Mike Sando
@sandonfl.bsky.social
27th season covering NFL. The Athletic + HOF selector, PFWA board, AP Awards Voter, QB Tiers, Pick Six column. Alum: ESPN, TNT, S-R, Football GM Podcast .
February 9, 2026 at 8:57 PM
Reposted by Mike Sando
In his Super Bowl “Pick Six”, @sandonfl.bsky.social on John Schneider setting himself apart, HOF voting, Patriots comps, awards season, Sonny Jurgensen and so much more
Seahawks’ title underscores how to win in the modern NFL. There’s no going back: Pick Six
Great QBs have ruled the NFL for decades, but increasingly, even they are living in a league driven by the active, opportunistic GM.
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:52 PM
In his Super Bowl “Pick Six”, @sandonfl.bsky.social on John Schneider setting himself apart, HOF voting, Patriots comps, awards season, Sonny Jurgensen and so much more
What do the last two Super Bowl winners have in common?
Final Pick Six column of the season marks #seahawks SB win by tracing evolution of the modern GM
Schneider & Roseman out front
👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Final Pick Six column of the season marks #seahawks SB win by tracing evolution of the modern GM
Schneider & Roseman out front
👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
February 9, 2026 at 3:49 PM
What do the last two Super Bowl winners have in common?
Final Pick Six column of the season marks #seahawks SB win by tracing evolution of the modern GM
Schneider & Roseman out front
👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
Final Pick Six column of the season marks #seahawks SB win by tracing evolution of the modern GM
Schneider & Roseman out front
👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...
My annual pre-Super Bowl column asking #NFL coaches to pick the winner.
Every one picked #seahawks to win, but they also saw paths for #patriots to pull the upset.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Every one picked #seahawks to win, but they also saw paths for #patriots to pull the upset.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
NFL coaches pick the Super Bowl: Seahawks clear favorite, but Patriots have paths to victory
Five coaches broke down the matchup, and while all favored the Seahawks, they also see how the Patriots could pull the upset.
www.nytimes.com
February 7, 2026 at 4:56 PM
My annual pre-Super Bowl column asking #NFL coaches to pick the winner.
Every one picked #seahawks to win, but they also saw paths for #patriots to pull the upset.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Every one picked #seahawks to win, but they also saw paths for #patriots to pull the upset.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Reposted by Mike Sando
"Breaking In with Kevin Fishbain" episode 44
Guest: @sandonfl.bsky.social
Learn how Sando got his start in sports media, and we go through some of the stories he wrote at his first Super Bowl, 27 years ago.
Sponsor: www.playbyplaycamps.com
Guest: @sandonfl.bsky.social
Learn how Sando got his start in sports media, and we go through some of the stories he wrote at his first Super Bowl, 27 years ago.
Sponsor: www.playbyplaycamps.com
Episode 44: Mike Sando, senior NFL writer at The Athletic
YouTube video by Breaking In With Kevin Fishbain
youtu.be
February 4, 2026 at 4:03 PM
"Breaking In with Kevin Fishbain" episode 44
Guest: @sandonfl.bsky.social
Learn how Sando got his start in sports media, and we go through some of the stories he wrote at his first Super Bowl, 27 years ago.
Sponsor: www.playbyplaycamps.com
Guest: @sandonfl.bsky.social
Learn how Sando got his start in sports media, and we go through some of the stories he wrote at his first Super Bowl, 27 years ago.
Sponsor: www.playbyplaycamps.com
Reposted by Mike Sando
How do you find a unique story at an event covered like the Super Bowl? Great advice from @sandonfl.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 6:06 PM
How do you find a unique story at an event covered like the Super Bowl? Great advice from @sandonfl.bsky.social
Nice recovery with that 2026 HOF class:
•Brees = #2 all-time pass yds
•Fitzgerald = #2 all-time receiving yds
•Vinatieri = #1 all-time scoring leader
•Kuechly = DPOY, 5x All-Pro
•Craig = one-of-a-kind RB
Yes, Belichick should have gotten in. Short of that, this is good recovery.
•Brees = #2 all-time pass yds
•Fitzgerald = #2 all-time receiving yds
•Vinatieri = #1 all-time scoring leader
•Kuechly = DPOY, 5x All-Pro
•Craig = one-of-a-kind RB
Yes, Belichick should have gotten in. Short of that, this is good recovery.
February 6, 2026 at 3:28 AM
Nice recovery with that 2026 HOF class:
•Brees = #2 all-time pass yds
•Fitzgerald = #2 all-time receiving yds
•Vinatieri = #1 all-time scoring leader
•Kuechly = DPOY, 5x All-Pro
•Craig = one-of-a-kind RB
Yes, Belichick should have gotten in. Short of that, this is good recovery.
•Brees = #2 all-time pass yds
•Fitzgerald = #2 all-time receiving yds
•Vinatieri = #1 all-time scoring leader
•Kuechly = DPOY, 5x All-Pro
•Craig = one-of-a-kind RB
Yes, Belichick should have gotten in. Short of that, this is good recovery.
This conversation picked up momentum as we went
So much #NFL stuff going on from hiring to Super Bowl to HOF and more
vimeo.com/1161289844
So much #NFL stuff going on from hiring to Super Bowl to HOF and more
vimeo.com/1161289844
Jim Rome Show - Mike Sando - 2/2/26
This is "Jim Rome Show - Mike Sando - 2/2/26" by Sammy Steinlight on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.
vimeo.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:46 AM
This conversation picked up momentum as we went
So much #NFL stuff going on from hiring to Super Bowl to HOF and more
vimeo.com/1161289844
So much #NFL stuff going on from hiring to Super Bowl to HOF and more
vimeo.com/1161289844
Reposted by Mike Sando
@sandonfl.bsky.social is, as usual, thorough and well-spoken. It's a complicated process, and far less personal than many would like to believe.
The Hall asks that we not disclose our ballots, though I'd be happy to provide mine.
The Hall asks that we not disclose our ballots, though I'd be happy to provide mine.
Mike Sando's got a post on X about just why Belichick may not have made it, and he points out a lot of the strategic voting that the new Hall rules from last year created are a significant factor.
We all expected them to change back eventually; this may make eventually now.
x.com/SandoNFL/sta...
We all expected them to change back eventually; this may make eventually now.
x.com/SandoNFL/sta...
x.com
January 28, 2026 at 2:04 AM
@sandonfl.bsky.social is, as usual, thorough and well-spoken. It's a complicated process, and far less personal than many would like to believe.
The Hall asks that we not disclose our ballots, though I'd be happy to provide mine.
The Hall asks that we not disclose our ballots, though I'd be happy to provide mine.
Lots of opinions on Bill Belichick reportedly missing the HOF on first year of eligibility.
My fears over the new (since 2025) voting mechanics have come to life.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
My fears over the new (since 2025) voting mechanics have come to life.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
Why Bill Belichick might have been snubbed: HOF voting process explained
Senior NFL writer Mike Sando, who is on the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee, explains why Bill Belichick probably got snubbed.
www.nytimes.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:08 AM
Lots of opinions on Bill Belichick reportedly missing the HOF on first year of eligibility.
My fears over the new (since 2025) voting mechanics have come to life.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
My fears over the new (since 2025) voting mechanics have come to life.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
Pick Six column leads with #bills, also contrasts #ravens from other teams looking for coaches. Big gap!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Bills fallout, the real officiating issue and more divisional-playoff madness: Pick Six
Bills coach Sean McDermott was fired Monday, two days after an officiating controversy involving Buffalo underscored a decades-old issue.
www.nytimes.com
January 20, 2026 at 5:22 AM
Pick Six column leads with #bills, also contrasts #ravens from other teams looking for coaches. Big gap!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...
Reposted by Mike Sando
Sean McDermott leaned into the officiating angle after the Buffalo Bills' loss in the divisional round.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
January 19, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Sean McDermott leaned into the officiating angle after the Buffalo Bills' loss in the divisional round.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
But when your superstar QB is responsible for four turnovers, officiating makes for a more inviting topic, writes @sandonfl.bsky.social.
McDermott has now been relieved of his duties.
Reposted by Mike Sando
A defensive coach to @sandonfl.bsky.social on Caleb to Cole: "This is like Aaron Rodgers in his prime. Patrick Mahomes. It is really hard to throw that ball 7 yards deep in the end zone over someone's head that is standing 2 yards in front of the guy. Miraculous."
Sando's weekly Pick Six
Sando's weekly Pick Six
Bills fallout, the real officiating issue and more divisional-playoff madness: Pick Six
Bills coach Sean McDermott was fired Monday, two days after an officiating controversy involving Buffalo underscored a decades-old issue.
www.nytimes.com
January 19, 2026 at 6:52 PM
A defensive coach to @sandonfl.bsky.social on Caleb to Cole: "This is like Aaron Rodgers in his prime. Patrick Mahomes. It is really hard to throw that ball 7 yards deep in the end zone over someone's head that is standing 2 yards in front of the guy. Miraculous."
Sando's weekly Pick Six
Sando's weekly Pick Six
How culpable was Matt LaFleur for the #packers blowing a 15-point lead and losing at Chicago?
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Matt LaFleur’s culpability for Packers’ collapse, and more from wild-card weekend: Pick Six
Another debacle finish in Chicago has put the spotlight on LaFleur's future in Green Bay, with the final year of his contract looming.
www.nytimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 7:35 PM
How culpable was Matt LaFleur for the #packers blowing a 15-point lead and losing at Chicago?
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
Pick Six column does not pile on, but does not go easy either--put together a point and counterpoint focusing on a strange 4-minute drive featuring bombs away
www.nytimes.com/athletic/696...
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl winning head coach?
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
When should an NFL team part with its long-time coach?
www.nytimes.com
January 6, 2026 at 10:20 PM
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl winning head coach?
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#ravens asked that question regarding John Harbaugh and decided it was now
Recent video reveals what the data says 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
“This is a great year for a wild-card team. You win one game in the AFC, you have a chance.”
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
Seahawks the Super Bowl favorite? Who wins wide-open AFC playoff race? Pick Six
The stage is set for the most unpredictable playoffs in years, especially in the AFC. Coaches and execs helped us break down the field.
www.nytimes.com
January 5, 2026 at 4:51 PM
“This is a great year for a wild-card team. You win one game in the AFC, you have a chance.”
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
No offense, Denver or any other team. You’ve all got a shot, especially in the AFC (well, maybe not you, Pittsburgh).
Pick Six column is live
www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl-winning head coach?
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
When should an NFL team part with its long-time coach?
www.nytimes.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:51 PM
When is it time to move on from a long-tenured Super Bowl-winning head coach?
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
#seahawks made that move a couple years ago.
#steelers & #ravens make for interesting case studies entering their Week 18 loser-out game
More here 👇👇👇
www.nytimes.com/athletic/vid...
What do Luca Doncic and Lamar Jackson have in common?
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
December 29, 2025 at 5:49 PM
What do Luca Doncic and Lamar Jackson have in common?
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Pick Six column asks that question and many more
Also: MVP comp between Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford
www.nytimes.com/athletic/690...
Especially proud to weave Philip Rivers, Steve DeBerg and a Hooters halftime show into one item
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
A Chiefs dynasty on pause, and the inspirational Philip Rivers: Pick Six
Patrick Mahomes' injury extinguished the Chiefs' final hope (and raised major questions), while Rivers gave Indy slim hope, even in defeat.
www.nytimes.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:46 PM
Especially proud to weave Philip Rivers, Steve DeBerg and a Hooters halftime show into one item
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
#chiefs are one of four true dynasties of Super Bowl era … and are at crossroads with Mahomes hurt. Can high draft choice save them?
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
December 15, 2025 at 5:11 PM
#chiefs are one of four true dynasties of Super Bowl era … and are at crossroads with Mahomes hurt. Can high draft choice save them?
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Also in Pick Six: Philip Rivers!!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The "scramble" for #NFL MVP will not include Matthew Stafford. He's the betting favorite anyway. Are his Hall of Fame chances at stake? Lots to consider! #rams
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Who will win NFL MVP? History says Drake Maye, but Matthew Stafford could break the mold
Maye has better numbers in most areas, but Stafford's play style could put him over the top for an award that could help shape his legacy.
www.nytimes.com
December 12, 2025 at 2:46 PM
The "scramble" for #NFL MVP will not include Matthew Stafford. He's the betting favorite anyway. Are his Hall of Fame chances at stake? Lots to consider! #rams
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/687...
Jam-packed Pick Six column runs through a (nearly) post-Chiefs AFC, plus much more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
With the Chiefs on the ropes, the AFC is upside down. Who will win it? — Pick Six
The Chiefs' odds to win the AFC are down to 1 percent, leaving the conference wide open like it hasn't been in nearly two decades.
www.nytimes.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Jam-packed Pick Six column runs through a (nearly) post-Chiefs AFC, plus much more!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...
Pick Six column leads with the 9-3 #bears ... who are on a roll
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Ben Johnson’s Bears sit atop the NFC. How good are they? How high can they climb? — Pick Six
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Pick Six column leads with the 9-3 #bears ... who are on a roll
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Some good signs!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...