Football 101: 10 Basic Facts and Tips for Watching the Super Bowl, From an NFL Cheerleader

Denver Broncos cheerleader and 2024 SI Swimsuit rookie Berkleigh Wright shares her expertise.

Berkleigh Wright.Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Berkleigh Wright has cheered for the Denver Broncos for five seasons. She began her career seven years ago, going through the intensive multi-day tryout process and ultimately landing a spot on the squad. She took a couple years off before returning to the team, and each year she has to try out again, as a spot on the team is never a guarantee. 

The process has made her somewhat of an expert on the game of football. She—and everyone else at tryouts—is expected to know everything from the dimensions of the field and referee symbols to the injury report, along with every player’s name, number and the position they play.

The organization gives the prospects a “football 101” packet each year, which they’re expected to memorize ahead of the interview portion of the lengthy tryout process. With five years of Broncos cheerleading under her belt, Wright has acquainted herself with the rules of the game—which are ever-changing—and the specifics of the Broncos lineup.

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With Super Bowl LVIII coming up on Sunday, Feb. 11, we thought it worthwhile to catch up with Wright and share some of her expertise with you. Whether you’re an avid football fan or are new to the game, here are a few basic facts and pieces of advice for enjoying the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs matchup.

1. If you’re not a big football fan, don’t worry. It’s pretty simple to get a handle on once you start to watch games. Just jump in.

The easiest way to acquaint yourself with the game is to just start watching. If you want to get a better feel for football ahead of the Super Bowl, find recorded games from the season and study up!

Wright also recommends “pick[ing] a side so you can fully be invested in the game. I usually like cheering for the ‘underdog’ because it’s so fun to watch a Cinderella story!”

2. There are various articles and books detailing the basics of the game. Read up.

It’s not hard to find some “football basics” literature online. If you’re worried you’ll be lost during the Big Game, dig into the beginner guides beforehand.

Beyond that, Wright says: “Ask questions, watch with friends, pick a favorite player to follow and become invested in, make it fun!”

3. The Super Bowl has to contain one team each from the two conferences, the NFC and the AFC. So, certain matchups will never take place in the big game.

Understanding how the playoffs work could make for a more enjoyable viewing experience. Get a handle on how each team got to the big stage ahead of the game, she suggests.

5. Players change teams and are traded very often, and not only in the off season. 

Teams can look vastly different from year to year. Paying attention to trades and signing in the off season can be a fun way of prepping and getting excited for the next season, Wright says.

6. The cheerleaders do a lot more than just cheering. 

Aside from game day promos, they have a lot of responsibilities beyond getting “everyone pumped up.”

“One of the best things we do together is travel across seas on military tours through the ProTour Productions and Armed Forces Entertainment organizations,” Wright explains. “We get to give back to our serviceman and woman, and get to form friendships and bonds with NFL cheerleaders from other teams. It’s a truly rewarding experience.”

7. There are several basic rules and regulations that come up fairly often in football that are worth noting.

Memorizing every single rule and penalty might not be worth your time. But there are a few that might be worth noting ahead of the Super Bowl, Wright says.

• The points breakdown is as follows: 
• Touchdown: six points
• Extra points: one point
• Two-point conversions: two points
• Field goal: three points
• Safeties: two points
• There can only be 11 players from each team on the field at once. A team with too many players on the field will receive a penalty.
• There are several rules regarding uniforms and touchdown celebrations. If players fail to follow them, it will result in a penalty.

8. The cheerleaders spend a lot of time and energy prepping for each game.

Whether their teams make the Super Bowl or not, the cheer squads work hard. In addition to practicing their “set game day material,” they “typically have four or five new dances prepared for each game,” Wright says. “I have a game week regimen I like to follow that includes staying hydrated, eating healthy and hearty and lots of cardio workouts!”

9. Start with just one player. 

If you’re trying to get more excited about the game, find a player on one of the teams who attended your college or is from your hometown. From there, “learn their position, their techniques, their personality, what makes them good, what challenges they face in that position,” and so on, Wright recommends.

10. Sports have a way of bringing people together.

Lean into that by attending a Super Bowl party, Wright suggests. If you choose to watch, find some people to share the experience with, whether you’re football fanatics or beginners.

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