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NFL Football Operations Menu

The NFL family, in partnership with players, clubs, owners, and the Players Coalition, works to create positive change in communities across the country and ensure that equal opportunity becomes a reality for all.

Social Justice

Explore the official rules of the game with this searchable version of the official 2021 NFL Rulebook.

2021 NFL Rulebook

Through the lens of the best in the game — current players, NFL Legends and coaches — the initiative highlights proper technique, shares best practices and showcases the NFL Way to Play.

NFL Way to Play

Featured Content

Play Football

Play Football

Promoting the values of football.
NFL Way to Play

NFL Way to Play

Knees Bent. Pads Down. Head Up and Out.
Creating the NFL Schedule

Creating the NFL Schedule

It takes hundreds of computers and five NFL executives to create the NFL’s 272-game masterpiece.
Creating the NFL Schedule

Creating the NFL Schedule

It takes hundreds of computers and five NFL executives to create the NFL’s 272-game masterpiece.
2020 Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis

2020 Rules Changes and Points of Emphasis
History of the Official

History of the Official

“One thing hasn’t changed: the pressure. It will always be there.”

Updates

2021 NFL Schedule Announced

May 13, 2021

Approved 2021 Playing Rules

April 21, 2021

2021 NFL Training Camp and Preseason COVID-19 Protocols

July 27, 2021

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Gameday

Take a look behind the scenes at the NFL’s meticulous preparation, each season and each week, for 332 preseason, regular season and playoff games, and see how the league is anticipating the future while preserving the history, integrity and equity of America’s favorite sport.

The Story

Learn the Game

Learn the Game gives you everything you need to understand the basics of NFL football. Learn fundamental terms in the glossary, understand base formations and get a quick guide to NFL TV graphics.

The Story

Officiating

NFL officials are the best of the best — for every down and every snap, this seven-person unit makes precision calls and split-second decisions at full speed. Look behind the scenes at how the league scouts, develops and evaluates the officials who work at football’s highest level.

The Story

Journey to the NFL

The NFL is only as good as its players. That’s why the league works with individuals at every stage of their involvement with the game to develop and support not only great players, but also great people. Learn about the history of NFL players and what it takes to make it in the league. 

The Story

The Rules

The NFL’s rules have continued to evolve since football’s earliest days — always changing to protect the players, the game’s integrity, and to make the game fairer and more entertaining. See how today’s rules have come about through testing, analysis and careful deliberation, and how the game has evolved into the sport beloved by millions today. 

The Story

Inside Football Ops

Step behind the scenes of NFL Football Operations, the department that fosters a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility and ensures that the game’s rules — and the league’s officiating — are consistent to ensure the sport’s long-term success.

The Story

NFL Football Operations’ mission is to establish a culture of clarity, consistency and credibility in all aspects of the greatest game. Football is an essential piece of America’s fabric, uniting fans, players and communities with a simple yet powerful bond. We honor the game’s history while continuing to innovate and preserve the sport for future generations of fans, players, coaches, teams and officials.

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