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Image by Jay Wennington

The NFL Season is All About BBQ

Classic NFL BBQ is always a crowd-pleaser
By - BBQBossMan

When the NFL season kicks off, it’s not just about touchdowns and rivalries—it’s also about the BBQ. Game-day grilling is a time-honored tradition, blending smoky flavors, cold drinks, and the excitement of football. The best BBQ during the NFL season is all about crowd-pleasing comfort food, bold flavors, and easy-to-eat options that keep fans satisfied from kickoff to the final whistle.


The Game-Day BBQ Mindset

NFL season BBQs are all about energy and atmosphere. Whether you’re tailgating outside the stadium or grilling at home with friends, the food should be hearty, handheld, and full of flavor. This isn’t the time for delicate plating or fussy techniques—it’s about smoky ribs, juicy burgers, sizzling sausages, and saucy wings that pair perfectly with cheering and high-fives.


The best BBQ setups during football season focus on efficiency and variety. You want to cook dishes that can feed a crowd and hold up well over time, especially when the game runs long or into overtime. Think of foods that taste just as good hot off the grill as they do after sitting for a few minutes—like pulled pork sliders, smoked sausages, or grilled chicken thighs.


Top BBQ Picks for NFL Sundays

  • Smoked Ribs: A true crowd favorite. Season them with a dry rub the night before and let them cook low and slow until tender. Brush with your favorite sauce in the final minutes for that perfect sticky glaze.

  • Burgers & Brats: Simple, customizable, and classic. Offer a toppings bar with cheese, onions, pickles, and special sauces so everyone can build their own masterpiece.

  • Pulled Pork Sandwiches: Smoke a pork shoulder the day before and reheat it on game day. Serve on soft buns with slaw for crunch and tang.

  • Grilled Chicken Wings: Toss them in a mix of BBQ sauce, buffalo, or garlic-parmesan for variety. Wings are the ultimate finger food for game-day snacking.

  • Smoked Sausages & Hot Links: Easy to grill, easy to share, and packed with flavor. Serve them sliced with BBQ sauce or tucked into buns.


Recipes you will enjoy on game day!

Bourbon Style BBQ Chicken Wings

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs


Sides and Extras

Great BBQ is more than just meat—it’s the full plate. Add grilled corn on the cob, mac and cheese, baked beans, and coleslaw for balance. A few veggie options like grilled peppers or portobello mushrooms will also win over non-meat eaters.


Tips for a Winning Game-Day Grill

Prep ahead: Season meats, chop veggies, and set up sauces before guests arrive.

  • Keep it simple: Stick with recipes that don’t require constant attention so you can enjoy the game.

  • Use a thermometer: Ensures everything cooks safely, especially when juggling multiple dishes.

  • Stay warm: Use foil pans or warming trays to keep food hot throughout the game.


The Final Whistle

The best BBQ during the NFL season isn’t just about the food—it’s about the experience. It’s the smell of smoke in the air, the sound of sizzling meat, and the camaraderie of fans gathered around the grill. When the BBQ is done right, every game day feels like a win—even if your team doesn’t cover the spread.


These are just a few ideas for a summer BBQ menu, but the options are endless. Remember to have fun, be creative, and enjoy the company of your friends and family while grilling up some delicious food.


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