American football

American football is a team sport that evolved in North America from rugby and association football, and is played primarily in the United States and Canada.

American football is a team sport that evolved in North America from rugby and association football, and is played primarily in the United States and Canada. It is also called gridiron football, and in the United States and Canada the sport is commonly referred to simply as football. The sport is closely related to Canadian football, which developed alongside it in Canada and remains a major winter spectator sport there, though ice hockey is generally more popular.

History

American football developed in the late 19th century from earlier forms of rugby and soccer. Modern rules emerged in North America, with the United States becoming the sport’s main centre of popularity.

Rules and gameplay

The game is played between two teams that alternate possession and try to advance the ball toward the opponent’s end zone. The sport is distinct for allowing limited handling of the ball and for its downs-based system of advancing yardage. Standard American football is played by two teams of 11 players, who may run with, throw, and carry the ball with their hands, unlike in soccer.

Professional and amateur play

The NFL is the best-known professional league and the highest professional level of the sport. College football, especially in the United States, is also a major part of the American football landscape.

International presence

American football is most established in North America, but since the 1980s it has gained some international visibility, especially through the NFL’s marketing and television coverage. Canadian football, which developed alongside American football, uses 12 players per side.