Week 1 of the season reverted to Labor Day weekend in 2000. It would be the last NFL season to date to start on Labor Day weekend. It would also be the last time until 2015 that CBS televised the late night games in Week 1. This was because both Week 1 of the NFL season and CBS’ coverage of the U.S. Open tennis finals would take place on the same day beginning next season.
Major rule changes
In order to cut down on group celebrations, unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and fines will be assessed for celebrations by two or more players.
Anyone wearing an eligible number (1 to 49 or 80 to 89) can play quarterback without having to first report to the referee before a play.
This rule change resulted in the increase of trick plays teams can employ on offense.
The “Bert Emanuel” rule was implemented, stating that when making a catch and falling to the ground, the ball is allowed to touch the ground and still be considered a catch if the player maintains clear control of the ball.
Uniform and logo changes
New England Patriots – New uniforms. Shade of blue darkened considerably, blue pants introduced for road uniforms.
New Orleans Saints – Updated logo and introduced alternative old gold logo. Returned to gold pants for road uniforms.
New York Giants – Re-adopted their 1960s logo. New uniforms; home uniforms feature blue jerseys with white block numbers while road jerseys feature red numbers with blue outlines (reversing previous design). Pants color changes to gray.
New York Jets – Al Groh; replaced Bill Belichick who replaced Bill Parcells who retired to become the full-time General Manager after the 1999 season. Belichick was hired by the New England Patriots shortly after he resigned from the Jets.
