Patriots Rank Among The ‘Rowdiest’ NFL Teams
Even when following the rules, football remains a physically demanding contact sport. It occasionally leads to intense confrontations resulting in not just physical injuries like fractures and cuts but also potential neurological consequences such as CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). CTE is associated with memory loss and dementia. It’s worth noting that CTE can only be definitively diagnosed posthumously through autopsy, leaving many players to grapple with its symptoms unchecked during their lifetimes. According to the Chicago Tribune, a study found signs of CTE in 110 out of 111 deceased former NFL players’ brains.
On the field, players face each other, jerseys occasionally marked with blood, poised for physical engagements. The NFL has implemented rules aimed at “protect players from unnecessary risk, promote player safety and emphasize sportsmanship.”
To assess the rowdiest NFL teams, 24/7 Tempo analyzed recorded incidents and total fines, as reported in a study by Gambling.com, a gambling news and reviews site. The fines were calculated using Spotrac’s database of NFL fines and suspensions, with teams ranked based on the amounts paid.
New England Patriots rank as one of the rowdiest NFL teams.
The New England Patriots secured the 13th spot on the list, with only six recorded incidents and a total of $50,682 in fines over the past decade.
One of those incidents was a fight that occurred in the final seconds of Super Bowl XLIX in 2015. A fight broke out between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. According to Sports Illustrated, this occurred after a late interception by Russell Wilson in the Patriots’ end zone. Following a penalty on the Seahawks, the Patriots moved up to their 6-yard line, and as quarterback Tom Brady took a knee, the altercation erupted.
At the top of the list is the Pittsburgh Steelers, involved in 21 incidents over the past decade, according to the report. During the same period, the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders had only ten incidents but incurred the highest fines, totaling almost $180,000.
Additionally, within the top five teams are the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants. The Bills have a total of five recorded incidents, with fines totaling over $89,000. Meanwhile, the Giants have seven recorded incidents, resulting in fines of over $83,200.
7 Hilarious Football Fan Superstitions Shared by Redditors
Jersey Power
globalmoments/ Getty Images
For some fans, the belief in “jersey power” is real, relying on their chosen jersey to bring their team to victory. A Reddit user revealed, “I change jerseys every game. Never wear the same one twice in a row.” They mentioned that during one season, the Jaguars secured a 3-1 record when following this practice, but experienced a 0-12 record when they didn’t.
Fiery Ritual
Ja’Crispy/ Getty Images
Some fans unquestionably take their rituals to the extreme. During Vince Young’s playing days, a Redditor mentioned that they used to perform a rather unconventional practice of burning a photo of the player. They would attach a picture of his face to a Barbie doll and place it on the grill as part of their ritual.
Sound of Silence
KatarzynaBialasiewicz/ Getty Images
This particular approach might come across as a bit harsh, yet it seems to show results for this person. Apparently, ignoring their wife and kid during the game is their strategy. “I know it’s weird and the results haven’t been great, but I’m not going to risk it,” they wrote. Priorities, dude!
Quantum Football Mechanics
Some say that dissecting your superstitions like a science can work wonders. A Reddit user shared their approach, saying that if, for some reason, they tune into the game late and the Ravens are in the lead, they turn the game off. “Watching will only swing the game in the opposite direction. It’s like the Heisenberg Principle of quantum football mechanics. Intense observation will only change the outcome,” they humorously explained. That’s dedication!
metamorworks/ Getty Images
Designated Sweet Spot
Motortion/ Getty Images
Having a lucky seat or a designated sweet spot to park yourself during every football game is a ritual many fans swear by. According to one person, during game days, they make a point to occupy the exact same barstool. They mentioned, “Everyone has assigned seats at the bar.”
Goodbye Hygiene
Digital Vision/ Getty Images
Some hardcore football fans throw hygiene to the wind. A Reddit user opened up about their peculiar belief. If they don’t shower right before the game, they’re convinced the Eagles will end up on the losing side. They added, “Sometimes if we had a crappy first half, I’ll take another shower, for a fresh start.”
Habitual Counting
fizkes/ Getty Images
Luck can take some interesting forms, like the practice of counting things a specific number of times. A person mentioned that on game days, they apply three strokes of deodorant per armpit in support of Russell Wilson. Some people are all about the idea that stuff tends to go down in threes.