NFL 2009 Calendar

PHILADELPHIA (BASN) -- Here is a list of key dates that I believe every football fan will need to know going into the 2009 NFL season. I am sure every NFL talking head including Brian Baldinger, Peter King, Chris Berman, Fran Charles, Ray Didinger, and others will have these dates circled on their calendars.

July 15– The last day for “Franchised” players to sign a long-term deal with their teams otherwise they will have to play under the terms of their 1-year franchised deals (ex. Chiefs QB Matt Cassel’s 1-year franchise deal is for approximately $14.65 Million)

July 16 — NFL Supplemental Draft - The NFL’s “special” draft for players wishing to enter the NFL for a number of reasons (Academics, Family Obligations, etc) that missed the main NFL Draft in April. If a team elects to use a supplemental draft pick on one of the eligible prospects, that team will give up its pick in the same round in next April’s draft (2010).

July 22 -- Signing period ends at 4:00 PM ET for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender. This means that a player unhappy with the contract tendered to him can either sign the deal or holdout. Once the deadline passes, franchise players can sign only one-year deals with their current teams. .

Late July — Training camps open. The first NFL Betting training camp will open on July 24th as Cleveland Browns’ rookies will report to the team’s training facility in Berea, OH.

August 8 - Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Enshrinement Ceremonies. The newest class of enshrinees (DE Bruce Smith, Bills Owner Ralph Wilson, G Randall McDaniel, WR Bullett Bob Hayes, LB Derrick Thomas and CB Rod Woodson) will be formally inducted into the PHOF in a ceremony held at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio.