American football

American football, often just called football in the United States and Canada, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players. The goal is to move an oval-shaped ball down a field and score points by getting it into the other team's end zone for a touchdown or by kicking it through the opponent's goalposts for a field goal. The team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

The sport began in the United States and developed from soccer and rugby. The first game was played on November 6, 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton. Over time, new rules were added, such as the forward pass, which changed the game. Today, American football is very popular in the United States, especially at the college and professional levels, with the National Football League and its championship game, the Super Bowl, being watched by many people around the world.

While American football is most popular in the United States, it is also growing in other countries like Europe, Brazil, and Japan. A version of the sport called flag football will even be included in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Etymology and names

Main article: Football (word)

In the United States, American football is called "football." This name was set in 1876 when the game changed from soccer-style rules to rugby-style rules. Even though it could have been called "rugby," Harvard chose to keep the name "football." In countries where other types of football are popular, like the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia, people often use the terms "gridiron" or "American football" instead.

History

Early history

Main article: Early history of American football

American football came from sports like rugby and soccer. Rugby is a game where teams try to control a ball and score points by kicking it through goalposts or running with it.

The first American football game happened on November 6, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton. Teams had 25 players and used a round ball that could only be kicked or hit, not carried. Rutgers won 6–4. For years, schools had their own rules. In 1873, schools like Yale, Columbia, Princeton, and Rutgers met to make standard rules. Teams were reduced to 20 players, and field sizes were set.

Harvard liked a style of rugby where players could carry the ball. After playing with McGill University, they liked the Canadian style with 11 players, running with the ball, and using an oval ball. This style became popular. These schools formed the Intercollegiate Football Association. Yale’s Walter Camp changed rules in 1880, reducing teams to 11 players and introducing the snap to replace the scrimmage.

Evolution of the game

The snap led to a new strategy. Players could hold the ball to stop the other team from scoring. In 1881, Yale and Princeton used this, resulting in a 0–0 tie. To fix this, rules were changed in 1882 to give teams three downs to advance the ball 5 yards. If they failed, the other team got the ball. This made American football different from rugby. Other changes included reducing the field size, changing scoring, allowing tackling below the waist, and creating a line of scrimmage.

Football was still rough, and injuries happened. In 1905, 19 players died, leading President Theodore Roosevelt to threaten to end the sport. New rules were made, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) was formed.

The forward pass was allowed in 1906 but had limits. Other changes included reducing game time to 60 minutes, increasing the required yards for a first down to 10 yards, creating a neutral zone, adjusting scoring, shortening the field to 100 yards, adding 10-yard end zones, giving teams four downs, and introducing the roughing the passer penalty.

Professional era

Main articles: History of American football and American football in the United States

On November 12, 1892, Pudge Heffelfinger was paid to play for the Allegheny Athletic Association, marking the first known payment to a player. Over time, professional football grew, leading to higher salaries and the formation of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920. The NFL aimed to stop bidding wars for players and prevent the use of college players.

The NFL gained recognition in 1925 when the Pottsville Maroons beat Notre Dame all-stars. The passing game became more important in the late 1930s. The 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants was a huge success and boosted football’s popularity. By the 1960s, football was America’s most popular sport.

In 1960, the American Football League (AFL) started to compete with the NFL. The AFL introduced new ideas and signed top players. The two leagues merged in 1970, creating the Super Bowl.

Modern era of college football

Before 1956, NCAA schools were split into two groups. In 1978, Division I was divided into NCAA Division I-A (now FBS) and Division I-AA (now FCS). The FCS uses playoffs, while the FBS uses bowl games. The College Football Playoff replaced earlier systems in 2014 to decide the national champion.

In 2021, colleges began allowing players to earn money for using their names, images, and likenesses (NIL), ending the old rule that players could not be paid.

Teams and positions

A football game is played between two teams of 11 players each. Teams can change players between plays for different tasks. The number of players a team can have changes by league.

Each player wears a special number on their uniform. These numbers help organize players and follow rules.

Women can play football at many levels, though most players are men. No women have played in the top professional league, but some have played in school and college games.

The team's goal is to move the ball down the field and score a touchdown.

Players line up in certain ways before the play starts. The main players who move the ball are the quarterback, who leads the team, the running back, who carries the ball, and the fullback, who helps block for the runner. The offensive line protects the quarterback and helps the runners.

The main players who catch passes are the wide receivers and tight ends.

The team's goal is to stop the other team from scoring by tackling the player with the ball or taking the ball away.

The defensive line tries to stop runs and pressure the quarterback. Linebackers help lead the defense and tackle players. The defensive backfield, including cornerbacks and safeties, tries to stop passes and runs from going far down the field.

The special teams unit handles kicks. They try to score points with field goals and kickoffs, while the other team tries to block these kicks or catch them and run back down the field.

Special teams have specific roles for kicking and catching the ball.

Rules

Scoring

In football, the team with the most points at the end of the game wins. There are several ways to score. A touchdown is worth six points and happens when the ball is moved into the other team's end zone. After a touchdown, the team can try to score one more point with a kick or two points with another play.

A field goal is worth three points and is scored by kicking the ball through the goalposts. A safety is worth two points and happens when the team with the ball is tackled in their own end zone. The other team gets the points and must kick the ball back.

Field and equipment

Football games are played on a rectangular field that is 120 yards long and 53 and a third yards wide. There are lines on the field to show where players can move and score. Goalposts are at each end of the field.

The football is an oval-shaped ball made of leather. It is inflated and weighs between 14 to 15 ounces. The size of the ball can be a little different depending on the level of play.

Duration and time stoppages

Football games last for 60 minutes in professional and college play, split into four 15-minute quarters. High school games are 48 minutes long with four 12-minute quarters. There is a break called halftime between the second and third quarters. Before the game starts, there is a coin toss to decide some rules about kicking and goals.

The game clock shows how much time is left, and there are stops for breaks and incomplete plays. Games often last longer than the set time because of these stops.

Advancing the ball and downs

The team with the ball can move it forward by running with it or throwing it. They get four tries, called downs, to move the ball at least ten yards. If they succeed, they get another set of four downs. If they don’t, the other team gets the ball.

On the fourth down, the team usually kicks the ball to the other team, called a punt, or tries to score a field goal if they are close enough.

Kicking

There are two main types of kicks: scrimmage kicks, done during normal play, and free kicks, done after certain events like the start of a half. On a kickoff, the ball is kicked from a specific spot to start play. The team that receives the kick can catch or run with the ball.

Scrimmage kicks include place kicks, drop kicks, and punts. Place kicks are the most common way to score points. After a kick, the receiving team can run with the ball if they catch it behind the line where the kick was made.

Officials and fouls

See also: Official (American football), Chain crew, and Penalty (gridiron football)

Officials watch the game to make sure the rules are followed and to keep track of time. They wear special uniforms and carry flags to signal when a rule is broken, called a foul. Each official has a different job to watch different parts of the game.

There is also a chain crew that helps measure how far the ball has been moved to see if the team has earned another set of downs. They use sticks and a chain to show the distance.

Safety and brain health

See also: Protective equipment in gridiron football and Health issues in American football

Football is a full-contact sport, and injuries can happen. Players wear special equipment like a football helmet and shoulder pads to stay safe. Some leagues also require extra padding like thigh pads, knee pads, and mouthguards.

Injuries can affect different parts of the body, often the knees or other lower body areas. Common injuries include strains, sprains, bruises, and concussions. Repeated concussions can affect a person's health later in life. Programs like USA Football’s "Heads Up Football" teach safer ways to play and wear equipment properly.

The NCAA suggests ways to reduce injuries, such as limiting full-contact practices and giving players time to rest.

Leagues and tournaments

See also: Comparisons between the National Football League and NCAA football

The National Football League (NFL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are the biggest football leagues in the United States. The NFL started in 1920 and is now the most watched sport in the country. The NFL's biggest game is called the Super Bowl, where the best teams play for a special trophy.

College football is also very popular in the United States. The NCAA has three levels, and many colleges have their own teams. High school football is enjoyed by many young people in all 50 states.

Other professional leagues

Rival leagues

The American Football League (AFL) tried to compete with the NFL from 1960 to 1969. It became very popular and joined the NFL in 1970. Other leagues tried to compete later, but they did not last long.

Complementary national leagues

Some new leagues started in recent years, but many did not continue for long. The XFL began in 2001 but ended after one season. Another league, the United Football League (UFL), also did not last long. Recently, new leagues have started again, but they are still growing.

International play

American football is played in many countries, but it is most popular in the United States. Canada, Mexico, and Japan enjoy the sport, while it is growing in places like Germany and the United Kingdom. The NFL has games in London and hopes to grow the sport around the world.

International governance and Olympics

American football is not yet an Olympic sport, but it was shown as a demonstration sport in 1932. Efforts are being made to make it an Olympic sport, especially with a version called flag football. Flag football for both men and women will be an Olympic sport starting in the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Popularity and cultural influence

United States

American football is very popular in the United States. Many people like to watch and play the sport. It is often called the most popular sport in the country. The Super Bowl, a big game each year, is watched by millions of people and feels like a special holiday for many.

Other countries

See also: American football in Australia, American football in Brazil, American football in Japan, and American football in the United Kingdom

American football is also enjoyed in other countries. In Canada, many people follow the sport closely. In Mexico, it has been popular for a long time. Japan started playing the sport in the 1930s, and it has grown since then. The sport is also watched and played in places like the United Kingdom, Brazil, and even in China. Each country has its own way of enjoying the game.

Related sports and variations

Canadian football

Canadian football is very similar to American football and is the main type of football played in Canada. Both sports come from rugby and have some important differences. In Canadian football, the field is bigger, teams get only three tries instead of four to move the ball forward, and there are twelve players on each team instead of eleven. The Canadian Football League (CFL) is the biggest league for this sport in Canada.

Variations

There are many different ways to play football. Some indoor leagues have smaller teams and fewer fans. Schools with fewer students can play versions of football with fewer players, like nine-man or six-man football. Flag football is a popular version where players wear flags instead of tackling each other, making it safer and open to everyone. Touch football is another version where players just need to touch the ball carrier to stop them. There is also wheelchair football, which adapts the game for people with physical disabilities.