Why is it Super Bowl LIX and not Super Bowl 59? The story behind the NFL’s Roman numerals and the once when it broke tradition
Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face off against the Philadelphia Eagles on February 9 in New Orleans, fans will see “Super Bowl LIX” emblazoned across banners, tickets, and broadcasts. But why does the NFL insist on using Roman numerals instead of simply calling it "Super Bowl 59"? The answer lies in a decades-old tradition that gives the championship game a timeless, almost regal feel—except for one rare exception.
Budget with ET
Fraught juggling act draws near for Nirmala Sitharaman. What will Feb 1 bring?
Budget 2025 needs to pull off a big growth trick for the untapped half of its firepower
2 key events coming up for India as world readjusts to Trump 2.0
The Origins of Roman Numerals in the Super Bowl
The NFL didn't always use Roman numerals to mark its biggest game. In fact, the first four Super Bowls were simply numbered in the usual way. The shift happened in 1971 with Super Bowl V, thanks to Lamar Hunt, the visionary former owner of the Kansas City Chiefs. Hunt believed that using Roman numerals would clear up any confusion caused by the NFL season spanning two calendar years.
For example, most of this football season took place in late 2024, but the playoffs and Super Bowl are happening in early 2025. By numbering the Super Bowl independently from the year, the NFL ensured that no one would mistake the championship game as part of the following season. It also gave the event a sense of historical continuity, linking each game to a long-running legacy.
The One Time the NFL Broke Tradition
Super Bowl 50, Read more on economictimes.indiatimes.com
