as offensive line coach.[177]

On January 12, 2015, the Bills hired Rex Ryan as their head coach. Ryan had spent the previous six seasons as head coach of the New York Jets.[178]

Chicago Bears Marc Trestman Fired John Fox Trestman compiled a record of 13–19 (.406) in two seasons with the Bears, and had finished the 2014 season with a 5–11 record. He and general manager Phil Emery were both dismissed on December 29, 2014.[179] Trestman then became offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.[180]

Fox was hired on January 16, 2015 to become the head coach. Fox spent the past 4 seasons as the head coach of the Denver Broncos.[181]

Denver Broncos John Fox Mutual decision Gary Kubiak In four seasons with the Broncos, Fox compiled a record of 49–22 (.690) including postseason games, won his division all four seasons, and appeared in Super Bowl XLVIII, but was bounced from the playoffs in the divisional round the other three years. By mutual agreement, Fox left the team on January 12, 2015, following the most recent divisional playoff loss.[182]

Kubiak was hired on January 19, 2015 to become the head coach. Kubiak, formerly head coach of the Houston Texans from 2006 to 2013, spent the past season as the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens.[183]

New York Jets Rex Ryan Fired Todd Bowles Ryan compiled a record of 50–52 (.490), including postseason games, in six seasons as head coach of the Jets. Ryan led the Jets to two AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons, losing both, but failed to earn a winning season or playoff berth in his last four. He and general manager John Idzik, Jr. were both dismissed on December 29, 2014.[184]

Bowles was hired on January 14, 2015, to become their head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for Arizona Cardinals since 2013; he previously served as interim head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2011.[185]

Oakland Raiders Dennis Allen Tony Sparano Fired Jack Del Rio Allen was fired on September 29, 2014 after an 8–28 (.222) record as Raiders head coach, and an 0–4 start to the 2014 season.[186] Allen joined the staff of the New Orleans Saints for the 2015 season.[187]

Sparano, formerly head coach of the Miami Dolphins, finished the season as interim head coach, compiling a record of 3–9.[188] He then became tight ends coach for the San Francisco 49ers.[189]

Jack Del Rio was hired on January 14, 2015, to become their head coach after serving as defensive coordinator for Denver Broncos since 2012; he previously served as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 to 2011.[190]

San Francisco 49ers Jim Harbaugh Mutual decision Jim Tomsula Harbaugh compiled a record of 49–22–1 (.688), including postseason games, in four seasons with the 49ers, and led the team to three NFC Championship Game appearances and a berth in Super Bowl XLVII. After a mediocre 8–8 season in 2014 (the first time his team did not make the playoffs) and amid tensions between Harbaugh and the 49ers front office, Harbaugh left to become head coach at his college alma mater, the University of Michigan.[191]

On January 14, 2015, Jim Tomsula was promoted to head coach after serving as defensive line coach with the team since 2007; it is his second time at the helm, as he previously served as the 49ers' interim head coach for one game, after Mike Singletary's firing in 2010.[192]

In-season

Team 2015 head coach Reason for leaving Interim replacement Story/Accomplishments
Miami Dolphins Joe Philbin Fired Dan Campbell Philbin compiled a record of 24–28 (.462), with no playoff appearances, in 3¼ seasons as head coach of the Dolphins. The Dolphins were expected to be contenders for a playoff position in 2015 but grossly underachieved, starting the season 1–3, which led to Philbin's firing. Campbell, the team's tight ends coach, will take over for the rest of the season.[193]
Tennessee Titans Ken Whisenhunt Mike Mularkey Whisenhunt compiled a record of 3–20 (.130), with no playoff appearances, in 1½ seasons as head coach of the Titans. After an impressive opening day win, the Titans lost six straight, resulting in Whisenhunt's dismissal. Mularkey, the team's tight ends coach, will take over as interim head coach. Mularkey's previous head coaching experience includes two seasons with the Buffalo Bills (2004–05) and one season with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2012).[194]
Philadelphia Eagles Chip Kelly Pat Shurmur Kelly compiled a record of 26–21 (.553) in almost three years with the Eagles. He led the team to the playoff in 2013, but lost in the Wild Card. He was fired from both his head coach and de facto general manager positions when the team, after its ninth loss of the season, was eliminated from postseason contention with one game remaining on the schedule. Shurmur, the Eagles' offensive coordinator, will fill in as head coach for the team's last game; he previously coached the Cleveland Browns from 2011 to 2012.[195]

Front office

Offseason

Team Position 2014 office holder Reason for leaving 2015 replacement Story/Accomplishments
New York Jets GM John Idzik Fired Mike Maccagnan Idzik was fired after two seasons with the New York Jets.[184] He then joined the staff of the Jacksonville Jaguars as a consultant.[196]

On January 13, 2015, the Jets hired Maccagnan as new general manager of the team. He was the director of college scouting for the Houston Texans prior to his hiring.[197]

Chicago Bears GM Phil Emery Ryan Pace Emery was fired after three seasons in Chicago.[198]

Pace was hired on January 8, 2015, after serving as the director of player personnel with the Saints since 2013.[199]

Philadelphia Eagles EVP-FO Tom Gamble Howie Roseman Roseman, who served as General Manager of the Eagles from 2010 to 2014, was promoted up to Executive Vice President of Football Operations. The General Manager position Roseman leaves behind remained unfilled, and head coach Chip Kelly fulfilled the duties of that position until his Week 16 firing.[200]

In-season

Team Position 2015 office holder Reason for leaving 2015 replacement Story/Accomplishments
Detroit Lions GM Martin Mayhew Fired Sheldon White (interim) After starting the season 1–6, the Lions fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. One week later, after another loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, owner Martha Firestone Ford fired Mayhew and Lewland.[201]
President Tom Lewand Rod Wood
Philadelphia Eagles VP- Player Personnel Ed Marynowitz Tom Donahoe Vice President of Player Personnel Ed Marynowitz was fired alongside Head Coach Chip Kelly on December 29, 2015.[202] Donahoe last served as president and general manager of the Buffalo Bills from 2001 to 2005 but has largely been out of football in the ten years since his firing from that position.
GM (de facto) Chip Kelly Howie Roseman Roseman, who carried the title of "executive vice president of football operations" while Kelly handled general manager duties in 2015, reverted to his previous general manager duties after Kelly's firing.

Awards

Individual season awards

Further information: 5th Annual NFL Honors
Award Winner Position Team
AP Most Valuable Player Cam Newton Quarterback Carolina Panthers
AP Offensive Player of the Year Cam Newton Quarterback Carolina Panthers
AP Defensive Player of the Year J. J. Watt Defensive end Houston Texans
AP Coach of the Year Ron Rivera Coach Carolina Panthers
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year Todd Gurley Running back St. Louis Rams
AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters Cornerback Kansas City Chiefs
AP Comeback Player of the Year Eric Berry Safety Kansas City Chiefs
Pepsi Rookie of the Year Jameis Winston Quarterback Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Anquan Boldin Wide receiver San Francisco 49ers
PFWA NFL Executive of the Year Mike Maccagnan General Manager New York Jets
Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Von Miller Linebacker Denver Broncos

All-Pro team

Further information: 2015 All-Pro Team

The following players were named First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press:

Offense
QuarterbackCam Newton, Carolina
Running backAdrian Peterson, Minnesota
Doug Martin, Tampa Bay
FullbackMike Tolbert, Carolina
Wide receiverAntonio Brown, Pittsburgh
Julio Jones, Atlanta
Tight endRob Gronkowski, New England
Offensive tackleJoe Thomas, Cleveland
Andrew Whitworth, Cincinnati
Offensive guardMarshal Yanda, Baltimore
David DeCastro, Pittsburgh
CenterRyan Kalil, Carolina
Defense
Defensive endJ. J. Watt, Houston
Khalil Mack, Oakland
Defensive tackleAaron Donald, St. Louis
Geno Atkins, Cincinnati
Outside linebackerVon Miller, Denver
Khalil Mack, Oakland
Thomas Davis, Carolina
Inside linebackerLuke Kuechly, Carolina
NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco
CornerbackJosh Norman, Carolina
Patrick Peterson, Arizona
SafetyTyrann Mathieu, Arizona
Eric Berry, Kansas City
Special teams
PlacekickerStephen Gostkowski, New England
PunterJohnny Hekker, St. Louis
Kick returnerTyler Lockett, Seattle

Players of the week/month

The following were named the top performers during the 2015 season:

Week/
Month
Offensive
Player of the Week/Month
Defensive
Player of the Week/Month
Special Teams
Player of the Week/Month
AFC NFC AFC NFC AFC NFC
1 Marcus Mariota[203]
(Titans)
Julio Jones[204]
(Falcons)
Aqib Talib[203]
(Broncos)
Aaron Donald[204]
(Rams)
Jarvis Landry[203]
(Dolphins)
Tavon Austin[204]
(Rams)
2 Ben Roethlisberger[205]
(Steelers)
Larry Fitzgerald[206]
(Cardinals)
Darrelle Revis[205]
(Jets)
Sean Lee[206]
(Cowboys)
Travis Benjamin[205]
(Browns)
David Johnson[206]
(Cardinals)
3 A. J. Green[207]
(Bengals)
Aaron Rodgers[208]
(Packers)
Preston Brown[207]
(Bills)
Tyrann Mathieu[208]
(Cardinals)
Pat McAfee[207]
(Colts)
Darren Sproles[208]
(Eagles)
Sept. Tom Brady[209]
(Patriots)
Julio Jones[210]
(Falcons)
DeMarcus Ware[209]
(Broncos)
Josh Norman[210]
(Panthers)
Stephen Gostkowski[209]
(Patriots)
Tyler Lockett[210]
(Seahawks)
4 Philip Rivers[211]
(Chargers)
Drew Brees[212]
(Saints)
T. J. Ward[211]
(Broncos)
Josh Norman[212]
(Panthers)
Justin Tucker[211]
(Ravens)
Robbie Gould[212]
(Bears)
5 Josh McCown[213]
(Browns)
Eli Manning[214]
(Giants)
Mike Adams[213]
(Colts)
Fletcher Cox[214]
(Eagles)
Mike Nugent[213]
(Bengals)
Bobby Rainey[214]
(Buccaneers)
6 DeAndre Hopkins[215]
(Texans)
Calvin Johnson[216]
(Lions)
Cameron Wake[215]
(Dolphins)
Kawann Short[216]
(Panthers)
Chris Boswell[215]
(Steelers)
Michael Mauti[216]
(Saints)
7 Ryan Tannehill[217]
(Dolphins)
Kirk Cousins[218]
(Redskins)
Telvin Smith[217]
(Jaguars)
Michael Bennett[218]
(Seahawks)
Stephen Gostkowski[217]
(Patriots)
Dwayne Harris[218]
(Giants)
Oct. Andy Dalton[219]
(Bengals)
Devonta Freeman[220]
(Falcons)
Charles Woodson[219]
(Raiders)
Kawann Short[220]
(Panthers)
Brandon McManus[219]
(Broncos)
Johnny Hekker[220]
(Rams)
8 Tom Brady[221]
(Patriots)
Drew Brees[222]
(Saints)
Derek Wolfe[221]
(Broncos)
Kwon Alexander[222]
(Buccaneers)
Justin Tucker[221]
(Ravens)
Marcus Sherels[222]
(Vikings)
9 Marcus Mariota[223]
(Titans)
Cam Newton[224]
(Panthers)
Darius Butler[223]
(Colts)
Linval Joseph[224]
(Vikings)
Ryan Quigley[223]
(Jets)
Josh Brown[224]
(Giants)
10 Ben Roethlisberger[225]
(Steelers)
Kirk Cousins[226]
(Redskins)
Bacarri Rambo[225]
(Bills)
Terence Newman[226]
(Vikings)
Stephen Gostkowski[225]
(Patriots)
Ameer Abdullah[226]
(Lions)
11 Brock Osweiler[227]
(Broncos)
Cam Newton[228]
(Panthers)
J. J. Watt[227]
(Texans)
Lavonte David[228]
(Buccaneers)
Dustin Colquitt[227]
(Chiefs)
Mason Crosby[228]
(Packers)
12 C. J. Anderson[229]
(Broncos)
Russell Wilson[230]
(Seahawks)
Leon Hall[229]
(Bengals)
Luke Kuechly[230]
(Panthers)
Will Hill[229]
(Ravens)
Sam Martin[230]
(Lions)
Nov. Antonio Brown[231]
(Steelers)
Adrian Peterson[232]
(Vikings)
J. J. Watt[231]
(Texans)
Tyrann Mathieu[232]
(Cardinals)
Adam Vinatieri[231]
(Colts)
Graham Gano[232]
(Panthers)
13 Brandon Marshall[233]
(Jets)
Cam Newton[234]
(Panthers)
Tyvon Branch[233]
(Chiefs)
Malcolm Jenkins[234]
(Eagles)
Antonio Brown[233]
(Steelers)
Dan Bailey[234]
(Cowboys)
14 Ryan Fitzpatrick[235]
(Jets)
Eli Manning[236]
(Giants)
Khalil Mack[235]
(Raiders)
Aaron Donald[236]
(Rams)
Rashad Greene[235]
(Jaguars)
Chandler Catanzaro[236]
(Cardinals)
15 Antonio Brown[237]
(Steelers)
Cam Newton[237]
(Panthers)
Marcus Peters[237]
(Chiefs)
Deone Bucannon[237]
(Cardinals)
Carlos Dunlap[237]
(Bengals)
Benny Cunningham[237]
(Rams)
16 Ryan Fitzpatrick[238]
(Jets)
Julio Jones[238]
(Falcons)
Robert Mathis[238]
(Colts)
Dwight Freeney[238]
(Cardinals)
Marquette King[238]
(Raiders)
Blair Walsh[238]
(Vikings)
Dec. Antonio Brown[239]
(Steelers)
Kirk Cousins[239]
(Redskins)
Whitney Mercilus[239]
(Texans)
Kawann Short[239]
(Panthers)
Chris Boswell[239]
(Steelers)
Tyler Lockett[239]
(Seahawks)
17 Ronnie Hillman[240]
(Broncos)
Cam Newton[240]
(Panthers)
J. J. Watt[240]
(Texans)
Everson Griffen[240]
(Vikings)
D. J. Alexander[240]
(Chiefs)
Tyler Lockett[240]
(Seahawks)
Week FedEx Air
Player of the Week[241]
(Quarterbacks)
FedEx Ground
Player of the Week[241]
(Running Backs)
Pepsi Next
Rookie of the Week[242]
Castrol Edge
Clutch Performer
of the Week[243]
1 Philip Rivers
(Chargers)
Carlos Hyde
(49ers)
Marcus Mariota
(Titans)
Tony Romo
(Cowboys)
2 Tom Brady
(Patriots)
Matt Jones
(Redskins)
Jameis Winston
(Buccaneers)
Derek Carr
(Raiders)
3 Aaron Rodgers
(Packers)
Devonta Freeman
(Falcons)
Kwon Alexander
(Buccaneers)
Julio Jones
(Falcons)
4 Philip Rivers
(Chargers)
Chris Ivory
(Jets)
Todd Gurley
(Rams)
Kam Chancellor
(Seahawks)
5 Eli Manning
(Giants)
Doug Martin
(Buccaneers)
Jameis Winston
(Buccaneers)
Tyrod Taylor
(Bills)
6 Philip Rivers
(Chargers)
Chris Ivory
(Jets)
Stefon Diggs
(Vikings)
Damarious Randall
(Packers)
7 Ryan Tannehill
(Dolphins)
Lamar Miller
(Dolphins)
Amari Cooper
(Raiders)
Tom Brady
(Patriots)
8 Drew Brees
(Saints)
Todd Gurley
(Rams)
Kwon Alexander
(Buccaneers)
Drew Brees
(Saints)
9 Marcus Mariota
(Titans)
DeAngelo Williams
(Steelers)
Amari Cooper
(Raiders)
Antonio Brown
(Steelers)
10 Ben Roethlisberger
(Steelers)
Adrian Peterson
(Vikings)
Mario Edwards, Jr.
(Raiders)
Stephen Gostkowski
(Patriots)
11 Jameis Winston
(Buccaneers)
Doug Martin
(Buccaneers)
Jameis Winston
(Buccaneers)
Aaron Rodgers
(Packers)
12 Russell Wilson
(Seahawks)
Adrian Peterson
(Vikings)
Amari Cooper
(Raiders)
Derek Carr
(Raiders)
13 Ben Roethlisberger
(Steelers)
DeAngelo Williams
(Steelers)
Thomas Rawls
(Seahawks)
Jameis Winston
(Buccaneers)
14 Russell Wilson
(Seahawks)
Eddie Lacy
(Packers)
Tyler Lockett
(Seahawks)
Khalil Mack
(Raiders)
15 Ben Roethlisberger
(Steelers)
David Johnson
(Cardinals)
Amari Cooper
(Raiders)
Antonio Brown
(Steelers)
16 Drew Brees
(Saints)
Tim Hightower
(Saints)
Preston Smith
(Redskins)
Ryan Fitzpatrick
(Jets)
17 Ryan Tannehill
(Dolphins)
Rashad Jennings
(Giants)
Tyler Lockett
(Seahawks)
Peyton Manning
(Broncos)
Month Rookie of the Month
Offensive Defensive
Sept. Marcus Mariota[244]
(Titans)
Ronald Darby[244]
(Bills)
Oct. Todd Gurley[245]
(Rams)
Eric Kendricks[245]
(Vikings)
Nov. Jameis Winston[246]
(Buccaneers)
Damarious Randall[246]
(Packers)
Dec. David Johnson[239]
(Cardinals)
Marcus Peters[239]
(Chiefs)

Stadiums

Tennessee Titans' venue renamed Nissan Stadium

The stadium in Nashville where the Tennessee Titans play their home games was renamed Nissan Stadium in an agreement with automobile manufacturer Nissan. Though financial terms remain undisclosed, the naming rights deal is expected to last for twenty years. Nissan operates two plants in Tennessee and is one of middle Tennessee's largest employers. Since 2006, the facility had been branded as "LP Field," under a naming rights agreement with Nashville-based building materials manufacturer Louisiana-Pacific. This is the third name change for the venue since its 1999 opening.[247]

Minnesota Vikings last season at TCF Bank Stadium

The Minnesota Vikings played at TCF Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis for the second straight season.[248] The Vikings arranged to play there for two years after their former home, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome, was closed 2013 season and demolished so U.S. Bank Stadium, their new stadium, could be built on the site.[249] In August, a construction worker who was working on the new stadium died in a fall from the structure's roof.[250]

NRG Stadium Convert to Turf

NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, converted from a natural grass field to an artificial turf field after week 1. Despite various attempts to improve field conditions, players from both the Texans and the visiting Kansas City Chiefs complained of poor field conditions in their week 1 game. The decision to convert was made 5 days later, and the turf field was installed in time for the Texans next home game against Tampa Bay in Week 3.[251]

NFL relocation candidates

Oakland Raiders

San Antonio

On July 29, 2014, reports surfaced that the Oakland Raiders may consider relocating to San Antonio in 2015 after owner Mark Davis met with San Antonio civic leaders the week before at the encouragement of former Raider Cliff Branch, whom Davis was in town to visit for a local ceremony for Branch. The Raiders themselves had acknowledged Davis being in San Antonio for the event for Branch before news broke about a possible relocation, but would not confirm nor deny that Davis also mentioned being there discussing moving his team east.[252] Among the two existing NFL teams in Texas, Houston Texans' owner Bob McNair and Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones—the latter of which has San Antonio as part of his territorial rights and previously voiced support of an NFL team moving there when the New Orleans Saints temporarily played in San Antonio in 2005 due to damages to the Superdome following Hurricane Katrina — both favor an NFL team playing in San Antonio.[253]

Though San Antonio is a smaller market than the San Francisco Bay Area, the Raiders would not be sharing the market with another NFL team, and would only compete with the NBA's San Antonio Spurs among major sports teams. Additionally, the Raiders would use the Alamodome as a temporary home until an NFL-specific stadium could be constructed.[252] The team's lease at the O.co Coliseum expired after the 2013 season, and the Raiders are tenants of the Coliseum on a year-to-year basis.[254]

On September 3, 2014, the city of Oakland reached a tentative deal to build a new football stadium in Oakland, which would result in the Coliseum being demolished; Davis did not respond to the proposal, which would also force the Oakland Athletics to build a new stadium of their own (which they have yet to agree to do), while Alameda County (co-owners of the current stadium) indicated they would probably not support the plan.[255] Davis has, in the meantime, continued to negotiate with San Antonio officials and had team officials scout the Alamodome to determine if it would be suitable for the NFL.[256]

Possible shared stadium with the Chargers in Los Angeles
Main article: Carson Stadium

On February 19, 2015, the Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers announced plans for a privately financed $1.7 billion stadium that the two teams would build in Carson, California if they were to move to the Los Angeles market.[257] Such a move would mark a return to the nation's second-largest market for both teams; the Raiders played in Los Angeles from 1982 to 1994 while the Chargers called LA home for their inaugural season in the American Football League. The Chargers are currently the only NFL team to play in Southern California, with San Diego being a 125-mile (201 km) distance from Los Angeles and currently have Los Angeles as a secondary market. The Chargers have been looking to replace Qualcomm Stadium (which, like the O.co Coliseum opened in the late 1960s) since at least 2003, and have had an annual out clause in which it can move in exchange for paying a fine to the city of San Diego for its remaining years on its lease.

Due to both television contracts, NFL bylaws, and being in the same division if both of the longstanding division rivals were to move to LA, one of the teams would have to move to the National Football Conference and the NFC West, something that Mark Davis volunteered the Raiders to be willing to do. The Raiders moving to the National Football Conference and the NFC West would be considered ironic seeing that Davis's father Al Davis was a staunch opponent of the NFL during its rivalry and eventual merger with the AFL. If such a realignment were to occur, one of the existing NFC West teams would take their spot in the AFC West. The early rumor was that the Seattle Seahawks, who played in the AFC West from 1977 to 2001, would be the favorite to switch conferences with the Raiders. However, that team's growing rivalry with the San Francisco 49ers (who are assured of staying in the NFC West) now point to either the Arizona Cardinals or the St. Louis Rams (if the latter stays in St. Louis) moving to the AFC West to take the Raiders spot. If the Rams stay in St. Louis, switching them to the AFC would allow for a yearly home-and-home with the cross-state Kansas City Chiefs.[258]

On October 23, 2015, Mark Fabiani, Chargers spokesperson confirmed that the team planned to officially notify the NFL about its intentions to relocate to Los Angeles in January during the timetable when teams can request to relocate.[259]

St. Louis Rams

The Rams and the St. Louis CVC (Convention & Visitors Commission) began negotiating deals to get the Rams home stadium, the Edward Jones Dome into the top 25 percent of stadiums in the league (i.e., top eight teams of the thirty two NFL teams in reference to luxury boxes, amenities and overall fan experience). Under the terms of the lease agreement, the St. Louis CVC was required to make modifications to the Edward Jones Dome in 2005. However, then-owner, Georgia Frontiere, waived the provision in exchange for cash that served as a penalty for the city's noncompliance. The City of St. Louis, in subsequent years, made changes to the score board and increased the natural lighting by replacing panels with windows, although the overall feel remains dark. The minor renovations which totaled about $70 million did not bring the stadium within the specifications required under the lease agreement. On February 1, 2013, an Arbitrator (3 panel) selected to preside over the arbitration process found that the Edward Jones Dome was not in the top 25% of all NFL venues as required under the terms of the lease agreement between the Rams and the CVC. The Arbitrator (3 panel) further found that the estimated $700 million in proposed renovations by the Rams was not unreasonable given the terms of the lease agreement. Finally, the City of St. Louis was Ordered to pay the Rams attorneys' fees which totaled a reported $2 million.

Publicly, city, county and state officials have expressed no interest in providing further funding to the Edward Jones Dome in light of those entities, as well as taxpayers, continuing to owe approximately $300 million more on that facility. As such, if a resolution is not reached by the end of the 2014–15 NFL season and the City of St. Louis remains non-compliant in its obligations under the lease agreement, the Rams would be free to nullify their lease and relocate.

On January 31, 2014, both the Los Angeles Times and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that Rams owner Stan Kroenke purchased 60 acres of land adjacent to the Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles County, California. It would be, by the most conservative estimates, sufficient land on which a NFL-proper stadium may be constructed. The purchase price was rumored to have been between US$90–100 million. Commissioner Roger Goodell represented that Mr. Kroenke informed the league of the purchase. As an NFL owner, any purchase of land in which a potential stadium could be built must be disclosed to the league. This development has further fueled rumors that the Rams intend to return its management and football operations to Southern California. The land was initially targeted for a Walmart Supercenter but Walmart could not get the necessary permits to build the center. Kroenke is married to Ann Walton Kroenke who is a member of the Walton family and many of Kroenke's real estate deals have involved Walmart properties.[260][261][262] On January 5, 2015, The Los Angeles Times reported that Stan Kroenke and Stockbridge Capital Group are partnering up in to developing a new NFL Stadium owned by Kroenke. The project will include a stadium of up to 80,000 seats and a performance venue of 6,000 seats while reconfiguring the previously approved Hollywood Park plan for up to 890,000 square feet of retail, 780,000 square feet of office space, 2,500 new residential units, a 300-room hotel and 25 acres of public parks, playgrounds, open space and pedestrian and bicycle access. The stadium is likely be ready by 2018, In lieu of this the city of St. Louis responded on January 9, 2015 by unveiling an outdoor, open air, riverfront stadium than can accommodate the Rams and an MLS team with the hopes that the NFL bylaws can force them to stay. On February 24, 2015, the Inglewood City Council approved the stadium and the initiative with construction on the stadium planned to begin in December 2015.

With the Chargers, Raiders and Rams proposing their own stadiums as part of their Los Angeles relocation contingency plans, the proposed Farmers Field project was permanently scrapped in March 2015.[263] Farmers Field was a proposal from Anschutz Entertainment Group to lure an NFL team to Los Angeles by promising a new stadium, but AEG placed restrictions on any relocation that the rest of the league found unacceptable, and the project had laid dormant since 2012.[264]

Super Bowl 50 promotion

To mark the 50th Super Bowl, various gold-themed promotions and initiatives were held during the 2015 season, including gold-tinted logos across all NFL properties, the numbering of the 50-yard line on fields being painted in gold, sideline jackets and hats featuring gold-trimmed logos from week 7 onward, and Pro Bowl jersey designs incorporating gold numbering. Gold footballs were given to each high school that has had a player or coach appear in the Super Bowl, and "homecoming" events were held by teams at games.[265][266]

Through their first two home games, the Oakland Raiders declined to participate in the use of gold paint to mark the 50-yard line. On September 22, Sports Business Daily reported that NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy stated it was because the Oakland Athletics were still playing at the O.co Coliseum (the only stadium that is still shared by both an NFL team and a Major League Baseball team, which forces the Raiders to play on its dirt infield until the baseball season concludes), but the Coliseum's General Manager Chris Wright responded by saying that the Raiders told him not to apply the gold marks for the remaining regular season games.[267] One day later, Raiders owner Mark Davis confirmed that the gold markings would be used after the conclusion of the Athletics season, boasting that because they had appeared in five of them, "nobody respects the Super Bowl more than Raiders".[268]

New uniforms and patches

After it had been leaked months before by the Packers that both teams were allowed to wear their colored jerseys for Thursday Night Football contests,[269] on October 30, 2015 the NFL announced "Color Rush," a series of four Thursday contests in which all eight teams will wear one-time, specially designed and monochromatic alternate uniforms.[270] The Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans wore their regular alternate uniforms (with the Panthers debuting "Carolina blue" pants), while the Dallas Cowboys revived their white "Double Star" uniforms from the mid-1990s (while debuting white pants) and the St. Louis Rams wore a gold version of their 1973–99 throwbacks for the games. The other four teams involved (Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers) wore all-new uniforms for the games. The November 12 game between the Bills and Jets was particularly problematic, with the Bills' all-red uniforms (the first time the team has ever worn a red jersey on the field) and the Jets' kelly green outfits being indistinguishable to those with color blindness.[271]

New officials

Referee Bill Leavy retired after the 2014 season.[285] On May 13, 2015, the NFL promoted line judge John Hussey to the referee position.[286] In addition to Hussey's promotion to referee, the NFL hired 10 more officials, including the first full-time female official in NFL history, Sarah Thomas, who will work as a line judge,[note 2][287] as well as Walt Coleman IV, the son of referee Walt Coleman, who will work as a side judge.[288]

Media

This was the second season under broadcast contracts with ESPN, CBS, Fox, and NBC. This included "cross-flexing" (switching) Sunday afternoon games between CBS and Fox before or during the season, regardless of whether the visiting team is in the AFC (which CBS normally airs) or the NFC (which is normally carried by Fox). NBC continued to air Sunday Night Football, the annual Kickoff game, and the primetime Thanksgiving game. ESPN continued carrying Monday Night Football and the Pro Bowl. Under a new eight-year deal, DirecTV (now a subsidiary of AT&T) continued to be the exclusive distributor of the NFL Sunday Ticket service.[289][290]

On May 12, 2015, it was announced that ABC would simulcast ESPN's wildcard game, marking the first time that ABC has broadcast any NFL game in nearly 10 years.[291] Fox also expanded its pre-game coverage by moving Fox NFL Kickoff to the main Fox network from Fox Sports 1, serving as a lead-in to Fox NFL Sunday.[292]

After its successful inaugural season under the arrangement, the NFL extended CBS's contract for Thursday Night Football into the 2015 season; as with the previous season, CBS produced all games, and the first seven games (weeks 2-7), as well as week 13, were broadcast by the CBS network. All games, including those not aired by CBS, were broadcast by NFL Network.[293] The package also included one Saturday game in Week 15 and one in Week 16, both exclusive to NFL Network

On March 23, 2015, league owners voted to, as an experiment, suspend the NFL's blackout rules for the 2015 season; no games were blacked out in their home markets because of insufficient ticket sales. These moves came after the Federal Communications Commission's September 2014 decision to stop enforcing blackout rules on terrestrial television stations, and the fact that, ultimately, no games were blacked out at all during the 2014 season.[294]

The NFL also experimented with online streaming as part of the International Series game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills. The game was streamed worldwide by Yahoo!, who handled hosting, promotion, and advertising sales for the stream, while CBS produced the telecast.[295] The game only aired on television in the team's home markets (in accordance with NFL policies), as well as in the United Kingdom on BBC Two and Sky Sports, and in China.[296] Brian Rolapp, the league's executive vice president of media, explained that the experiment was part of the NFL's efforts to attempt alternative distribution models for games, such as those that would appeal to viewers who do not subscribe to pay television.[295][297] Yahoo! was reported to have paid $15 million for the rights fees, plus an additional $2 million "marketing fee," and beat out Amazon.com, Twitter, and YouTube—some of whom had made higher bids but would have planned to place the broadcast behind a paywall, which the league resisted.[298]

The NFL entered into a social media partnership with Snapchat to present live stories with behind-the-scenes and fan perspectives from selected games.[299]

Notes

  1. For this Super Bowl only, the league will use the Arabic numeral "50" instead of the Roman numeral "L." See the postseason section for details.
  2. 1 2 Shannon Eastin was the first woman to officiate an NFL game as a temporary non-union official during the 2012 NFL referee lockout.[67]

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