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The 2022 NFL season marked the league's 103rd consecutive year and was highlighted by the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The season commenced on September 8, 2022, with the Buffalo Bills defeating the Los Angeles Rams, the defending champions. A significant event was the cancellation of the Week 17 game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals after Bills player Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during play. This incident led to the first cancellation of a regular-season game since the players' strike of 1987, and the NFL confirmed that the standings would not be affected by this cancellation.

The 2022 NFL season saw a series of notable player movements beginning with the free agency that started on March 16. Star quarterbacks like Andy Dalton moved to the New Orleans Saints, while Marcus Mariota landed with the Atlanta Falcons. Running back Chase Edmonds transitioned from Arizona to Miami, and veteran receiver Julio Jones joined Tampa Bay from Tennessee. Trade highlights included Russell Wilson being traded from Seattle to Denver in a blockbuster deal that involved multiple draft picks and players. Additionally, the season introduced the Washington Commanders, who rebranded from the Washington Football Team prior to the season start.

The 2022 NFL playoffs began with Wild Card Weekend from January 14-16, 2023. The postseason structure involved three wild-card games in each conference, leading to Divisional Rounds on January 21-22, followed by the Conference Championships on January 29. The AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. The playoffs culminated in the Super Bowl on February 12, 2023, where the Chiefs emerged victorious with a score of 38-35, marking their third title in franchise history.

In the highly publicized Week 17 game on January 2, 2023, Damar Hamlin, a safety for the Buffalo Bills, collapsed on the field after making a tackle, leading to a cardiac arrest. CPR was administered on the field, and he was transported to a hospital in critical condition. The game was postponed shortly after the incident, and ultimately canceled, a first for the NFL since the 1987 strike. This incident brought nationwide attention to player safety and health protocols during games, prompting discussions about medical emergency protocols in athletics.

The 2022 NFL season saw several high-profile retirements, including WR Larry Fitzgerald, a former 11-time Pro Bowler known for his contributions to the Arizona Cardinals over an 18-year career. Frank Gore, a five-time Pro Bowler, and Rob Gronkowski also ended their respective careers, with Gronkowski being a four-time Super Bowl champion. Other retirements included Stephen Gostkowski and Todd Gurley, highlighting the transition in the league as veteran players stepped down.

The 2022 NFL season introduced several officiating changes, particularly the promotion of Tra Blake to referee following the retirement of Tony Corrente. This marked the first time the NFL had four African-American referees in a single season. Additionally, Side Judge Lo van Pham was hired as the league's first Asian-American official. The 2022 season also saw increased diversity among officiating roles, highlighting the NFL's ongoing commitment to inclusion in all levels of the league.

The 2022 NFL season showcased impressive individual performances, including Patrick Mahomes, who won the AP Most Valuable Player for his outstanding quarterback play with over 5,250 yards and 41 touchdowns. Austin Ekeler led the league with 18 total touchdowns, while Jason Myers finished as the scoring leader with 143 points. Remarkably, Justin Jefferson set records for receptions and receiving yards in his first three seasons, becoming a leading offensive talent. The awards ceremony held in February 2023 recognized the best performances throughout the year, highlighting the competitive spirit of the league.

The 2022 NFL Draft took place in Las Vegas from April 28 to 30, 2022. The Jacksonville Jaguars, holding the first overall pick due to their poor performance in the previous season, selected linebacker Travon Walker from Georgia. The draft was notable for its deep talent pool and significant trades, including some leading to impactful player assignments. Of particular interest was the Jaguars' decision to pick Walker, who was followed by several quarterbacks in the subsequent picks, underlining the emphasis on offensive talent in the draft process.

In March 2022, the NFL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee mandated that all teams must have a woman or minority offensive assistant on staff. Additionally, the post-season rules were amended to ensure both teams had a possession in overtime, specifically addressing concerns raised during previous playoff games. Teams were also limited to nine players in the receiving zone during kickoffs, aiming to enhance safety by reducing high-impact collisions. These changes underscore the league's commitment to both competitive fairness and player safety.

The 2022 NFL season included significant developments in stadium agreements and team uniforms. The Buffalo Bills announced plans for a new state-owned stadium set to be completed by 20252, while the Pittsburgh Steelers rebranded Heinz Field to Acrisure Stadium after selling naming rights. Uniform changes included the Dallas Cowboys reintroducing throwback styles reminiscent of their early years. The Green Bay Packers also made headlines with the return of their classic all-white uniforms from the previous Color Rush program. These decisions reflect both community engagement and a nod to nostalgia.

The 2022 NFL season was defined by several significant events, including Brian Flores' lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and pressures to lose games while he was coaching the Miami Dolphins. Another high-profile incident involved the Damar Hamlin cardiac arrest during a game, reshaping discussions around player health and safety protocols. The Dolphins were also penalized for violating anti-tampering rules, losing draft picks, significantly impacting their future planning. Furthermore, the sale of the Denver Broncos for $4.65 billion marked a major change in ownership dynamics within the league.

The 2022 NFL season saw several significant trades that reshaped various teams. Notably, on March 16, the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in exchange for quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, defensive end Shelby Harris, and multiple draft picks across 2022 and 2023, marking a monumental shift for both franchises. Additionally, the Carolina Panthers traded star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for a package involving multiple draft picks. This season also included the trade of wide receiver Davante Adams from the Green Bay Packers to the Las Vegas Raiders for two high draft picks. These trades significantly adjusted the competitive landscape of the league, as teams attempted to enhance their rosters ahead of the season. Overall, more than a dozen major trades occurred, demonstrating the dynamic nature of team strategies within the NFL.

The 2022 NFL season witnessed several prominent retirements that marked the end of significant careers. Notable among these was Larry Fitzgerald, an eleven-time Pro Bowler and instrumental figure for the Arizona Cardinals, who retired after an illustrious 18-year career. Additionally, Frank Gore, a veteran running back known for his durability and performance, hung up his cleats after making a mark across five teams, including the San Francisco 49ers. Another retirement of note was Rob Gronkowski, a four-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, remembered for his gameplay with the Patriots and Buccaneers. The career contributions of these players left a lasting legacy in the NFL, showcasing their extraordinary talent and influence on the game.

In 2022, a significant overtime rule change was approved by the NFL, ensuring that both teams would have the opportunity to possess the ball in playoff games, regardless of the first team’s outcome. This change was prompted by intense playoff games where the initial possession led to a touchdown, denying the opposing team a chance to respond. Previously, the team that won the coin toss could secure the game by scoring a touchdown without the other team ever touching the ball. This rule aims to increase fairness and excitement during the playoffs, enhancing the competitive nature of critical games. It reflects the league's ongoing effort to evolve its regulations in response to the dynamics of modern football, ensuring each team has a chance to compete for victory in high-stakes situations.

The 2022 NFL preseason brought several notable changes and events that set the stage for the regular season. For instance, training camps officially kicked off on July 27, with practices focusing on integrating new players and refining strategies. The preseason commenced with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on August 4, where the Las Vegas Raiders defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars. A significant introduction this season was the use of 'Guardian Caps', oversized protective padding placed on helmets during training to reduce head injuries, highlighting the league's ongoing commitment to player safety and injury prevention. This preseason marked an essential preparation period before the teams headed into the pressures of a competitive 18-week regular season, establishing early player dynamics and team cohesion.

The Damar Hamlin incident during the week 17 Monday Night Football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals was a pivotal moment in the 2022 NFL season. On January 2, Hamlin collapsed due to cardiac arrest after making a tackle, prompting immediate medical attention with CPR on the field and a defibrillator used to revive him. The game was originally set to resume but was canceled due to the unexpected and tragic circumstances surrounding Hamlin's health. His collapse highlighted the critical importance of medical readiness in sports. Following the incident, the NFL reinforced its commitment to player safety, ensuring medical protocols would be reviewed and possibly improved. Hamlin’s subsequent recovery sparked widespread support from fans and players alike, raising awareness about health and safety in the NFL and beyond.