What Was the First NFL Football Team?

By Sarah Miller · February 22, 2042

The first NFL football team was the Akron Pros, originally formed in 1908 as a semi-professional team and officially recognized as a founding franchise of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became the National Football League (NFL), in 1920.

Origins of the First NFL Team

The Akron Pros hold the distinction of being the first official team in what would become the NFL. Based in Akron, Ohio, the team began as the Akron Indians, an informal group of local athletes playing against regional rivals in the early 1900s. By 1920, they reorganized under the name Akron Pros and joined the newly established American Professional Football Association (APFA).

Formation of the APFA

The APFA was founded on August 20, 1920, during a meeting in Canton, Ohio, attended by representatives from ten teams across four states. This coalition aimed to bring structure and legitimacy to professional football, which had previously been fragmented and inconsistently organized.

The meeting took place at Ralph Hay's automobile dealership.
Jim Thorpe, a legendary multi-sport athlete, was named the league's first president.
The Akron Pros were among the 10 charter franchises.

Akron Pros: Key Facts and Achievements

The Akron Pros played a pivotal role in shaping early professional football. They were not only pioneers in joining the league but also demonstrated excellence on the field during its formative years.

1920 Championship Season

In the inaugural 1920 season, the Akron Pros went undefeated with an 8–0–3 record. Although tie games were common and the standings system was less formalized than today, the team was awarded the APFA championship in April 1921 for having the best record.

No playoff system existed; the champion was selected by a vote of team owners.
The Pros allowed only 7 points all season, showcasing dominant defense.
Fritz Pollard, one of the first African-American players and future co-coach of the Pros, was a key figure.

Team	Year Joined	Original Name	Final Record (1920)	Championship Recognition
Akron Pros	1920	Akron Indians	8–0–3	Yes
Canton Bulldogs	1920	Canton Bulldogs	7–4–2	No
Dayton Triangles	1920	Dayton Triangles	5–2–1	No
Rock Island Independents	1920	Rock Island Independents	6–2–1	No
Rochester Jeffersons	1920	Rochester Jeffersons	6–3–2	No

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the five original teams from the 1920 APFA season. The Akron Pros stood out with the only undefeated record and the strongest defensive performance. Their recognition as champions underscores their dominance despite the lack of a formal postseason structure.

Evolution of the NFL and Legacy of Early Teams

While the Akron Pros disbanded in 1926 due to financial pressures and shifting league dynamics, their legacy endures as the first recognized NFL champion. The league itself evolved significantly over the decades, adopting standardized rules, expanding geographically, and growing into a national powerhouse.

Transition from APFA to NFL

In 1922, the APFA was officially renamed the National Football League. This rebranding marked a step toward greater professionalism and organizational stability.

The number of teams fluctuated wildly in the 1920s, with many short-lived franchises.
The Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919 and joining the NFL in 1921, are the oldest continuously operating team in the league.
The Chicago Bears (originally Decatur Staleys) are the oldest team still active under a current name, having joined in 1920.

FAQs About the First NFL Football Team

What was the original name of the first NFL team?

The first NFL team, the Akron Pros, was originally known as the Akron Indians when it formed in 1908 as a semi-professional club.

Which team is considered the oldest NFL franchise?

The Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919 and joining the NFL in 1921, are the oldest continuously operating franchise. However, the Akron Pros were the first team in the league’s founding year of 1920.

Did the Akron Pros win the first NFL championship?

Yes, the Akron Pros were awarded the 1920 APFA (now NFL) championship after finishing the season undefeated with an 8–0–3 record, the best in the league.

Why did the Akron Pros disband?

The Akron Pros ceased operations in 1926 due to financial difficulties and declining attendance, common challenges for small-market teams in the early NFL era.

Who were notable players on the first NFL team?

Fritz Pollard, one of the first African-American players in professional football and later a co-coach of the Pros, was a standout player. Hall of Famer Fritz Pollard broke racial barriers and helped lead the team to its 1920 title.