Why Is American Football Called Football? Origins Explained

By Emma Wilson · November 27, 2027

American football is called 'football' due to its historical roots in English rugby and soccer, where the ball was primarily advanced by foot. Despite minimal use of feet in modern play, the name persisted from early forms of the game that evolved from rugby football.

Historical Origins of the Name 'Football'

The term 'football' dates back to 19th-century England, where various forms of 'foot games' were played. These games emphasized using the feet to move the ball, distinguishing them from horseback or hand-only sports.

Evolution from Rugby Football

Rugby football, a precursor to American football, allowed handling and carrying the ball.
In the 1860s, American colleges adapted rugby rules, leading to intercollegiate matches.
The Intercollegiate Football Association adopted rugby-style rules in the 1870s.
Walter Camp, known as the 'Father of American Football,' introduced key changes like the line of scrimmage and downs system.

Although hands became dominant, the 'football' name remained due to lineage from rugby football.

Why Feet Are Minimally Used Today

Modern American football involves limited kicking—mostly on kickoffs, punts, and field goals. Yet, the sport retains 'football' in its name for historical continuity.

Key Kicking Elements in the Game

Field goals and extra points: Kicked through goalposts.
Punts: Used to surrender possession strategically.
Kickoffs: Start each half and after scores.

Despite these elements, running and passing dominate gameplay.

Global Naming Confusion

In most countries, 'football' refers to what Americans call 'soccer.' This causes confusion, especially in international media.

Country	Term for American Football	Term for Soccer	Primary Sport Called 'Football'
United States	American football	Soccer	American football
United Kingdom	Gridiron	Football	Association football (soccer)
Australia	Gridiron	Soccer	Australian rules football
Canada	Football	Soccer	Canadian football
Germany	Amerikanischer Fußball	Fußball	Association football (soccer)

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows how naming varies globally, with 'football' referring to different sports based on regional tradition. In the U.S., 'football' denotes the gridiron sport, while elsewhere it typically means soccer.

Etymological Persistence Over Literal Accuracy

Language often preserves historical terms even when literal accuracy fades. 'Football' in American football reflects etymological inertia rather than current gameplay mechanics.

Similar cases include 'dialing' a phone (despite no rotary dials) or 'carbon copy' (from typewriter days).
Sports names often reflect origin more than modern form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Why It's Called Football

Why is it called football if players use their hands?

The name originates from rugby football, where the ball was moved by foot. Even after rule changes favored hands, the name 'football' remained due to historical continuity.

Did American football evolve from soccer or rugby?

American football primarily evolved from rugby football, not association football (soccer). Early American college games blended rugby and soccer rules, but Walter Camp's rule changes aligned it more closely with rugby.

When did American football get its name?

The term 'football' was used as early as the 1870s when U.S. colleges played under rugby-style rules. The Intercollegiate Football Association formalized the name before the sport diverged into its modern form.

Do other countries have similar naming issues?

Yes. In the UK, American football is often called 'gridiron' to avoid confusion with soccer. Similarly, Australia distinguishes it from Australian rules football and rugby league.

Is American football considered a type of football globally?

Outside North America, 'football' usually refers to soccer. However, linguistically, American football is one of several 'football codes,' including rugby, Aussie rules, and Gaelic football, all involving advancing a ball toward a goal.