In a moment seldom seen on television, a hot mic picked up what a referee told a complaining player to his face.

The first game of the NFL season featured plenty of action, but few calls were as memorable as this one from the Detroit Lions.

The NFL is officially back. That means football, hard hits, amazing plays and gritty stops are all back too ... along with bad officiating.

A commentator sparked a series of angry responses on social media after the Detroit Lions defeated the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.

It may have been the same national anthem, but the NFL was singing a markedly different tune with who sung it for the season opener.

The performance of an alternative "national anthem" before kickoff of the NFL's season prompted a negative reaction from some fans.

Given that football is viewed as an escape by many Americans, this move is likely to be mocked in living rooms across the country.

Two players were immediately released by their team for exhibiting "decision making that is not consistent with our organizational values."

Former NFL player Stanley Wilson Jr. died at the age of 40 after he collapsed during intake at a Los Angeles County mental hospital.

The team said it was "shocked and saddened." "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time."