With around 100 million viewers and extensive advertising investments, the Super Bowl is a major annual spectacle in American football, capturing national attention for nearly four hours. Scheduled for 0:30 on February 10 in France, its popularity may seem niche. Originating in the 19th century, the Super Bowl has evolved into a championship showdown between the AFC and NFC champions, showcasing strategic gameplay and a complex set of rules that distinguish it from rugby.
With around a hundred million viewers and billions spent on advertisements, the Super Bowl is much more than just a game. It’s the grand finale of the American football championship (NFL), a spectacular annual event that captivates an entire nation for nearly four hours.
In France, the Super Bowl is scheduled for 0:30 on Monday, February 10, and may seem like a niche interest. Some might view the fans as peculiar for their enthusiasm towards a sport that bears a slight resemblance to rugby but features significantly more interruptions. However, across the United States, this event has been unmatched in its allure for over fifty years.
Understanding the Super Bowl
The origins of American football trace back to the 19th century on the East Coast of the U.S., where universities and passionate individuals sought to create a unique sport influenced by English rugby but with a distinctly American flair. In the U.S., it is referred to simply as ‘football,’ which can be confusing since this term differs from what Europeans call soccer. The name ‘football’ actually refers to the ball’s size, with one foot measuring approximately 30.5 cm. While akin to rugby in some aspects, American football is played primarily with hands, allowing for forward passes under specific rules.
The Super Bowl serves as the ultimate showdown of the North American championship, a tradition that has been in place since 1967. It features the champions of the two conferences, the AFC and NFC, which together represent 32 teams. Initially, this event was a contest between the victors of the AFL and NFL, two leagues that merged in 1970 to form the league we recognize today.
The Flow of a Super Bowl Match
A Super Bowl game resembles a strategic battle between two teams, played out over four 15-minute quarters of active play. Every move is meticulously choreographed; each player has a specific role and adheres to detailed game plans set forth by the head coach. The objective is to advance across a 100 yard (approximately 91 meters) field to score a touchdown (worth 6 points, with an additional 1 or 2 points for a conversion) in the opponent’s end zone, or alternatively, to kick a field goal (3 points). A safety (2 points) can be scored by tackling an opponent who possesses the ball in their own end zone.
Each team consists of 11 players on offense or defense, with a total roster of 53 players available for substitutions throughout the game. The quarterback, a key figure in the offense, can either throw the ball to a receiver (either a wide receiver at a distance or a tight end nearby) or hand it off to a running back. The offensive team has four attempts to gain 10 yards (about 9.1 meters). If successful, they maintain possession and continue advancing; if not, the ball is turned over to the opposing team, who will then attempt to halt their progress.