More on NFL

“I’m Available”: Jon Gruden Publicly Expresses Interest in Open Buccaneers Job Amid Legal Fight With NFL

Jon Gruden publicly addressed his interest in a new job opening at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers amid his legal court battle with the NFL.
Jon Gruden

“I Wouldn’t Miss That Day”: Steelers Legend Hines Ward Shares Why He’s Returning to Pittsburgh for NFL Draft

Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward reveals why he is coming back to the Steel City this summer, 14 years after his retirement.
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 30: Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward looks on during the NFL, American Foo

Patrick Mahomes Sends Message After Ousted Chiefs Teammate Announces Personal Update

Patrick Mahomes shows up for a former Kansas City Chiefs teammate's big day with the rest of the Chiefs squad.
NFL 2025: Texans Vs Chiefs DEC 07

Cowboys CEO Breaks Silence on League’s Trade Interest in George Pickens Amid Contract Standoff With Jerry Jones

Cowboys CEO Stephen Jones breaks the silence on other NFL teams' interest in George Pickens amid his contract standoff with Jerry Jones.
NFL: NOV 23 Eagles at Cowboys

NFL Fans Erupt Over Report That NBC Is at Greatest Risk of Losing SNF to Netflix or Amazon

Roger Goodell faces harsh criticism from fans after a report suggests that NBC could lose Sunday Night Football.
Trump Announces DC Will Host the 2027 NFL Draft

Steelers Urged to Abandon Two-Decade Pattern After Hosting Dynamic All-American WR

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the verge of breaking another long-term patter, after eyeing an All-American wide receiver.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Detroit Lions

“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?
SPORTS-FBN-ENGEL-COLUMN-FT

“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.
NFL: DEC 15 Dolphins at Steelers

“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. 
Sports News – March 10, 2023

Sources: NFL Teams Flag Jermod McCoy’s Combine Medicals; Browns GM Eyes OL in Draft

NFL teams concerned over Jermod McCoy’s Combine medicals, while Browns GM Andrew Berry eyes offensive line help in the 2026 Draft.
NFL: FEB 26 Scouting Combine

“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.
PITTSBURGH PA SEPTEMBER 16 ESPN reporter Dianna Russini looks on during the NFL American Footbal

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.
NCAA Football: Syracuse at Notre Dame

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