'The Football Game That Changed America' explores the Super Bowl’s rise

Dennis Deninger’s The Football Game That Changed America examines how the Super Bowl became a cultural phenomenon.

Wilson NFL footballs, like the ones that will be used at the Super Bowl, are displayed at the NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center on February 3, 2017, in Houston, Texas. Photo by Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

By Novanka Laras and Yuni Utomo

The Football Game That Changed America: How the NFL Created a National Holiday, by Dennis Deninger

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Dennis Deninger’s The Football Game That Changed America argues that the Super Bowl is “the most important sports event in the history of America.” This bold claim underscores the game’s influence, surpassing iconic moments like Jesse Owens' triumph in the 1936 Olympics or Babe Ruth’s legendary 60-home-run season in 1927.

The latest installment of this spectacle will take place on February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, bringing together the champions of the National Football League’s two conferences for a game that has become a de facto national holiday. Millions of Americans will gather in homes, bars, and dormitories, placing billions in wagers and watching advertisements that cost over $600 million in airtime.

How the Super Bowl became a national obsession

Deninger, a former ESPN producer and professor at Syracuse University, provides an in-depth look at how the Super Bowl evolved into both a sports extravaganza and a cultural bonanza. His book, packed with facts and anecdotes, caters to both die-hard football fans and newcomers eager to understand the game’s lore.

He presents staggering statistics: last year’s halftime show drew 129 million viewers per minute, making it the most-watched entertainment broadcast in U.S. history. More Americans watched the Super Bowl than voted in the presidential election, reinforcing its role as “the largest shared American experience of the year.”

Deninger also unearths fascinating historical details. In 1915, legendary athlete Jim Thorpe earned $250 per game—nearly $8,000 in today’s money—playing for the Canton Bulldogs in the Ohio League. The National Football League didn’t emerge until 1920, with its first recorded game taking place between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles. The league’s first official championship game came in 1933 when the Chicago Bears edged out the New York Giants.

The Super Bowl’s impact on television and culture

The rise of professional football coincided with the explosion of television in the 1950s. At the start of that decade, fewer than 9% of American households owned a television. By 1960, that number had soared to 95%, allowing the sport to reach millions and cement itself as a fixture in American life.

The book details how the upstart American Football League (AFL) challenged the NFL’s dominance in 1960, debuting in Boston with ticket prices at just $5—equivalent to $50 today. The AFL gained traction when ABC Sports, under Roone Arledge’s leadership, began broadcasting its games. Arledge’s innovative coverage showcased a faster-paced, pass-heavy game played by elite athletes from diverse backgrounds, setting the stage for the NFL-AFL merger and the birth of the Super Bowl.

Deninger also explores the gender dynamics of Super Bowl viewership. While football is often seen as a male-dominated sport, audience demographics for the Super Bowl are nearly even, with a 51-49 male-to-female split. Millions of women join the festivities, whether for the game, the halftime show, or simply the social atmosphere of Super Bowl parties.

Super Bowl legends and infamous moments

Over the decades, the Super Bowl has forged legends and unforgettable moments. One of its most iconic figures is quarterback Joe Namath, who famously “guaranteed” a win for his underdog New York Jets against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. On January 12, 1969, Namath delivered on his promise, leading the Jets to a stunning victory that cemented his reputation and elevated the game’s prestige.

The Super Bowl has also seen its share of controversy. Perhaps the most infamous moment came during the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004, when Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction” sparked national outrage and a legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

Why the Super Bowl remains unmatched

Despite criticisms labeling it the “Stupid Bowl,” the Super Bowl remains America’s most-watched sporting event. Deninger’s book highlights the enduring appeal of the championship game, illustrating how it has evolved beyond football to become a defining element of American culture.

With The Football Game That Changed America, Deninger captures the spectacle, history, and significance of an event that continues to unite millions, proving that, even in an ever-changing sports landscape, the Super Bowl is—and always will be—super.

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