While the official game time is set at 60 minutes, the actual duration of an NFL game far exceeds this, often leading to a viewing experience that can span several hours.
In comparison to the length of time of other sports, an NFL game takes a long time to complete, from the first play to the final whistle.
NFL Game Time and Structure
An NFL game consists of four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes, totaling one hour of playtime.
This 60-minute clock, however, does not run continuously. It stops for various reasons, including incomplete passes, players running out of bounds, timeouts, and penalties.
Additionally, there are two-minute warnings at the end of the second and fourth quarters, further halting the clock.
How Much Live Action Is There?
While the viewing experience of an NFL game lasts around three hours, amazingly there is only around 11 minutes of actual gameplay within those three hours.
| Total Duration | Live Action | % of Action | Commercials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3hr 10min | 11min | 5.79% | 75min |
Halftime and Breaks
One factor adding to the length of an NFL game is halftime, which lasts 12 minutes during regular season games and can be extended during special events like the Super Bowl.
Halftime provides a break for players to rest and strategize while offering fans entertainment, such as performances or analysis from sports commentators.
Commercial Breaks – There’s A Lot!
Commercial breaks are another massive factor that extends the duration of a game.
In the NFL, there are a huge number of television timeouts, particularly after scoring plays, changes in possession, and during each quarter.
On average, an NFL game includes around 20 commercial breaks, each lasting approximately two minutes.
This results in about 40 minutes of advertising time per game.
Stoppages and Play Reviews
Stoppages for instant replay reviews also add to the game’s length.
Coaches can challenge certain plays, and officials can review plays for accuracy.
These reviews can take several minutes, depending on the complexity of the play and the time needed to reach a conclusive decision.
Total Duration of NFL Games
Given these factors, the average NFL game lasts about three hours and 12 minutes.
This duration can vary depending on the pace of the game, the number of stoppages, and other unforeseen events.
For example, a game with numerous penalties or injuries may last longer than one with fewer interruptions.
Comparison to Other Sports
When compared to other major sports, NFL games are notably longer. For instance, a typical Major League Baseball game lasts about three hours, while an NBA game averages around two hours and 15 minutes.
Soccer games are usually the shortest, with a duration of approximately two hours, including halftime.
Interested in this stuff? Check out how long an NHL game lasts.
