Football is one of the most popular spectator sports in the world and it is one of the most popular team sports in the United States. It is also one of the most lucrative sports, with some of the highest paid athletes in the world. But one of the key elements of the sport is how much is a touchdown worth?
What is a Touchdown?
Touchdown is a term used in football to refer to a score awarded when a player crosses the goal line with the ball or catches a pass in the end zone. A touchdown is worth six points and is the most valuable scoring play in the game of football.
Why is a Touchdown Worth Six Points?
The six-point value of a touchdown is not random. In fact, it has a long history that is rooted in the early days of the sport. Football was first developed in the late 1800s, and the rules of the game were designed to be similar to rugby. At that time, a touchdown was worth four points.
In 1912, the college football rules committee decided to change the point value of a touchdown. They increased the value from four points to six points, and the new value has remained in place ever since. The primary reason for the change was to make touchdowns more valuable than field goals, which were the most common form of scoring at the time.
What Other Points can be Scored in Football?
In addition to touchdowns, there are several other ways to score points in football. A field goal is worth three points and is awarded when the ball is kicked through the uprights of the goalpost. A safety is worth two points and is awarded when the defense tackles an offensive player in the end zone. And a point-after-touchdown (PAT) is worth one point and is awarded after a successful touchdown.
How Does the Value of a Touchdown Affect the Game?
The value of a touchdown has a huge impact on the way the game is played. Teams often prioritize touchdowns over other forms of scoring, as the six points awarded for a touchdown are more valuable than any other form of scoring. As a result, teams will often attempt to gain as many yards as possible and move the ball closer to the end zone, rather than attempting a field goal or a PAT.
Conclusion
A touchdown is worth six points in football, and it is the most valuable scoring play in the game. The value of a touchdown has a huge impact on the way the game is played, as teams often prioritize touchdowns over other forms of scoring. Understanding how much is a touchdown worth can help you make better decisions when watching or playing football.