What began as the inaugural game between two rival leagues, the Super Bowl game has become the most celebrated and bet on sporting event of our time. It’s hard to imagine a world in which this NFL championship game isn’t the pinnacle of the sports year.
The first Super Bowl was played in 1966, as part of an agreement between the AFL and NFL. The two competing football leagues staged a memorable game in which Vince Lombardi’s Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. After the official AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the NFL moved ahead with the Super Bowl being its crown jewel in a budding sports empire.
The name Super Bowl has a very interesting origin. The late Lamar Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs suggested Super Bowl in jest as a temporary name until a more suitable one could be found. Hunt got the idea for the name from his child’s toy named Super Ball. The name ended up sticking and today Super Bowl is one of the most recognizable sports terms in the world.
FUN FACT: Did you know that in the 42 years of the NFL Super Bowl games, not one game has gone into overtime? There have been some games that have gone down to the wire, but none have gone over 60 minutes. Do you think there will be overtime in Super Bowl XLIII? If so, bet now.