Epic NFL Marathons: The Longest Football Games in History

Most NFL matches last the standard 60 minutes, but some contests stretch far beyond, testing players’ endurance and rewriting NFL record books. When tightly matched teams refuse to back down, the battle can extend into overtime and, in rare cases, even double overtime. Only six games in the National Football League archive have reached this extreme since 1962, making each one a legendary test of skill and stamina.

One of the most famous examples is the longest game in NFL history, played between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins during the AFC Divisional Playoff on Christmas Day in 1971. This marathon battle lasted over 82 minutes, with Miami winning after a dramatic field goal by Garo Yepremian in the second overtime period.

Other matchups, like the longest football game ever between the Dallas Texans and the Baltimore Colts, also pushed the limits of physical endurance. With unexpected delays, crucial touchdowns, and unforgettable plays, these matchups prove that sometimes, a football match just refuses to end.

The Historic 1971 Dolphins-Chiefs Christmas Classic

The longest game in NFL history took place on December 25th, 1971, as the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the Miami Dolphins in an unforgettable playoff battle. This clash lasted an exhausting 82 minutes and 40 seconds, making it the longest NFL game ever played. It was also the final game held at Kansas City's Memorial Stadium before the Chiefs moved to Arrowhead.

From the opening kick, both teams showcased relentless determination. Len Dawson, the Chiefs’ legendary quarterback, led the offense, while Bob Griese commanded the Dolphins. The match remained close, with the score tied 24-24 at the end of the fourth quarter, forcing overtime. Jan Stenerud had a chance to seal the win for Kansas City, but his crucial field goal attempt missed, keeping the battle alive.

As the second overtime period began, exhaustion set in. Despite injuries and fatigue, Miami’s team found a way to persevere. Marv Fleming and the Dolphins' offense moved the ball downfield, setting up Garo Yepremian for a decisive field goal.

With a successful kick, Miami won 27-24, securing their spot in the public archive. Ed Podolak, despite the Chiefs’ loss, delivered a legendary performance, amassing a record 350 all-purpose yards.

This historic National Football League sport set the stage for Miami’s complete season the following year and remains one of the greatest battles ever played in professional football.

Marathon Football Matches That also Made History

While the longest game in NFL history between the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins stands out, other extended NFL games have also left their mark. Only six games have ever reached double overtime, each pushing the squad to their physical and mental limits.

The Oakland Raiders and Baltimore Colts battled through an exhausting clash in the 1977 playoffs, with the Raiders finally securing victory after multiple lead changes. The Dallas Cowboys also found themselves in a grueling matchup, where a critical coin toss and a mistake in the second quarter played a decisive role. Some of these NFL games featured dramatic touchdowns, costly holding penalties, and game-changing moments in the end zone.

Each longest NFL game reshaped the sport’s history, proving that in football, endurance is just as vital as skill.

Six longest games in the National Football League archive:

Panthers vs Rams - The Cardiac Cats Strike

One of the longest games in the archive of the National Football League unfolded in the 2003 playoffs, as the Carolina Panthers clashed with the St. Louis Rams in a battle that stretched deep into double overtime. This intense clash lasted 75 minutes and 9 seconds, making it the sixth-longest match in the archive of the National Football League.

Both teams fought relentlessly, with the score remaining tied late in the fourth quarter. The Rams, led by their head coach, attempted to control the pace, but the Panthers kept playing aggressively. A crucial holding penalty nearly cost Carolina, yet they persevered. In overtime, following multiple punts and an exhausting battle, Jake Delhomme connected with Steve Smith for a stunning 69-yard touchdown, securing victory.

This historic game propelled the Panthers toward the Super Bowl, proving their resilience as true “Cardiac Cats.”

Raiders vs Colts - The Ghost to the Post Game

One of the longest games in National Football League record took place on Christmas Eve in 1977, as the Oakland Raiders faced the Baltimore Colts in a legendary contest. This intense battle lasted over 75 minutes, pushing both teams to their limits.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the Colts leading, Ken Stabler made a desperate deep play, launching the ball to Dave Casper in what became the iconic "Ghost to the Post" catch. This clutch moment forced overtime, sending the locker room into a frenzy.

After multiple punts and exhausting drives, Casper sealed the victory with a touchdown, ending a game that had everything—delay, injury, and a legendary performance.

John Madden later called it one of the greatest National Football League matches ever played, cementing its place in the Hall of Fame.

Ravens vs Broncos - The Mile High Miracle

One of the longest games in the National Football League unfolded in the 2012 playoffs when the Baltimore Ravens stunned the heavily favored Denver Broncos in a double-overtime thriller. This epic battle lasted nearly 77 minutes, making it one of the greatest postseason upsets ever played.

With time running out in the fourth quarter, the Ravens were tied and on the verge of elimination. Then came the miraculous 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones, a moment that would forever be known as the Mile High Miracle.

The game continued through overtime, with both squads playing tough defense and exchanging punts. Finally, Justin Tucker sealed the victory with a clutch field goal, sending Baltimore to the next round.

This dramatic clash propelled the Ravens to their eventual Super Bowl win, cementing its place in the playoff archive.

Browns vs Jets - The Marathon by the Lake

One of the longest games in the National Football League took place in the 1986 playoffs, as the Cleveland Browns and New York Jets battled through a grueling double-overtime showdown. This unforgettable game stretched beyond 77 minutes, testing the endurance of both teams.

The Jets held a 10-point lead in the third quarter, but the Browns refused to back down. A late rally, led by quarterback Bernie Kosar, helped force overtime, keeping Cleveland’s season alive. Throughout the extended battle, both teams struggled to break through, with multiple punts and missed opportunities adding to the tension.

Finally, in the second overtime, Mark Moseley delivered the game-winning field goal, securing a historic victory for Cleveland. This exhausting contest remains a defining moment in Browns' history, proving their resilience in the face of adversity.

Dallas Texans vs Houston Oilers - The AFL Championship Marathon

Before the AFL-NFL merger, one of the longest games in the National Football League took place in the 1962 AFL Championship, where the Dallas Texans and Houston Oilers battled for supremacy. This intense showdown lasted over 77 minutes, pushing both teams to their limits.

The Texans dominated early, building a 17-point lead, but the Oilers mounted a fierce comeback. By halftime, the momentum had shifted, and the game became a defensive war, featuring five interceptions. The two teams remained deadlocked through overtime, with neither able to break through.

Finally, Tommy Brooker delivered the game-winning field goal, securing victory for the Texans. This historic clash cemented the franchise’s legacy, as the team later relocated and became the Kansas City Chiefs, a powerhouse in professional football.

Impact on Teams' Subsequent Performance

Playing in one of the longest games in the National Football League often leaves a lasting mark on a team. The grueling hours spent battling in extended overtime take both a physical and mental toll, affecting post-game impact, team recovery, and playoff success.

A prime example is the 1971 Miami Dolphins, who, after surviving the longest match in the National Football League against the Kansas City Chiefs, carried their momentum to the Super Bowl. Though they lost to the Dallas Cowboys, the experience fueled their drive for perfection, leading to their legendary perfect season the following year.

For other squads, such marathon games exposed weaknesses. The defensive end position was often tested as exhausted players struggled to maintain pressure. Willie Lanier and other key defenders found themselves stretched beyond limits. The coach would have to rethink strategies, particularly regarding endurance and punt decisions in overtime situations.

These intense matchups also shaped future playoff implications, forcing teams to prepare differently for potential extended games. The lessons learned from these battles influenced how coaches managed player stamina, substitutions, and risk-taking in long, high-stakes encounters.

Understanding Football Game Duration for Sports Betting

For sports bettors, understanding how long a National Football League match can last is crucial. While a standard game consists of four quarters totaling 60 minutes of game clock time, real-time duration often exceeds three hours due to stoppages, reviews, and halftime. The unpredictability of overtime adds another layer of complexity, especially in historic matchups like the longest match archive.

Extended games impact betting markets, particularly in over/under wagers, point spreads, and live betting. Double overtime occurrences, though rare, can significantly shift in-game odds.

Bettors analyzing patterns from past longest matches in the archive of the National Football League can gain insights into team stamina, late-game performance, and coaching strategies. For example, teams that struggle in the first half may adjust in overtime, affecting spread and money-line bets.

To explore sports betting options and insights, check out PLG.BET for the latest odds and strategies.

FAQs

What's the longest overtime in the NFL?

The 1971 AFC Divisional Playoff between the Dolphins and Chiefs had the longest overtime in the archive of the National Football League, lasting 82 minutes and 40 seconds.

How long is a full NFL game?

A full NFL match lasts 60 minutes, divided into four 15-minute quarters, plus stoppage time.

What is the longest football match ever played?

The longest game in NFL archive lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds, where the Miami Dolphins lost to the Kansas City Chiefs after a dramatic overtime.