31.   Earlier, Commissioner Paul Tagliabue had been askd if this was the most difficult time in league history.

32.   Elway, the Denver Bronco quarterback who is one of the most athletic and productive players in league history, is expected to make his retirement official on Sunday.

33.   Ending the ban would open the priciest and most-talented free-agent market in league history.

34.   Entering this season, the Jaguars were in the worst salary-cap shape in league history.

35.   Ed Belfour, one of the most penalized goalies in league history.

36.   Few owners in league history have contributed as much as Modell.

37.   Five straight victories, the first time in league history that a team has lost its first five games and then won its next five.

38.   For six months, they did it more times in a season than any team in league history.

39.   For the first time in league history, each school returns both its starting quarterback and head coach from the previous season.

40.   For the first time in league history, teams can play zone defense.