What Is the Coldest NFL Game?
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The coldest NFL game on record was the 1967 NFL Championship, better known as the Ice Bowl, between the Dallas Cowboys and the Green Bay Packers.
The Coldest NFL Game on Record
The coldest NFL game on record occurred on December 31, 1967, when the Green Bay Packers hosted the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The temperature at kickoff was a bone-chilling -13 degrees Fahrenheit (-25 degrees Celsius), with a wind chill of -48 degrees Fahrenheit (-44 degrees Celsius). Despite the bitter cold, more than 51,000 fans braved the elements to watch the game.
The Factors That Contribute to a Game’s Cold Temperature
Many factors contribute to the cold temperatures experienced during an NFL game. The most significant factor is the time of year. Most NFL games are played during the winter months when cold weather is most common. Another factor is the location of the game. Many cold weather games are played in northern cities where the temperature is typically colder than in other parts of the country. Additionally, the wind chill factor can contribute to a game feeling colder than it actually is.
How the Cold Affects the Players
While most players are accustomed to playing in adverse weather conditions, the extreme cold can have a significant impact on their bodies. In fact, studies have shown that the human body begins to shut down when exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the temperature dips below freezing, the body begins to constrict blood vessels in an effort to preserve heat. This can lead to a dangerous condition known as hypothermia, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Players also have to contend with the risk of frostbite, which occurs when the skin and tissue freezes. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the affected area and, in severe cases, may require amputation.
To protect themselves from the cold, players will often wear multiple layers of clothing, including thermal underwear, long johns, and padded jackets. They may also use heated benches or lamps to stay warm during breaks in play.
The Coldest NFL Game in Recent Years
In 2017, the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets played in what was officially the coldest game in NFL history, with a temperature of only -13 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff. The game was so cold that some players had to be taken out of the game due to frostbite, and one player even had his helmet freeze to his head. Despite the frigid conditions, the Bills managed to win the game by a score of 14-7.
