The National Football League playoffs are coming to an end as unusually cold temperatures sweep the country. Southern cities like New Orleans and Atlanta experienced some of the largest snowstorms in decades, but have quickly returned back to regular temperatures. While dangerous snow storms left many adverse impacts on these cities, football games were mostly unaffected due to indoor stadiums. Many teams that experience regular snowfall during the winter months, such as the Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots, however, have outdoor stadiums. At least two to three months of the NFL season are played in very cold temperatures and snowy conditions, creating a unique experience for both players and fans.
On Jan. 19, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round held in Philadelphia, Pa. Cold temperatures and snow certainly can be attributed to the results of the match. The Rams, who were not used to the adverse conditions, found themselves fighting the snow for the majority of the game. Eagles players and fans, however, were not at all deterred by the conditions and made sure to show up in full force. The snow even became fan memorabilia as the grounds crew collected and preserved snow from the field post-game. This snow was sold at up to $50 a pint, and quickly sold out. Fans and players alike were able to show strong resilience against the cold temperatures.
Cold and snowy conditions undoubtedly increase the risk of injury for all players involved, whether from poor field conditions or exposure to the cold. Some teams are able to play better and more safely than others in these conditions due to experience and safety efforts. There are many ways players attempt to stay warm, and, on an extreme level, some players have even worn scuba diving gear. Players also often use Vaseline to stay warm and decrease shivering by closing pores and decreasing skin exposure. This method, however, raises some concern among officials, as Vaseline can make tackling more difficult.
Cold mitigation efforts are very important for NFL players in a high impact and fast paced stop-go play style. Simply wearing many layers can have negative effects on player health and performance. For example, sweat produced in below freezing temperatures negatively impacts body temperature, whereas breathability, surprisingly, assists athletic performance. Athletes who are more comfortable in cooler temperatures are more likely to wear less layers and accept being “cold-uncomfortable” at the beginning of the game in order to warm up throughout the game.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen has leveraged his experience with cold weather to achieve success during games. Allen holds a 14-2 record in games with a temperature below 32 degrees. Notably, this season, Allen and the Bills hosted the San Francisco 49ers in Week 13 for a 35-10 victory. Snow accumulated well before and throughout the game. Heavy snowfall brought snow-filled celebrations and chaotic plays. Allen was credited with a passing, receiving and rushing touchdown alone against the 49ers defense. This is arguably a near impossible statistic in typical conditions.
Snow games are undoubtedly entertaining to watch on TV, but the conditions are considerably more dangerous for players. Temperatures in games like the Bills-49ers match cause slowed mobility and reaction time, and also a higher likelihood of muscle injuries. However, research has found that repeated or consistent exposure to temperatures below 41 degrees Fahrenheit increases metabolic heat production. This can provide a direct advantage to players and teams located in colder climates. Some of the greatest quarterbacks in recent NFL history have been able to take advantage of outdoor stadiums and frequent cold conditions. Josh Allen, Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are just a few of the best who have shone in colder conditions.
Super Bowl LIX, set to take place in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La. holds no risk of adverse conditions, but there’s no doubt the teams in contention previously succeeded in harsh climates. All four teams in the Conference Championships call outdoor stadiums their home and are no strangers to freezing temperatures.
