Pro Football History.com Blog
June 29th, 2025
By Stephen Juza
For our final article in our coaching wins leader series, we pick up after part three looked at Don Shula in depth. While Shula ended his career as the wins leader, there was a brief stretch of time where another coach overtook him. More than 390 games into his career, and the wins leader to start a career for more than 170 games, Shula was surpassed by none other than Bill Belichick.
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Slow Beginnings
It took a pretty historic run for Bill Belichick to catch up and surpass Shula, however briefly. Belichick had a very slow start to his career. Before he was the HOF-bound coach for the New England Patriots, he was the sputtering coach for the Cleveland Browns.
After his five seasons in Cleveland, he only had one winning season, an 11-5 season leading to a Browns playoff victory. Following the 1995 season, Belichick was fired by the Browns and returned to the assistant coaching ranks. After four years of assistant coaching, he returned as a head coach for the Patriots, but the future was not promising. In his first season, Belichick and the Patriots only went 5-11, the same record that got him fired five seasons earlier.
The Patriots Dynasty
By the time Belichick started his second season in New England, he had 41 career wins, 29 behind Shula at the same point in his career. After that, however, he finally turned the corner towards winning, securing his first Super Bowl victory, and three of the next four titles. With a young quarterback, well rounded team, it was the beginning of one of the greatest dynasties in American sports history.
During the next 300 games until he caught Shula, the Patriots won 77% of their games - averaging more than 12 wins a season. Included in that historic run was the Patriots perfect regular season, a feat first set in the 1970s by Shula’s Dolphins. While the Patriots fell short of the Super Bowl victory that season, they would go on to win three more between 2014 and 2018, giving Belichick the most Super Bowl victories of any head coach in history.
Between 2001 and 2019, the Patriots failed to make the playoffs only twice: 2002 and 2008. Every other season, they won the AFC East division. In fact, they had more Super Bowl victories than seasons with no playoff victories during this time.
Downfall of a Dynasty
A slow end to the 2019 season allowed Shula to surpass Belichick for good, and the 2019 season marked the end of the Patriots dynasty. We’ve talked about the issues at length of what helped bring down the Patriots in a prior blog post. Quarterback Tom Brady left the Patriots in free agency to go to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who promptly won the Super Bowl.
With the 2020 Covid season shaping up, the Patriots had the most number of voluntary opt-outs of any team, possibly a result of the team's success over the years. Additionally, his reluctance to hire outside coaching minds eventually caught up to the team. Experienced coaches retired or changed teams, and Belichick opted to replace them with inexperienced assistants rather than seek an outside coach.
Eventually, Belichick’s prior brilliance was not enough to keep the team afloat, and in his final four seasons in New England, the team had only one winning season.
An Unremarkable End to a Career
Like most coaches, Belichick was fired unceremoniously due to poor performance. The team was going nowhere, and his reluctance to change led to a poor performing, unexciting team. While he fell short of the career wins record in New England, there was some thought that he would be hired somewhere else after the 2023 season. Ultimately, had he been able to find a good situation to land in, he likely would have had the wins record in about three years.
However, after failing to get hired for the 2024 season, the likelihood greatly diminished, and is now all but gone. He jumped to college football, and he was hired as the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels this latest offseason. It is hard to imagine a scenario where he ends up on an NFL sideline again in his career, leaving him just a few seasons short of the wins record.
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The Return of Shula
In this cart above, each column represents the “Ones” digit, while each row represents the “Tens” digit into a coach's career.
With Belichick no longer in the race, Shula returned to the top of the coaching pile until his retirement. Ultimately ending his career with 328 wins, a record that is really only threatened by Andy Reid and the sustained dominance of the Kansas City Chiefs. While Shula’s record will remain for at least several more years, Reid is the only coach in the league that threatens the record in the next ten years or so.
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June 26th, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings don’t always dominate headlines, but they always keep people watching. Few NFL teams manage to stay as consistently intriguing as Minnesota, thanks to a mix of unpredictable outcomes, standout talent, and a deep-rooted fan base.
This is a franchise known for last-second wins, near-misses, and seasons that rarely go as expected. That mix of highs, lows, and late-game drama is exactly what keeps them relevant, not just in football circles, but across NFL betting news, weekly game previews, and odds boards.
If you follow the Vikings closely, you know no Sunday ever feels safe. That’s part of what makes them one of the most compelling franchises to track from both a historical and betting perspective. Let’s take a closer look at what drives this fascination.
A Legacy of Competitive Instability
The Vikings’ history is defined by big moments and big heartbreak. Four Super Bowl appearances, none ending in victory. Iconic players like Fran Tarkenton, Randy Moss, and Adrian Peterson put up all-time numbers, but the ultimate prize remained out of reach.
More recently, the team has earned a reputation for keeping games close. In 2022, they won 13 games despite a negative point differential. That’s the type of stat that turns heads—and raises questions. Were they lucky? Clutch? Or just built to win ugly?
That tension between potential and performance is why the Vikings are constantly in the conversation. They’re never quite predictable, which keeps bettors and fans on their toes.
A Roster That Blends Experience and Promise
This team’s current makeup adds to the intrigue. They’ve cycled through quarterbacks and systems but have kept star power on both sides of the ball. Players like Justin Jefferson, one of the most dynamic wide receivers in football, make every snap a potential highlight. On defense, the franchise has invested in young playmakers who can develop into game-changers. The development of players like cornerback Mekhi Blackmon and linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. also hints at long-term defensive upside.
Combined with offseason additions through the 2024 draft and a healthy T.J. Hockenson returning to the lineup, the Vikings offer more than just top-heavy talent—they’re building a deeper, more sustainable roster. Add a coaching staff that embraces creativity, and it’s easy to see why this team draws attention.
New schemes and aggressive decisions often lead to swings in performance, which, again, have major implications for anyone following weekly NFL betting predictions. Whether they’re hosting a division rival or taking on a playoff contender, the Vikings have a way of turning games into unpredictable storylines.
Home Field Advantage Still Matters
U.S. Bank Stadium isn’t just a venue—it’s a pressure cooker. The Vikings enjoy one of the strongest home-field advantages in the league, thanks to crowd noise, indoor speed, and weather control.
In a sport where conditions often influence outcomes, playing indoors gives Minnesota a level of consistency that bettors should factor in. Their passing game thrives in a dome, and defensive pressure tends to ramp up when the crowd gets going.
It’s no surprise that their home performances are often viewed differently by sportsbooks and analysts alike. When considering factors that influence the Minnesota Vikings odds, location is a critical variable. You can track current spreads, totals, and team-specific markets through FanDuel’s official NFL hub for Minnesota.
Momentum Shifts
The Vikings’ ability to win games in unexpected ways has big implications for bettors. Their tendency to start slow and rally late makes them a team to watch in live betting markets.
That unpredictability may frustrate some fans, but it creates a strategic opportunity for experienced bettors who know how to read momentum and adjust midgame. When it comes to futures markets, the Vikings are often a wildcard. One year, they might be viewed as dark-horse contenders. The next, they’re seen as a team in transition.
That variability is reflected in weekly line movement and broader NFL betting insights from across the league. This makes Minnesota an ideal case study for understanding how public perception, recent results, and historical tendencies shape odds each week.
Rivalries That Always Deliver
The NFC North may not be the flashiest division, but it’s one of the most consistent when it comes to intensity. Vikings matchups with the Packers, Bears, and Lions rarely disappoint.
These divisional games often shape the playoff race, and they carry extra weight when you factor in familiarity. Coaches know each other. Players have history. That means more wrinkles in game plans, more emotion, and often more surprises.
For anyone keeping up with NFL betting news, these matchups are must-watch. Lines can shift quickly depending on injury reports, weather updates, and practice participation. Understanding the history between these teams is key to placing smart wagers.
Built for Entertainment, Win or Lose
Some franchises are efficient. Others are flashy. The Vikings tend to live in the middle. They’ve produced legendary moments and chaotic finishes that live forever in highlight reels. That makes them a fixture in national broadcasts and betting previews alike.
For better or worse, you rarely know what you’re going to get when the Vikings take the field. That’s exactly what makes them so interesting. Fans tune in because there’s always potential for something memorable. Bettors follow along because the volatility opens doors to opportunity.
That balance of unpredictability and talent is hard to replicate. Until the team proves otherwise, it’s safe to say the Vikings will remain one of the NFL’s most closely watched squads on and off the field.
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.