Special Sub-Topic: Football - The NFC Click Here To Play: Football - The NFC

Which of the following teams is not a member of the National Football Conference?

Buffalo Bills. The Bills were an original member of the American Football League and remained in the American Football Conference (AFC) after the 1970 merger. The Seahawks were in the NFC West their first season (1976) before moving to the AFC West. They returned after the 2001 season as part of the league's realignment plan. Both Dallas and New Orleans have been NFC teams since their inception.

Which NFC team was the first to win the Super Bowl after the 1970 merger?

Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys beat the Miami Dolphins 24-3 in Super Bowl VI in 1972.

Which TV network carried NFC games until the mid-1990s?

CBS. By virtue of the fact that it carried NFL games prior to the 1970 merger, CBS retained the contract until 1995 to carry NFC games.

On which NFC team could you find standout players like center Jeff Van Note, quarterback Steve Bartkowski, and kick returner Billy 'White Shoes' Johnson?

Atlanta Falcons. Though the Falcons have been known more for futility than fruitfulness, they have had some fine players over the years.

In what city did the football Cardinals originally begin play?

Chicago. At one time, Chicago had both the Bears and Cardinals to root for.

What longtime NFL player and coach and NFC team owner also served as the NFC's president?

George Halas. Halas founded, played for and coached the Chicago Bears during his illustrious career.

Which city have the Rams NOT called home at some point?

Detroit. The Rams' franchise began in Cleveland and spent many years in Los Angeles before moving to St Louis.

Which of the following NFC teams has been around longest?

New York Giants. The Giants started league play in 1921. The Redskins bowed in 1932, the 49ers joined the NFL after the All-American Football Conference folded in 1950, and the Vikings joined the NFL in 1961 as an expansion team.

Which NFC team, when it signed its first African-American player, became the last to have an African-American active on the roster?

Washington Redskins. Redskins owner George Preston Marshall wasn't keen on the idea of having black players on his team. That became a source of embarrassment to the NFL and to the lawmakers who called Washington home-away-from-home. That all ended in 1962, with the signing of wide receiver Bobby Mitchell.

Which of the following NFC teams did not appear in the Super Bowl during the 20th Century?

New Orleans Saints. The Saints got their first playoff win in franchise history in 2001, beating the defending Super Bowl champion Rams on Wild Card Weekend. Although New Orleans is a popular Super Bowl host, the Saints have never played their way into the game. Green Bay has four Super Bowl appearances (3 wins); both the Falcons and Eagles lost in their only appearances.

In what city did the Carolina Panthers play their inaugural season in 1996?

Clemson, SC. While Ericsson Stadium (renamed Bank of America Stadium in 2004) was being finished in downtown Charlotte, the Panthers played their first season at Clemson Memorial Stadium (aka Death Valley). Despite the fact that Clemson (the town and the university) are about 125 miles southwest of Charlotte, fans flocked to back the new team.

Which venerable African-American quarterback led the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII?

Doug Williams. Ironically, the last team in the NFL to have a black player on the roster was the first to have a black quarterback led them to (and win) a Super Bowl. Williams took over as head coach of the Grambling Tigers following the retirement of legendary head coach Eddie Robinson. Rodney Peete played for a couple years as a backup in Washington, but never went to the Super Bowl with them. Neither Randall Cunningham nor Steve McNair has ever worn a Redskins uniform.

What longtime NFC placekicker invented the Nerf football?

Fred Cox. For many years the reliable kicker for the Minnesota Vikings, Cox's claim to fame is inventing one of the most popular toys ever created. In fact, there is a wonderful picture of Cox holding his creation in a Parker Brothers ad from the 1970s. It can be found at http://www.toyadz.com/toyadz/sports/nerffootballfredcox.html

What famous family became owners the Detroit Lions in the mid-1960s?

Ford. William Clay Ford, a descendant of automotive giant Henry Ford, bought the Lions in 1964, after serving as team president for three years.

In 1985 this NFC team set a 99-yard record for the longest touchdown pass in an overtime game. Which team?

Philadelphia Eagles. Ron Jaworski hooked up with Mike Quick on a 99-yard touchdown play in a game against Atlanta November 10th, 1985. The Eagles won 23-17.