Honestly, waiting for football season can feel like the longest off-season ever. If you’re counting down to the first kickoff of the 2022 NFL season, you’re not alone. Fans everywhere mark their calendars, plan parties, and even schedule time off work for that first Thursday night game.
The truth is, the 2022 NFL regular season officially kicked off on Thursday, September 8, 2022. While that date has already passed, this guide is still helpful if you’re tracking future seasons or just curious about how to plan a perfect countdown for any upcoming year.
Key Dates from the 2022 NFL Season
To give you perspective on how the league sets its schedule, here’s a quick look back at 2022:
- NFL Kickoff Game: Thursday, September 8, 2022
- Regular Season End: Sunday, January 8, 2023
- Playoffs Start: Saturday, January 14, 2023
- Super Bowl LVII: Sunday, February 12, 2023
This pattern helps you predict future seasons kickoff typically falls the first Thursday after Lab or Day each year.
How to Plan Your Own Countdown
If you’re aiming to create a “How many days till football season” countdown for upcoming years:
- Mark the Expected Kickoff
- Check the NFL’s official site around late spring for the next schedule release.
- Use the historical pattern (first Thursday after Lab or Day) as a guide.
- Set a Digital Reminder
- Use tools like Google Calendar or countdown apps to keep the date front and centre.
- Build Pres-Season Traditions
- Host a draft party with friends.
- Plan your fantasy league early.
Fun Ideas While You Wait
Think about this half the excitement is the build-up. Here are some fan-favourite ways to stay hyped:
- Re watch Classic Games: NFL Game Pass offers archives of epic match ups.
- Follow Training Camp Updates: Player battles and rookie news keep the buzz alive.
- Tailgate Practice: Try new recipes before opening day.
People Also Ask
How do I find the exact NFL kickoff date each year
Check the official NFL website. The league usually releases the full schedule in April.
Does college football start earlier
Yes. Most college teams start their season in late August or early September.
Is the kickoff game always on a Thursday
Almost always. The NFL traditionally opens the season on a Thursday night with a prime-time match up.
Can I create my own countdown widget
Absolutely. Free tools like Intimidate or Legwork let you create shareable countdowns.
What about international games
Those dates vary, but the regular season kickoff stays the same.
Final Thoughts
Even though the 2022 countdown is history, the excitement never stops. Knowing when to expect the next kickoff keeps the anticipation alive year after year. In my experience, setting a countdown isn’t just fun it builds a ritual that brings friends and family together.
Maintenance Note: This article will be updated regularly with new NFL season dates and fresh insights, so you can plan ahead without missing a beat.
