When does the NFL season begin? Everything to know about Eagles-Cowboys Week 1 opener
The first day of school almost always looks the same.
There's the late-night jitters followed by the morning butterflies. There's the new outfit and the shoes that finally get taken out of the box. There's the backpack filled with supplies and a lunch, just how you like it.
Before the bus comes, you stand outside, taking those first day of school images that capture the moment. Yet the jubilation some feel for their first day of school might be a deflating feeling others experience, knowing this will be their last first day.
That's no different in the NFL.
Wide-eyed rookies come into the league with great expectations, looking to etch their name into the history books. Some are already looking years down the road, knowing a big payday awaits if everything goes according to plan.
On the other hand, there are plenty of seasoned veterans knowing that they're close to retirement and aiming to soak up every last second of the sport they've played their entire lives.
The NFL season is a marathon, littered with players and coaches all running their individual races. As the dawn of a new season approaches, contenders, pretenders and rebuilders all find themselves in the same spot – waiting for the race to start.
Here's what to know about Week 1 of the 2025 NFL regular season.
When does the 2025 NFL regular season start?
The 2025 NFL regular season begins on Thursday, Sept. 4, as the Philadelphia Eagles host the Dallas Cowboys.
Lincoln Financial Field, home of the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles, is the site for this contest. It ends a long offseason of celebration after the confetti fell on Philadelphia's beloved NFL team in New Orleans, but begins what should be a fascinating afterparty.
The Eagles come into the year with a slightly new look – other than the glow of a champion, of course. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley are still in town, but the likes of Mekhi Becton, Darius Slay and Josh Sweat have left for other teams.
By all accounts, Philadelphia remains the team to beat. They'll raise a banner in celebration and then quickly turn their attention to the 2025 season.
As the faithful salute their team on their home turf for the first time since that February day, the Eagles welcome in the rival Cowboys, who have a new look of their own.
Brian Schottenheimer takes over as the head coach, George Pickens makes his debut and Dak Prescott makes his return. After 2024 which brought plenty of regression, Dallas will be out to prove it was just a fluke.
On a celebratory Thursday night in Philadelphia, the NFL season kicks off between two bitter rivals. As if the opener needed any more juice.
Let the countdown begin.