A unique innovation borne out of a mishmash of earlier sports, American football had its start in the mid-19th century. Its early years were instrumental in its future success as a pre-eminent sport in the United States.
-
-
American football traces its origins to two sports: soccer and rugby. In particular, Americans got ideas for the sport from England, where soccer and rugby involved kicking a ball at a goal and/or running one over a line.
-
In 1867, Princeton University began to introduce rules for the sport, gaining inspiration from the association regulations in English sports. On Nov. 6, 1869, Princeton and neighboring Rutgers University played what is considered the first official American football game. Rutgers won, 6 to 4.
-
In 1876, Princeton, Rutgers, Columbia and Yale established the Intercollegiate Football Association (IFA). From there, the game spread to other campuses, and modifications were made over the next few years, usually to curb the increasing levels of violence.
-
Walter Camp (1859 to 1925), who played for Yale, is considered the father of American football. He created the line of scrimmage and the quarterback position, among other innovations.
-
The National Football League was formed 1920 as football's professional arm. It would become the pre-eminent football association in the U.S. as the 20th century witnessed the modernization of the sport.
Read Next:
-
How do I Play American Football?
American football is a very difficult sport to play. While the physical demands are extremely taxing, the mental part of the game...
-
African American History Games for Children
African American History Games for Children. Little known facts in African American history are available to children through fun games and puzzles....
-
The History of Football
Many historians trace the beginnings of football to a combination of soccer and rugby, and oftentimes the history of football is said...
-
History of Professional Football
The American Football Conference emerged as an alternative to the NFL in 1960, with teams in major cities such as New York...
-
Touch Football Rules for Kids
Touch Football Rules for Kids. Football has its roots within early American history---dating back to the latter half of the 19th century....
-
The History of Football Shoes
Anyone remotely interested in football knows what soccer shoes look like, but have you ever thought about their history? The history of...
-
Kids Activities for Learning American History
Kids Activities for Learning American History. The presidents of the United States, various wars, the first man on the moon--these are just...
-
American History Games for Elementary Children
American history, for many, evokes scenes of the Gettysburg Address or the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Teachers may find it...
-
Overview of the Rules of American Football
Basic football rules: playing football 101 - Learn how football works, with an introduction to the basic rules of American football in...
-
The History of Football Shoulder Pads
American football is a rough and violent game. Early players wore no helmets or pads. Injuries and deaths led to rule changes...
-
North America Football History
Teams from Rutgers and Princeton universities played the first public game of North American Football on Nov. 6, 1869. The game was...
-
The History of Modern Football
The National Football League was not always as wildly successful as it is now. The league's beginnings trace back to 1922 when...
-
History of Gaelic Football
Gaelic football is a popular field sport played in Ireland. It's been described as a mix between rugby and soccer. Players score...
-
Activities on Early American Explorer History
An important component of the social studies curriculum for many fourth- and fifth-grade students in the United States is the exploration and...
-
How to Understand the Rules of American Football
American football is a complex game that dates back to the 1890s with major changes in the 20th century--the most notable change...
-
History of Football Pads
While modern football players often head to the gridiron wearing padding pretty much from head to toe, this was not always the...
-
Playing American Football
American football was actually derived from the English sport of Rugby. Both rugby and American football are alike in that there is...
-
Famous Fathers and Sons
Helen Rowland put it best by saying, "A man's desire for a son is usually nothing but the wish to duplicate himself...
