As 2023 comes to an end, SiriusXM NFL Radio is looking back on the league’s biggest moments of the year. From major retirement announcements and injuries, to coach firings and hirings, 2023 had no shortage of headline-making surprises. Additionally, SiriusXM NFL Radio pays tribute to the enduring legacies of NFL icons such as the late Gil Brandt, Jim Brown, Dick Butkus, and others.
See the 10 biggest NFL stories of 2023 and In Memoriam below.
Aaron Rodgers:
September 11, 2023 – After the New York Jets acquired Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers, the quarterback was sidelined by a season-ending Achilles injury — just minutes into the season opener.
Damar Hamlin:
January 2, 2023 – The most-Googled athlete of 2023, Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field and went into cardiac arrest due to a rare condition called commotio cordis during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He made a full recovery and returned to the team in April.
Super Bowl LVII:
February 12, 2023 – The 57th Super Bowl saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. This was the first time in history two black quarterbacks faced each other as well as two siblings (Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce).
Running Back Contracts Devalued:
The devaluation of running back contracts sparked debates on the evolving dynamics of player compensation in the NFL.
Tom Brady and JJ Watt Retire:
February 1, 2023 – NFL legend Tom Brady announced his retirement, following J.J. Watt‘s retirement announcement. Both of them are now eligible for the Hall of Fame Class of 2028, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Washington Commanders Under New Ownership:
July 20, 2023 – The Washington Commanders underwent a transformation with a new ownership group, lead by investor Josh Harris, signaling a fresh start and potential changes for the team.
Rookie Quarterbacks in 2023 Draft:
April 27, 2023 – An influx of talented rookie quarterbacks — including C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson — created anticipation for the impact they will have on their respective teams.
Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler Fired:
November 1, 2023 – The Las Vegas Raiders made a bold move by firing head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler after a tumultuous start to the season.
49ers Trade Trey Lance, Start Brock Purdy:
August 26, 2023 – The San Francisco 49ers made waves by trading Trey Lance and placing their confidence in quarterback Brock Purdy as they reshaped their quarterback roster.
Sean Payton’s Return to Coaching:
January 31, 2023 – Early this year, the Denver Broncos announced plans to acquire head coach Sean Payton from the New Orleans Saints.
In Memoriam
This season, SiriusXM NFL Radio pays tribute to the enduring legacies of some of the NFL’s most iconic figures. We honor the contributions and impact of the late Gil Brandt, Jim Brown, Dick Butkus and more. Their influence on the game and the league will forever be remembered.
Ron Acks
Teams & Position: Falcons, Patriots & Packers LB
Years Active: 1968-1976
Mark Arneson
Team & Position: Cardinals LB
Years Active: 1972-1980
Sam Ball
Team & Position: Colts OT
Years Active: 1966-1970
Gary Barnes
Teams & Position: Packers, Cowboys, Bears & Falcons WR
Years Active: 1962-1967
Maxie Baughan
Teams & Position: Eagles, Rams & Washington LB; 7-Time All-Pro
Years Active: 1960-1974
Ed Beard
Team & Position: 49ers LB
Years Active: 1965-1972
Bobby Beathard
Teams & Position: Washington & San Diego General Manager
Years Active: 1978-1988 (Washington), 1990-2000 (San Diego)
Hall of Famer
Bob Berry
Teams & Position: Vikings & Falcons QB
Years Active: 1965-1975
Dick Bielski
Teams & Position: Eagles, Cowboys, Colts FB, SE & K
Years Active: 1955-1963
Gil Brandt
Role: Cowboys Executive; SirusXM NFL Radio Host
Years Active: 1960-1988 (Executive), 2003-2023 (Radio Host)
Hall of Famer
Bob Breitenstein
Teams & Position: Broncos, Vikings, Bears, Falcons OT & OG
Years Active: 1965-1970
John Brockington
Teams & Position: Packers & Chiefs RB; 1971 ROY
Years Active: 1971-1977
Bob Brown
Teams & Position: Eagles, Rams & Raiders OT
Years Active: 1964-1973
Hall of Famer
Jim Brown
Team & Position: Browns FB
Years Active: 1957-1965
3-Time MVP, 9-Time All-Pro
Hall of Famer
Ray Brown
Teams & Position: Falcons & Saints Safety
Years Active: 1971-1980
Glenn Bujnoch
Teams & Position: Bengals & Buccaneers OL
Years Active: 1976-1984
Dick Butkus
Team & Position: Bears LB
Years Active: 1965-1973
2-Time DPOY, 8-Time All-Pro
Hall of Famer
Joe Campbell
Teams & Position: Saints, Raiders & Buccaneers DE
Years Active: 1977-1981
Alex Collins
Teams & Position: Seahawks & Ravens RB
Years Active: 2016-2021
Johnie Cooks
Teams & Position: Colts, Giants & Browns LB
Years Active: 1982-1991
Larry Coyer
Teams & Position: Broncos & Colts Defensive Coordinator
Years Active: 2003-2006 (Broncos), 2009-2011 (Colts)
Sean Dawkins
Teams & Position: Colts, Saints, Seahawks, Jaguars WR
Years Active: 1993-2001
Conrad Dobler
Teams & Position: Cardinals, Saints & Bills OG
Years Active: 1972-1981
Ron East
Teams & Position: Cowboys, Chargers, Browns, Falcons & Seahawks DT
Years Active: 1967-1977
Miller Farr
Teams & Position: Broncos, Chargers, Oilers, Cardinals, & Lions CB
Years Active: 1965-1973
Charley Ferguson
Teams & Position: Browns, Vikings & Bills TE
Years Active: 1961-1969
Ed Flanagan
Teams & Position: Lions & Chargers Center
Years Active: 1965-1976
Tim Foley
Team & Position: Dolphins CB & Safety
Years Active: 1970-1980
Russ Francis
Teams & Position: Patriots & 49ers TE
Years Active: 1975-1988
Walt Garrison
Team & Position: Cowboys FB & RB
Years Active: 1966-1974
Frank Gilliam
Role: Vikings Scout
Years Active: 1970-2007
Hubert Ginn
Teams & Position: Dolphins, Colts & Raiders RB
Years Active: 1970-1978
Bud Grant
Role: Vikings Head Coach
Years Active: 1967-1983, 1985
Hall of Famer
Clark Haggans
Teams & Position: Steelers, Cardinals & 49ers LB
Years Active: 2000-2012
Dick Haley
Teams & Position: Washington, Vikings & Steelers CB; Jets and Dolphins Executive
Executive Years: 1959-2022
Harald Hasselbach
Team & Position: Broncos DE
Years Active: 1994-2000
D.J. Hayden
Teams & Position: Raiders, Lions & Jaguars CB
Years Active: 2013-2021
Jimmy Hines
Teams & Position: Dolphins & Chiefs WR
Years Active: 1968-1970
Daryl Johnson
Team & Position: Patriots CB
Years Active: 1968-1970
Tracy Johnson
Teams & Position: Oilers, Falcons, Seahawks & Buccaneers RB
Years Active: 1989-1996
Homer Jones
Teams & Position: Giants & Browns WR
Years Active: 1964-1970
Mike Kadish
Team & Position: Bills DT
Years Active: 1973-1981
Joe Kapp
Teams & Position: Vikings & Patriots QB
Years Active: 1967-1970
Mark Kellar
Team & Position: Vikings RB
Years Active: 1976-1978
Marv Kellum
Teams & Position: Steelers & Cardinals LB
Years Active: 1974-1977
Frank Lasky
Team & Position: Giants OT
Years Active: 1964-1965
Bill Leavy
Role: NFL Official
Years Active: 1995-2014
Ronnie Lee
Teams & Position: Dolphins, Falcons & Seahawks OT & TE
Years Active: 1979-1992
Frank LeMaster
Team & Position: Eagles LB
Years Active: 1974-1982
Jessie Lemonier
Teams & Position: Chargers & Lions LB
Years Active: 2020-2021
Johnny Lujack
Teams & Position: Bears QB & Safety
Years Active: 1948-1951
1947 Heisman Trophy Winner
Ryan Mallett
Teams & Position: Patriots, Texans & Ravens QB
Years Active: 2011-2017
Brison Manor
Teams & Position: Broncos & Buccaneers DL
Years Active: 1977-1984
Paul Martha
Teams & Position: Steelers & Broncos Safety
Years Active: 1964-1970
Red McCombs
Role: Vikings Owner
Years Active: 1998-2005
Mardye McDole
Team & Position: Vikings WR
Years Active: 1981-1983
Don McIlhenny
Teams & Position: Lions, Packers, Cowboys & 49ers HB
Years Active: 1956-1961
Art McNally
Role: NFL Official; Supervisor of Officiating
Years Active: 1968-1990
Hall of Famer
Eddie Meador
Team & Position: Rams CB
Years Active: 1959-1970
5-Time All-Pro; 1960s All-Decade Team
Fred Miller
Team & Position: Colts DT
Years Active: 1963-1972
2-Time All-Pro
Randy Minniear
Teams & Position: Giants & Browns RB
Years Active: 1967-1970
Frank Molden
Teams & Position: Rams, Eagles & Giants DT
Years Active: 1965-1969
Henry Moore
Teams & Position: Giants & Colts DB & HB
Years Active: 1956-1957
Calvin Muhammad
Teams & Position: Raiders, Washington & Chargers WR
Years Active: 1982-1987
Scott Pelluer
Team & Position: Saints LB
Years Active: 1981-1985
Gary Pettigrew
Teams & Position: Eagles & Giants DT/DE
Years Active: 1966-1974
Craig Puki
Teams & Position: 49ers & Cardinals LB
Years Active: 1980-1982
Jerry Richardson
Teams & Position: Colts FL/HB
Years Active: 1959-1960
Panthers Owner: 1995-2018
George Rose
Teams & Position: Vikings & Saints CB
Years Active: 1964-1967
Tom Rychlec
Teams & Position: Lions, Bills & Broncos TE
Years Active: 1958-1963
Charlie Scales
Teams & Position: Steelers, Browns & Falcons RB
Years Active: 1960-1966
Kurt Schumacher
Teams & Position: Saints & Buccaneers OL
Years Active: 1975-1978
Steve Sidwell
Teams & Position: Saints, Oilers, Patriots & Seahawks Defensive Coordinator
Years Active: 1994-2002
Mickey Slaughter
Team & Position: Broncos QB
Years Active: 1963-1966
Chris Smith
Teams & Position: Jaguars, Bengals, Browns, Raiders & Texans DE
Years Active: 2014-2021
Ralph Smith
Teams & Position: Eagles, Browns & Falcons TE
Years Active: 1962-1969
Otis Taylor
Team & Position: Chiefs WR
Years Active: 1965-1975
2-Time All-Pro
Sidney Thornton
Team & Position: Steelers RB
Years Active: 1977-1982
Vince Tobin
Role: Cardinals Head Coach
Years Active: 1996-2000
Jim Turner
Teams & Position: Jets & Broncos Kicker
Years Active: 1964-1979
Matt Ulrich
Team & Position: Colts Guard
Years Active: 2005-2006
Charles White
Teams & Position: Browns & Rams RB
Years Active: 1980-1988
1979 Heisman Trophy Winner
Dave Wilcox
Team & Position: 49ers LB
Years Active: 1964-1974
4-Time All-Pro
Hall of Famer
Fred Willis
Teams & Position: Bengals & Oilers RB
Years Active: 1971-1976
Mike Williams
Teams & Position: Buccaneers & Bills WR
Years Active: 2010-2014
Ben Wilson
Teams & Position: Rams & Packers FB
Years Active: 1963-1967
Harry Wilson
Team & Position: Eagles RB
Years Active: 1967-1970
Stanley Wilson
Team & Position: Lions CB
Years Active: 2005-2007
Frank Wycheck
Teams & Position: Washington, Oilers & Titans TE
Years Active: 1993-2003
Devon Wylie
Teams & Position: Chiefs & Titans WR
Years Active: 2012-2013
Dave Young
Teams & Position: Giants, Bills & Colts TE
Years Active: 1981-1984