Football is one of the most popular sports in America, and the National Football League (NFL) is the highest level of professional football. While many fans think they know everything there is to know about the sport, there are still some surprising facts that might blow your mind. Here are five little-known facts about NFL football:
The Origin of the NFL
Most people assume that the NFL has been around since the beginning of time, but it actually started relatively recently. The league was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association before changing its name to the National Football League in 1922. At first, the league consisted of just ten teams, and games were played on Saturday afternoons because Sunday was considered a day of rest.
Unusual Superstitions and Rituals of NFL Players
Professional athletes are known for their superstitions and rituals, and NFL players are no different. Some players have strange pregame routines or lucky charms, while others have more unusual habits. For example, former quarterback Dan Marino used to wear his wedding ring during games, while wide receiver Terrell Owens would only eat chicken before games. And who could forget the infamous “Tuck Rule” game between the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots, where the officials ruled that Tom Brady’s fumble should be overturned due to an obscure rule?
Surprising Statistics About NFL Football
There are plenty of interesting statistics when it comes to NFL football. Did you know that the longest field goal ever kicked in NFL history was 64 yards by Matt Prater in 2013? Or that the most passing touchdowns thrown in a single season was 55 by Peyton Manning in 2013? How about the fact that the shortest player in NFL history was Eddie Mahoney at just 5 feet tall? There are endless fascinating stats to discover!
Bizarre Injuries in NFL History
In any contact sport like football, injuries are bound to happen. But sometimes these injuries can be downright bizarre. One such injury occurred in 1987 when Chicago Bears defensive lineman William Perry broke his leg celebrating a sack. Another notable injury happened in 2009 when Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson suffered a concussion after colliding with his own teammate.
Strange But True Stories from NFL Games
Over the years, there have been countless strange but true stories that have come out of NFL games. Who could forget the “Heidi Game” in 1968 when NBC cut off coverage of a close game between the Jets and Raiders so they could air a TV movie called Heidi? Or how about the time the Buffalo Bills scored four safeties in a single game against the Miami Dolphins in 1998? These stories make football even more exciting and unpredictable than we thought possible.
Fun Facts About NFL Mascots
Finally, let’s not forget about the fun mascots that represent each NFL team. From the Baltimore Ravens’ Edgar Allan Poe-inspired mascot named Poe to the San Francisco 49ers’ gold miner character named Sourdough Sam, each mascot brings something unique to the table. And did you know that the Seattle Seahawks’ mascot, Blitz, is actually a wolf? It’s always great to see these characters getting into the spirit of the game and entertaining fans young and old alike.