2007-09-06 01:13:43 · 7 answers · asked by Jon H 1 in Sports ➔ Football (American)
The origin of the nickname goes back many years before 3 major events happened.
1) Before Tampa Bay was placed in the NFC Central
(since realignment, Tampa Bay has moved to the south, and the 4 original NFC central teams are in the renamed NFC North.)
2) Before the Vikings built a domed stadium
3) Before the Lions built a domed stadium.
So you had 4 teams (Minnesota, Detroit, Green Bay & Chicago) from cold, rugged winter climates. Therefore, they all built their teams to be able to survive and excell under these harsh conditions.
As a result, it wasn't uncommon to see games played in freezing conditions in December, on natural grass which has turned into mud, with snow falling to the ground, while 2 teams are pounding it out on the ground, the winner takes the division title.
This style of football gave the NFC Central (now the North), the nickname of "The Black & Blue Division", because of the bruising style of play.
2007-09-06 02:05:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Between the 60s-90s this was arguably the toughest division in the NFL. It was also the most pysical with the likes of Butkus, Nicshke, Dave robinson, Mike Singletary etc.. it was a very competitive and tough contest to play in the NFC North. Back in the early 90's the conference was so good it sent an average of 3 teams to the playoffs and in 1993 and 1994 all 4 teams went to the playoffs.
2007-09-06 08:57:03 · answer #2 · answered by calisurfer941 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This was waaay back before there was electricty, when there used to be some decent, smash-mouth teams in the NFC and the North Division was the toughest.
2007-09-06 16:18:49 · answer #3 · answered by Toe Cutter 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Back in the day of Butkus (Bears) this was a very tough and rugged division. They bruised each other badly every game. Thus the "black an blue". Also,...Bears, navy blue and burnt orange...Lions, light blue and silver...Vikings, (once) dark purple and yellow...the Packers(?)....green and yellow (?). The cold weather turns a person blue, as well.
2007-09-06 08:19:24 · answer #4 · answered by maxxed50 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NFC North is named the black and blue division for its correlation with hockey and climate
2007-09-06 08:21:49 · answer #5 · answered by WILLIEWOMPA 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
that goes back to the 1960s when the Pack, Bears and Viks has some real battles and fights on and off the field.
Just hung on the teams.
2007-09-06 09:27:17 · answer #6 · answered by Michael M 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i didnt know that
2007-09-06 08:44:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋