• NFL Playoffs Structure: The NFL playoffs consist of multiple rounds starting with the wild card round, where teams that did not win their division but have a strong record compete for a chance to advance. The playoffs progress to the divisional rounds, where winners from the wild card round face top-seeded division winners.
• Playoff Seeding System: Playoff seeding determines how teams are ranked and matched up in the postseason. Teams are ranked based on their regular-season records and divisional standings. The seeding impacts which teams have home-field advantage and the matchups in each round of the playoffs.
• Home-Field Advantage: Home-field advantage in the NFL playoffs is a significant factor that can influence game outcomes. Playing at home provides teams with familiar surroundings, supportive fans, and potential climate advantages.
• Single-Elimination Format: In the NFL playoffs, the single-elimination format means that teams must win to advance and continue their postseason journey. Losing a game in the playoffs results in immediate elimination from the tournament.
• Postseason Excitement: The NFL postseason is a thrilling period in American sports, where the top teams compete for the ultimate prize of winning the Super Bowl. As teams advance through the playoffs, the stakes get higher, and the excitement builds towards the championship game.

After a grueling regular season, the men get separated from the boys, and it’s time to get down to the real business. That’s right, we’re talking about the NFL Playoffs.

It’s the goal of every NFL franchise, but only a select few make it to the Playoffs each year, where they fight it out for the right to play in the greatest show in US sports, the Super Bowl.

But how exactly does it all work?

Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about the NFL Playoffs, from the schedule and how it works to reseeding and wild cards.

How Does The NFL Season Work?

The NFL is split into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each conference has 16 teams, making a total of 32 teams in the whole NFL.

Each team plays 17 times across an 18-week period, typically starting in early September and ending in late December or early January. After each team has played all their regular season matches, the 14 best teams battle it out to try and win the Super Bowl, the NFL’s overall championship game.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Divisions and Scheduling

The two NFL conferences are also split into divisions of four teams. These divisions are based on geography and historical rivalry from the pre-NFL era.

The AFC is made up of the following divisions:

• North: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers.
• South: Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans.
• East: Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, New York Jets.
• West: Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers.

The NFC is made up of the following divisions:

• North: Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings.
• South: Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• East: Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders.
• West: Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks.

The NFL scheduling formula means that teams have a slightly different set of fixtures every year. They always play their divisional rivals twice, but the rest of their schedule is changeable.

The formula is as follows:

• Each NFL team has to play the other three teams in its division twice, once at home and once on the road.
• Each team plays one game against the four teams in another predetermined division within its own conference (which is rotated every three years). Two games at home and two on the road.
• Each team plays one game against every team from the remaining two divisions in its conference that finished in a similar position in their divisional standings in the previous season. One game at home, one on the road.
• Each team plays one game against all four teams from a predetermined division (which is rotated every four years) in the other conference. Two games at home and two on the road.
• Each team also plays one game against another team from a predetermined division (which is rotated every four years) in the other conference that finished in a similar position in the final divisional standings in the previous season.

Image credit: Shutterstock

How The NFL Playoffs work

Played since 1932, the NFL Playoffs are a knockout tournament.

So, if you lose, you go home and it’s back to the drawing board again next season. If you win, you’re one step closer to glory.

Seven teams from each conference fight it out in the Playoffs, with one team from the AFC and one from the NFC competing in the Super Bowl.

The Playoffs only feature the best teams (and usually the best players) in each season, so those golden weeks in the dead of winter provide white-hot entertainment for NFL fans across the globe.

The Playoffs can create unique matchups where even the biggest underdog has a chance.

When Do The NFL Regular Season And Playoffs Take Place?

The NFL regular season begins the weekend after the first Monday of September (Labor Day) and ends in early January.

The Playoffs take place across four weekends from January into February every season. The Super Bowl traditionally always took place on the first Sunday in February.

However, 2020 was the final Super Bowl played on the first Sunday in February for the foreseeable future due to the NFL’s new 17-game schedule.

Super Bowl LVI (2021) was played on the second Sunday in February, and Super Bowl LVII (2022) will follow suit.

Qualification And Seeding

14 teams qualify for the NFL Playoffs. This includes the four divisional champions and three wild cards from each conference.

The four teams with the best record in each conference (NFC and AFC) are seeded one through four. The team with the best record is seeded one, the second-best record is seeded two, and so on.

The two teams with the best record in each conference are then given a bye week (they don’t have to play) in the first round of the Playoffs, which is also known as ‘wild card weekend.’

Teams qualify for the Playoffs as ‘wild cards’ if they have one of the three best overall records (number of wins, losses, and ties) of all remaining teams in their conference.

The wild card teams are seeded numbers five, six, and seven based on their records.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Wild Cards Explained

‘Wild card’ Playoff teams were first introduced to the NFL in 1970, when the modern league was founded, following a merger of the National Football League and the American Football League.

Wild card teams are the three teams with the best records in each conference who do not win their division. These teams always play on wild card weekend, the week before the divisional Playoffs.

The four division winners in each conference are seeded one to four based on their record, with the #1 seed getting a bye in the first round. Each wild card team plays one of the divisional winners based on their rankings going into the Playoffs.

Each conference is split as follows:

• Division Winner #1 – BYE
• Division Winner #2 vs Wild Card #7
• Division Winner #3 vs Wild Card #6
• Division Winner #4 vs Wild Card #5

So, the better your regular season record, the more favorable your draw is in the Playoffs.

Reseeding In The NFL Playoffs

Throughout the Playoffs, the lowest-seeded team always plays against the highest-seeded team in each round. The higher-seeded team always plays at home too. So, who you play against and where is always subject to change. This is known as reseeding.?

Reseeding is designed to give a significant advantage to the teams with the best regular-season records. It also makes it difficult, but not impossible, for wild card teams to make it to the Super Bowl. Reseeding often impacts the Playoffs and changes the picture for all the teams involved.

For example, both number one ranked teams in the 2022 Playoffs lost in the divisional round. This meant the number two ranked teams now became number one and had the massive advantage of playing at home in all the rounds before the Super Bowl.

NFL Playoff Bracket

The Playoff ‘bracket’ is the Playoff schedule as it stands at the present time. The bracket is subject to change depending on the regular season and Playoff results.

Eager fans start thinking about the Playoff bracket and what it might mean for their team’s ambitions as the season nears a close.

For more NFL guides, check out our article on octopus betting.

Every player, coach, and fan desperately want to win, and if you put a run together in the playoffs, you could go down in history.

Here are some of the biggest stories from the history of the NFL playoffs, including some of the best plays in football and all-time great wild card teams that will forever be in fans’ hearts.

New York Jets – 2009

If you’ve followed the NFL for any length of time, you’ll know that the New York Jets and the playoffs don’t exactly go together like a hot dog and ketchup.

The Jets have qualified for the playoffs just 14 times in their history, which is a pretty terrible record considering over a third of the other teams didn’t even exist when the Jets were founded in 1960.

But, that all changed in the 2009-10 season when the Jets and head coach Rex Ryan reached the AFC Championship game, only to be denied a Super Bowl spot by the Peyton Manning-led Indianapolis Colts.

Ever heard of him? Me neither.

The Jets reached the playoffs as wild cards after finishing second in the AFC East division.

They beat the third-ranked Cincinnati Bengals and second-seeded San Diego Chargers on the way to the Championship game, but no one even gave them a chance of making the playoffs when they slumped to a 4-6 record after 10 games.

Sportsbooks, commentators, and fans alike were equally shocked by the Jets’ performance.

Despite falling short, the Jets’ playoff antics went down in NFL folk law, and many fans still remember their run fondly.

Image credit: Shutterstock

New York Giants – 2007

Thanks to a poor season in 2006, expectations were low for the Giants in 2007. Head coach Tom Coughlin and starting QB Eli Manning were both under massive pressure.

Eli wasn’t helped by the fact that 2004 draft alumni Ben Roethlisberger and Philip Rivers were leading their respective teams with aplomb, while his older brother was reigning Super Bowl champion and MVP.

The season started badly, too, losing their first two games. However, the team recovered to an overall record of 10-6 and clinched a wildcard spot in the playoffs.

Again, no one gave the Giants a chance to go deep, with Eli Manning having never won a playoff game before.

That quickly changed when the Giants claimed a 24-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and were off to the races.

They followed this up with a win over the Dallas Cowboys and an overtime victory against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game to book their place in the Super Bowl.

Surely glory was a step too far, as the Giants faced the Patriots and Tom Brady, who already had three Super Bowl wins to his name.

But the Giants would not be denied, and following one of the best plays in football by Eli Manning and David Tyree, which has since become known as the “helmet catch”’ (with just 1.15 on the clock in the final quarter), they secured victory.

This made the Giants just the fifth team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl as a wild card team and confirmed the greatness of the Manning football dynasty.

Image credit: Ringo Chui/Shutterstock

Baltimore Ravens – 2000

Defense wins championships; just ask Super Bowl XXXV winners, the Baltimore Ravens.

After qualifying as a wild card, the Ravens dominated their opposition throughout the playoffs with outrageous defensive prowess.

Remarkably, the Ravens’ defense gave up just 23 points to their playoff opponents in total across four games.

Their offense struggled throughout the season but did their job as they dominated the New York Giants in the Super Bowl, running out as 34-7 victors.

Regarded as one of if not the greatest NFL defense of all time, the Ravens were led by 13-time Pro Bowler Ray Lewis.

The hall of famer was named Super Bowl XXXV MVP and was inspirational throughout the playoffs.

He recorded 31 tackles, two interceptions, 9 pass deflections, one fumble recovery, and a touchdown during the run. Big game player who made some of the best plays in football.

The Baltimore Ravens rightfully take their place in NFL playoff history. Maybe one for the purists, though.

Image credit: Shutterstock

New England Patriots – 1985

The Patriots are synonymous with success over the last two decades in the NFL, largely due to the Belichick/Brady combination that brought no less than six Super Bowl wins to Foxborough.

Belichick (six) and Brady (seven) top the lists of head coaches, and quarterbacks with the most Super Bowl wins in history. Not too shabby.

But, before this dynamic duo changed the face of modern football, the Pats didn’t have a single Super Bowl win to their name.

This was despite the best efforts of the 1985 team, who, against all odds, made the Super Bowl, only to be outdone by another all-time great defense, the Chicago Bears.

Noticing a theme here?

The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to win all three road games on the way to the Super Bowl, beating the Jets, Raiders, and Dolphins, respectively.

No one in the league gave this a chance, especially because the Patriots were beaten by all of these teams in those stadiums in the regular season.

It wasn’t to be in 1985, but it was still an all-time great playoff run.

And it worked out alright for the Patriots in the end, too. Good things come to those who wait.

Image credit: Shutterstock

Pittsburgh Steelers – 1972

The greatest moment in NFL playoff history, one of the best plays in football, and possibly the most amazing moment in NFL history in general, came between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Divisional playoff game in 1972.

Widely known as the “Immaculate Reception,” a play of sheer madness saw the Steelers score a touchdown while trailing 7-6 with just a few seconds remaining in the game.

It was fourth down, and there were 22 seconds on the clock.

Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw was under huge pressure from the Raiders’ defensive line. He scrambled out of the pocket and dodged a tackle before throwing the ball toward his running back, John Fuqua.

The pass was overthrown, and the Raiders safety Jack Tatum broke it up, and that was game over. Or so it seemed…

The ball actually cannoned off Tatum’s helmet. It ricocheted up into the air and the grateful arms of the on-running Steelers fullback, Franco Harris.

He picked the ball up on about the 40-yard line, evaded the scattered Raiders defenders, and ran the ball home for a touchdown.

Although the Steelers lost the AFC championship game to the Miami Dolphins the following week, this game will always be remembered for this single play alone.

The play has to be seen to be believed and the shock on the faces of the Raiders’ defenders said it all.

They were incredibly unlucky to lose in such a way, but for everyone else, it was a play we’d never forget.

Luckily, the NFL has been blessed with some outstanding quarterbacks, but who is the greatest? In this article, we break down the best NFL quarterbacks based on their skills, stats, and achievements. Ready? Set hut!

20. Kurt Warner (1998 – 2009)

The first name on our list, Kurt Warner, is a true NFL underdog story. After a solid but unspectacular college career, he went undrafted in the 1994 NFL draft before playing in the Indoor Football League (IFL) and NFL Europe.

Warner was signed by the St. Louis Rams as cover for Trent Green who had suffered a torn ACL. In each of Warner’s first three NFL starts, he threw three touchdown passes and went on to have one of the best seasons by a quarterback in NFL history.

He threw for 4,353 yards and 41 touchdown passes with a completion rate of 65.1%. He was named NFL MVP and won the Super Bowl. In total, he played 12 seasons for the Rams, Cardinals, and Giants, throwing 32,344 yards and 208 touchdowns.

Warner was a four-time Pro Bowler, two-time MVP, Super Bowl MVP, Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. Warner is certainly worth of being named one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

19. Jim Kelly (1986 – 1996)

Jim Kelly was selected as the 14th overall pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 1983 NFL Draft. This turned out to be a great move for both the franchise and the player. Kelly led the Bills to a record four consecutive Super Bowls, though was unable to convert these appearances into wins.

He may not be the best quarterback ever, having never won the Super Bowl, but Kelly was an outstanding performer for the Bills, who employed a no-huddle offense and thrilled fans with their attacking play. He played 11 NFL seasons and threw for a total of 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns, both of which are Buffalo records. Kelly was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

18. Terry Bradshaw (1970 – 1983)

Terry Bradshaw was the leader of the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty that dominated the NFL in the mid to late 1970s. During this time they won four Super Bowl championships in six years. Bradshaw was selected as the number one pick in the 1970 draft by the Steelers, but things could have been very different.

At the end of the 1969 season, both the Steelers and the Chicago Bears had identical 1-13 records. So, to decide which team would get the first pick in the draft, they settled it with a coin flip. Pittsburgh won, and the rest is history.

Terry Bradshaw went on to play 14 seasons for the Steelers and threw for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, one-time MVP, two-time Super Bowl MVP, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1989.

17. Warren Moon (1984 – 2000)

Warren Moon had a long and successful football career where he played in both the CFL and NFL. Another player who went undrafted out of college, Moon honed his skill by playing for the Edmonton Eskimos. Here he led the team to five consecutive Grey Cup victories.

The same level of team success did not follow when Moon joined the Houston Oilers in the NFL in 1984, but he still made outstanding individual contributions. He lead the Oilers to seven consecutive playoff appearances between 1987 and 1993.

In his 22-year NFL career, he threw for 49,325 yards and 291 touchdowns. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, one-time Offensive Player of the Year, and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first African-American and the first undrafted quarterback to do so. Moon is also the only player who has been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Canadian Football Hall of Fame.

He is well-deserving of a place on our list of the best quarterbacks of all time.

16. Otto Graham (1946 – 1955)

Otto Graham is a legend in Cleveland. He led the Browns to an unprecedented seven championship wins in just 10 seasons from 1946 to 1955. Despite playing a lot of his career before the Super Bowl era began, Graham’s impact can not be underestimated.

He still holds NFL records for career average yards gained per pass attempt (8.63) and the highest career winning percentage for an NFL starting quarterback (81.0%). This has helped him be remembered as one of the best NFL quarterbacks.

In total, Graham played 6 NFL seasons for the Browns, throwing 13,499 yards and 88 touchdowns. He was selected to play in 5 Pro Bowls and won 3 championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965.

15. Troy Aikman (1989 – 2000)

Troy Aikman was always destined for greatness. A standout in both football and baseball in high school, the New York Mets offered Aikman a contract to join them when he graduated. Aikman turned the offer to play pro baseball down and instead chose to play football for the University of Oklahoma Sooners.

After a stellar college career, Aikman was selected as the first overall pick in the 1989 draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboys fans are still thanking their lucky stars that Aikman didn’t choose baseball.

In 12 seasons for the Cowboys, Aikman threw for 32,942 yards and 165 touchdowns. He was selected to play in 6 Pro Bowls, won the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, 1 Super Bowl MVP award, and 3 championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.

14. Bart Starr (1956 – 1971)

Bart Starr is another legend of 50s and 60s football that makes our list. He played for the Green Bay Packers and was a five-time NFL champion, including Super Bowl I and II, where he also collected MVP awards. Starr was outstanding in big games and clutch moments and held a postseason record of 9-1.

In total, he threw for 24,718 yards and 152 touchdowns, was selected to play in four Pro Bowls, and won 1 MVP award, 2 Super Bowl MVP awards, and 5 championships. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1977.

13. Ben Roethlisberger (2004 – 2021)

Ben Roethlisberger delivered outstanding performances individually and at a team level during his 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After being selected as the 11th overall pick in the 2004 draft, he shone in his early NFL career.

He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2004, and in 2005 became the youngest Super Bowl–winning quarterback in NFL history, aged just 23. Big Ben and the Steelers followed this Super Bowl victory up with another one three years later, claiming the franchises’ second title in four seasons.

In his career, Roethlisberger threw for 64,088 yards and 418 touchdowns and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl six times.

12. Roger Staubach (1969 – 1979)

Roger Staubach is the only Heisman Trophy winner to appear on our list of the greatest NFL quarterbacks ever. He followed up his domination of the college game with an outstanding pro career.

Like many of the great quarterbacks on this list, Staubach spent his entire career with one franchise. This stability helped him become one of the most memorable players of the 1970s.

Staubach played 11 seasons for the Cowboys where he threw for a total of 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, one-time Super Bowl MVP, six-time Pro Bowler, and recipient of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.

Staubach is even one of the richest NFL players in history, having sold a real estate business for $613 million.

11. Fran Tarkenton (1961 – 1978)

Fran Tarkenton aged like a fine wine. Although he was an exceptional college player and had remarkable success in his early NFL career, it was his 15th season in the league that cemented him as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

In 1975, he was named both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. He was just the fourth player in league history to do so at the time. He led the league in both completions and touchdowns and took the Minnesota Vikings to the Super Bowl in back-to-back seasons.

Despite never winning a Super Bowl, he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his era. He threw for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns.

10. Dan Marino (1983 – 1999)

Dan Marino is arguably the greatest quarterback (and the highest-ranked on our list) to never win a Super Bowl. He reached the Super Bowl just once. Yet another one-team man, Marino was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1983. He went on to become one of the most iconic and effective players of the 1980s and 90s.

Marino was an outstanding passer, and led the Dolphins to the playoffs in 10 of his 17 seasons. When he retired he held more than 40 NFL single-season and career passing records, and was the first quarterback to throw 400 career touchdowns.

In total, he threw for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdowns, was selected to play in nine Pro Bowls, and won one Offensive Player of the Year award, one MVP award, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

Marino doesn’t need a Super Bowl win to be remembered as one of the best NFL quarterbacks of all time!

9. Steve Young (1985 – 1999)

Steve Young is known as one of the most efficient and effective passers in NFL history. After starting his pro career in the USFL, he eventually joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1985. After a shocking two years with the Bucs, where Young went 3–16 as a starter, he moved to the San Francisco 49ers to act as a backup to superstar quarterback, Joe Montana (more on him later).

Thanks to a long-term injury to Montana in 1990, Young finally got his chance to start for the 49ers. In the subsequent seasons, he was named Offensive Player of the Year and league MVP twice. He led the league in most passing stats for several years, and eventually led the 49ers to victory at Super Bowl XXIX.

In his career, he threw for 33,124 yards and 232 touchdowns. He was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls, won one Super Bowl MVP award and three championships in total. Young was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

8. Aaron Rodgers (2005 – present)

Aaron Rodgers is one of the most individually decorated quarterbacks in history. He has held more records than most players have made appearances in the NFL. It therefore comes as no surprise that he is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks of all time.

Rodgers is the first quarterback in history who has had a career passer rating over 100. He also has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio in NFL history at 4.52. During his 18-year career with the Green Bay Packers, the biggest surprise is that he only won one Super Bowl.

So far in his career, he has thrown for 59,055 yards and 475 touchdowns. He has been selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls, won four MVP awards and one Super Bowl MVP award.

7. Johnny Unitas (1956 – 1973)

Like many of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Johnny Unitas is proof that you don’t have to be drafted as the first pick or have a glittering college career to go on to greatness in the NFL.

Unitas was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the ninth round of the 1955 draft but never made the team. A year later, he joined the Baltimore Colts where he would enjoy an unbelievable period of success.

In the next 17 seasons with the Colts, he was selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls (a record for a quarterback at the time), won three MVP awards, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and four NFL championships. In his career, he threw for 40,239 yards, 290 touchdowns and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.

6. Brett Favre (1991 – 2010)

Brett Favre is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks of all time and a legend of the modern era. But, he didn’t always have universal approval. His first head coach in the NFL, Jerry Glanville, even said it would take a plane crash for him to put Favre into the game.

Clearly, it was never meant to be for Glanville and Farve at the Atlanta Falcons. That all changed when Farve was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1992. Across 16 seasons in Green Bay, Farve became the only player in NFL history to win the league MVP award three seasons in a row. He also led the team to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances at XXXI and XXXII, winning the first.

Favre eventually moved on from the Packers, giving way to Aaron Rodgers. In 20 seasons for four teams he threw for a total of 71,838 yards and 508 touchdowns. He was also selected to play in 11 Pro Bowls, won one Offensive Player of the Year award, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

5. John Elway (1983 – 1998)

John Elway is synonymous with the Denver Broncos as he is the only person in the franchise’s history to be associated with each of their three Super Bowl wins. Two came as a player in 1997 and 1998, and one as the general manager when they won Super Bowl 50.

As a player, Elway was a dual threat. He could easily escape trouble with his running ability while also being an accurate passer. It’s this that helped him become one of the best quarterbacks of all time. In 16 seasons for the Broncos, he threw for 51,475 yards and 300 touchdowns. He played in nine Pro Bowls, won one MVP award, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, and one Super Bowl MVP award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.

4. Drew Brees (2001 – 2020)

Despite a successful college career, where he finished in fourth and third positions in Heisman Trophy voting, NFL teams were unsure whether Drew Brees could be effective in the pro ranks. He was perceived as having a small stature and lack of arm strength. Brees was therefore only selected as the 32nd overall pick in the 2001 draft.

He established himself as a starter in his second season with the San Diego Chargers, but would truly find his home when he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006. During his time with the Saints, he became a passing powerhouse. He still holds the record for most seasons as passing yards leader in NFL history (seven).

In 20 total seasons in the NFL, he threw for 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns. He was selected for 13 Pro Bowls, won one Comeback Player of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award, one Super Bowl MVP award, and Super Bowl XLIV.

3. Joe Montana (1979 – 1994)

As we reach the top three best quarterbacks of all time, it goes without saying that these guys could perform under pressure.

Joe Montana is arguably the best clutch quarterback in history, known for producing his best at crucial moments. This includes a game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark in the 1981 NFC Championship Game vs. Dallas (known as “The Catch”) and a championship-winning 92-yard drive against the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXIII.

“Joe Cool” held several NFL records when he retired in 1994. He was victorious in four out of four Super Bowl appearances, was named MVP in three, and holds Super Bowl career records for most passes without an interception (122) and the highest passer rating (127.8).

Montana threw for a career total of 40,551 yards and 273 touchdowns. He was selected to play in eight Pro Bowls, won one Offensive Player of the Year award, and two league MVP awards. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.

2. Peyton Manning (1998 – 2015)

While some may have hoped to see two Mannings on this list (we see you Giants fans), there is no doubt that Peyton deserves his place amongst the very best NFL quarterbacks of all time. He entered the league after the Indianapolis Colts selected him with the first pick of the 1998 draft.

In his glittering career, Manning amassed a huge number of individual records, including the most MVP awards (five), most touchdown passes in a season (55), and most First-Team All-Pro selections (seven).

Despite winning two Super Bowls (one with the Colts and one with the Broncos), his outstanding regular season stats did not translate to the playoffs, and his career postseason record is just 14–13. Although there have been questions asked of Manning in this regard, he is a hugely gifted player.

In total, he threw for 71,940 yards and 539 touchdowns. He was selected for 14 Pro Bowls, won one Comeback Player of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

1. Tom Brady (2000 – 2022)

It couldn’t have been anyone else, could it? Tom Brady is the best quarterback of all time.

What Tom Brady lacked in talent (he was the 199th overall pick in the 2000 draft) he made up for with sheer hard work, grit, and determination.

He won the most games in NFL regular season history (251), has the most career passing yards (89,214), most touchdown passes (649), most NFL championships of any player (seven), and most Super Bowl MVPs (five). So, no, it couldn’t have been anyone else.

Brady’s efficiency and longevity are testament to his ability as a competitor. But his relationship with Bill Belichick formed the most formidable head coach-quarterback combination in NFL history. With Belichick and Brady at the helm, the Patriots became the most dominant dynasty in the modern NFL. Brady’s accomplishments will probably remain unmatched for as long as the NFL exists.

In his career, Brady threw for 89,214 yards and 649 touchdowns, was selected to play in 15 Pro Bowls, won one Comeback Player of the Year award, two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and three MVP awards.

All hail the GOAT!

Lead Image: Brook Ward/Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0

With bettors pegged to bet $35 billion on NFL games this year, knowing the best quarterback still playing is key. With that in mind, lets take a look at the top 10 in this article, as well as in the game that matters the most – the Super Bowl.

Who are the top touchdown performers in the big show? Keep reading to find out.

Who Has The Most Touchdowns In NFL History?: Most Touchdowns By a Quarterback

Unsurprisingly, the top 10 touchdown scorers in the history of the NFL are all quarterbacks. Jerry Rice has the most career touchdowns for a non-quarterback with 208, but he’s not even close to beating the no.10 on our list.

Note: All stats in this article are for regular-season games only.

10. Eli Manning (2004-2019) – 373

Sorry to ruin the surprise; this isn’t the only Manning brother on this list of the most touchdowns in NFL history (but more on that later).

Former 2x Super Bowl champ and no.1 draft pick Eli Manning sits at number 10 on the list of total career touchdowns. In his NFL career, he clocked an impressive 373 total touchdowns (366 passing, 7 rushing) and 57,023 yards.

9. Matt Ryan (2008-present) – 394

The NFL MVP from 2016, Matt Ryan has had an outstanding career despite never picking up a Super Bowl ring (don’t mention Super Bowl LI).

Up to the end of the 2022/23 season, he has a total of 394 career touchdowns (381 passing, 13 rushing) earning his place on the list of the most touchdowns in NFL history.

8. Dan Marino (1983-1999) 420

Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino is another who makes the the most touchdowns in NFL history list without ever claiming football’s ultimate prize.

At the time of his retirement, Marino had a list of NFL records as long as your arm, but they have been slowly whittled away by the remaining QBs on this list.

In total, Marino recorded 429 career touchdowns (420 passing, 9 rushing).

7. Philip Rivers (2004-2020) – 424

In his time with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers, Phillip Rivers started an awesome 224 consecutive games (2006-2019).

This longevity and durability, combined with his passing skill, accounted for a total of 424 career touchdowns (421 passing, 3 rushing). These stats are even more surprising, given how much time he’s spent raising his nine children.

6. Ben Roethlisberger (2004-2021) – 438

“Big Ben” spent his entire 15-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and he enjoyed a lot of success.

Roethlisberger got his hands on two Super Bowl trophies and had great connections with his receivers. He has a career total of 438 touchdowns (418 passing, 20 rushing).

5. Aaron Rodgers (2005-present) – 510

Another one team man, Aaron Rodgers has had a glittering NFL career that includes a Super Bowl ring, a Super Bowl MVP, and 4 NFL MVP trophies.

Rodgers is still active, having recently joined the New York Jets, so he could add to his career total, but at the time of writing, he has 510 total touchdowns (475 passing, 35 rushing).

4. Brett Favre (1991-2010) – 522

Like no.5 on the list, no.4 is occupied by a famous Green Bay Packers QB, Brett Farve.

And like all of the other players on this list, the Super Bowl XXXI champ’s career touchdowns is in a large part thanks to his longevity.

In 20 seasons in the NFL, Farve recorded 522 total touchdowns (508 passing, 14 rushing).

3. Peyton Manning (1998-2015) – 557

The Manning brothers occupy the no.10 and no.3 spots on our list of all-time NFL touchdowns. Not bad for one family.

Like Eli, Peyton Manning was a no.1 draft pick when he entered the NFL and has two Super Bowl rings to his name. He has a career total of 557 touchdowns (539 passing, 18 rushing).

2. Drew Brees (2001-2020) – 596

Only a select few players have spent more time in the NFL than Drew Brees.

“Breesus” as he is affectionately known by New Orleans Saints fans, completed 20 seasons in the NFL and was consistently one of the best offensive players in the league for many years.

The Super Bowl XLIV champion and MVP led the league in passing seven times and in passing touchdowns four times, so it’s no surprise he sits so high on this list.

In his illustrious career, he had a total of 596 touchdowns (571 passing, 25 rushing).

1. Tom Brady (2000-2023) – 677

The number one spot on this list surprises nobody who knows anything about football. If you’re wondering about any NFL record, chances are Tom Brady holds it.

The seven-time Super Bowl champ recently announced his retirement from the NFL for the second time in two years and this time it looks like he means it.

The GOAT is the only man in NFL history to have achieved more than 600 touchdowns.

With (statistically at least) a career total of 677 touchdowns so far (649 passing, 28 rushing), it’s unlikely that this total will ever be matched – especially not by another 6th round pick.

Who Has The Most Touchdowns in NFL History?: Most Touchdowns In Super Bowls

Quarterbacks also dominate the list of most career touchdowns in Super Bowls, but not exclusively.

Rob Gronkowski is the only tight end on the list, and he recorded an impressive five TDs in five Super Bowl appearances thanks to his connection with Tom Brady.

Emmitt Smith, one of the greatest running backs in the history of the league, also secured five touchdowns in just three Super Bowl games for the Dallas Cowboys.

The final non-quarterback on this list is the consensus greatest wide receiver in football history, Jerry Rice. “World” caught an incredible eight touchdown passes in Super Bowls in just four games, coming out as champ in three.

And no prizes for guessing who’s no.1 on this list…

T-8. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Rob Gronkoswki, Brett Farve (5)

7. Steve Young (6)

6. Kurt Warner (6)

5. Roger Staubach (8)

4. Jerry Rice (8)

3. Terry Bradshaw (9)

2. Joe Montana (11)

1. Tom Brady (21)

For more touchdown-related articles, check out our Octopus betting guide.

Lead image: Dave Adamson/Unsplash

Skip to:

• What Are The Positions In Soccer?
• Player Formations
• Soccer Position Numbers
• Soccer Position Abbreviations

What Are The 11 Positions In Soccer?

Players are grouped into four categories in a soccer roster (or squad). They are:

• Goalkeepers
• Defenders
• Midfielders
• Forwards

Within these categories, there are different specialist positions with a variety of roles, responsibilities, and names. While soccer positions are constantly evolving, and may vary from team to team, they are traditionally grouped as:

• Goalkeepers
• Full-backs or wingbacks (defenders)
• Center backs (defenders)
• Central midfielders (midfielders)
• Wingers or wide forwards (midfielders/forwards)
• Strikers (forwards)

We will look at each of these positions and their different variations below.

Goalkeeper

What they do:

Goalkeepers are primarily responsible for preventing the opposition from scoring goals. They do this by stopping or ‘saving’ shots from opposition players, reading the game and clearing any balls that are played in behind their defenders, or catching or punching crosses.

If a keeper can stop the opposition from scoring for the whole game, this is known as a ‘clean sheet’, and in most major tournaments and leagues, there are awards for goalkeepers that achieve the most. In the Premier League, it’s known as the ‘Golden Glove’.

As well as their goal-stopping capabilities, goalies are also increasingly required to have high-level passing skills. Most present-day coaches try to play possession-based football, where the whole team passes around the opposition from one end of the pitch to another, and this all starts with the goalkeeper.

Key Skills:

Shot stopping, catching, punching, organization, communication, agility, reflexes, anticipation, passing and kicking.

Famous players in this position:

Ederson, Allison, Thibaut Courtois, Manuel Neuer, Oliver Kahn, Iker Casillas, Peter Schmeichel, Gianluigi Buffon, Gordon Banks, and Lev Yashin. 

Full-back And Wingback

What they do:

Full-backs play on either side of a defense. They work together with other defenders to stop opposition attacking players from creating chances and scoring goals.

Known as either a right-back or left-back, they often face one-on-one situations against opposition wingers or forwards, but must offer an outlet when their team has the ball, and provide offensive support for their forwards.

This traditionally unglamorous position has developed a lot over the past few decades, and modern full-backs are now often viewed as a key creative component of their team. Former full-backs like Dani Alves, Phillip Lahm, and Roberto Carlos helped revolutionize the position and showcased how effective full-backs could be in maintaining possession, building attacks, and carving opportunities out for offensive players.

Wingbacks do a similar job to full-backs but have more of an emphasis on an attacking play, supporting their forwards and attacking players to try and create chances for their team. Historically, wingbacks played a lot further up the field than full-backs, but many of the best current full-backs in the world, like Trent Alexander Arnold and Kyle Walker, are often expected to do both jobs and cover the entire flank, or even move into midfield spaces.

Key Skills:

Tackling, positioning, tactical awareness, interceptions, passing, crossing, speed, stamina, dribbling, communication and versatility.

Famous players in this position:

Trent Alexander Arnold, Kyler Walker, Achraf Hakimi, Dani Carvajal, Dani Alves, Phillip Lahm, Roberto Carlos, Javier Zanetti, Ashley Cole, Cafu, Nilton Santos.

Center-back

What they do:

Center-backs, also known as central defenders or center-halves, play at the heart of a defense, and their primary objective is to stop the opposition from scoring and creating goal threats.

Usually playing as a pair or a three, center-backs help to organize their team’s defensive structure, ‘mark’ opposition attacking players, build their own team’s attacks, and win both offensive and defensive aerial duels. Often center-halves are the biggest, strongest players on the pitch, and use this physicality to disrupt and dominate the opposition in both boxes.

Center-backs can have different roles within their team, depending on the team’s tactical requirements and the player’s skills. For example, John Stones (Manchester City) is known as a technical ‘ball-playing’ defender who is comfortable on the ball and starts attacks with clever passes.

On the other hand, Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus) was known for aggression, tenacity, and ‘no-nonsense’ defending which were skills that were more traditionally associated with center-backs.

Key Skills:

Tackling, positioning, tactical awareness, blocking, interceptions, passing, strength, communication, leadership, heading, jumping, and anticipation.

Famous players in this position:

Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Ramos, Gerard Piqué, Carles Puyol, Vincent Kompany, John Terry, Fabio Cannavaro, Paolo Maldini, Ronald Koeman, Franz Beckenbauer, and Bobby Moore.

Center Midfield

What they do:

Central midfield is one of the most diverse and sophisticated positions in soccer. Center midfielders usually play one, if not a combination of the following roles:

Holding or defensive midfielder

Defensive midfielders protect their center backs and break up opposition attacks with interceptions and tackles. They are also responsible for offering an initial outlet to build attacks and need excellent passing skills.

Box-to-box

Outstanding all-rounders, box-to-box players have to do everything on the pitch, helping their teams both offensively and defensively. Using a combination of physicality, hard work, and technical skill, box-to-box players are equally likely to be seen making a key tackle in their own half as shooting on goal or providing a key pass for a striker.

Number 8

Similar to a box-to-box midfielder, number 8s have outstanding all-round ability but are more focused on controlling the possession and tempo of a game and building their team’s attacks.

Playmaker or attacking midfielder

Also known as attacking midfielders, or “number 10s”, playmakers try to create chances and score goals for themselves or their teammates. They often play between midfield and attacking players. They require outstanding touch, vision, passing, and shooting skills.

Central midfielders need to have diverse skills and may be required to play different roles even in the same game. Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham previously wore the number 22 which signified the fact he could be a number four (holding midfielder), eight (box-to-box midfielder), and ten (attacking midfielder) at the same time. It highlights the importance of versatility in this position.

Key Skills:

Passing, awareness, vision, dribbling, control, tackling, interceptions, pressing, shooting, stamina, tactical awareness, communication, leadership, versatility, technique and playmaking.

Famous players in this position:

Jude Bellingham, ?lkay Gündo?an, Kevin De Bruyne, Pedri, Luka Modri?, Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf, Paul Scholes, Steven Gerrard, Zinedine Zidane, Bobby Charlton and Lothar Matthaus.

Wingers Or Wide Forwards

What they do:

Wingers (also known as wide forwards) are attacking players that play on the flanks. They try to create and score goals for their team. Traditionally, wingers operated in the wide positions of a midfield four, however, many modern coaches play with a 4-3-3 formation and use two wide forwards and one central striker.

Wingers are often the quickest and most skillful dribblers in the team and usually have lots of individual battles with the opposition full-back throughout a match.

Wingers either look to run past opposition defenders on the outside, and cross balls into the box for their teammates to attack, or they cut inside and look to shoot or play passes around the opposition in central areas. Both require excellent close control, attacking vision, and pace.

Key Skills:

Speed, acceleration, dribbling, control, passing, crossing, shooting, tactical awareness, technique and playmaking.

Famous players in this position:

Lionel Messi, Vinicius Junior, Mohamed Salah, Gareth Bale, Neymar, Rivaldo, Arjen Robben, Ryan Giggs, Stanley Matthews, George Best, and Garrincha.

Striker Or Center-forward

What they do:

Also known as the ‘number nine’ position, the striker soccer position is primarily responsible for scoring goals for their team. Usually, they operate in central areas (which is why they are also known as center-forwards) and act as the goalscoring focal point of the team.

Strikers are matched up against central defenders, so have to have outstanding physical attributes. They either need to be able to hold off defenders and protect the ball so their team can build attacks, or to have the speed to run behind them. The best strikers in football history could often do both.

Prolific strikers can be the difference maker for their team. After all, goals win games. The best strikers can dig their team out of a sticky situation with a majestic piece of play or outstanding finish. This is why the striker position in soccer often costs more money than players in any other position.

Key Skills:

Shooting, technique, control, positioning, tactical awareness, composure, passing, pressing, strength, speed, heading, jumping, and anticipation.

Famous players in this position:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Luis Suárez, Robert Lewandowski, Samuel Eto’o, David Villa, Alan Shearer, Gerd Müller, Pelé, Ronaldo, and Alfredo Di Stéfano.

Soccer Player Formations

It’s also important to understand formations. Formations, tactics, and player responsibilities are constantly developing, and it is the coach’s job to get the most out of their team. There are no restrictions on where players can go on the field, or what they can do (within the rules). That’s up to them and the coach.

Soccer coaches or managers set their teams up in formations that dictate where the player will most often be on the pitch, and what their responsibilities are within the team. The most common formations in the modern era are:

• 4-4-2
• 4-5-1
• 4-3-3
• 4-3-2-1
• 4-1-3-2
• 5-4-1
• 4-1-2-1-2 diamond
• 3-5-2

Each formation has its pros and cons, and a coach might want their players to be very rigid and disciplined within it, or give them more freedom and expression on the pitch. It’s the player’s job to understand what the coach wants, and then execute it in the game.

Soccer Position Numbers

All soccer players wear numbers on the back of their jerseys, and they often correspond to the position that the player plays on the pitch. Historically, players wore the correct number for their position, and ‘squad players’ were assigned a number above 11.

Nowadays, though, it’s not unusual to see a modern superstar wearing a non-traditional soccer number. Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold wears the number 66, while Man City’s Phil Foden wears 47. Legendary Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazário also wore number 99 in his time at AC Milan because his favored number 9 was already taken.

But, most commonly, positional numbers in soccer:

1. Goalkeeper
2. Right-back
3. Left-back
4. Center-back
5. Center-back
6. Central defensive/holding midfielder
7. Right winger/forward
8. Central/box-to-box midfielder
9. Striker
10. Playmaker/attacking midfielder
11. Left winger/forward

Soccer Position Abbreviations

All soccer field positions can be abbreviated down to two or three letters, instead of using the full name. If you’ve ever built your own soccer team online or played a soccer management simulation game, you’ve probably discovered this before.

The full list of abbreviations are:

• Goalkeeper – GK

• Center-back – CB

• Right full-back – RB

• Left full-back – LB

• Right wing-back – RWB

• Left wing-back – LWB

• Central defensive/holding midfield – CDM

• Center midfield – CM

• Attacking midfielders – AM

• Right winger/forward – RW

• Left winger/forward – LW

• Center forward – CF

• Striker – ST

Soccer Positions FAQ

Soccer positions are their roles can be complicated, especially if you’re not familiar with the game. To make sure you’ve got all the info you need, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions about soccer positions:

Q: What are the 11 positions in soccer?

The 11 positions in soccer are Goalkeeper, right-back, left-back, center-back, central defensive/holding midfielder, right winger/forward, central/box-to-box midfielder, striker, playmaker/attacking midfielder and left winger/forward

Q: What is the hardest position in soccer?

Since its a team game, all positions contribute to the success of the team in soccer. However, the goalkeeper is usually regarded as one of the hardest positions in soccer because of their unique role.

Q: How many players on a soccer team?

While only 11 players can be on the field, most soccer teams have a roster of 18 to 23 players on average. This allows them to cover the five substitutions they are allowed and adapt to any injuries.

Q: How many soccer players are allowed on the field?

Only 11 players are allowed on the field per team. A goal keeper and 10 outfielders. However, teams can find themselves playing with fewer players if any get red-carded and sent off.

Learning The Beautiful Game

In this article, we’ve covered everything you need to know about all positions in soccer and their related soccer numbers. Remember though, soccer number positions are just theoretical. Just because a player usually plays a specific position, or wears a particular number, doesn’t mean they can’t go into a certain area of the pitch, attack and defend, or even play multiple positions in one match.

As the game develops and coaches are looking for more innovative ways to beat opposition teams, traditional positions are becoming a thing of the past.

Players are increasingly required to take on more responsibility on the pitch, so don’t be surprised to see star strikers working as hard defensively as they do in the attacking third, or for a full-back to be their team’s main creative outlet. Positions are just a guide. Coaches, players, and teams are all unique.

For more on soccer, check out our articles on soccer relegation, the best soccer teams of all time, and the richest soccer teams.

But, cashing winning tickets isn’t always straightforward, and even the best bettors have to accept some losses to go with their wins. So, in this article, we’re going to look at the hardest sports to bet on, so you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into before making a bet.

8. NBA

The NBA tops our list as the easiest sport to bet on, for several reasons. Firstly, it is easy to get information on the NBA. It is one of the most watched sporting leagues in the world and has a huge number of games every season, so the amount of information available is incredible.

Also, because every NBA team plays a minimum of 82 games, there is a lot of data to inform selections, even after the first month of play. Unlike the NFL, where teams play a lot fewer games, the NBA provides a raft of statistics and patterns that are ready to be observed.

Another major reason that NBA basketball is easier to bet on than other sports is that it often has dynasties that dominate the league for several years. Since 2000, three clear dynasties were likely to win the NBA championship or at least make the conference finals every year. The LA Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, and Golden State Warriors all enjoyed sustained periods of success that made bettor’s jobs easier.

Finally, a basketball court is always the same, and games can’t be interrupted by gale-force winds or blizzards. This makes it easier to predict what a particular player will shoot from the free throw line, and means there are fewer variables when predicting a playoff series’s outcome.

7. College Football

The ‘dynasty’ argument is also strong in college football and is why this sport ranks at number 2 on our list. While college football playoff wins don’t quite translate in the same way as NBA Championship wins do, the same teams are often dominant every season.

Since the introduction of the playoffs in 2014, Alabama has had the most appearances, wins, and championships. Clemson and Georgia have also had dominant teams, including the 2022 Georgia Bulldogs who maintained a perfect record for the whole season and clinched back-to-back National Championships.

In theory, this makes college football one of the easier sports to bet on. The historical, established schools are rarely upset by divisional minnows. So, while there’s never a sure thing in sports betting, it would be a big shock if Georgia didn’t complete the three-peat this season.

6. MMA

MMA is by far the newest sport on our list. Most of the other sports covered in this article have been established and played internationally for decades or even centuries. The UFC is just 30 years old, and the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts were only developed in the 2000s.

This means the depth of talent and competitiveness is arguably thinner than in some other sports. In women’s MMA, there have been a raft of dominant champions in the past 10 years.

Ronda Rousey, Valentina Shevchenko, Cris Cyborg, and Amanda Nunes have all enjoyed spells as champions where many pundits called them unbeatable, and most challengers were written off before even entering the cage. Men’s MMA has also seen dominant champions, which many bettors have cashed in on, including Jon ‘Bones’ Jones and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Another element of MMA that helps bettors is that fighters often have a particular style that will inform how they will approach a fight. For example, current UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya competed in over 80 professional kickboxing or boxing bouts before starting his career in MMA.

Adesanya has never won via submission in his MMA career because his skill set favors striking. His opponents are also less likely to engage with him in striking because he is a specialist, so many opt to wrestle. This can help bettors predict the outcomes of fights, but also how many takedowns will be attempted, for example.

Proceed with caution, though, as the puncher’s (and kicker’s) chance is a real thing in MMA. Just ask Ronda Rousey, who was dethroned after a 10-fight winning streak by a brutal head kick from Holly Holm.

5. College Basketball

This is where things start to get a little more tricky. College Basketball is by no means an easy sport to bet on, but there are elements of the sport that can help you as a bettor. Like the NBA, college basketball has a certain level of predictability purely because outside influence is minimal. Every game is contested on the same court, and no one team can be hit by weather or condition changes like they can in many other sports.

There are also college programs that consistently have dominant records, and make final fours and elite eights. But, before you log in to your favorite sportsbook and back North Carolina, UCLA, Duke, or Kansas to make the final four this season, remember that the playoffs are called ‘March Madness’ for a reason.

Even the smallest schools with no historical precedent can beat the established names in college basketball, and it’s been happening more than ever in the past few seasons. No.16 seeds have beaten no.1 seeds twice in the past five seasons, something that didn’t happen once in the preceding three decades.

The NCAA transfer portal, which was introduced in 2018, undoubtedly shook things up, and bettors are still learning to cope with the instability caused by the tool.

4. NFL

The NFL undoubtedly has dominant teams and is currently being dominated by the latest dynasty – the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs. So, if you want to make a wager that the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl in 2024, it wouldn’t be a bad bet. However, there are just too many variables in the NFL to call it an easy league to bet on.

Football is one of the most physically demanding sports in the world, and injuries to star players are much more common than in the NBA or Premier League. The NFL has taken measures to protect quarterbacks in recent years, but accidents can happen when a bunch of 3-400 pound linemen are wrestling just a yard or two away, with several of them trying to decapitate you.

The previously mentioned Patrick Mahomes is clear evidence of this. In the Chiefs’ 2023 divisional-round playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mahomes suffered a serious ankle injury. Chiefs fans and NFL bettors alike had their heads in their hands as they waited for news, and luckily for them, he recovered just in time for the Super Bowl, where the Chiefs claimed victory.

The NFL season also runs from autumn through winter, so weather conditions can get pretty adverse and contribute to upsets. The weather is the same for both teams, but the unpredictable nature of the sport is amplified by particularly cold or wet conditions that make life tough as a bettor.

3. Baseball

Number six on our list is baseball, which is one of the more difficult sports to bet on. Each team in the MLB plays 162 games, which is both good and bad news for bettors. It’s good because the more data you have to draw from, in theory, the more successful you can be.

However, there is probably a sweet spot for most bettors, (like the 82-game NBA seasons), and studying statistics for literally thousands of games can become tedious very quickly. Hence, it’s challenging to use all the available information correctly when betting.

Baseball teams also blow hot and cold. Within a season, teams take regular road trips or three or four games at a time, and even for the best teams, this can be tricky. In 2022, the LA Dodgers recorded one of the best regular seasons in MLB history, going 111-51, with a win percentage of .685.

This meant that despite delivering one of the most impressive records in the history of baseball, the Dodgers still lost over 30% of their games, and for most clubs, their records are around .500. This makes baseball a great sport to watch, but not amazing to bet on.

2. Soccer

Soccer is a difficult sport to bet on because of the amount of variables. The game lasts for 90 minutes, plus stoppage time, and can even go to extra time (another 30 minutes), then to a penalty shootout. Penalties are often considered a coin flip, and there were five of them in the 2022 World Cup, which is not ideal if you’re predicting who will win the tie.

Weather, crowd hostility, injuries, discipline, and the fact that players or coaches can’t stop the game voluntarily means that anything can happen on a soccer pitch, and it often does. Soccer is also known as one of the most passionate sports, especially at a professional level. On an almost weekly basis, there are outrageous, headline-grabbing acts from players, managers, and fans that can contribute to unpredictability.

The difficulty of betting on soccer also depends on the type of wager you want to make and the league you’re betting on. For example, the Premier League is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in Europe based on depth (a smaller team is more likely to beat a bigger team), and therefore more unpredictable but Manchester City has five of the last six league titles.

It was easy to predict that City would win the league but much harder to forecast that they would win just six times in 11 games between October and February before going on a 16-game unbeaten run to claim the title.

1. Golf

Golf is a notoriously tough sport to play, and it’s also the hardest to bet on. The mental and physical demands of golf put even the world’s best through the wringer, especially in the majors.

Golf tournaments are played outdoors, usually over four days, so the amount of variables golfers will encounter is huge. In many major championships, the weather plays a significant role. Rain, and particularly wind, can derail an outstanding round or turn a good score into a bad one. Golf pros also have to deal with various terrains, and need lady luck on their side when the ball leaves the fairway.

Golf is also one of the most competitive sports in the world. At the highest level, the depth of talent is immense which means that even players ranked outside the top 100 in the world have a realistic chance of claiming the biggest prizes.

Between 1991 and 2011, eight golfers who were ranked outside the world’s top 100 won major titles, including Ben Curtis, who won the 2003 Open Championship whilst ranked at number 396 in the world! This proved that relative unknowns could win the biggest prizes in golf, even in the Tiger Woods era.

Knowledge Is Power

It’s important to note that no matter how experienced you are as a bettor, the most important thing is research and knowledge. The more information you can get to inform your selection, the more chance you have of success.

There is a reason why Premier League star, Ivan Toney, was punished so severely for betting on his own team. Toney had inside information which gave him an advantage in predicting the outcome of matches. However, even without ‘insider knowledge’ the same theory applies. The more knowledge you have, the better your chance of knowing what will happen in a sporting event.

So, although some sports are easier to bet on than others, you should always bet on sports you understand and ideally that you love and follow closely.

In this article, we’ll look at the 10 tallest WNBA players ever, the tallest current WNBA players, and the average height of women in the WNBA.

Top 10 Tallest WNBA Players Ever

1. Margo Dydek – 7’2″ (218cm) – Poland

The biggest WNBA player ever, and the only player in league history to stand over seven feet tall, was Margo Dydek, who was the first overall pick in the 1998 NBA draft. She was selected by the Utah Starzz and had a long career in the WNBA with three different teams where she was a two-time All-Star and eight-time blocks leader.

Dydek also had a stellar European and International career, helping Poland to win the EuroBasket Women in 1999. Tragically, Margo Dydek died at the age of just 37 after suffering a cardiac arrest at home.

2. Han Xu – 6’11 (211cm) – China

Han Xu is the second tallest WNBA player, and often gets compared to her compatriot, NBA legend, Yao Ming. Like Ming, Xu is known for her extraordinary height and uses this weapon to her advantage on the court.

Xu was drafted by the New York Liberty in 2019 and has had a decent career so far, averaging 5.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game. Internationally, she helped China win the silver medal in the 2022 World Cup, and gold at the 2023 Asia Cup.

3. Bernadett Hatar – 6’10” (208cm) – Hungary

Another European, Bernadett Hatar comes in at number three on our list and is the current Centre for The Connecticut Sun. Unlike Dydek, Hatar is relatively inexperienced in the WNBA and has just 13 career appearances in the league. Across her WNBA career, Bernadett Hatar has averaged 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

4. Brittney Griner – 6’9″ (205cm) – USA

Brittney Griner is the tallest American to ever play in the WNBA and a true great of the modern era. A nine-time WNBA All-Star and 2014 WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, Griner is one of the most recognizable female basketball players in the US.

Unfortunately for Griner, this isn’t solely for sporting reasons. The Houston native was at the center of an international diplomatic crisis in 2022 when she was arrested and held for several months on drug smuggling charges in Russia.

Luckily this was resolved and Griner returned to the WNBA in 2023, when she averaged 17.5 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

Brittney is also one of the richest WNBA players.

5. (tie) Haixia Zheng – 6’8″ (203cm) – China

Haixia Zheng is one of the tallest players to ever play in the WNBA, and her stature made her an intimidating proposition on the court. In addition to her impressive height, Zheng weighed 250lb during her time in the WNBA, which made life even more difficult for her opponents.

She is an Olympic bronze and silver medalist with the Chinese national team. In 1997, she became the first Asian and International player to win a WNBA award, when she received the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

5. (tie) Maria Stepanova – 6’8″ (203cm) – Russia

Maria Stepanova was selected by the Phoenix Mercury, with the 8th overall pick of the 1998 WNBA draft. She stayed in the NBA for three years, before moving to Korea to play for the KB Stars.

Stepanova won two Olympic bronze medals while representing Russia, and was awarded the FIBA Europe Women’s Player of the Year a record three times between 2005 and 2008.

5. (tie) Liz Cambage – 6’8″ (203cm) – Australia

Liz Cambage played six seasons with three teams in the WNBA between 2011 and 2022, and was a four-time All-Star. During the 2019 playoffs, she averaged an impressive 23.6 points per game for the Las Vegas Aces, but the team fell to the Washington Mystics in the semifinals.

As well as the WNBA, Cambage has played for teams in Australia, China, and Israel. She’s also won medals at the Olympics, FIBA World Cup, and Commonwealth Games whilst representing Australia.

5. (tie) Lindsay Taylor – 6’8″ (203cm) – USA

Another well-traveled giant-of-the-game, Lindsay Taylor played two seasons in the WNBA (and missed another due to injury) and represented clubs in Turkey, Korea, China, France, Poland, and Angola across a 20-year career.

Taylor also enjoyed a stellar college career. In 2014 she was elected to the UC Santa Barbara Hall of Fame, thanks to holding records as their all-time leading point scorer, blocker, and most accurate shooter.

5. (tie) Razija Mujanovi? – 6’8″ (203cm) – Bosnia

Razija Mujanovi? is the joint fifth tallest WNBA player ever, and the last on our list who stands at 6’8″ tall. Despite having a career that spanned 27 years, she played just one season in the WNBA, where she averaged 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Detroit Shock.

Mujanovi? was primarily known as a force in the European game, where she won four EuroLeague titles, and twelve national championships with various clubs. She was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017 and won a silver medal at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, representing Yugoslavia.

10. Katie Feenstra-Mattera – 6’7.5″ (202 cm) – USA

Katie Mattera played in the WNBA for five seasons following an outstanding college career at Liberty University that saw her nominated for the Naismith Award. She made the 2005 WNBA All-Rookie Team, but her professional career never reached the same heights as college.

After retiring as a player, she returned to Liberty as an assistant coach. She has also held the head coach position at Cornerstone University.

Who Is The Tallest WNBA Player Right Now?

Han Xu, who stands at 6’11” tall, is the tallest current WNBA player. She is 3.5 inches taller than the average NBA player’s height, and the second-tallest player in WNBA history. Xu plays as a center for the New York Liberty and is 24 years old.

The Other Tallest Current WNBA Players

As of the 2024 season, there are 10 WNBA players that are 6’6” or above. They are:

1. Han Xu: 6’11” (New York Liberty)
2. Bernadett Hatar: 6’10” (Connecticut Sun)
3. Brittney Griner: 6’9” (Phoenix Mercury)
4. Kamilla Cardoso: 6’7” (Chicago Sky)
5. Kalani Brown: 6’7” (Dallas Wings)
6. Teaira McCowan: 6’7” (Dallas Wings)
7. Elizabeth Kitley: 6’6” (Las Vegas Aces)
8. Azura Stevens: 6’6” (Los Angeles Sparks)
9. Jonquel Jones: 6’6” (New York Liberty)
10. Mercedes Russell: 6’6” (Seattle Storm)

How Tall Are WNBA Players On Average?

According to 2023 data, the average height of a WNBA player was 6’1″ but the average varies greatly depending on position. WNBA centers have an average height of 6’4″, forwards 6’2″ and guards 6’.

In contrast, the average height of an NBA player is a whopping 6’6.5″ inches.

Dallas Wings guard Crystal Dangerfield is the shortest player in the WNBA, standing at just 5’5″, which is the same height as Earl Boykins, the second shortest player in NBA history.

Does Height Really Matter?

Height is undoubtedly an advantage on the basketball court, but you have to know how to use it. As detailed above, the tallest players in WNBA history aren’t necessarily the best. Two of the best players ever, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke and Diana Taurasi, are 5’10” and 6’ respectively, which shows no matter your height, you can still get it done on the court.

Enjoyed this? Check out our WNBA vs NBA article.

Lead image credit: Lorie Shaull/Flickr, CC BY 2.0 

10. Jordan Spieth – $120 Million

Jordan Spieth is the youngest name on this list.

He burst onto the scene in 2014, when he was runner-up at the Masters in his first appearance at the tournament. He won it the year after, before then winning the U.S. Open. In 2017 he won the Open Championship.

The only Major he hasn’t won is the PGA Championship.

Despite his young age, Spieth is already the 7^th highest earner in golf history, winning over $62 million in prizes.

Endorsements have contributed heavily to Spieth’s wealth. He’s worked with some of the world’s biggest brands, including Coca-Cola, Rolex, and AT&T.

Most famously, though, Speith is associated with sports brand Under Armour, the apparel he has worn since turning pro in 2012.

In 2022, Speith and Under Armour announced an extension of his existing deal, which was due to run until 2025. He will now wear the Baltiomore-based brand until at least 2029.

Amazingly, back in 2015, when Speith was chasing the Grand Slam of all four Majors in one year, over $100 million was wiped off Under Armour’s share price after he missed out in the final hole of The Open Championship. Despite this, Spieth is still one of the richest golfers of all time.

9. Fred Couples – $150 Million

Fred Couples is not only one of the world’s richest golfers, but also one of the most famous.

His first PGA Tour victory came in 1983. Since then, he has gone on to win 15 titles on the Tour, but has only ever managed to win one Major: the 1992 Masters. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.

Couples is only 65^th on the all-time money list, having won just under $23 million.

But since he’s the co-owner of Couples Bates Golf Design, and has had endorsement deals with many major companies, including Jaguar, Mitsubishi Electric and Bridgestone, he’s made it to number nine on our rich list.

His enormous career earnings were also boosted by video games. “Boom Boom” lent his name to two Sega-produced video games in the ‘90s:? Fred Couples Golf, and Golf Magazine: 36 Great Holes Starring Fred Couples.

8. Gary Player – $250 Million

South African Gary Player is one of only five players to have ever won all four Majors.

The Black Knight also won over 150 professional tournaments across the world, including 24 PGA Tour titles and 60 Sunshine Tour titles. He was awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

Over his 60-year career, he won over $14 million. He’s earned far more than that since retiring, though.

He has had sponsorship deals with companies like Callaway, SAP and Rolex, plus he owns Gary Player Design, a golf course design company.

All of Gary Player’s businesses, including Gary Player Design, Player Real Estate, The Player Foundation, Gary Player Academies, and Black Knight Enterprises, are covered under the umbrella of Black Knight International. These businesses range from live events to memorabilia.

7. Rory McIlroy – $250+ Million

Rory McIlroy turned professional in 2007 and won his first Major (the U.S. Open) in 2011.

Within three years, he had won three more Majors. The only Major to have eluded him so far is the Masters.

He is currently seen as one of the superstars of the golfing world.

McIlroy has earned over $80 million throughout his career from golf alone, putting him second on the list of all-time money winners.

In 2022, he earned an incredible $18 million for his win in the FedEx Cup alone. It was the third time he claimed that lucrative prize.

Like most of the names on this list, McIlroy makes a large part of his fortune away from the course and was second only to Tiger Woods in off-course earnings in 2023.

The Irishman signed a deal with Nike in 2017, rumored to be worth an incredible $200 million. He also founded TGL with Tiger Woods – an indoor “high-tech league” for golf, where high-profile players will compete in a team format alongside celebrities.

4. (tie) Jack Nicklaus – $400 Million

Jack Nicklaus has won an amazing 18 Majors – more than any other player.

His six Masters wins make him the most successful player in the tournament’s history. He’s also won 73 PGA Tour titles, as well as nine on the European Tour, and was awarded the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008.

Nicklaus earned millions from golf, although his winnings are dwarfed by those paid out to modern-day players.

Business ventures have also contributed heavily to his wealth. The 80-year-old owns one of the world’s largest gold course design companies, plus he’s written many books and launched clothing and wine businesses.

Nicklaus has had a long list of lucrative brand and sponsorship deals throughout his career, and even lent his name to a video game in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Most recently, Nicklaus has given his name and likeness to a line of soft drinks from the Arizona Beverage Company, which also produces an Arnold Palmer line.

4. (tie) Jon Rahm – $400 Million

Jon Rahm is one of the best golfers in the world, but thanks to signing his record-breaking deal with LIV Golf in 2023, he has now become one of the richest.

A double major winner, Rahmbo was an integral part of the 2023 European Ryder Cup team, but shocked the sports world in December ‘23 when he announced he was joining LIV Golf.

After saying “The (LIV) format is not really appealing to me” and “I am officially declaring my fealty to the PGA Tour” in 2022, Rahm was eventually persuaded. It turns out money does talk, and now Rahm and his family are sitting on stacks of it.

The deal guaranteed Rahm a reported $300 million upfront, but will be worth a total of $5-600 million over the next four years.

Before joining LIV, Rahm already had an eye-watering net worth of $100 million, thanks to earning over $51 million in prize money alone.

4. (tie) Greg Norman – $400 Million

Greg Norman, famously known as the “Great White Shark”, is one of the best-known Australian sports stars of all time.

Despite spending 331 weeks as world number one, he only managed to win two Majors. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2001.

Norman was the first player to earn $10 million in career earnings, however much of his money came from business ventures.

He started the Greg Norman Company in 1993, and this company now owns a range of businesses in varied industries, including real estate and golf course design.

In 2021, Norman left Greg Norman Company to become the CEO of LIV Golf Investments, the Saudi Arabian-backed start-up that has shaken up the golf world.

3. Phil Mickelson – $800-$900 Million

Phil Mickelson is one of the most successful golfers of recent times.

Referred to as “Lefty” by golf fans, he’s won six Majors, including the Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010. He’s also won 45 times on the PGA Tour, as well as 11 times on the European Tour.

Mickelson is second to Tiger Woods when it comes to earnings, having won over $96 million in prize money.

He won a staggering $9 million in “The Match: Tiger vs. Phil”, a pay-per-view event held at the Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The reported $200 million bonus he received for joining the LIV Tour has made him the third richest golfer ever.

Although Mickleson’s current net worth hasn’t been confirmed, he is just one of a handful of athletes in the history of sport to have established pre-tax career earnings of more than $1 billion.

He also offered some insight into his personal wealth after a Twitter spat with a fan in June 2023, who commented on Mickelson’s well-documented struggles with gambling. He wrote, “Haven’t gambled in years. Almost a billionaire now. Thanks for asking.”.

2. Arnold Palmer – $1 Billion

The King, Arnold Palmer, is one of the most iconic golfers in history and is widely regarded as the first superstar of the sport.

In the 1960s, the “Big Three” of Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player helped turn the sport into what it is today, paving the way for the huge prize money and commercial deals that modern players enjoy.

Palmer won 62 PGA Tour titles with seven majors. He just missed out on completing a career grand slam, as he finished runner-up in the PGA Championship three times.

In total, he amassed just $3.6 million in prize money from the PGA Tour, but earned the majority of his fortune through sponsorships, licensing, appearances, and the Arnold Palmer Design Company.

He has continued to earn an amazing amount since he died in 2016, with Forbes estimating his estate earned $40 million in 2017 alone.

1. Tiger Woods – $1.1 Billion

There are no prizes for guessing that the number one richest golfer in the world is Tiger Woods.

Regarded by many as the greatest player ever, he’s had 110 wins in his career and has spent 683 weeks as world number one. He did have something of a fall from grace, but confirmed he was back by winning the 2019 Masters.

As you might expect, he’s raked in cash from many endorsement deals, working with some huge names like Nike, with whom he struck a deal estimated to be worth an eye-watering $105 million.

On top of endorsements, Tiger is also an accomplished businessman and CEO of TGR. TGR is an enterprise that includes companies such as a restaurant and a golf course design business.

Woods reached billionaire status in 2022, despite turning down an incredible offer to join LIV Golf, which, according to LIV CEO Greg Norma, was in the “high nine digits”.

For more eye-watering net worths, check out:

• The Richest NFL Players
• The Richest Poker Players
• The Richest Snooker Players

Keep reading to discover the other highest-paid mascots, and what it takes to make it as the person behind the suit.

The Highest-Paid NFL Mascots

Rowdy (Dallas Cowboys) – $65,000 annual salary

Being the mascot of “America’s Team” comes with lots of perks. You get to perform in front of 80,000 people at every home game, you get to take part in lots of community events, and you get paid the joint most of any mascot in the NFL.

Rowdy’s $65,000 annual salary works out to $50/hour, which can’t be beaten by any other mascot in the league.

Fun facts: Rowdy has 73K followers on Instagram and was named “Most Hated NFL Mascot” by Sports Illustrated in 2015.

Pat Patriot (New England Patriots) – $65,000 annual salary

The joint highest NFL mascot salary is Pat Patriot of the New England Patriots, who also earns $65,000 per year ($50/hour). Pat has become one of the most recognizable NFL mascots in the modern era, thanks to his appearances at eleven Super Bowls over the last 25 years.

Pat can usually be found at Gillette Stadium for Patriots home games, where he entertains the crowd, signs autographs, and poses for pictures.

Fun facts: Pat was created by cartoonist Phil Bissell in 1960 and was originally based on an American Revolutionary soldier.

Average NFL Mascot Salary

The average NFL mascot salary is $60,000 per year, or $45/hour. Only Rowdy and Pat Patriot earn more than this, and their additional salary is probably down to the scale of their respective franchises. The Cowboys and Patriots are two of the most famous teams in the league, and their mascots have been a recognizable part of the game-day experience for decades.

Here’s a list of some reported NFL mascot salaries for the 2023 season:

Extra Appearances

Like NFL players and cheerleaders, mascots are required to do lots of extra work, separate to what is seen on game day. For example, Sourdough Sam, the mascot of the San Francisco 49ers, attends youth camps and schools where he spreads messages about the importance of healthy eating and exercise.

These extra responsibilities would be part of the mascot’s contract with the franchise, and each would vary slightly. However, for additional events, there are likely bonus earnings available for mascots.

For example, it’s possible to book Sourdough Sam for private, corporate events which would cost $1,050 for just two hours, with the performer taking a healthy hourly wage for the appearance.

Most Popular NFL Mascots

Rowdy and Pat Patriot are the highest-paid mascots in the NFL, but it doesn’t mean they are the most popular. Since 2016, there has been an NFL Mascot of the Year award and Blue, the mascot of the Indianapolis Colts, has won it a record three times.

In 2023, Blue also won Social Media of the Year and Anchor in the Community, showing his presence both online and in the Indianapolis area. Blue also boasts a massive 254K followers on Instagram, which is more than any other NFL mascot.

Other NFL mascots with a big following on Instagram include Blitz the Sea Hawk (104K) mascot of the Seattle Sea Hawks, and Toro (184K), mascot of the Houston Texans. Clearly, though, online popularity, reach, and awards don’t necessarily equate to higher pay for NFL mascots. Despite having hundreds of thousands of followers collectively, Blue and Blitz both earn $15,000 less than Rowdy and Pat.

Challenges Of Being An NFL Mascot

Being an NFL mascot isn’t just fun and games, so before you consider applying for the next vacancy in the league, you might want to consider some of the downsides. Here are some of the big challenges NFL mascots have to overcome:

Extreme Weather

Across the 32 NFL teams, mascots have to deal with some extreme weather. Whether it’s running around the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in 70-degree heat, or risking catching frostbite in -13 at Lambeau Field, dealing with extreme weather would be a genuine headache for many NFL mascots.

Hard Work

Throwing on an oversized costume and dancing in front of thousands of people might seem easy, but to be an NFL mascot, you have to be seriously committed. Mascot responsibilities don’t start and end when the game does; a lot of preparation and performances away from the stadium are required. The Colts mascot, Blue, reportedly makes up to 300 performances each year and plans all his own skits.

Delivering Every Time

Being a mascot is a performance role, and every time an NFL mascot puts on their costume, they have to give it 100%. And we’re not just talking about NFL games. The same energy and enthusiasm are needed at every school, charity, and corporate event the mascot attends.

Mascots also deal with a lot of drunk fans who may overstep the mark. Every now and then, things don’t go to plan.

Anonymity

In general, mascot identities are kept private to protect the performer and to help maintain the magic of the character. So, keeping your job a secret, especially if you’ve been doing it for several years, would be a challenge.

How Many NFL Teams Do Not Have A Mascot?

Four current NFL franchises don’t have a mascot. They are:

• Green Bay Packers
• New York Jets
• New York Giants
• Los Angeles Chargers

The exact reason for these teams deciding against having mascots varies, but often the team name, history, and branding just aren’t a good fit. For example, Green Bay’s name comes from the Acme Meat Packing Company, which produced canned meat, so it doesn’t exactly lend itself to an inspirational or cute mascot. Maybe the New York Jets could consider creating a mascot based on a fighter jet. Or maybe not.

Not having a mascot isn’t always due to a lack of trying, though. For example, in the 1980s, the Packers tried and failed to introduce “Packy Packer”, who was just a man who carried sausages (we’re not joking)! Some things are just best left alone…

Summary – NFL Mascots Pay Dwarfed By NBA

There are pros and cons to being an NFL mascot. They are paid a decent salary, and get up close and personal with the action on the field and their adoring fans. If you’re a performer, an NFL mascot gig might seem appealing, but don’t start searching for vacancies just yet.

The highest-paid NBA mascots can earn almost ten times that of their NFL colleagues, and they don’t have to deal with the weather!

For more articles on the NFL, check out The 10 Oldest NFL Teams, Top 10 Richest NFL Players Ever, and 5 Best Moments In NFL Playoff History.

If you’re a soccer fan, it’s important to understand relegation, as it greatly impacts the tactics, pressure, and emotion associated with games at the bottom end of the table, especially towards the end of a season.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about relegation and promotion in soccer.

What Is Relegation In Soccer?

Relegation in soccer is a system where the teams that finish in the bottom positions of a league at the end of the season are moved down (or relegated) to a lower league.?

All of the “Big Five” European football leagues (Premier League – England, Bundesliga – Germany, La Liga – Spain, Serie A – Italy, and Ligue 1 – France) follow this system.

How Does Relegation In Soccer Work?

Each league has slightly different rules, depending on the amount of teams in the league and the overall structure of the pyramid in that country.

In the Premier League and Serie A, the bottom three teams are relegated after all the matches are played.

For instance, there are 20 teams that compete throughout the season in the Premier League. If at the end of a season, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, and Brentford finished in the 18th, 19th, and 20th positions respectively, they would be relegated to the Championship for the next season. Conversely, the top three teams from the Championship would be promoted to the Premier League to replace them.

In Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, just the bottom two teams are automatically relegated, and the team that finishes third from bottom plays in a ‘relegation playoff’ against a team who wins the ‘promotion playoff’ in the league below.

League position is dictated by the number of points a team accumulates across a season. All major soccer leagues and competitions apply the following point system: three points for a win, one for a draw, and zero for a loss.

What Is Promotion In Soccer?

Promotion is the opposite of relegation in soccer. A set number of teams that finish in ‘promotion positions’ either get automatically promoted to the league above or enter into a playoff to try and achieve the feat.

In the English Championship (second division after the Premier League), clubs that finish the season in the top two positions are automatically promoted, and the clubs that finish in positions three to six enter the playoffs.

Clubs that are already in the top league of a respective country can’t win promotion. Instead, they compete to be the overall champion of their league and country, and usually for the right to play in continental competitions, like the Champions League in Europe, or the Copa Libertadores in South America.

In theory, any club that is a member of the soccer association in a respective country can work its way up the pyramid with promotion, competing in higher levels of competition with more prize money and rewards attached.

This is exactly what Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will be hoping for as owners of the Welsh football club, Wrexham A.F.C, which competes in the English football league system.

The pair completed a deal to buy the club in February 2021, and at that time the team was competing in the National League, the fifth tier of English soccer. Thanks to investment from their new owners, the club was promoted as champions of the 2022–23 National League and now plays in EFL League Two, the fourth and lowest tier of fully professional football in England.

Why Does Promotion And Relegation Happen In Soccer?

The ‘open’ system of promotion and relegation is mainly a European phenomenon in professional sports. It is not exclusive to soccer, though, and many other sports like basketball, rugby, and even eSports use the model.

Unlike the ‘closed’ franchise model for professional sport in the US, when European soccer leagues were being developed in the 20th century, promotion and relegation was seen as a way to create competitive balance and for a club’s position or prize money to be based on merit.

There are pros and cons to both franchise and promotion/relegation models. Many critics of the franchise system would argue that the worst-performing teams in the NFL, for example, have nothing to play for at the end of a season, and may even purposely underperform to try and gain a favorable draft pick in the following season.

However, in soccer leagues with promotion and relegation, the financial implications of relegation can cause massive disruption and long-term damage to a club that can have wide-reaching implications.

Portsmouth FC went from FA Cup winners and Premier League regulars in the 2000s, to financial trouble and three relegations in 2010, 2012, and 2013, falling to the fourth tier of English football for the first time since 1980.

The Impact Of Promotion And Relegation In Soccer

The Premier League is financially the biggest soccer league in the world and where the impact of promotion and relegation is felt most keenly. It provides the biggest benefits to promoted clubs and can be devastating to relegated ones.

According to expert Ben Peppi, head of sports services at JMW Solicitors, a football club that has been relegated from the Premier League to the Championship will see an ￡85-100 million ($103-121 million) loss in revenue, year on year.

Relegated clubs primarily try to balance the books by selling star players, but this doesn’t come without risk. Leicester City sold England Internationals James Maddison and Harvey Barnes for a combined total of around $90 million following their relegation from the Premier League in 2023.

While this plugs a significant financial hole, these players still need to be replaced, and even if the club achieves promotion in the next season or two, the squad will most likely be weaker than when it was relegated. This makes it harder for the club to reestablish itself in the Premier League.

In England in particular, many clubs struggle to deal with the financial burdens of relegation, and not every team has players that can command elevated transfer fees. As a result, several English football clubs entered administration or had other significant financial troubles following relegation.

How To Survive Relegation In Soccer

To help combat the financial burden of relegation, the Premier League introduced “parachute” payments that mean relegated clubs receive 55% of the per club Premier League basic TV money in the first year, 45% in year two, and 20% in year three if the club was in the Premier League for more than one season before relegation. This helps lower the risk of a club going into administration due to the high cost base (mainly player wages) they incurred in the Premier League.

Famous Soccer Relegations And Promotions

1. FC Kaiserslautern

German club FC Kaiserslautern made history in the late 90s when they became the only team in German football history to win the 2. Bundesliga (German second division) and Bundesliga in consecutive years.

The team was relegated from the Bundesliga in 1996 but bounced back and in the following season (1996–97) won the 2. Bundesliga title, and reclaimed their place in Germany’s elite soccer league. Remarkably they followed up their 2. Bundesliga title by winning the Bundesliga and claiming the German football championship, beating the imperious Bayern Munich by 2 points.

2. Leicester City

Leicester City had spent 9 seasons outside the English Premier League when they were promoted as winners of the 2013–14 Championship. Fans were optimistic about reestablishing themselves as a Premier League club, but none of them could have expected what happened next.

On the 3rd of April, they were seven points adrift from safety and time was running out on the Foxes. They needed a huge change in fortunes and the team delivered. They won seven out of their last nine games and eventually finished in 14th position.

When the 2015-16 season rolled around, many fans and pundits expected Leicester to be in a relegation battle once again, but things couldn’t have gone better for the club. Leicester went on to beat 5000-1 odds and claim the Premier League title under the management of Italian Claudio Ranieri, going down in sporting folklore.

3. Deportivo de La Coru?a       

Spanish soccer team Deportivo de La Coru?a has the unbelievable record of being promoted or relegated for seven consecutive seasons during the 1960s. The club yo-yoed between the Segunda División and La Liga every year from 1962 to 1968, which led to the nickname “elevator team”.

There were even more promotions and relegations in the years that followed, before the club eventually spent 15 years outside the Spanish top flight, incurring huge financial and infrastructural debt.

Soccer Relegation Conclusion

In summary, promotions and relegations in soccer represent the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for clubs across the globe. This high-stakes drama summarizes soccer as a sport, and avoiding relegation means the world to fans and players alike.

So, before you skip past Luton Town vs Sheffield United, remember that this game could be the deciding factor in a promotion or relegation, and all the drama that goes with it.

For more soccer guides, check out Soccer Positions Explained or the Best Soccer Teams Of All Time.

Lead Image Credit: Moazzam Brohi/Flickr, CC BY 2.0

10. Sofia Huerta – $1.3 million

• Total Earnings – $1.3 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $500,000
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

The 10th best-paid female soccer player is Sofia Huerta. Born in Boise, Idaho, Huerta has Mexican heritage through her father and played five times for the Mexican Women’s National Team before changing affiliation to the United States in 2017.

Through her contracts with Seattle Reign and the US Women’s National Team, Sofia Huerta earned $800,000 on-field, and off-field, she added a further $500,000 through sponsorships and endorsements.

9. Rose Lavelle – $1.4 million

• Total Earnings – $1.4 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $600,000
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

Next on our list is another USWNT regular and National Women’s Soccer League star, Rose Lavelle, who earned a total of $1.4 million last year.

In a career that has seen her play for seven different clubs, Lavelle has established herself as a crucial member of the US squad, appearing at two world cups and the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

Lavelle tops up her on-field earnings with several endorsements, including the beer brand FLIGHT.

8. Lindsey Horan – $1.5 million

• Total Earnings – $1.5 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $600,000
• On-Field Earnings – $900,000

Midfielder Lindsey Horan sits at number eight on our list, with an annual salary of $1.5 million. She plays club soccer for Olympique Lyon in France, the most successful team in UEFA Women’s Champions League history.

Horan has the highest reported on-field salary of any female player in the world at $900,000, and added $600,000 through off-field endorsements in 2023.

5 (tie). Sophia Smith – $2 million

• Total Earnings – $2 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.2 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

After being drafted as the number one pick at the 2020 NWSL College Draft, Sophia Smith has become one of the superstars of the league and a regular for the USWNT.

In 2022, she won the NWSL championship with the Portland Thorns and was voted as league MVP. She backs up her on-field performance with commercial deals, too.

Her 326k followers on Instagram give her a strong social media presence, and she has endorsements with several companies including Nike and Chipotle.

5 (tie). Julie Ertz – $2 million

• Total Earnings – $2 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $700,000

Next up is Julie Ertz, who played for the Chicago Red Stars, Angel City FC, and the United States before retiring in August 2023.

In total, the Arizona native managed 123 appearances and 20 goals for the US. She’s also won two World Cups and was named the US Soccer Female Player of the Year in 2015.

In the final year of her career, Ertz earned a salary of $700,000 a year for Angel City and had several lucrative off-field contracts that were worth $1.3 million.

5 (tie). Crystal Dunn – $2 million

• Total Earnings – $2 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $700,000

A former winner of the Hermann Trophy in her college career, Crystal Dunn has been an ever-present in the USWNT setup for over a decade.

Now playing her club football at NJ/NY Gotham FC, during the 2023 NWSL the versatile player had an on-field salary of $700,000 and several lucrative sponsors off-field, including Mastercard and Therabody.

4. Trinity Rodman – $2.3 million

• Total Earnings – $2.3 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $1.5 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

Trinity Rodman is one of the most exciting, young attacking talents in the world of women’s soccer and despite her tender age, she already has a significant amount of domestic and international experience.

She was the youngest player ever to be drafted in the NWSL at just 18, and at 21 she already has 34 appearances for the United States senior team.

Her on-field earnings are almost doubled by off-field though, and the fact she’s the daughter of NBA legend Dennis Rodman will only enhance her fame and commercial earning potential. In 2023, she had several long-term brand partnerships, most notably with Adidas.

3. Alexia Putellas – $4 million

• Total Earnings – $4 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $3.2 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

Barcelona and Spain captain Alexia Putellas is the third-highest-paid female soccer player and the only non-American player on our list.

This American dominance shows the commercial power American players have in female soccer and the level of stardom achieved by Putellas.

A two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, Putellas has similar on-field earnings to her American counterparts, however her off-field earnings amounted to a giant $3.2 million in 2023.

This is partly helped by her 2.8 million Instagram followers, making her one of the world’s most commercially influential female soccer players.

2. Megan Rapinoe – $7 million

• Total Earnings – $7 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $6.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $700,000

Another player on our list who retired in 2023, Megan Rapinoe was one of the best-known and recognizable soccer players in the world.

The US international played 203 times for her country, scoring 63 goals and winning two World Cups. Her final club team was OL Reign, who she played with for 10 years.

She won both the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball at the 2019 Women’s World Cup and her on-field success was matched by huge achievements off it. In 2022, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her activism around pay equality, racial justice, and LGBT+ rights.

She also had a long list of commercial endorsements with global brands including Nike, Samsung, Google and Subway, which helped her achieve $6.3 million off-field earnings.

1. Alex Morgan – $7.1 million

• Total Earnings – $7.1 million
• Off-Field Earnings – $6.3 million
• On-Field Earnings – $800,000

The highest-paid, and most recognizable female soccer player in the world is Alex Morgan, who earned a massive $7.1 million last year alone.

A key member of the US national team for over a decade, Morgan has won the World Cup twice, being chosen as a member of the Dream Team on both occasions.

Morgan is a global star; she was the first woman to feature on the cover of the FIFA video game in 2015, alongside Lionel Messi, and was named on Time’s 100 Most Influential People list twice.

In 2023, she earned an on-pitch salary of $800,000 through contracts with San Diego Wave and the USWNT, but this was dwarfed by her off-field earnings of $6.3 million.

Throughout her career, Alex Morgan has signed a long list of commercial deals with companies including McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, and Bank of America, and appeared in several major magazines including Sports Illustrated, Elle, and Vogue.

Women’s Soccer Pay vs Men’s

While women’s soccer is growing in popularity, there is still a huge disparity between the salaries of top male and female players. For example, Cristiano Ronaldo, the highest-paid male player, earned $260 million in total in 2023, more than 37x what Alex Morgan made.

There are several reasons for this. Comparing the commercial reality of men’s and women’s club soccer, in particular, helps explain why.

Soccer is a traditionally male-dominated sport and the long-established history of the male game means fans, broadcasters, and sponsors are willing to pay much more money to access the product, and this is reflected in player salaries.

For context, the Women’s Super League has a current TV broadcast deal that is worth $9.8 million per year, whereas the Premier League’s equivalent brings in a staggering $2.1 billion – more than 214x as much.

Closing The Gap

Several steps are being taken particularly in the international game, to bring women’s pay closer to men’s. Many international soccer federations, including the US and England, now pay male and female teams the same salary.

World-leading male leagues and clubs are also providing financial support to help grow the women’s game. For example, the Premier League has agreed to an interest-free ￡20m loan to the Women’s Super League, but there is much more that can be done.

In 2018, the men’s World Cup winners, France, received prize money of $38 million, but the women’s winners earned just 7.5% of that ($4 million). The prize offered by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, should be made equal for men and women.

International governing bodies should also try to address pay gaps between their men’s and women’s teams, following the lead of countries like England, the USA, and others.

Furthermore, businesses and broadcasters also have a major role to play in growing the women’s game. The bigger the platform female soccer players get, the more their profiles will grow. This in turn will increase the amount of eyes on female soccer, which will also increase revenue and player salaries.

For more rich lists, check out: Top 10 Richest Esports Players Ever/ The Top 10 Richest Soccer Players Ever / Who Are The 10 Richest Olympians Ever?

The Top 5 Highest Paid NBA Mascots

1. Rocky the Mountain Lion (Denver Nuggets): $625,000 annual salary

Rocky the Mountain Lion is the highest paid NBA mascot and one of the most recognizable across the league. His dancing, acrobatics, and all-round entertainment skills have become an eagerly anticipated part of any Denver Nuggets home game – and he gets paid accordingly. He’s even known for nailing some amazing trick shots, including this no-look bank while standing at the top of two ladders.

Fun facts: Rocky has been the Nuggets mascot since 1990, and has a tail that’s 3 feet long.

2. Harry the Hawk (Atlanta Hawks): $600,000 annual salary

Harry the Hawk can be found at every Atlanta Hawks home game, where he catches the eye with some incredible dance moves. He makes a reported $600,000 annually, the second highest salary for an NBA mascot, and over 10 times the average in the US.

Like all NBA mascots, Harry doesn’t just earn his money by entertaining fans on game day. He also appears at several Hawks’ community events every year, where he poses for photos and gives fans a day they’ll never forget.

Fun facts: Harry ‘hatched’ in 1986, and has 18k followers on Instagram.

3. Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls): $400,000 annual salary

Benny the Bull is one of the most recognizable sports mascots ever. In 2013, Forbes Magazine named him ‘the most popular mascot in sports’. He’s had several viral moments that have secured his popularity, like the one shown below.

A few years ago, Benny took aim at musical royalty, when he performed Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” dance right in front of her husband, Jay Z. Jay didn’t look amused, but the rest of the audience was.

Fun facts: Benny features in the video game NBA Jam Tournament Edition as a secret character and was ejected from a game in 1974 for interfering with the on-court action.

4. Go the Gorilla (Phoenix Suns): $200,000 annual salary

A member of the Mascot Hall of Fame (yes, that’s actually a thing), Go the Gorilla is one of the most entertaining and original mascots in the NBA. Although he doesn’t earn anywhere near as much as the top 3 NBA mascots, Go still takes home an impressive $200,000 every year.

His creation was an accident when a fan ordered a singing telegram during a 1980 game, and the performer arrived in a Gorilla suit. He was asked to entertain fans by the security and was eventually invited to be the Suns official mascot. He’s enjoyed roaring success ever since.

Fun facts: Go the Gorilla graduated from “Hairy Truman” High School in “Mon-Key West”, Florida.

5. Hugo the Hornet (Charlotte Hornets): $100,000 annual salary

Hugo the Hornet is our fifth and final highest paid NBA mascot, taking home a reported annual salary of  $100,000. He’s known for his dunking ability, and he regularly performs dangerous, acrobatic dunks at the Spectrum Center during Hornets home games.

Hugo’s prowess as a mascot has been acknowledged through several awards, including being named a two-time NBA Best Mascot Award by NBA Inside Stuff and winning the NBA Mascot Slam Dunk Championship four times.

Fun facts: Hugo was born on November 4, 1988, and his full hornet costume was designed by Cheryl Henson, daughter of Jim Henson (creator of the Muppets).

What Is The Average NBA Mascot Salary?

Those are five seriously impressive paychecks, but how much do NBA mascots make a year on average? Unfortunately, they don’t earn anywhere near as much. An average NBA mascot salary is just $60,000 – 10x less than Rocky the Mountain Lion’s paycheck.

Like many other roles in the NBA, a mascot’s salary is partly decided by their skill level and reputation. Not every team has a mascot that’s considered an essential part of the game-day experience for fans, and this is reflected in their pay.

However, the highest-earning mascots listed above are seen as talented entertainers who bring a lot of value to fans and the franchise that they are a part of. This is why NBA mascot pay fluctuates so wildly.

Mascot Salaries vs WNBA Player Salaries

As we have discussed in this article, several NBA mascot salaries are way above what the average American earns.

What is perhaps even more surprising, is that the highest paid NBA mascots also earn considerably more than WNBA players.

In 2023, the top 10 highest earning WNBA players had an annual salary ranging from $212,000 to $242,000. This is around $400,000 less than Rocky the Mountain Lion earns, and over $10 million dollars less than the average NBA player salary.

This comparison highlights the difference in earning potential for male and female athletes, and even those working in non-playing roles in the two leagues. Although the NBA has much higher revenue than the WNBA, female players get paid a much smaller percentage of overall league revenue (around 20%, compared to 50%) and don’t enjoy the same perks as their male counterparts.

NBA mascot salaries highlight that there’s still a long way to go to achieve fair pay for elite female athletes.

Check out our article for more WNBA vs NBA facts.

The Role Of A Mascot

The primary role of an NBA mascot is to entertain the crowd when there is no action taking place on the court. Fans primarily flock to arenas around the US to enjoy the skills of the players, but while they’re taking a break, plenty of people turn their attention to mascots. NBA mascots usually entertain fans in the following ways:

• Dancing
• Dunking
• Interacting with fans through competitions, giveaways or photos
• Comedy skits (often using props)
• Trick shots

Mascots also boost team pride and fan morale, and encourage fans to support the team at crucial moments in games.

A mascot’s role extends beyond gameday, too. They are required to appear at charity and community events organized by their franchise. For example, Hugo the Hornet takes part in a school program in Charlotte, where he performs and educates children on topics like anti-bullying and test preparation.

The Perks Of Being An NBA Mascot

Aside from the considerable base salaries for NBA mascots, there are lots of other perks that come with the role. Firstly, if you are an entertainer, the opportunity to perform in front of 20,000 people every week is a huge draw. You also get the chance to be part of some pretty special moments, such as the one pictured below.

Mascots also have the satisfaction of being loved by fans, especially kids, and being able to make the NBA experience special for the people they interact with. This perk would be multiplied if the mascot is from the area, or was a fan of the team growing up.

Everyone wants to be on the court, but not everyone can be a player. Mascots get as close to the action as possible and contribute to the game-day experience, without needing player credentials.

NBA mascots also have the potential to earn money outside their base salary by appearing or performing at private events. For example, appearance fees for Sir CC, the mascot of the Cleveland Cavaliers, start at $300 per hour.

Summary

As we have detailed in this article, being an NBA mascot has a high earning potential. The top-performing mascots earn serious money, and enrich the experience of fans across the league. So, if you want to make it in the NBA, but don’t have what it takes as a player, you always have a backup plan!

For something similar, check out our article on NFL mascots. Or for more on the NBA, check out the NBA’s wealthiest players, the players with the most NBA rings, and average NBA player height compared to WNBA player height.

Lead image credit: Wikipedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Michel Platini
2. Alfredo Di Stefano
3. Zinedine Zidane
4. Franz Beckenbauer
5. Johan Cruyff
6. Ronaldo Nazario
7. Cristiano Ronaldo
8. Diego Maradona
9. Pele
10. Lionel Messi

10. Michel Platini

Number ten on our list of the best soccer players of all time is French midfield master, Michel Platini. He was an icon of football in the 70s and 80s, especially on the European stage, ultimately becoming the 6th president of UEFA from 2007 to 2015. His crowning glory came in leading France to victory in the 1984 European Championship and being named player of the tournament.

• National team: France
• Best World Cup performance: Semi-finalist (1986)
• Club teams: Nancy, Saint-étienne, Juventus
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 653
• Total number of goals: 353
• Major honors (team): European Championship (1984), Serie A (1983–84, 1985–86), European Cup (1984–85), Coppa Italia (1982–83), Cup Winners’ Cup (1983–84), Ligue 1 (1980–81), Coupe de France (1977–78).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or: (1983, 1984, 1985), European Championship Player of the Tournament (1984).
• Peak years: Late 1970s to mid-1980s

9. Alfredo Di Stefano

An Argentinian and Spanish soccer legend, Alfredo Di Stefano is most known for being part of the dominant Real Madrid side that won the first five European Cups between 1955 and 1960. His versatility meant he could operate as either a striker or attacking midfielder, and his game-to-goal ratio (0.72) is up there with the very best in history.

• National team: Argentina, Spain
• Best World Cup performance: Did not play in a World Cup
• Club teams: River Plate, Millionarios, Real Madrid, Espanyol
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 706
• Total number of goals: 509
• Major honors (team): Argentine Primera División (1945, 1947), Campeonato Profesional (1949, 1951, 1952), La Liga (1953–54, 1954–55, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1960–61, 1961–62, 1962–63, 1963–64), Copa del Rey (1961–62), European Cup (1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1957, 1959)
• Peak years: Late 1940s to early 1960s

8. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane was a mercurial talent that sometimes springs to mind for the wrong reasons (we’re looking at you, Marco Materazzi). But “Zizou” was undoubtedly the best player in the world for some years and the crucial part of the dominant French team of the late 90s and early 00s.

With the build and presence of a midfield enforcer, he also had the elegance, ball control, vision, and technique that has rarely been seen elsewhere on a football pitch.

• National team: France
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1998)
• Club teams: AS Cannes, Girondins de Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 803
• Total number of goals: 156
• Major honors (team): Serie A (1996–97, 1997–98), La Liga (2002–03) Champions League (2001–02), World Cup (1998), European Championship (2000).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1998), FIFA World Player of the Year (1998, 2000, 2003), French Division 1 Player of the Year (1995–96), Serie A Footballer of the Year (2000–01), European Championship Player of the Tournament (2000).
• Peak years: Late 1990s to early 2000s

7. Franz Beckenbauer

“Der Kaiser” was a German icon and the only player on our list to play in a primarily defensive position. Despite being deployed as a center-back or sweeper, Beckenbauer’s technical ability and leadership made him the essential cog in the dominant Bayern and West Germany teams of the mid-70s. The latter being widely regarded as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

His game-to-goal ratio of 0.13 is also outstanding for a defender and highlights his ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch.

• National team: West Germany
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1974)
• Club teams: Bayern Munich, New York Cosmos, Hamburger SV
• Position: Sweeper/Center-back
• Total number of games: 857
• Total number of goals: 112
• Major honors (team): Bundesliga (1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74, 1981–82), DFB-Pokal (1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 1970–71), European Cup (1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76), European Cup Winners’ Cup (1966–67), North American Soccer League (1977, 1978, 1980), World Cup (1974), European Championship (1972).
• Major honors (individual):  Ballon d’Or (1972, 1976), Footballer of the Year (Germany) (1966, 1968, 1974, 1976).
• Peak years: Late 1960s to mid-1970s

6. Johan Cruyff

Johan Cruyff arguably left a bigger legacy on soccer in his time as a coach than a player. That, and the work he did helping to establish Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy, which developed the talents of Pep Guardiola, Lionel Messi, and many others.

However, as a player, Cruyff’s dribbling and creativity were unrivaled in an era of superstars. He was the Ballon d’Or winner three times in four seasons. Though he was cruelly denied the biggest prize in world football when West Germany (led by a certain Franz Beckenbauer) won the World Cup in 1974. Despite this, he still goes down in history as one of the best soccer players of all time.

• National team: Netherlands
• Best World Cup performance: Runner-up (1974)
• Club teams: Ajax, Barcelona, Los Angeles Aztecs, Washington Diplomats, Levante,       Feyenoord
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 761
• Total number of goals: 433
• Major honors (team): Eredivisie (1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1969–70, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84), KNVB Cup (1966–67, 1969–70, 1970–71, 1971–72, 1982–83, 1983–84), European Cup (1970–71, 1971–72, 1972–73), La Liga (1973–74), Copa del Rey (1977–78).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (1971, 1973, 1974), Dutch Footballer of the Year (1968, 1972,1984).

5. Ronaldo Nazario

The first of two Ronaldos on our list (spoiler alert), Ronaldo Nazario is considered by many to be the most complete striker in the history of soccer. He is a double World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner, and in his prime, the combination of power, speed, technical skill, and finishing ability made him almost unplayable.

Despite having his career curtailed by a repetitive patellar tendon injury, Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best Brazilian soccer players of all time and still managed to score 414 goals in 616 games for club and country, with a game-to-goal ratio of 0.67.

• National team: Brazil
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1994, 2002)
• Club teams: Cruzeiro, PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Corinthians
• Position: Striker
• Total number of games: 616
• Total number of goals: 414
• Major honors (team): KNVB Cup (1995–96, Copa del Rey (1996–97), UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97, UEFA Cup (1997–98), La Liga (2002–03), Copa do Brasil (2009), World Cup  (1994, 2002), Copa América (1997, 1999).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA World Player of the Year (1996, 1997, 2002), Ballon d’Or (1997, 2002), Serie A Footballer of the Year (1998), UEFA Club Footballer of the Year (1997–98), FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1998, 2002).
• Peak years: Late 1990s to early 2000s

4. Cristiano Ronaldo

A true legend of the past two decades, Cristiano Ronaldo has helped shape the vision of what a modern soccer player should be. His athleticism, professionalism, work ethic, and longevity have created a mold that many younger players will surely aspire to follow. However, his legendary goalscoring ability, especially in clutch moments, will likely never be matched.

During an era-defining rivalry with Lionel Messi’s Barca, as a Real Madrid player, the Portuguese master managed to secure four Champions League titles in five seasons. He also won five Ballon d’Or trophies and the first major trophy in Portugal’s history across an illustrious career.

• National team: Portugal
• Best World Cup performance: Semi-finalist (2006)*
• Club teams: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr
• Position: Forward
• Total number of games: 1,206*
• Total number of goals: 873*
• Major honors (team): Premier League (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09), FA Cup (2003–04), Football League Cup (2005–06, 2008–09), Champions League (2007–08, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18), FIFA Club World Cup (2008, 2014, 2016, 2017), La Liga (2011–12, 2016–17), Copa del Rey (2010–11, 2013–14), Serie A (2018–19, 2019–20), Coppa Italia (2020–21), European Championship (2016), UEFA Nations League: (2018–19).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), FIFA World Player of the Year (2008), Premier League Player of the Season (2006–07, 2007–08), La Liga Best Player (2013–14), Serie A Footballer of the Year (2019, 2020).
• Peak years: Late 2000s to late 2010s

*To date

3. Diego Maradona

If you look up the phrase “tortured genius”, Diego Maradona’s name will surely be included in the description. His outstanding dribbling, technical skill, and mental resilience were made all the more fascinating by his challenges off the pitch, and his willingness to do whatever it took to win, including embracing the “hand of god”. Sorry, England fans.

Maradona never won the Ballon d’Or because, for the majority of his career, only European players were eligible. Still, he was named FIFA Player of the Century in 2000, an award he shared with the next player on our list.

• National team: Argentina
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1986)
• Club team(s): Argentinos Juniors, Boca Juniors, Barcelona, Napoli, Sevilla, Newell’s Old Boys
• Position: Forward/Attacking midfielder
• Total number of games: 680
• Total number of goals: 345
• Major honors (team): Argentine Primera División (1981), Copa del Rey (1982–83), Serie A (1986–87, 1989–90), Coppa Italia (1986–87), UEFA Cup (1988–89), World Cup (1986).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA Player of the Century (2000), FIFA Goal of the Century (2002).
• Peak years: Late 1970s to mid-1980s

2. Pele

The joint-best player of the 20th century comes in at number two on our list. Pele pips Maradona to the position based on his superior goalscoring record, and because he is the only player in history to have lifted the World Cup on three occasions.

Despite having never played for a European club team, Pele’s exploits on the international stage are even more incredible when you consider the brutal treatment he received from opposition defenders.

Like Maradona, other teams often decided the best way to stop Pele was to kick him, and the rules back then resembled something closer to modern kickboxing than soccer. Even with this treatment, Pele had a career goal-to-game ratio of 0.91 and inspired Brazil to three World Cup trophies in four tournaments.

• National team: Brazil
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (1958, 1962, and 1970)
• Club teams: Santos, New York Cosmos
• Position: Forward/Striker
• Total number of games: 858
• Total number of goals: 789
• Major honors (team): Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968), Copa Libertadores (1962, 1963), North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl (1977), World Cup (1958, 1962, 1970).
• Major honors (individual): FIFA Player of the Century (2000).
• Peak years: Late 1950s to early 1970s

1. Lionel Messi

If this list had been written before December 2022, there would have been an argument that Lionel Messi could not take the number one spot. A World Cup win had evaded Messi for many years, and surely the true GOAT must have won the ultimate prize in soccer at least once. Well, the greatest player of all time settled the debate once and for all when he lead his team to a win in Qatar in 2022.

Amongst his many achievements, Leo has won the most major team trophies of any player in history (44), the most Ballon d’Ors (8), the most Best FIFA Men’s Player awards (3), and is the only player in history to score 40+ goals in 12 consecutive seasons. And of course, he’s topped our list of the best soccer players of all time!

All hail the GOAT, Lionel Andrés Messi.

• National team: Argentina
• Best World Cup performance: Winner (2022)
• Club teams: Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami
• Position: Forward/Attacking Midfielder
• Total number of games: 1079*
• Total number of goals: 832*
• Major honors (team): La Liga (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19), Copa del Rey (2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2020–21), Champions League (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15), FIFA Club World Cup (2009, 2011, 2015), Ligue 1 (2021–22, 2022–23), World Cup (2022), Copa América (2021).
• Major honors (individual): Ballon d’Or/FIFA Ballon d’Or (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), Copa América Best Player (2015, 2021), La Liga Best Player (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12, 2012–13, 2014–15), Argentine Footballer of the Year (2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
• Peak years: Late 2000s to 2010s

*To date

Best Soccer Player FAQs

Who are the best soccer players ever?

The top 10 best soccer players of all time are (in descending order): Michel Platini, Alfredo Di Stefano, Zinedine Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Ronaldo Nazario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi. This is based on their achievements, skill level, goal-scoring records, and longevity in soccer.

Who are the best soccer players right now?

According to the voting in the last edition of the Ballon d’Or in 2023, the top ten best players in soccer right now are (in descending order): Luka Modri?, Bernardo Silva, Victor Osimhen, Julián álvarez, Vinícius Júnior, Rodri, Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Lionel Messi.

Is David Beckham one of the best soccer players ever?

For several years David Beckham was considered one of the best players in the world. He was runner-up in the Ballon d’Or in 1999, and twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999 and 2001. He is regarded as one of the best English soccer players ever, and is also one of the richest soccer players.

However, David Beckham isn’t one of the best soccer players of all time. To be considered as such, a player usually has to have won one or more Ballon d’Or trophies, and the World Cup. Beckham achieved neither.

What country has the best soccer players?

The best soccer players in the world can come from any country. For example, in the 2023 Ballon d’Or rankings, the top 10 players were each from a different country and the top 20 included players from Norway, Nigeria, Morocco, Georgia, and Egypt.

However, when looking historically at the best soccer players of all time, both Argentina (Messi and Maradona) and Brazil (Pele and Ronaldo) have two players in the top five, so they have arguably produced the best talent ever seen on a soccer pitch.

Who are the best US soccer players?

Some of the best American soccer players at the moment are Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Weston McKennie (Juventus), and Folarin Balogun (Monaco). Each of these USMNT stars plays in one of the big five European leagues, challenging for the biggest titles domestically and in Europe.

Historically, some of the best American soccer players were Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, and Brad Friedel.

Lead image credit: Football Pictures/Flickr, PDM 1.0

This article will cover everything related to baseball innings. So, if you’re wondering how many innings there are in a baseball game, how long they take, or why there are sometimes more or less, you’re in the right place.

What Is An Inning In Baseball?

In baseball, the game is segmented into different sections called “innings”. In an inning, each team has one turn to bat, and one turn to field, known as half-innings.

While batting, a team is trying to score runs by hitting the ball and then running around the bases. The fielding team tries to stop the batting team from doing this and to get the offensive players out. The half-inning ends when an umpire rules three players on the batting team as “out”.

So, How Many Innings In Baseball?

In most professional baseball games, including those in the MLB, there is a standard length of nine innings. At the end of the ninth inning, the team with the most runs wins the game. If the two teams are tied at the end of the ninth inning, the game continues into “extra innings”. Extra innings continue until one team has outscored the other at the end of an inning.

In international baseball competitions and the World Baseball Classic (WBC), there is a “mercy rule”. This means a game can end when one team is winning by 10 or more runs and seven or more innings have been completed.

How Many Innings In College Baseball?

Like their Major League counterparts, college baseball games generally consist of nine innings. However, as we’ve mentioned, this may be shortened to seven innings due to the implementation of the mercy rule.

How Many Innings In High School Baseball?

In high school baseball, there are typically seven innings. However, some high school baseball leagues may have variations in the number of innings played, such as playing only five or six innings each game. These variations may be made to accommodate time constraints or other scheduling factors.

Nonetheless, the standard number of innings in high school baseball is seven, shorter than the nine-innings games played in college and professional leagues.

How Long Is An Inning In Baseball?

Baseball is a very complex sport, and constant mind games are happening between pitchers, batters, baserunners, and fielders. Coaches are also getting messages to players, and telling them to improve their position or predicting what the opposition might do next.

A pitcher might want to slow things down to increase the pressure on a batter, or a batter may take extra time to try and work out what sort of pitch might be thrown next. All of this takes time, so historically it has been impossible to accurately predict the exact length of a baseball inning. It would only end when three players had been given out on both teams.

Recently though, the biggest baseball league in the world, MLB, has taken steps to address this and reduce the amount of time teams can take during the game. As of the 2023 season, the league introduced a pitch clock that limits teams to 15 seconds for each pitch with the bases empty and 20 with runners on.

Since this rule was introduced, the average inning has lasted between 16 and 18 minutes. This has significantly reduced the overall length of an average MLB game, which is down to around two hours and 40 minutes (30 minutes less than the 2022 season).

How Long Can A Baseball Game Last?

In theory, a baseball game could keep going as long as the teams are tied. The longest professional game ever recorded was between minor league teams the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Rochester Red Wings. A total of 33 innings were played, and the game lasted eight hours and 25 minutes.

In the MLB, the record is a 25-inning match between the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers in 1984, which ran for a total of eight hours and six minutes. The fans certainly got their money’s worth that day!

Summary

So, now you know that the next baseball game you watch should have nine innings, and last around two hours and 40 minutes. If your game does go to extra innings, you might consider yourself lucky (depending on how much you’re enjoying the game) as this only happens in around 10% of regular season games.

For more on baseball, check out our articles on the richest baseball players ever and the most valuable Michael Jordan baseball cards.

Lead image credit: Global Panorama/Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0

But it’s not just their height that’s above average. In this article, we’re going to look at the players with the biggest hands in the NBA.

10. Wilt Chamberlain: 9.5″ x 11.5″

• Hand size: 9.5 inches (hand length) and 11.5 inches (hand span)
• Height: 7’1″
• Wingspan: 7’8″

Wilt Chamberlain is a true NBA legend, and his athleticism and physical stature were a huge part of his dominance over league rivals in the 1960s. He was 7’1″ and had a giant hand span of 11.5 inches, which helped him score the record number of points in a single NBA game (100).

9. Kawhi Leonard: 9.75″ x 11.25″

• Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length) and 11.25 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’7″
• Wingspan: 7’3″

The first active NBA player on our list, Kawhi Leonard, is known as one of the greatest defensive and clutch performers in modern NBA history. A double NBA Champion and Finals MVP, Kawhi Leonard’s hand length of 9.75 inches undoubtedly gave him an advantage over many of his rivals.

8. Michael Jordan: 9.75″ x 11.38″

• Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length) and 11.375 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’6″
• Wingspan: 6’11″

It’s not exactly a shock to see His Airness on an all-time NBA list. However, given his average height by NBA standards, it’s incredible to think he has a hand span that’s nearly a foot long, making him number eight on our list. His legacy and impact on basketball is unmatched, but many people don’t know the impact Michael Jordan’s hand size had on his ability.

7. Julius Erving: 9.5″ x 11.75″

• Hand size: 9.5 inches (hand length) and 11.75 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’7″
• Wingspan: 6’11″

Just like Kawhi Leonard and Michael Jordan, Julius Erving is another entry on our list that has humungous hands relative to his height. Standing at a modest 6’7″, Dr. J has a hand span of 11.75 inches, which allowed him to wow fans with incredible athleticism and dunking ability.

6. Noah Vonleh: 9.75″ x 11.75″

• Hand size: 9.75 inches (hand length) and 11.75 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’10″
• Wingspan: 7’4″

Noah Vonleh played in eight NBA seasons for eight different teams. He averaged less than 5 points per game during his NBA career, so will probably be most remembered for his giant 11.75 inch hand span. Vonleh is still an active professional and now plays for the Shanghai Sharks in the CBA.

5. Connie Hawkins: 10.5″ x 11″

• Hand size: 10.5 inches (hand length) and 11 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’8″
• Wingspan: 7’1″

After overcoming a ban early in his basketball career due to his alleged involvement in a college basketball point-shaving scheme, Connie Hawkins went on to become a four-time NBA All-Star between 1970 and 1973. He had the second largest hand length of any NBA player in history (10.5 inches).

4. Gregory Smith: 9.8″ x 12″

• Hand size: 9.8 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’10
• Wingspan: 7’3″

Gregory Smith is the first name on our list to have a foot-long hand span, which helped him forge a successful career as a professional basketball player, where he spent five years in the NBA. After leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2016, Smith played for teams worldwide, most recently for Mineros de Zacatecas in the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 9.85″ x 12″

• Hand size: 9.85 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 6’11″
• Wingspan: 7’3″

Giannis the “Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo got his nickname for good reason. Giannis’s hand size and incredible stature have helped him become one of the superstars of the NBA since being drafted in 2013. A two-time MVP, Giannis has relied on his incredible athleticism and all-round skills to turn the Milwaukee Bucks into a consistent Championship threat.

2. Shaquille O’Neal: 10.25″ x 12″

• Shaq hand size: 10.25 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 7’1″
• Wingspan: 7’7″

When you think NBA big man, you probably think Shaq. A giant in every sense, Shaq’s physical presence and athletic ability made him one of the greatest centers to ever play the game. Shaq’s hand size comes in at a whopping 10.25 inches in length with a 12 inch span.

During his glittering career, he got those massive hands on trophies for an incredible four NBA championships, three finals MVPs, and one league MVP.

1. Boban Marjanovic: 10.75″ x 12″

• Hand size: 10.75 inches (hand length) and 12 inches (hand span)
• Height: 7’4″
• Wingspan

Serbian Center Boban Marjanovic isn’t exactly a house hold name, but he does have the biggest hands of any NBA player in history. Despite having the biggest hands in the NBA and a height of 7’4″, he’s not even close to being the tallest player in NBA history (7’7″).

Boban Marjanovic’s hands have helped him average 5.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per regular season game over a nine season career. Will there ever be a player with bigger mitts than the Serbian in the NBA? Only time will tell.

How Is Hand Size Measured?

A quick note on how hand size is measured for basketball players.

Scouts for each of the NBA franchises want to know the hand sizes of potential players, as it’s easier to control and manipulate a basketball if you can grip it more fully. There are two measurements taken for prospective NBA players hands during the league draft combine. They are:

1. Hand length: This is the distance from the tip of the middle finger to the base of the palm, where it meets the wrist.
2. Hand span: This is the distance from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the pinky finger, with the hand outstretched.

FAQs About The Biggest Hands In The NBA

Who has bigger hands: Kawhi or Michael Jordan?

Michael Jordan has slightly bigger hands than Kawhi Leonard. They both have a hand length of 9.75 inches, however Jordan has a hand width of 11.375 inches, compared to Kawhi’s 11.25.

How big are LeBron James’ hands?

By regular standards, LeBron James has giant hands, but in terms of the NBA, they’re fairly average. LeBron’s hands are 9.25 inches long, but his handspan is just 9.0 inches. This is relatively small compared to Kawhi Leonard’s 11.25 inch handspan.

How big are Chris Paul’s hands?

12-time NBA All Star and current Golden State Warriors guard, Chris Paul has a reported hand length of 7 inches, and handspan of 9 inches. This hand size is small for an NBA player but matches his height of 6ft 0in.

How big are Michael Jordan’s hands?

Michael Jordan’s hands are?9.75 inches long, with a span of 11.375 inches. This allowed him to control the ball and make life difficult for his opponents on both offense and defense. He also has wingspan of 6’11″.

What is Yao Ming’s hand size?

Former Houston Rockets star Yao Ming has an estimated hand size of 10 inches long and 11 inches wide. He also has a remarkable wingspan of 7ft 5inches to go with his 7ft 6inch height.

Can Kevin Durant palm a ball?

Apparently not. Durant once told reporters that although he stands at 6ft 11inches tall, his hands aren’t big enough to palm a regulation sized, fully-pumped up NBA ball.

A Final Word

If you’ve ever visited the NBA store in New York, you will have seen the incredible hand prints of famous players and had the chance to compare your hands to theirs. This probably made you feel pretty small, and maybe our list did too, but don’t worry, you won’t have to go onto the court with them anytime soon!

In this article, we’ll look at the average NBA player height by position, the average height of players over the years, and the average height of teams in the NBA vs their win rate.

Average NBA Height By Position

There are five traditional positions on a basketball team. Point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. In general, any “short” NBA player is a point or shooting guard, while centers are usually the tallest players on the court.

Average NBA Point Guard Height: 6’2.5″

As of 2022, the average height of an NBA point guard was 6’2.5″. Although this is shorter than the overall average height for NBA players, it’s still over five inches taller than the average man.

Of course, there are still lots of examples of successful NBA players under this height.

All time greats Allen Iverson (6’0”), John Stockton (6’1”) and Chris Paul (6’1”) all played at point guard (and shooting guard in the case of Iverson) in the NBA. This is because the point guard position often favors ball handling, agility, speed and game IQ over height.

In the 2023-24 season, the shortest player in the league is the Toronto Raptors Markquis Nowell, who stands at just 5’7”. The next shortest is Jacob Gilyard of the Memphis Grizzlies, who is just 5’8”. Both players are point guards.

NBA Shooting Guard Average Height: 6’4.5″

Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two of the most exciting and talented players to ever grace the NBA hardwood, were both primarily shooting guards. They were both 6’6″, which is slightly bigger than the 2022 average of 6’4.5″.

On average, shooting guards are two inches taller than points guards, and two inches shorter than small forwards. They are often required to combine the skills associated with both positions.

Especially in the modern era of the NBA, it’s not unusual to see “swingmen” who can play multiple positions with a range of skills. These include shooting guards like James Harden, Tracy McGrady, Klay Thompson, and of course Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

Average Height Of A Small Forward In The NBA: 6’6.4″

Despite being named “small” forwards, NBA players in this position have an average height of 6’6.4″. This is slightly above the overall average NBA player height. Maybe the league could consider renaming them “above average” forwards instead?

The greatest small forwards in the history of the NBA have combined outstanding basketball skill and athleticism with height and power to give their opponents nightmares. These include LeBron James (6’9″), Larry Bird (6’9″), and Scottie Pippen (6’8″).

Average Height Of A Power Forward In The NBA: 6’8.2″

Like the name suggests, power forwards generally have a pretty intimidating stature. On average, power forwards in the NBA have a height of 6’8.2″, which is nearly a foot bigger than the average American male.

Due to their height, power forwards are expected to rebound, set screens and generally play closer to the basket than guards and small forwards. However, in the modern game, it’s not uncommon to see a power forward with the skill of a guard, but the height of a center.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (6’11”), Kevin Garnett (6’11”), Kevin Durant (6’11”) and Dirk Nowitzki (7’0″) are all giants that had a combination of ball handling, shooting, passing and IQ that was generally reserved for smaller players in eras gone by.

Average NBA Center Height: 6’10.3″

Centers are on average the tallest players on any basketball court. Centers and power forwards can interchange, and as previously mentioned, some of the greatest power forwards in the modern era are bigger than centers, but on average an NBA center is 6’10.3″.

They generally play closest to the basket of any position, and their primary responsibility is to rebound, set screens, block the opposing team’s shots, and to score in the paint.

Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Boban Marjanovic of the Houston Rockets are the two tallest players currently active in the NBA. They are both 7’4″ and play as centers (although Wembanyama can also play as a power forward).

The tallest player in NBA history was Gheorghe Mure?an (pictured below), who was a whopping 7’7″, and you guessed it, played as a center.

Average Height In The NBA By Year

Over the centuries, the average height of humans has steadily risen thanks to improvements in healthcare, nutrition and living conditions. In the US, the average height of a man increased by 1.5 inches between 1960 and 2002. So, ??has the average basketball player height continued to increase in the same way?

The graph below shows the average height of an NBA player per decade, starting from the 1960s.

The average player height in the 2002/2003 NBA season was 6’6.9″, which was exactly 1.5 inches taller than in 1960, like the general population.

However, the NBA has not seen a taller decade since the noughties.

The mid 80s was known as the era of the big men, so it makes sense that average NBA player height peaked in 1986/87 (at 6’7.2″). Since then and over time, the league has moved away from an overreliance on height, and is more focused on skill.

Average NBA Height By Team

In the table below, we list the average height of each NBA team alongside the team’s win rate. All data is for the 2023/24 season:

The tallest NBA team is the Denver Nuggets, who clock in at 6’7.9″ on average. That’s 1.4 inches taller than the 6’6.5″ league average, and a significant 2.5 inches more than the shortest team in the league, the Golden State Warriors.

The below graph shows the teams in order of average height (starting with the tallest), plotted against the season’s current win rate percentage.

There is only a slight correlation to be seen when plotted on a graph (shown by the trend line). However, notably, the team with the highest win rate, the Boston Celtics, is the third tallest team. This is also the team with the most NBA rings.

Does Size Really Matter?

Size absolutely matters in the NBA, but it’s not everything. As this article has shown, different positions have different average heights and things have changed from one era to another. There are scores of players who don’t conform to the averages that have had amazing careers. But what are your odds of making it in the NBA?

Average NBA Height FAQs

Enjoyed this? Check out our article on the players with the biggest hands in the NBA and the tallest WNBA players.

So, who’s the best soccer team in the world? Let’s settle the debate once and for all…

10. Hungary (1952 – 1958)

Honors 

• Olympic Games Gold medal (1): 1952
• Central European International Cup (1): 1953
• World Cup Finalist (1): 1954

Notable Players

• Ferenc Puskás, Nándor Hidegkuti, József Bozsik, and Gyula Grosics.

From 1952 to 1958, Hungary’s “Golden Team” left an indelible mark on soccer while winning the Olympic Games, Central European International Cup, and finishing as runners-up in the 1954 World Cup.

Led on the pitch by legendary players Ferenc Puskás and Nándor Hidegkuti, their coach Gusztáv Sebes revolutionized tactics at the time. He moved away from the traditional WM formation, which had been around for 30 years at that point, and instead opted for a 3–2–3–2.

Sebes also encouraged his players to be versatile and wanted them to be comfortable in any soccer position. This was a precursor to “Total Football” which wasn’t implemented properly until the 1970s. Their achievements on the pitch, but also their tactical influence on the game, is the reason why they made the list. The name Puskás lives on in FIFA’s Puskás Award, given for the “most beautiful” goal of the calendar year.

9. Santos (1955 – 1968)

Honors 

• Intercontinental Cup (2): 1962, 1963
• Intercontinental Supercup (1): 1968
• Copa Libertadores (2): 1962, 1963
• Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (6): 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968

Notable Players

• Pele, Pepe and Coutinho

European club football is the dominant force in the modern era, but it wasn’t always so. Ever heard of a guy called Pelé?

The striker, considered by many to be the greatest to ever play the game, helped Santos dominate Brazilian and South American soccer for over a decade, claiming multiple Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Série A titles in the process.

Santos was the fertile ground where Pelé honed his incredible skill, flair, and ability to win despite being virtually assaulted by opponents every time he stepped onto the pitch. Santos was the first club to show the world how soccer could be played with imagination, fun, and Brazilian samba spirit. This is their lasting legacy and earns them a place as one of the best soccer teams in history.

8. West Germany (1972 – 1974)

Honors 

• World Cup (1): 1974
• European Championship (1): 1972

Notable Players

• Gerd Müller, Franz Beckenbauer, and Paul Breitner

The first international team on our list, West Germany, was a powerhouse of world and European football in the early 70s. Led by the “Kaizer” Franz Beckenbauer, they claimed back-to-back major tournament wins with Euro 1972 and the 1974 World Cup.

Although the German team had experienced success on the international stage before, the legacy of the 72-74 team is their resilience, grit, and will to win. German teams always seem to keep a cool head in the big moments (especially penalties), and that all started with this team.

7. Liverpool (1976 – 1984)

Honors

• English First Division (7): 1975–76, 1976–77, 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
• Football League Cup (4): 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
• European Cup (4): 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84
• UEFA Cup (1): 1975–76
• UEFA Super Cup (1): 1977

Notable Players

• Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, and Alan Hansen

Liverpool’s trophy cabinet for the eight years from 1976 to 1984 is way bigger than most professional clubs could hope to achieve in their entire history. Bob Paisley’s side was synonymous with winning and had a core group of Scottish players that helped lead the team to glory.

They won a staggering seven league titles in eight seasons, as well as four domestic cups and four European cups, culminating in a treble in 1984. Paisley is remembered as one of the greatest managers in the history of soccer, and was the only manager to win three European Cups until Carlo Ancelotti in 2014.

6. Manchester United (1992 – 2000)

Honors

• English Premier League (6): 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000
• FA Cup (3): 1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99
• Football League Cup (1): 1991–92
• Champions League (1): 1998–99

Notable Players

• Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Roy Keane, Eric Cantona and Peter Schmeichel

From one great English football dynasty to another. Spearheaded by the class of ‘92, which included club legends like Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and David Beckham, Manchester United dominated English football in the first era of the Premier League.

Although they didn’t have the same level of European dominance as Liverpool, United captured the hearts of fans around the world with their exciting, never-say-die brand of soccer. This resilience was on display in the 1999 Champions League final, where injury-time goals from Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskj?r helped United claim the Champions League, and complete a historic treble.

5. Real Madrid (1955 – 1960)

Honors

• La Liga (3): 1954–55, 1956–57, 1957–58
• European Cup (5): 1955–56, 1956–57, 1957–58, 1958–59, 1959–60
• Latin Cup (2): 1955, 1957

Notable Players

Di Stefano, Raymond Kopa, Ferenc Puskás, and Paco Gento

The Real Madrid team of the mid-1950s was one of the first teams to realize the potential of signing the best soccer players from around the world, instead of relying on local, homegrown talent. This birthed the idea of “Galacticos” and is now second nature. All of the biggest clubs in the world have a team sheet full of international stars.

This side also goes down in soccer folklore thanks to winning the first five European Cups, from 1955 to 1960. Fans will always remember the dynamic, attacking soccer that was played by the world’s best players, including Di Stefano and Puskás. Today, Real Madrid remains one of the best soccer teams in the world, and is in fact the world’s richest soccer club.

4. AC Milan (1988 – 1994)

Honors

• Serie A (4): 1987–88, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94
• Supercoppa Italiana (4): 1988, 1992, 1993, 1994
• European Cup (3): 1988–89, 1989–90, 1993–94
• European Super Cup (3): 1989, 1990, 1994
• Intercontinental Cup (2):1989, 1990

Notable Players

Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Paolo Maldini, and Franco Baresi

AC Milan was the dominant force domestically, and on the European and international stage in the late 80s and early 90s, when Italian soccer ruled the roost. They boasted a combination of outstanding Dutch attacking talent in Gullit and van Basten, to complement two of the greatest defenders of all time in Italian internationals Maldini and Baresi.

This combination made them almost unbeatable, as they claimed four scudettos and three European cups in six seasons. They also recorded a 58-match unbeaten run in Serie A, which helped them claim three titles in a row, and cement their place as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

3. Spain (2008 – 2012)

Honors

• World Cup (1): 2010
• European Championship (2) 2008, 2012

Notable Players

Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Carles Puyol

The last international team on this list, West Germany, won two major tournaments in a row. This outstanding Spain team went one better and won back-to-back Euros and a World Cup in just four years, confirming their place as one of the best soccer teams of all time.

Spain boasted an incredible roster of talent that was used to winning at club level, but they put classico rivalry aside to also become an unstoppable force at international tournaments.

After edging incredibly close finals in 2008 and 2010, the supremely confident Spanish side destroyed Italy 4-0 in the final of Euro 2012, becoming the only international team in history to win three tournaments in a row.

2. Brazil (1958 – 1970)

Honors

• World Cup (3): 1958, 1962, 1970

Notable Players

Garrincha, Pelé, Carlos Alberto Torres, and Jairzinho

While the 1970 World Cup-winning Brazil team is often regarded as the best international team in history, it’s important to remember that they also won two out of three editions of the tournament before that.

Inspired by the iconic Pelé, this generation of Brazil players thrilled fans and played a brand of soccer that had never been seen before. In an era where regular tackles would be seen as a physical assault by today’s standards (something which Pelé paid the price for), the cream rose to the top.

Brazil showed the world that you could win by playing an exciting, flair-based style of attacking soccer. In 1970, the team conceded in all but one game, but every player was comfortable on the ball, and willing to attack, including holding midfielder Clodoaldo, who dazzled fans in the final when he dribbled past four Italian players in his own half.

Their legacy lives on even today, and every time a Brazil team takes to the World Cup stage, there is huge expectation. Fans want to be entertained, and in an era where soccer was often very negative, and always aggressive, Brazil was a breath of fresh air.

1. Barcelona (2008 – 2012)

Honours

• La Liga (4): 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13
• Copa del Rey (2):  2008–09, 2011–12
• Supercopa de Espa?a (3): 2009, 2010, 2011
• Champions League (2): 2008–09, 2010–11
• UEFA Super Cup (2): 2009, 2011
• FIFA Club World Cup (2): 2009, 2011

Notable Players

Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi, and Dani Alves

Not only did Barcelona collect 15 trophies in four years, they managed to win all six that were available to them in the 2008-2009 season, becoming the first team in history to do so. Led by club legend Pep Guardiola, Barcelona extended the club ethos of bringing young, homegrown players through their world-famous “La Masia” youth academy. They played a possession-based, technical style of soccer known as “tiki-taka”, in which every player was confident and comfortable on the ball.

Barca’s academy produced all-time greats like Iniesta, Messi (one of the richest soccer players in the world, as it happens), and Xavi, and combined their talents with international stars like Theirry Henry and Dani Alves to form the most impressive club side ever fielded, and undoubtedly the best soccer team in the world at the time.

Pep Guardiola’s influence on soccer and the impact his Barcelona team had between 2008 and 2012 can’t be understated. In the highest levels of European and International soccer, it’s now almost impossible to find a highly regarded team or coach that doesn’t want to build from the back, control possession, and dominate the opposition in the way this legendary Catalan side did. That is why we believe this Barcelona side is the best soccer team in the world.

FAQs About The Greatest Soccer Teams

What is the best soccer team in the world?

The best soccer team in world history is arguably the FC Barcelona team managed by Pep Guardiola between 2008 and 2012. In the 2008/2009 season, the team won six trophies, becoming the first team in history to do so. They also had all-time great players in their team, like Lionel Messi and Andrés Iniesta, and arguably the most influential coach of all time.

Which country is number one in soccer?

Argentina is currently ranked as the number one international soccer team by FIFA. In terms of club teams, Man City currently have the highest UEFA club coefficients due to the treble they achieved in the 2022/2023 season.

Which countries have the best soccer teams?

In terms of club soccer, the best teams are mostly from Europe. In the last 11 editions of the FIFA Club World Cup, European teams have won every title. England has several strong clubs, however, thanks to Real Madrid and Barcelona, Spain has enjoyed the most success in Europe and Internationally over the past decade.

What’s the best soccer team in America?

The team with the biggest name and most wins in US soccer is LA Galaxy. The Galaxy has nine total MLS Cup appearances and five wins. We should also mention Columbus Crew, who won the MLS Cup in both 2020 and 2023.

What’s the best soccer team in Mexico?

América is the current champion of the Mexican Primera División and historically the most successful team in the country. They have more league (14) and Copa México (6) titles than any other club.

Which team is better: Real Madrid or Barcelona?

If you compare Real Madrid and Barcelona purely on titles won, Real come out on top. They have 35 La Liga titles to Barca’s 27, and 14 European Cup/Champions League to Barcelona’s 5, however, Barca does have 11 more Copa Del Rey titles than Madrid. Both are certainly among the best soccer teams in the world.

In this article, we look at who has the most NBA rings in the sport’s history. We’ve also included a list of every single player who’s won more than two rings at the end, so let’s get right into it!

1. Bill Russell (11 NBA Rings)

With 11 rings, Bill Russell holds the outright record for the most NBA rings owned by a single player. He is one of the most iconic players from the 50s and 60s, helping the Boston Celtics dominate the league for a decade and a half. Incredibly, Russell played just 13 seasons in the NBA and won the championship in 85% of them.

He is not only the man who won the most rings in the NBA, he redefined how influential a center position could be, and was a huge presence on the court, particularly on defense. Russell was a five-time NBA Most Valuable Player, two-time inductee into the Basketball Hall of Fame (as a player and a coach), and was even awarded the 2010 Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama.

He passed away in 2022 at the age of 88. His record will undoubtedly remain untouched for the rest of history.

2. Sam Jones (10 NBA Rings)

The Celtics dynasty of the 50s and 60s is arguably the greatest in American sports history. The run of eight consecutive championships, recorded between 1959 and 1966, is the longest in US professional sports. So, it’s no surprise that a lot of Bill Russell’s teammates also feature towards the top of this list.

Sam Jones was the yin to Bill Russell’s yang. Russell would intimidate opponents in the paint and block anything that came near to him, where Jones was an athletic shooting guard, known for his ability to knock down clutch baskets.

His 10 NBA rings came in just 12 seasons, and he was a five-time NBA All-Star. He died in 2021, aged 88.

3. Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Satch Sanders, John Havlicek (8 NBA Rings)

Four players share the record for the third most rings in NBA history. Tom Heinsohn, K. C. Jones, Satch Sanders, and John Havlicek all earned eight rings, and, unsurprisingly, were all members of the Celtics dynasty that starred alongside Bill Russell and Sam Jones.

Heinsohn and Jones have the highest championship-winning percentage (89%), as they both played in just 9 seasons. Satch Sanders (62%) and John Havlicek (50%) had a much more modest win percentage, as both played into the 70s when the Celtics’ domination had waned slightly.

Tom Heinsohn is probably the most well-known of this fab four, as he went on to coach the Celtics’ for 9 years, and then had a 30-year career in commentary. He was either a player, coach, or commentator for each of the Celtics’ 17 championship wins and was aptly known as “Mr. Celtic”.

4. Jim Loscutoff, Frank Ramsey and Robert Horry (7 NBA Rings)

Jim Loscutoff and Frank Ramsey were (you guessed it) also members of the Celtics dynasty.

Both won their seven rings between 1957 and 1964, but flew somewhat under the radar compared to some of their teammates on this list. Loscutoff is the only member of the Celtics dynasty in this article who has not been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Robert Horry is the most decorated NBA Champion from the modern era, thanks to his championship wins with the Houston Rockets (2), the Los Angeles Lakers (3), and the San Antonio Spurs (2).

Although Horry was never a prolific scorer, (he averaged 7 points per game throughout his career) and often started games on the bench, he was known for performing in the big moments, especially in the playoffs.

He hit game-winning shots in the 2002 Western Conference Finals, 2003 Western Conference Finals, and the 2005 NBA Finals. In the latter, he scored 21 points in the fourth quarter and overtime with the performance garnering comparisons to Michael Jordan’s playoff heroics in 1998.

5. Bob Cousy, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen (6 NBA Rings)

Bob Cousy was another Celtics legend who won six NBA Championships with the franchise between 1957 and 1963. He was drafted to the Celtics six years before Bill Russell joined the team.

He is regarded by some as the first great point guard in the history of the NBA, was the league MVP in 1957, a 13-time All-Star, and an eight-time NBA Assist leader.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is another legend associated with a great dynasty, but this time, it’s not the Celtics. After starting his career at the Milwaukee Bucks, where he would win one championship in 1971, he joined the Celtics’ greatest rivals, the LA Lakers, in 1975. Throughout the 1980s, Abdul-Jabbar went on to inspire the Lakers to win five NBA Championships.

One of the most decorated basketball players of all time, Abdul-Jabbar was the NBA career scoring record holder for nearly 40 years, a six-time NBA MVP, 19-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, two-time scoring champion, four-time blocks leader, and one-time rebounding leader.

Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan are two legends of the modern NBA that scarcely need an introduction. They formed an incredible on-court chemistry that resulted in two three-peats for the Chicago Bulls from 1991-1993 and 1996-1998.

Both players made each other better and were a dominant force on both ends of the floor. When not playing together, Jordan averaged 7.5 points less, and Pippen 2 points less per game. Both Pippen and Jordan have been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and share 21 NBA All-Star appearances between them.

Despite their obvious connection on the court in the 90s, their relationship seems to have soured in recent years. According to Pippen, Michael didn’t properly acknowledge the role of his teammates and the importance they played in the Last Dance documentary released in 2020. However, their legacy and impact on the sport can never be altered, and they rightfully take their place among the most decorated players in the history of the NBA.

List Of NBA Players With The Most Rings

You may have noticed some of the sport’s most famous players are absent from the above list. Where does Lebron rank? What about Dennis Rodman? How many rings did Kobe win?

Well, they only just missed out on the top spots. Kobe Bryant and Dennis Rodman won five each, while Lebron James comes in just below with four NBA championships under his belt.

Check out the full list below of players who have won more than two rings so far. We start with the NBA players with the most rings.

FAQs About NBA Rings

Enjoyed this? Check out our articles on the average height of NBA players and players with the biggest hands in the NBA.

Lead image: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff/Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0

In this article, we have listed the 10 greatest comebacks in sporting history, which are amazing and inspirational in equal measure.

Liverpool – UEFA Champions League Final (2005)

Liverpool and AC Milan met in the UEFA Champions League Final in Istanbul, in what promised to be a historic clash between two giants of European soccer. However, what played out was one of the most memorable matches ever and one of the most notable comebacks in soccer history.

AC Milan had a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime, with Liverpool players and supporters looking equally dejected. Milan were European Champions just two years earlier and had a star-studded lineup, so a comeback was almost unthinkable.

All that changed nine minutes into the second half when Liverpool’s inspirational captain, Steven Gerrard, scored and kickstarted the comeback, which eventually saw the game finish 3-3. Extra time and penalties followed, and after some mind games from Liverpool’s keeper, Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool finally won the shootout 3-2.

Comeback Rating – 3/5

FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League (2017)

The next comeback on our list also took place in the Champions League. In the 2016-17 season, Paris Saint-Germain sent shockwaves through European soccer after beating the mighty Barcelona 4-0 in Paris.

Barcelona boasted the enviable front three of Suarez, Neymar, and Messi and were many people’s favorites to win the entire competition. The result in Paris was shocking, but so was what happened next.

In the return leg, Barcelona welcomed PSG to Camp Nou, and just three minutes into the match, the mercurial Luis Suarez gave the Catalan club hope. Two more goals followed on either side of halftime, and the locals dared to dream.

These dreams were seemingly dashed in the 62nd minute when Edinson Cavani scored for PSG. This left Barca needing a surely insurmountable three goals to win.

There were no goals in the next 25 minutes, and many fans had left the stadium, already resigned to victory. Neymar, though, had other ideas. He scored a free kick in the 88th minute, a penalty in the 91st minute, and finally set up his teammate Sergi Roberto to complete the comeback in the 95th minute. Even for such a historic and famous club, this comeback ranks as one of the most memorable nights in its history.

Comeback Rating – 3/5

Tiger Woods – The Masters (2019)

Tiger Woods was a phenomenon. He dominated the world of golf in the late 90s and 00s, changing how the game was played and perceived globally. He won 14 major championships between 1997 and 2008 but then fell into a horrible decline that was marred by injuries and personal scandals.

This came to a head in 2017 when Woods was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. He eventually pled guilty to reckless driving, received one year of probation, a $250 fine, and was ordered to complete 50 hours of community service.

Woods’ talent was never questioned, but many golf fans wondered whether Tiger’s body and mind could withstand pressure well enough to claim a major title once again.

He answered those critics at the Masters in 2019, where he went on to claim his 15th Major win and a fifth green jacket. Woods was trailing by two shots when the final round started, but eventually took the lead and held off stiff competition from a world-class field.

It was the first time he ever won a major when trailing after three rounds, and he became the fifth player in golf history to have a gap of over a decade between major wins.

Comeback Rating – 4/5

New England Patriots – Super Bowl LI (2017)

The New England Patriots were the dominant team of the NFL in the ’00s and ’10s. From 2001 to 2014, the Pats appeared in six Super Bowls, winning four. That’s why no one expected them to be trailing the Atlanta Falcons by 25 points in the third quarter of Super Bowl LI in 2017.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick formed one of the most formidable head coach-quarterback combos in the history of the league, and once the Falcons gave them a sniff, they took full advantage.

The Patriots reeled off 25 unanswered points in the second half, and eventually, the game ended 28-28. After winning the all-important coin toss in overtime, the Patriots elected to receive the ball, and Brady and Co. didn’t disappoint. They completed the job with their first drive, winning the game 34–28.

This comeback was unprecedented, as in the history of the NFL (dating back to 1940), teams leading by 17 or more points after three quarters in playoff games had a combined record of 133–0.

Comeback Rating – 4/5

Paul Lawrie – British Open (1999)

Paul Lawrie pulled off the most incredible comeback in golf history when he won the British Open in 1999. He started the final round 10 shots behind leader Jean Van de Velde, and had undoubtedly already written his own chances off.

Lawrie carded an incredible 67, but despite his outstanding performance, it was all in Van de Velde’s hands. He held a three-shot lead going into the final hole, meaning he needed a double-bogey or better to claim the title.

It wasn’t to be for the Frenchman, and things quickly unraveled. He hit the ball into the rough, then a grandstand, then a water hazard. He eventually got the ball onto the green and holed a putt for a triple-bogey 7, dropping him into a three-way tie with Paul Lawrie and Justin Leonard.

The playoff was played over four holes, and Lawrie held his nerve and composure to finish at even par, with Leonard and Van de Velde on three over. This put the final touches on an outstanding sporting comeback and the largest in golf major history.

Comeback Rating – 4/5

Boston Red Sox – American League Championship Series (2004)

Heading into the fourth game of the American League Championship Series in 2004, the Boston Red Sox knew history was against them. No team in MLB history had ever been 3-0 down in a seven-game series and gone on to win.

In game three, they were destroyed 19-8 by a New York Yankees team that boasted huge names like Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez, so surely this was one step too far, right? Wrong! The Red Sox went on to win three close games in a row and completed the unthinkable comeback by beating the Yankees 10-3 in game seven in New York.

The magnitude of this comeback is highlighted by the fact that no team has won a series from this position before or since, and the Red Sox completed the job as they went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, claiming their first championship in 86 years.

Comeback Rating – 4.5/5

Michael Jordan’s NBA Return (1995)

The pressure on Michael Jordan in the early 90s was immense. He was the biggest sports star in the US, and after leading the Chicago Bulls to a historic three-peat and then losing his father to murder, he decided enough was enough. He shockingly retired from basketball in 1993, aged just 30, stating he had lost his desire to play the sport.

Instead, he turned his hand to baseball, where he played for minor league teams, the Birmingham Barons and Scottsdale Scorpions from 1994 to 1995.

To the delight of basketball fans worldwide, Jordan came to his senses and returned to the Bulls midway through the 95-96 NBA season. Despite being away from professional basketball for 18 months, his return inspired the Bulls to go on a 13–4 run to end the regular season. But it wasn’t until the following year that MJ was truly back.

In the next three seasons, Jordan won two league MVPs awards, three finals MVP awards, and three NBA titles with the Bulls. What a man, and what a comeback!

Comeback Rating – 4.5/5

Buffalo Bills – AFC Wild Card game (1993)

A game that is now affectionately known as “The Comback” took place in the NFL when the Buffalo Bills clashed with the Houston Oilers in the 1993 AFC Wild Card game. The Oilers dominated early, surging to a 28-3 halftime lead which they had extended to 35-3 in the third quarter.

Bills fans must have feared things getting even worse, as their starting quarterback was injured and backup Frank Reich was not having the best of games. He threw an interception in the third quarter, leading to the 32-point deficit.

But Reich had a history of making incredible comebacks as a backup. In his college days, he led the Maryland Terrapins to a 42-40 victory after being 31-0 down, and it turns out that lightning does strike twice.

Reich and the Bills quickly staged a remarkable comeback, scoring 28 points in the third quarter, and the game was eventually tied at 38-38. In overtime, Reich made a long completion to James Lofton, and they then positioned themselves for Steve Christie’s 32-yard game-winning field goal.

The Bills won 41-38, having overcome a 32-point deficit – the largest comeback in NFL history at the time. Frank Reich hasn’t had to buy a beer in Buffalo since.

Comeback Rating – 4.5/5

Leicester City – Premier League (2016)

Many people have heard of Leicester City’s 5000/1 Premier League winning season, but not everyone knows that just a few months before, they were one of the worst-performing teams in the league.

In the 2014/15 Premier League season, Leicester became only the third team to escape relegation, having been bottom at Christmas. Heading into 2015/16, many people tipped the Foxes to be in trouble again, especially after manager Nigel Pearson was sacked.

Italian Claudio Ranieri took over as Leicester’s Head Coach, and what he achieved in the next nine months was nearly unthinkable. After a string of excellent performances against big names, and an incredible goal-scoring run from the former semi-pro, Jamie Vardy, Leicester City won the Premier League title with a total of 81 points. Ultimately, it was comfortable, as they finished the season with a 10-point cushion on the second-place team, Arsenal.

This turnaround in the club’s fortunes was beyond the imagination of most fans, especially in one of the most competitive leagues in the world, and it will go down in soccer folklore as one of the biggest upsets ever.

Comeback Rating – 4.5/5

Bethany Hamilton – Return to Surfing (2004)

Bethany Hamilton is not a household name, but her sporting comeback story is one of the most inspirational ever. Bethany had dreams of making it big in professional surfing, and for good reason. At the age of nine, she received her first sponsorship, and by 13, she was dedicating her life to improving and reaching her goals.

Hamilton’s life was turned upside down in 2003 when still aged just 13, she was attacked by a 14-foot tiger shark, which resulted in her losing her left arm. This type of injury would be enough for most people to give up on their sporting dreams, especially if it meant returning to the ocean again. But Bethany Hamilton isn’t most people.

Less than a month after the attack, Hamilton was surfing again. Three months later, she was surfing competitively, and within two years, she won her first national surfing title.

Bethany Hamilton did much more than just recover from a difficult scoreline or answer her critics, and her comeback is one of the greatest of all time.

Comeback Rating – 5/5

Niki Lauda – Return to Formula One (1976)

Niki Lauda was one of the best drivers in the world and a star of Formula One in the 1970s. He won the Formula One World Drivers’ Championship in 1975, and in the 1976 season, he was locked in a tense title battle with rival James Hunt.

At the German Grand Prix in 1976, Lauda’s Ferrari swerved off the track, hit a barrier, and burst into flames. Horrified spectators watched as he was trapped in the burning wreckage for nearly a minute before being rescued by fellow drivers and track marshals.

Lauda sustained severe injuries – he suffered third-degree burns on his head and face and damage to his lungs due to inhaling toxic gasses and smoke. He was conscious when he was pulled from the wreckage but later lapsed into a coma and was even read his last rites by a priest in the hospital.

Remarkably, he returned to F1 and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza six weeks after the crash. Despite still healing and wearing a specially designed helmet to accommodate his bandages, Lauda displayed immense courage by returning to the track.

This unbelievable sporting comeback wasn’t just about one race, though. Lauda returned to full competitive racing in the 1977 season and went on to win the World Drivers’ Championship that year, just a single season after his devastating accident.

His remarkable recovery and return to Championship glory is the most unbelievable comeback in all sporting history and still inspires sports fans worldwide to this day. We salute you, Niki!

Comeback Rating – 5/5

In this article, we will explore the history of the NFL and discover the 10 oldest NFL franchises, tracing their origins back to the league’s early days.

Original NFL Teams

The NFL was formed in 1920 under the American Professional Football Association (APFA) name. The league was renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922.

There were 14 teams in the inaugural APFA season:

• Akron Pros
• Buffalo All-Americans
• Canton Bulldogs
• Chicago Cardinals
• Chicago Tigers
• Cleveland Tigers
• Columbus Panhandles
• Dayton Triangles
• Decatur Staleys
• Detroit Heralds
• Hammond Pros
• Muncie Flyers
• Rochester Jeffersons
• Rock Island Independents

Just two of the teams that played in this first season have been ever present in APFA or NFL history; the Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) and the Decatur Staleys (now Chicago Bears).

The Oldest NFL Franchises

Let’s look at the oldest NFL franchises and their histories in more detail.

Arizona Cardinals (1920)

The origins of the Arizona Cardinals can be traced back to 1898 Chicago and an amateur team called “Morgan Athletic Club”. The team would soon change names to the Chicago Cardinals, and by the time the NFL was formed in 1920, they were an established name in MidWestern professional football.

The Cardinals joined 13 other teams to make up the first American Professional Football Association season in 1920, paying a $100 franchise fee to join. Despite several renamings and relocations, the team has been ever-present in the NFL since its formation.

The team has been renamed seven times since 1899 and has been called the Racine Normals (1899–1900), Racine Cardinals (1901–1906; 1913–1919), Chicago Cardinals (1920–1943, 1945–1959), Card-Pitt (1944), St. Louis Cardinals (1960–1987), Phoenix Cardinals (1988–1993) and finally the Arizona Cardinals since 1994. Despite being the oldest team in NFL history, the Cardinals have won just two NFL championships and have never won the Super Bowl.

Chicago Bears (1920)

The Chicago Bears were known initially as the Decatur Staleys, and they played against the Chicago Cardinals in the first APFA season in 1920. They have played in every NFL since, making them the joint oldest NFL franchise with their former Chicago rivals.

Like most original NFL teams, the Staleys were formed by the owner of a local company, A. E. Staley, and just a year after being founded, they joined what would become the NFL.

The franchise has been renamed three times, but unlike the Cardinals, it has never been relocated. The team has remained in Chicago since its formation. The franchise was known as the Decatur Staleys in 1920 and the Chicago Staleys in 1921 before being renamed to the Chicago Bears in 1922 – a name they have kept ever since.

Despite winning just one Super Bowl in 1985, the Bears enjoyed early success, winning eight NFL championships between 1921 and 1963.

Green Bay Packers (1921)

Formed in the same year as their rivals, the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers entered the NFL in its second season in 1921, making it the third oldest NFL franchise. The Packers also have their origins in business and take their name from the Indian Packing Company, which sold canned meat.

Green Bay has never relocated or changed names, and the franchise holds the distinction of being the sole NFL team owned by fans. The franchise is also the most successful in all NFL history, winning a combined 13 NFL Championships and SuperBowls since joining the league in 1921. The Pack has played at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, since 1957 and boasts one of the best atmospheres in the NFL.

New York Giants (1925)

The New York Giants were founded in 1925 and joined the NFL in the same year. They are one of the oldest and most successful franchises in NFL history, sitting behind only the Packers and the Bears in total Championships or SuperBowls (8).

Despite being named after New York, the team has played in the neighboring state of New Jersey since 1976.

Detroit Lions (1930)

The Detroit Lions were originally called the Portsmouth Spartans and joined the NFL in 1930, one year after their formation. This makes them the fifth oldest franchise in NFL history, and like many other historic teams, its origins are based in the Midwestern United States.  They were renamed the Detroit Lions in 1934 and have kept the name since.

Unfortunately, Lions fans do not have the storied history of many of their old rivals. They won four NFL championships between 1935 and 1957 but success has been elusive ever since. They have never appeared in a Super Bowl and made the playoffs just three times in the last twenty seasons.

Washington Commanders (1932)

Originally known as the Boston Braves, the Commanders are one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, having joined the league in 1932. The team was known as the Redskins from 1933 to 2020 but was renamed following public pressure due to the name’s racist connotations.

The team has been based in Washington D.C, since 1937 and has enjoyed a combined five championship or Super Bowl wins. However, Commanders fans haven’t enjoyed much success in recent times, as their last Super Bowl came in 1991.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1933)

The Pittsburgh Steelers joined the NFL in 1933, making them the sixth-oldest team in the league’s history. Originally known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, they were renamed the Steelers in 1940. They were briefly called the Phil-Pitt “Steagles” in 1943 and Card-Pitt in 1944 but reverted to the Steelers in 1945 – a name they have held since.

The Steelers are known for their dedicated fan base known as the “Steeler Nation,” and they play their home games at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers have been highly successful, especially since the start of the Super Bowl era in 1966. They have six Super Bowl victories, making them the fifth most successful franchise in NFL history.

Philadelphia Eagles (1933)

Like their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Philadelphia Eagles joined the NFL in 1933, making them one of the oldest teams in history. Other than the brief merger with the Steelers (known as the Steagles) in 1943, the Eagles have had no other name changes or relocations in their history.

The Eagles fans were some of the most long-suffering in the history of the NFL, as the team didn’t win a Championship or Super Bowl from 1960 until 2017 when the team overcame Tom Brady’s New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.

Los Angeles Rams (1936)

2022 Super Bowl champs, the LA Rams, have undergone several name changes and relocations since they joined the NFL as the Cleveland Rams in 1936. The team is one of the oldest in NFL history, but they have not been ever-present in the league, unlike every other team on this list.

The Rams did not play in the 1943 NFL season due to a shortage of players because of World War Two. The team restarted as the Cleveland Rams in 1944 before relocating to Los Angeles from 1946 to 1994, St. Louis from 1995 to 2015, before returning to Los Angeles Rams in 2016. The franchise has a combined four NFL Championship and Super Bowl wins, with the most famous coming in 2000 with the Rams team known as The Greatest Show on Turf.

Cleveland Browns (1950)

The Cleveland Browns were founded in 1944 and joined the NFL in 1946. Like the LA Rams, they are one of the oldest NFL teams but have not played in every season since joining.

The franchise suspended operations between 1996 and 1998 due to financial issues for the then-owner Art Modell. Despite Modell’s plans to move the Browns to Baltimore in 1995, the team has remained in Cleveland since it was formed.

The team enjoyed early success in the NFL, winning four championships between 1950 and 1964, but nothing since. The Browns have reached the playoffs just three times since 1994.

History doesn’t equal success

The oldest NFL franchises hold a special place in the hearts of football fans worldwide. Many football fans love teams like the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears because of their tradition and history.

Like most sports teams, these historic franchises have seen periods of success and rebuilding, but it’s clear from their respective records that history alone doesn’t equal success.

His step away from the public eye, following the termination of his contact in LA, has left many NBA fans scratching their heads and wondering what happened next.

So, we took it upon ourselves to do some digging and track down the lesser-spotted Mr Vogel…

Where Was Frank Vogel Last Seen?

Since April 2022, sightings of Frank Vogel have been rare.

He has no active social media accounts and hasn’t appeared in any media or interviews since his postgame reaction to the Lakers beating the Denver Nuggets on April 10, 2022.

This overtime win against the Nuggets turned out to be Vogel’s last game as coach of the Lakers, and he was fired the next day following a poor season.

However, if you’re worried about Frank, don’t be.

He was spotted at a Dallas Mavericks training session in September 2022, so he is most likely just keeping a low profile after spending several years in the LA hot seat.

Vogel clearly loves the game of basketball, even despite the tough time he endured at the end of his tenure in Los Angeles. So, it makes sense that he would want to drop in on the occasional practice scrimmage.

He was also likely invited to observe practice by his friend and former assistant coach, Jason Kidd, who is now head coach of the Mavericks.

Where Did Frank Vogel Coach?

Frank Vogel was a prominent figure in the NBA for several years and was a head coach in the league from 2010.

He got arguably the biggest coaching job in basketball when he joined the Lakers in 2019, so basketball fans across the world got very familiar with the New Jersey native.

However, Vogel has been working in the NBA since 1997.

Here’s a breakdown of his career and notable achievements:

• Boston Celtics – video coordinator (1997–2001)
• Boston Celtics – assistant coach (2001–2004)
• Philadelphia 76ers – assistant coach (2004–2005)
• Los Angeles Lakers – advance scout (2005–2006)
• Washington Wizards – advance scout (2006–2007)
• Indiana Pacers – assistant coach (2007–2011)
• Indiana Pacers – head coach (2011–2016). Reached the playoffs in five of six years in Indiana, losing back-to-back Conference Finals in 2013 and 2014. Was also the NBA All-Star Game head coach in 2014.
• Orlando Magic – head coach (2016–2018)
• Los Angeles Lakers – head coach (2019–2022). Won the NBA championship in his first season as head coach with a regular season record of 52-19. Was NBA All-Star Game head coach for a second time in 2020.

Why Frank Vogel Got Fired By The LA Lakers

Ultimately, professional sports are results businesses, and in the 2021-22 season, Frank Vogel’s LA Lakers did not produce results that were anywhere near good enough.

Expectations are always high in LA, but fans and commentators alike were tipping Vogel’s team to win the Western Conference and be strong contenders to win their second NBA championship in three years.

After all, dynasties are not just hoped for in Los Angeles; They are demanded.

In the 2021 offseason, the Lakers added NBA offensive royalty to their roster.

They traded for Russel Westbrook from the Washington Wizards and signed Carmelo Anthony after his contract with the Portland Trailblazers finished.

Fans dared to dream, and if their roster of aging but highly experienced players could gel, they would surely be a force to be reckoned with.

And, in Frank Vogel, they had a coach that knew what it took to win a championship.

The first half of the season was underwhelming, but the Lakers remained in the hunt for the last direct playoff spot until January.

But the new year brought bad fortunes to Frank Vogel and his team.

Several different injuries to star player LeBron James, as well as sprained MCL for Anthony Davis a few days before Christmas, made the Lakers’ problems worse, and in 2022, they fell apart.

In the three crucial months from January 9 to April 7, the Lakers won just 10 games and were eventually eliminated from the playoff picture with a loss to the Phoenix Suns.

This was number seven in an eight-game losing streak, and despite winning the last two games of the season, Vogel’s fate was sealed.

The Lakers announced they would be parting ways with Frank Vogel on April 11, just one day after their final game of the 2021-22 season.

The season would be one to forget for Laker fans and was even called the ‘most disappointing season in Lakers history’ by USA Today.

Vogel would have been incredibly disappointed with how his reign at the Lakers ended.

He had an enviable depth of talent in his squad, but he would have known the potential for injuries to aging stars was real.

Many commentators also felt he was unlucky, and the decision of the franchise to trade for Russel Westbrook was a poor one.

While the trade was undoubtedly eye-catching and headline-grabbing, it didn’t really make sense because the Lakers lost out on two key players, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma.

Frank Vogel will have also been aware that Westbrook being forced to share the ball with LeBron James was not ideal.

This is not Westbrook’s game, and many commentators felt this poor decision from the Lakers hierarchy may have been a key reason why Vogel ended up being fired.

Where Is Frank Vogel Now?

The latest whereabouts of Frank Vogel are unknown. Since he was spotted at Mavs training back in September, he hasn’t been seen in any basketball capacity.

Even though the Lakers did him dirty with the way they announced his firing, we can assume he’s doing okay financially.

Although the Lakers never published his salary, it’s fair to assume he got paid more than the $5.5 million per year he secured whilst head coach of the Orlando Magic.

So, the reason we haven’t heard much from Frank Vogel is that he’s most likely enjoying some quiet time with his wife, Jenifer, and making the most of their $5 million home in Manhattan Beach.

Will he ever return to basketball? Who knows. But if not, who could blame him?

Lead image: Twitter/Ramsay3134

However, one of the strangest periods in Jordan’s career was when he ditched basketball ahead of the 1993–94 NBA season and tried his hand at baseball. He then returned to basketball in 1995 to win more NBA rings for the Bulls.

This choice perplexed basketball fans around the globe, but baseball fans, particularly those who collected baseball cards, rejoiced.

In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 most valuable Michael Jordan baseball cards from his stint in Minor League Baseball.

10. 1994 Upper Deck – Next Generation Electric Diamond – Parallel – #8

$898

The card coming in at number 10 on our list of the most valuable Michael Jordan baseball cards ever is a 1994 Upper Deck Next Generation Electric Diamond Parallel #8.

A PSA 10 of this card sold for $898 in May 2020, with PSA 8 currently available on eBay for $250.

9. 1994 Upper Deck – Next Generation Electric Diamond – Base – #8

$898.88

Number nine on our list is actually the same card as number 10, but the base version rather than parallel.

A PSA 9 of this card has an average sale price of $81.57, but the record price for a PSA 10 was $898.88 in April 2021.

8. 1994 Upper Deck – #19

$932.28

The average sale price for a PSA 10 of this 1994 Upper Deck #19 is $668.94, which wouldn’t have been close to this top 10 list of rare Michael Jordan baseball cards.

But, in May 2021, a single card of this type was sold for a whopping $932.28.

7. 1991 Ballstreet Hand Cut – #19

$999.99

The first Ballstreet card on this list is rare, and there has been just one recorded sale of a PSA 10 online, which went for a staggering buy-it-now price of $999.99.

You can pick up an ungraded version on eBay for just $14.99.

6. 1995 Collector’s Choice Special Edition – Gold Signature – #238

$1,125

This special edition version of the 1995 Collector’s Choice set featured cards with blue, silver, and gold borders.

The silver and gold versions also have Jordan’s facsimile signature, with the gold version naturally being the most valuable.

The record sale price for a PSA 10 of this card was $1,125 in April 2021.

5. 1994 Collector’s Choice – Gold Signature – #661

$1,878

This Collector’s Choice Michael Jordan baseball card was part of a “Rookie Class” which featured other big names, including Manny Ramirez and Carlos Delgado.

This card had parallel versions that came with Jordan’s facsimile autograph in either gold or silver, and the gold version PSA 10 fetched a massive $1,878 at auction.

4. 1994 Collector’s Choice – Gold Signature – #23

$2,005

Gold signature baseball cards are a hit with collectors, especially for baseball (or basketball) royalty.

The third card on our list to feature the golden MJ signature, this 1994 Collector’s Choice with Jordan’s famous #23 sold for a record $2,005 at auction in 2021.

3. 1994 Upper Deck SP – Holoview Red – #16

$6,400

The 1994 SP Holoview Red is number three on our list and sees a huge jump in price from number four.

It’s also the first Michael Jordan White Sox card on this list to be sold for north of $5,000.

A PSA 9 of this card recently sold for just $454.88, but the record paid for a PSA 10 is a massive $6,400.

2. 1990 SCD Baseball Pocket Price Guides – Hand Cut – #51

$16,993

Number two on our list also sees a massive jump in price, with the highest recorded sale price for a PSA 10 of this card clocking in at nearly $17,000.

Interestingly, this card is the first on our list to record Jordan as a basketball player, which he still was in 1990.

SCD decided to include MJ because, during the NBA off-season of 1989, he joined the White Sox for batting practice.

He impressed, performing well at the plate, and he joined early 90s MLB stars like Cal Ripken Jr. and Darryl Strawberry in the Pocket Price Guide.

1. 1991 Upper Deck – #SP1

$18,988

The number one most valuable Michael Jordan baseball card ever is another that predates his pro baseball days.

This 1991 card by Upper Deck featured a photo of “His Airness” taking some batting practice ahead of the “Windy City Classic” charity game between the Cubs and White Sox in 1990.

On average, a PSA 10 of this card sells for $650.75. So, why did someone pay nearly $19,000 for one?

Well, the record price for any Michael Jordan baseball card was paid for a rare black label pristine 10 version of this card, so it goes without saying it’s one of the rarest Michael Jordan baseball cards in the world.

Lead Image: Twitter/NinesPsa

The goalkeeper most famously played for Liverpool for 13 years, making 628 appearances for the club.

He enjoyed massive success with the Reds, winning the European Cup (the precursor to the Champions League), six league championships, three FA Cups, and three League Cups.

He was also known for his larger-than-life personality and was even one of the original proponents of goalkeeping gamesmanship during penalty shootouts.

He famously did ‘spaghetti legs‘ in the 1984 European Cup final, which has inspired many a keeper since – we’re looking at you, Emiliano Martinez!

But the Zimbabwean shot-stopper didn’t always make headlines for the right reasons and, in 1994 was part of a match-fixing scandal. So, what exactly what happened?

Match-Fixing Allegations

In November 1994, while Grobbelaar was in his 14th year with Liverpool, The Sun newspaper ran a front-page story accusing him of being involved in match-fixing during his time at Anfield.

The Sun obtained video footage of Grobbelaar explaining that he lost ￡125,000 (~$152,000) because he “accidentally” made a save in a match against Manchester United that he was allegedly trying to lose.

The video was recorded by The Sun with the help of Chris Vincent, a friend and former business partner of Grobbelaar who was struggling financially.

Vincent contacted the paper in 1994, claiming he would be able to secretly record Grobbelaar confessing to fixing matches.

The paper ran a story claiming that in the match against United, Liverpool went 3-0 down but sensationally fought their way back into the game to draw 3-3, at Grobbelaar’s expense.

The keeper was charged with conspiracy to corrupt along with other top-flight professionals Hans Segers of Wimbledon and John Fashanu of Aston Villa (recently signed from Wimbledon).

They were said to be fixing matches for the benefit of Heng Suan Lim, a Malaysian businessman working on behalf of betting syndicates in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Trial And Verdict

Grobbelaar immediately protested his innocence and pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges brought against him in July 1995.

The case against Fashanu, Lim, Segers, and Bruce Grobbelaar went to trial 18 months later.

The defense for the goalkeeper claimed that he had actually been trying to trick Chris Vincent into thinking he had fixed matches.

Grobbelaar then allegedly hoped Vincent would act on this information in the future, and he would then report this to the police, catching Vincent out.

The video recordings showed Grobbelaar saying some pretty damning things in black and white, but his lawyers decided to call former Arsenal and Scotland goalkeeper Bob Wilson as a witness.

He had reviewed footage from matches Grobbelaar was supposed to have been paid to fix, including against Man United, and described his saves as “of the highest order at any level in the world.”

This showed Grobbelaar must have been trying in those matches and was a big win for the Zimbabwean’s legal team.

Heng Suan Lim admitted he had paid Segers and Grobbelaar significant amounts of money, but only for predictions in matches, not fixing.

This was against FA betting regulations but not illegal.

The jury in the trial could not reach a verdict, so a retrial took place in June 1997, nearly three years after The Sun ran their story.

In the second trial, the jury was once again unable to come to a verdict, and all of the accused walked free.

Grobbelaar vs. The Sun

Thanks to breaking betting rules and supplying Lim with inside information, Grobbelaar was fined ￡10,000 by the FA after the trial had finished.

But, this wasn’t the end of the affair for the now ex-Liverpool keeper, who decided to sue The Sun for libel.

After a 16-day trial in 1999, Grobbelaar won the case and was awarded ￡85,000 in compensation. The Sun would also have to cover the legal fees accumulated by Grobbelaar in both trials.

But this verdict wasn’t the end, and the newspaper appealed against the decision in the House of Lords. This time The Sun came out victorious, and the tables were turned on the Zimbabwean.

Grobbelaar’s payout would be reduced to just ￡1, and he was now ordered to pay The Sun’s legal costs.

The judge who ruled against Grobbelaar stated he had “acted in a way in which no decent or honest footballer would act and in a way which could, if not exposed and stamped on, undermine the integrity of a game which earns the loyalty and support of millions.”

Grobbelaar couldn’t afford this hefty legal bill, estimated to be around ￡500,000, so he was declared bankrupt.

Moving On From The Scandal

After the match-fixing scandal and ensuing aftermath finally settled, Grobbelaar returned to South Africa, where he was born.

He started a career in coaching, working for several clubs and the national team of his home nation of Zimbabwe.

He was married to Debbie from 1983 to 2008, so the marriage lasted throughout the peak of Grobbelaar’s playing career and subsequent match-fixing controversy.

They have two children, Olivia and Tahli.

The match-fixing scandal was incredibly hard on Grobbelaar and his family.

In a 2005 interview, he said he considered suicide around the time of the allegations before stating “that would have been the action of a guilty person who does not want to go through the consequences.”

Grobbelaar has featured in many charity matches and on various TV channels. He took part in ITV show Hell’s Kitchen in 2009 and has worked as a pundit for different soccer competitions, including the 2010 World Cup.

In recent years he returned to football coaching. He was the goalkeeping coach for Zimbabwean side Matabeleland and, later, Norwegian club ?ygarden FK.

Grobbelaar’s Legacy

Despite the allegations made against “Brucie” and the damning video evidence that was recorded by The Sun, he is generally well-loved by football fans in England.

He is remembered for his on-the-pitch performances, not the controversy off it, which is a testament to how good a goalkeeper he was.

In 2006, he was voted 17th in a list of 100 Players Who Shook The Kop – effectively a ‘fan favorite’ list run by the official Liverpool FC website.

This is Grobbelaar’s legacy. One of the finest players to have played for one of the biggest football clubs in the world.

Lead image: Twitter/LivEchoLFC

The best players in the world command huge wages and running a soccer club is big business.

Clubs can make astronomical figures from TV revenues, sponsorship deals, player sales, merchandise, and matchday sales. But which club has the most money?

Keep reading to find out the top 10 richest soccer clubs in the world.

10. Tottenham Hotspur (England) – $2.35B

Club Facts

Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

Nickname: Spurs

Captain: Harry Kane

Head coach: Antonio Conte

Tottenham Hotspur have become a major force in European soccer over the past decade. They boast one of the finest stadiums in the world, a roster of top international talent and an appearance in the champions league final as recently as 2019.

It wasn’t always sunshine and roses for Spurs, though, as the club suffered a major trophy drought from 1991 to 2008. Now though, the club are firmly amongst the world elite and squeak into our list at no.10.

9. Juventus (Italy) – $2.45B

Club Facts

Stadium: Juventus Stadium, Turin

Nickname: La Vecchia Signora (The Old Lady)

Captain: Leonardo Bonucci

Head coach: Massimiliano Allegri

Juventus, arguably Italy’s most famous football club, are the only side from Serie A to make it into the top 10 richest clubs in the world.

Their famous black and white striped kit is world-famous, and the club holds serious clout in the boardroom, as well as on the pitch.

8. Chelsea (England) – $3.1B

Club Facts

Stadium: Stamford Bridge, London

Nickname: The Blues

Captain: César Azpilicueta

Head coach: Graham Potter

The second London-based club on this list, Chelsea became big hitters in the world of soccer finance after Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich purchased the club in 2003.

Before Abramovic was forced to sell the club following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Chelsea enjoyed a period of success never seen before in club history and are one of soccer’s major global brands.

7. Paris Saint-Germain (France) – $3.2B

Club Facts

Stadium: Parc des Princes, Paris

Nickname: Les Parisiens (The Parisians)

Captain: Marquinhos

Head coach: Christophe Galtier

Qatar Sports Investments (owned by the state of Qatar) purchased Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 when the club was valued at just €100m and instantly turned it into one of the wealthiest in the world.

The Parisians now boast the most star-studded attacking lineup in all of world football, with superstars Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar all on their books.

Wages for that sort of talent don’t come cheap. PSG are good for it, though.

6. Manchester City (England) – $4.25B

Club Facts

Stadium: Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Nickname: The Citizens

Captain: ?lkay Gündo?an

Head coach: Pep Guardiola

Like PSG, Man City take their position as one of the world’s wealthiest clubs thanks to investment from the Middle East.

The club was purchased by Sheikh Mansour, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, and a member of Abu Dhabi’s ruling family.

The club has one of the highest wage bills in world football, with stars like Jack Grealish, Kevin de Bruyne, and Erling Harland each taking home multi-million pay packets each year.

Money talks, though, and City have paid back their wealthy owners on the pitch. They’ve won 6 Premier League trophies and counting since Sheik Mansour’s arrival in 2008.

5. Bayern Munich (Germany) – $4.275B

Club Facts

Stadium: Allianz Arena, Munich

Nickname: Die Bayern (The Bavarians)

Captain: Manuel Neuer

Head coach: Julian Nagelsmann

Bayern Munich, serial winners domestically and in Europe, are the only German team to make this list.

A notoriously well-run club on and off the pitch, they have reaped the financial rewards and currently have a valuation north of $4 billion.

They have consistently sat in the top five of the Forbes list of richest soccer clubs, and that doesn’t look like changing any time soon.

4. Liverpool (England) – $4.45B

Club Facts

Stadium: Anfield, Liverpool

Nickname: The Reds

Captain: Jordan Henderson

Head coach: Jürgen Klopp

Liverpool fans, look away now… The Reds come in at number four on our list, beaten by bitter rivals, Man United. But don’t despair for too long.

Liverpool FC has reestablished itself in the top five of richest soccer clubs in the world, doing so for the first time since 2009.

Winning the Premier League and Champions League under Jürgen Klopp has translated into financial success too, with the club being just one of a handful with a valuation over $4 billion.

3. Manchester United (England) – $4.6B

Club Facts

Stadium: Old Trafford, Manchester

Nickname: The Red Devils

Captain: Harry Maguire

Head coach: Erik ten Hag

English soccer clubs make up 50% of the list, but none can match the wealth and status of Manchester United.

One of the most recognizable teams in world football, the club has had unparalleled success in the English game since soccer became a giant corporate enterprise in the 90s.

The club have the highest wage bill in the Premier League and have invested billions of dollars to try and recapture former glory.

But, success has remained elusive, and the club have not won the Premier League since 2013.

2. Barcelona (Spain) – $5B

Club Facts

Stadium: Camp Nou, Barcelona

Nickname: La Blaugrana (The red and blue)

Captain: Sergio Busquets

Head coach: Xavi

Rivalries don’t come any bigger than Barca vs. Real, but unfortunately for Barcelona, they are beaten to no.1 by their Madrid rivals. Though Barca fans will be pleased to see that they topped our list of the best soccer teams of all time instead.

The fact that the Catalan club sits so high on this list is a testament to their brand power and global appeal.

The club’s day-to-day financial situation and debt sheet are enough to make your eyes water, but the Barca brand is strong, and the club still has a staggering $5 billion valuation.

1. Real Madrid (Spain) – $5.1B

Club Facts

Stadium: Santiago Bernabéum, Madrid

Nickname: Los Blancos (The Whites)

Captain: Karim Benzema

Head coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Fittingly, the most successful club in European competitions sits atop the list of richest soccer clubs in the world.

Real Madrid’s famous all-white kit is revered and respected around the world, and the club has won an unmatched 14 Champions League titles.

Star soccer players, world-class managers, one of the most famous stadiums in the world, and unrivaled success separated the Real Madrid brand from any of its soccer rivals.

?Hala Madrid!

For something similar, check out:
? Top 10 Richest Gamblers In The World

In 2013, ESPN ran a story on “Bob” titled “Meet the world’s top NBA gambler” where they detailed how Voulgaris had earned a fortune in sports betting before he was even 30.

He has played in the World Series of Poker, worked for the Dallas Mavericks and is even the owner and president of the Spanish third-division soccer club, Castellón. Oh, and his current net worth is estimated to be $5 million.

So, we’re going to break down the story of one of the gambling world’s most exciting characters and look at his life in betting, sports, and beyond.

How Did Voulgaris Make His Fortune?

Haralabos “Bob” Voulgaris was born in Canada to Greek parents, who had moved to the country in their 20s.

His father was an entrepreneur in Winnipeg and had a real estate business and a Greek restaurant named after the Greek god Hermes.

In Greek mythology, Hermes is the god of several things, including games, sports, and sudden enrichment, which probably wasn’t coincidental because Voulgaris Sr. was a serious gambler who gave his son the bug.

Through his business ventures, Voulgaris’s father became a multi-millionaire, and after Bob finished high school, they traveled together to Las Vegas for a two-month trip spent almost entirely at Caesars Palace.

Bob was too young to go on the casino floor, so he spent most of his days in the sportsbook, where he watched countless NBA games.

He took notes on the games and the book’s adjustments and started gambling on them with his father at night.

It was by no means high stakes (his largest bet was for $100), but this Vegas education left a lasting imprint on Voulgaris, who said, “I learned at a young age that it’s tough to beat the house – unless you know what you’re doing.”

After returning to Canada and starting his studies at the University of Manitoba, Bob continued to bet and took what he’d learned on board. He would bet on NBA and CFL games, making tidy profits while studying and holding down a part-time job.

When he finished college, he decided to up the stakes, and ahead of the NBA season, he placed his life savings of $70,000 on the Lakers to win the 1999/00 NBA championship.

This was a massive gamble, as the Lakers didn’t make it past the previous season’s second round of the playoffs, but it paid off.

And when captain Shaquille O’Neal raised the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy above his head, Voulgaris cashed a slip for nearly $500,000.

Professional Gambling

This was the injection of cash and confidence that Bob needed to take things to the next level, and in the 2000/01 season, he made around 350 wagers on the NBA with a lot of success.

Sportsbooks were nowhere near as sophisticated as they are now, and Voulgaris spotted a weakness that he could exploit.

Different books would make projections for how many points they thought would be scored in a game but would also take bets on how much would be scored in each half.

Unbelievably the sportsbooks just divided their projected game total in half, which didn’t account for the fact that many close NBA games have lots of fouls in the fourth quarter.

Fouls mean free throws, and free throws mean points, so more often than not, teams would score more in the second half of games.

Voulgaris noticed this trend and took full advantage of it, but he knew this wouldn’t last, and eventually, the sportsbooks realized the errors of their ways.

So, Bob decided to move on to bigger and better things and had the idea to build a predictive betting model that could take the intuition out of betting.

The Model Student

Bob Voulgaris clearly had a talent for numbers, but he knew he needed someone genuinely gifted to make his dream of beating the bookies come true.

So, in 2007, he hired a math prodigy (who he has never named publicly) to help him build a predictive model that could be used on any NBA game.

This prodigy wasn’t just the smartest kid in class, by the way.

He scored a perfect 800 on the math SAT in seventh grade and won national competitions before becoming a teenager.

Eventually, after two years of trial and error, Voulgaris and his prodigy developed the model to a level he was happy with.

So, he used it heavily during the second half of the 2009 NBA season to significant effect.

He made up to 1,000 wages a season and made cumulative bets that would reach in excess of $1 million daily.

World Class Poker

After developing a model that any other bettor would kill for and making what must have been an incredible amount of money (he never confirmed numbers), Voulgaris started to appear in major televised poker events.

In 2012, he entered the World Series of Poker’s Big One for One Drop $1 million buy-in event where he played well but just missed out on making any money.

? Which WSOP Events Have The Biggest Prize Pools?

But this didn’t deter Bob – professional bettors know that you win some and you lose some – so he continued playing in several World Poker and European Poker Tour events over the years.

In 2017, he returned to the WSOP’s One Drop event and landed the largest tournament win of his poker career.

He earned a whopping $1,158,883 for finishing in fourth place and has amassed a career total of over $3 million in live poker tournaments worldwide.

Move Into Pro Sports

After spending nearly two decades as a professional bettor, Haralabos Voulgaris formally moved into a role in professional basketball.

In 2018, he joined the Dallas Mavericks as Director of Quantitative Research and Development.

No doubt this appointment was made for his ability to analyze the game of basketball, use statistics, and predict outcomes of games.

This was a dream move for Voulgaris, who harbored dreams of being an NBA GM one day.

He even went on record saying, “I’d be able to put together a better team than almost any general manager in the league. If not, maybe all.”

Now, this might seem a bit arrogant, but when you consider his professional gambling record and deep understanding of the NBA, he probably has a point.

? How To Become A Professional Gambler

This wasn’t Bob’s first foray into professional basketball.

In the 2009-10 season, he signed a contract with an unnamed NBA franchise co-owner to become a consultant on player acquisition and roster assembly.

His skill set matched perfectly with the goal of NBA front offices. They were both trying to understand the value of different players, and for NBA franchises, knowledge was power.

Ultimately, though, neither stint on the inside of professional basketball developed into a career.

He spent five months with the unnamed NBA team before feeling he was being excluded from decision-making and choosing to return to betting full time.

He also left the Dallas Mavericks in 2021, after less than three years with the organization.

It was reported that he had a rift with Mavs’ star guard, Luka Don?i?, and player power obviously won out.

CD Castellon

In his 2013 ESPN interview, Bob Voulgaris said if he won enough money gambling, he would buy an NBA franchise.

But they don’t come cheap, so instead, he settled for a third-division Spanish soccer club.

CD Castellon was founded in 1922, has a loyal following, and a stadium with a 15,000 capacity – but a poor recent history.

In July 2022, Voulgaris purchased the club and was confirmed as its owner and president.

He insists buying the club – in a sport he is not associated with – was not a “vanity play” and he has set out a six-year plan for the club to reach the top division in Spanish soccer, La Liga.

Whether he can achieve his goals and turn the team into success on and off the pitch will remain to be seen, but he will take inspiration from neighboring team Villarreal.

Villarreal CF spent almost all of its history in the lower divisions of Spanish soccer, but after reaching La Liga in 1998, they have slowly developed into a powerhouse domestically and in European competition.

In 2021, the club won its first-ever major trophy, winning the UEFA Europa League and beating Manchester United in the final.

It is the stuff dreams are made of, and Bob Voulgaris will undoubtedly have similar ambitions for Castellon.

What’s Next For Bob Voulgaris?

Bob Voulgaris is one of the most interesting figures in the world of sports betting.

If he can translate his basketball knowledge into soccer, it’s undoubtedly a matter of time before he returns to the US and professional sports management in some capacity.

But, no matter what he does next, one thing is for sure – it won’t be boring.

If you want to keep a close eye on Bob Voulgaris’ life (he has a super cute dog) and get some fantastic betting insights, be sure to follow his twitter page.

Image: Twitter/tonymakethinks1

The NFL is a well-known global brand that has been the premier football league for decades. In contrast, the USFL was only established in 2022 and is trying to compete for a piece of the professional football pie.

In this article, we’ll break down the significant differences between the two leagues, so keep reading to find out more.

Major vs. Minor

In sport, there are major and minor leagues. Major leagues are considered the premier league or competition in a given sport in each country.

In the four biggest American sports, the NBA, NHL, MLB, and NFL are the major leagues.

Each sport also has minor or development leagues that can be affiliated with the major league (like the NBA G League) or not. This is the case with the NFL and the USFL.

The USFL is a competitor for the NFL. There is no affiliation or developmental aspect between the two leagues, but the level of competition is stark.

To make it to the NFL, players have to enter the NFL draft, which is one of the most rigorous selection processes in all professional sports.

Playing football at the college level isn’t a requirement, but the overwhelming majority of players drafted to the NFL have played for division 1 college teams.

While many USFL players also competed in division 1 at college, the NFL draft selects the best of the best. The USFL has to make do with the best of the rest.

The NFL is the undisputed biggest American football organization in the world. While the USFL tries to compete, they also have to contend with other leagues like the CFL or XFL.

And in the end, money talks.

Brand Power And Budgets

Every high school football player dreams of playing at college, then getting drafted into the NFL.

There’s no comparison with other leagues; even a mediocre NFL career can set a player and their family up for life.

Elite NFL players are some of the highest-paid athletes in the world, and on average earn around $2.7 million a year.

? Top 10 Richest NFL Players Ever

Playing in the NFL brings a huge amount of prestige and potential commercial opportunities off the field too.

Social media followers, sponsorships, and celebrity status grow if you become a prominent player in the NFL. The USFL can’t even come close to this.

To highlight the contrast in brand power and exposure between the two leagues, the NFL has over 26 million followers on Instagram. USFL has just 96,000.

League Organization

The NFL has 32 teams that play 17 times in the regular season. The USFL is much smaller and only has eight teams that each play 10 times in the regular season.

Due to the dominance of the NFL, the USFL season also runs at different times of the year. The NFL season generally starts in September and ends in February.

In contrast, the USFL begins in April and ends in July.

The NFL off-season is long, and by spring, many football fans long to see some gridiron action.

This is what the USFL is trying to capitalize on, rather than scheduling in direct competition with the NFL.

Difference In Rules

To compete with the NFL and attract new viewers, the USFL has tried to create an alternative rule set for football.

Instead of copying the NFL’s blueprint for professional football, the USFL has chosen a hybrid between NFL, college, and other minor league rules.

Here are the significant differences:

Overtime

Like in college football, the USFL has opted for a ‘shootout’ should games go to overtime. This seems like a great move from the league that hopes to create some viral moments to boost popularity.

If the teams are tied after regulation, they get alternate attempts at a 2-point conversion from the 2-yard line.

Each team gets three tries, and it’s scored as a best-of-three. If it’s still a tie after both teams have had three attempts, it goes to sudden death.

Kickoff And Onside Kicks

Another critical difference in the rule set between the NFL and USFL are kickoffs and onside kicks.

The USFL is taking inspiration from the XFL for kickoffs, and games will start with the kicking team at their 25-yard line, as opposed to the halfway line in the NFL.

This is designed to increase the number of kick returns in a game, something that will excite fans and players.

However, to minimize risk to players, the USFL has also introduced a ruling that the kicking team’s players mustn’t start any further back than the 24-yard line, so they can’t get a run up.

There is also a ‘set-up zone’ for blockers of the receiving team.

This means at least eight blockers from that team must be between the 35 and 45-yard lines, again reducing the chance of high-speed collisions.

Onside kicks may also be a thing of the past in the USFL because it’s not the only option if a team needs the ball back quickly.

Teams can opt to take a fourth and 12 from their 33-yard line (the same place they would kick from), instead of taking an onside kick.

They keep the ball if they succeed and convert on the fourth down. If not, they turn it over.

Pass Interference

Defensive pass interference will be called very differently by USFL refs than NFL ones.

Firstly, if a defender is judged to have intentionally interfered with a receiver beyond 15 yards of the scrimmage line, it is a spot foul, like in the NFL.

However, in the USFL, if defensive pass interference is deemed non-intentional, it will be just a 15-yard penalty, no matter where the infraction occurs.

Also, any defensive interference within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage will be spot fouls. So, if interference takes place 10 yards ahead of the line of scrimmage, it’s a 10-yard penalty, not 15.

Offensive pass interference is also different. In the USFL, OPI calls can only be made on passes that cross the line of scrimmage.

Game Clock

The USFL will have a 35-second play clock, whereas the NFL uses 40 seconds. This is designed to increase the number of plays in a game, as teams won’t be able to hang on to the ball as long.

Also, the USFL will stop the game clock after first downs in the final two minutes of both the first and second half.

Again, this is designed to increase the number of plays in a game, maximizing excitement for fans at the end of the halves.

Two Forward Pass Rule

Like the XFL, the USFL has allowed teams to throw the ball forward twice.

The first pass must be completed behind the line of scrimmage, and both passes have to be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage too.

Reviews

The USFL will give coaches just one challenge per game, unlike the two that NFL coaches get.

However, the ‘replay crew’ of officials will have the authority to overrule incorrect personal foul calls made on the field.

The replay crew will also judge whether pass interference was intentional.

Lead image: Mike Russell/Wikimedia Commons

Each year, A-list performers put on the show of their lives to the NFL halftime crowd, bringing a bunch of memorable – and shocking – moments with them.

Global pop superstar and self-proclaimed ‘bad gal’ Rihanna has got the job for Super Bowl LVII, taking place in sunny Arizona in February 2023.

This got us thinking about some of the most iconic halftime shows over the years. One thing is for sure, they’re never dull.

Read our 10 most memorable Super Bowl halftime shows and get ready for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

10. Michael Jackson – Super Bowl XXVII

The standards are high when it comes to memorable Super Bowl halftime shows. That’s why the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, only makes it to number 10 on our list.

This performance stands out because for the first 90 seconds Jackson stood utterly still, staring out into the frenzied crowd. At first, it was cool, but after the first minute, many viewers began to wonder if this MJ was actually a waxwork after all.

Luckily, he eventually started his act and treated his adoring fans to classics including “Billie Jean” and “Black or White” before a finale of “Heal the World.”

He was joined by a choir of 3,500 children from LA – yep, this doesn’t age well…

It was certainly a memorable close to the show that took place less than a year after the 1992 LA riots.

9. Paul McCartney – Super Bowl XXXIX

Paul McCartney has done almost everything a musician could do. He had the call up for the Super Bowl back in 2005, cementing his now five-decade reign at the top.

The NFL wanted a controversy-free halftime show after the scandal in 2004 (more on this later), and Macca didn’t disappoint. He tore through the classics “Drive My Car,” “Get Back,” and “Live and Let Die” before closing with “Hey Jude.”

This Beatle took the crowd along for an epic show, and one we’ll never forget.

8. Madonna – Super Bowl XLVI

Unsurprisingly, this list is full of huge names, and Madonna can hang with the best of them.

The Queen of Pop has had many memorable TV moments over the years, including kissing Britney Spears at the 2003 VMAs and falling on stage at the 2015 Brit awards.

Still, it was actually one of her guests that caused a big stir at the Super Bowl in 2012.

Madonna was joined on stage by Nicki Minaj, LMFAO, Cee Lo Green and M.I.A., with the latter causing controversy for sticking her middle finger up to the camera during the song ??“Give Me All Your Luvin’.”

Despite M.I.A. grabbing a lot of the headlines and making the performance particularly memorable, Madonna still broke viewing figures as the most-viewed Super Bowl halftime show at that point.

7. Aerosmith, Britney Spears, ‘NSync, Nelly, and Mary J. Blige – Super Bowl XXXV

If you didn’t see this halftime show, you could be forgiven for thinking there was a typo here.

Yes, Aerosmith, Britney, ‘NSync, Mary J. Blige, and Nelly (just for good measure) really did perform together.

Oh, and Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock got in on the act, too, as part of a pre-recorded sketch before the performance.

The cross-section of fans who love all these artists must have been pretty small, but somehow, they made it work. Or at least they made it memorable.

After ‘NSync kicked off the performance, rock legends Aerosmith took over and delivered a great rendition of their unforgettable ballad “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing.”

A short while later, things started getting pretty strange.

In a group performance of Aerosmith’s classic “Walk This Way,” ‘NSync, Britney, Mary J Blige, and Nelly paced around the stage and took turns strutting, screaming and shouting into the mic with varying levels of skill.

There was also a bizarre but thankfully short dance-off between Steven Tyler and Justin Timberlake.

I need to lie down just writing about it.

6. Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band – Super Bowl XLIII

What do you get when you combine an American rock legend with a packed stadium and massive TV audience? An unforgettable show for everyone, that’s what.

In 2009, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band rocked the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, but the Boss wanted to ensure everyone at home was just as involved.

As the band started playing the intro to “Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out” (including obligatory fireworks), Bruce grabbed the mic and told the TV audience, “I want you to step back from the guacamole dip! I want you to put those chicken fingers down! And turn your television all the way up!”

If the American public were going to listen to anyone, it would be the Boss.

The chicken fingers were promptly discarded, and people were rocking in their living rooms from Washington to Florida.

Apparently, Springsteen had previously turned the show down, so fans worldwide were ecstatic he finally came to his senses. His performance at Super Bowl XLIII will live long in the memory.

? 9 Stars Who Refused The Super Bowl Halftime Show

5. Beyonce – Super Bowl XLVII

Who runs the world?

Well, it was undoubtedly Queen B on Super Bowl Sunday back in 2013. The pop superstar took to the stage in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, racing through hits including “Love on Top,” “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy.”

She was then joined on stage by former Destiny’s Child members Kelly Roland and Michelle Williams to sing classics “Bootylicious” and “Independent Women.”

Finally, Kelly and Michelle left the stage and let Beyonce have the limelight again. She closed the show with her heartfelt anthem “Halo” which left fans in the stadium and at home reeling.

How can one person have that amount of energy, talent, and charisma? Who knows, but God, it’s fun to watch.

4. Janet Jackson, Justin Timberlake, P. Diddy, Kid Rock, Jessica Simpson, and Nelly – Super Bowl XXXVIII

You were promised there would be the good, the bad, and the ugly in this list – and here you have it.

This Super Bowl halftime performance by Janet Jackson is arguably the most infamous of all time. The fallout from an unfortunate wardrobe malfunction was extremely ugly and frankly ridiculous.

At the end of an otherwise regular halftime show, Justin Timberlake tore off part of Janet Jackson’s outfit as he sang the rather fitting lyric “better have you naked by the end of this song” from his 2002 hit “Rock Your Body.”

Whether intentional or not, this resulted in Janet Jackson’s nipple being revealed (for half a second) to the TV audience. Yes, 500 whole milliseconds.

Times were different in 2004, and this probably accidental reveal caused an epic fallout.

Jackson’s music was shockingly barred on several platforms, NASCAR, and the NFL tightened indecency rules.

CBS, the parent company of the production, was fined a record $550,000 for indecency, and just months later, the United States House of Representatives passed a bill to raise the maximum fine for indecency.

Many commentators also suggested that “nipplegate,” as it became known, even influenced the 2004 Democratic Party primaries. Jackson herself said the incident was used by George W Bush as a distraction technique.

With hindsight, the whole debacle was blown way out of proportion, but it was definitely memorable.

3. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, and Anderson Paak – Super Bowl LVI

Recency bias? Maybe. Hip-Hop fan? Definitely.

But those issues aside, this iconic Super Bowl halftime performance was memorable for the sheer amount of talent on stage, if nothing else. Some halftime shows have one fantastic artist. This show had seven.

It was also a perfect celebration of Los Angeles, where the Super Bowl was being held. The LA Rams completed the party when they closed out a 23-20 victory against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Dr. Dre was the headline act here, but the supporting cast and outstanding visuals were what really stood out and made the performance unforgettable.

2. U2 – Super Bowl XXXVI

America and the rest of the world were still in shock when U2 took to the stage at the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002.

Less than six months after the September 11 attacks, the Irish rock superstars delivered one of the most memorable live music performances ever.

In a moment of pure beauty, U2 performed their hit “Where the Streets Have No Name” while the names of the victims were projected behind them.

In the song’s climax, lead singer Bono revealed the inside of his jacket adorned with the star-spangled banner.

A truly memorable performance and an amazing tribute to the victims of 9/11.

1. Prince – Super Bowl XLI

What could be more memorable than the iconic and incomparable Prince performing an epic version of his classic “Purple Rain” as the actual rain hammered down onto adoring fans in Miami?

Well, in terms of Super Bowl halftime shows, nothing.

Widely regarded as the best Super Bowl halftime performance from one of the greatest performers ever, there was really only going to be one winner on this list.

Prince’s set included covers of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” and the Foo Fighters’ “Best of You.”

But the magic moment came at the end of his set when he played his most famous track, “Purple Rain.”

As the unrelenting rain came down, Prince did his thing on the guitar then whipped the crowd up into a sing-along crescendo that will live long in the memories of NFL and music fans alike.

The legend is gone but not forgotten.

Lead image: Twitter/PigsAndPlans

NFL players, coaches, and staff often take home staggering paychecks, but what about cheerleaders?

The men and women that make up NFL cheerleading squads are a prominent part of the sport, but do they get paid anywhere near as well as the players? Keep reading to find out.

What Is The Average NFL Cheerleader Salary?

Unfortunately, cheerleaders are hugely underpaid compared with other jobs in the NFL.

It goes without saying that come game time, cheerleaders will have huge smiles on their faces. But the same might not be true when they check their bank balance.

NFL cheerleaders make, on average, $22,500 per year, which was less than half the average US salary of $54,132 in 2022.

Some squads get paid more. For example, America’s Sweethearts, the cheerleaders of the Dallas Cowboys, are one of the most well-known in the NFL and receive a reported salary of $75,000.

Still, the average number is shocking, especially when you compare it to NFL waterboy salaries, which average at around $53,000.

Cheerleaders’ pay also doesn’t reflect the work that goes into being on an NFL cheerleading squad.

Practice can take up to 30+ hours per week, they spend countless hours traveling to games, and have to be at the stadium five hours ahead of their performance time.

? How Much Do NFL Referees Make?

Why Are Cheerleaders Paid So Badly?

Cheerleaders are not employees of NFL teams. They are independent contractors and historically have always been paid incredibly poorly.

Several former NFL cheerleaders had reported that they were paid well under the minimum wage, and one even wrote in Cosmopolitan Magazine that in 2006 when expenses were taken into account, she made just $300 for the whole season.

This injustice eventually led to one cheerleader taking a stand. Lacy Thibodeaux-Fields was part of the cheerleading team for the Oakland Raiders, the Raiderettes, but in 2014, she brought a lawsuit against the team for infringing employment law.

Eventually, Lacy and another former Raiders cheerleader won the case and were paid a $1.25-million settlement.

The Raiderettes were also offered new contracts that included an hourly rate above minimum wage and compensation for overtime.

This case was the subject of the 2019 documentary, A Woman’s Work: The NFL’s Cheerleader Problem, and inspired dozens of other cheerleaders across the NFL to take their teams to court over poor pay.

In general, this has improved conditions for cheerleaders. They are now being paid at least minimum wage, despite this being a pittance compared to other NFL salaries.

How Much Do NFL Cheerleaders Make At The Super Bowl?

Unlike players and coaches, there is no evidence to suggest that NFL cheerleaders make big bonuses for Super Bowl or playoff appearances.

Following the lawsuit victory for Lacy Thibodeaux-Fields in 2014, it was confirmed that the Oakland Raiders cheerleaders ‘‘would be paid for all their work’’ and ‘‘entitled to overtime’’ – but this may just be at a minimum wage per hour.

So, it’s unlikely that NFL cheerleaders take home big checks for performing in the playoffs or Super Bowl.

How Easy Is It To Become A Cheerleader In The NFL?

Becoming an NFL cheerleader is very competitive and difficult to do, despite the relatively poor pay.

Before applying, you have to be:

• 18+

• A high school graduate or have a GED equivalent

• Able to commit to an entire season (August through February)

• Available for all home games, as well as any potential playoff games

• Willing to participate in weekly practices and required appearances

• Able to pass a background check

Once you’ve ticked all those boxes, the real hard work starts.

Tryouts for NFL cheerleading squads feature hundreds of athletes who are whittled down to a group of around 50-60 who make the final squad.

Judges assess potential cheerleaders on their dance technique, performance skills, personality, and more.

Every cheerleader who makes it to the NFL ranks will also undoubtedly have high school or collegiate cheerleading experience.

So, just like the players, it’s not easy to make it in the pro ranks.

To Cheer Or Not To Cheer?

Despite NFL cheerleader salaries being meager in such a lucrative business, thousands of hopefuls try to make squads yearly.

Many see it as an opportunity to further their profile and résumé for future work, and the prestige and fame that comes with making an NFL cheer squad is real.

? Top 10 Richest NFL Players Ever

Lead image: Rajiv Perera/Unsplash

So, it goes without saying there are some prominent personalities – and not always on the field.

Some NFL coaches are larger than life and have dragged their teams to Super Bowl success over their careers. Of course, coaches are not idolized in the same way players are, but the great ones are put on a pedestal quite unlike any other in the world of sport.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the greatest Super Bowl-winning coaches in the history of the NFL and why they deserve their status at the top of America’s game.

1. Bill Belichick

Bill Belichick is a name synonymous with success.

He holds the NFL head coach records for most Super Bowl wins (six), most playoff wins (31), tied most playoff appearances (19), and championship game appearances (nine), to name but a few.

Across a 30-year NFL career, his teams have had a ruthless streak, and his success has been based on building a unit of the right players, not necessarily the best ones.

After all, Tom Brady, his partner in crime and most successful quarterback ever, was not a hot prospect coming into the NFL. He was selected in the sixth round of the NFL draft but was molded into the GOAT by Belichick.

Love him or hate him, no one can argue with the facts: Bill Belichick is the greatest NFL coach of all time.

2. Vince Lombardi

If you’re going to name a trophy after someone, they better be good. It turns out Vince Lombardi was great.

The legend, who the NFL renamed the Super Bowl trophy following his death in 1970, won three NFL championships (pre-Super Bowl era) and the first two Super Bowls.

Lombardi had a 73.8% regular season win rate which was bettered by an outrageous 90% rate in the playoffs.

He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in the history of US sport and takes his rightful place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

3. Chuck Noll

The Pittsburgh Steelers have won the joint most Super Bowls (six) in NFL history, and that is primarily thanks to Chuck Noll.

His Steelers team won four Super Bowls in six seasons, from 1974-1979, dominating their competition.

Noll never lost in the Super Bowl, with his team winning on all four occasions, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 – the first year he was eligible.

Noll was also notably the first head coach in the NFL to start an African American quarterback and one of the first to hire Black assistant coaches.

His record and contribution to football development will be long remembered in Pittsburgh and beyond.

4. Bill Walsh

Bill Walsh was made head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in January 1979, but by the end of the 1980 season, he could have been forgiven for thinking a Super Bowl was one dream too far.

His team had finished the season with a 6-10 record, missing out on the playoffs.

Still, a certain Joe Montana was made starting QB midway through the season, and Walsh knew he was onto a winner.

The 49ers, led by Montana and Walsh, went on to win three Super Bowls from 81-88, changing the fortunes of this long-suffering franchise and creating one of the greatest offensive teams ever.

Like Chuck Noll, Walsh entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 and finished his career with an impressive 10-4 record in the playoffs.

5. Tom Coughlin

Tom Coughlin has the least Super Bowl wins of any head coach on this list (two), and there are several other coaches with more.

But “Colonel Coughlin” – as he was known by his players – deserves his place amongst the modern greats.

He took over as head coach of the New York Giants in 2004, following their 4-12 season in 2003. He didn’t achieve overnight success but eventually led the team to two Super Bowls in 2008 and 2012.

He makes our list for masterminding one of the biggest upsets in NFL playoff history when the Giants beat the Patriots (coached by you know who) 17-14 at Super Bowl XLII.

Many sportsbooks had the Patriots as high as -13.5 favorites on the points spread.

The “Helmet Catch” – widely regarded as the best Super Bowl play ever – saw back up wide receiver, David Tyree, catch a touchdown pass by pressing the ball against his helmet.

This followed some Houdini level escapes from quarterback Eli Manning.

Coughlin’s team shocked the football world with their victory against the unbeaten Patriots. The Pats were looking to become only the second team in history to win every game of the season, including the Super Bowl.

Thanks for the memories, Colonel.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to acknowledge that some all-time great NFL coaches were missed off our list.

We easily could have included Shula, Landry, or Gibbs but our selections sum up what we think it takes to be a Super Bowl champ.

These five head coaches had unprecedented success over several seasons, often winning against the odds (and sometimes against each other).

If that doesn’t summarize the spirit of football, we don’t know what does.

For more on the Super Bowl, check out our article on the average price of Super Bowl tickets over the years.

Lead image: Redspork02/Wikimedia Commons

But what about NFL referees?

If you’ve ever wondered what the average NFL referee salary is per season, or how their salaries compare with other American sports, then keep reading.

NFL Referee Salaries

An NFL referee’s salary has never been officially released by the league, but it was reported in 2019 that they made an average of $205,000 per season.

This number was a $50k increase on reported salaries in 2018, so there is a possibility it has risen again.

Experienced referees earn big bonuses for taking extra post-season games, including the Super Bowl. Officiating legend Walt Anderson made an estimated $250,000 in 2019, his final year of refereeing.

Not bad, right? Even considering some of the explosive atmospheres refs face.

Any volunteers for Washington vs. Philadelphia at The Linc this year? Didn’t think so.

How Much Do NFL Refs Make Per Game?

There are 22 game weeks in the NFL, including the playoffs, but it is rare for an NFL ref to take more than 1 post-season game per year.

So, the maximum number of games an NFL official will work per season is 20.

That means an experienced official who works in the playoffs and takes home an annual salary of $250,000 gets paid $12,500 per game.

Even a less experienced ref, who takes home the reported average of $205,000 per season, will still bank a whopping $10,250 per game.

On a game-by-game comparison, this makes NFL refs the best paid in US sports because although NHL, NBA, and MLB refs all reportedly get paid more, they have to cover way more games.

In the NBA and NHL, the regular season consists of 82 games, let alone the MLB that has a giant 162-game regular season.

This means the average salary per game is by far the best for NFL refs.

? Sports’ Best Paid Referees Revealed

Who Is The Highest Paid NFL Ref In History?

There is no single stand-out NFL ref that is paid more than their peers, however, there are a handful of elite officials that receive the same highest salaries.

Brad Allen, Craig Wrolstad, and Sarah Thomas are the three active NFL refs that reportedly take home $250,000 annually.

The aforementioned Walt Anderson also made an estimated $250,000 during his final year of refereeing in 2019.

There are no reports that suggest an NFL referee has ever taken home more than $250,000, however, it is possible that salaries may have increased in line with inflation since 2019.

How Much Do Female NFL Referees Make?

Like their male counterparts, the salary for female NFL officials depends on experience and talent.

This is the only criterion that matters when it comes to NFL referee’s salaries, so women make the same amount as men in a similar position in their careers.

This is proven by Sarah Thomas, who became the first female official in NFL history when she joined the league in 2015.

Since then, she has gone on to become one of the most well-known referees in the league and paved the way for two other women to join the NFL officiating ranks.

Thomas was rewarded by the NFL in the 2021 playoffs when she worked on both the Divisional Round matchup between the New Orleans Saints and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Super Bowl LV where the Bucs beat the Kansas City Chiefs.

In the 2022/23 NFL season, Sarah Thomas, Maia Chaka, and NFL rookie, Robin DeLorenzo make up the league’s female officiating team.

How Much Do NFL Refs Get Paid For The Super Bowl?

Again, the NFL has never publicly confirmed what officials get paid for the Super Bowl, however, reports suggest that referees make an extra $40-50,000 for the biggest event in US sport.

This is a significant bonus and reflects the fact that the eyes of the world are on the players, coaches and officials come Super Bowl time.

$50,000 is also considerably more than the reported $1-5,000 NFL officials make in normal playoff games.

Have You Got What It Takes?

The salary, only working for half the year, watching your favorite sport from the best seat in the house… the benefits to being an NFL ref are huge, so you might be wondering how you sign up.

Sorry to break it to you, but it ain’t easy making it to the big league… even as a ref.

Before the NFL even considers you, you need at least 10 years of experience as an American Football ref, with five of those covering major college games.

But don’t get ahead of yourself. Not anyone can just show up to their local high school game and start throwing flags.

You need to jump through several hoops before you can become a ref, even at the grassroots level.

You need training and state registration as a minimum, then you can start working your way up the refereeing ladder. Extra certifications and a college degree can also help, but just like the players, you have to perform.

The NFL doesn’t just scout playing talent. They also scout officials too.

So, best of luck, and if you reach the NFL, you’ll deserve every cent.

For something similar on this topic, check out:
? How Much Do NHL Referees Make?
? How Much Do Basketball Officials Make?

Lead image: Keith Allison/Wikimedia Commons

Many bettors don’t know what takeout rates are or how they affect winnings, so we’ve put this guide together that explains everything you need to know.

What Are Takeout Rates?

In short, takeout rates are pre-payout taxes applied by a horse racing track on every bet made at a race meeting.

For example, if you make a $100 bet on a horse to win a race at odds of +1,000, and the horse wins, your profit before the takeout rate is applied would be $1,000.

But, before you decide how you’re going to spend your $1,000 profit, you have to factor in the cut the track will take.

For our example, let’s say the track has a 10% takeout rate on single bets; in this case, your winnings would be $900.

Racetracks have to apply takeout rates to survive. It’s an essential part of the sport.

Owners, trainers, and jockeys take their wages via takeout rates, and the tracks fund maintenance and upkeep of their grounds with their percentage.

However, this doesn’t make it any less impactful on your bottom line.

Additionally, the 10% we used in the example above would be on the extreme low end of the rates and some tracks can charge as much as 25%, depending on the type of bet.

How Do Takeout Rates Affect Payouts?

Takeout rates affect payouts in a pretty severe way, especially if the track can take as much as a quarter of your winnings.

If you’re working with a specific betting strategy and on a set budget (which you should), it’s important to factor this in.

If you don’t know the takeout rate at a particular track, it’s essential to try and find out. Good luck, though – often, tracks try to keep this information as quiet as possible to avoid turning bettors off.

It definitely won’t be advertised at the cashier’s desk when you go to make a bet. The best way to find takeout rates is to do your own research. Often, the information is available online with a bit of digging.

Takeout rates also vary depending on the type of bet you’re making.

For example, a single bet (straight bet) on a horse to win will have a different rate to a pick 4 (exotic bet) where you have to combine four winning bets into one.

In general, the bigger the odds of the bet, the higher the takeout rate will be.

There are some exceptions, though.

Some tracks encourage bettors to combine multiple bets, offering discounted takeout rates for pick 5 or 6s, making their potential payouts much larger, but of course, there is much less chance of them landing.   

An example would be when in 2017, Kentucky Downs racetrack in Franklin, Kentucky, applied a rate of 16% on bets to win, place, or show (all single bets).

But for Pick 4 and Pick 5 bets, the track only had a takeout rate of 14%, giving a small but welcome bonus for successful bettors.

? How To Bet On A Live Horse Race

Takeout Rates Compared State By State

Takeout rates are generally set at state level and are consistent for each racetrack within a particular state.

Also, note that some states have different rates depending on whether the race involves Thoroughbred horses.

Arizona

• Up to 25% on win-place-show wagers, up to 30% on two-horse wagers, up to 35% on wagers involving more than two horses in one or more races.

Arkansas

• 17% on single wagers and 21% on multiple wagers.

California

• 15.43% for win-place-show and 20.18% on exotic wagers for Thoroughbreds.

• 15.63% for win-place-show and 20.38% for exotic wagers for Quarter Horse meetings.

• 16.43% for win-place-show wagers and 24.18% for exotics at Harness meets.

• 16.77% for win-place-show and 21.52% for exotics at Fair meetings.

Colorado

• 18.5% on straight wagers, and 28% on exotics.

Delaware

• 17% on straight wagers with an additional 2% on daily doubles and exactas, plus 8% on other exotic wagers for Thoroughbreds. 

• 18% on straight wagers, 20% on multiple wagers on an 8-horse field, and 25% on multiple wagers on a 9-horse field for Harness.

Florida

• Set by individual tracks.

Idaho

• 23% on straight wagers, 23.75% on exotics.

Illinois

• 17% on straight wagers, 20.5% on two-horse wagers, and 25% on three or more horse wagers.

Indiana

• 18% on straight wagers, and 21.5% on exotics.

Iowa

• Up to 18% on win-place-show, 24% on wagers involving up to two horses, and 25% on other wagers.

Kansas

• 18% on win-place-show and 25% on multiple wagers if authorized by the racing commission.

Kentucky

• At tracks with over $1,200,000 daily average, 16% on straight wagers and 19% on exotics for Thoroughbreds.

• At tracks under $1,200,000 daily average, 17.5% on straight wagers and 19% on exotics for Thoroughbreds.

• 18% on straight wagers and 25% on exotics for Harness.

• 18% on straight wagers and 25% on exotics for Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, and Arabian.

Louisiana

• 17% on win-place-show, 20.5% on two-horse wagers, and 25% on three-horse wagers.

Maine

• 18% on straight wagers, and 26% on exotics.

Maryland

• 18% on straight wagers, 21% on two-horse multiples, and 25.75% on three-horse multiples for Thoroughbreds.

• 25% on all wagers at Fair Hill.

• Tracks over $600,000 daily, 17% on straight wagers, 19% on two-horse multiples, and 25% on three-horse multiples for Harness.

• Tracks under $600,000 daily,18.75% on straight wagers, 20.75% on two-horse wagers, and 26.75% on three-horse wagers for Harness.

Massachusetts

• 19% on win-place-show wagers, 26% on exotics.

Michigan

• 17% on straight wagers, up to 28% on multiples.

Minnesota

• Not to exceed 17% on win-place-show wagering, 23% on exotic wagering.

Montana

• 20% on straight wagers and up to 25% on exotics.

Nebraska

• Not less than 15% or more than 18% on straight wagers. Up to and including 24% on exotic wagers.

New Hampshire

• 19% on win-place-show wagers, 26% on multiple wagers for Thoroughbreds.

New Jersey

• 17% straight wagers, 19% on two-horse selections, and 25% on three-or-more-horse selections.

New Mexico

• 19% on win-place-show, 21%-25% on exotic wagers for Class A tracks.

• 18.75% to 25% on win-place-show, 21% to 30% on exotic wagers for Class B tracks.

New York

• 14% on straight wagers, 17.5% on multiple wagers, 25% on exotics,15% on pick 6 with no carryover – 25% with carryover at NYRA tracks.

• 18% on straight wagers, 20% on multiple, and 25% on exotics for Harness.

Ohio

• 18% on win-place-show wagers, and 22.5% on all other wagers.

Oklahoma

• 18% on win-place-show wagers, 20% on multiple-horse wagers, and up to three-race wagers. 25% on multiple race wagers involving more than three races.

Oregon

• 19% on wagers with one wagering interest, 22% on wagers with two or more wagering interests for commercial meets. Up to 22% at fairs and non-profit meets.

Pennsylvania

• 17% on regular wagering pools, 19% if the average daily handle is less than $300,000, 20% on exactas, daily doubles, quinellas, 26-35% on trifectas.

Texas

• 18% on regular wagers, 21% on two-horse wagers, and 25% on wagers involving three or more horses.

Virginia

• 18% on straight wagers, and 22% on all other wagers.

Washington

• 16.1% on win-place-show wagers, 22.1% on all other wagers (1.1% less for non-profit meetings).

West Virginia

• 17.25% on win-place-show wagers, 19% on two-horse wagers, and 25% on wagers on three horses or more.

Summary

As you can see, different states, racetracks, bet types, and races have different takeout rates.

As a bettor, knowing exactly what the rate is before you start is crucial.

Knowing what your return will be is must-know information before making any bet, especially if you have a target number of returns or a set amount of money to wager.

Use this guide as a starting point, but complete your research to ensure you know exactly what takeout rate a track will charge in your next bet.

Lead image: Philippe Oursel/Unsplash

This is because, throughout their history, they have been overshadowed by their city rivals, the Lakers, who have had unparalleled success in the NBA and are a well-known global brand.

Even in other sports, LA’s Dodgers, Kings, Galaxy, Sparks, and Rams have all won championships.

But, for the Clippers, success and trophies have remained elusive, and they have never won an NBA conference title or championship in their 50+ year history.

But why is this? Well, many fans believe the Clippers franchise is cursed, and they will never win the NBA championship.

The NBA 2022-2023 season is well underway and many Clippers fans will be wondering if this year could finally be their year.

Will success ever come to LA’s ‘other’ NBA team? Or is there something more sinister at play? Keep reading to find out.

What Is The Clippers Curse?

The Clippers curse is the name used by fans to explain some of the bad luck, poor management, and lack of success that has followed the NBA team throughout its history.

Founded as the Buffalo Braves in 1970, the franchise moved to San Diego eight years later and was renamed the Clippers.

Even in their early years, the Clippers struggled, winning just one playoff game in over 20 seasons. A combination of on and off-the-court issues has always seemed to plague the team.

Many fans thought the 2021 playoffs were the time for a talented Clippers team to shine and finally banish the curse, especially when they recovered from 2-0 deficits in the first two rounds.

But, despite reaching the Western Conference finals, the team came up short once again.

3 Reasons Why The Clippers Curse Is Real

1. They Had The ‘Worst Owner In Sports’

Donald Sterling, the man dubbed the worst owner in sports by Forbes magazine and the New York Times, owned the Clippers from 1981 to 2014.

As the title suggests, his ownership really wasn’t great for the Clippers.

Despite initially promising fans he would “spend unlimited sums” to “make you proud of the Clippers,” he flattered to deceive, and it took 10 seasons for the team to even reach the playoffs, where they lost in the first round.

Although the Clippers did reach the playoffs for three seasons in a row under Sterling’s ownership between 2012 and 2014, it has to be said that overall, his tenure was a disaster.

Not only did the Clippers have the worst winning percentage in the NBA between 1981 and 2014 but they also had the worst winning percentage in all American sports.

If the first 32 years of Donald Sterling owning the Clippers were bad, his final year hit new lows.

In April 2014, during the NBA playoffs, TMZ Sports reported that they discovered an audio recording of Sterling telling his girlfriend, V. Stiviano, not to bring black people to games.

The response from the sports world was loud and clear.

Several owners, players, coaches, and staff around the NBA called for Sterling to be removed from his position as owner of the Clippers, and the league duly obliged.

Four days after the story leaked, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver banned Sterling from the league for life and issued a fine of $2.5 million, the maximum fine allowed by the league.

In true Donald Sterling fashion, he tried to fight the NBA and remain an owner of the Clippers, saying he was “baited” to make the remarks by his girlfriend.

But, ultimately, just a few weeks after the recordings were leaked, the Clippers were sold to Steve Ballmer, a former Microsoft CEO, for $2 billion.

Due to a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, Sterling was deemed mentally unfit to make decisions related to the Sterling Family Trust.

This meant his wife, Shelly, was able to sell the Los Angeles Clippers against his wishes.

An unsavory end to one of the worst ownership histories in US sports. If Donald Sterling wasn’t the manifestation of a curse, we don’t know what is.

2. Sterling’s Gone, But The Curse Remains

In the 10 seasons between 2011 and 2021, the LA Clippers made the NBA playoffs nine times.

This is a pretty outstanding record, and by far the best in history for a franchise once called the worst in all professional sports by ESPN The Magazine.

Under new ownership particularly, the Clippers have aimed high.

The duo of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin that led the team throughout the 2010s were two of the most talented players in the league, but in true Clipper fashion, they couldn’t quite get along.

A rift developed between the two all-stars, and this lack of cohesion eventually told on the court, with the team never making it further than the first round of the playoffs. According to coach Doc Rivers, the team lacked a leader.

Fast forward to 2020, Paul and Griffin have both been moved on and replaced with superstars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

The team finished second in the Western Conference after a stellar season, and the Clippers were rightfully considered strong contenders for the NBA title.

The team was on course to meet their rivals, the LA Lakers, in the Western Conference Finals, and everything about the franchise looked determined to get one over on their neighbors and reach the NBA Finals for the first time in history.

NBA legend Reggie Miller even said: “Their whole marketing scheme was to deface the Los Angeles Lakers and their history. That’s all they wanted.”

But the Denver Nuggets didn’t get the memo.

They ultimately won the semi-final series, 4-3, with the Clippers throwing away a 3-1 series lead to crash out in devastating fashion.

Their chances of beating the Lakers and winning a championship slipped away in front of their eyes. But there’s always next year, right?

Yes, but the Clipper curse remained…

The 2020-21 regular season wasn’t quite as good as the year before. But the team still comfortably made the playoffs and gave the fans hope it could finally be their year.

This hope dramatically increased after the Clippers dispatched the Mavericks and Jazz in the first two rounds of the playoffs to reach the first Conference Final in franchise history.

In game two of the Conference finals series against the Phoenix Suns, the Clippers were already one down and were up against it in the fourth quarter as the Suns stretched out to a 100-95 lead.

The Clippers bounced back in gritty fashion and held a one-point lead with the ball out of bounds and 0.9 seconds left on the game clock.

They were just one good defensive play away from tying the series 1-1 and playing the next two at home. What could go wrong?

Well, for the Clippers, everything went wrong.

The Suns’ Jae Crowder had the ball for the out-of-bounds play on the baseline and threw a pass up toward the basket as the milliseconds began to tick away.

Deandre Ayton was on the same page as his teammate and unbelievably soared above the Clippers’ defenders to slam dunk what would be the winning basket.

The Clippers couldn’t even get a shot off in reply and went 2-0 down in the series. They never truly recovered and ended up losing the series 4-2.

3. The Team Was Founded In Buffalo

Clippers fans aren’t the only ones who think their team is cursed.

Across the country in Buffalo, Bills fans have long felt their team would never win the Super Bowl.

Between 1991 and 1994, the Bills reached the big game four times in a row but never came away with a victory.

Super Bowl XXV in 1991 was undoubtedly the most heartbreaking loss of the four, with the Bills’ kicker Scott Norwood narrowly missing a field goal attempt at the end of the game that would have secured victory.

The Bills are known as one of the most cursed franchises in the NFL, and the Clippers have a history with Buffalo.

As previously explained, the franchise was founded in the second biggest city in New York, and maybe the two are eternally linked and doomed to fail?

Clippers fans must wish they were founded in New England…

Is There Hope For The Future?

Unfortunately, this article doesn’t make great reading if you are a Clippers fan but don’t shoot the messenger.

Whether it’s feuding superstars, the worst owner in history, or just downright bad luck, things just don’t go the Clippers’ way.

But that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Several sports teams with their own “curses” have broken them, even in recent years.

The Philadelphia Eagles were allegedly cursed in 1960 when they prevented Vince Lombard from winning the NFL Championship, handing him the only playoff loss of his career. The Eagles’ curse was as real as the Clippers until Super Bowl LII – when the Birds finally won.

Over in England, soccer team Birmingham City allegedly had a 100-year hex placed on them by Romani people who were displaced when the club moved to St Andrew’s stadium in 1906.

Just four years after the curse was lifted, the team defeated Arsenal in the final of the League Cup to win just the second major trophy in their 140-year history.

So, there is still hope for the LA Clippers. The curse may be real, but other sports teams from around the world have shown they can be broken.

But don’t get too excited, Clippers fans… it’s the hope that kills you.

Lead image: David Jones/Flickr

They can also boost their earnings by performing well at major tournaments, like this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

If Argentina claim the trophy, Lionel Messi will reportedly make an extra 20% on his already lofty salary thanks to additional endorsements.

But it’s not just current players that make the big bucks. Legends (and average players) from yesteryear can also pull in big money after retirement.

Below we’ve listed the top 10 richest soccer players of all time and how much their estimated net worth is.

10. Alexandre Pato – $145 Million

Many might be surprised to find Alexandre Pato on this list.

After all, he didn’t exactly set world football alight, unlike many others on this list. The overriding memory for many fans is that Pato fell way short of his potential.

He spent several years of his career at AC Milan before moving to numerous other clubs and now plays for Orlando City in the MLS.

His current salary for City ($200,000 per month) doesn’t compare to the highest-paid players in the world. Still, he has had lucrative contracts in the past, including in China.

Pato was also a popular figure in Brazil, especially when he was younger, so he secured plenty of high-level endorsements.

9. Ronaldo – $160 Million

The first Ronaldo on our list (no prizes for guessing the other) is a true legend of modern soccer and was part of the iconic Brazil team that won the World Cup in 2002.

The double Ballon d’Or winner was one of the most recognizable faces in the game by the late 90s, and in 1996, he signed a life-changing contract with Nike.

Allegedly worth $180 million, the deal between Ronaldo and Nike made him one of the world’s richest sports stars and he’s still among the wealthiest soccer players today.

$180 million might seem like a lot for Nike to have paid, but shortly after signing the Brazilian, the company designed the Mercurial R9 soccer boot.

Ronaldo wore the boots at France 98, where he was voted best player, and the Mercurial became one of the most famous soccer cleats in the world.

8. Zlatan Ibrahimovi? – $190 Million

Next up: Zlatan!

He has been one of the most exciting strikers in the world over the past 15 years, and nobody knows this more than Zlatan himself.

He’s played for teams worldwide, including Barcelona, Manchester United, LA Galaxy, PSG, and now AC Milan.

Despite being 40 years old, Zlatan is still AC Milan’s highest-paid player, earning €7 million ($8.3 million) per year.

He has also worked with brands such as Nike, Volvo, and Nivea, further boosting his fortune.

7. Neymar – $200 Million

Next up is another Brazilian: Neymar.

He was the most expensive player of all time when PSG splashed the cash to bring him to Paris in a deal worth €222 million ($261.5 million).

Before heading to France, he was a key part of the Barcelona attack alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

As you might expect, Neymar receives a substantial salary at PSG, taking home around $42.5 million per year, which is about $817,000 per week.

Sponsorships are also plentiful, with the Brazilian having deals in place with Puma, Red Bull, and more. These sponsorships amount to about $25 million per year.

6. Dave Whelan – $220 Million

Unless you are a keen follower of English soccer, you probably haven’t heard of Dave Whelan. You may be surprised to see his name on the list, even if you are.

Whelan made nearly 200 English football league appearances between 1956 and 1966 and was even an FA Cup runner-up with Blackburn Rovers in 1960.

I know what you’re thinking… Soccer players’ salaries weren’t great back then, were they? No, definitely not.

But when he retired, Whelan moved into business with tremendous success.

This eventually led to him buying Wigan Athletic Football Club in 1995. Under his ownership, the team reached the Premier League and won the FA cup in 2013.

All good things come to those who wait.

5. David Beckham – $400 Million

David Beckham being named one of the richest soccer players in the world will come as a shock to absolutely no one.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past couple of decades, you will have noticed just how many sponsorships deals the former England captain has. 

“Golden Balls” counts Adidas, Pepsi, Konami, Haig Club, Samsung, Maserati, and Jaguar among his sponsors, but the list doesn’t end there.

He also earned an exceptional salary as a player, having played for Manchester United and Real Madrid – two of the best soccer teams of all time. He also earned a total of $50 million across five years at LA Galaxy.

David Beckham isn’t just all about the money, though.

He is also an ambassador for UNICEF and founder of the charity Malaria No More UK. Good on you, Becks.

4. Lionel Messi – $400 Million

Number four on the list of richest soccer players is Lionel Messi. He spent most of his career at the Camp Nou, becoming an icon to Barcelona fans.

However, he switched teams in 2021, heading to PSG to join Neymar and Kylian Mbappé (the player with the highest yearly salary).

Messi is seen by many as the greatest player of all time, although the next player on this list might argue with that.

He’s unsurprisingly one of the world’s highest-paid soccer stars, reportedly being paid around $859,000 per week. He also pocketed a $29.5 million signing-on fee when moving to PSG.

As you might expect, brands are clamoring to be associated with Messi, and he has deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and more.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo – $450 Million

Next on the list is Cristiano Ronaldo – a man who rivals Messi for the tag of the greatest player ever.

Now back at Manchester United, the former five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence may be waning on the pitch, but commercially he’s still elite. 

Currently, Ronaldo earns around ￡500,000 ($691,000) per week in England – a figure seen as a great deal by many fans.

Along with Messi, he is the most marketable figure in soccer and has numerous deals, including ones with Nike and Tag Heuer.

This promotional pulling power is one of the reasons Ronaldo sits third on our list and has an estimated net worth of nearly half a billion dollars.

2. Mathieu Flamini – $14 Billion

Former France international Mathieu Flamini had a very good, if not glittering, career compared to some of his colleagues on this list.

The no-nonsense midfielder undoubtedly made millions of dollars across his playing career, where he played for some of Europe’s elite clubs, including Arsenal and Milan.

But it was after hanging up his boots that Flamini really made it to the big time financially.

He is the co-founder of a company called GF Biochemicals, which became the world’s first company to mass-produce levulinic acid.

This acid is made from waste wood, can replace oil in a range of products, and was named by the U.S. Department of Energy as “one of the 12 molecules that can help unlock a “greener” world.”

GF Biochemicals has already made the world a better place and has an estimated valuation of around $25 billion, so hats off to you, Mathieu!

And people say that soccer players aren’t smart…

1. Faiq Bolkiah – $20 Billion

The name Faiq Bolkiah may not ring a bell, even if you’re a soccer fan.

However, the Sultan of Brunei is famously wealthy, and this happens to be his nephew. Faiq Bolkiah is the son of the Prince of Brunei and has an estimated net worth of $20 billion.

A former Southampton, Chelsea, and Leicester City youth player, Faiq now plays for Chonburi in Thai League 1. He is also a full Bruneian international and has represented his country six times, scoring once.

We can’t imagine his wages are as high as some of the other players on this list, but he probably doesn’t worry about that too much.

If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out the top 10 richest female players too! Or read our soccer guides such as Soccer Positions Explained.

Buss was an American businessman and the majority owner of the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 until he died in 2013.

Following his death, Lakers legend Kobe Bryant called Buss “the greatest owner in sports ever.”

High praise indeed, coming from one of the greatest basketball players ever, who also tragically lost his life seven years after Buss.

In this article, we look at the story behind the success. How did Jerry Buss make his fortune, how did the teams he owned perform, and what is his lasting legacy? Keep reading to find out.

From Humble Beginnings

Gerald Hatten “Jerry” Buss was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on January 27, 1933, at the height of the great depression era in the US.

His father, Lydus, abandoned Buss and the rest of his family when Jerry was a young child. This left his mother, Jessie, to raise Buss and his three younger siblings.

The family moved to Los Angeles when Buss was nine before relocating to Kemmerer, Wyoming, three years later when Jessie married a plumber named Stub Brown.

Brown would make a massive impression on the young Jerry in business and personality traits.

After moving to Wyoming, Buss started working for his stepdad’s plumbing company while still in school. Jerry would wake up at 4.30am to dig ditches for hours before heading to school.

This undoubtedly formed the strong work ethic that was the platform for his later business success. Still, they weren’t happy times for the future Basketball Hall of Fame inductee.

According to Jerry’s daughter, Jeanie, Buss felt like an outsider in Wyoming and was never accepted by his stepfather.

In a 1998 interview, she explained this lack of acceptance “made him a very compassionate person.” This compassion and care for others were evident in Buss’s generosity later in life.

By the time he’d reached high school, Jerry had secured a job in a local hotel, where he would make two dollars a day. Despite his extracurricular work commitments, Jerry never took his eye off the ball academically.

Like his biological father, who went on to teach statistics at Berkeley, Jerry loved math and science.

He earned a scholarship to attend the University of Wyoming, graduating two and half years later with a Bachelor of Science degree.

He left Wyoming to return to LA, where he continued his studies at the University of Southern California (USC).

By the age of 24, Buss earned an MS and Ph.D. in physical chemistry and was ready to truly make his mark on the world.

Businesses And Investments

Jerry Buss’s first job out of college was working as a chemist for the Bureau of Mines. He also held early positions in the aerospace industry and USC’s chemistry faculty.

Successful First Investment In Real Estate

Everything changed for Buss when he took the $1,000 he had saved and made his first property investment in West Los Angeles in 1959. This was the start of a lifetime of outstanding business success.

In the early 60s Buss and his business partner, Frank Mariani, established Mariani‐Buss Associates.

By the end of the 70s, Buss said the company owned around 700 properties across California, Arizona, and Nevada.

It was estimated his real estate investments helped him achieve an empire worth $350 million.

Dr. Buss Buys LA Strings

Buss entered the sports world when he became the owner of the Los Angeles Strings in 1974.

The franchise competed in World TeamTennis, a mixed-gender tennis league that featured global superstars like Billie Jean King, Rod Laver, Bj?rn Borg, and John McEnroe.

The league eventually closed in 1978 (although it has returned since), and Jerry Buss would make another LA sports investment the following year.

This one, though, would change the face of US sport as we know it.

Success With LA Lakers

In 1979, Buss purchased the NBA’s LA Lakers, the NHL’s LA Kings, The Forum indoor arena, and a 13,000-acre Sierra Nevada ranch in a deal worth $67.5 million.

This was the beginning of a golden era for Los Angeles sports, and Buss’s public profile rose with the success of the Lakers, in particular.

Laker fans didn’t have to wait long for the trophies to start rolling in.

They won the NBA championships in 1980, led by the established center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and 20-year-old rookie point guard Magic Johnson.

The team was dominant throughout the regular season and the playoffs, finishing with a combined record of 72-26.

This was the first of 10 championships the Lakers would secure during Buss’s ownership. No other team can come close to matching that number since 1980.

The Jordan-led Chicago Bulls are the next best with six wins and were one of the reasons the Lakers (and pretty much everyone else) were starved of success in the 90s.

The Lakers would rebuild another all-time great team following the acquisition of the then 17-year-old Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal from the Orlando Magic in 1996.

Between 2000 and 2002, the Lakers, who were then coached by Phil Jackson, became just the fifth team in the history of the NBA to achieve a ‘three-peat’.

By winning the championship three years in a row, the Lakers became the first team to achieve the feat since the Chicago Bulls, who did so from ‘91-‘93 and ‘96-‘98, also coached by Jackson.

But it wasn’t just success on the hardwood that defined Buss’s ownership of the Lakers; he revolutionized basketball in terms of entertainment too.

Buss introduced cheerleaders, added music during breaks, and even recruited a house band to play live at Laker games.

Because of Buss, watching sports is no longer just about the sport.

Anyone can attend an NBA match and be entertained because Buss had a vision that sports should give an all-around experience for spectators.

LA is a city full of stars and celebrities. Jerry Buss took advantage of this and is part of the reason why you will see different A-list celebs from any industry courtside at an NBA game.

He turned a former restaurant in the Forum into a nightclub, bringing glitz, glamour, and celebrities to the league at a key time in the late 70s.

He also redefined the concept of premium seating when he created the Forum Club. This VIP club allowed celebs and the mega-rich to attend games, enjoy refreshments and entertainment beforehand, then take courtside seats for the action.

Not only were the Lakers the team to watch, but the Forum was the place to be in Los Angeles in the 80s.

Less Success With LA Kings

There is a reason why Jerry Buss was known primarily for being the owner of the LA Lakers.

The LA Kings, the other sports team he acquired in 1979 didn’t have nearly the same success as the Lakers under his ownership.

That’s not to say it was boring – nothing ever was with Jerry Buss – but the Kings did not win any Stanley Cups before he sold the team to Bruce McNall in 1988.

The Kings were okay during Buss’s tenure; they made the playoffs most years but never troubled the later rounds.

Arguably the best thing to happen to the LA Kings for decades happened shortly after Buss sold the team.

They traded for the Great One, Wayne Gretzky, who had just been named the NHL playoffs MVP on the way to winning the Stanley Cup with the Edmonton Oilers.

This made more headlines than anything Jerry Buss ever did with the Kings, and there is no doubt that basketball and the Lakers were his priority.

Buss Empire Grows With LA Sparks

WNBA team, the LA Sparks, was owned by Jerry Buss from 1997 to 2006. He became the owner of the Sparks when the WNBA formed for its inaugural season in ‘97.

Like the Lakers, the Sparks enjoyed a lot of success under Jerry Buss’s ownership, winning back-to-back championships in 2001 and 2002.

Ex-Lakers player Michael Cooper took over the Sparks as head coach in the 2000-01 off-season, and success soon followed.

For the second year in a row, the team posted a 28-4 record in the regular season, the best in league history.

But, this time, they carried their regular season form into the playoffs, winning the WNBA title and dropping just one game throughout.

The Sparks’ 2002 season was another memorable one, as the team clinched their second successive championship, and Lisa Leslie made headlines as she became the first woman in WNBA history to dunk in a game. Air Leslie!

The three-peat was not to be in the 2003 season, where the Sparks made the Finals but were beaten by the Detroit Shock.

Still, the two WNBA championships won back to back made 12 basketball championship wins in total for Jerry Buss’s teams.

The Buss Family

Jerry Buss has six children. Johnny, Jim, Jeanie, and Janie with his wife JoAnn Mueller (divorced in 1972), and Joey and Jesse with his girlfriend Karen Demel.

All six of his children worked for the LA Lakers when he died in 2013.

Buss owned a majority 66% share of the Lakers and passed this down equally to his children, who now own 11% each.

Since his death, there has been some success, most notably the championship win in 2020.

The Laker tradition of bringing the biggest players to LA has continued, too, most notably with Lebron James – who has taken home a salary of around $40 million per year with the Lakers since joining in 2018.

Jeanie Buss, who worked in numerous roles for her father over the years, has taken the most prominent role of all Jerry’s children.

She was named team president and Lakers representative on the NBA Board of Governors following her father’s death.

She became the first female controlling owner to win an NBA championship when the Lakers clinched their first title since Buss died in 2020.

Family Feuds

It’s not all been smooth sailing, though, despite Jerry’s wishes.

Jeanie fired her brother, Jim, as Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations in 2017, causing a significant power struggle in the organization.

She also terminated the contracts of two other senior Lakers staff, partly because they kept Magic Johnson (then-named President of Basketball Operations) in the dark on some trade decisions.

Jeanie accused Jim and Johnny Buss of ‘trying to bust the [Buss family] trust’ and leave the rest of the family in minority ownership.

This would have meant some siblings selling their 11% stake in the team (valued at $3 billion at the time) and preventing Jeanie from continuing as the controlling owner of the Lakers.

Following some hefty legal battles and boardroom politics (including a restraining order) Jeanie Buss and her other siblings, who were still on board with their father’s vision, prevailed.

The Buss family still maintains the controlling stake in the Lakers today.

According to Janie Buss, Jerry’s dying wish was ‘to leave the Lakers to all of us, and that we would all get along. He would be sickened if he saw what was going on with my brothers.’

It seems, for now, Jerry’s wish is being fulfilled. Well, except for the getting along part.

 A Lasting Legacy

Jerry Buss died on February 18, 2013, aged 80. It was later revealed that he had been hospitalized for cancer treatment in 2012.

He eventually passed away due to kidney failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

His death brought widespread reactions from the sports world and beyond.

NBA commissioner David Stern said, “The NBA has lost a visionary owner whose influence on our league is incalculable and will be felt for decades to come.”

Many friends and colleagues also commented on Buss’s personality and generosity in their tributes.

NBA legend Dennis Rodman said Buss was ‘like a Dad’ to him and sportscaster John Ireland said Buss was ‘nice to everybody at the bottom and the top because he had been to both places.’

This is a common theme when people comment on Jerry Buss.

He was universally liked as a person because, despite his enormous wealth, success, and celebrity standing, he treated everybody the same way, regardless of their status.

This isn’t to say he was an angel. Buss was booked for driving under the influence when two Highway Patrol officers saw him driving on the wrong side of the road in San Diego County in 2007.

He was also a well-known playboy and used to host his birthday parties at a brothel.

But, despite questionable behavior in his private life, Jerry Buss’s legacy is two-fold. He will go down in history for the outstanding success of the Los Angeles Lakers and its impact on sports entertainment.

The NBA and US sport, in general, owe him a debt of gratitude. Without his vision, the sport would undoubtedly be a less vibrant, less wealthy industry.

RIP Jerry Buss – the greatest owner in the history of American sport.

Lead image: Twitter/LAKERFANATICS

Well, actually, yes. It turns out it is.

Elite sport is big business, so it’s only fair that the men and women tasked with keeping global sporting superstars in check get paid accordingly.

But how much do the officials in different sports get paid? And which referee is the highest paid in the world? Keep reading to find out.

NBA Refs Fly High

The highest-paid referees of any sport are those in the NBA, the world’s biggest basketball league.

Elite NBA refs like James Capers have a reported salary of $550,000, with the chance to earn more by officiating playoff games.

Even without post-season games included, the average salary of an NBA ref is $375,000.

Capers, who was the officiating crew chief for Game 4 of the 2022 NBA Finals, has over 24 seasons refereeing in the NBA and has worked on 135 playoff games in total, so he has more than earned his stripes.

Like any profession, the highest-paid NBA refs are those who have been in the league the longest and have the most experience, something Capers has in abundance.

It’s estimated that top NBA refs take home $5,000 per playoff game they cover, and James Capers took 12 in the 2021-21 season, the most of any NBA crew chief.

This puts his total salary at $610,000 for the season and likely makes him the richest referee in the world at the moment. Not too shabby.

The Referees With Ice In Their Veins

The NHL has some of the most fast-paced, physical action in all professional sports, so referees have their work cut out.

As such, they are paid well and have excellent perks and conditions.

Base salaries for NHL refs range from $200,000 to $430,000, with an extra $27,000 per round worked in the playoffs.

NHL refereeing veteran Kevin Pollock has over 20 years of experience in the NHL and has officiated over 200 playoff games throughout his career.

His estimated salary is a cool $500,000, but this doesn’t come without risk.

In the COVID-hit 2020 NHL season, Pollock was smacked in the face by a puck during the playoffs. He suffered a fractured jaw, 15 stitches, and lost several teeth… Ouch.

Home Run For MLB Officials

Third on our list of highest-paid sports officials are umpires in Major League Baseball.

They take home an impressive average salary of $235,000. Joe West, the highest paid MLB umpire, takes home a huge annual salary of $450,000. Impressive, right?

But before you start applying to the Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation about their training program, you might want to think it through.

Not only is becoming an MLB umpire extremely difficult to get into (there are only 70 umpires in the league and most have decades of experience before making it professionally), the sheer workload is enough to put even the biggest baseball fan off.

MLB umpires work 162 games per season and must watch each moment with total concentration. Baseball games last around 3 hours, so that’s nearly 500 hours of intense action per season for umpires.

Due to the enormous workload, MLB umpires average just $1,500 per game, which is one of the lowest in all major sports leagues.

Soccer’s Leading Refs

Soccer is undoubtedly one of the biggest sports in the world. In terms of global viewership of sporting events, the FIFA World Cup comes second only to the Summer Olympics.

So, it makes sense that soccer referees are some of the highest paid in the world, right?

Well, a lot of the time, no. But, there are some exceptions, like in La Liga, Spain.

The elite division of Spanish football reportedly pays referees a basic salary of €250,000 ($245,000) with a match fee of €6,000 ($5,900). This makes them the highest-paid soccer referees in the world.

In the 2021-22 season, Spanish ref Carlos del Cerro Grande took 19 games in La Liga, which would have given him a domestic salary of €358,000 ($351,000).

However, this isn’t the only chance European soccer referees get to earn.

The cream of the crop is invited to take games in European competitions, including the Champions League.

UEFA, soccer’s governing body in Europe, has ‘classes’ of referees, and those considered elite are paid a whopping ￡10,000 ($11,269) per match.

Carlos del Cerro Grande falls into this category. In the 2021-22 season, he took charge of eight European games, taking his salary for the season to just over $450,000.

La Liga referees are paid the most of any major European league and far more than their colleagues in the English Premier League.

Premier League referees are given a basic wage between ￡38,500 ($43,400) and ￡42,000 ($47,320) and then receive an extra ￡1,150 ($1,295) per match they officiate.

This means across a season, Premier League referees make around ￡70,000 ($78,839) on average.

English referee Anthony Taylor, also on UEFA’s elite list, refereed eight European games in the 2021/22 season, so his salary would have been around ￡150,000 ($169,000).

While still very significant, this salary is nearly $300,000 less than his Spanish counterpart, del Cerro Grande.

America’s Game But Not America’s Best Paid Refs

Although the NFL has never officially released referee salary information, it was reported in 2019 that referees made an average of $205,000 per season.

This number was a $50k increase on reported salaries in 2018, so there is a possibility it has risen again ahead of the 2022/23 NFL season.

Experienced referees earn big bonuses for taking extra post-season games, including the Super Bowl.

Officiating legend Walt Anderson made an estimated $250,000 in 2019, his final year of refereeing.

Not bad, right? Even considering some of the explosive atmospheres that refs face.

Any volunteers for Washington vs. Philadelphia at The Linc this year? Didn’t think so.

The Bottom Line

Compared to average salaries, referees in elite sports worldwide get paid exceptionally well.

Even starting salaries for refs run into hundreds of thousands of dollars, so we can see the appeal.

But, just like elite athletes, making the cut as an elite referee is tough.

It takes a lifetime of dedication and commitment to a sport, and significant financial rewards exist for those who make it to the big leagues.