2001 NFL season

The New England Patriots won the Super Bowl, defeating the St. Louis Rams 20–17 at the Louisiana Superdome.

The 2001 NFL draft was held from April 21 to 22, 2001, at New York City's Theater at Madison Square Garden.

Mike Pereira became the league's director of officiating, succeeding Jerry Seeman, who had served the role since 1991.

Pereira was a side judge in 1996 and 1997 before joining the league office, where he was groomed as Seeman's successor over the next three seasons.

Phil Luckett returned to back judge, while another officiating crew was added in 2001 in preparation for the Houston Texans expansion team, the league's 32nd franchise, in 2002.

Due to labor dispute, the regular NFL officials were locked out prior to the final week of the preseason.

The following teams and players set all-time NFL records during the season: * – Sack statistics have only been compiled since 1982.

The following players were named First Team All-Pro by the Associated Press: In addition, the AstroTurf at Veterans Stadium was replaced with NexTurf after a preseason game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens was canceled for poor field conditions.