American Football
History
American football evolved from the sports of soccer and rugby. The first game of American football was played on November 6, 1869, between two college teams, Rutgers and Princeton. The game was played using a round ball and, like soccer, used a set of rules based on association football with 20-man teams.
Rules
American football is played with two teams of 11 players on a field and the goal is to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. The ball can be advanced by running with it or throwing it to a teammate. Points can be scored in a variety of ways, including carrying the ball over the goal line, catching a pass from a player who has crossed the goal line, kicking the ball through the goal posts at the opponent's end zone, or tackling an opposing ball carrier within his end zone.
Positions
In American football, each team has 11 players on the field at one time. The specific role that a player takes on the field is called their position. Positions are divided into offensive positions, defensive positions, and special teams.
Offensive Positions
The offensive players are those that line up on the line of scrimmage, in position to either pass or receive the ball. The quarterback is the leader of the team and the player that throws the ball a lot. Other positions include the center, offensive guards and offensive tackles, wide receivers, running backs and tight ends.
Defensive Positions
The defensive line is made up of the ends and the tackles. The linebackers line up behind the defensive line but in front of the defensive backfield. They are divided into two types: outside linebackers and inside linebackers. The defensive backfield consists of cornerbacks and safeties.
Special Teams
Special teams are units that come on the field during kickoffs, free kicks, punts and field goals. There are many positions specific to the special teams.
Leagues and Governing Bodies
American football is governed by different bodies at different levels of play. The National Football League (NFL) is the premier professional league in the world. College football is governed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
Popularity and Cultural Impact
American football has a major cultural impact in American society. It is the most popular sport in the United States according to polls and surveys. The Super Bowl, the NFL's championship game, ranks among the most-watched club sporting events in the world and the league has an annual revenue of around $10 billion.