Definition
The 1987 NFL season refers to the 68th regular season of the National Football League (NFL) in the United States, encompassing the schedule of games, player transactions, and related events that took place primarily between September 1987 and January 1988, culminating in Super Bowl XXII.
Overview
The season began on September 13, 1987, and concluded with Super Bowl XXII on January 31, 1988, in which the Washington Redskins defeated the Denver Broncos 42–10. The regular season featured 28 teams, each scheduled to play 16 games. A major event during the season was a players' strike that began after the second week of play, leading to the cancellation of one week of games (Week 3) and the use of replacement players for Weeks 4 through 6. Despite the disruption, the league completed its schedule and playoffs as planned.
Key outcomes included:
- Regular‑season champions: Washington Redskins (13–3) and Denver Broncos (10–5) led their respective conferences.
- MVP: John Elway, quarterback, Denver Broncos.
- Offensive Player of the Year: Jerry Rice, wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers.
- Defensive Player of the Year: Reggie White, defensive end, Philadelphia Eagles.
Etymology/Origin
The term combines the calendar year “1987” with the abbreviation “NFL,” standing for National Football League, and the word “season,” indicating the annual period during which league games are contested. The designation follows the standard naming convention used by the NFL to identify each annual campaign (e.g., “1994 NFL season”).
Characteristics
- Players’ Strike: The 1987 strike, the second major NFL work stoppage after the 1982 strike, was primarily over free‑agency rights. It resulted in the cancellation of one week of games and the employment of replacement players for three weeks, often referred to as “scab” players.
- Replacement Games: The replacement games counted toward the official standings. Teams that fielded effective replacement squads, such as the Washington Redskins (who went 3–0 during this period), gained a competitive advantage.
- Statistical Highlights: Jerry Rice set a new single‑season receiving yards record (1,502 yards). The season also saw the first 1,000‑yard rushing season for Cleveland Browns running back Kevin Mack.
- Broadcasting: The season was televised nationally by CBS, NBC, and ABC, with cable networks such as ESPN providing supplemental coverage.
- Rule Changes: Minor rule adjustments were implemented, including a clarification of the “illegal forward pass” rule and modifications to kickoff placement.
Related Topics
- 1987 NFL Draft
- 1987 NFL strike
- Washington Redskins franchise history
- Super Bowl XXII
- NFL replacement players controversy
- List of NFL seasons
- National Football League labor relations history