NFL Kickoff (Related Stories)

NFL kickoff stories in the SI Vault

It's Johnny U. AgainBy Tex Maule, October 2, 1967Despite a sore elbow that pains him constantly, Johnny Unitas was throwing and, when he had to, running the ball with his old aplomb as he led the Colts to their second impressive win of the young season.

No Roses For Garden City JoeBy Mark Mulvoy, September 29, 1975Namath now has musical knees and a suburban home, but he was the same old Joe to the Bills, who blew him down in Buffalo.

Hey, Eric Dickerson, Can You Top This?By Paul Zimmerman, September 16, 1985With their star still a holdout, the Rams turned to an old local hero, Charles White, and he powered them past the Broncos.

Joe's A Go By Rick Reilly, September 13, 1993While Joe Montana had a grand K.C. debut, the talk was of his eventual return to the 49ers.

Ram Shackled By Michael Silver, September 17, 2001As Donovan McNabb and the Eagles discovered in a hard-fought overtime loss, the once-pathetic St. Louis defense is no longer a pushover.

Star Burst By Damon Hack, September 21, 2009With another tackle-breaking, ankle-snapping performance -- 180 yards, three TDs and a big W for the Vikings -- Adrian Peterson simply confirmed that he's the most formidable force in football.