Football is more than just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon, particularly in the United States, where the NFL reigns supreme. While many fans are familiar with the league's superstars, historic moments, and iconic teams, there are plenty of lesser-known facts that even the most devoted followers might find surprising. Here are 10 fascinating facts you didn’t know about the NFL and football.
1. The NFL Wasn't Always the NFL
The league began in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before changing its name to the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. The original league had only 14 teams, some of which no longer exist, such as the Akron Pros and the Rochester Jeffersons.
2. The First Super Bowl Tickets Were Shockingly Affordable
When the Green Bay Packers faced the Kansas City Chiefs in the first-ever Super Bowl in 1967, tickets cost as little as $6. Today, Super Bowl tickets can go for thousands of dollars, making the first game a bargain by comparison.
3. No NFL Team Has Ever Played a Super Bowl at Home—Until 2021
For decades, no NFL team had played the Super Bowl in its home stadium. That changed in 2021 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. The Los Angeles Rams repeated the feat the following year at SoFi Stadium in Super Bowl LVI.
4. The NFL Regular Season Wasn't Always 17 Games
The league’s regular season initially consisted of 12 games before being extended to 14 games in 1961. It wasn’t until 1978 that the season expanded to 16 games, and in 2021, the NFL added a 17th game to the schedule.
5. The Longest Field Goal in NFL History
The record for the longest field goal is 66 yards, set by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. His game-winning kick against the Detroit Lions broke the previous record of 64 yards, set by Matt Prater in 2013.
6. There Are More Footballs Than Players at the Super Bowl
Each Super Bowl uses 120 official game balls. About 54 of these are allocated for the game itself, while the rest are used for practice and other game-related activities. That's more footballs than the number of players on both teams combined.
7. The Green Bay Packers Are the Only Publicly Owned NFL Team
Unlike other NFL franchises, which are owned by private individuals or groups, the Green Bay Packers are owned by shareholders—fans who hold stock in the team. This unique structure has made the Packers a beloved symbol of community ownership.
8. NFL Players Weren’t Full-Time Professionals Until the 1960s
In the early days of the league, players often had offseason jobs to make ends meet. It wasn’t until television contracts and rising popularity brought in more money that NFL players could focus solely on football.
9. The Lombardi Trophy Is Made Every Year
Unlike other sports trophies that are passed from team to team, a new Vince Lombardi Trophy is made every year for the Super Bowl winner. It’s crafted by Tiffany & Co. and weighs about 7 pounds.
10. The NFL Generates More Revenue Than Most Global Sports Leagues
The NFL generates over $18 billion annually, making it the most profitable sports league in the world. This revenue comes from massive TV deals, merchandise sales, ticket sales, and sponsorships, far surpassing leagues like the NBA and MLB.
Conclusion
Football and the NFL are full of fascinating stories and tidbits that highlight the history, culture, and quirks of the game. Whether it’s surprising financial facts, historic firsts, or unique records, these little-known details add to the rich tapestry of football. So, the next time you’re watching a game, you can impress your friends with these 10 intriguing facts!