Pro Football History.com Blog

June 19th, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers just made a huge move this offseason by signing legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal. This article shows how they’re going all in for the Lombardi Trophy in 2025, totally changing the game for fans in the Steel City.

The AFC North landscape has shifted dramatically as Aaron Rodgers, a four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, has signed a one-year, $13.6 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, featuring $10 million guaranteed and incentives that could reach $19.5 million. Wearing No. 8 in black and gold, this veteran addition signals the Steelers' commitment to solving their long-standing quarterback issue following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement in 2021 and attempts with players like Kenny Pickett and Russell Wilson. But can Rodgers, even at 41, deliver the elusive seventh ring? Pittsburgh is betting heavily that he can.

Solving the QB Puzzle

Quarterback instability has hurt the Steelers. Their offense often struggled, though they went 10-7 and made it to the playoffs in 2024. That Wild Card defeat at home to Baltimore showed what it takes to be a contender. Kenny Pickett was promising but inconsistent, while Russell Wilson provided experience without fully revitalizing the offense. Justin Fields showed explosive running but questions about his passing arose.

Rodgers improves on the key quarterback position and gives Pittsburgh stability it has not seen since Ben Roethlisberger's prime. This transforms the team into a credible Super Bowl contender and ends the quarterback carousel for 2025. His arrival tightens the Steelers' Super Bowl futures odds and strengthens their AFC North chances, making them a more attractive weekly wager, especially early in the season. Staying aware of these trends is crucial. Check out the resources at https://usdccasinos.net/ to get the lowdown on the latest betting scene and the best sportsbooks offering USDC deposits.

Leadership Beyond the Stats

Rodgers offers not only precise throws but also extensive experience and championship success, including a Super Bowl MVP and four MVP awards. His grasp of complex defenses and ability to thrive under pressure are invaluable. Former Steeler Allen Robinson noted Coach Mike Tomlin's ability to handle strong personalities, making it a "phenomenal fit" for Rodgers.

Rodgers will likely have significant input, maybe even "full autonomy," within the offensive structure. This kind of veteran leadership, particularly for a team often carried by its defense, could be the missing piece. Can he galvanize the entire unit? Pittsburgh is counting on his presence to elevate everyone around him.

Offensive Upgrade Potential

Look beyond the age. Rodgers' 2024 season with the Jets proved he still possesses elite arm talent and football IQ. Completing 63% of his passes for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions demonstrated a pretty impressive bounce-back from his 2023 Achilles tear. He immediately becomes the best passer the Steelers have employed in years. Imagine how that might help receivers like George Pickens.

Rodgers' accuracy on deep balls and in tight windows should unlock a sometimes inconsistent downfield passing game. He can extend plays and create something from nothing - something Pittsburgh has lacked. While the offensive line needs to hold up, Rodgers' quick release and pocket awareness mitigate some pressure concerns. But the raw talent upgrade is undeniable and significant.

Why Pittsburgh Pulled the Trigger

General Manager Omar Khan openly stated the need for a long-term quarterback solution. So why the one-year gamble on Rodgers? The answer is simple: urgency. The Steelers possess a pretty formidable defense and a solid overall roster. Watching a winnable division and conference slip away year after year due to quarterback limitations became unacceptable.

The "one and done" playoff exit in 2024 solidified the need for drastic action. Khan acknowledged the need to "take advantage of opportunities as they present themselves." Rodgers hitting the market, motivated and apparently healthy, was that rare opportunity. It’s a calculated risk, prioritizing immediate championship contention over long-term development. The Steelers see a window, and Rodgers is their battering ram to force it open.

The Rodgers Resume

It's worth revisiting the sheer magnitude of Rodgers' career achievements. His statistics are staggering: 62,952 passing yards, 503 touchdowns, a 65.1% completion rate. His career passer rating of 102.6 and touchdown-to-interception ratio of 4.3-to-1 are NFL records, testaments to his incredible efficiency and ball security.

Beyond the numbers, the accolades speak volumes: Super Bowl XLV champion and MVP, four-time NFL MVP (2011, 2014, 2020, 2021), ten Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro nods, and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He holds numerous single-season and career records, including the lowest interception percentage in a season (0.3% in 2018) and the highest single-season passer rating (122.5 in 2011). This isn't just a hired gun; it's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

The Win-Now Equation

This signing screams "Super Bowl or bust." The one-year contract with heavy incentives reflects this mentality. Pittsburgh isn't seeking a bridge quarterback; they want the final piece for a championship. Rodgers offers the elite play needed to enhance their offensive weapons and support a strong defense. Mike Tomlin’s ability to manage personalities and command respect was undoubtedly a factor in believing this high-stakes marriage could work.

The Steelers clearly assessed their roster, the state of the AFC, and decided Rodgers offered their best chance, right now, to end the franchise's Super Bowl drought stretching back to the 2008 season. It's a bold, expensive bet. If healthy and integrated successfully, Rodgers could propel the Steelers deep into January. If not, the search for stability under center continues. For 2025, however, Pittsburgh is all in.

June 19th, 2025

The 2025 NFL offseason may be in full swing, but that certainly hasn’t stopped fans… and analysts from picking out the league’s most exciting talents this year. From breakout young stars to the regular MVP candidates, the NFL is packed with players all ready to make their mark this season.

So, here are the most exciting NFL players who look ready and set to light up the league and give us plenty to look forward to this fall.

Lamar Jackson – QB, Baltimore Ravens

We have to put this guy right up there. He’s still one of the league’s most impressive players - and keeps on rewriting what’s possible at the quarterback position. Despite losing some key offensive linemen in the 2024 season, Jackson still showcased his world-famous explosiveness and leadership… and kept Baltimore right up there among the AFC’s elite.

With Derrick Henry now in the Ravens’ backfield and another year in Todd Monken’s offense, we’re thinking that Jackson will deliver even more jaw-dropping moments in the upcoming season.

C.J. Stroud – QB, Houston Texans

Next, we have Stroud, whose 2024 campaign proved he’s not just the future — he’s already right up there as a top-five quarterback. He has poise, accuracy, and the ability to dissect the defenses that have turned Houston into a serious contender this year.

In 2025, with an even better receiving corps and a stronger offensive line, he could well take the next step toward MVP-level dominance. If you’re looking for a player who has the right combination of style and substance, he’s your guy.

Tyreek Hill – WR, Miami Dolphins

He might be entering his 30s, but this guy is still one of the NFL’s most explosive playmakers. He has a blazing speed and an uncanny ability to change direction that can tear up the defense and keep fans on the edge of their seats. His chemistry with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has only gotten better and better - and his big-play potential makes him a threat from literally anywhere on the field. If he stays fit and healthy, get ready for more 70-yard touchdowns.

Micah Parsons – LB/EDGE, Dallas Cowboys

On defense, there is no player who’s more exciting — or disruptive — than Micah Parsons. Whether he’s rushing the quarterback, dropping into coverage, or chasing down a running back in the open field, this is a guy whose athleticism is literally jumping off the screen.

He’s already been in a few Defensive Player of the Year conversations, and in 2025, with the Cowboys defense maturing around him, he could finally break through with a monster season.

Christian McCaffrey – RB, San Francisco 49ers

Next, we have McCaffrey, who continues to dazzle us and impress us as a dual-threat - a runner and a receiver. In Kyle Shanahan’s offense, he is the ultimate chess piece — he’s capable of lining up anywhere and, even better, he also manages to make the defenders look a bit silly in the process.

The 49ers are still considered to be one of the most balanced and creative offensive teams in the whole league, and McCaffrey is right there at the heart of it all. Whether you enjoy a bit of fantasy sports betting or you’re just a fan of fluid football, he’s someone you can’t take your eyes off.

Marvin Harrison Jr. – WR, Arizona Cardinals

This is a player that deserves all the hype heaped on him. Marvin Harrison Jr. was the most polished receiver prospect in years - and early reports from minicamp are suggesting that he’s already establishing himself as his team’s number 1 option.

With Kyler Murray healthy and looking in top form, we reckon Harrison Jr. will flash brilliance early and often in the 2025 season.

It’s Getting Exciting!

The 2025 NFL season looks like it could be one of the most exciting and action-packed in recent memory because it has just the right mix of veteran brilliance and young, exciting superstar talent.

Whether you’re someone who follows box scores, enjoys fantasy matchups, or you’re scouting the next MVP, these are probably the names you’re going to hear over and over again. And if you’re thinking about placing even more sporting bets, then keep an eye on those soccer odds - or football betting odds as they’re called over the pond as well— because in 2025, with the NFL season, the soccer Club World Cup - and the upcoming World Cup, anything seems possible in the world of US sports.

June 12th, 2025

It’s often said that American football is the country’s sport, which is actually true. Just recently, in 2024, St Bonaventure University released a report claiming that about 75% of all Americans were planning to watch the Super Bowl. Interestingly, 53% confirmed that the sport is an important part of their lives, with another 36% considering the Super Bowl a national holiday.

But this enthusiasm is no longer confined to the US borders. Countries like Australia and New Zealand are warming up to the sport, driven in part by the success of athletes such as Australian-born Jordan Mailata, who now plays in the NFL. His journey has inspired a new generation of athletes in the region, showing that a path to the NFL is possible.

This has sparked a ripple effect, as organizations like Gridiron Australia work hard to develop the sport at regional levels. And as American football gains ground in new territories, fans are also engaging more deeply through things like sports betting. Thankfully, there are numerous online sports betting platforms where they can conveniently wager on their favorite teams from anywhere. This way, fans can actually become more connected, encouraging the sport’s further popularity.

How has pop culture helped?

One of the most unexpected catalysts for American football’s rising popularity is global pop sensation Taylor Swift. Her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce has brought a fresh wave of attention to the NFL after the duo began dating in the second half of 2023.

Taylor Swift is already popular, and attending games means more visibility for the NFL. While statistics differ, Presale Code Finder suggests she has over 441 million fans internationally. Think about the multitudes that can see your brand by partnering with such an individual. When Swift attends games, she doesn’t just draw headlines; she brings in entire new demographics.

It is no wonder that some experts suggest Taylor Swift’s effect resulted in a 53% rise in viewership among teenage girls and a 24% uptick in the 18–24 age group. As if that is not enough, sponsorships have surged by 20%.

Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, commented on Swift’s participation, claiming that it creates another group of fans interested in knowing how she shows her support for the sport. Can you imagine that, according to Al Jazeera, this is part of why one of the October 2023 Chiefs games pulled in about 27 million views?

What’s more, Swift has generated an extra $331.5 million in brand value for the NFL and the Chiefs, further emphasizing how she has helped American football become more popular.

Football in the age of inclusivity

There has been a growing emphasis on recognizing the uniqueness of every individual, even in American football. Compared to the 1900s and now, a lot has changed in the NFL. In fact, about four years ago (in 2021), more than seven in ten NFL players were people of color, showing how important this debate has become to the sport.

This allows it to spread across multiple cultures, leading to its greater popularity. USA Football, through its Youth Coach Certification Program, has also certified over 1.2 million coaches across the country’s states and several foreign countries.

Flag football, a non-contact variant, is gaining traction, especially among young athletes. Post University in Connecticut is set to launch the state's first collegiate women's flag football program in 2026, aligning with the sport's debut at the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Similarly, the Utah Girls Tackle Football League, the first all-girls youth tackle football league, boasts over 600 players across 32 teams, further underscoring how this sport is changing to accommodate more fans and players.

Reaching wider audiences

It’s almost impossible to think of a sector that has not been affected by online platforms. And this has been no different in American football. Streaming services like Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix have secured exclusive rights to broadcast games, catering to fans who prefer online content. Amazon’s Thursday Night Football broadcasts, which have seen a 20% increase in viewership, are a good example.

Peacock’s exclusive streaming of the NFL’s first-ever game in Brazil received about 14 million views, confirming how online platforms have helped the game advance. Since Netflix has also joined the mix, these platforms will undoubtedly reshape the game’s future.

On top of that, the NFL’s international expansion is also noteworthy. In October 2005, the league organized its first regular-season game (which set a new record for attendance for a football match) outside of the country. A few years later, the International Series was launched during a game in Wembley Stadium in London, England.

This movement continued, with other locations hosting American football matches across the globe, fostering global followership. The Jacksonville Jaguars, for example, have cultivated a strong following in the UK, playing regular games at Wembley Stadium. This actually made them the first team in NFL history to play consecutive fixtures outside America.

Considering these aspects, it shouldn’t be surprising that Statista expects the number of users in the American football market to reach 263.1 million by 2029. Celebrities like Taylor Swift have been drawing masses into the sport through their involvement in different matches.

There has also been a growing emphasis on inclusivity in sports, evidenced by how it’s attracting coaches like Brian Daboll, who were not born in the US. And in the age of online platforms where fans can access entertainment from anywhere, American football now reaches millions of audiences beyond the country’s boundaries.

June 12th, 2025

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more electric, head-turning return in the NFL this past season than Joe Burrow’s. The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback didn’t just bounce back from a season-ending wrist injury in 2023, he came back with a vengeance, slicing through defenses and making believers out of doubters. The result? Burrow was rightfully crowned the 2024 AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year, and it wasn’t even close.

Rehab, doubt, and questions about his return

In November 2023, Burrow suffered a torn ligament in his throwing wrist. For Cincinnati Bengals fans, it was déjà vu all over again. A few years earlier in 2020, Burrow's rookie season was cut short by a vicious knee injury. Jump ahead to 2023, and the story was familiar: A franchise quarterback, out, his team's season on the line.

But if we’ve learned anything about Joe Burrow, it’s this: Count him out at your own peril.

Lighting up the league in 2024

After surgery and months of grueling rehab, Burrow entered the 2024 season with questions swirling. Could he still be elite? Would the wrist limit his throws? Could the Bengals contend in a competitive AFC North? He answered every single question with authority.

Burrow threw nearly 4,918 yards, lost 43 touchdowns, and had a staggering passer rating of 108.5 while throwing more than 70% of passes completed. Burrow led the NFL in a number of key categories and set some records along the way, including a streak of eight consecutive games with a minimum of 250 passing yards and three touchdowns. For perspective, the previous record was six games by Tom Brady. That's company that's typically reserved for Hall of Famers, and Burrow not only joined it, he exceeded it.

The Bengals' revival and Burrow's leadership

It wasn't padding the stats either. Burrow directed the Bengals from an unbalanced 1-4 beginning to a 10-7 conclusion. Though Cincinnati came up just short of the playoffs, his leadership left them in contention until the last week of the season.

This led to finishing the regular season on a five-game win streak that energized the city of Cincinnati. So yeah, Comeback Player of the Year award? Well-deserved.

Making NFL history again

Burrow actually joined the NFL history books as the second player to receive the award twice, Chad Pennington being the first. His first was in 2021 after the ACL tear. This recent honor adds to his legacy, not just as one of the NFL's most talented signal-callers, but one of its toughest.

Chase, chemistry, and a well-oiled offense

What is more impressive about the return is the context. Quarterbacks who are coming back from serious injuries have a hard time finding their rhythm. Timing, confidence, decision-making, those are all things that can fall behind. But Burrow? He looked like he never missed a beat.

Some of that is due to the chemistry he shares with Ja'Marr Chase, his old college teammate now transformed into an NFL superstar, who also had a banner year with the triple crown of receiving: most receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches.

The mental game: Quiet confidence and calm under pressure

Let's not underestimate the mental fortitude at play here either. It's easy to make guesses at physical rehab, but the psychological side, believing in your body again, dealing with media mythology, and carrying a team's expectations, is another ball game altogether. And Burrow, with his characteristic aplomb and confidence, made it look easy.

Other contenders, but Burrow won the crown

Of course, there were some who argued that others were deserving contenders for the award. There were rumors for players such as Damar Hamlin, who returned to the field emotionally after suffering a life-threatening cardiac arrest in 2022. Although his story is certainly inspiring, Burrow's play on the field simply meant more to the voters.

Big plans for 2025 and MVP buzz

In the years to come, expectations are sky-high for Burrow and the Bengals. And they are.

Cincinnati has fortified its roster in free agency and the draft, addressing holes on the O-line and defense. Burrow's supporting cast seems sturdy, and the coaching staff seems determined to extract every last bit of production from his prime years. Most books now have him listed among the early favorites in the 2025 MVP race, behind only Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.

A natural winner and a favorite among bettors

And speaking of betting, if you’re into that sort of thing, it’s been fun to see how some platforms have embraced the drama of NFL comebacks. Some betting operators have gotten in on the action early, offering creative prop bets on potential Comeback Player candidates before the season even kicked off.

Not everyone pegged Burrow as the frontrunner coming off surgery, but those who bet on his resurgence certainly cashed in. However, other operators, such as for example Rooli Casino, are still solely focusing on online casinos, by providing casino games and experiences of high quality.

Burrow’s story is far from over

Whether you’re a Bengals diehard or just someone who appreciates a good underdog story, Burrow’s 2024 season had it all: Adversity, triumph, broken records, and leadership. And he’s only 28.

The future is bright in Cincinnati. With Burrow healthy, refreshed, and playing some of the best football of his career, it's hard not to believe that a deep playoff run, or even a Super Bowl, is within grasp.

May 30th, 2025

By Stephen Juza

Earlier this month, the NFL released the upcoming season’s schedule, and while the opponents were not a surprise (that’s been known for months), there is always anticipation around when certain big games will take place. Who will be playing on Thanksgiving? Who will get the Christmas games? Who is forced to play in the international games? In today’s article, we highlight five games that caught our eye this season.

While scanning through the schedule, if any games catch your eye to place a wager, head to an online sportsbook like BetMGM and utilize a BetMGM bonus code before making your selection, you may also decide to predict and place a bet on this season’s Superbowl champion.

September 4th - Cowboys at the Eagles

Where to begin, except for the kickoff to the new season! On September 4th, the Philadelphia Eagles will begin their Super Bowl title defense by hosting the division rival Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles are primed for another championship run after returning many key players from 2024. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will be coming off a disappointing season that led to the departure of head coach Mike McCarthy in confusing fashion. When he was replaced by offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, it left many across the league scratching their heads about what the team was thinking.

For Eagles fans, they would love nothing more to start the season off with a big win over the Cowboys. For Cowboys fans, and maybe more so the front office, starting off the season with a shocking upset may be the validation that Schottenheimer wasn’t as risky of a hire as people thought.

September 7th - Ravens at the Bills

Week 1 will continue with another marquee matchup in the AFC between the Baltimore Ravens and the Buffalo Bills. In the AFC, neither the Ravens or the Bills have been able to topple the Chiefs for conference supremacy and have had to settle for second-best. In 2025, they will have a chance to start their campaign with a key win over a conference opponent, a victory that could lead to a big payoff in playoff seeding in January.

Both teams have been a step behind the Chiefs for several years. Should this be the year Kansas City falters, look for this game to have major implications all season long.

September 14th - Eagles at the Chiefs

During Week 2, we get the highly anticipated Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and the Eagles, where the reigning champs will have to travel to hostile Arrowhead Stadium. It will be an early season test for the Chiefs, particularly for the offense, which has regressed in the last several years. Tight end Travis Kelce has been instrumental throughout his career, but this is likely his final season and the team has struggled to replace his production.

While they have relied on their defense more the last two seasons, it was badly exposed by the Eagles during the 40-22 loss in the Super Bowl. The Eagles defense on the other hand could feast against a Chiefs offense with aging playmakers.

October 13th - Bears at Commanders

While the Eagles and Chiefs represent the best of “now”, the Bears at Commanders will showcase a potential “best of the future”. Former first overall draft pick Caleb Williams and the Bears will travel to Washington to take on former second-overall pick Jayden Daniels and the Commanders. Daniels leapt out of the gate in his rookie season with a record-breaking season, en route to an offensive rookie of the year award and NFC championship appearance. Meanwhile, Williams has struggled so far in his career, with a lack of coaching as a possible source of the blame. Reports came out this offseason of the shocking lack of support the Bears coaching staff gave their starting quarterback, and new head coach Ben Johnson can hope to reverse the trend.

While these quarterbacks were taken 1 / 2 in their draft, comparisons between them will follow their careers. Their October matchup will be their second time facing off against each other, with Daniels and the Commanders winning their game last season 18-15.

November 30th - Jaguars at the Titans

While the Jaguars and Titans may not get many “must see” games this offseason, there is one extra layer of intrigue with this matchup. This will be the first head-to-head matchup of the top two draft picks in the most recent NFL draft: Titans QB Cam Ward and Jaguars CB/WR Travis Hunter. While playing different positions, we may see them compete directly against each other as Ward will be throwing against Hunter in coverage.

Both teams finished 2024 at the bottom of the league, and by November they could be there again, but a division rivalry could be brewing between the top two draft picks.

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