Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his “long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football,” Sam Farmer has covered the NFL for 25 seasons. He’s a two-time winner of California Sportswriter of the Year and first place for beat writing by Associated Press Sports Editors, and has had unique assignments such as climbing Mount Rainier with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, traveling with an officiating crew, spending a week behind the scenes with Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks, sitting in the “Monday Night Football” booth, piloting the Goodyear blimp and watching games on Sunday alongside John Madden. Farmer, a 1988 graduate of Occidental College, began his career at small papers in the Pacific Northwest before moving on to the San Jose Mercury News, where he was an Oakland Raiders beat writer for five seasons. At various times, he has also been a beat writer covering the NBA, PGA Tour, and college football and basketball.
Latest From This Author
Matthew Stafford looks like his old/young self as his four touchdown passes lead the Rams to second win in a row, this one over the Minnesota Vikings.
Oct. 25, 2024
NFL Week 8 picks: The Chargers are catching the Saints at right time since New Orleans is injury-riddled and starting rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
Oct. 24, 2024
After the Chargers offense had to settle for five field goals in a loss to Arizona, it became clear Justin Herbert needs receiver help as trade deadline nears.
Oct. 22, 2024
The Browns’ Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles, the Commanders’ Jayden Daniels left with a rib injury, Aidan O’Connell’s hand injury helped Rams beat Raiders.
Oct. 20, 2024
Behind the glory of being an NFL coach is the considerable trade-off that comes with the stress of the job, an issue that can lead to damaging health.
Oct. 18, 2024
NFL Week 7 picks: Kansas City puts its unbeaten record on the line at San Francisco, and Minnesota does the same as it plays host to Detroit.
Oct. 17, 2024
Their high school “Star Ratings” don’t mean much now to the Chargers players, but having them displayed on their lockers is a reminder of their path to NFL.
Oct. 15, 2024
Coach Jim Harbaugh experienced his third episode of atrial flutter in his heart during the Chargers’ game at Denver but had not had an issue in 12 years.
Oct. 13, 2024
NFL players have hosted “Saturday Night Live” throughout its history, and while the experiences were cherished, transitioning from athlete to actor wasn’t easy.
Oct. 10, 2024
Despite having a week off, the Chargers will be hard-pressed to defeat the surging Broncos. Sam Farmer makes his picks for Week 6 of the NFL season.
Oct. 10, 2024