History of the Super Bowl

One of the most popular sporting events annually in the United States is the Super Bowl. This spectacle draws millions upon millions of television viewers every year, as well as draws thousands of fans to the host city. So, where did the game come from?

Football itself is much older than you would think if you only counted the number of big games there have been. While the first contest of this nature came in 1967, football has been played, both collegiately and professionally, since at least the late 1800s.

In the years leading up to the league merger that would create the big game, two separate professional football leagues existed in the United States. The National Football League and the American Football League each had their own traditions and championships. It was decided the leagues would merge, and the winners of both leagues would play to decide the true supreme force.

The leagues would come to be recognized as conferences, hence the AFC and NFC we know today, under the overall umbrella of the NFL.

The Green Bay Packers, headed by Vince Lombardi, won the first two Super Bowls. After his death, the trophy awarded to the winner of the big game was named the Lombardi Trophy.

Year after year, the big game continues to draw record television numbers. The spectacle of a half-time musical performance and commercials just add to the mythology surrounding the day when everyone, even non-sports fans, gather to eat wings, drink beer and watch the big game.