American football and pizza—two seemingly unrelated entities that share a remarkable history of evolution and cultural significance. Let’s explore the origins of both, tracing their paths from humble beginnings to global phenomena. Then we’ll talk about how our “football special” at Tommy’s Pizza and Subs helps connect the two right here in the El Cajon/Santee CA area.
Pizza’s Humble Beginnings
It was in the narrow streets of 18th-century Naples, Italy, that pizza emerged as a simple, yet ingenious, culinary creation. Neapolitan peasants baked flatbread with tomatoes—a novelty at the time—creating the foundation for what we now know as pizza. Designed for portability, this delectable dish quickly gained popularity, transcending socioeconomic boundaries to become a beloved part of Italian cuisine.
In the centuries that followed, especially as Italian immigrants carried their pizza-making skills across oceans, the dish evolved. The New York slice, with its foldable, thin crust, became iconic. Meanwhile, Chicago deep-dish pizza, with its hearty layers of cheese and toppings, carved its own niche.
The Birth of American Football
Around the same time Italian immigrants brought pizza to American soil, a new sport was taking shape. While American football descends from rugby and association football, the sport as we know it began in the late 1800s. That’s when standardized rules allowed college teams across the country to embrace the game. Since then, American football has evolved into a national pastime, captivating fans from coast to coast . . . and around the world.
The Intersection of Pizza & American Football
The paths of pizza and American football soon converged, creating an inseparable link between touchdowns and slices.
Pizzerias strategically positioned themselves as a go-to destination for sports enthusiasts, offering convenient and tasty options for game day gatherings.
Who can resist the scent of freshly baked pizza? It’s become nearly synonymous with the thrill of a well-executed play.
At the same time, football stadiums recognized pizza’s universal appeal, welcoming it as a game-day staple. The joy of sharing a slice with fellow fans has become as integral to the football experience as cheers from the stands.
An Important Part of Gameday
Picture a Super Bowl party, pizza boxes stacked high as friends and family gather to witness the pinnacle of the sport. Picture also certain pizza styles and toppings. Whether it’s a classic pepperoni or a loaded meat lover’s, pizzas have become honorary players in the game-day lineup.
Likewise, pizza has become a symbol of gameday celebration. Whether consumed while tailgating or in homes and eateries, enjoying pizza and football together has become a near ritual.
Choose Pizza
The next time you settle in to watch a game, consider adding a slice of history to your game day feast. After all, nothing complements the thrill of football quite like a delicious slice of pizza.
If pizza is not your “thing,” though, rest assured that with Tommy’s we’ve got hot and cold subs, calzones, salads, and other Italian staples to interest your taste buds. As gameday—or any day, for that matter—approaches, be sure to stop by, call ahead, or order online. With Tommy’s, it’s easy to add pizza or some of our other delicious menu offerings to your football gameday menu.
Tommy’s 2023 Football Special
On Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays during the NFL season, get any large, two topping pizza from Tommy’s for just $20.99 plus tax. Or you can buy any two medium Tommy’s pizzas at their regular prices and get a third of equal or lesser value for free.
More Specials from Tommy’s
- Our popular “Monday Special” – two 14-inch pizzas with one topping for $26.99
- Tuesdays “$2 Pizza Slice Special”
- Our family favorite, “Family Special” – one large pizza with two toppings, one Italian torpedo sandwich, and one antipasto salad for $39.99
- Our “Spaghetti Dinner Special” – two spaghetti dinners plus garlic bread and two salads for $35.00.
