In an unexpected twist during a high-scoring game on November 12, 2023, the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers played to a 40-40 tie. This outcome left Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens astonished, as he revealed he was unaware that NFL games could end without a winner.
After the game, Pickens stated, “I’ve never been a part of a tie in my life. I didn’t even know football worked like that. I thought we just would start another quarter right now and keep going. But a tie? That’s a first time, yeah.”
The rarity of tied games in the NFL can be attributed to the league’s rules surrounding overtime, which were introduced in 1974. Since then, only 30 games have concluded with a tie, reflecting how unusual this result is in professional football. Given this history, it is not surprising that some players, like Pickens, have never experienced a tie in their careers.
Rules on Ties and Overtime
In regular season matches, a game can end in a tie if the teams finish the initial four quarters and the overtime period with identical scores. In contrast, playoff games cannot end in a tie; they continue until a winner is determined. If a game remains undecided after four overtime periods, a coin toss is held, and play continues until one team emerges victorious.
Pickens is not alone in his ignorance of this rule. Notably, former quarterback Donovan McNabb expressed similar surprise in 2008, stating he did not know that NFL games could end at a draw.
As the Cowboys and Packers continue to battle for playoff positions, this game will be remembered not just for its scoring but also for the conversation it sparked about the sometimes overlooked rules of the NFL. The outcome has resulted in discussions among fans and players alike, highlighting the unique nature of football’s structure and the importance of understanding game rules.
This game may serve as a reminder for players and fans to stay informed about the sport they love, particularly as the NFL continues to evolve and present unprecedented situations on the field.
