History of American Football

By xZaKoTiKx

  • 19th Century: Origins

    First intercollegiate football game: Rutgers vs. Princeton, using rules closer to soccer than modern football

  • 19th Century: Origins

    Formation of the Intercollegiate Football Association (IFA) to standardize rules

  • 19th Century: Origins

    Walter Camp, known as the "Father of American Football," introduces the line of scrimmage and snap from the center

  • 19th Century: Origins

    Introduction of the down-and-distance system (3 downs to gain 5 yards)

  • Early 20th Century: Growth and Safety

    Several player deaths lead to calls for reform; President Theodore Roosevelt intervenes

  • Early 20th Century: Growth and Safety

    Legalization of the forward pass to reduce violent collisions

  • Early 20th Century: Growth and Safety

    Formation of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which becomes the NFL in 1922

  • Early 20th Century: Growth and Safety

    NFL introduces goal posts at the back of the end zone and division of teams into conferences

  • Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Popularity

    Launch of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC); some teams later join the NFL

  • Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Popularity

    First NFL championship game broadcast on television, called the "Greatest Game Ever Played," boosting football's popularity

  • Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Popularity

    Formation of the American Football League (AFL) as a competitor to the NFL

  • Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Popularity

    Agreement for the AFL-NFL merger; creation of the Super Bowl

  • Mid-20th Century: Expansion and Popularity

    First Super Bowl (AFL vs. NFL) played

  • Late 20th Century: Modern Era

    NFL-AFL merger completed, forming the modern NFL structure with AFC and NFC conferences

  • Late 20th Century: Modern Era

    Introduction of Monday Night Football, further increasing nationwide viewership

  • Late 20th Century: Modern Era

    First NFL player's strike, highlighting labor issues

  • Late 20th Century: Modern Era

    Replacement players used during strike, emphasizing tensions between players and league

  • 21st Century: Global Reach and Innovation

    Realignment into 8 divisions with 4 teams each (current NFL structure)
  • Period: to

    21st Century: Global Reach and Innovation

    Advances in safety rules, especially targeting concussions and helmet-to-helmet hits
  • Period: to

    21st Century: Global Reach and Innovation

    Growing interest in women's football leagues and international expansion efforts