On the surface, football appears to be a rather simple game. The offense is supposed to get a player holding a ball made of pigskin into the end zone, while the defense’s one goal is to bulldoze whoever is holding the ball into the turf. The simplicity quickly starts to disappear with the addition of numerous formations, intricate play-calling, elderly referees, coordinators and more than 100 rules. With all these extra factors, including commentators broadcasting the games, it is only natural that football’s many complexities yield amusing results on the field. Here are some of the funniest things I’ve witnessed (and continue to notice) in NFL football games:

• I find it hilarious when defensive players commit blatant penalties and then seem shocked and appalled when they get a flag for it. I know adrenaline takes over in the heat of the moment, but in some instances it’s just ridiculous. Once, I saw a quarterback throw the ball and stand there for at least five seconds before a defensive end barreled into him and introduced his face to the turf. It’s also great when a ball carrier runs out of bounds and thinks he is out of danger, only to get clocked by a way-too-eager linebacker. I just find defensive players’ attempts to complain about obvious fouls comical and stupid.

• The one penalty I don’t believe any team should ever commit is the “12 men on the field” rule. These players are professionals and hopefully capable of counting to 11. I can see it now: The quarterback is saying, “Okay, ace right z-dig x-shallow, on three everyone! Wait, Ted, what are you doing here? You’re a third down back! Wait, Wilhelm, you’re here too? What the hell? Get off the field!” It’s also funny to watch the obvious confusion in the huddle and then see players book it off the field.

• I’m well aware millions of viewers of all ages watch football, but sometimes the innocent and PG-rated banter of the announcers cracks me up. It’s great how they label on-field fights and confrontations as “minor disagreements” when the players are obviously talking major smack and cussing each other out. The best part is when a quarterback will throw a bad pass, and the camera will zoom to a close-up of him mouthing a blatant f-bomb, and the announcer will say, “He doesn’t look very happy, Tom.”

• Everything Chad Ochocinco does is entertaining. I know he has his share of detractors, but I love all his wild touchdown antics, whether it be donning the “Future Hall of Fame 20??” jacket or putting on a matching poncho and sombrero after scoring. He uses two key phrases when muttering to opposing cornerbacks. They are “Kiss the baby” which is Ochocinco’s equivalent to “It isn’t over until the fat lady sings,” while “Child, please” is basically the middle finger. Ochocinco is quite a character.

• NFL players are paid millions of dollars to perform at an optimum level for three hours per week. So obviously, coaches aren’t pleased when a wide-open receiver drops an easy pass. It’s amusing when the player, obviously dejected by his error, runs off the field right past the coach, who is screaming bloody murder into his ears.

I love the NFL, and I will continue to watch games not only for the great sport of football, but for the humorous antics and situations that inherently come with it.