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Quizzes > Sports > Football/Soccer

NFL Football Trivia Quiz: Are You Up for the Challenge?

Ready to tackle these fun football trivia questions and tricky NFL football questions?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art style illustration with football helmet, referee signal icons, penalty flag, question marks on teal background

This NFL football trivia quiz helps you practice real game smarts: spot penalties, read referee signals, and recall key plays and rules. Play at your pace, see where you stand, and pick up a new fact or two along the way. Want more? Try the harder round after you finish.

How many points is a touchdown worth in the NFL?
7
6
3
2
In the NFL, a touchdown is worth six points. After scoring a touchdown, teams have the opportunity to kick an extra point or attempt a two-point conversion. Touchdowns are the primary method of scoring in football and are celebrated with major plays and highlights.
How many yards must the offense gain to achieve a first down?
10 yards
5 yards
20 yards
15 yards
An offense must gain 10 yards in four downs to earn a new set of downs, known as a first down. This rule drives the strategic choice between running and passing plays. Failure to gain 10 yards results in a turnover on downs or a punt.
How many games does each NFL team play in the regular season?
15 games
17 games
16 games
18 games
Starting in the 2021 season, each NFL team plays 17 regular-season games over 18 weeks. The schedule includes one bye week for each team. This expansion from 16 to 17 games was approved by the NFL owners in 2020.
What color is the penalty flag thrown by NFL officials?
Yellow
White
Red
Blue
NFL officials throw a yellow penalty flag to indicate a rule infraction. The bright color makes it easy for players, coaches, and fans to see on the field. Different sports use other colors, but football universally uses yellow.
What happens if a forward pass hits the ground before it is caught?
Incomplete pass
Interception
Fumble
Down by contact
When a forward pass touches the ground without being caught, it is ruled incomplete. The ball returns to the previous line of scrimmage and the down is lost. It cannot be advanced by either team after hitting the ground.
How many players from one team are on the field during an NFL play?
10
9
12
11
Each NFL team is allowed 11 players on the field for offense, defense, or special teams. Having more than 11 players results in a penalty for too many men on the field. This number balances strategic complexity and spacing on the field.
How many points is a safety worth?
3
2
1
6
A safety, scored when the offense is tackled in its own end zone or commits certain fouls there, is worth two points. The scoring team also receives the ball on a free kick from the opponent's 20-yard line. Safeties are relatively rare but can shift game momentum.
What is the NFL's championship game called?
NFL Bowl
Championship Bowl
Super Bowl
Pro Bowl
The Super Bowl is the annual championship game that concludes each NFL season. It matches the winners of the AFC and NFC conference playoffs. The event is one of the most-watched television broadcasts in the United States.
What shape is an NFL football?
Sphere
Ellipsoid
Prolate spheroid
Cylinder
An NFL football is a prolate spheroid, meaning it's elongated like an oval. This shape allows for aerodynamic spirals when thrown. The design helps players grip and pass the ball effectively.
How long is each quarter in an NFL game?
10 minutes
12 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
An NFL game consists of four 15-minute quarters. There is a short break between the first and second quarters, and a longer halftime between the second and third quarters. Timing is stopped for a variety of situations, making the real-time duration much longer.
How many teams compete in the NFL?
28
30
34
32
The NFL has 32 teams divided evenly between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). This structure has been in place since the Houston Texans joined in 2002. Expansion or contraction would require owner approval.
Which team won the first Super Bowl in 1967?
Kansas City Chiefs
Green Bay Packers
New York Jets
Dallas Cowboys
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl I, held in January 1967. Vince Lombardi coached the Packers to a 35 - 10 victory. That game marked the beginning of the Super Bowl era.
What is the penalty called when an offensive player moves illegally before the snap?
Delay of game
Offside
Holding
False start
A false start occurs when an offensive player moves in a way that simulates the start of play before the ball is snapped. It results in a five-yard penalty and the down is replayed. This rule prevents unfair advantages and helps maintain fair timing.
How many seconds are on the play clock after a play ends?
25 seconds
30 seconds
40 seconds
50 seconds
After most plays, the offense has 40 seconds to snap the ball for the next play. The play clock begins once the previous play is whistled dead. A shorter 25-second clock is used in certain situations, such as after administrative stoppages.
What is the minimum yardage that an onside kick must travel before the kicking team can recover it?
10 yards
5 yards
7 yards
15 yards
An onside kick must travel at least 10 yards before the kicking team is eligible to recover the ball. This rule prevents the kicking team from getting an unfair advantage. If the ball doesn't travel 10 yards, the receiving team can play the ball without penalty.
What is the penalty called for tackling the quarterback after he has thrown the ball?
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Roughing the passer
Personal foul
Holding
Roughing the passer is called when a defender makes illegal or late contact on the quarterback after he has released the ball. This penalty carries a 15-yard yardage penalty and an automatic first down. The rule exists to protect quarterbacks from dangerous hits.
Which offensive position is primarily responsible for calling plays and throwing passes?
Linebacker
Running Back
Wide Receiver
Quarterback
The quarterback is the leader of the offense, responsible for calling plays in the huddle and throwing passes. They handle the snap on most plays and make quick decisions under pressure. Quarterbacks often receive the most recognition due to their central role.
In what year did the AFL and NFL officially complete their merger into one league?
1966
1972
1969
1970
The AFL - NFL merger was completed in 1970, creating a single league with two conferences. This merger paved the way for the modern NFL playoff structure and led to the Super Bowl becoming the championship game. The separation into AFC and NFC remains today.
What is the maximum number of players allowed on an NFL game-day active roster?
46
48
40
53
On game day, each NFL team may activate up to 46 players from its 53-man roster. The remaining seven are inactive but still on the overall roster. This rule ensures manageable substitution patterns and strategic depth.
What is an illegal block in which a player blocks below the knee while another player is engaged up high?
Crackback
Horse-collar tackle
Blind-side block
Chop block
A chop block occurs when one player blocks an opponent high while another teammate blocks the same defender below the waist. It is illegal because it can cause serious knee and leg injuries. Violators are penalized 15 yards for an illegal block.
How many challenges does each NFL team get in a game by default?
3
2
Unlimited
1
Each NFL team is allotted two coach's challenges per game. If both challenges are successful, the team is granted a third challenge. Challenges allow teams to contest certain rulings on the field.
What is the width of an NFL field between the sidelines?
45.2 yards
60.5 yards
53.3 yards
50 yards
An NFL field measures 160 feet, which is 53? yards, between the sidelines. This standardized width has been in place since early professional football. The dimensions ensure consistency across all stadiums.
Which team holds the record for the most consecutive Super Bowl appearances?
Dallas Cowboys
Buffalo Bills
New England Patriots
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Buffalo Bills are the only team to reach four consecutive Super Bowls, from 1990 through 1993. Despite their appearances, they lost all four games. This unfortunate record remains unmatched.
Who was the first player in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season?
Barry Sanders
Eric Dickerson
O. J. Simpson
Adrian Peterson
O. J. Simpson was the first running back to rush for over 2,000 yards, finishing the 1973 season with 2,003 yards. He achieved this feat in just 14 games under a 14-game schedule. His record stood as a milestone in NFL history.
What penalty is assessed for a helmet-to-helmet hit deemed dangerous?
Roughing the passer
Unsportsmanlike conduct
Personal foul
Unnecessary roughness
Helmet-to-helmet hits are penalized as unnecessary roughness when deemed dangerous. This foul carries a 15-yard penalty and can lead to fines or ejections. The rule protects player safety by discouraging head-first collisions.
How long is the halftime break during a regular-season NFL game?
12 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Regular-season NFL games have a 12-minute halftime break. This interval allows teams to rest, regroup, and adjust strategies. Playoff and Super Bowl halftimes are longer, often featuring performances.
After a safety, from which yard line does the opposing team perform the free kick?
25-yard line
15-yard line
10-yard line
20-yard line
Following a safety, the team that gave up the points must kick off via a free kick from its own 20-yard line. This free kick can be a scrimmage kick or a punt. The rule ensures the scoring team gets strong field position.
Who holds the NFL record for the most career quarterback sacks?
Reggie White
Bruce Smith
Julius Peppers
Kevin Greene
Bruce Smith holds the NFL record with 200 career sacks, achieved over a 19-season career. He played primarily for the Buffalo Bills and later the Washington Redskins. His durability and pass-rushing skill made him one of the greatest defensive ends.
Which NFL season saw the only perfect season culminating in a Super Bowl victory?
1972
1985
2007
1991
The 1972 Miami Dolphins completed the only perfect season in NFL history, finishing 14 - 0 in the regular season and winning all their playoff games, including Super Bowl VII. No team has replicated that feat. Their unblemished record remains legendary.
In what year did the NFL introduce the two-point conversion option after a touchdown?
1994
2000
1975
1988
The NFL adopted the two-point conversion rule in 1994, allowing teams to attempt a play from the two-yard line after a touchdown for two points instead of kicking an extra point. The rule had existed in college football since 1958. It added a strategic element to late-game situations.
In 2011, the NFL moved the kickoff line to which yard line to reduce return injuries?
35-yard line
25-yard line
30-yard line
40-yard line
In 2011, the NFL moved the kickoff from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line to increase touchbacks and reduce high-speed collisions on returns. This rule change aimed to improve player safety. It led to a significant rise in touchbacks league-wide.
From which yard line is the extra point attempt snapped in the NFL since 2015?
20-yard line
2-yard line
10-yard line
15-yard line
Beginning in the 2015 season, extra point kicks in the NFL are snapped from the 15-yard line, making them 33-yard attempts. This change was implemented to add difficulty and strategic balance. Two-point conversion attempts remained at the two-yard line.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand NFL Penalty Classifications -

    Identify and explain different types of fouls and infractions based on NFL rules, enhancing your grasp of official regulations.

  2. Recall Fair-Catch Signal Protocols -

    Recognize and describe the proper fair-catch signals used by returners to secure possession safely.

  3. Differentiate Interference Violations -

    Distinguish between kicker interference, pass interference, and other contact penalties during special teams and offensive plays.

  4. Analyze Official Signaling -

    Interpret the referee's hand signals and explain their meanings to follow game flow and rule enforcement.

  5. Apply Scoring and Timing Scenarios -

    Use your knowledge to determine scoring outcomes and clock management decisions in varied game situations.

  6. Evaluate Trick and Special Plays -

    Assess the rules and best practices behind trick plays, onside kicks, and other unique game strategies.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Fair-Catch Signal Basics -

    In the NFL Rulebook (Rule 5, Section 3), a fair-catch call is made by raising one arm fully overhead and waving it side to side. Remember the mnemonic "Arm Up, Wave, You Save": it helps you recall both the signal and its protective outcome for the receiver. Mastering this signal is a staple for any fan tackling nfl football trivia questions.

  2. Kicker Interference Rules -

    Per the NFL's special teams guidelines, any contact with the kicker or the ball before it's kicked results in a 5-yard penalty and an automatic first down on scrimmage kicks. Picture a 5-yard "halo" around the kicker - breach it, and you pay the price. This rule often pops up in fun football trivia questions about tricky in-game situations.

  3. Penalty Yardage Cheat Sheet -

    Memorize the three core yardages: 5 yards for minor infractions (e.g., offside), 10 yards for holding/offensive pass interference, and 15 yards for personal fouls or pass interference (DPI). A simple formula - "5, 10, 15, never a miss" - helps recall these figures under pressure. This quick-reference is invaluable when facing challenging nfl football trivia questions on penalties.

  4. Official Signal Chart Overview -

    Officials use standardized hand signals - like the clenched fist for timeout and the raised fist-to-elbow for holding - detailed on NFL.com's officiating page. Create flashcards pairing each gesture with its name, then quiz yourself to build instant recognition. Solid command of these signs gives you an edge on footy questions about in-game communication.

  5. Super Bowl Records Mnemonic -

    Recall MVPs and key stats with "Big Rings Never Rest": B for Brady's MVPs (5), R for Rice's 215-yard receiving game, N for Norwood's Super Bowl-winning kick in 1993, R for Rodgers' 48-10 victory, and R for Roethlisberger's record starts. This compact phrase ties multiple trivia facts into one memory hook, perfect for tricky football trivia questions.

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