Why Is It Called The Super Bowl The Origin Of The Name 2

The term \"Super Bowl\" now evokes images of confetti, halftime shows, and millions glued to their screens on a winter Sunday. But behind this globally recognized event lies a surprisingly humble and almost accidental naming story. The name wasn’t the result of a high-budget branding campaign or a committee decision—it emerged from a casual remark by a football executive’s young son. This article explores the true origin of the name \"Super Bowl,\" tracing its roots from a children’s toy to the pinnacle of American sports culture.

The Birth of the AFL-NFL Merger

In the early 1960s, professional American football was divided between two leagues: the established National Football League (NFL) and the upstart American Football League (AFL). The competition for players, fans, and television rights intensified, leading to financial strain on both sides. By 1966, the two leagues agreed to merge, with a plan to unify under the NFL banner by 1970. As part of the agreement, they would hold an annual championship game between the winners of each league.

This new game needed a name. Initially, it was referred to formally as the “AFL-NFL World Championship Game.” While accurate, the title lacked flair and memorability. It was clunky, bureaucratic-sounding, and hardly inspiring for fans or marketers. Something catchier was needed—but no official name had been decided upon in the early years.

Lamar Hunt and the Toy That Inspired a Legacy

The man often credited with coining the term “Super Bowl” is Lamar Hunt, founder of the AFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. In a now-famous anecdote, Hunt mentioned in a 1966 meeting that they should think of a better name for the championship game. He recalled using the term “Super Bowl” jokingly, inspired by his children’s toy at the time—the “Super Ball,” a highly bouncy rubber ball made by Wham-O that had become a national craze.

Hunt later wrote in a letter: “We had been referring to the 'AFL-NFL Championship Game'... and I said, 'We should come up with a more dramatic name.' I used 'Super Bowl' as a joke, but it seemed to stick.” Though intended humorously, the phrase began circulating among journalists and team executives.

“Super Bowl came up because my kids were playing with a Super Ball. I thought it sounded catchy—never imagining it would actually stick.” — Lamar Hunt, Founder of the Kansas City Chiefs

From Joke to Official Title

Despite its informal origin, “Super Bowl” gained rapid traction. Sportswriters, always eager for punchy headlines, adopted the term almost immediately. By the time of the third championship game in 1969, newspapers and broadcasters widely used “Super Bowl” instead of the formal title. Even though the NFL initially resisted the name—finding it too informal or commercial—the momentum was unstoppable.

It wasn’t until Super Bowl III that the league officially embraced the name. Before that, the first two games were retroactively renamed: what was originally the 1967 championship became known as Super Bowl I, and the 1968 game became Super Bowl II. From Super Bowl III onward, the Roman numerals and the “Super Bowl” branding were used consistently in all league communications.

Tip: The use of Roman numerals started with Super Bowl V to avoid confusion during the transition year when the game was played in early 1971 but marked the 1970 season.

A Timeline of the Name’s Evolution

The journey from internal nickname to cultural phenomenon happened faster than anyone expected. Here’s a concise timeline showing how the name evolved alongside the game itself:

1. 1966: AFL and NFL announce merger; championship game planned. Official name: “AFL-NFL World Championship Game.”
2. Late 1966: Lamar Hunt uses “Super Bowl” in a memo, inspired by his children’s Super Ball toy.
3. January 1967: First championship game played (Green Bay vs. Kansas City). Media increasingly refer to it as the “Super Bowl,” though not officially.
4. 1968–1969: Term gains widespread media usage. Players and coaches begin using it informally.
5. 1970: Merger completed. NFL officially adopts “Super Bowl” as the game’s name starting with Super Bowl V.
6. 1971: Super Bowl V becomes the first game marketed under the official “Super Bowl” brand, complete with Roman numerals.

Why “Bowl” Was Already Part of Football Culture

The word “bowl” wasn’t invented for this game. It had long been associated with major college football postseason games, starting with the Rose Bowl in 1902. Over time, other “bowl games” like the Sugar Bowl, Orange Bowl, and Cotton Bowl became traditions, named after their host cities or sponsors. These events were seen as grand spectacles, often held in warm climates during winter.

By attaching “bowl” to “super,” the new name fit naturally within existing sports nomenclature while signaling that this was the ultimate contest—the biggest, most important “bowl” of them all. The linguistic structure was familiar, yet elevated.

Common Misconceptions About the Name

Several myths have circulated about the origin of “Super Bowl.” Clarifying these helps underscore just how organic the naming process really was:

• Myth: The NFL held a naming contest.
  Reality: No such contest existed. The name emerged organically from media and executive conversations.
• Myth: “Super Bowl” was trademarked from the beginning.
  Reality: The NFL didn’t trademark the term until years later. Early use was unregulated.
• Myth: The name was meant to be permanent from the start.
  Reality: Lamar Hunt and others saw it as a placeholder or nickname at first.

Year	Game	Official Name at the Time	Retrospective Name
1967	Championship: Packers vs. Chiefs	AFL-NFL World Championship Game	Super Bowl I
1968	Championship: Packers vs. Raiders	AFL-NFL World Championship Game	Super Bowl II
1969	Championship: Jets vs. Colts	Commonly called Super Bowl III	Super Bowl III
1970	Championship: Chiefs vs. Vikings	Referred to as Super Bowl IV	Super Bowl IV
1971	Championship: Colts vs. Cowboys	First officially branded Super Bowl	Super Bowl V

Mini Case Study: Super Bowl III – The Turning Point

Super Bowl III, played in January 1969, was a pivotal moment—not just for the name, but for the legitimacy of the AFL. The New York Jets, led by quarterback Joe Namath, defeated the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in what was considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history. Leading up to the game, Namath famously “guaranteed” victory, adding drama and national attention.

Media coverage leading up to the event overwhelmingly used “Super Bowl” in headlines and broadcasts. Major networks like NBC and newspapers like The New York Times treated the term as standard. After the Jets’ win, the phrase was cemented in public consciousness. The game wasn’t just a sporting event—it was a cultural milestone, and its name reflected that significance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Super Bowl use Roman numerals?

Roman numerals were introduced starting with Super Bowl V (1971) to give the event a more timeless, monumental feel. They also helped distinguish the game from calendar years, especially since the Super Bowl takes place in the year following the regular season (e.g., the 2024 game is for the 2023 season).

Did Lamar Hunt profit from naming the Super Bowl?

No. Lamar Hunt never trademarked or received royalties for the term. He viewed it as a contribution to the sport. However, his legacy is honored through the Lamar Hunt Trophy, awarded annually to the AFC champion.

Has the NFL ever tried to stop people from saying “Super Bowl”?

Ironically, yes. For many years, the NFL attempted to enforce trademark rules, asking media outlets to avoid using “Super Bowl” in commercial contexts without permission. Despite this, the term became so ingrained in popular culture that enforcement became impractical.

Conclusion: A Name Born from Simplicity

The story of the Super Bowl’s name is a reminder that some of the most enduring brands in history began not with focus groups or marketing budgets, but with simple, human moments. A father watching his child play, a playful comment in a meeting, and a media landscape ready for a catchy phrase—all converged to create a name that now defines a global event.

Today, “Super Bowl” stands for excellence, spectacle, and unity in sports. Yet its origin remains grounded in humility and serendipity. It’s a testament to how culture evolves—not always through design, but sometimes through a bouncing rubber ball and a well-timed joke.

💬 Did you know the name came from a toy? Share this story with a friend who loves football trivia!