Top 10 things people don’t know about American football
The Top 10s Guy Presents:
American football is more than just touchdowns and Super Bowl rings. With a rich history spanning over a century, the sport hides countless intriguing tidbits beneath its rugged exterior. For those looking to gain some gridiron wisdom, here are the top 10 things most people don’t know about American football.
1. Origins in Rugby
Many don’t realize that American football has its roots in rugby. In the mid-19th century, colleges had their own sets of rules for football. It wasn’t until 1876 that the Intercollegiate Football Association was formed, using rugby rules with some modifications.
2. The First Professional Player
William “Pudge” Heffelfinger was the first documented professional football player. He was paid $500 by the Allegheny Athletic Association to play in a game against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club in 1892.
3. NFL’s Tax-Exempt Status
Up until 2015, the NFL operated with a tax-exempt status, classifying it as a non-profit organization. However, to avoid public scrutiny and controversy, the NFL voluntarily relinquished this status in 2015.
4. Short Playing Time
Though an American football game is divided into four 15-minute quarters, the actual time the ball is in play is surprisingly short. On average, the ball is in play for just about 11 minutes during an entire game.
5. The Original Super Bowl Trophy
Originally, the Super Bowl trophy was called the “World Professional Football Championship.” It was renamed the Vince Lombardi Trophy, in honour of the Green Bay Packers coach, after he passed away in 1970.
6. Lefties in the Game
Left-handed quarterbacks are a rarity in the NFL. Throughout the league’s history, there have been fewer than 40 left-handed quarterbacks. Steve Young and Michael Vick are among the most notable ones.
7. Overtime Rule Evolution
Before 2012, a team could win an overtime game with just a field goal on the opening possession. But to ensure fairer chances for both teams, the rule changed. Now, unless the first possession results in a touchdown, both teams get an opportunity to have the ball.
8. The Shortest Player in NFL History
Jack “Soapy” Shapiro, who played in 1929, is recognized as the shortest player in NFL history. Standing at just 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 119 pounds, he played as a blocking back for the Staten Island Stapletons.
9. The Longest Field Goal
The record for the longest field goal in NFL history is 64 yards. It was achieved by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens in 2021. This beat the previous record of 63 yards held by Tom Dempsey, Jason Elam, Sebastian Janikowski, David Akers, and Brett Maher.
10. No Cheerleaders for the Packers
The Green Bay Packers are the only team in the NFL that doesn’t have a dedicated cheerleading squad. While they had official cheerleaders in the past, since 1988 they’ve used collegiate cheerleading squads on game days.
American football is a testament to evolution, adaptability, and the ever-changing nature of sports. These lesser-known facts highlight the richness of its history and the myriad of stories that have contributed to the game we love today. From its origins in rugby to the uniqueness of team traditions, each nugget of information adds a layer to our understanding of the game. As you watch the next match or discuss football with friends, these tidbits might just offer a fresh perspective on this iconic American sport.
“We’ve reached the end of our Top 10 countdown, and we’d love to hear from you! Do you agree with our choices, or is there something we missed that you feel deserves a spot on this list? Let’s start a conversation – comment below with your thoughts and ideas. Your input might just influence our next Top 10!”
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