NFL in 2012: The year in photos

Tebowmania, tragedy, and unforgettable achievements: A month-by-month look at the NFL in 2012

Captions by Jeff Simmons

TEBOWMANIA: Tim Tebow leads the Denver Broncos to an improbable overtime playoff victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD: Eli Manning leads New York Giants to Super Bowl XLVI with win over New England Patriots 21-17.

MILE HIGH MANNING: After weeks of speculation, future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning agrees to join Denver Broncos as free agent.

NEW HOPE: After cutting ties with Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts selected their new franchise quarterback in Andrew Luck with the top pick of the 2012 NFL Draft.

SHOCKER IN SAN DIEGO: Fans remember legendary San Diego Chargers linebacker Junior Seau after his apparent suicide in May.

BOUNTY SCANDAL: New Orleans Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma arrives at the National Football League’s headquarters to take on Roger Goodell.

HE’S BACK: Drew Brees ends contract dispute and signs long-term extension with New Orleans Saints.

STAR IN SEATTLE: Pete Carroll shocks the NFL world when he names undersized third-round pick Russell Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback in the pre-season.

FAIL MARY: Golden Tate’s questionable last-second touchdown gives Seattle 14-12 win over Green Bay on Monday Night Football. The refs return the following week after the embarassment on national TV.

CHUCKSTRONG: A week following the news head coach Chuck Pagano had been diagnosed with cancer, Andrew Luck and the Colts led an improbable second-half comeback to defeat the Green Bay Packers.

HEADSHOTS: In November, concussions once again became an issue around the NFL as starting quarterbacks Michael Vick, Alex Smith, Jay Cutler all missed time with head injuries.

ARROWHEAD TRAGEDY: Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend in Kansas City, then drove to Arrowhead Stadium and committed suicide in front of his coach and general manager. The Chiefs amazingly played the next day and won.