The National Football League, commonly called the NFL, is a professional American football league comprising 32 teams divided equally between the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). As one of four major professional sports leagues in North America and worldwide, it represents the highest professional level for American football – running its 18-week regular season from early September until early January for each team before having one bye week between all games played. Let us explore the NFL lesser known Records in the post.
Brief Overview of NFL
The National Football League was established initially as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before changing to the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. Following their merger with the American Football League (AFL) in 1966 and holding their inaugural Super Bowl, today, 32 teams are competing within this league, divided between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), with each conference divided further into four divisions for further divisional play – featuring iconic franchises such as Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers among them all!
Unusual NFL Records
Longest Field Goal
Matt Prater holds the NFL’s record for longest field goal with his 64-yard kick on December 8, 2013, between Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans games, breaking previous marks held by Tom Dempsey, Jason Elam, Sebastian Janikowski and David Akers by one yard.
Most Fumbles in a Game
Len Dawson of the Kansas City Chiefs holds the record for most fumbles in one game with seven, which occurred against the San Diego Chargers on November 15, 1964.
Most Consecutive Games with a Reception
Jerry Rice holds the record for most consecutive games with at least one reception, having caught at least one pass in 274 straight contests from December 9, 1985, until September 19, 2004. This impressive streak spans nearly 30 years!
Record Breaking Teams
Fewest Points in a Season
Fewest Points Scored in a Season The record for fewest points scored during an entire season belongs to the 1977 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who scored only 103 in 14 games during their second year as part of the NFL. All 14 matches ended up as losses.
Most Turnovers in a Season
The 1965 Pittsburgh Steelers hold the record for most turnovers in one season with an incredible 63 turnovers (35 interceptions and 28 lost fumbles).
Surprising Individual Achievements
Most Sacks in a Single Game
Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs holds the record for seven sacks in one game. On November 11, 1990, against Seattle Seahawks.
Most Consecutive Starts by a Quarterback
Brett Favre holds the record for the most extended consecutive starts by a quarterback; this impressive streak began on September 27, 1992, and concluded on December 5, 2010.
Impressive Rookie Records
Most Touchdown Passes by a Rookie
Peyton Manning and Russell Wilson share the record for most touchdown passes by a rookie quarterback – each throwing 26 during their respective rookie seasons; Manning set this mark in 1998 while playing for the Indianapolis Colts, while Wilson tied it two years later with the Seattle Seahawks.
Most Rushing Yards by a Rookie
Eric Dickerson holds the record for most rushing yards by a rookie with 1,808 during his inaugural year with the Los Angeles Rams in 1983 – one of numerous records set throughout his remarkable career.
Special Teams Records
Longest Punt
Steve O’Neal of the New York Jets holds the record for the longest punt ever punted during an NFL game when he punted it 98 yards against the Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium, an altitude-induced stadium known for allowing more extended kicks.
Most Field Goals in a Game
Rob Bironas of the Tennessee Titans holds the record for making eight field goals in one game on October 21, 2007, against Houston Texans – this score helped his team secure a 38-36 victory and lead them into victory! During this matchup, Bironas made goals from 52, 25-21-30-43-29 yards en route to success!
Historical NFL Records
Oldest Player to Play in an NFL Game
Adam Vinatieri is the oldest player ever to participate in an NFL game, at 48 years and 28 days old, when he played his last game for the Indianapolis Colts on December 1, 2019. Vinatieri is widely recognized as one of the greatest kickers in NFL history.
Longest Game in NFL History
On December 25 1971, the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs played one of the most extended NFL games ever, lasting an astonishing 82 minutes and 40 seconds before culminating with an exciting 37-31 Dolphin win after 2 overtime periods – one which would become legendary! Later that season, they went on to claim Super Bowl victory that season!
Conclusion
NFL records that fans may recognize are the highest scores scored per season, or most yards rushed per game, as well as unusual and surprising ones like the longest punt or most field goals in one game. Many records were set by rookies just beginning their careers, others by veterans with years of experience playing. Each record, whether a long game history record or the most consecutive starts by a quarterback record, tells a unique tale and shows the fantastic skill, resilience and fitness of NFL players and teams throughout its history.
