The NFL (National Football League) is a treasure trove of history, legends, and intriguing trivia. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, here are some fun facts that will boost your football IQ and impress your friends!
1. The Birth of the NFL
The NFL was founded on August 20, 1920, under the name American Professional Football Association (APFA). It wasn’t until 1922 that the league adopted the name we know today: the National Football League (NFL).
2. The Only Perfect Season
The Miami Dolphins hold the distinction of being the only team in NFL history to have a perfect season. In 1972, they went 14-0 in the regular season and won all their playoff games, including Super Bowl VII.
3. The Lombardi Trophy
The NFL’s championship trophy is named after Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. Lombardi led the Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowls, cementing his legacy in football history.
4. Most Super Bowl Wins
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots are tied for the most Super Bowl victories, with each team having won the big game six times.
5. The Longest Field Goal
The record for the longest field goal in NFL history was set by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens. He kicked a 66-yard field goal in 2021, breaking the previous record of 64 yards.
6. Tom Brady’s Rings
Tom Brady, often considered the greatest quarterback of all time, has won seven Super Bowl rings—more than any other player in NFL history. He won six with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
7. Oldest NFL Team
The Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919, are the oldest continuously operating NFL franchise in the same location. They are also the only team in the NFL owned by the public, with over 360,000 shareholders.
8. The NFL and Thanksgiving
Football and Thanksgiving go hand in hand. The Detroit Lions have played a Thanksgiving Day game every year since 1934, and the Dallas Cowboys have been hosting Thanksgiving games since 1966 (with a few exceptions).
9. The Largest NFL Stadium
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, home to both the New York Giants and New York Jets, is the largest stadium in the NFL. It has a seating capacity of around 82,500.
10. Overtime Coin Toss
Did you know that the coin toss in overtime is incredibly important? Since 2010, teams that win the coin toss have gone on to win the game about 52% of the time in the regular season. However, in the playoffs, that percentage jumps to 90%!
11. The First African-American Coach
Art Shell was the first African-American head coach in the NFL’s modern era. He was hired by the Oakland Raiders in 1989 and had two separate stints coaching the team.
12. The NFL Draft
The NFL Draft, where teams select new players from college football, was first held in 1936. Back then, there were only nine teams in the league, and the first-ever pick was Jay Berwanger, who never played in the NFL.
13. Why Are the Footballs Called “The Duke”?
The official NFL game ball is nicknamed “The Duke” in honor of Wellington Mara, the former owner of the New York Giants. The nickname was reinstated in 2006, and all official NFL footballs have “The Duke” stamped on them.
14. The Ice Bowl
The 1967 NFL Championship Game between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys is known as “The Ice Bowl.” The game was played in extreme cold, with temperatures dropping to −15°F (−26°C) and wind chills reaching −48°F (−44°C).
15. Highest Scoring Game
The highest-scoring game in NFL history took place on November 27, 1966, when the Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants 72-41. That’s a combined total of 113 points!
