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
The Chargers enter their off week with a 2-2 record and continuing questions on coaching decisions. The Rams worry about recoveries of Matthew Safford and Cooper Kupp.
Oct. 3, 2023
Sam Farmer makes his picks and predictions for Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, starting with the Detroit Lions taking on the Green Bay Packers.
Sept. 28, 2023
There are quite a few questions surrounding the Rams and Chargers after three games. We try to answer some of them.
Sept. 26, 2023
With the Chargers desperate for a win, star receiver Keenan Allen stepped up with an 18-catch, 215-yard performance and a touchdown throw in a 28-24 victory over Minnesota.
Sept. 24, 2023
Hall of Fame QBs such as Fran Tarkenton, Roger Staubach, Archie Manning and Jim Kelly, used to call the plays. Why don’t quarterbacks do it anymore?
Sept. 22, 2023
Sam Farmer makes his picks and predictions for Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season, starting with the New York Giants taking on the San Francisco 49ers.
Sept. 21, 2023
Rams receiver Puka Nacua has stepped into the limelight even faster than Cooper Kupp. Meanwhile, the Chargers defense continues to struggle under coach Brandon Staley.
Sept. 19, 2023
Former Ram Andrew Whitworth and former 49er Richard Sherman lived the rivalry between San Francisco and L.A. with S.F. dominating ... except in the big game.
Sept. 15, 2023
Sam Farmer makes his picks and predictions for Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season, starting with the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sept. 14, 2023
Travis Kelce has crossed over to pop culture icon. The face of the NFL is usually a quarterback, but the star tight end is in the spotlight as the Chiefs kick off the season Thursday.
Sept. 7, 2023