General American Football Trivia Quiz

Answer: Garo Yepremian

The 1972 Miami Dolphins, a team that finished the regular season undefeated, were leading the Washington Redskins 14-0 in Superbowl VII, when Garo Yepremian set up for a 42 yard field goal attempt late in the fourth quarter. The kick was blocked by Washington and the ball, still live, ended up in Yepremian's hands. With no time to adjust, Garo attempted a pass, but the ball slipped out of his hands and was tipped into the air.

The Redskins Mike Bass intercepted the ball and ran all the way back for a Washington touchdown. Luckily, it did not cost the Dolphins the game, and Miami won 14-7.

Despite his infamous page in Superbowl history, Yepremian was still recognized as a vital part of the Dolphins success. Garo was named "Kicker of the Decade", for the 1970's by the National Football League.

Answer: Joe Namath

One season after he led the New York Jets to an upset victory over the Baltimore Colts in Superbowl III, Namath was honored with the AFL's MVP award for the 1969 season from the Associated Press. Daryle Lamonica of the Oakland Raiders was named the MVP by the United Press, "The Sporting News", and "Pro Football Weekly". The AFL and NFL merged into one league in 1970.

Answer: Tom Dempsey

Dempsey was a member of the New Orleans Saints when he kicked his game winning 63 yard field goal, against the Detroit Lions in 1970. Born without toes on his right foot, Dempsey wore a specially made shoe with a flat tip. When Elam tied the record, Dempsey was watching from his home near New Orleans, and reportedly cheered when the ball sailed through the goal posts.

Answer: Pittsburgh Steelers

Unitas was taken in the 9th round of the 1955 college draft by Pittsburgh. When the Steelers released Johnny, head coach Walt Kiesling was quoted as saying, Unitas wasn't smart enough to play in the NFL, words he would possibly come to regret in later years. Unitas took a job doing construction work after being released, but eventually won a spot with the Bloomfield Rams, a semi-pro team that played on a field that had no grass.

In 1956, the Baltimore Colts showed interest in seeing what Johnny could do for them. What he did for them between 1956 and 1972 was lead them to four NFL championships, including a victory in Superbowl V, and set records for most completions, most total yards, and most touchdowns, among others. Johnny retired in 1973 after one season with the San Diego Chargers.

Answer: Fred Dryer

Alex Karras, best known after his football career as George Papadapolis on the sitcom "Webster", was the third man in the booth between 1974 and 1976. Fran Tarkenton, who led the Minnesota Vikings to three NFC Championships as a quarterback, worked with Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell, and Don Meredeth from 1979 to 1982. O.J. Simpson, the first runningback to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season, was part of the "Monday Night Football" team, from 1983 to 1985. Fred Dryer, a defensive end who once scored two safeties in one game, found success on television, but not in the broadcast booth. Appearing in several television shows and movies, Dryer's biggest success came as Detective Richard Hunter on the action series "Hunter".

Answer: Los Angeles Rams

Halfback Kenny Washington was officially the first player signed by Los Angeles in 1946, but the team would also sign Woody Strode, giving them two black players before the season started. In the early part of the 20th century, it was not uncommon for black players to appear in leagues like the American Professional Football Association.

The first known African-American to play professionally in the United States, was Charles Follis with the Shelby Athletic Club in 1902.

Answer: Michigan Panthers

Led by quarterback Bobby Hebert and wide receiver Anthony Carter, the Michigan Panthers defeated the Philadelphia Stars 24-22, at Denver's Mile High Stadium to take the first USFL Championship. The Stars would redeem themselves by taking the championship in 1984, beating the Arizona Wranglers 23-3.

The USFL was founded in 1983, fielding 12 teams it's first year and expanding to 18 in it's second. The USFL folded after the 1985 season, when it's antitrust lawsuit against the NFL won them $1 in damages.

Answer: Birmingham Americans

Birmingham, a wild card team in the playoffs, defeated the Florida Blazers 22-21 in the first World Bowl. The World Football League started in 1974 and played it's last game in 1975. Constantly mired by controversy and financial mishaps, the leagues first World Bowl ended with the Champion Birmingham Americans facing the indignity of turning their equipment over to Sheriff's deputies because of debt.

Answer: Los Angeles Xtreme

With quarterback and league MVP Tommy Maddox leading the way, the L.A. Xtreme beat the San Francisco Demons 38-7 in Los Angeles to win the first and only XFL Championship. Founded by World Wrestling Federation owner Vince McMahon, the XFL promised exciting alternatives to the NFL such as in game interviews with players and camera men with the players on the field.

In the end, the cheerleaders garnered more attention than the players, and television viewers showed little interest in games. The league folded after one season.

Answer: Indianapolis Colts

The franchise began in the All-America Football Conference in 1946. For the 1947 seasone the Seahawks were relcoated to Baltimore and were renamed the Colts. The colts joined the NFL in 1950, finished the season with a 1-11 win-loss record, and was dissolved by the NFL in January 1951.

The new Baltimore Colts joined the NFL in 1953 when, after tow season without pro-football, the NFL sold the Dallas Texans to Baltimore.