the history of american football essay

American Football History: Timeline & How it started

January 24, 2024

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American Football, a sport deeply rooted in history, holds a special place in the nation’s heart.

In this deep-dive of American football history.

Learn who invented American Football, how it grew and what makes it popular today!

Let’s kick off!

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Table of Contents

American Football History Summary

1900s – 1910s, 1930s – 1940s, 1950s – 1960s, 1980s – 1990s, 2000s – 2010s, who invented american football, how did american football become so popular, where did american football originate.

• ⏳ Origins and Evolution: American football was birthed in the United States, drawing inspiration from early forms of rugby. Walter Camp , the “Father of American Football,” played a pivotal role in the late 19th century, introducing defining rules that transformed the game into its recognizable form today.
• 🚀 Rise to Prominence: The NFL’s establishment in the early 20th century and its partnership with television in the mid-20th century catalyzed the sport’s popularity. Iconic players, teams, and the cultural phenomenon of the Super Bowl further solidified its position in American culture.
• 🥇 Noteworthy Growth and Adaptation: Over the decades, American football experienced global expansion, technological advancements, and adaptability to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic. The league’s continuous evolution and commitment to player safety and fan engagement ensured its lasting influence in global sports.

American Football History Timeline

Walter Camp, often dubbed the “Father of American Football,” began to shape the game during this period. He introduced the line of scrimmage, the downs system, and the scoring scale, setting the groundwork for the modern game.

Camp’s influence was not just limited to rules. He advocated for the forward pass and organized the first college football conferences. By the end of the 1880s, American Football had begun to resemble the game we recognize today.

The early 20th century marked the emergence of professional football teams. In 1920, the American Professional Football Association (APFA) was founded, which two years later became the National Football League (NFL) .

The NFL started modestly but quickly began to overshadow college football in terms of popularity. Pioneers like Jim Thorpe and teams like the Canton Bulldogs marked this era, setting a foundation for the league’s future dominance.

The 1920s were pivotal for the NFL. Teams like the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears were founded. Big names like Red Grange entered the scene, driving massive crowds and popularizing the sport.

This decade also saw the establishment of iconic stadiums, including Lambeau Field and Soldier Field. The league began to consolidate, and the foundation for a professional sporting dynasty was firmly set.

The game continued to evolve, with new rules like the forward pass becoming more integral. Strategies began to shift, with coaches like Paul Brown introducing more complex game plans.

World War II impacted the league as many players enlisted. Despite challenges, the NFL persisted. The 1940s concluded with the merger of the NFL and its rival, the All-America Football Conference (AAFC).

The NFL’s partnership with television in the 1950s was transformative. The 1958 NFL Championship, known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played,” was broadcast nationally, revolutionizing sports broadcasting.

In 1960, the American Football League (AFL) was established, creating competition for the NFL. This led to the Super Bowl’s inception in 1967, following a merger agreement between the two leagues.

The 1970s saw teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys dominate. However, controversies like gambling allegations against key players also marred the era.

With Super Bowl broadcasts drawing massive viewership, halftime shows and commercials became cultural touchstones. The Super Bowl rapidly evolved into an unofficial American holiday.

The NFL started hosting games internationally in the late 1980s, notably in London’s Wembley Stadium. This global outreach brought the sport to new audiences worldwide.

Names like Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, and Lawrence Taylor emerged, defining the era. Their legendary plays and moments solidified football’s place in American culture.

Advances in technology improved game analysis and player safety. Concerns about concussions led to rule changes, emphasizing players’ well-being.

Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Ray Lewis made their marks during this period. Their on-field heroics and record-breaking performances captivated audiences and enriched the league’s legacy.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced unprecedented challenges. The league had to adapt with limited audiences, rigorous testing protocols, and revised schedules.

With advancements in digital platforms, streaming games and virtual fan engagements became the new norm. The NFL’s adaptability kept it at the forefront of global sports.

For a lighter take on the sport, check out our collection of American football Instagram captions .

Walter Camp invented American Football. He, often dubbed the “Father of American Football,” significantly shaped its rules in the late 19th century.

American Football’s became popular due to televised games, iconic players, and the cultural significance of events like the Super Bowl.

American Football originated in the United States, evolving from early forms of rugby played at colleges like Rutgers and Princeton in the 1860s.

Max is a sports enthusiast who loves all kinds of ball and water sports. He founded & runs stand-up-paddling.org (#1 German Paddleboarding Blog), played competitive Badminton and Mini Golf (competed on national level in Germany), started learning ‘real’ Golf and dabbled in dozens of other sports & activities.

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American Football

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A Brief History of American Football

The two sports developed divergent sets of rules at their colleges; however, as the game became more popular, teams began to travel across North America, increasing the need for standardization of the rules.

Early Beginnings: Soccer and Rugby

In 1873, Harvard and Yale played each other in a match that featured 25 players per team as opposed to Rugby’s 15 players. As a result, rugby abandoned its rugby union rule which allowed for throwing the ball.

The First American Football Match

Rules and regulations.

American Football is played between two opposing teams of eleven players plus subs. The offensive players try to score a touchdown by running with and passing a football down the field, whilst defensive players try to stop stop their advance in it’s tracks and and gain control of the football for themselves.

If a player on either side has possession of the ball, his team is said to be on offense, and if he does not have it his team is said to be on defense. Generally, linemen (players who do not handle the ball) are used in both offensive and defensive roles.

The Growth of American Football

In 1880, Yale, Harvard and Princeton formed the Intercollegiate Football Association to establish a set of rules. In 1882, they published the first set of college football rules.

Today’s American Football

The Evolution of American Football: a Cultural Odyssey

This essay about the history of American football traces its evolution from its origins in the 19th century to its present-day status as a cultural phenomenon. It explores key milestones such as the first intercollegiate game in 1869 and the establishment of professional leagues like the NFL. The essay highlights the sport’s growth, challenges, and enduring popularity, including its impact on American society and entertainment. From rule changes to technological advancements, American football reflects the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation, shaping its identity as a cherished aspect of American culture.

How it works

American football, a quintessential component of contemporary American culture, boasts a rich and intricate history that spans over a century. Its roots trace back to the mid-19th century, emerging from a fusion of traditional European ball games and indigenous American sports. While its precise origins remain debated, it is widely acknowledged that American football evolved from rugby and soccer, gradually morphing into a distinctively American pastime.

One of the pivotal moments in the history of American football occurred in 1869 when the first intercollegiate game was played between Rutgers and Princeton Universities.

This landmark event laid the groundwork for the sport’s institutionalization and popularization across educational institutions in the United States. Over the ensuing decades, American football underwent a series of transformations, with rule changes, innovations in equipment, and evolving strategies shaping its trajectory.

The early 20th century witnessed the formalization of American football’s rules and regulations, with the establishment of organizations such as the Intercollegiate Football Association (IFA) and the American Professional Football Association (APFA), later renamed the National Football League (NFL). These developments facilitated the sport’s transition from an amateur pastime to a professional spectacle, captivating audiences nationwide.

Despite its burgeoning popularity, American football faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including controversies surrounding player safety, racial integration, and commercialization. The advent of televised broadcasts in the 1950s propelled the sport into the forefront of American entertainment, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and commercial success.

In the latter half of the 20th century, American football underwent further evolution, characterized by technological advancements, strategic innovations, and cultural shifts. The rise of iconic figures such as Vince Lombardi, Joe Namath, and Walter Payton contributed to the sport’s mythology, cementing its status as a cornerstone of American identity.

The 21st century has witnessed American football’s continued ascent, propelled by global expansion efforts, multimedia platforms, and a fervent fan base. However, the sport grapples with pressing issues such as concussion awareness, player activism, and the changing landscape of media consumption. Nevertheless, American football endures as a symbol of resilience, camaraderie, and collective aspiration.

In conclusion, the history of American football is a testament to the enduring power of sport to transcend boundaries, unite communities, and reflect the complexities of society. From its humble origins on college campuses to its status as a multi-billion-dollar industry, American football embodies the cultural zeitgeist of the United States, evolving in tandem with the nation itself. As we embark on the next chapter of its journey, it is imperative to honor the legacy of those who came before us while embracing the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

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History of Football

American football was started in 1879 with rules instituted by Walter Camp

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Derived from the English game of rugby, American football was started in 1879 with rules instituted by Walter Camp, player and coach at Yale University.

Walter Camp

Walter Camp was born April 17, 1859, in New Haven, Connecticut. He attended Yale from 1876 to 1882, where he studied medicine and business. Walter Camp was an author, athletic director, chairman of the board of the New Haven Clock Company, and director of the Peck Brothers Company. He was the general athletic director and head advisory football coach at Yale University from 1888-1914, and chairman of the Yale football committee from 1888-1912. Camp played football at Yale and helped evolve the rules of the game away from Rugby and Soccer rules into the rules of American Football as we know them today.

One precursor to Walter Camp's influence was William Ebb Ellis, a student at the Rugby School in England. In 1823, Ellis was the first person noted for picking up the ball during the soccer game and running with it, thereby breaking and changing the rules. In 1876, at the Massosoit convention, the first attempts at writing down the rules of American football were made. Walter Camp edited every American Football rulebook until his death in 1925.

Walter Camp contributed the following changes from Rugby and Soccer to American football:

• one side retained undisputed possession of the ball until that side gives up the ball as a result of its own violations
• the line of scrimmage
• 11 on a team instead of 15
• created the quarterback and center positions
• forward pass
• standardized the scoring system, numerical scoring
• created the safety, interference, penalties, and the neutral zone
• tackling as low as the knee was permitted - 1888
• a touchdown increased in value to six points and field goals went down to three points - 1912

The NFL or the National Football League was formed in 1920.

A1903 Princeton and Yale Football Game was filmed by Thomas A. Edison

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Origins and Transformation

The Birth of Professional Football

The formation of the national football league (nfl), a global phenomenon.

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Writing and reading American football: culture, identity and sports studies.

This paper examines the development of the history of American football with a detailed discussion of the contribution of Michael Oriard's (1993) book READING FOOTBALL published by University of North Carolina Press and other texts discussing American football history.

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Who Invented Football?

By: History Staff

Updated: June 1, 2023 | Original: September 25, 2013

The sport we in the United States know and love as football is more properly called gridiron football, for the vertical yard lines that mark the field. Closely related to two ancient English sports—rugby and soccer (or association football)—gridiron football originated at universities in North America, primarily the United States, in the late 19th century. On November 6, 1869, players from Princeton and Rutgers held the first intercollegiate football contest in New Brunswick, New Jersey, playing a soccer-style game with rules adapted from the London Football Association. 

While a number of other elite Northeastern colleges took up the sport in the 1870s, Harvard University maintained its distance by sticking to a rugby-soccer hybrid called the “Boston Game.” In May 1874, after a match against McGill University of Montreal, the Harvard players decided they preferred McGill’s rugby-style rules to their own. In 1875, Harvard and Yale played their first intercollegiate match, and Yale players and spectators (including Princeton students) embraced the rugby style as well.

The man most responsible for the transition from this rugby-like game to the sport of football we know today was Walter Camp, known as the “Father of American Football.” As a Yale undergraduate and medical student from 1876 to 1881, Camp played halfback and served as team captain, equivalent to head coach at the time. Even more importantly, he was the guiding force on the rules board of the newly formed Intercollegiate Football Association (IFA). 

Thanks to Camp, the IFA made two key innovations to the fledgling game: It did away with the opening “scrummage” or “scrum” and introduced the requirement that a team give up the ball after failing to move down the field a specified yardage in a certain number of “downs.” Among the other innovations Camp introduced were the 11-man team, the quarterback position, the line of scrimmage, offensive signal-calling and the scoring scale used in football today. In addition to his work with the rules board, Camp coached the Yale team to a 67-2 record from 1888 to 1892—all while working as an executive at a watch-manufacturing firm. 

In 1920, the American Professional Football Association—later known as the National Football League— was founded in Canton, Ohio, greatly professionalizing the sport. After growing in size and popularity during the first half of the 20th century, the NFL merged with the American Football League , its rival, in 1970, becoming the behemoth it is today. Today, with 32 member teams, the NFL is the largest football league in the United States. And football is by far the country's most popular sport: According to a 2018 Gallup poll , 37 percent of U.S. adults name football as their favorite sport to watch, followed by basketball at 11 percent and baseball at 9 percent.

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National Football League (NFL) , major American professional football organization, founded in 1920 in Canton , Ohio , as the American Professional Football Association. Its first president was Jim Thorpe , an outstanding American athlete who was also a player in the league. The NFL’s present name was adopted in 1922.

The league began play in 1920 and comprised five teams from Ohio (Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Tigers, Columbus Panhandlers, and Dayton Triangles), four teams from Illinois (Chicago Tigers, Decatur Staleys, Racine Cardinals [the Cardinals were based in Chicago but took the name of a local street], and Rock Island Independents), two from Indiana (Hammond Pros and Muncie Flyers), two from New York (Buffalo All-Americans and Rochester Jeffersons), and the Detroit Heralds from Michigan . Of these original franchises, only two remain: the Cardinals left Chicago for St. Louis after the 1959 season and relocated to Arizona in 1988; the Decatur Staleys moved to Chicago in 1921 and a year later changed their name to the Bears .

The NFL survived many years of instability and competition from rival organizations to became the strongest American professional football league. The most serious challenge to its leading role came from the American Football League (AFL) in the 1960s. The NFL and AFL completed a merger in 1970, creating a 26-team circuit under the name of the older NFL. Since then the league has expanded four times, adding six new franchises.

For a more complete history of football and the NFL, see American football .

The league’s 32 teams are aligned as follows:

• NFC East: Dallas Cowboys , New York Giants , Philadelphia Eagles , Washington Commanders
• NFC North: Chicago Bears , Detroit Lions , Green Bay Packers , Minnesota Vikings
• NFC South: Atlanta Falcons , Carolina Panthers , New Orleans Saints , Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• NFC West: Arizona Cardinals , Los Angeles Rams , San Francisco 49ers , Seattle Seahawks
• AFC East: Buffalo Bills , Miami Dolphins , New England Patriots , New York Jets
• AFC North: Baltimore Ravens , Cincinnati Bengals , Cleveland Browns , Pittsburgh Steelers
• AFC South: Houston Texans , Indianapolis Colts , Jacksonville Jaguars , Tennessee Titans
• AFC West: Denver Broncos , Kansas City Chiefs , Las Vegas Raiders , Los Angeles Chargers

The league season culminates with an annual 14-team playoff tournament leading to the Super Bowl championship game. Some NFL teams also play regular-season games outside of the United States; these games have been held in England , Mexico , and Germany.

The NFL has headquarters in New York City and since 1963 has maintained the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Super Bowl results are provided in the table.

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Rules and History of American Football

American Football is a British game that appeared in the USA in the mid 19th century and became a national game.

It is a very popular game especially in the U.S it is played across the country. It is played by two teams of eleven sides. It is a very physical game with constant collisions, tackles and constant aggressive falls. Teams get points by advancing the ball to the opponent team’s end zone by either running or throwing it to a teammate. It is a sport that prides itself on its commitment and toughness under physical duress. The constant collisions and the physical and aggressive nature of the game what promoted researchers, to carry out  an in depth survey of any long term or short term brain damage on retired and active  National Football league players. The media have been putting emphasize need to look into the plight of NFL players following many NFL players suffering from concussion-related injuries.

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Actually, the history of American football often is referred to an early period of rugby. The main act, which associates with these games is kicking at a goal and running over a line. As the matter of fact, rugby rules in major constitute American football regulations. Nevertheless, there were some changes embedded in the game. The name of innovator who changed the game was Walter Camp. He was known as ‘the father of American football’. The main changes that characterize American football and differ it from rugby are down and distance rules, and a line of scrimmage (Professional Football Researchers Association). Firstly, football was a type of collage game, which was developed by college coaches Knute Rockne, Eddie Branch, Amos Alonzo Stagg and others. Year after year, American football was becoming more and more popular. From the late 19th to early 20th century, American football turned out to be the most popular sport in the USA. The college football traditions and bowl games attracted attention of the audience to a football game. This changed American Football from a regional into a national game.

How to Deal with the Game?

American Football is a game played  between two teams of eleven players each. The goal of the game is scoring of the points, which demonstrate the advantage of a leading team. Getting points is possible due to putting the ball in the opposite team’s end zone. It is possible to achieve this goal by running with the ball or throwing it to a teammate.

Admittedly, American Football is the most popular type of college, school or professional games in the USA. The rules of this game differ according to place the game is played. It means that school football and college football has its own particularities. There are different institutions, which govern football at different levels. The National Federation of State High School Associations direct high school football matches. The National College Athletic Association deals with college football plays. The National Football League governs the highest league for professional players. The high school football appeared in 1880s and enjoys its regional popularity till nowadays while the college and professional football games got a national recognition.

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Historical Events of American Football Development

American Football is a particular ball – related game, which is closely bounded with Canadian football, but it has its own differences entailed with field and general game rules. Nevertheless, American Football history might be traced to early football played in Great Britain in the mid  19th century. The first half of 19th century brought a variety of football games to American colleges and universities. Therefore, it is common to think that differences in college, school and professional games appeared in mid 19th century.

The most popular Rutgers and Princeton Universities played their first intercollegiate football game on 6 November, 1869. The rules of that game closely resembled the rules of soccer. The Rutgers won that game with the score 6-4. In 1872, the rugby–style games were presented to the USA. It was a game between Harvard’s football team and McGill University. The McGill University’s play could be featured as rugby, but the game was held according to Harvard’s house rules. Such combination determined a starting point to American Football we know today.

The popularity of American football increased because collegiate football became a dominant version of sportive games in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. College football as a part of American Football still has widespread appeal in the United States of America. It attracts millions of people and has become a national game nowadays.

The origin of professional games goes back to 1892. William Heffelfinger known as William ‘Pudge’ got a first $500 contract to play in the game for the Allegheny Athletic Association against Pittsburg Athletic Club. In 1903, the core of professional football moved westward to Ohio. In the late 1910s, the mass dispersal moved Midwest. In 1920, the American Professional Football Association was formed. It was created as a temporary alliance for combined actions of teams from regional state associations. Two years later the League changed its name to National Football League. Its first game was played on 3 October, 1920 in Dayton, Ohio where the host Triangles entirely defeated the Columbus Panhandles with the score 14-0. As the result, the National Football League became a major league of football in the country and professional football became a national phenomenon started initially as a kind of sport of Midwestern industrial towns. National Football League Championship Game in 1958 brought great fame to the football games. This game was proclaimed ‘The Greatest Game ever played’ (Georgetown Magazine). 

In 1960, a rival league to National Football League appeared, and it was called American Football League. It put pressure on the senior league and prompted the merger between both leagues and created the Super Bowl, which is the most watched television event in the USA and is held on the annual basis. During long time, there were appearing different leagues of either professional or other level, but the most of them unfortunately were short – living.

General Rules of American Football

The rules of American football vary according to the place the game is played at. However, there are general standards to follow. Some of them are of great importance. The field and the players, the game duration, an advancing of the ball, the change of positions, scoring, and kicks are very important.

Football field should be neither less nor bigger than 360 by 160 feet. It is approximately 48,8 meters or 53,3 yards. There must be a long line, which is called sideline and a shorter line known as an end line. It is important to note that sidelines and end lines are out of bounds. The goal line is situated near each end of the field. As the matter of fact, the goal lines are 100 yards apart. On the field in the American football, there are so-called end zones or scoring areas. They stretch ten yards beyond every goal line to every end line. Eventually, the end zone inserts the goal line. The end line is not a part of its constitution. The Yard lines are very important, as well. They come each 5 yards long. They must be numbered each 10 yards beginning from a goal line to 50 yard line. There are two ranks of one yard lines or harsh marks also on the football field. The lines arrangement makes football field resemble the cooking grill with the similar lines order. There are also numbers on the field that indicate the distance to the next goal line.

The duration of the game in American football consists of four equal fifteen minutes quarters. The time of quarters might be less, if it is not a professional game, for example, twelve minutes quarters in high school. The half time ranges’ duration depends on the level of competitions. It might be from 10 to 20 minutes.

Start of halves is a very important part of the game. It determines which of two teams will start competition. The coin toss repeats every time when the half starts. The results of the first half sortation do not automatically determine a beginner of all halves. Each time when the half starts, teams choose a new beginner. The referee determines tree main options that the team winner of the coin toss gets. The team might delay the first choice of another team and has a choice to start the second half. The  winner team might also choose which goal to defer. In addition, the team might determine to kick or receive an opening kickoff.

Advancing the ball takes a significant part of the game. Advancing the ball determines that the team offense (possessing the ball) has four chances to advance the ball towards their opponents, at least ten yards. As soon as offense succeeds getting at least ten yards, the team gets first down. It means that the team starts a new set of four downs to get ten yards more or to score. Players might advance the ball in two ways. First one is by rushing and the second is by throwing the ball to a teammate (passing the football).

Each half of the game starts with the kickoff. The team might kickoff after scoring touchdowns. In the National Football League, the team kicks with the help of kicking tee from the 35 yard. The main goal of the kicks is to catch and advance the tall as soon as possible.

In American football as in any other type of sport there are penalties to punish the offending team. Mainly, most penalties consist of moving the football towards the team offender’s end zone. There are some special teams in modern American Football. The punters, place-kickers, long snappers, returners, and the holders form the special sub-teams in the National Football League.

The strategy in American Football takes a great part. It depends on the event that the game stops after every down, giving the team a chance to call a new play. Therefore, coach of the team does his best to create a perfect strategy. Each coach knows that rushing games are not as risky as passing games are. Nevertheless, there are relatively risky rushing and relatively safe passing games. That is why, the coach of each team develops its own strategy for game arrangement.

Impact of Playing American Professional Football on the Long Term brain Function

In recent times, suicides by NFL alumni and frequent giant class-action laws suits have threatened the livelihood of the game. They have put into question, whether the NFL teams actually look Clinical studies were performed by independent scientist in 2005 to determine whether multiple concussion cause problems such as depression and early-onset dementia (Dementia is the loss of brain functions. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment and behavior). Dr. Robert Cantu and Dr. Bennett Omalu examined the brain tissues of three deceased NFL players (Terry Long, Mike Webster and Andre Waters) all had suffered numerous concussions throughout their industrious NFL careers. Before their premature death, all three of them had shown symptoms of depression, sharply deteriorated cognitive function, pain attacks and psychiatric symptoms such as paranoia.

After the examination, the brain tissue of the three revealed neurotrophil threads, cell drop out and neurofibrillary tangles. Both doctors concluded that, Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) was triggered by multiple NFL concussion and may have played a major role in the cause of their deaths. CTE, a neurological disorder, that was first discovered in boxing athletes who sustained multiple blows on the head. At its first stage, CTE symptoms may include poor concentration, poor memory, dizziness and headaches. It later progresses to Parkinsonism or dementia this causes symptoms such as slowing in muscle movement, tremor of the hands and hesitancy in speech.  The NFL still failed to acknowledge that there was a link between concussions and cognitive decline.

Events over the years would however change this. On17th December 2009, Chris Henry aged 26 a Cincinnati Bengals receiver died after falling (jumping) out of the back of a pickup truck. A postmortem study performed on Henry brain tissue by Dr. Omalu and Dr. Julian Bailes showed trademark signs of CTE on the deceased brain tissues. Henry was the twenty second NFL professional player to be diagnosed with CTE. It was not the only isolated case, In February 2011, Dave Duerson, a former Chicago Bears defenseman fatally shot himself on the chest. This was preceded by deteriorating cognitive symptoms, which he believed were linked to CTE. In May 2011, it was confirmed that Duerson had remarkable evidence of CTE in his brain tissue. There was no evidence of any other mental disorder. In April 2012, Ray Easterling a former Atlanta Falcon also committed suicide. He died of gunshot wounds after he shot himself several times. Previously, Easterling had experienced a variety of CTE symptoms, hand tremors, memory loss and the eventual dementia. Barely three weeks after Easterling death, a 20 year NFL veteran named Junior Seau committed suicide by shooting himself on the chest. Before his death, Seau had struggled with depression and other problems.

In 2009, a study sponsored by the NFL, showed that players between the age of 30-49 who had retired received a dementia related medical diagnosis at the rate of 1.9% this is 20 times the rate of people of the same age bracket who did not play professional football. Moreover, 6.1% of players beyond 50 years were diagnosed with dementia related health problem. This represented five times the national average.

The medical researches 

Under the background of such happenings, the NFL was prompted to take action. In the winter of 2011, group medical professions in the field undertook a research. The research involved 100 active and former National league players. They represented twenty seven teams and all positions.  The players underwent a brain SPECT imaging, clinical history, q-EEG, and multiple neuropsychological measures that included MicroCog. To meet the inclusion criteria the player must have played in the NFL for a minimum of three years. Current and former players who could not cease taking psychoactive medications for an appropriate period before the scan were excluded.  Before undertaking any activities, the players received explanations  about what the research entailed. They had to give a written informed consent with an institution review board-approved protocol.

All participants were interviewed by a physician. They completed a detailed history that included a 3I5-question DSM-IV driven questionnaire. This was meant to asses the overall and mental health of the participants. Waist and height sizes were obtained on all participants and waist to height ratio established. Instances of loss of consciousness and brain concussions wew also recorded. The participants were asked to recall the number of concussion they had experienced through out their careers. They were also asked about periods where they experienced distinct loss of consciousness. However, past medical records were not available for many participants. Documentation of such  experiences were hardly recorded in the eras that they played. Three computerized neuropsychological test were also administered to the participants.

They included  MicroCog this is an assessment of cognitive functions. The participants also tool continous performance test which meausured inhibition and attention. A mild cognitive impairment screen was also administered. The  players also underwent a high resolution brain SPECT imaging and  q-EEG. The detailed results obtained from the research suggested that playing professional football is associated with a significantly higher risk of permanent brain damage. The study also showed that, a retired NFL player compared to a healthy non NFL playing person of the same age bracket, had significantly reduced blood flow in the frontal cerebral region, the temporal region and occipital lobe region of the brain. This would result to a compromised neuropsychological functioning.

A study undertaken by Albert Einstein School of Medicine found that, the micro structural integrity of the brain tissues found in participants who suffered concussions were abnormally low compared to the micro integrity of the brain tissue of concussion free participants. The school had developed a technology called diffuse tensor imaging. The device could detect unique abnormalities in the brains of the ones who had concussions where other methods had failed. Such a device would go a long way in aiding NFL players with mild concussions.

Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy carried out a four-year study with the VA Boston system and the sport legacy institute. In a study of 85 people, the study showed 80% of them showed evidence of CTE or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Nearly all of them played sport. 50 of the people found to have CTE were football players. 33 of them played in the NFL. Most of them were running backs and linemen positions that tend to expose one to more contact with the opposing players.

Over the years, NFL has under come under great legal and media pressure to look into the issue of brain damage among NFL players. Earlier this year, scores of law suits by thousands former NFL players now touched by concussion and head injuries were consolidated into one master complaint. The NFL was accused of hiding information that linked permanent head damage to football head-trauma.  The NFL has been forced to pay numerous compensation over the years. This compensation  is a have mainly been to former NFL players who have ended up with long term brain injuries as a result of their career playing American football.

American football is a part of the American culture but nevertheless, it is evident from the above examples, that it has over time caused unwarranted pain and health degradation to its players. The numerous instances of players showing symptoms of CTE and other chronic head conditions portray the ugly side of this game. More attention and emphasize should be put on protecting the current players. As well as, looking after the well-being of retired players whose live have dramatically changed due to the shortcomings living with a brain condition. Brain injury obtained while playing American football is no myth it’s a profound reality that needs to be quickly addressed and looked into.

American football is a unique sport, which appeared as an entertaining game and has become national game of the whole country. This game is about gaining points as much as gaining a territory. American Football attracts people all over the world. Therefore, there are international organizations, which support and develop such kind of sport. People root for their favorite teams all over the country. Joint emotional experience unites different people. In such a way, Football in America serves as some kind of social bounding. So, American Football is not only a part of sport but a part of the culture. Moreover, Football in the USA symbolizes an American psyche. American football is a typical game for Americans. It depends on the fact that people living in USA like big, loud and affective things. Therefore, they live in big cities, use big cars and need a lot of space. The best characteristic of American Football is the ability to high a competitive American spirit. The performance of team makes fans live and die during the game. 30 millions of Americans play American Football and the number of gamers is constantly increasing. As the matter of fact, American Football has become an integral part of USA leisure and turned out to be a symbol of American spirit and mentality.

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Essays on American Football

American football essay topics.

Are you a college student looking for the perfect essay topic on American football? Look no further! Choosing the right topic is crucial for a successful essay, and we're here to help you find the perfect one. It's important to choose a topic that interests you and allows you to showcase your creativity and critical thinking skills.

Essay Types and Topics

Argumentative essay topics.

• The impact of American football on college campuses
• The role of concussions in American football
• The controversy surrounding player protests during the national anthem

Example Paragraph:

American football has long been a staple of college life, drawing in fans and players alike. However, the impact of the sport on college campuses goes beyond the field, influencing campus culture and student life in various ways.

Thesis: This essay will explore the multifaceted impact of American football on college campuses, from athletic programs to student engagement and campus spirit.

In , American football has a significant impact on college campuses, shaping the culture and spirit of these institutions. As we continue to support and celebrate the sport, it's important to recognize and address the various ways in which it influences campus life.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• A comparison of college football and the NFL
• The differences between American football and soccer
• Comparing the evolution of American football with other popular sports

Descriptive Essay Topics

• Painting a picture of a game day experience at a college football stadium
• Describing the physicality and intensity of American football
• The sights, sounds, and emotions of a Super Bowl game

Persuasive Essay Topics

• Arguing for or against the expansion of college football playoffs
• Persuading the audience on the importance of football safety regulations
• The case for increasing diversity in American football

Narrative Essay Topics

• A personal story of overcoming challenges through playing football
• Recounting the experience of attending a historic football game
• Sharing the impact of a football coach or mentor on your life

Engagement and Creativity

Essay writing is a great opportunity to explore your interests and develop your critical thinking skills. Choose a topic that resonates with you and allows you to showcase your creativity and unique perspective. Don't be afraid to think outside the box and engage your readers with compelling storytelling and persuasive arguments.

Educational Value

Each essay type offers unique learning outcomes. Argumentative essays develop your ability to construct and defend a compelling argument, while compare and contrast essays hone your analytical skills. Descriptive essays allow you to practice vivid storytelling, and persuasive essays help you master the art of persuasion. Finally, narrative essays enable you to share personal experiences and insights in a compelling way.

The Evolution of American Football: a Historical Journey

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Analysis of American Football Culture

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A History and Effects of Concussions in Football and Hockey

The main reasons parents should allow their children to play football, implications of constant media attention to the negative effects of concussions on the health of football players, the story of struggle and success in the blind side by michael lewis, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

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A View of The American Football Player, Ray Rice’s Public Expression of Regret

Discussion of whether the redskins should change their name, the influence of money on professional sports loyalty, the benefits of football for the society, stephen gostkowski – the most accurate kicker in patriots history, the phenomenon of football hooliganism, ian crouch’s opinion regarding the washington redskins name choice, walter payton, the nfl football star, the nfl's catch rule, the biography of walter payton, the famous american football player, the biography of american football player philip rivers, ryan tannehill's progress in the nfl, how philadelphia eagles master their social media presence game, relevant topics.

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Essay On Football for Students and Children

500+ words essay on football.

Essay On Football- Football is a game that millions of people around the world play and love. It can be called a universal game because every small and big nation plays it.

Moreover, it’s a great relaxer, stress reliever, teacher of discipline and teamwork . Apart from that, it keeps the body and mind fit and healthy. It’s a team game that makes it a more enjoyable game as it teaches people the importance of sportsmanship. Leadership, and unity .

History of Football

The history of football can be traced back to the ancient times of the Greeks. Everyone knows that the Greeks were great sportsmen and have invented many games.

Football happens to one of them. A similar game like football is played in many countries but the latest version of football that we knew originates in England. Likewise, England formulated the first rule of the game. From that day onwards the football has progressed in ways we can’t imagine.

Importance of Football

Football is an important game from the point of view of the spectator as well as the player. This 90 minutes game is full of excitement and thrill.

Moreover, it keeps the player mentally and physically healthy, and disciplined. And this ninety-minute game tests their sportsmanship, patience, and tolerance.

Besides, all this you make new friends and develop your talent. Above all, it’s a global game that promotes peace among countries.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

How to Learn Football

Learning any game is not an easy task. It requires dedication and hard work. Besides, all this the sport test your patience and insistence towards it. Moreover, with every new skill that you learn your game also improves. Above all, learning is a never-ending process so to learn football you have to be paying attention to every minute details that you forget to count or missed.

Football in India

If we look at the scenarios of a few years back then we can say that football was not a popular game in except West Bengal. Also, Indians do not take much interest in playing football. Likewise, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) has some limited resources and limited support from the government.

But, now the scenario has completely changed. At this time football matches the level of cricket in the country. Apart from that, the country organizes various football tournaments every year.

Above all, due to the unpopularity of football people do not know that we have under-17 and under-23, as well as a football team.

Football Tournaments

The biggest tournament of Football is the FIFA world cup which occurs every 4 years. Apart from that, there are various other tournaments like UEFA cup, Asian Cup (AFC), African completions (CAF) and many more.

To conclude, we can say that football is very interesting that with every minute takes the viewer’s breath away. Besides, you can’t predict what’s going to happen the next second or minute in football. Apart from all this football keeps the one playing it fit and healthy. Above all, it can be a medium of spreading the message of peace in the world as it is a global game.

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• Pandemic Stories from New Orleans-Area Service and Hospitality Workers In 2023, Dr. Sara T. Bernstein, Dr. Elise Chatelain, and Zach Golden, of Dismantle Culture and Media Alliance, LLC, received funding to interview service and hospitality professionals who worked during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in the New Orleans, LA-area. The researchers sought to understand how COVID-19 impacted the lives of hospitality workers and how the workers adapted to the changes created by…

The History of ‘Monday Night Football’ Theme Songs (1970-2024)

Tina Benitez-Eves

Updated: 

Decades before Chris Stapleton , Snoop Dogg , and Cindy Blackman Santana emerged with their 2023-2024 Monday Night Football theme song, a harder rendition of Phil Collins ‘ 1981 “In the Air Tonight,” the NFL had a series of musical entries playing throughout the seasons. From the first Monday Night Football broadcast in September 1970 through 2024, everything from outlaw country, hip-hop, electronic, and other compositions have made their way through the seasonal theme songs. Here’s a look back at the core Monday Night Football theme songs spanning more than five decades from 1970 through 2024.

Videos by American Songwriter

“score” (1970-1975).

Composed by Charles Fox

On September 21, 1970, Monday Night Football aired for the first time on ABC, and Charles Fox’s “Score” played as the opening theme. The song was recorded by Bob Israel and his band, who also produced theme songs for Nightline , ABC World News Tonight , and more. The funkier “Score” remained the Monday Night Football theme song until 1975.

“Heavy Action” (1976-Present)

Composed by Johnny Pearson

Before it became the theme song for Monday Night Football in the U.S., “Heavy Action” was used on the British sports show Superstars . Originally composed by Johnny Pearson in 1970, “Heavy Action” became one of the most iconic theme songs on television with its rushing dun dun dun duuuun . It premiered on MNF in 1976 and has remained background music for Monday Night Football since then. In 1989, “Heavy Action” was updated by Edd Kalehoff before the network returned to the original Pearson version in 2018.

“All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night” (1989-2011; 2017-2019)

Written by Hank Williams Jr. When Monday Night Football aired in 1989, it opened with Hank Williams Jr. ‘s redo of his 1984 hit “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” which he renamed “All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night.” The song earned Williams Jr. four Emmy Awards and remained the MNF theme song for nearly three decades, even after it moved back to ABC sister network ESPN in 2006. “All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night” went to No. 1 on the Country chart and remained the MNF theme song through 2011 when ESPN dropped him after his political tirade on television. When the network reconnected with Williams Jr. in 2017, he revived his song for MNF , featuring Jason Derulo and Florida Georgia Line . It remained the theme song through 2019 before the network severed ties with the outlaw a second time.

[RELATED: Why ESPN Dropped Hank Williams Jr. From ‘Monday Night Football’ Twice in Less Than Ten Years]

“Rip it Up” (2020-2022)

Written by Robert Blackwell and John Marascalco

During the pandemic in 2020, ESPN moved away from Williams Jr.’s more outlaw “All My Rowdy Friends Are Here on Monday Night” to a reworking of Little Richard ‘s “Rip it Up,” performed by the jazz quintet Butcher Brown. The Richard classic, which went to No. 1 when it was originally released in 1956, remained the Monday Night Football theme song until 2022.

“Heavy Action” (Remix), DJ Marshmello (2022)

Composed by Christopher Comstock (Marshmello)

In 2022, DJ Marshmello put his spin on the classic four notes of the  Monday Night Football  theme song “Heavy Action,” which was played throughout the season but was switched out the following year.  “Working with ESPN is a dream come true as ‘Monday Night Football’ and the NFL have been a part of my life ever since I can remember,” said Marshmello . “Having the opportunity to put my own spin on an iconic song that NFL fans everywhere recognize was an amazing opportunity.”

“In the Air Tonight” (2023-Present)

Written by Phil Collins

A year after experimenting with an electronic version of “Heavy Action,” ESPN and NFL gravitated toward something more nostalgic, and invited Chris Stapleton, Snoop Dogg, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana to take on Phil Collins‘ 1981 hit “In the Air Tonight” for the 2023-2024 season. The song was picked by ESPN after focus-group research found that there was a deep nostalgia among  Monday Night Football  fans for the earlier eras of the broadcasts from the 1970s through the ’90s. In the trio’s reimagining of “In the Air Tonight,” NFL announcers Joe Buck and Troy Aikman can be heard talking, while the original Collins version of the song echoes in the background. In the video, Snoop Dogg enters driving a lowrider and cuts in with his own rhymes— Rivals, us verses them / Survival, we must win / It’s trivial, my team like king —while Stapleton carries the heavier chorus: I can feel it comin’ in the air tonight, oh Lord / I’ve been waitin’ for this moment for all my life, oh Lord

[ RELATED: The Evolution of Chris Stapleton and Snoop Dogg’s ‘Monday Night Football’ Anthem, Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”]

Photo: Little Richard performs onstage circa 1980. (Lester Cohen/ Getty Images)

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