Why Is It Called the Super Bowl? Origins Explained

By Sarah Miller · July 28, 2046

The term ‘Super Bowl’ originated from a casual remark by Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, who likened the NFL-AFL championship game to his children’s ‘Super Ball’ toy. The name stuck and was officially adopted in 1967 for the first NFL-AFL Championship Game.

Why Is It Called the Super Bowl?

The name “Super Bowl” was not the original official title for the NFL-AFL Championship Game. Instead, it began as a playful nickname coined by Lamar Hunt, the founder of the American Football League (AFL) and owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. After the NFL and AFL agreed to merge in 1966, a championship game was scheduled between the two league champions. Hunt referred to the game as the “Super Bowl” in internal correspondence, inspired by his children’s popular “Super Ball” toy. Despite initial resistance from league executives who preferred more formal names like “Ultimate Bowl” or “Great One,” fans and media quickly embraced “Super Bowl.” By the third edition in 1969, the name became official.

Key Factors Behind the Name's Adoption

Cultural resonance: The “Super Ball” was a widely recognized toy in the 1960s, making the name instantly relatable.
Media amplification: Sportswriters and broadcasters picked up the term, accelerating its popularity.
Fan appeal: Unlike bureaucratic alternatives, “Super Bowl” was catchy and memorable.
Lamar Hunt’s influence: As a key architect of the NFL-AFL merger, Hunt’s informal suggestion carried weight.

Evolution of the Super Bowl Name

Although now synonymous with American sports culture, the Super Bowl had humble naming origins. Early drafts of game materials used titles such as “NFL-AFL Championship Game.” However, that formalism failed to capture public imagination.

Timeline of Naming Conventions

Year	Game Number	Official Name Used	Venue	Audience (Millions)
1967	I	NFL-AFL Championship Game	Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum	51.3
1968	II	Second Annual NFL-AFL Championship Game	Miami Orange Bowl	45.6
1969	III	Super Bowl III	Orange Bowl, Miami	41.1
1970	IV	Super Bowl IV	Tulane Stadium, New Orleans	61.9
2025	LIX	Super Bowl LIX	Caesars Superdome, New Orleans	Estimated 120+

Table data source:1, 2

The table illustrates how the adoption of “Super Bowl” coincided with rising viewership and cultural prominence. From 51 million viewers in 1967 to over 120 million expected in 2025, the branding shift played a role in transforming the game into a national spectacle. The consistent use of Roman numerals since Super Bowl V further solidified its identity as a premier sporting event.

Legacy of Lamar Hunt

Lamar Hunt remains one of the most influential figures in professional football history. Beyond naming the Super Bowl, he founded the AFL, advocated for the NFL-AFL merger, and owned the Kansas City Chiefs for decades. His contribution to American sports extends beyond terminology—he helped shape modern football infrastructure, including the development of fan-friendly stadiums and television broadcast models.

Other Naming Ideas Considered

Before “Super Bowl” took hold, several alternative names were proposed:

The Big One
Pro Bowl Classic
World Series of Pro Football
Championship Bowl

None gained traction. “Super Bowl” won out due to simplicity and emotional appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Super Bowl Name

Who came up with the name Super Bowl?

Lamar Hunt, founder of the American Football League and owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, coined the term “Super Bowl” in a 1966 memo. He was inspired by his children’s “Super Ball” toy. Although initially informal, the name was widely adopted by media and fans, becoming official by 1969.

Was “Super Bowl” always the official name?

No. The first two games were officially titled “NFL-AFL Championship Game.” The term “Super Bowl” was considered informal at first. It wasn’t until Super Bowl III in 1969 that the NFL officially recognized the name.

Why do they use Roman numerals for the Super Bowl?

Roman numerals were introduced starting with Super Bowl V (1971) to avoid confusion caused by the calendar year mismatch—the game is played in early winter but concludes the previous season. They also give the event a grander, more timeless feel, enhancing branding and marketing appeal.

Has the Super Bowl ever been called something else officially?

Yes. Before “Super Bowl” was adopted, official documents used titles like “Second Annual NFL-AFL Championship Game.” Some sportscasters briefly used “The Big Game,” a nickname still informally used today, especially by Stanford University in reference to its rivalry with Cal.

What was Super Bowl I originally called?

Super Bowl I was originally called the “NFL-AFL Championship Game.” It was played on January 15, 1967, between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, with the Packers winning 35–10.