The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism

The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism prepares students to be innovators and leaders in all facets of sports media. The center’s unique, experiential curriculum and public programs elevate and amplify discussion of race, gender, politics and the world — just as Shirley Povich did each morning in The Washington Post.

The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism
Super Bowl Notebook: Practices, injuries, Goodell and more

HOUSTON – As their final week of Super Bowl preparations came to a close, the Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots had almost full participation from their players, according to pool reports from the practice sites each day. Falcons star…

How an advanced hockey stat measures luck in the NHL

So your favorite hockey team is off to a great start. Twenty games into the season, they’ve shocked the world and are first in the division after being predicted to finish last.

Data Stories
Teams in white jerseys win Super Bowl with improbable regularity

Overall, teams in white have won 32 of 50 Super Bowls over their colored-jersey-sporting counterparts, a statistical anomaly.

The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism
Falcons and Patriots to test NFL-best turnover rates in Super Bowl

HOUSTON — One of Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn’s favorite football statistics is turnover margin. It’s not reliant on only offensive and defensive successes or lapses, the second-year leader said. Instead, it combines the production to create a comprehensive idea…

The Shirley Povich Center for Sports Journalism
Former Baltimore high school star is Patriots rookie in Super Bowl

HOUSTON — When cornerback Cyrus Jones reflects on his rookie NFL year, he compares his experiences with the New England Patriots to that of his freshman season at Alabama in 2012. He was caught in a whirlwind of adjustments for…

Data Stories
For first time in NFL history, league’s best backs younger than 24

Young running backs dominated the league this year, with four of the five top runners still on their rookie contracts.

Falcons coach Quinn’s football career took root as Salisbury University player

Before he was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons preparing for the Super Bowl on Sunday against the New England Patriots, and before he was a highly regarded assistant working through the college and professional ranks, Dan Quinn was a defensive tackle at Salisbury University who dreamed of leading a team.

Lawmakers lay passing bills aside for a night to pass the rock

COLLEGE PARK– Maryland state lawmakers are sometimes known for playing hardball, but for one night during the 90-day session, they faced off against each other in a game of basketball.

The Lombardi Trophy on display, ahead of a press conference by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. (Callie Caplan/Capital News Service via AP)
Belichick vs. Lombardi: Comparing Patriots’ longtime leader to a coaching legend

When Charley Casserly examines the New England Patriots, the former longtime NFL general manager sees a scheme so comprehensive and inclusive that coach Bill Belichick can succeed with almost any player.

Data Stories
Running backs on rookie contracts are economical options for Super Bowl teams

When the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons face off in the Super Bowl, they will feature three running backs still playing on meager rookie contracts: Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman and James White.