More NFL News

J.J. Watt Confirms Stance on Violent Texans and Sends Coaching Message to DeMeco Ryans

J.J. Watt doubles down on his stance on the violent Texans’ defense and backs up DeMeco Ryans’ coaching after the Texans' Week 14 win.
J.J. Watt

C. J. Stroud Is Not Happy With Texans Offense After DeMeco Ryans’ Clear Message for Locker Room

Find out what C.J. Stroud had to say about the offensive issues while praising the team's defensive performance against the Chiefs.
NFL: DEC 21 Texans at Chiefs

Late Marshawn Kneeland’s Circle Seeks Immediate Financial Help for His Grieving Girlfriend Catalina

The Cowboys' DE, Marshawn Kneeland, passed last month, leaving behind his pregnant girlfriend to ask for financial help.
Marshawn Kneeland, Catalina Mancera

NFL Legend Says George Pickens Changed the Entire Cowboys Offensive Picture in TNF Loss to Lions

Former NFL quarterback defends star wideout George Pickens are the Cowboys' Thursday Night loss to the Lions.
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Dallas Cowboys

Hunt Family’s Prayers Fall on Deaf Ears as Chiefs Lose 20–10 to Texans

The Hunt family’s heartfelt game-day prayers fall short as the Chiefs suffer a crushing 20-10 loss to the Texans in Week 14.
Clark Hunt with wife, source, social media

Travis Kelce & Chiefs WRs Make Strong Locker Room Decisions After Loss Against Texans

Travis Kelce and the WRs expressed frustration following a disappointing loss to the Texans, where the Chiefs' passing game faltered.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Pro Bowl-AFC Practice, Feb 3, 2022; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end

Breece Hall Makes Frustrating Statement on Jets’ Playoff Elimination After Aaron Glenn Assigned Blame for Loss

Breece Hall makes a concerning admission on Jets' playoff drought after Aaron Glenn pointed fingers after tonight's loss.
Minnesota Vikings v New York Jets International Series 06/10/2024. New York Jets Running Back Breece Hall (20) during th

Steelers Legend Bill Cowher Confirms Stance on Firing Mike Tomlin After Ownership’s Final Decision

Here's what Steelers legend Bill Cowher says about Mike Tomlin amid firing calls as ownership prepares key decision.
NCAA Football 2025:  Notre Dame NFL Pro Day MAR 27

Browns Players ‘Mad’ at Shedeur Sanders for Costly INT as QB Asks for More Time to Improve

Shedeur Sanders’ costly INT sparks locker-room frustration as Browns fall to Titans, despite rookie’s career-best performance.
NFL: Cleveland Browns Rookie Minicamp

Sean McVay Provides Health Update After Being Forced to Travel Away From the Team

Sean McVay opened up about struggling with his health issues while the Rams secured a massive win in Week 14
NFL: JAN 05 Seahawks at Rams

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes Firmly Pushes Back on Andy Reid’s Comments After Texans Struggles

Patrick Mahomes weighs in on the controversial decision by Andy Reid after in Chiefs’ 20–10 loss to the Texans.
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers

Chiefs Playoffs Odds & Chances: Are Kansas City Eliminated From Post-Season After Losing AFC West Title

Read everything about the Kansas City Chiefs' chances of qualifying for the playoffs and their elimination news on EssentiallySports.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: Broncos vs Chiefs NOV 10 November 10, 2024: Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patr

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