Sports fans rejoice! For the first time ever the Super Bowl will be streamed online. The National Football League (NFL) announced Super Bowl 2012 will be shown for free on NBCSports.com and NFL.com. Plus, Verizon Wireless customers will also be able to catch all the action on their Smartphones for free using the league’s mobile app.

The online streaming experience won’t be limited to just the Super Bowl. Post-season NFL games including wild card games and the Pro Bowl will be streamed as well.

Through an exclusive deal with the NFL, Verizon is the only cellular carrier that offers NFL games on phones and tablets.Officials say they do not expect online viewership to have an effect on the television audience.

“We don't want to limit ourselves to people not in front of the TV,” said Rick Cordella, Vice President of NBC Sports Digital Media. “The playoffs are appointment viewing, people schedule their day around it. By adding multiple camera angles, HD-quality video, DVR controls along with social interactivity, our online streaming represents a compelling, second-screen experience that nicely complements NBC's on-air presentation.”

The playoffs start January 7 and the Super Bowl is scheduled for February 5th in Indianapolis.