Why football players hold up four fingers?

Answer 1

The four fingers represent the statement that "The Fourth Quarter is Ours." This gesture has been copied by many college (and high school) teams after being originated by the Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant-coached teams at the University of Alabama in the 1970s.

Contrary to some falsely held beliefs, former Miami Hurricanes coach jimmy Johnson did NOT originate the practice during the 1980s.

I remember Arkansas Razorback fans using the four finger "Fourth Quarter is Ours" gesture during the 1960's. If I remember correctly we Arkansas fans began using this sign after winning the first 2 games of the 1964 season with fourth quarter comebacks. It may have been suggested by coach Frank Broyles.

It definitely did not originate in the 1970's.

Jimmy Johnson was a starter on the 1964 Arkansas Razorbacks & may have taken the historic gesture to Miami with him.