Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:
- NFL Legend John Madden Passes Away: Late last week, NFL legend John Madden passed away at the age of 85. Madden, of course, is one of the most iconic NFL personalities of all time, evolving from Hall of Fame coach to famed broadcaster to the face of the sport’s most popular video game franchise. “On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” said commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.”
- Jaguars Kick Off HC Search: The Jaguars requested interviews with Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Colts DC Matt Eberflus, Cowboys OC Kellen Moore and DC Dan Quinn, Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett, and experienced HCs Doug Pederson and Jim Caldwell. Quinn has since declined the opportunity for an early interview, but he could still chat with the Jags at a later date.
- Colts Reached Out To Rivers: Colts head coach Frank Reich recently asked Philip Rivers if he’d be interested in coming out of retirement. Even though Rivers has left the door open to an eventual return, it doesn’t sound like the 40-year-old is interested in filling in for Carson Wentz. In his lone Colts season, Rivers completed 68% of his passes and finished with a 24-to-11 TD-INT ratio.
- Giants’ Joe Judge Likely To Return: The Giants reportedly plan to stay patient with head coach Joe Judge, even as they wrap up another losing season. For his part, Judge says he’s still committed to turning things around in New York. “I’ve said this from the beginning: I’m not interested in having some kind of quick flash,” Judge said. “I’m not interested in shortcuts. I’m not interested in quick fixes. I want to do this the right way. When I took this job I made it very, very clear that I was only going to do this if we’re all committed to doing this the right way. And that’s something that’s been very clear from ownership on down.”
- Roethlisberger Addresses Likely Steelers Exit: Ben Roethlisberger has not publicly committed to retiring after the season, but Monday’s matchup with the Browns will almost certainly be his final home game with the Steelers. On Thursday, Big Ben addressed the speculation and seemingly acknowledged the end of his 18-year Pittsburgh run. As of this writing, Roethlisberger sits 24th in QBR for this season.