When Is the First NFL Football Game? Date and History

By Sarah Miller · April 30, 2039

The first NFL football game was played on September 26, 1920, when the Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14-0 at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio. This marked the beginning of what would become the National Football League (NFL), originally established as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before rebranding in 1922.

Understanding the First NFL Game

The inaugural game of the National Football League set the foundation for professional American football. While the league has evolved dramatically since, this historic matchup between the Dayton Triangles and Columbus Panhandles remains a cornerstone moment in sports history.

Key Facts About the First Game

Date: September 26, 1920
Teams: Dayton Triangles vs. Columbus Panhandles
Location: Triangle Park, Dayton, Ohio
Final Score: Dayton Triangles 14, Columbus Panhandles 0
Attendance: Approximately 500 spectators
League Name at Time: American Professional Football Association (APFA)

Historical Context of the NFL's Formation

The NFL emerged during a time when professional football was disorganized and lacked standardization. Team owners from various independent clubs met in Canton, Ohio, in August 1920 to form a unified league that could bring structure and credibility to the sport.

Founding Teams of the APFA (1920)

Dayton Triangles
Columbus Panhandles
Rock Island Independents
Muncie Flyers
Hammond Pros
Buffalo All-Americans
Akron Pros
Canton Bulldogs
Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals)
Rochester Jeffersons
Massillon Tigers (non-playing member)
Decatur Staleys (later Chicago Bears)

Evolution of the NFL Since 1920

From its humble beginnings with fewer than 15 teams playing in small-town fields, the NFL has grown into one of the most lucrative and popular sports leagues globally. The transition from regional amateur matchups to nationally televised events reflects decades of innovation in gameplay, broadcasting, and athlete development.

Milestones in Early NFL History

1921: Akron Pros win the first APFA championship.
1922: League officially renamed the National Football League.
1933: Introduction of the NFL Championship Game.
1958: “Greatest Game Ever Played” – Colts vs. Giants elevates NFL’s national profile.
1966: Merger with AFL announced, leading to Super Bowl era.

Season	Number of Teams	Champion	Notable Fact
1920	10 (founding members)	Akron Pros (undefeated)	No official playoff; title based on win-loss record
1921	21	Buffalo All-Americans (disputed)	Akron awarded title despite loss controversy
1922	18	Canton Bulldogs	First season under name "NFL"
1930	11	Green Bay Packers	First of three consecutive titles for Packers
1950	13	Cleveland Browns	Incorporated teams from dissolved All-America Football Conference

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows how rapidly the league expanded and contracted in its early years, reflecting instability before achieving long-term organizational success. By 1930, the NFL had consolidated into a more sustainable model, paving the way for future growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About the First NFL Football Game

When was the first official NFL game played?

The first official game recognized by the NFL took place on September 26, 1920, between the Dayton Triangles and Columbus Panhandles at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio. The Triangles won 14-0.

Which team won the first NFL game?

The Dayton Triangles defeated the Columbus Panhandles 14-0 in the first recorded NFL game. Lou Partlow of Dayton scored the first touchdown in league history.

Was the NFL called the NFL back in 1920?

No, the league was originally named the American Professional Football Association (APFA). It was renamed the National Football League in 1922.

Who were the founding teams of the NFL?

The original APFA included teams like the Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Dayton Triangles, Decatur Staleys, and others. Ten teams participated in the first season, though several folded within a few years.

How many people attended the first NFL game?

Approximately 500 fans attended the first NFL game at Triangle Park in Dayton, Ohio. Attendance records from that era are incomplete, but most early games drew only a few hundred spectators.