So you've taken an interest in the all-American sport of football, aka mob foot-ball? Good for you! The game of football is a storied one with a litany of interesting players, rules, and coaches. We decided to create a quiz for the football novice and aficionado that calls into question your absolute love of the game. Was there really a team called the Dallas Texans, and if so, did they vanish into thin air? Is it possible to score 4 points during a football match? What happens when a player's shoes are untied? These are a few of the questions that didn't make the final cut, but, hopefully, they give you some insight into what you're in for. If you know the difference between a touchback and a pooch kick, you're ready for fourth and inches. Let's toss a coin and see who will kick the first off!
History lesson
Why do they call it a pigskin?
The answer takes us back to the origins of the game. Early footballs were made from inflated pig bladders. These bladders were easy to find and use. Before rubber, they were the best option available. They were durable and light, perfect for the game.
When rubber was invented in the mid-1800s, pig bladders were replaced. Yet, the nickname “pigskin” stayed. Rubber bladders, now covered with leather, provided better grip and strength. The football’s shape also changed. It went from round to the current elliptical form. This change allowed for longer throws, transforming the game.
The oldest known football dates back to the 1540s. Found in Scotland, it was made from a pig bladder covered with leather. Today’s footballs are still made of leather but have internal bladders of polyurethane or rubber. Laces hold the leather panels together, ensuring a good grip. Although materials and design have evolved, the term “pigskin” is a charming reminder of football’s humble beginnings.
Quiz Writer
Zach has been riding the gondola of trivia wherever the waters take him. Although he’s not a named consultant on any major quiz TV shows, Zach has watched them all since infancy and will happily take up any challenge whether it be pub quizzes or high-stakes matches he isn’t afraid to show up. And showing up is 90% of the work!
Did you know?
The legend of "The Grand Old Man"
Most NFL fans have likely only heard the name George Blanda in passing, which is a shame because it should be tattooed on their knuckles. Born on September 17, 1927, in Youngwood, PA, George Blanda was a quarterback and placekicker who played 26 seasons of professional football in the AFL and NFL and, at the time of his retirement, had scored the most points in the history of the sport. George Blanda did more than just play professional football for over a quarter of a century. He's one of only two players to play in 4 different decades, holds the record for most PATs made (943) and attempted (959), is the oldest person to play in an NFL game (48 years, 109 days), and is the record-holder for most interceptions thrown in a single season (42 in 1962). Considering the average NFL player retires at 35, and the average NFLer lasts a little over three years before retiring, Blanda certainly earned the moniker "Grand Old Man."
How to Play?
Instructions on how to take a trivia quiz? What? They're easy, right? Well, if it's your first day on the internet or on Heywise, we'd like to take a moment and say, "welcome! We're glad you're here, and you're in for a wild ride."
So you've found a quiz, and gosh darn it, you know you know all the answers. Choose the correct answer and keep going! We've got hints ready when you need them and some other goodies, too.
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About Heywise
Get knOwledgeable! Heywise is where entertainment and trivia meet, like a turducken of fun. Anytime. Anywhere. Since 2017, Heywise has been a leader of quizzes on the web, on mobile devices, and across social media.
We explore a broad range of topics – from sports to history, language to pop culture, personality to health. Our quizzes motivate readers to test their knowledge and learn new and exciting facts.
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