- 01Invented: Knee injuries, concussions
- 02Common Injuries: Gridiron, American Football
- 03Nicknames: 11
- 04Players in a Team: Youth, college, professional, arena, semi-pro
- 05Types: Anne Hathaway
- 06Founder: Walter Camp
- 07NFL Championship: Super Bowl
- 08Most Passing Touchdowns (NFL): Peyton Manning
- 09Most Touchdowns: Jerry Rice
- 10Most Yards Thrown (NFL): Brett Favre
- 11Most Championships: Green Bay Packers
- 12Most Super Bowl Wins: Pittsburgh Steelers
American Football Evolved from Soccer and Rugby
The original game of American Football looked like a mix of soccer and rugby. It involves an oval-shaped ball called a football. The objective of the game is to get the ball into the end zone for a touchdown. This is normally accomplished by having the quarterback throw the ball to another player, who then runs it into the end zone or passes it to another player. The opposing team attempts to stop play by tackling players or intercepting the ball. Each touchdown is worth six points.
The First Football Game Was Played in 1869 Between Rutgers and Princeton
Football facts tell us the first football game was played in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton in New Jersey. At the time, the rules did not resemble the modern game we are used to seeing. Eleven years later in 1880, Walter Camp codified the game with a series of rules, including team size and the system of downs. He is widely considered the father of football, though his rules have since been modified.
Football Is the Most Popular Game in the United States
Football might have a short season of just 17 weeks, but that doesn’t stop people from watching in droves, tailgating at arenas and cheering for their favorite teams. Football facts show the sport is the most popular American game and its championship, the Super Bowl, the most watched television event of the year.
The NFL Governs Professional Play in the United States
The National Football League (NFL) began in 1920. At the time, it was called the American Professional Football Association. The head of the NFL is the commissioner. The NFL is tasked with ensuring that the rules of the game are being followed. They also organize the Super Bowl. The NFL currently organizes 256 games over 17 weeks. The first game generally takes place the week following Labor Day and the season ends around New Year’s Day. The regular season is then followed by postseason games to determine conference champs. The Super Bowl is held in late January or in February.
The Super Bowl Is the Championship NFL Football Game
Every year, the winners of the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference face off in the NFL championship game, the Super Bowl. One of the most popular sports events in the United States, the Super Bowl marks the end of the football postseason. Football facts show the 2015 Super Bowl was the most watched television event in United States history.