Has an NFL game ever ended 0-0? Taking a trip back memory lane

The NFL prides itself on being one of the world's most exciting and dynamic sports leagues. For the most part, the pride is justified, as the league is dominated by offense, with the defense not getting as much praise.

Nowadays, we are more likely to see two teams scoring over twenty points in a game rather than the teams being limited to under twenty points in such a game. The reason is that quarterbacks are encouraged to throw more and wide receivers are getting faster and better. While back in the day, the running back position was among the most stacked and the quarterbacks could have been more accurate.

That's why it's a rarity to see a scoreless game of football today. It is an anomaly that most casual NFL fans have never seen.

So, let's take a trip back on memory lane and consult the record books while we're at it.

Has an NFL game ever ended 0-0?

Yes, many NFL games have ended 0-0. Per Pro Football Reference, 73 games in pro football history have ended in a 0-0 tie. However, the last time it happened was almost 80 years ago, meaning there have been no scoreless ties in the Super Bowl era.

Hence, it is impossible to find the colored tape of the game being played. This reflects the evolution of the NFL and American sports in general.

When was the last 0-0 tie in the NFL?

The most recent 0-0 tie occurred on November 7, 1943, when the Detroit Lions hosted the New York Giants at Briggs Stadium.

Many people might look at this stat line and find it hard to believe. What were the elite quarterbacks of those two teams doing? Were the wide receivers having tea on the touchline? What was up with the backfield? The confusion is understandable.

However, the game took place right in the thick of the Second World War, when many players were overseas after being drafted. Hence, both rosters were understaffed, with the equivalent of an LA fitness legend probably playing quarterback for the teams. As such, the game finished scoreless. Thankfully, we've not had a similar feat ever since.

Notably, the two teams combined for just nine first downs and 214 yards in that game. This isn't shocking, as the game featured 77 running plays and 16 pass attempts. Those aren't stats that make for a high-scoring game, and all those factors contributed to the last 0-0 game.