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NFL and the Superbowl: The 101

NFL has begun to take the UK by storm and a large number of people have begun watching the Superbowl each year. But if you're new to American Football, it all may seem a little confusing, so we've decided to break down some of the easy parts of America's favourite sport.

Author: Liam
18 Jan 11:58
What is the NFL?

The NFL is the National Football League, the governing body for American Football. It is by far and away America's favourite sport, but with the NFL branching out and playing games around the world (such as in London) it's global appeal is getting bigger and bigger.

Superbowl: The 101

To some British people, the Superbowl might sound like an oversized piece of porcelain you eat your morning cereal out of... but to Americans, the Superbowl is bigger than the World Cup Final & the Catalina wine mixer combined.

It’s one of the most watched TV events of the year, one of the most expensive and really just another excuse to throw a party with too much Chip n Dip. It's an entire night dedicated to watching 5 hours of television commercials and 60 minutes of sport.

So, if you’re a newbie to the Superbowl and want to understand what it's all about then look no further.

What exactly is 'The Superbowl'?

The Superbowl is the final game, of the biggest sport in America… that you’ve probably never seen.

American Football.

Watch this short clip to understand the basic concept of the game.

What is a Quarterback?

A Quarterback actually has nothing to do with the exchange of money.

The Quarterback is widely considered the most important player on a Football team. He’s the playmaker who controls every offensive play.*

His job is to get the football to a teammate to try score a touchdown.

  • He throws the football.
What is a “Touchdown”?

Believe it or not… you don’t actually have to “touch” the ball "down" in American Football to score a “Touchdown”.

A Touchdown in American Football is like scoring a try in Rugby. It’s getting the possession of the football into the opposite teams end zone.

A touchdown is worth 6 points.

After a team scores a touchdown there will be over the top celebrations for about 4 minutes and then 10 more minutes of adverts.

What does a ‘down’ mean?

A down is not to be confused with what you put in your comforter. It’s what you need to advance the play in a game of football.

Basically, the offensive team has 4 chances to move the football 10 yards forward. Teams can either throw the ball (quarterback) or carry the ball (running back) to do this. These chances are called 1st down, 2nd down, 3rd down and 4th down. If the team hasn’t advanced 10 yards after the 4th down then they must pass possession of the football over to the other team.

Most teams will ‘punt’ the ball on the 4th down as far as possible from their own end zone.

This is when about 110 substitutes will randomly run on and off of the pitch.

What is a 'field goal'?

A field goal is basically the same as a conversion kick in Rugby. One lucky player with a helmet and full body padding will run onto the field about 5 times a game to kick the football between the goal posts.

This player does nothing else all game.

A field goal is worth 3 points.

Who is Tom Brady?

One of the best Quarterbacks in the history of the NFL and America’s national hero. Even when he's not playing, you'll be sure to hear his name a lot.

What else happens?

The offence and defence players get really tired after playing 30 minutes of football in a 3 hour time frame. The Ref calls half time and the players get another hour to rest.

At this point the football game becomes a concert and Lady Gaga will pop up.

90% of British people go to bed and just google the 3 minute highlights in the morning.

What do I whilst watching the game?

You throw a party filled with all things American! Wings, hot dogs, red cups...

Finally... here's the best thing to come out of the NFL since Eli & Peyton Manning.

Liam
Liam is our king of summer camp. Having worked at Echo Lake and IHC in New York City, this champ lives 10 for 2, 24 7.

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