Football Crossword Puzzles: Free Printable and Online

Tackle our challenging Football crossword puzzles at Grid Genius and test your knowledge of NFL history, legendary players, and iconic gridiron moments.

Print any football crossword below, download it as a PDF, or play it online. Free, and no signup is needed to play.

4 puzzles, click Print on any puzzle below

nfl football

Easy · 7×7 · 6 words
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Printing for a class?

Print 2 or 4 versions of this puzzle with different grid layouts, so desk neighbors cannot copy answers. Same words and clues, and each version has its own answer key. Class sets are a Plus feature in the Grid Genius app.

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Across

  1. 1. How a player starts the game or scores a field goal
  2. 5. One of four periods in a game
  3. 6. Where the players stand before the snap

Down

  1. 2. The player who snaps the ball to the leader
  2. 3. Units used to measure distance on the grass
  3. 4. The bird mascot for the Baltimore team

Football

Hard · 15×15 · 20 words
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Printing for a class?

Print 2 or 4 versions of this puzzle with different grid layouts, so desk neighbors cannot copy answers. Same words and clues, and each version has its own answer key. Class sets are a Plus feature in the Grid Genius app.

Make a class set →
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Across

  1. 2. The attack force seeking the goal
  2. 5. A cold breeze or a fresh selection of talent
  3. 7. Sow's casing for a spiral flight
  4. 9. A bird's call list of active players
  5. 11. Kick the bucket, or just the ball, to survive
  6. 13. Coin returned for a shot caller
  7. 16. Fishing gear used to stop the run
  8. 17. The musical pause between thirty-minute halves
  9. 18. A quick break or the start of the clock
  10. 19. The danger area where twenty becomes zero
  11. 20. The wall that refuses to break

Down

  1. 1. A quarterback's unwelcome bed
  2. 3. Two points for an unfortunate retreat
  3. 4. The second look that might overturn history
  4. 6. A knee in the grass that resets the drive
  5. 8. Theft committed in mid-air
  6. 10. Middleman between the front and the deep
  7. 12. A practice scuffle at the line
  8. 14. Measurement of the gain or loss on the turf
  9. 15. Loud enough to change your mind at the line

Football

Medium · 11×11 · 12 words
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Printing for a class?

Print 2 or 4 versions of this puzzle with different grid layouts, so desk neighbors cannot copy answers. Same words and clues, and each version has its own answer key. Class sets are a Plus feature in the Grid Genius app.

Make a class set →
1
2
3
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Across

  1. 1. One of two vertical posts on the goal
  2. 4. The total distance gained through play
  3. 5. A strategic kick to flip the field
  4. 7. One who waits downfield for the spiral
  5. 10. Taking down the passer behind the line
  6. 11. A premature leap across the line

Down

  1. 2. A secretive gathering before the snap
  2. 3. To steal a pass intended for another
  3. 6. The traditional way to start a half
  4. 8. An athlete in their first professional season
  5. 9. The official list of active players
  6. 10. The center's backward delivery

Football

Easy · 7×7 · 7 words
Play online →

Printing for a class?

Print 2 or 4 versions of this puzzle with different grid layouts, so desk neighbors cannot copy answers. Same words and clues, and each version has its own answer key. Class sets are a Plus feature in the Grid Genius app.

Make a class set →
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Across

  1. 1. The round object that players kick during the match
  2. 5. Shoes with spikes on the bottom for grip
  3. 7. People who watch and cheer for their favorite team

Down

  1. 2. The strings used to tie a football or shoe
  2. 3. To throw or kick the ball to a teammate
  3. 4. To earn a point for your team
  4. 6. A group of players working together

Make your own Football crossword

Turn your own word list into a crossword with the free Grid Genius maker. Print it with an answer key or share a playable link with your class. No account needed.

Make your own Football crossword

Related Printable Crossword Topics

Football Crossword FAQ

Is this Football crossword puzzle free?

Yes. Every Football crossword on this page is free. You can print it, download it as a PDF, or play it online without paying anything or creating an account.

Can I print the Football crossword?

Yes. Click Print on any puzzle for a print-ready page with the grid, the clues, and a name and date line, or use Download to save it as a PDF, PNG, or JPEG for photocopying. The PDF download includes a filled answer key on the last page for grading.

Can students play these crosswords online?

Yes. Every puzzle has a Play online link that opens in the browser on any device. No app install and no signup is needed to play, which makes it easy to share with a class.

Can I make my own Football crossword?

Yes. The free Grid Genius crossword maker builds a puzzle from your own words and clues, with a printable grid and answer key. The Grid Genius app can also generate a complete crossword from any topic you type.