When Did NFL Football Start? Founding Year Revealed

By Sarah Miller · November 3, 2046

The NFL football season officially began in 1920, when the league was founded as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before being renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922.

Origins of the NFL

The roots of professional football in the United States trace back to the late 19th century, but it wasn't until 1920 that a formal league structure was established. This marked the beginning of what would become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.

Formation of the APFA

In 1920, ten teams gathered in Canton, Ohio, to create the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The meeting took place at the Jordan and Hupmobile auto showroom, owned by Ralph Hay, who was also the owner of the Canton Bulldogs.

Founding teams included the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Tigers, Dayton Triangles, Decatur Staleys, and others.
The primary goal was to standardize rules, establish player contracts, and organize a structured schedule.

Evolution into the NFL

By 1922, the APFA rebranded itself as the National Football League to reflect its growing professionalism and national ambitions.

Name Change and Expansion

The shift from APFA to NFL signified a move toward greater organization and legitimacy. Over the next few decades, the league expanded beyond the Midwest and solidified its presence across the U.S.

1925: First international game played in Toronto.
1933: NFL split into two divisions and held its first official championship game.
1958: The “Greatest Game Ever Played” between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants helped popularize the sport nationally.

Key Milestones in NFL History

Since its founding, the NFL has undergone numerous transformations, including mergers, rule changes, and technological advancements that have shaped modern football.

Year	Event	Significance
1920	APFA founded with 10 teams	Official start of the NFL’s predecessor
1922	Renamed National Football League	Established brand identity
1933	First NFL Championship Game	Introduced playoff structure
1958	Colts vs. Giants Championship	Credited with boosting NFL popularity
1966	Merged with AFL	Led to creation of Super Bowl
1970	AFL-NFL Merger completed	Formed AFC and NFC conferences
2021	17-game regular season introduced	Expanded format for competitive balance

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights pivotal moments in the NFL's development. From its humble beginnings in 1920 to structural expansions like the 17-game season, each milestone reflects strategic growth and adaptation to cultural and technological shifts.

About NFL Football Start: Common Questions

When did professional football begin in the United States?

Professional football in the U.S. began in the 1890s, with players being paid secretly by teams like the Allegheny Athletic Association. However, the official formation of a professional league occurred in 1920 with the founding of the APFA, which became the NFL.

What was the first NFL game ever played?

The first official NFL game was on September 26, 1920, when the Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14–0 at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio.

Which teams were part of the original NFL?

The original APFA (later NFL) had 10 charter teams: Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Tigers, Dayton Triangles, Decatur Staleys (now Chicago Bears), Hammond Pros, Massillon Tigers, Muncie Flyers, Rochester Jeffersons, and Buffalo All-Americans.

Why was the NFL created?

The NFL was created to bring order to professional football by standardizing rules, preventing player poaching, organizing schedules, and establishing credibility for the sport amid regional competition and inconsistent practices.

How has the NFL evolved since 1920?

Since 1920, the NFL has grown from a small Midwestern coalition to a global entertainment powerhouse, adding teams, merging with the AFL, introducing the Super Bowl, adopting advanced technology, and expanding its season length and media reach.