With the Super Bowl just around the corner, millions are stuck to their televisions watching the playoffs to find out who will be the two titans disputing this year’s glory. You probably have already a favorite, and maybe they’re still on the run to win the Super Bowl, but what makes this event such a success and a festivity for many, is the act of gathering together to share some snacks and enjoy some really good entertainment.
Here are some facts about the greatest sporting event of the year that will make you pass as a football and Super Bowl connoisseur.
1. It was named after a kids game
The first two editions were called the World Championship Game between the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). In 1970, the founder of the Kansas City Chiefs suggested the name after a toy his kids had called “Super Ball” in Spanish.
2. It’s the second-biggest eating day
Right after Thanksgiving, the Super Bowl is registered as the second-biggest eating day in the US. Snacks, of course, are the protagonists of the festivity.
3. 1.4 billion wings are eaten during the weekend
According to the National Chicken Council, in 2020 it was registered that an estimated 1.4 billion chicken wings were eaten during the Super Bowl weekend. It broke the national record.
4. These 12 teams have never won the Super Bowl
Browns, Bills, Chargers, Bengals, Cardinals, Falcons, Lions, Jaguars, Panthers, Texans, Titans, and Vikings. Browns, Jaguars, Lions, and Texans have never even made it to the Super Bowl. This year, the Bengals are contending to get their first Super Bowl.
5. Super-Bowl ads cost millions
In 2021, a 30-second ad broke the record of $6 million compared to the $5.6 of last year. To see how much the business has grown, in 1967, during the first Super Bowl, the most expensive ad cost $40,000.
6. Tom Brady is the most successful quarterback in history
Brady is the player that has had more appearances and wins in Super Bowl history. He’s played nine times and won six. The Patriots and Buccaneers star just announced his retirement.
7. Ben Roethlisberger is the youngest winning quarterback
In 2006, Ben Roethlisberger, a.k.a. “Big Ben”, triumphed with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL, becoming the youngest quarterback winner of all time. At that time, Roethlisberger was 23 years, 11 months, and 4 days old.
8. The trophy was renamed in honor of a legend
The trophy was originally called the World Championship Game Trophy, in 1970, the trophy was renamed in memory of legendary Green Bay Packers coach Vince Lombardi after his sudden death from cancer.
9. Roman numerals are used to avoid confusion
During the first five games, it was used the name of the year. However, the season starts in one year and concludes with the Super Bowl at the beginning of the next one. To avoid any confusion NFL started using numerals that indicate the number of Super Bowl and not the year.
10. Halftime-Show artists aren’t paid per se
Unlike what many would think, the artists that rock the coveted Halftime Show aren’t paid to appear. Instead, the NFL pays for the show costs. Artists like The Weeknd have covered extra costs.
11. Super Bowl MVP’s say “I’m going to Disney World” when they win
The random line has become a tradition, though it’s actually a very old marketing stunt. MVPs are paid thousands of dollars for that short line, and Disney even organizes a parade to honor the winning team that’s hosted by the MVP.
12. Two teams are tied in Super Bowl winnings
Steelers and Patriots are the top winning teams with six wins since 1967. Next to them are the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys with 5 wins.
13. Miami has hosted more Super Bowls than any other city
In the history of the Super Bowl, Miami has been chosen to host 11 times followed by New Orleans with 10 encounters. The latter is listed to host in 2025.
14. Only two teams have played in their stadiums
Since where the Super Bowl will be hosted is determined by the NFL and not which teams are playing it, it’s very rare to see a team playing in their home stadium. It has only happened once, in 2020, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made it to the Super Bowl. This year is history in the making as the Rams will be playing in their own stadium, SoFi.
15. How much does the Super Bowl ring costs?
The winning team gets a very expensive ring with gems encrusted. This includes players, coaches, and other members of the team. It’s estimated that the entire set is about 5 million dollars!
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