If you live in America, you must know how popular American-style football is. This sport is not only played in America but in the whole world as well. American football is inspired by traditional football and rugby; in short, the sport combines both. Although the game is played worldwide but has gained recognition in America as most professional leagues, such as the NFL, is held in the North side of America and contain a massive list of talented players from all around the world.

The most hyped-up season of the entire year is the super bowl which only comes once a year, attracting millions of people while emptying the streets! Let`s learn more about American football and how it is unique from other forms of sport.


5 Amazing Facts About American Football

Evolution From Soccer And Rugby

Initially, it was confused with soccer (as most people know it by the name of football) and rugby, but as generations passed and people learned more about this sport, they became fans of this game, and why wouldn`t they be? The sport involves an oval-shaped ball referred to as "FOOTBALL," which has to be taken by both teams to the end zone while the competing team tries to stop them from doing so. This can be accomplished by a single player or scored by passing and taking it to the finish line; either way, the team that performs this task is rewarded with 6 points.

The First Football Game Was Played In 1869

It might surprise you, as this game is relatively new for many people, but the first football game was played in 1869 between Rutgers and Princeton in New Jersey. However, at the time, there were only specific rules to be followed; in the late 1880s, Walter Camp modified the game rules and became the father of football, though his rules since then have been altered a couple of times.

Pittsburgh Steelers Have The Most Superbowl Wins

The world champion is made for the Pittsburgh Steelers as they have played 8 super bowl games and have won 6 of them, making them the only team not only to win this trophy six times but the only team to qualify for the finals so many times. However, the Dallas Cowboys and the New England Patriots have played the super bowl 8 times but have only won 5 and 4 times, respectively.

NFL Hired Its First Female Official Back In 2015

Sarah Thomas is the first person to be hired as a full-time official for the NFL. However, some previous women were employed, like Shannon Easton but were soon released from their contract as she was a part-timer and was brought in for a short period only. It’s amazing to see how American football promotes women`s rights and motivates them to come forward.

Denver Broncos Has Been Unlucky

Denver Broncos have lost the super bowl cup 5 times, making them the most unsuccessful team in football history and the only team who has not been able to win a super bowl trophy. However, they have hustled to the finals 7 times but were still unsuccessful. How unlucky is that!


Rules Of The Game

Objective

The main goal of a team should be to score as many points as possible within a specific time limit. To achieve this, they may move the ball down to the pitch in phases, after which they enter the end zone. This can be achieved by throwing the ball to the teammate or displaying courage and running with the unusual ball.

Each team gets 4 chances to carry the ball forward with them. Once they pass the 10-yard circle, they must move 10 yards again. After 4 opportunities, if the team cannot score any points while moving to the end zone, the ball is passed to the defensive team.

Players And Equipment

Although 11 players are playing on the field just like in any other game, overall, every team must have at least 45 players in store to meet the eligibility criteria. The team is divided into three parts: attacking, defense, and special team players. They all have specific tasks while on the field. The attackers move around the ball quickly and try to move to the end zone with it. On the other hand, the defense players defend their team by resisting the opposition`s attack. Special team players are used for punt kicks only.

If we talk about equipment, all players wear helmets, and protective braces along with safeguards all over their body as this sport is hazardous and could turn out to be life-threatening; hence, safety precautions are followed by all teams.

Scoring

Scoring points during this game is essential to lead your team to the promised land. This can be achieved by either carrying the ball to the end zone or by getting a pass near the end zone. This particular section of the game is also known as touch down. After a touchdown has been scored, the attacking team must kick the ball successfully between the upright posts. A goal can also be achieved if you kick the ball from anywhere in the field, yielding you 6 points. On the other hand, if the attacking team can defend their side of the end zone, they will be rewarded with 2 points afterward.

Winning The Game

Like any other game, the team with the most points in store wins, whereas if the points are tied, additional overtime is given to the players on the field to determine the winner. After conducting thorough research on this game, I learned that this game is challenging to play and only gifted athletes can enter this game!