Why are chicken wings and football the ultimate winning combination?

During the Big Game, chicken wings and football are the ultimate winning combination. But, how many chickens wings are consumed while watching the big game?

While Super Bowl snacks might have prime real estate on the food table, chicken wings and football have proven to be a winning combination. Even with the possibility of getting dirty hands and maybe a needing a few extra napkins, no one can resist a plate of pipping hot chicken wings. Why do chicken wings and football go so well together?

As the big game nears, the National Chicken Council releases its annual chicken wing report. Even though some people are embracing the plant-based food movement, chicken wings are becoming more popular. Maybe it has something to do with Keto diets.

According to the report, it is projected that there will be 2% increase in overall chicken wing eating compared to 2019. While that percentage might be deceiving, a bigger stat might be more convincing. It is projected that Americans will eat “1.4 billion chicken wings during Super Bowl LIV weekend.” Yes, that with a “b.”

Truthfully that number is difficult to visual. Most people don’t see a hundred items lined up in a row let alone can see 1.4 billion chicken wings. Even the biggest competitive eater wouldn’t put a dent in that number.

Luckily, the National Chicken Council has shared some other analogies to contemplate that number.

"175 million pounds of wings weighs 1,500 times as much as the entire 49ers team and three of their team buses1.4 billion wings are enough to give every attendee of every Super Bowl since 1967 each 342 wingsIf each of the 1.4 billion wings were counted as one second, they would equal about 45 yearsEvery player in the NFL, including the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs, would have to consume 825,000 wings each to reach 1.4 billion"

While football players have impressive appetites, no one could eat all of these wings. Still, the numbers are staggering. People want to eat chicken wings while watching football.

There can be many reasons why chicken wings and football are a winning combination. First, chicken wings are easy to eat. Sure, they can be messy, but there is something satisfying about eating meat off a bone.

Second, chicken wings can absorb all types of flavors. From traditional Buffalo to Korean to smoked, there is a flavor that fits any and all preferences. Even when serving a crowd, it chicken wings can be easily customized.

Third, chicken wings are easy to eat while watching the game. They do not require a fork or knife. Sure, they can get messy but you don’t have to divert your eyes from the television and miss that epic Pepsi commercial.

Even as people say that they want more greens and plant-based options, the love of chicken wings will not fade like last year’s winning season. The popularity of this simple, yet delicious food remains strong.

The only question that remains is when will chicken wing consumption on Super Bowl Sunday hit the 2 billion mark. That time is coming and it might be before the Minnesota Vikings ever win a Super Bowl.

Do you think that chicken wings and football are a winning combination? What food will you be serving on Super Bowl Sunday?