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
NFL Week 11 picks: The Chiefs keep finding ways to win even when they don’t play their best, yet at 9-0 they are the underdogs against the Buffalo Bills.
Nov. 14, 2024
With eight games remaining in the regular season, do the Chargers or the Rams have a better chance to make the playoffs? The L.A. Times’ Sam Farmer examines ...
Nov. 13, 2024
No matter where John Robinson coached, most known for his stints with USC and the Rams, his players gushed about their connection with the man.
Nov. 12, 2024
The Chargers have won two in a row and play the Titans at home. The Rams have a three-game win streak and get a Monday night visit from the Dolphins.
Nov. 7, 2024
As the NFL trade deadline looms Tuesday, the Rams are back in the NFC West race and know they can’t afford to trade team-leading vets such as Cooper Kupp now.
Nov. 4, 2024
NFL Week 9 picks: The Rams face NFC West rival Seahawks in Seattle and the Chargers also are on the road against the Browns, who now start Jameis Winston.
Oct. 31, 2024
Dodger fans marveled at the Cosm’s expansive LED screens that made it feel as though they had World Series Game 3 field seats Monday night.
Oct. 29, 2024
Matthew Stafford looks like his old/young self as his four touchdown passes lead the Rams to second win in a row, this one over the Minnesota Vikings.
Oct. 25, 2024
NFL Week 8 picks: The Chargers are catching the Saints at right time since New Orleans is injury-riddled and starting rookie Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
Oct. 24, 2024
After the Chargers offense had to settle for five field goals in a loss to Arizona, it became clear Justin Herbert needs receiver help as trade deadline nears.
Oct. 22, 2024