Lightning Delay! Why the NFL Delays Games During Storms

A Real-Life Game Moment

Picture yourself standing on the field, preparing for the next play. The atmosphere inside the stadium is electric, filled with cheers and anticipation. Just as the ball is about to be snapped, a brilliant flash of lightning streaks across the sky. Instantly, referees blow their whistles to halt the action. Coaches urgently signal to players to retreat to the locker room. Once inside, teammates occupy themselves on benches or utilize exercise bikes to maintain their warmth. Everyone remains in place until the storm has sufficiently moved away, paving the way for a safe return to the field.

Lightning in Week 1

This scenario transpired in two separate games this past week. The clash between the Eagles and Cowboys was interrupted during the third quarter due to a lightning storm in Philadelphia. Later in the week, the encounter between the Jaguars and Panthers also experienced a delay in Jacksonville. Players were compelled to wait in the locker rooms while fans were directed to move into the concourse for their safety. When play was resumed, both teams exhibited signs of being a bit rusty, a common occurrence following extended breaks away from the field.

What is Lightning?

Lightning is an enormous electrical discharge that occurs in the atmosphere during a storm. It is generated when ice and water particles within clouds collide, resulting in a buildup of electrical charge. Once this charge reaches a critical level, it discharges as a bolt of lightning, which can extend from cloud to cloud or from cloud to the ground. Lightning is incredibly powerful, with temperatures that surpass those of the sun's surface. It has the potential to strike tall objects such as light poles, buildings, or even the football field itself.

The NFL’s Lightning Policy

The NFL has established a stringent policy regarding lightning. If lightning is sighted or detected within an approximate eight-mile radius of the stadium, the game must be halted immediately. All individuals present are directed to relocation points of safety. Players, coaches, and officials swiftly proceed to the locker rooms, while fans are advised to seek shelter in covered areas within the stadium. The league mandates a minimum wait of thirty minutes after the final lightning strike before play can resume. Should another strike occur during this waiting period, the thirty-minute countdown resets. Once conditions are deemed safe, players return to the field, warm up, and the game continues.

Why Safety Comes First

Although the delays may be frustrating for spectators, they serve to protect everyone from potentially grave dangers. A football field is an expansive, open space, and players are outfitted with helmets and pads, which may inadvertently attract electrical currents. Additionally, fans seated in uncovered areas are equally susceptible to the risks posed by lightning. A single lightning strike can result in severe injuries. Thus, by suspending play, the NFL prioritizes the safety of both players and fans. This pause allows for storms to dissipate, ensuring a safer environment.

Above all, safety remains paramount. The excitement of touchdowns and spectacular plays can wait until the skies have cleared and it is safe to continue the game.