RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The 2021 NFL season was the 102nd season of the National Football League (NFL). The season was the first to feature a 17-game regular season schedule as the league expanded the season from 16 games. The regular season started on September 9, 2021, with defending Super Bowl LV champion Tampa Bay defeating Dallas in the NFL Kickoff Game. The regular season ended on January 9, 2022. The playoffs started on January 15 and concluded with Super Bowl LVI, the league's championship game, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on February 13, with the Los Angeles Rams defeating Cincinnati.
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The season was extended one week, each team playing 17 games with one bye-week across the 18-week schedule.
The 2021 playoffs began with the Wild Card round, with three Wild Card games played in each conference. Wild Card weekend was the first time that the wild card games were played over three consecutive days. Two games were played on Saturday, three on Sunday, and one on Monday night.
Wild Card Game
Date
Away
Score
Home
OT
1/16
(7)Pittsburgh
21-42
Kansas City (2)
1/15
(6)New England
17-47
Buffalo (3)
1/15
(5)Las Vegas
19-26
Cincinnati (4)
1/16
(7)Philadelphia
15-31
Tampa Bay (2)
1/17
(5)Arizona
11-34
LA Rams (4)
1/16
(6)San Francisco
23-17
Dallas (3)
Division Championship
Date
Away
Score
Home
OT
1/23
(3)Buffalo
36-42
Kansas City (2)
1/22
(4)Cincinnati
19-16
Tennessee (1)
1/23
(4)LA Rams
30-27
Tampa Bay (2)
1/22
(6)San Francisco
13-10
Green Bay (1)
AFC/NFC Championship
Date
Away
Score
Home
OT
1/30
(4)Cincinnati
27-24 OT
Kansas City (2)
OT
1/30
(6)San Francisco
17-20
LA Rams (4)
Super Bowl LVI (56)
Date
Away
Score
Home
OT
2/13
(4)Cincinnati
20-23
LA Rams (4)
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Emmitt shares how a young man from Florida who had dreams of playing for the star turned his vision into a reality breaking the mold and going far beyond what he imagined. Opening up to Fred, Ryan and Channing- the football legend talks about how his purpose went far beyond the game and becoming an admirable man solidified his legacy.
Meeting Walter Payton for the first time helped Emmitt shape his mission and knowing that breaking the running back’s record was on his radar, he worked everyday as that was his mission. Sharing memories and stories of playing for the Cowboys during the glory days of the 90s, Emmitt talks about what it was really like playing for America’s team.
Away from the field and away from the bright lights and star, Emmitt shares how being a father and how finding life again after separating from his wife of almost two decades changed him and redefined his purpose.
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The game itself was a display of strategic depth and individual brilliance. Montana's leadership and tactical intelligence were on full display, culminating in a rushing touchdown and a pivotal pass for another. Anderson, despite facing a stalwart 49ers defense, managed significant yardage and connected for two touchdowns, highlighting his resilience and skill. The 49ers' defensive squad, instrumental in curbing the Bengals' momentum, forced crucial turnovers, underscoring their role in the team's strategic victories.
The 49ers' triumph, concluding a 26-21 victory, not only secured their first Super Bowl title but also underscored the emergence of a dynasty under Walsh's guidance. Reflecting on the season, this game was a testament to the 49ers' strategic innovation and team cohesion. The Bengals, despite the loss, showcased their competitive spirit, marking the beginning of a rivalry that would be remembered for years to come. This season, culminating in the 49ers' victory, set the stage for future NFL narratives, including playoff races, awards, and the evolving strategies of American football.
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The game unfolded with back-and-forth scoring, as Chicago found the end zone first with a 21-yard run by Don Shy and a 54-yard touchdown pass from Douglass to George Farmer in the second quarter. Detroit answered with a 102-yard kickoff return by Ron Jessie and a touchdown reception by Larry Walton, pushing them to a slim lead by halftime. In the final minutes of the game, Chuck Hughes collapsed on the field after running a route. Despite efforts to revive him, Hughes was later pronounced dead due to a heart attack, marking the first time in NFL history a player died during a game.
Chicago won 28-23, improving to 4-2, though the result was overshadowed by Hughes’s passing. Detroit, who fell to 3-3, finished the game in shock and mourning. The incident deeply impacted the Lions, Hughes's family, and the entire NFL community. This game remains a somber chapter in NFL history, remembered not only for the fierce rivalry but for the tragic loss that unfolded on the field.
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During the game, the Bears and Packers showed strong defenses and strategic play that kept scoring low and tensions high. The Bears' kicker Mac Percival was crucial, scoring two field goals, including a critical 43-yarder. Virgil Carter, despite modest passing statistics, added a touchdown on the ground that proved decisive. On the Packers' side, Bart Starr connected with Carroll Dale for a 50-yard touchdown pass, showcasing the aerial threat they posed. The game's flow was marked by strategic punting and field position battles, with both teams exchanging the lead in the final quarter, reflecting the close competition typical of their historic rivalry.
The Bears emerged victorious with a narrow 13-10 win, which shifted their season record to an even 4-4, while the Packers moved to 3-5-1. The 1968 season, remembered for its pivotal moments and the intense playoff races in the NFL, saw both teams fighting hard but ultimately not making a significant impact in the postseason.
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1 Comment
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.