The National Football League (NFL) season has officially kicked off, 213 days after Super Bowl 60. The opening game sees a rematch of the championship, with the New England Patriots travelling to Lumen Field to play the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seahawks are hoping to make history this season, aiming to become only the ninth franchise to secure consecutive NFL titles. The Patriots, under legendary coach Bill Belichick, are tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Super Bowl wins, each having six.
For fans looking to follow a team, the NFL boasts a rich history. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Green Bay Packers have all been established for 100 years or more. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans are a more recent addition, having started competing in 2002.
The league continues its global expansion with nine international games planned for 2026. This includes a first-ever trip to Australia, where the San Francisco 49ers will play the LA Rams in Melbourne, and the Dallas Cowboys facing the Baltimore Ravens in Rio de Janeiro.