The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world. With millions of fans tuning in every week to watch their favorite teams battle it out on the gridiron, there’s no denying that football is a beloved pastime for many Americans. But how much do you really know about the NFL? Here are some fun facts about NFL football that might surprise you:
Origins of the NFL
The NFL was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). It wasn’t until 1922 that the league changed its name to the National Football League.
Little-Known Facts About Super Bowl Sunday
The first Super Bowl was played in 1967 between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers won by a score of 35-10.
The cost of a commercial during the Super Bowl has skyrocketed over the years. In 1967, a 30-second spot cost just $42,000. Today, companies can expect to pay upwards of $5 million for the same amount of airtime.
The Super Bowl is considered the biggest sporting event of the year, but did you know that it’s also one of the biggest eating events of the year? According to statistics, Americans consume more than 1 billion chicken wings, 11 million pounds of potato chips, and 8 million pounds of guacamole during the big game.
Unusual Records Held by NFL Players
Peyton Manning holds the record for the most career touchdown passes with 539. He also threw for over 70,000 yards during his career.
Adrian Peterson once ran for an incredible 296 yards in a single game. This is the second-most rushing yards in a single game in NFL history.
Antonio Brown has caught the most punts in NFL history – 239 to be exact. He also has the most punt return yards with 2,391.
Strange Stories from NFL History
During a game against the New York Giants in 1988, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Randall Cunningham scrambled away from pressure and hurdled over a defender. Unfortunately, he landed awkwardly and broke his leg, ending his season.
One of the strangest plays in NFL history occurred during a game between the Baltimore Colts and the Los Angeles Rams in 1987. The ball was snapped over the head of Colts punter Rohn Stark, who then picked it up and tried to run for a first down. However, he fumbled the ball into the end zone where it was recovered by the Rams for a safety.
These are just a few examples of the fascinating trivia and stories surrounding the NFL. Whether you’re a diehard fan or simply enjoy watching the occasional game, there’s always something new to learn about this iconic sports league.