HowStuffWorks Newsletter
The NFL is an acronym for the National Football League. The NFL is the governing body for the league and is responsible for organizing the teams, their games and the business of professional football.
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For the first time ever, two male cheerleaders will be at the Super Bowl.
By John Donovan
Only the best of the best make it to the Super Bowl. And that includes the NFL officials.
By John Donovan
Three of the five longest field goals in NFL history have been kicked in Denver's Mile High Stadium. What gives?
By Mark Mancini
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Sports fans can be a noisy bunch. Hey, screaming your head off is part of the fun, right? But someone had to come up with 'DEE-FENSE' first. Who was it?
By Mark Mancini
The relationship between pro sports and expression of patriotism, like playing the National Anthem, is a uniquely American phenomenon. And a fairly recent one.
By Dave Roos
Most people like watching the Super Bowl every February, but there's always that one guy who insists that he's just watching "for the commercials" -- and with good reason. Find out how all the ad hype gets generated here.
Lofty expectations and huge sums of money don't necessarily lead to success. That's just one of the things these 10 players proved.
By Jeff Harder
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Want to see the big game in person? It won't be easy, especially in the year of COVID-19. But we'll show you how to get into the best position to catch a Hail Mary.
Review rules have sometimes generated controversy, and some fans and team owners would prefer to keep the human factor in the game. But instant replay rules give the officials on the field another set of eyes to get calls right.
By John Kelly
Football in the U.S. is big business. And making the roster of the NFL Pro Bowl can establish a player as one of the best at his position, raising his visibility and leading to lucrative contracts and endorsement possibilities. So who gets to play, and how did this exhibition get started anyway?
By Lance Looper
Think throwing the perfect Super Bowl party is all about fun and games? Well, it can be. Get ready to tap into the competitive mood of your partygoers with some challenging activities sure to spark your festivities.
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Television working? Check. Friends invited? Check. Since Super Bowl Sunday is only the biggest party day of the year, you might want to plan a little something extra if you don't want your bash to be a bust.
If you're a football fan, you probably want to know every detail about your favorite players. But do you know how your team's quarterback is rated?
By Thomas Moore
Randy Moss and LaDainian Tomlinson are some of the most exciting players to watch on the football field each Sunday. This gallery features photos of these and other pro football players in action.
Doak Walker, one of the greatest college football players ever, went on to excel with the Detroit Lions. He was selected for five Pro Bowls and named All-NFL four times. Walker entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
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Jack Lambert was named All-Pro seven times in a nine-year span and played in nine straight Pro Bowls. His career was cut short due to a turf toe injury that destroyed much of his speed and agility.
Tom Landry coached the Dallas Cowboys through 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1966-85. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990 with a lifetime record of 270-178-6. Learn about legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry.
Dick Lane set the all-time interception record with 14 in a 12-game season, which no one has topped, even in a 16-game schedule. He built a reputation for handling ball carriers and receivers roughly. Learn why Lane was a feared opponent.
Steve Largent held six major pass-receiving records by the time he retired. He was known for his precise routes sure hands determination and concentration. Check out which records are held by Football Hall of Famer Steve Largent.
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Defensive tackle Bob Lilly was the first Dallas Cowboys player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was best known for sacking quarterback Bob Griese for a 29-yard loss in Super Bowl VI. Learn about the adroit Bob Lilly.
Vince Lombardi said "Winning is not everything but making the effort to win is." This philosophy helped Lombardi turn the dormant Green Bay Packers into NFL champions five times. Lombardi died in 1970. Learn more about legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
Ronnie Lott had speed strength and a knowledge of the game that set him apart from other defensive backs. He'd sense the direction a play was about to take and disrupt it any way possible.
Sid Luckman won four NFL championships during his 12-year career with the Bears, including a 73-0 win over the Redskins. He was given the reigns to the unique offense developed by George Halas and the success was almost immediate. Learn Sid Luckman's secret.
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Don Maynard is one of only five players to record 50 or more receptions and more than 1,000 receiving yards five times. He was named to the all-time AFL team in 1969 and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
Marion Motley amassed 4,720 yards on 828 carries for an astounding 5.7 yards per carry in only nine seasons. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968 and was named to the NFL's All-Time Team in 1994.
