By: Kylan W. Watson

On Thursday, September 8, 2016 the National Football League (NFL) begins it season with a rematch of Super Bowl 50, as the Carolina Panthers visit the Denver Broncos. The Broncos beat the Panthers in the championship games. This is a rivalry game and a chance for the Panthers to make a statement against the defending champions.

This opening weekend cannot come soon enough if you ask the NFL who have been dealing with players getting suspended for drug use, steroids, and amphetamines. The NFL has also been dealing with Colin Kaepernick’s continued protest against the national anthem. Kaepernick has been refusing to stand for the anthem and many people have been calling for the league to suspend Kaepernick.

Today at least for a moment all of that will be forgotten once opening kickoff happens at 8 pm EST. America gets the number one sport in the country back and people can focus on the teams and games again.

This opening weekend three rookies will lead their respective teams. The Broncos will be led by Trevor Simian who begins his third year in the league. However this is his first time seeing the field with the retirement of Peyton Manning. The Dallas Cowboys are being led by Dak Prescott their 2016 third round pick in the NFL draft. Prescott steps into the spotlight because of a back injury to star quarterback Tony Romo. In Philadelphia the Wentz era begins as the Eagles are led by the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Carson Wentz. Fans get to see some of their favorite teams led by rookies. By the end of this season fans will get to see if their teams’ faith in these rookies is justified or not.

Football is back and this maybe the most interesting opening weekend the NFL has ever scheduled. By the end of this opening weekend some team’s offseason decisions will be justified and other teams will need to look for another solution. Happy opening weekend everyone.