This category and its subcategories focus on American football, which is known simply as football in the United States and Canada.
American football is the most prominent form of gridiron football. Its history, complex gameplay, and widespread popularity have earned it a place in American culture and beyond.
The origins of American football can be traced back to the mid-19th century, evolving from a blend of soccer and rugby. The first recorded game resembling American football was played between Rutgers and Princeton universities on November 6, 1869. However, Walter Camp, often referred to as the Father of American Football, significantly shaped the game in the 1880s. Camp introduced key elements such as the line of scrimmage, the system of downs, and the scoring system, which differentiated American football from its predecessors.
The sport continued to evolve through the early 20th century, which saw the establishment of professional leagues and the standardization of rules. The National Football League (NFL), founded in 1920, emerged as the premier professional football league in the United States. The growth and popularity of the NFL have been unparalleled, making it a dominant force in American sports culture.
The NFL is the most well-known professional league, featuring 32 teams divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The league culminates in the Super Bowl, one of the most-watched sporting events globally.
In addition to the NFL, the United Football League (UFL) was established in 2009 as a minor league aimed at providing opportunities for players and coaches. It ceased operations in 2012. However, another league by the same name was created with the merger of the XFL and the United States Football League, starting play in 2024.
Internationally, American football has gained traction, with leagues such as the European League of Football (ELF) and the Japanese X-League.
College football is a significant aspect of American football, with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) overseeing the sport at the collegiate level. College football games often draw large crowds and generate substantial revenue for universities. The annual College Football Playoff determines the national champion.
High School football is equally significant, serving as a feeder system for college and professional leagues. Friday night games are a staple in many communities, fostering hometown pride and camaraderie. High School football also emphasizes player development and sportsmanship, laying the foundation for future success, even off the field.
Outside of the school programs, youth football leagues, such as Pop Warner and American Youth Football (AYF) introduce children to the game at an early age. These leagues focus on teaching fundamental skills, teamwork, and discipline. Safety is a primary concern, with organizations implementing measures to reduce the risk of injuries and promote a positive experience for young athletes.
American football is played on a rectangular field measuring 100 yards in length and 53.3 yards in width. The game is divided into four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes. Teams consist of 11 players on the field at a time, with specialized roles on offense, defense, and special teams.
The objective is to score points by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone for a touchdown (worth six points) or by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts for a field goal (worth three points). Teams can also score points through a safety, which occurs when the opposing team is tackled in their own end zone (worth two points).
The game begins with a kickoff, and teams alternate possession, attempting to move the ball down the field through a series of plays. The offense has four downs (attempts) to advance the ball at least ten yards. If successful, they earn a new set of downs. If they fail, possession is turned over to the opposing team.
American football, from the NFL to youth football leagues, is the focus of this category, or its subcategories.
Categories
College FootballHigh School FootballInternational Leagues | National Football LeagueUnited Football League |
Recommended Resources
The AFFL is a semi-professional flag football league that started in 2017. League players are not paid during the season, and most are amateurs; instead, cash prizes are awarded to the tournament winners. The league planned to launch a four-team pro league in 2024, but it later announced that the debut season would be delayed until 2025, with additional teams and a women's division. Men's pro teams, AFFL youth, videos, contacts, and an online store are provided.
https://affl.com/
The American Football Academy offers various programs and resources for football enthusiasts or coaches. They provide training courses like the "21 Day OC Development Program" and the "2 Day Offensive Playbook Course," which focus on improving coaching strategies and building comprehensive offensive systems. A free step-by-step tutorial entitled "Rapid OC Development Program" and a free program entitled "Dominating Defenses" are available with a name and email. Client testimonials are posted.
https://american-football-academy.com/
The magazine is tailored for football coaches, offering a wealth of resources like offensive and defensive strategies, drills, and program management tips. The publication also provides access to an extensive archive of coaching articles and videos. Despite the name, a subscription to the print version of the magazine offers six issues per year, five free coaching forms with each issue, and discounts on DVDs and other products. Subscriptions and renewals may be accomplished online.
https://americanfootballmonthly.com/
Dave Campbell's Texas Football
Available by subscription as a print magazine, Dave Campbell's Texas Football is a biannual magazine previewing American football teams in the state of Texas. It previews football teams in Texas at all levels, from the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans to college football and high schools in the state. Published since 1960, much of its content may be viewed through its website, sorted by various categories, such as recruiting and awards. Archives are also available.
https://www.texasfootball.com/
Elite American Football League
The EAFL is an adult amateur football league based in Florida. Its mission is to provide a platform built on discipline, structure, fairness, and opportunity for players and teams, to lead the way in adult amateur football across the nation. The league's AA and AAA divisions, schedules, standings, and players are highlighted, along with its history, videos, partners, and player resources, such as pro indoor football, Euro players information, and league news.
https://www.eaflusa.com/
Maintained by the FN Media Group, Football Nation offers live color radio broadcasts that keep fans connected, behind-the-scenes storytelling by rising stars and unsung heroes, competitive events that push athletes to their limits, and an online community of football enthusiasts. Its resources include football news, training camp information, and trivia covering a variety of topics related to football, such as the history of the NFL draft, the NFL Combine, and Time Rules.
https://www.footballnationusa.com/
PFR is an online statistics database for professional American football maintained by Sports Reference, an American sports statistics company that also publishes statistics for basketball, baseball, and hockey. The site provides career statistics for players, teams, and games, as well as records and NFL draft history. PFR was established independently by Doug Drinen in 2000 and became part of Sports Reference in 2007. Readers may browse by category or view the full site menu.
https://www.pro-football-reference.com/
Texas Association of Sports Officials
The TASO is an independent organization that provides support, resources, and training for sports officials in Texas. With more than 160 local chapters, TASO is one of the largest professional organizations for sports officials in the United States. They work closely with organizations like the University Interscholastic League (UIL) and the Texas High School Coaches Association to promote sportsmanship. Member services, a chapter directory, and game reporting are featured.
https://taso.org/
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Football is the governing body of American football in the United States. It is a member of the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) and a recognized sports organization of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. The organization selects and organizes the U.S. men's national team and the U.S. women's national team in federation-sanctioned international competitions, as well as the men's and women's flag football teams.
https://www.usafootball.com/
