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“Doesn’t Make Any Sense”: Ex-Cowboys Star Says Jerry Jones Must Not Break 14-Year Draft Trend
Dallas has two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. Will Jerry Jones trade up for star defender Arvell Reese?
“We Have to Be Better for Him”: $40M Steelers Star Sends Message to Locker Room Amid Aaron Rodgers’ ‘50–50’ Decision
Steelers LB calls Aaron Rodgers' return 50-50 as Pittsburgh eyes QB draft options like Ty Simpson and Will Howard.
“Never Say Never”: Retired Vikings Legend Adam Thielen on Potentially Returning to NFL This Season
The Minnesota Vikings legend, Adam Thielen, hinted at a potential return after breaking retirement this season.
Sources: NFL Teams Flag Jermod McCoy’s Combine Medicals; Browns GM Eyes OL in Draft
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“I Stand Behind Every Story”: Dianna Russini Issues Statement On The Athletic Resignation After Mike Vrabel Controversy
Dianna Russini resigns from The Athletic, effective immediately, following the Mike Vrabel controversy.
2026 NFL Draft Prospect Tier Rankings: Caleb Downs and Jeremiyah Love Lead the Way as Bona Fide Superstars
Take a look as we are breaking down 53 of the NFL Draft's top prospects into 10 tiers only on EssentiallySports.
Sources: Giants Ready to Move Dexter Lawrence if Their Price Is Met
The New York Giants and nose tackle Dexter Lawrence could part ways if the former gets the right compensation in a trade.
“Brock Purdy Doesn’t Get Respect”: $7.5M 49ers Star Suggests Draft Position Still Haunts QB
The 49ers star reveals how QB Brock Purdy doesn't get the deserved respect and how his late draft position still bothers him
2026 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Rankings: Where Jordyn Tyson and Omar Cooper Jr. Land
Daniel Rios shares his rankings for the Top 10 receivers in the 2026 NFL draft just over a week out from the event
Chiefs Announce Collegiate Hall of Fame News for Legendary Coach With Four Super Bowls
The Kansas City Chiefs are celebrating a massive milestone for the man who helped shape their defensive blueprint over the years.
Rueben Bain Jr.’s Fatal Crash Story Explained: Will It Hurt His Draft Stock?
The accident occurred two years ago, but the news involving a potential top 2026 NFL Draft pick was just made public. We examine the fallout.
Luke Hubbard’s NFL Mock Draft 5.0: Chiefs Make Move For a Pass Rusher as Cardinals Trade Up For Ty Simpson
With Draft Day just 10 days away now, I updated my predictions for the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft on EssentiallySports.
About NFL
NFL
History
In August 1920, representatives from four states: Akron, Canton, Cleveland, and Dayton, held a meeting and formed the American Professional Football Conference (APFC) to improve footballing standards in the country. A month later, they formed the American Professional Football Association (APFA) and played a league with 14 teams. In 1922, they changed the name to the National Football League (NFL).
In 1960, a new professional league, the American Football League (AFL) started as a competition against the NFL. After six years, in 1966, the two leagues announced a merger that would take effect in 1970. During the four years between the announcement and the actual merger, the leagues started playing a Championship game which was called The Super Bowl. Since then, the two leagues have been recognized as two separate conferences within the same league, the NFL.
Participating teams
There are 32 teams in the NFL divided equally into two conferences: National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). Each conference is further divided into 4 divisions: East, North, South, and West, with each division containing four teams.
American Football Conference (AFC)
East
NorthSouthWestNational Football Conference (NFC)NorthSouthWest