When Did NFL Football Begin? Origins and Evolution

By Sarah Miller · September 4, 2038

The NFL football began in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) and was officially renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. This marks the foundation of the league that would grow into one of the most popular sports organizations in the world.

Origins of the NFL

The roots of the NFL trace back to the early 20th century, when professional football was a loosely organized, regional sport with teams scattered across the Midwest. Players were often underpaid, schedules inconsistent, and competition unregulated. The need for a unified structure led to the formation of a formal league.

The Founding Meeting of 1920

On September 17, 1920, representatives from ten professional football teams met in Canton, Ohio, at the Jordan and Hupmobile auto showroom. The goal was to create a stable, organized league to improve credibility and competitive balance.

The meeting established the American Professional Football Association (APFA).
Jim Thorpe, a renowned athlete, was elected as the first president.
Initial teams included the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Tigers, and Dayton Triangles.
The APFA aimed to standardize rules, enforce player contracts, and promote fair play.

Evolution from APFA to NFL

The transition from APFA to NFL marked a turning point in professional football’s legitimacy and growth.

Official Name Change in 1922

In 1922, the APFA was rebranded as the National Football League. This change reflected the league's growing professionalism and national ambitions.

The name "National Football League" provided a stronger identity.
More teams joined from outside the Midwest, expanding the league’s geographic footprint.
The NFL began enforcing stricter franchise standards and scheduling protocols.

Early Challenges and Growth

The 1920s and 1930s were turbulent but formative years for the NFL:

Team turnover was high due to financial instability.
College football remained more popular than the pro game.
The introduction of forward passes and improved media coverage helped boost interest.
The first official NFL Championship Game was held in 1933.

Year	Event	Number of Teams	Champion
1920	APFA Founded	10	Akron Pros
1922	Renamed NFL	18	Canton Bulldogs
1933	First NFL Championship Game	10	Chicago Bears
1958	'Greatest Game Ever Played'	12	Baltimore Colts
1967	First Super Bowl	16 (NFL + AFL)	Green Bay Packers

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows steady institutional development—from a 10-team regional association in 1920 to a nationally recognized league by the late 1950s. The 1958 NFL Championship, often called the 'Greatest Game Ever Played,' was a pivotal moment that boosted national television interest and cemented the NFL's place in American culture.

Key Milestones in NFL History

Several milestones transformed the NFL from a minor league into a cultural institution.

Merge with the AFL (1970)

The American Football League (AFL), founded in 1960, challenged the NFL’s dominance. After a decade of rivalry, the leagues merged in 1970, creating the modern NFL with two conferences: the NFC and AFC.

Super Bowl Era

The first Super Bowl in 1967 between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs marked the beginning of the NFL’s global prominence. Today, the Super Bowl is one of the most-watched annual sporting events worldwide.

Television and Commercial Growth

TV deals in the 1960s and 1970s, especially the creation of Monday Night Football in 1970, expanded the league’s reach. The NFL now generates billions annually through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Frequently Asked Questions About When NFL Football Began

When did professional football start before the NFL?

Professional football existed before the NFL, with players being paid as early as the 1890s. The Allegheny Athletic Association fielded the first known professional player, Pudge Heffelfinger, in 1892. However, these efforts were disorganized until the NFL’s formation in 1920 brought structure.

Why was the NFL formed in 1920?

The NFL was formed to bring order to professional football, which suffered from inconsistent scheduling, player raiding, and lack of standardized rules. Team owners sought stability, credibility, and long-term viability by creating a formal league structure.

Which was the first NFL team?

The Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Dayton Triangles, and Cleveland Tigers were among the first teams in 1920. The Decatur Staleys (later Chicago Bears) also joined that year and are the oldest continuously operating team in the NFL today.

Did the NFL have a different name at first?

Yes, the NFL was originally called the American Professional Football Association (APFA) when it was founded in 1920. It changed its name to the National Football League in 1922 to reflect its growing national presence and professional image.

How has the NFL evolved since 1920?

Since 1920, the NFL has grown from 10 regional teams to 32 franchises across the U.S. It introduced the draft (1936), merged with the AFL (1970), launched the Super Bowl era, and become a dominant force in sports entertainment through advanced media partnerships, rule innovations, and global marketing.

In summary, the NFL began in 1920 as the APFA and became the NFL in 1922. From humble beginnings in Canton, Ohio, it has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar sports empire and a cornerstone of American culture.