In just two short weeks, Super XLIV will be played in Miami. The conclusion of that game officially marks the end of the 2009 NFL season.
For football fans, that's also when the cruel and lonely time known as the off-season begins. But most of you know by now that the term "off-season" no longer applies in the NFL. This is a 365-day-a-year sport, especially in Philadelphia where Eagles' talk is unbridled.
With that being said, here's a look at some key dates on the NFL calendar in the weeks and months ahead:
Jan. 30: Senior Bowl (Mobile, Alabama) - Televised on NFL Network, this is a key game to watch before the NFL combine. Coaches and scouts typically focus on the practices leading up to the game.
Jan. 31: Pro Bowl (South Florida) - As of Sunday morning, seven Eagles are expected to represent the NFC squad, including DeSean Jackson, Leonard Weaver, Jason Peters, Asante Samuel, Trent Cole, David Akers and Jon Dorenbos.
Feb. 7: Super Bowl XLIV (South Florida) - Will you even watch? Who will you be rooting for?
Feb. 8: Waiver system begins for 2010 League year.
Feb. 11:First day clubs can designate franchise or transition players.
Feb. 24-March 2: NFL Scouting Combine (timing and testing), Indianapolis, Ind. Who will catch the eyes of the Eagles' brass?
Feb. 25: Deadline for clubs to designate franchise or transition players.
March 4: Expiration of all player contracts due to expire in 2010.
March 5:Free agency and trading period begins. Plenty to watch here.
March 15: Offseason workouts can begin.
March 21-24: NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. NFL owners gather as offseason issues and rules are discussed.
Early April: 2010 NFL Schedule Released.
April 22-24: NFL Draft in New York City. The biggest event of the NFL offseason, the draft will be spread out over a three-day period as a prime-time event.
- April 22: Round 1 of the NFL Draft
- April 23: Rounds 2 and 3
- April 24: Final 4 rounds
May/June: Eagles' spring camps.
May 24-26: NFL Spring Meeting in Dallas, Texas.
Late July – Training camp begins at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa.
-- Posted by Bob Kent, 6:00 a.m., January 24
