Jed York, owner of the San Francisco 49ers, affirmed the team's commitment to quarterback Brock Purdy as they initiate discussions for a long-term contract. Following a rough 2024 season, which ended with a 6-11 record, York expressed optimism for Purdy's future. Despite a significant drop in performance, attributed to injuries among key players, Purdy's previous success has positioned him as a pivotal figure for the Niners.

Purdy, now in the final year of his rookie contract, is expected to negotiate a lucrative extension after previously being one of the NFL's biggest bargains. Having led the team to strong playoff runs in earlier seasons and finishing fourth in MVP voting last year, there is still strong organizational faith in his capabilities to lead the 49ers back to Super Bowl contention.

Robert Saleh's return to the San Francisco 49ers as defensive coordinator has sparked excitement among former players, notably Arik Armstead of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who expressed his envy on a local radio show. Armstead, who spent nine seasons with the 49ers and played under Saleh for four years, praised his former coach's exceptional attributes, including schematics and his ability to adapt defensively. He noted that Saleh’s experience coaching in high-stakes situations significantly contributes to his effectiveness. The 49ers recently announced Saleh's re-hiring, marking a reunion with familiar faces including linebacker Fred Warner, who shared a celebratory post on social media.

Saleh previously led the 49ers' defense from 2017 to 2020 before taking on the head coaching role with the New York Jets, where he faced challenges despite achieving notable defensive records. Armstead conveyed his heartfelt support for Saleh's new journey, emphasizing his deep respect and admiration for the coach. As Armstead roots for the 49ers from afar, he reflects on the profound impact Saleh had on his career.

The 2025 Pro Bowl Skills Challenge kicked off in Orlando with a fresh format led by Peyton and Eli Manning, who captained the AFC and NFC, respectively. Various events were held, such as a passing drill with trivia, a catch competition, and a dodgeball match. The skills showdown featured notable performances, with Jared Goff securing 44 points thanks to teammate Josh Jacobs' trivia prowess, while Joe Burrow achieved 27 points. The NFC emerged victorious overall with a score of 14-7, showcasing their strengths across multiple skill drills. Upcoming events include the flag football game and further skill drills like tug of war.

The 2024 NFL regular season has concluded, leading up to Super Bowl LIX featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles. As teams reflect on their seasons, a key focus is identifying each team's Most Valuable Player (MVP). This list highlights standout performances across various positions, particularly emphasizing quarterbacks due to their critical role. Players like Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals and Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons have made significant contributions, each displaying exceptional stats, while others like Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes continue to exemplify elite play.

In addition to the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and defensive stars have been acknowledged for their pivotal influence on their respective teams. From Saquon Barkley’s impressive season with the Eagles to Ja'Marr Chase leading the Bengals, this evaluation showcases a wide array of talent across the league, setting the stage for an exciting Super Bowl and offseason ahead.

Lamar Jackson secured a prominent position in the 2024 NFL All-Pro Team, edging out Josh Allen at quarterback. Jackson's impressive performance garnered him 30 first-place votes, making it his second consecutive selection and third overall, a feat only surpassed by legends like Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers. Unanimous selections included Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, with Jefferson expressing gratitude for the recognition.

Joining Jackson from the Baltimore Ravens, who finished 12-5, were linebacker Roquan Smith, cornerback Marlon Humphrey, and fullback Patrick Ricard. The NFC-leading Detroit Lions had four representatives, showcasing their strength this season.