Today we’re taking a quirky look at NFL history. We’re going to illustrate this illustrious league through some quirky facts.
Some you might know, some will be new to you. But they all go to show what a big impact the NFL has had since it began.
1. NFL seasons changed frequently throughout the ages
People might think that the NFL seasons were set in stone since time began. But that’s not the case. When the NFL started in 1920, there was no set schedule. Independent, professional or college teams could all take part and each might’ve played anything from eight to 16 games per season.
From 1926 until 1977, things were formalized slightly as all teams played between 11 and 14 games per season. Up until the 1940s, this was usually across 12 weeks. Then the season crept up in terms of both games and weeks as the years went on. However, since 1993, we’ve settled on an 18-week season. And then from 2021, it’s been 17 games a season too.
Now this is a totally professional league, with 32 teams taking part. This is split down the middle between AFC teams and NFC teams.
2. The NFL has always played on Thanksgiving. Apart from four years
Since the NFL was founded way back in 1920, there have always been big NFL games on Thanksgiving Day. So between all your big meals and family get togethers, you’ll know that you’ll have one constant to look forward to on the day, no matter who burns the turkey.
However, there were four years when the games didn’t take place on Thanksgiving. Any guesses? The Second World War years of 1941 until 1945. Apart from that, it’s been all action on Thanksgiving. And these days have also provided fans with some of the funniest moments in NFL history.
3. Super Bowl starts in 1967
For many people, it’s hard to even think of an NFL without also thinking about the Super Bowl. It provides so many incredible sporting moments. So it might surprise you to know that the Super Bowl didn’t actually get started until 1967. Yes, that’s 47 years after the NFL was founded. Before that, the top team was the one who topped the end of season standings.
4. Green Bay Packers are the most decorated team in NFL history
Now this is a title worth shouting about. The Green Bay Packers have 13 NFL championships under their belt. However, most of these wins are firmly in the past. The Green Bay Packers haven’t managed to come up on top since 2010.
5. $69,000 is the record set for Super Bowl rings at auction
Because the NFL is such an iconic sporting league, key pieces of merchandise can sell for huge money. And merch doesn’t come much more coveted than a Super Bowl ring. Up to this point, the top amount of money recorded for a Super Bowl ring has been $69,000. Two Steelers’ rings from the 1970s popped up on eBay in 2008 and that’s what they each fetched on the open market. Now that would make a pretty impressive gift for a sports fan…
6. Players won’t stop making NFL history
The best of the NFL certainly isn’t behind us. These amazing quarterbacks and defences prove our point. And the great news is that you can make bets on how you think they’ll perform on great online sportsbooks. One of our favorite places to bet on the NFL is bet365 and they’ve got a solid bet365 bonus code for new players.
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