The NFL is a treasure trove of fascinating stories and bizarre occurrences. Over its 101 seasons, the league has seen it all, from incredible feats to unforgettable follies. Today, we’ll take a journey through time and explore 20 of the strangest NFL facts ever recorded. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to be amazed.
20 Strangest NFL Facts of All Time
20. The Chicago Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer
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In the era of high-flying offenses, it’s surprising that the Chicago Bears have never had a quarterback surpass the 4,000-yard mark in a single season. Despite the presence of talented quarterbacks like Jim McMahon, Rex Grossman, and Jay Cutler, the elusive milestone remains unattainable. However, with promising rookie Justin Fields on the horizon, the Bears might finally break this streak.
19. An NFL commissioner once died in the stands during a game
In a tragic turn of events, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell passed away while attending a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 11, 1959. Some accounts suggest that the excitement of a touchdown or the crowd’s reaction triggered a fatal heart attack. Bell’s death marked the end of an era and paved the way for Pete Rozelle to take over as commissioner.
18. The Detroit Lions have had two separate stretches of 30 years without a playoff win
The Detroit Lions’ postseason woes have been well-documented. After winning their third NFL Championship in 1957, the Lions endured a 34-year playoff drought, only to be followed by another 31-year stretch without a single playoff victory. Despite eight playoff appearances in the past three decades, the Lions have yet to taste postseason success.
17. Since its creation, every NFC South team has finished last in the division and appeared in at least one Super Bowl
The NFC South is known for its unpredictability. Every team in the division has experienced the highs of reaching the Super Bowl and the lows of finishing last in the division. From the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl triumphs to the Atlanta Falcons’ heartbreak in Super Bowl LI, the NFC South has seen it all. The parity within the division is truly remarkable.
16. The New York Jets have never beaten the Philadelphia Eagles
In a strange streak, the New York Jets have never defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in any of their 12 meetings since their inception in 1973. The Eagles have had the Jets’ number, winning all 12 games, including victories by wide margins and nail-biting finishes. The Jets will have another chance to break this curse in 2023, but until then, their winless streak against the Eagles continues.
15. The Dallas Cowboys had never won a game in Lambeau Field until 2008
Despite their storied history, the Dallas Cowboys struggled to find success at Lambeau Field, the home of the Green Bay Packers. It took until the Cowboys’ 10th visit to finally secure a victory in 2008. Since then, the Cowboys have only won one more game at Lambeau. The unexpected struggle in Green Bay is a curious subplot in the Cowboys’ legacy.
14. The Arizona Cardinals didn’t win in Green Bay between 1947 and 2018
The Arizona Cardinals’ struggles in Green Bay lasted over seven decades. From their first meeting in 1921, the Cardinals only managed to win six games in Green Bay before finally breaking the streak in 2018. The franchise’s relocations and changes over the years coincided with their lack of success in Lambeau Field. It was a long-awaited victory for the Cardinals.
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13. Sammy Baugh threw four touchdown passes, had an 81-yard punt, and caught four interceptions in the same game
In a feat that would be unimaginable today, Sammy Baugh, a versatile player for the Washington franchise, achieved greatness on November 14, 1943. Baugh played quarterback, defensive back, and punter in one game and excelled in every position. He threw four touchdown passes, kicked an 81-yard punt, and even caught four interceptions. Baugh’s performance remains one of the most remarkable in NFL history.
12. Walter Payton only won a single rushing title in his career
Despite being considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, Walter Payton only led the league in rushing once during his illustrious career. In 1977, Payton claimed the rushing title along with MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors. It is astonishing to think that a player of Payton’s caliber topped the charts just once in his career.
11. The youngest Hall of Fame inductee was 34 years old
Gale Sayers, known as the Kansas Comet, entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame at the age of 34. Despite playing only seven seasons due to injuries, Sayers left an indelible mark on the game. With his electrifying running style and impressive accolades, including leading the league in rushing twice, Sayers earned his place among the NFL’s all-time greats at a young age.
10. College juniors weren’t draft-eligible until 1990
Until 1990, college football players had to complete four years of eligibility before becoming eligible for the NFL Draft. This rule allowed for longer player development in college and the formation of dynasties. However, the landscape of college football has changed significantly since then, with players leaving early for the pros becoming the norm. The shift in eligibility rules had a profound impact on the game.
9. A kicker once won the MVP award
In 1982, during a strike-shortened season, Washington’s kicker emerged as the most valuable player. Mark Moseley’s remarkable accuracy and crucial field goals propelled him to the MVP award, an honor rarely bestowed upon kickers. While it might seem unusual for a kicker to win MVP, Moseley’s performance during that season was undeniably exceptional.
8. From 1960-1969, the NFL had a third-place game
To keep fans engaged and honor the late Bert Bell, the NFL organized the “Bert Bell Benefit Bowl” from 1960 to 1969. This game featured the two conference runners-up battling for third place. While the best teams of the era participated, many players and coaches despised the concept. The Benefit Bowl became a relic of the past and eventually faded away.
7. The Washington Commanders haven’t shut out another team since 1991
Despite their successes in recent years, the Washington Commanders (formerly known as the Washington Football Team) have not recorded a shutout since September 30, 1991. The team’s inability to keep opponents off the scoreboard for over 30 years is a peculiar streak that defies expectations. Even against struggling opponents, Washington has been unable to secure a shutout during this extended period.
6. Brett Favre completed his first NFL pass…to himself
In a memorable moment, Brett Favre completed his first NFL pass to none other than himself. During his rookie year in 1992, Favre’s pass was deflected by a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender and miraculously landed back in his hands for a seven-yard loss. Favre accomplished this rare feat again in 2009 while playing for the Minnesota Vikings. He remains the only quarterback to catch a pass after turning 40, alongside Jerry Rice.
5. The NFL integrated twice
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The NFL made history in 1920 when Fritz Pollard and Bobby Marshall became the league’s first African-American players. However, the NFL regressed and became segregated in 1933. It wasn’t until the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns signed black players in 1946 that the league re-integrated. The AAFC’s Cleveland Browns, led by Marion Motley and Bill Willis, further contributed to the integration process before the AAFC merged with the NFL in 1950.
4. The New England Patriots were almost named the Bay State Patriots
When the Patriots relocated to Foxborough, Massachusetts, the team’s ownership initially considered naming them the Bay State Patriots. However, the abbreviation “BS Patriots” raised eyebrows, leading to a swift change. The New England Patriots were born, and they went on to become one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
3. The season ticket waitlist in Green Bay is well over 1,000 years long
The Green Bay Packers boast one of the most loyal fan bases in all of sports. The demand for season tickets is so high that the current estimated waitlist is over 1,000 years long. This incredible statistic reflects the unwavering passion and dedication of Packers fans, who ensure that the stadium remains filled with enthusiastic supporters for generations to come.
2. The Houston Oilers have won their division more recently than the Cleveland Browns
For the past three decades, the Cleveland Browns have endured a playoff drought, while their former division rival, the Houston Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans), won the division twice before relocating in 1996. Despite changes in locations, team names, and divisions, the Browns have been unable to secure a division title since 1988. It is a testament to the Browns’ struggles and the Oilers/Titans’ relative success.
1. Doug Williams has as many Super Bowl touchdown passes as the Denver Broncos
In Super Bowl XXII, Doug Williams put on a historic performance, throwing four touchdown passes against the Denver Broncos. Astonishingly, the Broncos, with eight Super Bowl appearances and a star-studded quarterback lineage featuring John Elway and Peyton Manning, have only thrown as many touchdown passes in the Super Bowl as Williams did in that single game. It remains a stunning statistic that highlights Williams’ incredible feat.
FAQs
Q: Are these facts well-known among NFL fans?
While some of these facts may be familiar to avid NFL fans, others are lesser-known gems that offer a unique perspective on the game’s history.
Q: Can you provide more strange NFL facts?
Certainly! The NFL is full of intriguing stories and statistics. You can explore websites like Pesstatsdatabase for more intriguing NFL facts and information.
Q: Are there any upcoming articles about NFL history on Pesstatsdatabase?
For the latest articles and insights into NFL history, visit Pesstatsdatabase. They provide comprehensive coverage of the NFL’s past, present, and future.
Conclusion
The NFL is a league where extraordinary moments intersect with ordinary ones, creating a tapestry of captivating stories. From unusual streaks to remarkable performances, these 20 strange NFL facts provide a glimpse into the rich history of America’s favorite sport. So, the next time you watch a game, remember that the NFL is more than just touchdowns and tackles—it’s a treasure trove of fascinating tales waiting to be discovered.
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Danh mục: Sport
