Did you know that the NFL actually stands for the National Football League? Or that there are only two states without an NFL team – Alaska and Hawaii? Here are 10 fascinating facts about America’s favorite game that you never knew.
So, whether you’re a football fanatic or just getting into the sport, read on to learn some interesting tidbits about the NFL!
1. The first NFL game was played in 1902 between the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club
Football fans have been enjoying the sport since way before the modern National Football League was formed in 1920. Surprisingly, however, the first NFL game was actually played as early as 1902! The inaugural game saw two teams from the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area go head-to-head: the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club.
Of course, this historic match happened long before even black-and-white television existed to broadcast it – but it marks an important milestone for professional football that will continue to be remembered today.
2. The Green Bay Packers are the oldest team in the NFL, having been founded in 1919
For over 100 years, the Green Bay Packers have mesmerized NFL fans across America. In 1919, Curly Lambeau and George Calhoun founded this distinguished team which began in a small Wisconsin city with humble roots as part of the American Professional Football Association – later becoming one of only two teams today to be owned entirely by its loyal fan base.
The Packers are considered to be one of the most successful franchises in American professional sports and hold multiple championship records – they have won 13 championship titles since their establishment, including nine NFL Championships pre-dating the Super Bowl era.
Today, the Packers not only boast an impressive record but also enjoy a passionate fan base that goes back generations. No matter what changes occur on or off the field, one thing is sure: The Green Bay Packers will be there for many more years to come!
3. The New England Patriots ( 6–5 ) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) have the most Super Bowl Victories
With six Super Bowl wins each, the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers have established themselves as having the most victories among other NFL teams. This is an impressive accomplishment that is hard to top! Read more about it here
Despite all these victories, the spirit of the teams have remained strong and their fans continue to be some of the most devoted for any sports team. They are truly a force to be reckoned with in the NFL.
4. The Miami Dolphins are not the only team in NFL history to have gone undefeated for an entire season
While the 1972 Miami Dolphins remain legendary for their extraordinary regular season and postseason success, there have been three other teams who share a piece of the same glory. The 1934 Chicago Bears, 1942 Chicago Bears and 2007 New England Patriots all achieved perfect records during their respective seasons.
Yet it was only the ’72 Dolphins that completed undefeated campaigns both in-season AND out – an accomplishment solidifying them as eternal icons of football history.
5. In 1978, the Dallas Cowboys became the first team to appear on Monday Night Football three times in a single season
The Dallas Cowboys certainly made their mark on the NFL in 1978 with their record-breaking performance on Monday Night Football. That year, they became the first team ever to make three appearances on the nationally televised show. It was an extraordinary occurrence at the time and everyone tuned in to see them take the stage week after week.
The Cowboys lived up to expectations showing that they were a powerful force in football and setting a standard for teams thereafter. There’s no doubt that this momentous season was a major milestone for both Monday Night Football and the NFL as a whole.
6. As of 2018, Tom Brady is the oldest player in the NFL at 45 years old
Tom Brady may be known to many as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, but few are aware that age is not stopping him from continuing his incredible career. At 45 years old, Brady is officially the oldest player in the NFL and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Despite his age, he continues to defy expectation and demonstrate why he’s considered one of the best players in the league, cementing his status as an inspiration for football fans both young and old.
7. Charles Follis was the First Black Professional Football Player
Charles Follis made history when he became the first African American professional football player in 1904, almost forty years before Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier. His legacy paved the way for future generations of black athletes to break down barriers and make sports more inclusive.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers holds the record for the longest losing streak in NFL history
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may have set a seemingly-impossible record for NFL losing streaks in 1976-1977, but the Detroit Lions outdid them with an away streak that lasted twice as long. The Dallas Cowboys’ frustration was even more pronounced later on when they lost 14 consecutive home games from 1988 to 1990 – their fans wouldn’t see victory at their stadium until after almost two full years had passed.
9. 3,000 cows Is Needed Yearly to make a NFL Football
Every year, the National Football League requires enough leather to cover 3,000 cows – quite a large herd! Fans across America can rest assured that all their favorite teams have an ample supply of footballs for game day.
10. Miami has hosted the most Super Bowls so far
Miami has hosted the most Super Bowls so far, boasting an impressive record of ten. The 2010 matchup between the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints is just one example of these iconic games taking place in this city. Interestingly enough, it’s no surprise that close-second New Orleans also boasts many classic experiences with nine showings already!