NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: July 9, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

Team News and Honors

The Washington Commanders are retiring the No. 44 jersey, honoring Hall of Fame running back John Riggins. Riggins, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, will have his number honored more than four decades after his iconic Super Bowl run. In other team news, free agent cornerback Rasul Douglas is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $3.8 million. Meanwhile, kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is set to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next month, will be added to the Indianapolis Colts' Ring of Honor on October 18.

Player Milestones and Personal Lives

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown announced his engagement in a public proposal. He proposed to his girlfriend on a yacht decorated with flowers, and the couple shared the news on social media. In a lighter moment, Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams sent an autographed jersey to Pope Leo XIV, who is a Chicago native and the first American-born Pope. On a somber note, Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Calais Campbell's mother was found dead in Atlanta, and his brother has been charged with murder.

Front Office and Coaching Insights

ESPN's Seth Wickersham spent two weeks with Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton during the team's playoff run leading up to the AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots. The reporting offers a behind-the-scenes look at Payton's approach, including a fourth-down fake punt call against the Bills. The Detroit Lions are looking for an encore in Year 2 with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, as success in his first year has created new expectations for the team.

League-Wide Rankings and Roster Construction

Evaluators across the NFL have ranked the top 10 defensive tackles in the league, with an impact player from the Super Bowl champion Seahawks topping the list. Similarly, decision-makers from around the league have also identified the top 10 cornerbacks, sparking debate about who stands as the NFL's best. The annual position-by-position series also revealed the top 10 edge rushers according to NFL executives, coaches, and scouts. Bill Barnwell explored how Super Bowl rosters are constructed, questioning whether first-round quarterbacks are essential for reaching the Super Bowl and the importance of investing heavily in top receivers and edge rushers by analyzing rosters from the past 15 Super Bowls.

Emerging Talent and Offseason Moves

The NFL is to potential breakout stars in 2026, with players like Luther Burden III, Calen Bullock, and Ashton Jeanty being mentioned as candidates to deliver on expectations in their second year. In other news, former Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, who is facing legal issues in Florida after his arrest on felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping, cleared waivers and is now a free agent. The New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was a surprise guest at a Noah Kahan concert stop in Boston.

Off-Field Legal Developments

A former Titans scout, Blaise Taylor, has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her unborn child in a Nashville courtroom. The verdict came after his time as a defensive back at Arkansas State and an NFL scout.