American football and the NFL are deeply ingrained in US culture. As the biggest professional sports league in the country, the NFL has given fans countless memorable moments over its 100+ year history.
From dramatic Super Bowl finishes to unbelievable plays, the NFL consistently delivers entertainment, competition, and unmatched athletic achievements.
Here we look at 20 interesting facts and statistics that showcase the NFL’s success, popularity, financial power, star players, and some of the unforgettable moments that make it America’s game.
Key NFL Facts and Figures
● A 30-second ad during the 2024 Super Bowl cost a record $7 million, up 65% from just 5 years ago.
● NFL games accounted for 75 of the 100 most-watched TV broadcasts in 2022.
● The NFL brought in over $11 billion in national revenue in 2021. The average team is now worth $4.47 billion.
● An NFL game is broadcast in over 200 countries and territories, in more than 25 languages.
● Over 1 million fans attended 2022 NFL Draft events in Las Vegas, setting a new record.
Historic NFL Moments
Beyond the numbers, the stories, personalities, and historic moments are a huge part of what makes the NFL special.
Sudden Death of a Legend
On October 11, 1959, at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, NFL commissioner Bert Bell collapsed and died of a heart attack while watching his former team, the Eagles, score a late touchdown to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bell had founded both franchises.
Perfection Achieved
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed the NFL’s first and only “perfect season”, going 14-0 in the regular season and winning Super Bowl VII for an overall record of 17-0. Led by head coach Don Shula and quarterback Bob Griese, the ’72 Dolphins set the standard for excellence that no team has matched.
The Catch
In the final minute of the 1982 NFC Championship Game between the Cowboys and 49ers, Joe Montana threw a leaping 6-yard touchdown pass to Dwight Clark to give San Francisco a dramatic 28–27 victory. Now known simply as "The Catch", it propelled the 49ers dynasty of the 1980s.
Epic Super Bowl Moments
As the championship game of the NFL, the Super Bowl consistently provides some of the most dramatic and memorable moments in sports history.
● Super Bowl XLII: The 12-point underdog New York Giants defeated the previously undefeated New England Patriots 17–14, ruining New England’s bid for a perfect 19–0 season behind Eli Manning’s heroics.
● Super Bowl LI: The Patriots overcame a 28–3 deficit late in the 3rd quarter to force the first-ever overtime in Super Bowl history, beating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28. It was the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Greatest Players and Coaches
The NFL’s enormous popularity is built on larger-than-life players, coaches, and personalities who transcend the sport.
● Tom Brady won 7 Super Bowls, 3 MVPs and holds numerous career passing records – he is considered by many the greatest NFL player ever.
● Vince Lombardi transformed the Green Bay Packers franchise in the 1960s with 5 NFL championship wins in 7 seasons, including victories in the first two Super Bowls. The Super Bowl trophy is named in his honor.
● Peyton Manning retired holding career records for passing yards and touchdowns and won a record 5 NFL MVP awards playing for the Colts and Broncos.
Key Facts on NFL Teams
● The Arizona Cardinals franchise is the oldest in NFL history, tracing back to 1898. They joined the NFL in 1920.
● Since arriving in the NFL in 1921, the Green Bay Packers have always played in the smallest market by far, yet they have won a league-high 4 Super Bowls since 1996.
● In 2021, the Dallas Cowboys were ranked the world’s most valuable sports team for the 6th straight year, with a valuation of $8 billion.
● Of the NFL’s 32 teams, only 4 have never reached the Super Bowl: the Lions, Browns, Texans and Jaguars.
Business Side: Growth & Money
● NFL regular season TV viewership increased 10% YoY in 2021, showing continued growth in popularity.
● $1.62 billion was legally wagered on sports in 18 states plus DC in 2021 after the Supreme Court allowed expanded sports gambling in 2018.
● In 2021 Anheuser-Busch signed a 6-year extension with the NFL to remain the official beer sponsor. The deal is reportedly worth over $1.4 billion.
Final Thoughts
This glimpse into NFL history reveals some of the personalities, stories, and moments that have built American football into more than just a sport – it’s become deeply ingrained into American culture.
After 100 years, the NFL shows no signs of declining popularity. If anything the league continues to grow, as seen in soaring franchise valuations, lucrative sponsorships deals, rising TV viewership and expanding opportunities like legal sports wagering.
With such high stakes competition played out by world-class athletes, the NFL will surely continue creating unforgettable moments for decades to come. Football remains America’s favorite sport and the Super Bowl its favorite unofficial holiday each year.