The league
NFL stands for National Football League (NFL) and is the professional league for American football players. It started in 1920 (formerly called the American Professional Football Association) with 11 teams.
The NFL is divided into two conferences: American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC). There are 16 teams in each conference for a total of 32 teams in the entire league. The conferences were created in 1970 when the AFL and NFL merged.
In 1970, the conferences were divided into 3 divisions: East, Central, and Western. Today, each conference is divided into 4 divisions: North, South, East, and West.
History of the NFL and American Football
It's always good to know some history. Here are some highlights. If you're interested in more visit the NFL.com.
1869 - The first football game was played between Rutgers and Princeton. The game used modified rules from London Football Association but modern football uses modified rugby rules.
1876 - Walter Camp, the father of American Football, creates written rules for the game along with others. They officially accept the modified rugby rules.
1892 - William Heffelfinger became the first ever professional football player.
1893 - The first professional football contract was signed.
1920 - The American Professional Football Conference was formed. The Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears joined the conference and are the only teams still existing in the league.
1922 - American Professional Conference changed their name to National Football League (NFL).
1936 - The NFL held the first college draft. The American Football League was formed.
1939 - The first televised professional football game appeared on NBC.
1950 - The first Pro Bowl game was played.
1967 - The first AFL - NFL World Championship Game was played.
1969 - The World Championship became know as the Super Bowl.
1970 - AFL and NFL became the AFC and the NFC and merged under the NFL. There were 26 teams involved in the merger.
1973 - A jersey numbering system was created according to the players on the field: 1-19 is reserved for quarterbacks, 20-49 is reserved for running backs and defensive backs, 50-59 is reserved for centers and linebackers, 60-79 is reserved for defensive linemen and interior offensive linemen, and 80 -89 is reserved for wide receivers and tight ends.
1980 - The first televised NFL draft.