The NFL’s history is not just about football; it reflects the evolution of American culture, technology, and media. Its ongoing success ensures that its story will continue to inspire fans worldwide.
General NFL Facts
Oldest NFL Franchise:
The Arizona Cardinals (originally the Chicago Cardinals) and the Green Bay Packers are the NFL’s oldest franchises. The Cardinals were founded in 1898, while the Packers have been around since 1919.
The First Super Bowl:
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers won 35–10.
Most Valuable Franchise:
As of 2024, the Dallas Cowboys are the NFL’s most valuable franchise, valued at over $9 billion, earning them the nickname “America’s Team.”
Most Super Bowl Wins:
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots hold the record for the most Super Bowl wins, with six championships each.
Longest Game in NFL History:
The 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds, including double overtime. The Dolphins won 27–24.
Player Records
Most Career Touchdowns:
Jerry Rice holds the record for the most career touchdowns with 208.
Longest Field Goal:
Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens kicked a record-setting 66-yard field goal in 2021 to beat the Detroit Lions as time expired.
Most Passing Yards in a Single Game:
Norm Van Brocklin threw for 554 yards in a single game in 1951, a record that still stands.
Most Career Rushing Yards:
Emmitt Smith holds the record with 18,355 rushing yards during his career with the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals.
Oldest Player:
George Blanda played until the age of 48, retiring in 1975 after 26 seasons as a quarterback and placekicker.
Team Records
Most Points in a Single Game:
The Washington Redskins scored 72 points against the New York Giants on November 27, 1966, the most by a single team in NFL history.
Undefeated Season:
The Miami Dolphins are the only team to have a perfect season, finishing 17–0 in 1972 (including playoffs and Super Bowl).
Worst Season Record:
The Detroit Lions (2008) and Cleveland Browns (2017) are the only teams to go 0–16 in a regular season.
Most Consecutive Wins:
The New England Patriots won 21 consecutive games (including playoffs) between the 2003 and 2004 seasons.
Super Bowl Records
Most Appearances:
The New England Patriots have appeared in 11 Super Bowls, the most in NFL history.
Biggest Comeback:
The New England Patriots overcame a 28–3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, winning 34–28 in overtime.
Most Points in a Super Bowl:
The San Francisco 49ers scored 55 points in their Super Bowl XXIV victory over the Denver Broncos, the most ever in a Super Bowl.
Fastest Touchdown in Super Bowl History:
The Seattle Seahawks scored on the opening play of Super Bowl XLVIII when a botched Denver snap resulted in a safety after just 12 seconds.
Unique and Weird NFL Facts
Heaviest Player in NFL History:
Aaron Gibson, an offensive lineman, weighed a massive 410 pounds during his career.
Snowiest Game:
The “Snow Bowl” between the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts in 2017 had over 8 inches of snow during the game, with the Bills winning in overtime.
First Female Coach:
Jen Welter became the first female coach in NFL history in 2015, serving as a preseason assistant for the Arizona Cardinals.
Longest Losing Streak:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the record for the longest losing streak, losing 26 consecutive games from 1976 to 1977.
Most Expensive Super Bowl Ad:
A 30-second commercial during the Super Bowl LVIII (2024) cost around $7 million.
Historical Firsts
First Player Drafted:
The first NFL Draft pick was Jay Berwanger in 1936, though he never played in the league.
First African American Head Coach:
Fritz Pollard was the first African American head coach in NFL history, coaching the Akron Pros in 1921.
First Dome Stadium:
The Houston Astrodome, opened in 1965, was the first stadium with a fully enclosed dome used by an NFL team.
