NFL Football 24 Hours

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 10:16 PM ET

NFL Ownership & Franchise News

The NFL's global ambitions took a significant step forward Wednesday as owners approved the $9.612 billion sale of the Seahawks from Paul Allen's estate to a group led by 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla. The unanimous vote marks the largest franchise sale in league history. Meanwhile, commissioner Roger Goodell has "no doubt" there will eventually be NFL teams outside the U.S., and team executives have weighed in on which international cities could best accommodate a franchise, with several names emerging as viable candidates.

League Policy & Discipline

The NFL delivered a stark warning to college defectors Wednesday, issuing a memo informing clubs that any player who returns to the college ranks will be prohibited from signing with an NFL team this season. The league also announced a shift in its disciplinary approach, revealing that starting with the 2026 season, discipline will focus on five on-field rules violations most likely to result in player injuries. In another major change, the NFL is eliminating the Pro Bowl Games entirely, instead shifting focus to celebrating the honor of being named a Pro Bowl selection.

Training Camp & Injury Updates

Injury news dominated training camps across the league Wednesday. Texans right tackle Braden Smith and reserve defensive end Ali Gaye were carted off the field together early in a joint practice with the Panthers, with sources indicating Smith has a foot injury. Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase said he is "fine" after an injury scare in which the wide receiver appeared to injure his left knee. Buccaneers rookie pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. suffered an AC sprain, though sources called it "nothing serious" and expect him ready for Week. Raiders coach Klint Kubiak declined to specify the severity of Ashton Jeanty's injury, simply saying the second-year back is "on the mend."

Quarterback Storylines

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson attributed his career-low rushing numbers in 2025 to injuries that limited him throughout the season. In Carolina, coach Dave Canales reiterated the team's commitment to Bryce Young for 2026 but deferred any extension talk to the front office. Giants coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen raved about Odell Beckham Jr.'s performance in camp, just days before final cuts are due Sunday. Houston's C.J. Stroud showed up with a new haircut and leaner physique to help him become more of a dual threat. Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, expressed frustration over contract extension talks as the Sept. 9 opener approaches, though he remains focused on the season.

Roster Moves & Transactions

The Giants are trading offensive lineman Josh Ezeudu to the Chiefs for a 2028 seventh-round pick, sources confirmed. Falcons defensive end Za'Darius Smith opened up for the first time about why he suddenly retired during last season with the Eagles, revealing it was due to his mother's health.

Controversy & Tributes

Someone taped signs on Hall of Famer Jim Brown's statue outside the Cleveland Browns' stadium criticizing the team for having quarterback Deshaun Watson on its roster because of his checkered past. The sports world paid tribute to legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at age, with Tennessee, the Cowboys and Manning family honoring the Volunteer State icon on social media.

Fantasy Football & Draft Coverage

ESPN's Fantasy Football Hall of Fame inducted its first two players since the game launched in 1995, celebrating the best performers in the platform's history. NFL Nation reporters answered the most important preseason fantasy questions for 25 teams, providing insight from training camps. The annual Fantasy Football Marathon mock draft concluded with a 10-team format in which running backs dominated the first 20 picks, with 13 taken in that span. For those seeking value, late-round rookies could emerge as fantasy steals in 2026 and beyond.

Draft Projections & Team Outlooks

With the college and NFL seasons about to start, Jordan Reid projected the top 32 picks in next year's draft, with quarterbacks going 1-2-3 and a blockbuster trade involving the Browns moving up for the top pick. Bill Barnwell identified five NFL teams — including the Broncos — that will take a step back this season, questioning whether the Bears are getting too much hype and whether the Panthers and Jaguars overachieved last year.

Uniforms & Team Culture

The second iteration of the NFL's Rivalries uniform series was unveiled with eight new teams from the AFC South and NFC North sharing their threads. Giants and Jets players across a generation, from Tiki Barber in the late 1990s to current rookies, shared their thoughts on the New York/New Jersey dynamic. In Baltimore, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter's competitive drive and player connection have the Ravens believing the 43-year-old can elevate the team to a championship level.

Community & Off-Field Stories

Patriots quarterback Drake Maye completed a Make-A-Wish baking wish at Gillette Stadium for Skylar, a 16-year-old from Massachusetts diagnosed with a brain tumor.