American football is more than just a sport; it’s a cultural tradition with deep roots in U.S. history. The NFL, or National Football League, stands at the center of this tradition. Many fans wonder, when did the league begin or who founded it? To answer those questions, we look back to the early 20th century, when small-town teams and community passion gave rise to what would later become the world’s most famous football league.

This article explores the history of the NFL, from its humble beginnings to its rise as a global brand. We’ll cover the original teams, the first official football game, the league’s growth, and the achievements of the oldest franchises. By the end, you’ll see how the NFL transformed from a modest group of local clubs into a powerhouse shaping modern sports.

When Was the NFL Founded?

The league was officially established on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio. At that time, it wasn’t even called the NFL but was known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Just two years later, in 1922, it adopted the familiar name: the National Football League.

The creation of the organization came from a need to bring order to professional football. Before this, clubs often used different rules, and contracts frequently conflicted. The founders aimed to build a unified system where players, coaches, and teams could compete on equal terms.

The very first meeting took place in a small automobile showroom. Only a few representatives attended, yet their vision changed sports history. So, if you’ve ever wondered who was behind the league’s creation, the answer lies with a group of owners determined to bring structure and stability to the game.

NFL Popularity and Modern Entertainment Links

The NFL today is not just about football—it connects with wider entertainment and lifestyle industries. Fans often enjoy pre-game shows, fantasy football, and even promotions tied to online gaming platforms. Some sites create campaigns around sports enthusiasm, offering perks like Stay casino no deposit bonus codes to attract users. This crossover highlights how the league’s reach extends beyond the field, blending sports culture with modern digital experiences. It shows that football’s influence is as much about community and excitement as it is about the game itself.

Who Were the Original NFL Teams?

Fans love to ask: What were the original NFL teams? The list goes back to 1920, when the league began with 14 teams. These were mostly small-town clubs from Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.

Here is a list of original NFL teams 1920:

• Akron Pros
• Canton Bulldogs
• Decatur Staleys (later became the Chicago Bears)
• Hammond Pros
• Muncie Flyers
• Rock Island Independents
• Rochester Jeffersons
• Buffalo All-Americans
• Chicago Tigers
• Cleveland Tigers
• Dayton Triangles
• Columbus Panhandles
• Detroit Heralds
• Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals)

Not all of these teams survived. Some folded within a few years due to financial struggles. But a few of them, like the Bears and Cardinals, became legendary names in the history of the NFL.

The First NFL Football Game

Many fans ask, when did the first NFL football game happen? The answer goes back to October 3, 1920, when the Dayton Triangles played against the Columbus Panhandles. Dayton secured the win with a 14-0 score.

That first matchup was nothing like the massive events we see today. No TV broadcasts, no packed stadiums with tens of thousands, only a small crowd watching from the stands. What truly mattered was the raw love for football. From this simple beginning, the NFL started a path that would later grow into one of America’s biggest sports leagues.

The Oldest NFL Teams Still Around

So, who is the oldest NFL team still active today? The Arizona Cardinals hold that honor. They began in 1898 as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago, long before the NFL even existed. When the league formed in 1920, they became one of its founding members.

The Chicago Bears are another team often mentioned in discussions about the oldest NFL franchise. Originally known as the Decatur Staleys, they joined in 1920 and moved to Chicago in 1921. Their transformation marked the rise of one of the most successful clubs in football history.

To put it simply:

• Oldest NFL team ever: Arizona Cardinals
• One of the oldest and most successful: Chicago Bears
• Oldest teams in the NFL still playing: Cardinals, Bears, Packers

How Did the NFL Start to Grow?

At first, the league was small and unstable. Teams folded regularly, and finances were weak. But things changed in the 1930s and 1940s. Radio broadcasts brought the game to millions of listeners. Soon after, television transformed the NFL into a national spectacle.

By the 1950s, NFL clubs started becoming household names. Stars like Johnny Unitas and Jim Brown helped fuel excitement. The 1960s brought another major shift with the rise of the AFL (American Football League). In 1970, the two leagues merged, creating the structure we see today.

So, if you’re wondering when did the NFL become popular, the answer lies in the post-war era, when television and star athletes turned football into America’s game.

NFL Achievements Through the Decades

Every NFL franchise has its story, but certain achievements shaped the league’s identity. Let’s highlight a few.

Key Achievements by Decade

These milestones show that the history of NFL is more than games—it’s about cultural influence and innovation.

Famous NFL Founders and Leaders

When people talk about the birth of the NFL in 1920, two figures always come to mind: George Halas and Jim Thorpe.

• George Halas – Known to fans as “Papa Bear,” Halas wasn’t only tied to the Chicago Bears. He was one of the driving forces behind turning a small football association into a national powerhouse. His vision, dedication, and leadership shaped what the NFL would later become.
• Jim Thorpe – Thorpe, celebrated as one of the greatest all-around athletes, became the league’s very first president. His reputation and star power gave the early NFL the credibility it desperately needed.
• Ralph Hay and Others – Ralph Hay, owner of the Canton Bulldogs, opened the doors of his car showroom for the very first league meeting. Alongside other team owners, he played a key role in setting up the foundation of professional football.

These pioneers did far more than create schedules or organize games. They laid down the structure for a sport that would grow into a national obsession. Without their boldness and willingness to take risks, football in America might look very different today.

Achievements of the Oldest NFL Teams

The Chicago Bears boast nine championships, including one Super Bowl victory. They produced legends like Walter Payton and Mike Ditka.

The Green Bay Packers are another powerhouse. They hold 13 championships, the most in NFL history. Their unique small-town identity makes them special in the history of the NFL.

The Arizona Cardinals, while not as decorated, remain important as the oldest NFL team. Their journey across Chicago, St. Louis, and Arizona mirrors the shifting landscape of American football.

How Long Has the NFL Been Around?

People often ask: How many years has the NFL been around? As of 2025, the NFL has been around for 105 years.

From its 1920 founding to modern times, the league grew from 14 clubs to 32. Its survival proves the strength of both its structure and its passionate fan base.

How the NFL Changed Sports Forever

The influence of this league reaches far beyond the playing field. It transformed football into America’s favorite pastime, reshaped college programs, revolutionized sports broadcasting, and even left its mark on fashion and advertising.

The story of its clubs is not just about touchdowns or championship trophies. It’s about building a culture that unites millions of fans every Sunday, creating traditions that go beyond the game itself.

Final Thoughts

The journey of professional football is one of persistence, creativity, and community spirit. From the earliest teams of 1920 to today’s global events, the league has traveled an extraordinary path. While the original franchises may look very different now, their influence is still present in every play on the field.

The key question is no longer when it began or who the founders were. What matters most is how it grew into a cultural icon—one that represents competition, unity, and achievement.

FAQs

1. When did the league first begin?
    It was established on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio.
2. What was the first professional team?
    The Arizona Cardinals, originally known as the Morgan Athletic Club, hold that distinction.
3. How many years has it existed?
    As of 2025, the league is 105 years old.
4. Who were the original founders back in 1920?
    A group of team owners, including George Halas and Ralph Hay, organized its creation.
5. Which franchise is the oldest still active today?
    The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as the longest-running continuous club.