Super Bowl Is Most-Watched TV Show In United States History -- Again

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Associated Press

The Super Bowl set a record as the most-watched television show in U.S. history for the third consecutive year.

The Nielsen Co. said Monday that an estimated average of 111.3 million people watched the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots on Sunday night in Super Bowl XLVI. That narrowly topped the 111 million who watched Green Bay's win over Pittsburgh last year.

Super Bowl XLVI reached a total audience of 166.8 million viewers, making it the most-watched show in U.S. television history. The game also topped the previous record of 162.9 million total viewers set last year and marks the fifth consecutive record-setting total audience for the Super Bowl. CONTINUE....

Commissioner Roger Goodell Says Pro Bowl Must Improve Or Face Chopping Block

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NFL.com

With Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers already having decried the lack of effort by his Pro Bowl teammates, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called for the league's all-star game to be played at a higher level.

"We're either going to have to improve the quality of what we're doing in the Pro Bowl or consider other changes or even consider eliminating the game if that's the kind of quality game we're going to provide," Goodell said Sunday on ESPN Radio's "Mike and Mike in the Morning," according to ESPN.com.

After acknowledging that "fans were actively booing in stands," Goodell implied that the game has to be less about rest and relaxation for the players and more about giving fans what they want. According to the website, Goodell said he has communicated his concerns to NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith. CONTINUE....

Analysis: To Rest Or Not To Rest? The Question For Green Bay Packers

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By Simon Evans

(Reuters) - Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy has a big decision to make ahead of the defending Super Bowl champions' final game of the regular season: should he stick with a winning combination or rest his key players ahead of the playoffs?

The Packers (14-1) have already secured home field advantage throughout the playoffs after clinching the NFC's top seed with a 35-21 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. STORY....

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Lions, Pats Earn Playoff Berths / Packers Beat Bears, Clinch NFC's No. 1 Seed

The Lions are in the playoffs for the first time since 1999, after Saturday's win over the Chargers. The Patriots earned a first-round bye with a win. Cam Newton breaks Manning's rookie passing mark in Carolina's win over Tampa Bay.



Aaron Rodgers had the first five-touchdown game of his career, and the Green Bay Packers clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs with a 35-21 victory over the rival Chicago Bears Sunday night.

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Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Leads All Players In Record Pro Bowl Voting

NFL.com

The big achievements keep coming for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, this time leading all NFL All-Stars in balloting for the 2012 Pro Bowl with 1,581,982 votes in a year featuring a record 100.64 votes cast by fans.

Rodgers, who led the Packers to the 2011 Super Bowl title, was also named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year on Wednesday.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady led all AFC players and finished second overall with 1,454,311 votes, while New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (1,188,893), Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (1,180,777) and Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (1,133,787) rounded out the top five. STORY....

Green Bay Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Named 2011 AP Male Athlete Of Year

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By CHRIS JENKINS
AP Sports Writer

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Aaron Rodgers is the 2011 Male Athlete of the Year chosen by members of The Associated Press after his MVP performance in the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl victory in February and his stellar play during the team's long unbeaten run this season.

Rodgers received 112 votes out of the 212 ballots submitted from U.S. news organizations that make up the AP's membership. Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander finished second with 50 votes, followed by tennis standout Novak Djokovic, Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton and NASCAR champion Tony Stewart. READ ON....

Kansas City Chiefs Hand Green Bay Packers Their First Loss

Green Bay is no longer undefeated after falling to Kansas City Sunday. Indianapolis got its first win of the season, topping Tennessee. No heroics for Tebow, Broncos who lose to Patriots. Brees has 5 TD throws in Saints win.

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Green Bay Packers Perfect Season Ends With 19-14 Loss To Kansas City

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By DAVE SKRETTA
AP Sports Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The Green Bay Packers' perfect season came to a crashing halt against the struggling Kansas City Chiefs, who had just fired their coach and were starting a new quarterback.

Proof again that nothing can be taken for granted in the NFL.

Kyle Orton threw for 299 yards to outduel Aaron Rodgers, and the Chiefs rallied behind interim coach Romeo Crennel for a shocking 19-14 victory on Sunday that ended the Packers' 19-game winning streak. It was their first loss since Dec. 19, 2010, at New England. MORE....

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