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Fan etiquette and fun facts

12 questions new fans ask, answered in plain English. Each answer links the rulebook or league page it comes from.

What bag can I bring to an NFL stadium?

Under the NFL's clear bag policy, you can bring one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12" x 6" x 12" (or a one-gallon clear freezer bag), plus a small hand-sized clutch. Medically necessary items are screened separately.

Source: NFL clear bag policy - Be Clear (NFL.com) · link to this answer

What gets you kicked out of a stadium?

Fan codes of conduct ban fighting, abusive language and gestures, harassing other fans (including visiting fans), throwing objects, going onto the field and showing up visibly drunk. Check your team's own code before you go.

Source: Fan Code of Conduct (BuffaloBills.com) · link to this answer

Is it rude to stand the whole game?

Team codes of conduct list standing for long stretches when people behind you are seated and can't see. Cheer on the big moments, and follow what your section is doing.

Source: Fan Code of Conduct (BuffaloBills.com) · link to this answer

When and where was the NFL founded?

On Sept. 17, 1920, at Ralph Hay's Hupmobile car showroom in Canton, Ohio. It was first called the American Professional Football Association, with Jim Thorpe as president, and took the name National Football League in 1922.

Source: NFL founded in Canton on Sept. 17, 1920 (Pro Football Hall of Fame) · link to this answer

What are the oldest NFL teams?

The Arizona Cardinals (who started as the Chicago Cardinals) and the Chicago Bears (who started as the Decatur Staleys) both date to the league's first season in 1920.

Source: NFL Franchise Histories (Pro Football Hall of Fame) · link to this answer

Why do the Lions always play on Thanksgiving?

In 1934, owner George A. Richards had just moved the team to Detroit and scheduled a Thanksgiving game against the Bears to draw fans. It became one of the NFL's longest-running traditions.

Source: ClickOnDetroit (WDIV): How a 1934 marketing gamble made the Lions' Thanksgiving tradition · link to this answer

What is the Lombardi Trophy?

It's the Super Bowl trophy, a sterling-silver football on a stand made by Tiffany & Co., about 21 inches tall and 7 pounds. It was renamed for coach Vince Lombardi after his death in 1970, and the winning team keeps it.

Source: Trade press (Sports Illustrated): Everything to know about the Lombardi Trophy · link to this answer

Which teams have won the most Super Bowls?

The Patriots and Steelers have six each, followed by the Cowboys and 49ers with five. Twelve current teams have never won one.

Source: Trade press (CBS Sports): Every Super Bowl winner, score and MVP · link to this answer

Where did referee hand signals come from?

They trace to a 1929 college game between Syracuse and Cornell, when referee Elwood Geiges made up four signals so fans could follow calls. The NFL now uses more than 35.

Source: Guide to the Officials' Signals (NFL Football Operations) · link to this answer

Why did some stadiums have generic names in summer 2026?

FIFA's clean-site policy for the 2026 World Cup required 11 NFL stadiums to cover sponsor names temporarily, so SoFi Stadium became "Los Angeles Stadium" for the tournament. NFL names returned for football season.

Source: Trade press (Pro Football Network): Why 11 NFL stadiums were renamed for the World Cup · link to this answer

Is there anything new about stadiums this season?

Buffalo opened a new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park and played its first regular-season game there in Week 2 against Detroit. Houston's stadium went back to the name Reliant Stadium, and Kansas City's is simply Arrowhead Stadium again.

Source: Trade press (FantasyNerds): NFL 2026 season preview - new games, stadiums and rule changes · Trade press (National Football Post): Bills to open Highmark Stadium Week 2 against Lions · Trade press (Sports Illustrated): Texans' home stadium gets a familiar new name · Trade press (Fox News): Chiefs officially restore Arrowhead Stadium name · link to this answer

Does the NFL play games outside the U.S.?

Yes. The 2026 season has a record nine international games in seven countries, including the first regular-season games in France and Australia.

Source: Trade press (FantasyNerds): NFL 2026 season preview - new games, stadiums and rule changes · link to this answer