Football: The Other American Pastime

My dad and grandfather could be considered “football fanatics.” Much of my childhood memory is spending time with my dad and grandpa watching football and learning the rules of the game. I even asked for an automated (before electronic) football game as a Christmas present. Football often is a unifying festivity that brings families and friends together. While individuals may be cheering for opposing teams, there is usually amiable adversarial ribbing that adds to the entertainment of those emotionally engaged.

American Football Origins and Early Development

American football has evolved over more than a century. What we know as American football can be traced back to the late 1880s. The first intercollegiate football game occurred between Rutgers and Princeton on November 6, 1869. Football of that time actually was a combination between soccer and rugby.

Walter Camp introduced significant rule changes in the 1880s that included: establishment of the line of scrimmage, the systems of downs, and the concept of a set number of players per side.

The Rise of College and Professional Football

College football became very popular across the United States during the early 1900s. However, during the rise of football, there was a lack of safety initiatives. This led to President Theodore Roosevelt to push for reforms. His influence led to the formation of the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States in 1906. This organization was later renamed as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The first professional football player was William “Pudge” Heffelfinger who was paid $500 on November 12, 1892, playing for the Allegheny Athletic Association.

In 1920 the American Professional Football Association (APFA) was developed, and renamed the National Football League (NFL) IN 1922.

Significant Innovations of American Football

The NFL introduced a structured schedule and a championship game that eventually became what we recognize now. The NFL also introduced the forward pass rule that added to the excitement and unpredictability of the game.

The NFL and American Football League (AFL) merged in 1966 (the full merger of the AFL-NFL was completed in 1970), leading to the first AFL-NFL World Championship game in 1967, now known as the Super Bowl. This inaugural game was played between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Packers won with a 35-10 score.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded to the Super Bowl champion. This trophy honors the legendary Green Bay Packers and their coach who led his team to victories in the first two Super Bowls.

Football governance continues to negotiate technological advancement and rule changes to advance player safety.

Notable Dynasties

• 1970s: The Pittsburgh Steelers won four Super Bowls in six years (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980), and gained the title “Steel Curtain.”
• 1980s: The San Francisco 49ers, under quarterback Joe Montana, won four titles (1982, 1985, 1989, 1990).
• 1990s: The Dallas Cowboys secured three championships in four years (1993, 1994, 1996).
• 2000s: The New England Patriots, led by quarterback Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick won three Super Bowls in four years (2002, 2004, 2005) and continued with additional titles in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
• 2020s: The Kansas City Chiefs have rallied and been a formidable force winning Super Bowls in 2020, 2023, and 2024.

Super Bowl LIX 2025

February 9, 2025

The clash between the New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs is a continuing battle for team dominance in the 2000s.

However, the battle between the top two American football teams is now history. The Kansas City Chiefs, while fighting to stay alive, did not accomplish winning three Super Bowls in a row. The Philadelphia Eagles add another win to their 2000 Dynasty with a 40 point win over the Kansas City Chiefs’ 22 points.

Share with us your reflections on American football and the amount of focus that is given to this sport and how football has been or not been part of your family’s heritage.