NFL Football 8 Hours

Last updated: August 26, 2026, 10:29 PM ET

Ownership & Franchise News

NFL owners approved the Seahawks sale unanimously Wednesday, greenlighting the $9.612 billion transfer of the franchise from Paul Allen's estate to a group led by 49ers limited partner Vinod Khosla. Separately, commissioner Roger Goodell expressed "no doubt" that teams will eventually play outside the U.S., and team executives surveyed by ESPN identified London, Mexico City, and Frankfurt as the most viable host cities for a future NFL franchise.

League Policy & Rules

In a memo obtained by ESPN, the league informed clubs that any player who returns to the college ranks will be barred from signing with an NFL team in 2026. Starting next season, the NFL will also discipline five specific health and safety fouls most likely to cause injuries. The league is also eliminating the Pro Bowl Games, shifting the focus entirely to celebrating the honor of Pro Bowl selection rather than staging a game.

Team News & Injuries

The Texans fear right tackle Braden Smith suffered a foot injury after he and reserve defensive end Ali Gaye were carted off the field together early in Wednesday's joint practice with the Panthers. Meanwhile, the Giants' decision on Odell Beckham Jr. looms: coach John Harbaugh and GM Joe Schoen praised Beckham's performance in camp Wednesday, with final cuts due Sunday. The Falcons' Za'Darius Smith spoke publicly for the first time about his sudden retirement last season with the Eagles, revealing he stepped away because of his mother's health.

Player Notes & Around the League

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson attributed his decline in rushing in 2025 to injuries, saying the ailments reduced his rushing attempts to a career low. Vandalism outside Cleveland's crew: someone taped signs to the Jim Brown statue critical of the team for having Deshaun Watson on the roster. The sports world also mourned the death of Dolly Parton, the 80-year-old Tennessee icon; the Volunteers, Dallas, Cowboys, and Peyton Manning led the social tributes.

Uniforms & Draft

The NFL unveiled the second iteration of its Rivalries series, showcasing eight new teams from the AFC South and NFC North with their latest threads. Jordan Reid's 2027 projection dealing with quarterbacks has three going 1-2-3, and the Browns trading up to secure the top pick in the mock draft. With the season approaching, early rounds leaned heavily toward an offensive line, though no trades shook the top ten in an unexpected way.

Fantasy Football

The annual fantasy marathon mock draft wrapped with a 10-team format, in which running backs were taken in 13 of the first 20 picks as most managers waited on quarterbacks. For a broader perspective, NFL Nation reporters answered the most important fantasy questions heading into the season, providing insights on usage and backfield splits across the league.