Author: Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY

The Buccaneers look poised to be a top contender again in the NFC, but does Tampa Bay have proper support to take Tom Brady to the top?

Tom Brady isn’t buying into the lofty Super Bowl talk for the Buccaneers after the soon-to-be 45-year-old quarterback decided to unretire.

Tom Brady said he knew Bill Russell, the former Celtics great who died Sunday, “pretty well” during the quarterback’s time in New England.

With all 32 NFL teams back in action this week to prepare for the season, being mindful of high temperatures is a priority for training staffs.

Marcus Mariota is getting a chance to be a starting QB again, but his true value to the Falcons might be what he can teach his potential successor.

Sean Payton’s retirement from coaching might be short-lived, but for now, the former Saints coach is enjoying life away from the sidelines.

Roger Goodell is accustomed to shielding the NFL on various fronts, but fending off inquires from congress and in open hearing could prove tricky.

Colin Kaepernick was treated as a pariah for protesting during the national anthem, but Giants manager Gabe Kapler hasn’t faced the same blowback.

From Dan Snyder to Deshaun Watson and more, the NFL has a rash of ongoing controversies. Still, for the league, everything is full speed ahead.