The Lowest Temperature in NFL History Not Represented by the Photos You're Viewing
Battling the Beast: A Guide to the Coldest NFL games
Football and winter weather go hand in hand, but none can match the icy grip of the games listed below. Prepare to huddle up as we dive into the freezing history of these bone-chilling NFL battles.
1. Dallas Cowboys vs. Green Bay Packers, aka the Ice Bowl (1967)
The NFL's coldest game of all time took place at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. On 12/31/1967, amassive showdown between the Packers and Cowboys was framed by a bone-crushing minus 13°F (-25°C) temperature and a bone-chilling wind chill of approximately 48° below. The Packers barely managed a win, with legendary quarterback Bart Starr scoring the game-winning touchdown in the final 13 seconds.
2. San Diego Chargers vs. Cincinnati Bengals, aka the Freezer Bowl (1982)
Although not the coldest in terms of temperatures, the wind chill at Riverfront Stadium in the 1982 Freezer Bowl made fans feel as if they were in the midst of the coldest game ever. The Chargers faced off against the Bengals in subzero conditions with a wind chill of nearly 60° below. To the dismay of San Diego fans, the Chargers faltered during the second half with four fumbles, resulting in a 27-7 loss and the Bengals moving on to the Super Bowl.
3. Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks (2016)
In late 2015, the Minnesota Vikings faced the Seattle Seahawks frigid TCF Bank Stadium (now Huntington Bank Stadium). The matchup represented the on-field temperature of minus 6°F (-21°C) as neither team could heat up. Stumbling through over 400 rushing yards, both teams scored a paltry 19 points, with the Seattle Seahawks edging out a 10-9 victory following a failed Vikings field goal.
4. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Miami Dolphins (2024)
Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City witnessed the Chiefs and the Dolphins battle it out in the Wild Card Playoff game. Fans braved the cold and huddled together in bundles as temperatures dipped as low as minus 4°F (-20°C). The Chiefs emerged victorious, outplaying their warmer opponents with a 26-7 win.
5. New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers (2008)
In 2008, the NFC Championship between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers produced a record-breaking game. The two titans faced off in a battle of wills while temperatures plummeted to a mere minus 1°F (-18°C) and the two iconic quarterbacks went head-to-head. The Giants emerged victorious, winning by 3 points in overtime.
6. Oakland Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills (1994)
The hardiest Bills Mafia fanbase has braved their share of wintery moments, but few can compare to the game against the Raiders in 1994. The AFC Championship game kicked off in 0°F temperatures and a wind chill of minus 32°F.
7. Chicago Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles (1948)
Dubbed the "Philly Blizzard," weather reports claimed the game was not one of the coldest. However, modern fans need to consider the game in the context of its time, as players wore minimal pads and leather helmets as they struggled through inches of snow.
8. Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots, aka the Snowplow Game (1982)
This December 1982 game was preceded by a heavy night of rain. A snowstorm covered the field at Schaefer Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, making playing conditions even more difficult. The Patriots' kicker needed a snowplow to clear an area for his placekick, resulting in a narrow 3-0 victory.
9. Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles (2013)
Known as the "Blizzard Bowl," the 2013 matchup between the Lions and Eagles provided an action-packed score fest, unlike other wintery games. Despite the icy conditions, teams showcased offensive prowess, with the Eagles emerging victorious in a 34-20 final score.
10. Oakland Raiders vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1975)
In 1975, the AFC Championship game saw two strong teams, the Oakland Raiders and the Pittsburgh Steelers, fight it out in icy conditions. The hard-nosed defenses battled in the trenches for a chance to proceed to the Super Bowl. The Raiders, though scrappy, were no match for the more experienced Steelers, who won 16-10.
According to tradition, the quarterback is the central figure in a football team. Their role as the first offensive player to receive the ball makes them the primary captain on the field. The name "quarterback" stems from their position within the traditional I-formation, with three players lined behind the center who snaps the ball from the middle. Originally, the quarterback was the "quarter-back," positioned between the fullback (fully back) and the halfback (half-back).
During cold NFL games, the quarterback takes center stage, leading the team despite frigid temperatures. Originally named due to their position between the fullback and halfback, their role as the on-field decision-maker is crucial, especially during bitterly cold matches such as the games listed above.
