Football remains a physically demanding contact sport even when following the rules. Occasionally, this leads to intense confrontations, resulting in not just physical injuries like fractures and cuts but also potential neurological consequences such as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). CTE is associated with memory loss and dementia. It's worth noting that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously through autopsy, leaving many players to grapple with its symptoms unchecked during their lifetimes. According to the Chicago Tribune, a study found signs of CTE in 110 out of 111 deceased former NFL players' brains.
On the field, players face each other, jerseys occasionally marked with blood, poised for physical engagements. The NFL has implemented rules aimed at "protect players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship."
To assess the rowdiest NFL teams, 24/7 Tempo analyzed recorded incidents and total fines, as reported in a study by Gambling.com, a gambling news and reviews site. The fines were calculated using Spotrac’s database of NFL fines and suspensions, with teams ranked based on the amounts paid.
Buccaneers, Jaguars, and the Dolphins make the list.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers secured the 21st spot on the list, with only two recorded incidents and $16,208 in fines over the past decade. In 15th place is the Jacksonville Jaguars, with four recorded incidents and $38,654 in fines. The Miami Dolphins rank second, with eight recorded incidents and over $120,360 in fines over the past decade.
At the top of the list is the Pittsburgh Steelers, involved in 21 incidents over the past decade, according to the report. During the same period, the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders had only ten incidents but incurred the highest fines, totaling almost $180,000.
The Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants are also within the top five teams. The Bills have a total of five recorded incidents, with fines totaling over $89,000. Meanwhile, the Giants have seven recorded incidents, resulting in fines amounting to over $83,200.
7 Hilarious Football Fan Superstitions Shared by Redditors
Football fans are gearing up for the upcoming NFL season. Some fans are so passionate that their enthusiasm borders on religious fervor. And yes, they pray for their team. Beyond their prayers, they also have some superstitions. You know the types. They go bare chested in zero degree weather and paint themselves in their favorite team's colors. Or their mood for the week depends on if their team won or lost.
There are fans and then there devout believers. Those are the ones who get a bit too superstitious.
Football fans superstitions
You know that person who stays in the same spot throughout an entire game, and when their team gives up possession they change positions? That's who we're talking about. So, when things are going well, they're practically immobile. They won't step away for food or even use the bathroom. Why? Because they can’t risk "messing up the flow." On the other hand, if things are not going as planned, they might wander around the living room persistently in search of a lucky seat where good things could potentially happen. Of course, for some fans, their ritualistic and superstitious behaviors might just be traditions, regardless of whether their team comes out on top or experiences a loss.
From wearing a specific jersey to eating a particular snack, these rituals are believed to bring luck and influence the game. For instance, some fans might have a lucky pre-game routine. Kike wearing mismatched socks or doing a little victory dance before kickoff. Even food choices play a role, with some fans only eating certain foods while watching the game. For instance nachos or chicken wings, believing that deviating from this menu might lead to bad luck. It's these quirky and often amusing superstitions that add an extra layer of excitement to the football fan experience.
Take a look at a few of these superstition-filled traditions that football fans have been sharing on Reddit.
Jersey Power
For some fans, the belief in "jersey power" is real, relying on their chosen jersey to bring their team to victory. A Reddit user revealed, "I change jerseys every game. Never wear the same one twice in a row." They mentioned that during one season, the Jaguars secured a 3-1 record when following this practice, but experienced a 0-12 record when they didn't.
Fiery Ritual
Some fans unquestionably take their rituals to the extreme. During Vince Young's playing days, a Redditor mentioned that they used to perform a rather unconventional practice of burning a photo of the player. They would attach a picture of his face to a Barbie doll and place it on the grill as part of their ritual.
Sound of Silence
This particular approach might come across as a bit harsh, yet it seems to show results for this person. Apparently, ignoring their wife and kid during the game is their strategy. "I know it's weird and the results haven't been great, but I'm not going to risk it," they wrote. Priorities, dude!
Quantum Football Mechanics
Some say that dissecting your superstitions like a science can work wonders. A Reddit user shared their approach, saying that if, for some reason, they tune into the game late and the Ravens are in the lead, they turn the game off. "Watching will only swing the game in the opposite direction. It's like the Heisenberg Principle of quantum football mechanics. Intense observation will only change the outcome," they humorously explained. That's dedication!
Designated Sweet Spot
Having a lucky seat or a designated sweet spot to park yourself during every football game is a ritual many fans swear by. According to one person, during game days, they make a point to occupy the exact same barstool. They mentioned, "Everyone has assigned seats at the bar."
Goodbye Hygiene
Some hardcore football fans throw hygiene to the wind. A Reddit user opened up about their peculiar belief. If they don't shower right before the game, they're convinced the Eagles will end up on the losing side. They added, "Sometimes if we had a crappy first half, I'll take another shower, for a fresh start."
Habitual Counting
Luck can take some interesting forms, like the practice of counting things a specific number of times. A person mentioned that on game days, they apply three strokes of deodorant per armpit in support of Russell Wilson. Some people are all about the idea that stuff tends to go down in threes.