When Was American Football Invented? A Brief History of the Sport’s Origins
American football originated in the mid-19th century, evolving from rugby and association football (soccer). The first recorded game took place in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers. Over the following decades, rules were formalized, notably by Walter Camp, known as the Father of American Football, who helped establish key elements like the scoring system and team formations. The establishment of professional leagues in the early 20th century, culminating in the formation of the NFL in 1920, solidified the sport’s popularity, shaping it into the athletic spectacle it is today.