{"id":725032,"date":"2026-02-03T01:07:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T01:07:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/725032\/"},"modified":"2026-02-03T01:07:21","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T01:07:21","slug":"nfl-news-live-updates-ahead-of-super-bowl-2026-as-media-night-unfolds-for-players-roger-goodell-spoke-on-diversity-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/725032\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL news, live updates ahead of Super Bowl 2026: As Media Night unfolds for players, Roger Goodell spoke on diversity issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

With less than a week left before the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots kick off Super Bowl XL<\/a> from Levi\u2019s Stadium in Santa Clara, there\u2019s plenty of NFL news worth tracking leading up to the Big Game.<\/p>\n

Commissioner Roger Goodell had his say on some important league matters in his state of the league address Monday. Among the topics Goodell answered included questions on:<\/p>\n

Advertisement<\/p>\n

The lack of racial diversity among the 10 new head coaching hires. On diversity, Goodell said<\/a>, \u201cI believe diversity is good for us. \u2026 We still have more work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

There has been \u201cvery little\u201d discussions with the NFL players union on expanding to an 18-game regular-season schedule. “It is not a given that we\u2019ll do that,\u201d Goodell said<\/a>. \u201cIt is not something that we assume will happen. It is something that we want to talk about with the [NFLPA].”<\/p>\n

Bill Belichick\u2019s reported first-ballot snubbing in the Pro Football Hall of Fame vote. Goodell: \u201cBill Belichick\u2019s record goes without saying. They\u2019ve [Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft] contributed so much to the game.\u201d The commish added that he expects them both to eventually be inducted.<\/p>\n

As for the players in this Super Bowl, Media Night presents them an opportunity to showcase their personalities, avoid questions altogether or just take in the circus of football frivolity.<\/p>\n

Many eyes are sure to be on Patriots quarterback Drake Maye on Monday night. Last week, Maye battled a shoulder injury and an illness and was listed as questionable on the initial Super Bowl injury report. Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters he\u2019s not worried about Maye\u2019s throwing shoulder<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Patriots offensive tackle Morgan Moses, tight end Hunter Henry, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane have also been listed as questionable.<\/p>\n

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On the other side, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold was limited but listed as game-ready on the team\u2019s injury report after battling an oblique injury in the first two playoff games.<\/p>\n

Seahawks offensive tackle Josh Cross, tight end Eric Saubert, wide receiver Jake Bobo, cornerback Josh Jobe, safety Julian Love, and linebackers Ernest Jones and Drake Thomas were among the other names who did not have a game designation listed on the team\u2019s injury report. Seahawks fullbacks Robbie Ouzts and Brady Russell, and linebacker Chazz Surratt were listed as questionable.<\/p>\n

In other news, barring any last-minute surprises, this year\u2019s head coaching cycle is complete<\/a>. On Sunday, it was reported that the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to hire Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak<\/a>, bringing in a coach from Seattle for the second straight season after firing Pete Carroll.<\/p>\n

Kubiak’s deal with the Raiders cannot be finalized until after the Super Bowl. That means the Seahawks will look for their third offensive coordinator in three years, while Kubiak will start preparing for the Raiders’ No. 1 overall pick<\/a> after the Super Bowl.<\/p>\n

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The Arizona Cardinals announced that they had hired former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur<\/a> on Sunday. LaFleur is the ninth coach and the fourth former offensive coordinator from Rams head coach Sean McVay’s tree to be hired as a head coach. The Rams now have a vacancy at offensive coordinator.<\/p>\n

Though the head coach vacancies are filled for now, there are still several offensive and defensive coordinator openings to watch<\/a> as the weeks roll on.<\/p>\n

Follow along with Yahoo Sports for the latest NFL news and injury updates leading up to Super Bowl LX.<\/p>\n

Live21 updates\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 5:01 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

Drake Maye\u2019s not there yet, but media are.<\/p>\n

The Patriots quarterback and his \u201cquestionable\u201d tag (illness\/shoulder) from Friday\u2019s practice report will be the center of attention from Monday\u2019s early Patriots session with media.<\/p>\n

\"RyanMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:46 PM PST<\/p>\n

Ryan Young<\/p>\n

There has been talk about increased activity from ICE during the Super Bowl and Bad Bunny\u2019s halftime show in the lead up to the big game. U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said ICE agents would be “all over” the Super Bowl after Bad Bunny, who is an American, was announced as the performer, too.<\/p>\n

Roger Goodell, though, said he sees \u201cno change\u201d in security preparations for the game and stands by Bad Bunny.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis platform is used to unite people.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:44 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

Goodell was asked about the perception that teams interview Black head coaching candidates strictly to satisfy the Rooney Rule with no intention of hiring them. The question was raised after a coaching cycle with 10 new head coaches did not produce a new Black head coach.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would probably dispute your context of the question. I think the Rooney Rule has been seen as a positive by our clubs by giving them an opportunity to look at a diverse set of candidates. They make the choice ultimately. I think it\u2019s shown them the value of that to look at talent where you might not know it or you may not see it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re in a competitive league. People are challenged. We had 10 openings this year. Teams are trying to get the coach that they think can win.\u201d<\/p>\n

Goodell was also asked to name the most important African-American in the history of the NFL. He didn\u2019t offer an answer.<\/p>\n

\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:36 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

Goodell was asked about Bill Belichick\u2019s reported omission from the Hall of Fame on his first ballot. He spent most of his answer clarifying that the NFL has nothing to do with who gets into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no say in the voting process. \u2026 We are not involved in it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He eventually said this about Belichick\u2019s candidacy:<\/p>\n

\u201cBill Belichick\u2019s record goes without saying, same with the Patriots and Robert Kraft, he\u2019s also a candidate. They\u2019re spectacular, they\u2019ve contributed so much to this game, and I believe they\u2019ll be Hall of Famers. \u201c<\/p>\n

\"RyanMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:25 PM PST<\/p>\n

Ryan Young<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s after this Super Bowl or sometime in the future, Roger Goodell believes that the Seahawks \u201cwill need to be sold.\u201d<\/p>\n

There was a report last week that a sale was coming<\/a> after Super Bowl LX, and the league is reportedly pressuring the Paul Allen estate to get a sale done, but it\u2019s unclear if that will be the case.<\/p>\n

\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:23 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

Goodell didn\u2019t offer much detail on the league\u2019s response when asked about New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch appearing in the latest batch of Epstein files<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are going to look at all the facts.\u00a0 \u2026 \u201cWe\u2019ll take it one step at a time. We\u2019ll get the facts first.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also declined to commit to a league investigation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll continue to follow any of the facts that come up, and we\u2019ll determine if we open an investigation or not based on those facts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"RyanMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:21 PM PST<\/p>\n

Ryan Young<\/p>\n

While it feels like the NFL is working toward an 18-game season, Roger Goodell said there has been \u201cvery little\u201d discussions there.<\/p>\n

\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:18 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

After a hiring cycle in which none of the 10 new head coaches hired are Black, Goodell acknowledged that the league has \u201cmore work to do.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:16 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

Goodell expressed confidence in game officials, but said that there was room for improvement on how the game is officiated amid another season filled with officiating controversy,<\/p>\n

\u201cIf there\u2019s an obvious error, we need to be able to fix it,\u201d Goodell said. \u2026 \u201cWe need to expand that. We need to bring that into other categories, potentially personal fouls.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"RyanMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:13 PM PST<\/p>\n

Ryan Young<\/p>\n

The NFL will have a new way to honor former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue next season.<\/p>\n

Mon, February 2, 2026 at 3:09 PM PST<\/p>\n

Yahoo Sports Staff<\/p>\n

\"JasonMon, February 2, 2026 at 3:08 PM PST<\/p>\n

Jason Owens<\/p>\n

\"CrissMon, February 2, 2026 at 2:42 PM PST<\/p>\n

Criss Partee<\/p>\n

The New England Patriots seen here in team bus caravan heading to Stanford for practice on Monday afternoon ahead of media night on Monday.<\/p>\n

Mon, February 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM PST<\/p>\n

Yahoo Sports Staff<\/p>\n

Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders sounds happy to be in the Pro Bowl this week in the Bay Area.<\/p>\n

Mon, February 2, 2026 at 1:37 PM PST<\/p>\n

Yahoo Sports Staff<\/p>\n

Last weekend, it was revealed that New York Giants co-owner Steve Tisch exchanged emails with deceased convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein<\/a>. Tisch responded to the Justice Department\u2019s release of millions of documents with a statement Friday evening saying his association and discussions with Epstein were \u201cbrief\u201d and \u201cabout adult women\u201d along with other topics like \u201cmovies, philanthropy, and investments.\u201d<\/p>\n

A couple of hours before commissioner Roger Goodell was scheduled to hold his state of the league address with reporters in the Bay Area, the NFL issued a statement on Tisch:<\/p>\n

Mon, February 2, 2026 at 1:13 PM PST<\/p>\n

Yahoo Sports Staff<\/p>\n

\"CrissMon, February 2, 2026 at 12:06 PM PST<\/p>\n

Criss Partee<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been 11 years to the day that the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl XLVIII by beating the Denver Broncos, 43-8. Seattle dominated Denver in every aspect of this game, with linebacker Malcolm Smith winning Super Bowl MVP honors. Smith took an interception 69 yards for a touchdown, recovered a fumble, and had 10 total tackles.<\/p>\n

Now, just over a decade removed from this victory, the Seahawks prepare to play in the franchise\u2019s fourth Super Bowl, once again led by its top-ranked defense.<\/p>\n

\"CrissMon, February 2, 2026 at 8:09 AM PST<\/p>\n

Criss Partee<\/p>\n

A 4.3-magnitude earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay Area at 7:01 a.m. on Monday. The quake was centered in San Ramon, California, which is in the East Bay and roughly 40 miles northeast of Santa Clara and Levi\u2019s Stadium, where Super Bowl LX will be played on Sunday.<\/p>\n

\"ChrisMon, February 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM PST<\/p>\n

Chris Cwik<\/p>\n

After months of the most unlikely comebacks and some shocking playoff eliminations, two NFL teams will finally square off for the ultimate prize. Super Bowl LX<\/a> will kick off Sunday, and features two teams no one would have predicted would be here back in September.<\/p>\n

Among the top storylines leading up to Super Bowl 60 is one looming question regarding Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.<\/p>\n

Can Sam Darnold\u2019s complete his career resurgence?<\/p>\n

Prior to 2024, Darnold’s NFL career could be summed up with short video clips, neither of them flattering. The first occurred during Darnold’s second season in the NFL, when the New York Jets quarterback was caught on a microphone saying he was “seeing ghosts<\/a>” during a loss aired on ESPN. Darnold received plenty of criticism<\/a> for that comment.<\/p>\n

The second came later that same season, when Darnold was ruled out of a game due to mononucleosis. A graphic of Darnold was shown on the broadcast and instantly became a meme due to its absurdity.<\/p>\n

The graphic served as not only a reminder that the Jets were cursed, but that Darnold seemed well on his way to becoming a bust after the team took him with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.<\/a><\/p>\n

For a long time, that looked to be the case. From 2020 to 2023, Darnold combined for 27 touchdowns and 28 interceptions over 40 appearances. After serving as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, his NFL career appeared to be on life support.<\/p>\n

But everything changed with the Vikings. Darnold turned in his finest season as a pro, tossing 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, making the Pro Bowl for the first time. He led the team to a 14-3 record, but couldn’t overcome the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card game.<\/p>\n

After vanquishing the Rams this season, Darnold is looking to complete his career resurgence against the Patriots in the Super Bowl. A win would absolutely erase Darnold’s previous demons, especially considering his “seeing ghosts” game came against … you guessed it … the Patriots.<\/p>\n

Read more on the other nine storylines to watch leading up to a showdown between the Seahawks and Patriots in Super Bowl LX.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"IanMon, February 2, 2026 at 7:07 AM PST<\/p>\n

Ian Casselberry<\/p>\n

Reports of the Seattle Seahawks going up for sale <\/a>after the Super Bowl quickly raised questions as to why the team’s ownership would sell the franchise now. The past 16 years have seen a run of success that includes three appearances in the NFL’s championship game, a Super Bowl title and 10 playoff berths for the team.<\/p>\n

However, the complexity of the situation soon became apparent when the Paul G. Allen Estate released a statement that disputed an ESPN report<\/a> and said the Seahawks were not for sale<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So why would news of the team being put on the market be reported? Apparently, the NFL is putting pressure on the Allen estate to sell the Seahawks, according to the Wall Street Journal’s Andrew Beaton<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Seahawks being owned by a trust following Paul Allen’s death in 2018 is the primary issue for the league. NFL rules mandate that an individual must be the controlling owner of a team, not a larger entity such as a trust, the WSJ reports.<\/p>\n

Read more on why the league is looking to force a sale of the team as Seattle prepares for its appearance in Super Bowl 60.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"With less than a week left before the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots kick off Super Bowl…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":725033,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[390,3851,2872,23752,34598,23063,12844,7,290,11729,45925,8488,1329,393,9228,11814,249,6,91706,104592,424,3210,9591,1902,1878,261,505,10227],"class_list":["post-725032","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-arizona-cardinals","tag-bill-belichick","tag-brady-russell","tag-chazz-surratt","tag-drake-thomas","tag-eric-saubert","tag-ernest-jones","tag-football","tag-hunter-henry","tag-jake-bobo","tag-jeffrey-epstein","tag-josh-jobe","tag-julian-love","tag-las-vegas-raiders","tag-mack-hollins","tag-morgan-moses","tag-new-england-patriots","tag-nfl","tag-patriots-quarterback","tag-racial-diversity","tag-rams","tag-robbie-ouzts","tag-robert-spillane","tag-roger-goodell","tag-sam-darnold","tag-seattle-seahawks","tag-super-bowl","tag-super-bowl-xl"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725032","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=725032"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725032\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/725033"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=725032"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=725032"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=725032"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}