How long is halftime in the NFL? Find out the details here.
NFL halftime is one of those little pockets of calm in a game that’s anything but. It’s not just for players to catch their breath—it’s where games can flip. Where strategies change. Where coaches light fires, or put them out. But how long do they actually get for all of this? Spoiler: not long.
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According to the NFL rulebook, halftime lasts 13 minutes. While it’s challenging to keep it to the exact second, the second half typically kicks off within 15 minutes of the first half’s end. This short interval allows teams to regroup and adjust their game plans. Players head to their respective locker rooms, where coaches provide tactical advice, and team personnel address injuries and recovery needs.
In comparison, college football offers a longer halftime, lasting 20 minutes. This additional time gives college teams more room to reset and strategize.
Historically, halftime in the NFL was 15 minutes long, matching the duration of a quarter. However, in 1990, the league reduced it to 13 minutes. The change aimed to streamline game flow and accommodate TV broadcast schedules, which had become an essential part of the NFL experience.
Before this adjustment, halftime length occasionally varied based on referee discretion or agreements between teams. The shift to a standardized 13 minutes highlights the growing importance of keeping games tightly timed for fans and broadcasters alike.
Yes, the NFL includes a two-minute warning in both the second and fourth quarters. This automatic timeout occurs when the game clock hits the two-minute mark. Initially, the two-minute warning served as a practical signal for teams, dating back to when there were no visible game clocks in stadiums. Officials would notify team captains as time wound down.
As technology advanced and the stadium clock became official in the 1960s, the two-minute warning evolved into a strategic tool. It’s often treated as an additional timeout, allowing teams to plan critical plays. Additionally, the break provides space for commercials, adding monetary value for broadcasters.
While halftime lasts 13 minutes, much of that time is spent navigating the tunnels to and from the locker rooms. Former Saints coach Sean Payton explained in 2013 that players focus on hydration and quick discussions with coaches rather than detailed strategy adjustments. “Guys are getting something to drink, going to the bathroom, and we [coaches] talk amongst ourselves about a few things we want to hit on,” he shared.
Despite its brevity, halftime can still shift the game’s momentum. For example, during last season’s NFC Championship, the San Francisco 49ers used halftime to rally and overturn a significant 24-7 deficit against the Lions.
For most playoff games, halftime remains 13 minutes long. The Super Bowl, however, is an exception. Due to the halftime show, which features elaborate performances, the break lasts significantly longer—between 25 and 30 minutes. Setting up and dismantling the stage adds to the time, making Super Bowl halftime unique compared to regular games.
NFL Thanksgiving games have extended halftimes due to musical performances. These shows typically add six to seven minutes to the usual break. For example, this year, performers like Shaboozey, Lainey Wilson, and Lindsey Stirling are slated to take center stage during halftime, extending the duration to about 20-30 minutes.
The additional time accommodates the setup and teardown of stages, making Thanksgiving halftimes stand out from regular games.
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Beyoncé will perform during the NFL’s Christmas Day game between the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, streaming on Netflix. She’ll showcase tracks from her Grammy-nominated album Cowboy Carter, which earned 11 nominations, making her the most-nominated artist in history with 99 total nods.
Netflix hinted at guest appearances by album collaborators like Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and Shaboozey. Beyoncé previously headlined Super Bowl halftime shows in 2013 and 2016.
The Texans-Ravens game starts at 4:30 p.m. ET, while Netflix also streams an earlier matchup between the Chiefs and Steelers.
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