The 2014 NFL season, the 95th in league history, kicked off on September 4, 2014, with the defending champion Seattle Seahawks defeating the Green Bay Packers in the annual opener. The season culminated in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, 2015, where the New England Patriots edged out the Seahawks 28–24, clinching victory with a dramatic goal-line interception—one of the closest finishes in Super Bowl history. The year was marked by unusual parity, as every team lost at least four games, and the Carolina Panthers made the playoffs despite a losing record, while the Seahawks staged a remarkable comeback in the NFC Championship Game. The league year began on March 11 with a $133 million salary cap, and free agency saw a massive shuffle of talent, including quarterbacks like Michael Vick and Mark Sanchez switching teams, and stars like DeSean Jackson, Darrelle Revis, and DeMarcus Ware changing uniforms. With over 470 players eligible for free agency, it was one of the most active offseasons in recent memory. Overall, the season was defined by close games, dramatic comebacks, and a Super Bowl finish that remains unforgettable for fans.