Short answers, pulled from the story.
The 2011 NFL season began on Thursday, the 8th of September 2011 after a labor dispute lasting 130 days. A lockout started on March 11 and ended only on July 25, threatening to cancel the entire year of football.
Drew Brees threw for 5,476 yards to set a single-season record during the 2011 season. He also recorded 13 games with over 300 passing yards and seven consecutive games exceeding that threshold.
The 2011 NFL draft took place from April 28 to 30 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The Carolina Panthers selected Auburn quarterback Cam Newton as the first overall pick.
Kickoffs were moved from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line to limit injuries. Players on the kickoff coverage team could not line up more than five yards behind the kickoff line.
The Chicago Bears played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Wembley Stadium in London on October 23. One week later on October 30, the Buffalo Bills defeated the Washington Redskins 23, 0 at Rogers Centre in Toronto.
The playoffs began on Saturday the 7th of January 2012 and ended with Super Bowl XLVI on the 5th of February 2012. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 21, 17 to win their third Super Bowl title.