Ever wondered how the Super Bowl got its name? You might think it came from a high-powered marketing team or a carefully crafted branding strategy, but nope- it was more of a happy accident. Believe it or not, the name traces back to a simple children’s toy and a casual remark from one of football’s most influential figures.
Let’s dive into the unexpected story behind the biggest game in American sports.
NFL-AFL Merger And The Hunt For A Championship Name
In 1966, the National Football League and the American Football League agreed to merge fully by 1970. As part of this deal, they needed a way to determine the best team from both leagues, leading to the creation of a championship game. However, the game itself had no official name at first.
NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle had a few ideas. He suggested names like “The Big One” and “Pro Bowl,” but neither resonated with the public. In its first two iterations, the championship was simply called the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game.”
How A Kids’ Toy Led To ‘Super Bowl’?
Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt is widely credited with coining the term “Super Bowl.” The inspiration? A popular bouncy toy from the 1960s called the Super Ball.
During a league meeting in 1966, Hunt casually mentioned “Super Bowl” as a placeholder name for the championship game. He later admitted that he thought the name sounded “a little corny” and didn’t expect it to stick. But the media quickly embraced it. Reporters and broadcasters started using the “Super Bowl” before the league officially adopted it. The term spread so widely that it became almost unavoidable.
Debate Over Lamar Hunt’s Role In Naming
Though Hunt is often credited with naming the league, some historians believe the media had already been using the term before he ever mentioned it. A 2011 article suggested that reporters had coined “Super Bowl” independently, and Hunt merely repeated it in conversation.
Despite this debate, the Pro Football Hall of Fame still honors Lamar Hunt’s role in the name’s origin. A replica of the Super Ball is even displayed in his honor, acknowledging the toy that played a part in football history.
When Did ‘Super Bowl’ Become Official?
Even as the term gained popularity, the league slowly adopted it. The first two championship games in 1967 and 1968 were still officially called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. However, by 1969, when SB III took place, the name had gained widespread recognition.
The NFL finally made it official in 1970 with SB IV, solidifying the name that would define America’s biggest sporting event.
What started as an offhand remark and a reference to a children’s toy became the permanent name of football’s biggest game. Whether Lamar Hunt indeed coined the term or merely popularized it, his influence is undeniable. Today, the Super Bowl isn’t just a game – it’s a culture, all thanks to a simple bouncing ball and a bit of accidental genius.
