80 NFL Trivia Questions
80 NFL Trivia Questions With Answers From Easy to Hard
Ready to test your football knowledge? These 80 NFL trivia questions cover everything from basic rules and famous teams to legendary players, Super Bowl moments, and surprising football history.
80 NFL Trivia Questions
Click "Show Answer" to reveal the correct answer and a short explanation. The questions start easy and become more challenging, so both casual viewers and dedicated NFL fans can join the fun.
- Question 1
How many points is a touchdown worth in the NFL?
Answer
Six points.
Explanation
A touchdown earns six points before the scoring team attempts an extra point or two-point conversion.
- Question 2
What does NFL stand for?
Answer
National Football League.
Explanation
The NFL is the professional American football league whose championship game is the Super Bowl.
- Question 3
Which offensive position usually throws passes to receivers?
Answer
Quarterback.
Explanation
The quarterback typically directs the offense and decides whether to pass, hand off, or run with the football.
- Question 4
How long is an NFL football field between the two goal lines?
Answer
100 yards.
Explanation
The field measures 100 yards between the goal lines, with an additional 10-yard end zone at each end.
- Question 5
How many quarters make up a regulation NFL game?
Answer
Four.
Explanation
Each quarter contains 15 minutes of game-clock time, although breaks and stoppages make the actual game longer.
- Question 6
How many downs does an offense normally have to gain 10 yards?
Answer
Four downs.
Explanation
Gaining the required yardage earns the offense another set of downs. Otherwise, the opposing team generally takes possession.
- Question 7
What is a successful kick through the goalposts during regular play called?
Answer
A field goal.
Explanation
A field goal scores three points and is often attempted when an offense cannot reach the end zone.
- Question 8
How many points does a successful kicked extra-point attempt add after a touchdown?
Answer
One point.
Explanation
Teams can attempt a kick for one point or run an offensive play for a possible two-point conversion.
- Question 9
How many points does a team normally receive for a safety?
Answer
Two points.
Explanation
A safety generally occurs when the team possessing the ball is responsible for it becoming dead in its own end zone.
- Question 10
What is it called when a defensive player catches an opponent's forward pass?
Answer
An interception.
Explanation
An interception changes possession and may allow the defender to return the ball for additional yards or a touchdown.
- Question 11
How many players from each team are normally on the field during an NFL play?
Answer
Eleven.
Explanation
Each team fields 11 players, meaning 22 players normally participate in a play.
- Question 12
Which two NFL conferences send their champions to the Super Bowl?
Answer
The AFC and NFC.
Explanation
The American Football Conference and National Football Conference each produce one Super Bowl participant through their respective playoffs.
- Question 13
Lambeau Field is the home stadium of which NFL team?
Answer
Green Bay Packers.
Explanation
The Packers have played at Lambeau Field since 1957, making it one of the league's most recognizable stadiums.
- Question 14
Which NFL franchise is famously nicknamed "America's Team"?
Answer
Dallas Cowboys.
Explanation
The nickname became closely associated with Dallas during the late 1970s and remains part of the team's identity.
- Question 15
The Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020 after playing in which California city?
Answer
Oakland.
Explanation
The franchise previously played in Oakland and Los Angeles before relocating to Nevada.
- Question 16
A fleur-de-lis appears on the helmet of which NFL team?
Answer
New Orleans Saints.
Explanation
The fleur-de-lis reflects the French cultural heritage associated with New Orleans.
- Question 17
Arrowhead Stadium has served as the home of which NFL franchise since 1972?
Answer
Kansas City Chiefs.
Explanation
The Chiefs moved into Arrowhead Stadium in 1972, establishing a longstanding connection between the venue and the team.
- Question 18
The Decatur Staleys eventually became which NFL team?
Answer
Chicago Bears.
Explanation
The franchise moved from Decatur to Chicago in 1921 and adopted the Bears name in 1922.
- Question 19
What symbol appears on the helmets of the Los Angeles Chargers?
Answer
A lightning bolt.
Explanation
The lightning bolt has been a distinctive part of the Chargers' identity through their years in San Diego and Los Angeles.
- Question 20
What is the famous yellow towel waved by Pittsburgh Steelers fans called?
Answer
The Terrible Towel.
Explanation
The tradition became popular during the 1970s and remains a recognizable part of Steelers fan culture.
- Question 21
Before becoming the Tennessee Titans, this franchise was known by what name in Houston?
Answer
Houston Oilers.
Explanation
After relocating to Tennessee, the team briefly used the Tennessee Oilers name before becoming the Titans in 1999.
- Question 22
Which two NFL teams share MetLife Stadium in New Jersey?
Answer
New York Giants and New York Jets.
Explanation
Both franchises play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, despite using New York in their names.
- Question 23
Ford Field in downtown Detroit is home to which NFL team?
Answer
Detroit Lions.
Explanation
The Lions moved into Ford Field in 2002 after previously playing at the Pontiac Silverdome.
- Question 24
Which NFL franchise was named in honor of its original head coach, Paul Brown?
Answer
Cleveland Browns.
Explanation
Brown helped establish the franchise, which began playing in 1946 before joining the NFL in 1950.
- Question 25
Which legendary quarterback earned the nickname "The Sheriff"?
Answer
Peyton Manning.
Explanation
Manning became known for his command of the offense and his ability to adjust plays before the snap.
- Question 26
Jerry Rice spent most of his Hall of Fame career playing for which team?
Answer
San Francisco 49ers.
Explanation
Rice spent 16 seasons with San Francisco and helped the franchise win three Super Bowls.
- Question 27
Which Chicago Bears running back was famously nicknamed "Sweetness"?
Answer
Walter Payton.
Explanation
Payton was celebrated for his powerful running style, versatility, and outstanding career with Chicago.
- Question 28
Who made the famous "Helmet Catch" during Super Bowl XLII?
Answer
David Tyree.
Explanation
The Giants receiver secured Eli Manning's pass against his helmet during a crucial fourth-quarter drive against New England.
- Question 29
Who quarterbacked the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories following the 1981, 1984, 1988, and 1989 seasons?
Answer
Joe Montana.
Explanation
Montana won all four of those Super Bowls and earned three Super Bowl MVP awards.
- Question 30
Which Hall of Fame cornerback was known as "Prime Time"?
Answer
Deion Sanders.
Explanation
Sanders became famous for his speed, confidence, and spectacular performances as a defensive back and return specialist.
- Question 31
John Elway started five Super Bowls and won the final two while playing for which franchise?
Answer
Denver Broncos.
Explanation
Elway finished his playing career with consecutive championships following the 1997 and 1998 seasons.
- Question 32
The nickname "LT" belongs to which legendary New York Giants linebacker?
Answer
Lawrence Taylor.
Explanation
Taylor became one of football's most influential pass rushers, forcing offenses to reconsider how they protected quarterbacks.
- Question 33
Who was the Hall of Fame defensive end nicknamed "The Minister of Defense"?
Answer
Reggie White.
Explanation
White starred for Philadelphia and Green Bay and became one of the most celebrated defensive players of his era.
- Question 34
Which oversized Chicago Bears defensive lineman scored a rushing touchdown in Super Bowl XX?
Answer
William "The Refrigerator" Perry.
Explanation
Perry was primarily a defensive tackle, but Chicago occasionally used him on offense near the goal line.
- Question 35
Who caught Joe Montana's famous touchdown pass known as "The Catch" in the NFC Championship Game following the 1981 season?
Answer
Dwight Clark.
Explanation
Clark's late touchdown reception against Dallas helped send San Francisco to Super Bowl XVI.
- Question 36
Which running back became famous for the nickname "Beast Mode"?
Answer
Marshawn Lynch.
Explanation
Lynch's physical running style and memorable playoff touchdown against New Orleans helped make the nickname famous.
- Question 37
Which team won the very first Super Bowl?
Answer
Green Bay Packers.
Explanation
Green Bay defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35–10 in January 1967, when the game was officially called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
- Question 38
The Denver Broncos defeated which team in Super Bowl 50?
Answer
Carolina Panthers.
Explanation
Denver won 24–10, with linebacker Von Miller receiving Super Bowl MVP honors for his defensive performance.
- Question 39
Joe Namath famously guaranteed a victory for which team before Super Bowl III?
Answer
New York Jets.
Explanation
Namath delivered on his prediction when the Jets upset the Baltimore Colts 16–7 in January 1969.
- Question 40
Which undefeated team lost to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII?
Answer
New England Patriots.
Explanation
New England entered the game with an 18–0 record, but the Giants won 17–14 and prevented a perfect season.
- Question 41
The famous "Philly Special" trick play helped which team win Super Bowl LII?
Answer
Philadelphia Eagles.
Explanation
Quarterback Nick Foles caught a touchdown pass on the play during Philadelphia's 41–33 victory over New England.
- Question 42
Which team dominated Super Bowl XX with a 46–10 victory over New England?
Answer
Chicago Bears.
Explanation
Chicago completed its celebrated 1985 season with a championship powered by one of the NFL's most memorable defenses.
- Question 43
The Los Angeles Rams defeated which team in Super Bowl LVI?
Answer
Cincinnati Bengals.
Explanation
The Rams won 23–20 at SoFi Stadium, with Cooper Kupp catching the game-winning touchdown pass.
- Question 44
Which franchise captured its first Super Bowl championship by beating Denver 43–8 in Super Bowl XLVIII?
Answer
Seattle Seahawks.
Explanation
Seattle's defense controlled the game as the Seahawks defeated the Broncos for their first Super Bowl title.
- Question 45
Scott Norwood's missed field goal in the closing seconds of Super Bowl XXV allowed which team to win?
Answer
New York Giants.
Explanation
The Giants defeated the Buffalo Bills 20–19 after Norwood's potential game-winning attempt sailed wide right.
- Question 46
Which team won the first Super Bowl ever decided in overtime?
Answer
New England Patriots.
Explanation
New England erased a 28–3 deficit against Atlanta before winning Super Bowl LI 34–28 in overtime.
- Question 47
What is the name of the trophy presented to the Super Bowl champion?
Answer
Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Explanation
The trophy honors the legendary Green Bay Packers coach who led his team to victories in the first two Super Bowls.
- Question 48
Who was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' starting quarterback when they won Super Bowl LV?
Answer
Tom Brady.
Explanation
Brady led Tampa Bay to a 31–9 victory over Kansas City in February 2021, earning his seventh Super Bowl championship.
- Question 49
In what year was the professional football league that eventually became the NFL founded?
Answer
1920.
Explanation
The organization began as the American Professional Football Association and adopted the National Football League name in 1922.
- Question 50
Which team was awarded the championship for the NFL's inaugural 1920 season?
Answer
Akron Pros.
Explanation
Akron finished the season undefeated at 8–0–3 and was formally awarded the championship at a league meeting in April 1921.
- Question 51
The first NFL player draft took place in which year?
Answer
1936.
Explanation
The inaugural draft was held in Philadelphia, introducing an organized process for distributing college players among NFL teams.
- Question 52
Who was the first player ever selected in an NFL Draft?
Answer
Jay Berwanger.
Explanation
Philadelphia chose Berwanger first overall in 1936, but he never played professionally in the NFL.
- Question 53
The NFL was founded in which Ohio city?
Answer
Canton.
Explanation
Representatives of professional football teams gathered in Canton in September 1920 to establish the American Professional Football Association.
- Question 54
Before adopting the Steelers name in 1940, what were the Pittsburgh Steelers called?
Answer
Pittsburgh Pirates.
Explanation
The franchise entered the NFL in 1933 under the Pirates name before changing it to the Steelers.
- Question 55
Which professional football league merged with the NFL in 1970?
Answer
American Football League (AFL).
Explanation
The merger united the two leagues within a single NFL structure organized around the AFC and NFC.
- Question 56
What was the Washington Commanders franchise originally called when it began playing in 1932?
Answer
Boston Braves.
Explanation
The franchise played its inaugural season under that name before becoming the Boston Redskins and later moving to Washington.
- Question 57
What were the New York Jets originally called when they joined the AFL in 1960?
Answer
New York Titans.
Explanation
The franchise began playing as the Titans before adopting the Jets name in 1963.
- Question 58
Which two expansion franchises joined the NFL for the 1995 season?
Answer
Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Explanation
Both teams began NFL play in 1995, increasing the league's membership to 30 franchises.
- Question 59
What penalty is called when a set offensive player suddenly moves in a way that simulates the start of a play before the snap?
Answer
False start.
Explanation
A false start is a pre-snap offensive foul that normally results in a five-yard penalty.
- Question 60
What is it called when a defender tackles a quarterback behind the line of scrimmage during an attempted passing play?
Answer
A sack.
Explanation
A sack causes the offense to lose yardage and is an important defensive statistic.
- Question 61
What does a punt returner signal when they want to catch the football without attempting a return?
Answer
Fair catch.
Explanation
A valid fair-catch signal protects the receiver from certain contact, but the player cannot advance the ball after making the catch.
- Question 62
A forward pass hits the ground before being caught by anyone. What is the ruling?
Answer
Incomplete pass.
Explanation
An incomplete forward pass ends the play and generally brings up the next down without advancing the ball.
- Question 63
What color challenge flag is used to request an eligible instant-replay review in the NFL?
Answer
Red.
Explanation
A head coach or authorized representative uses a red challenge flag to request review of a ruling that is eligible for a coach's challenge.
- Question 64
Which offensive position normally snaps the football to begin a play?
Answer
Center.
Explanation
The center starts the play by snapping the ball and usually lines up in the middle of the offensive line.
- Question 65
What is the imaginary boundary called that helps establish where offensive players must line up before the snap?
Answer
Line of scrimmage.
Explanation
Each team has its own line of scrimmage, with the neutral zone between them, defining where players may line up before the play.
- Question 66
How many points does an offense earn by successfully running or passing into the end zone on a two-point conversion attempt?
Answer
Two points.
Explanation
After a touchdown, the scoring team may attempt one scrimmage play for two additional points instead of kicking for one.
- Question 67
What penalty is normally called when a defensive player is in the neutral zone at the snap?
Answer
Offside.
Explanation
Defensive offside is generally a five-yard penalty, although some pre-snap actions can result in different fouls.
- Question 68
A running back accidentally drops the football while carrying it, before being ruled down. What is this called?
Answer
A fumble.
Explanation
A fumble occurs when a player loses possession other than through a pass, a successful handoff, or a legal kick, subject to the rules governing possession.
- Question 69
Which quarterback was selected first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft?
Answer
B. Eli Manning.
Explanation
The San Diego Chargers selected Manning first overall before trading him to the New York Giants in a deal involving Philip Rivers.
- Question 70
Which franchise won Super Bowl IV following the 1969 season?
Answer
C. Kansas City Chiefs.
Explanation
Kansas City defeated Minnesota 23–7, giving the AFL another Super Bowl victory before the completed AFL-NFL merger.
- Question 71
Who became the first Black starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl?
Answer
D. Doug Williams.
Explanation
Williams led Washington to victory in Super Bowl XXII and received the game's MVP award.
- Question 72
Which Pittsburgh Steelers defender returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII?
Answer
B. James Harrison.
Explanation
Harrison intercepted Kurt Warner near the goal line and returned the football for a touchdown just before halftime.
- Question 73
Who was the first overall selection in the 2000 NFL Draft?
Answer
A. Courtney Brown.
Explanation
Cleveland selected the Penn State defensive end with the first pick of the 2000 draft.
- Question 74
At what overall pick did the New England Patriots select Tom Brady in the 2000 NFL Draft?
Answer
C. 199.
Explanation
Brady was a sixth-round selection who went on to win seven Super Bowl championships during his career.
- Question 75
Which franchise drafted John Elway first overall in 1983 before trading him to Denver?
Answer
A. Baltimore Colts.
Explanation
Baltimore selected Elway with the first pick, but he was traded to the Denver Broncos before beginning his NFL career.
- Question 76
Which running back rushed for 2,105 yards during the 1984 NFL season?
Answer
D. Eric Dickerson.
Explanation
Dickerson recorded 2,105 rushing yards for the Los Angeles Rams during his second NFL season.
- Question 77
Who received the Super Bowl V MVP award despite playing for the losing team?
Answer
B. Chuck Howley.
Explanation
The Dallas Cowboys linebacker earned MVP honors even though the Baltimore Colts defeated Dallas 16–13.
- Question 78
Which kick return specialist was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXI?
Answer
C. Desmond Howard.
Explanation
Howard returned a kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown as Green Bay defeated New England 35–21.
- Question 79
Which franchise lost four consecutive Super Bowls following the 1990 through 1993 NFL seasons?
Answer
C. Buffalo Bills.
Explanation
Buffalo appeared in Super Bowls XXV, XXVI, XXVII, and XXVIII but lost all four championship games.
- Question 80
Which franchise originally drafted Brett Favre in 1991 before he became a Green Bay Packers star?
Answer
A. Atlanta Falcons.
Explanation
Atlanta selected Favre in the second round of the 1991 draft and traded him to Green Bay the following year.
How to Play NFL Trivia With Friends
NFL trivia works particularly well for game-day gatherings, family competitions, and football-themed parties. One person can act as the host, reading the questions aloud while everyone else writes down their answers. For a larger group, divide participants into teams.
A simple scoring system keeps the game moving. Award one point for every correct answer and reveal the explanation after each question. For the multiple-choice round, read all four options before allowing teams to respond.
You can build a balanced game using these rounds:
- Warm-up: Begin with questions 1–12 to give casual football fans a chance to participate.
- Teams and legends: Use questions 13–36 to challenge players familiar with NFL franchises and famous athletes.
- Championship history: Choose questions 37–58 for Super Bowl memories and historical knowledge.
- Rules challenge: Test football knowledge with questions 59–68.
- Final round: Save questions 69–80 for the hardest multiple-choice challenges.
If the competition finishes in a tie, select an unanswered question from the more difficult categories. Each team gets one final opportunity to earn the winning point.
Choosing NFL Trivia by Difficulty
Not every football fan follows the sport in the same way. Someone who watches the Super Bowl each year may recognize famous quarterbacks and team logos but struggle with historical draft selections or less familiar rules.
For beginners and younger participants, start with questions about scoring, basic football terminology, and well-known teams. These allow new fans to participate without needing years of NFL knowledge.
More experienced viewers may enjoy questions about memorable playoff games, franchise relocations, and legendary players. Mixing different decades makes the quiz less dependent on recent seasons.
The hardest questions introduce draft history, statistical achievements, and unusual championship moments. Multiple-choice answers offer a useful challenge because the incorrect options are plausible enough to require some knowledge.
For groups with mixed experience, combine easier and harder questions rather than asking everyone to complete the full quiz in order. A fair mix gives newcomers a chance to contribute while keeping dedicated fans interested.
Keep the Football Trivia Going
Once you've finished all 80 NFL trivia questions, try replaying the quiz without revealing the multiple-choice options. Questions that seemed manageable with four choices may become much harder when you have to recall the answer yourself.
You can also create themed rematches using only Super Bowl history, famous players, or NFL rules. For another kind of challenge, explore general sports trivia, basketball questions, baseball history, or other football quizzes.
Whether you're preparing for an NFL watch party or simply testing your knowledge, the best trivia games leave room for both surprising answers and new things to learn.