Pavle Ristić

Introduction

As an international student navigating the vibrant American culture, certain experiences stand out as essentially American. Among these is the electrifying spectacle of American football, a sport that transcends mere athleticism to become a cultural touchstone deeply ingrained in the nation’s identity. From the strategic depth of its gameplay to the communal passion surrounding events like the Super Bowl, American football embodies the spirit of competition and celebration.

In this post, I will guide you through the heart of American football culture, as seen through the eyes of an international student studying in the USA. From unraveling the intricacies of the game itself to immersing ourselves in the Super Bowl fever that grips the nation each February, we’ll explore the rituals, traditions, and experiences that make American football more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. So buckle up your chinstrap and get ready to dive into the exhilarating world of American football, where every game is a battle, and every touchdown is a triumph.

What is American Football?

American football is a essential part of American culture, deeply ingrained in the nation’s sporting fabric and social traditions. The game itself is a unique blend of strategy, athleticism, and adrenaline-pumping action. Unlike its international counterpart, soccer, American football revolves around two teams of eleven players each, battling it out on a rectangular field measuring 120 yards long and 53.3 yards wide. The objective is simple yet multifaceted: advance an oval-shaped ball, affectionately called the pigskin, into the opposing team’s end zone to score points.

What sets American football apart are its intricate rules and strategic depth. Each team has four chances, known as downs, to advance the ball at least ten yards. Failure to do so results in surrendering possession to the opposing team. Meanwhile, the defense aims to thwart the offense’s progress through tackles, interceptions, and turnovers. The game unfolds in a series of plays orchestrated by coaches and executed by players specialized in offense, defense, or special teams.

One of the most captivating aspects of American football is its complexity. With an array of formations, plays, and strategies at their disposal, teams must outthink and outmaneuver their opponents to secure victory. From precise route-running to bone-crushing tackles, every aspect of the game demands skill, athleticism, and mental acuity. Moreover, the sport’s stop-and-start nature allows for strategic timeouts, halftime adjustments, and dramatic comebacks, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blows.

In essence, American football is more than just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that unites communities, sparks heated debates, and celebrates the spirit of competition like no other. As an international student experiencing the Super Bowl and the broader American football culture, I’ve come to appreciate its blend of athleticism, strategy, and sheer excitement, making it a truly American spectacle.

What is Super Bowl?

Simply put, what the Champions League final is to soccer fans, it’s the Super Bowl to American football fans. The Super Bowl is the grand finale of the American Football League, which is played on a Sunday in February. The Super Bowl is also a cultural phenomenon that attracts millions of viewers, both domestic and international, who tune in to watch the game, the halftime show, and the commercials.

The Super Bowl was created as a result of a merger agreement between the NFL and the rival American Football League (AFL) in 1966. The two leagues agreed to play a championship game at the end of each season until they fully merged in 1970. The first Super Bowl, then called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers of the NFL and the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL. The Packers won the game 35-10 and went on to win the second Super Bowl as well. The name “Super Bowl” was coined by Lamar Hunt, the owner of the Chiefs, who was inspired by his children’s toy, the Super Ball.

As an international student experiencing the Super Bowl in the United States, I’ve been captivated by the fervor and excitement surrounding the event. It’s more than just a football game; it’s an immersive cultural experience that brings people together. From the elaborate parties and tailgates to the friendly rivalries and spirited debates over the best commercials, the Super Bowl fosters a sense of unity.

10 Fun-Facts About Super Bowl

1. Super Bowl I: The first Super Bowl took place on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs, with the Packers emerging victorious.
2. Roman Numerals: The Super Bowl traditionally uses Roman numerals to denote each game. This tradition began with Super Bowl V (1971) as a way to make each game sound more significant.
3. Halftime Show: The Super Bowl halftime show has featured performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Prince, and Lady Gaga, attracting millions of viewers worldwide.
4. Advertising: Super Bowl commercials are famous for their creativity and high cost. Advertisers pay millions of dollars for a 30-second spot during the game, making them some of the most expensive commercials in the world.
5. Most Wins: The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots hold the record for the most Super Bowl wins by a team, with six victories each.
6. Tom Brady: Tom Brady holds the record for the most Super Bowl wins by a player, with seven victories. He has won the Super Bowl with both the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
7. The Lombardi Trophy: The winning team of the Super Bowl is awarded the Vince Lombardi Trophy, named after the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers, who led the team to victory in the first two Super Bowls.
8. Super Bowl Rings: Players, coaches, and team staff of the winning Super Bowl team receive championship rings to commemorate their victory. These rings are often elaborate and adorned with diamonds and precious metals.
9. Super Bowl MVP: The most valuable player of the Super Bowl is awarded the Pete Rozelle Trophy, named after the former NFL commissioner. The first MVP was Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr in Super Bowl I.
10. Global Audience: The Super Bowl has a massive global audience, with millions of viewers tuning in from countries around the world, making it one of the most-watched sporting events annually.

Super-Bowl Halftime Show

The halftime show is more than just a break in the game; it’s a highly anticipated event that often features some of the biggest names in music and performance. From iconic performances by legends like Michael Jackson and Prince to more recent showcases by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Shakira, each year promises a larger-than-life production that captivates audiences worldwide. The halftime show transcends sports, becoming a cultural phenomenon that brings people together regardless of whether they’re die-hard football fans or simply tuning in for the spectacle. As an international observer, it’s fascinating to witness how the halftime show seamlessly blends music, dance, and technology into a visually stunning and emotionally resonant performance. It’s a reflection of American showmanship and creativity on a grand scale, showcasing the diversity and talent that define the country’s entertainment industry. How did you like this year’s Usher performance?

Usher at halftime show

Last Super Bowl in Glendale (Phoenix, AZ)

Experiencing the last year’s Super Bowl in Phoenix was nothing short of electrifying. Living just 20 minutes away from the stadium (State Farm Stadium, Arizona Cardinals’ home), the buzz leading up to the big game was tangible in every corner of the city. Even the ads at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport seemed to revolve around the Super Bowl, showcasing the excitement and anticipation that engulfed the entire region. As I navigated through the airport, the advertisements served as a constant reminder of the grand event that awaited. Below you can see pictures from one of the Cardinals games, on which stadium last Super Bowl was played.

But it wasn’t just the airport that was abuzz with Super Bowl fever; even retail giants like Walmart seemed to tailor their offerings to cater to the football frenzy. Walking down the aisles, it was impossible to miss the displays of specialized products curated specifically for Super Bowl enthusiasts. From specialized beer cans and snacks to party decorations and giant TV screens, Walmart had it all, ensuring that fans could gear up and celebrate in style.

LVIII Super Bowl – Watching From the House

As an international student immersing myself in American culture, one of cool experiences I’ve had is watching the Super Bowl with my American friends. It’s not just a football game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that brings people together. On a table you can find nachos, dips, sliders, and other Super Bowl snacks. But it’s not just about the food; it’s about the excitement that fill the room. As the game kicks off, we cheer, jeer, and high-five each other with every touchdown and interception. The energy is infectious, and even though I may not fully grasp all the rules of American football, I can’t help but get swept up in the enthusiasm of my friends.

Of course, no Super Bowl party would be complete without an abundance of drinks. Whether it’s ice-cold beer or seltzers there’s something for everyone to sip on throughout the game. And as the night progresses, the conversations become livelier, fueled by both the game’s intensity and the jovial atmosphere. Watching the Super Bowl with my American friends has become a cherished tradition during my time here. It’s not just about the game itself but also about the sense of belonging and community that comes with being part of this shared experience. It’s moments like these that make me feel truly at home in the USA.