Who Started NFL Football? Founders and Origins Explained

By Sarah Miller · July 2, 2050

The National Football League (NFL) was founded by a group of team representatives led by Jim Thorpe and Ralph Hay in 1920, originally as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became the NFL in 1922.

Origins of the NFL

The NFL traces its roots to the early 20th century when professional football was a loosely organized sport with regional teams competing independently. To bring structure and legitimacy to the game, representatives from several professional teams met in Canton, Ohio, on September 17, 1920. This meeting marked the official formation of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), the precursor to the modern NFL.

The driving force behind this initiative was Ralph Hay, owner of the Canton Bulldogs, who hosted the organizational meeting at his Hupmobile dealership. Although not an athlete himself, Hay played a crucial administrative role in uniting the teams. Jim Thorpe, a legendary Olympic athlete and star player for the Bulldogs, was named the league's first president due to his fame and credibility, lending immediate prestige to the new organization.

Key Founding Figures

Ralph Hay: Primary organizer and owner of the Canton Bulldogs.
Jim Thorpe: First president of the APFA; iconic athlete whose reputation helped legitimize pro football.
George Halas: Represented the Decatur Staleys (later Chicago Bears); instrumental in shaping league policies.
Art Ranney: Owner of the Akron Pros; one of the key decision-makers during the founding meeting.
Joe Carr: Took over as league president in 1921 and transformed the APFA into a stable, structured league.

Evolution from APFA to NFL

In its first two seasons (1920–1921), the league operated under the name American Professional Football Association. Despite having 14 original member teams, the APFA faced challenges including inconsistent scheduling, lack of standardized rules, and financial instability among franchises.

By 1922, under the leadership of Joe Carr, the league rebranded as the National Football League to reflect its growing national ambitions and improved organizational structure. This shift marked the beginning of long-term stability and expansion.

Milestones in Early NFL History

1920: APFA founded with 14 teams.
1921: The Akron Pros win the first championship.
1922: Officially renamed the National Football League.
1925: NFL gains credibility with the signing of college star Red Grange.
1933: Introduction of the NFL Championship Game between two divisions.

Year	Event	Number of Teams	Champion
1920	APFA Founded	14	Canton Bulldogs*
1921	First Recognized Champion	21	Akron Pros
1922	Renamed NFL	18	Cleveland Indians
1925	Red Grange Signs with Bears	20	Chicago Cardinals
1933	First NFL Championship Game	10	Chicago Bears

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows the growth and stabilization of the league during its formative years. While the number of teams fluctuated significantly in the 1920s, the league consolidated by the 1930s, setting the stage for future success. The renaming in 1922 and the introduction of the championship game in 1933 were pivotal in establishing the NFL as a major American sports institution.

Legacy and Impact

The founders of the NFL laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most popular and lucrative sports leagues in the world. Their vision for a unified, professional football league enabled consistent rule enforcement, franchise stability, and national expansion.

Today, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, honors these pioneers. Inductees like Jim Thorpe, George Halas, and Joe Carr are recognized not only for their athletic or coaching achievements but also for their administrative contributions to the sport’s development.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Started NFL Football

Who officially started the NFL?

The NFL was officially started by a group of team owners and managers in 1920, led by Ralph Hay and Jim Thorpe. They formed the American Professional Football Association, which became the NFL in 1922.

Was Jim Thorpe the founder of the NFL?

While Jim Thorpe was not the sole founder, he was named the first president of the APFA and served as a symbolic leader. His fame helped elevate the league’s public image, though day-to-day operations were managed by others like Ralph Hay and later Joe Carr.

When was the NFL founded and by whom?

The NFL was founded on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio, by representatives from ten teams. Key figures included Ralph Hay, Jim Thorpe, George Halas, and Art Ranney. It began as the American Professional Football Association before becoming the NFL in 1922.

Why was the NFL created?

The NFL was created to standardize professional football rules, ensure fair competition, prevent player poaching, and establish a credible league structure. Before its creation, teams operated independently with no central authority, leading to disorganization and instability.

Which was the first NFL team?

The Canton Bulldogs are considered one of the original NFL teams, participating in the 1920 founding meeting. However, the Akron Pros, Buffalo All-Americans, and Decatur Staleys (now Chicago Bears) were also charter members. The Green Bay Packers, founded in 1919, joined in 1921 and are the oldest continuously operating team in the league.