Super Bowl 50!

Did you know that Deaf people have had an influence on football? With Super Bowl 50 this coming Sunday, we are reminiscing on the greatest thing Deaf people has contributed to the national sport of football.

It is always exciting to hear who will be singing the National Anthem at each Super Bowl the Deaf community is always more excited to see who will be SIGNING it! We’ve been honored to watch many Deaf people sign the national anthem, starting with Lori Hilary in 1992. Ever since, there has been a signer every year at the big game. We are familiar with the person signing the national anthem this year. She is a well-known member of the Deaf community – Marlee Matlin!

Furthermore, did you know most of the gestures coaches and players use to call out plays are derived from American Sign Language? Look closely at the sidelines during the big game; you will be able to catch some quick signs on the sidelines. It pays to know some ASL!

Speaking of being on the sidelines, Derrick Coleman has become a household name, especially here in Washington. He is the first deaf player to play offense on a NFL team.   Coleman plays alongside Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback. If you watch the huddles closely, you can see Wilson always trying to make the huddle accessible for Coleman. Wilson looks at Coleman directly and enunciates his plays clearly enough for lip reading over the loud crowds.

 

We have signed National Anthems, gestures to call out plays, and Derrick Coleman—but the best of all? The origin of the football huddle.

Wait, what?

Yes, this is a fact that we, Deaf people, take HUGE pride in! The huddle was first used by Paul Hubbard, a quarterback from Gallaudet University (formerly Gallaudet College), in the 1890’s to prevent the other team from seeing their signed plays.

All the things Deaf related to football has us ready to cheer on our favorites for Super Bowl 50!