NFL 2025 Season Kicks Off: Key Dates Set for Draft, Free Agency, and Super Bowl Preparations

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, several key events and dates have already unfolded or are on the horizon, keeping football fans engaged and eager for more.

### Recent Events

- **Senior Bowl and Pro Bowl**: The month of February kicked off with the Senior Bowl on February 1 at Hancock-Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama, followed by the Pro Bowl Games on February 2. These events provided valuable showcases for upcoming draft prospects and current NFL stars[1].
- **Super Bowl LIX**: The biggest game of the season, Super Bowl LIX, is set to take place on February 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. This highly anticipated matchup will determine the NFL champion for the 2024 season[1].

### Upcoming Dates

- **Franchise and Transition Players**: From February 18 to March 4, NFL clubs can designate Franchise or Transition Players, a critical period for team roster management[1].
- **NFL Scouting Combine**: The NFL Scouting Combine will run from February 24 to March 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event allows teams to evaluate draft prospects through various physical and mental tests[1].
- **Free Agency and League Year**: The 2025 League Year and free agency signing period will begin on March 12 at 4:00 p.m. New York time. This marks the start of a new trading period and the expiration of all 2024 contracts[1].

### Draft Preparations

- **NFL Draft**: The 2025 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26 and will take place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Mock drafts are already speculating on top picks, with a deep class of defensive linemen and promising talents at other positions[2][3].
- **Offseason Workouts**: Clubs that hired new head coaches can begin offseason workout programs on April 7, while teams with returning head coaches can start on April 21[1].

### Other Key Dates

- **Restricted Free Agents**: The deadline for Restricted Free Agents to sign Offer Sheets is April 18, and the Prior Club's Right of First Refusal must be exercised by April 23[1].
- **Annual League Meeting**: The Annual League Meeting will be held from March 30 to April 2 at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, where significant league decisions and rule changes may be discussed[1].

For die-hard fans, the depth of the 2025 draft class, particularly along the defensive line and interior offensive line, is a highlight. Prospects like Mike Green from Marshall and Jack Sawyer from Ohio State are gaining attention for their impressive performances in pre-draft events[3].

As the NFL season transitions into the offseason, these dates and events are crucial for teams to prepare for the upcoming year, and fans are eagerly anticipating the next steps in the journey to the 2025 season.