Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL schedule release
Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL schedule release
This is the USA TODAY Sports NFL newsletter, 4th and Monday. If this newsletter isn't already getting conveniently delivered to your inbox, click here to subscribe. USA TODAY Sports is now on Bluesky! Give us a follow for more of our NFL content.
In case you missed it during all of the hoopla that was last weekend's draft, the NFL announced that the 2025 schedule would be released on May 14.
Soon, you'll know your weekly appointment viewing of "Thursday Night Football" games, "Sunday Night Football" games, "Monday Night Football" games and good old-fashioned Sunday afternoon games.
Here's what we know ...
The ideal opponent for the Eagles' season-opening game is a popular topic of discussion at this time of year, and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz ranked the candidates:
➤ 2027 NFL Draft to D.C.: A formal announcement is expected Monday.
➤ Power rankings: How did the draft impact the league's hierarchy? Take a look!
➤ Phil Simms won't let Abdul Carter wear No. 11: The Giants' Super Bowl-winning quarterback was "outvoted by family," meaning the team's first-round pick now has been rebuffed by two team legends.
➤ Commanders announce deal for new stadium in DC: The team formally announced its intentions to build a new stadium on the site of old RFK Stadium in the District of Columbia.
➤ Jordan Travis retires due to leg injury: Travis' decision comes after he spent his rookie season recovering from a catastrophic left leg injury he suffered during his final college game at Florida State.
➤ What is going on with Bill Belichick? When Belichick was coaching the New England Patriots, he was one of the game's most controlling people ("We're on to Cincinnati."). Now? This Belichick is almost recognizable.
📷 Belichick's girlfriend, Jordon Hudson | Belichick through the years
⬆️ Vibes check ⬇️
⬆️ Justin Jefferson: F1 driver Oscar Piastri hit the griddy after winning Sunday's Miami Grand Prix, keeping his word after meeting the Minnesota Vikings' star receiver.
⬆️ Jalen Ramsey: Could the seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback be in store for a reunion with the Rams?
⬆️ Rookie minicamps: Most NFL teams will host draft choices and undrafted free agents later this week, including getting a first look at No. 1 pick Cam Ward in a Tennessee Titans uniform.
⬇️ Jordon Hudson: Bill Belichick's girlfriend is just the latest in a long line of significant others, parents, siblings, friends and hangers on who've had outsized roles and influence in the careers of sports figures. Even Charles Barkley is concerned.
NFL classics: Straight from the YouTube algorithm 🏈🎞️
This is where we reprise some NFL lore and recall classic, memorable moments from yesteryear.
Last weekend, Cam Ward became the 37th quarterback to be taken with the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL draft. Some – John Elway, Troy Aikman, Peyton Manning – have become among the greatest to ever play the position. Others – JaMarcus Russell, Terry Baker – were total busts in the NFL.
Then there's Jeff George.
35 years ago, the Indianapolis Colts selected George with the No. 1 pick in the 1990 draft. He might be one of the most polarizing players ever selected atop the draft. He played for five different teams over 12 NFL seasons, throwing for a career-high 4,143 yards in 1995 and leading the league (3,917 yards) in 1997. His 27,602 career passing yards ranks just behind Joe Namath (27,602), and ahead of notable Hall of Famers such as Bob Griese, Bart Starr, Norm Van Brocklin and Roger Staubach (of course, it should be noted each of whom played in a less passer-friendly era than George).
The quarterback with a rocket arm had moments of brilliance and moments of buffoonery.
If you enjoy reading 4th and Monday 📰, encourage your football fan friends to subscribe 📱. Follow the writer of this newsletter on social media @jimreineking.
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