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Chiefs Legend Christian Okoye Delivers Verdict on Patrick Mahomes’ Chances of Surpassing Tom Brady
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GMF Host Jamie Erdahl Opens Up on ‘Tragic’ Personal Situation Amid Absence From Set
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Landon Dickerson Makes $3M Sacrifice for Eagles Amid Retirement Speculation
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Retired Jaire Alexander Returns 6-Figure Paycheck to Eagles After Never Playing for Philly
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Christian Gonzalez Fires Back at Jordan Addison After Vikings WR’s Disrespectful Remarks Against Patriots
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When Raiders’ 1st-Round Pick Damon Arnette Was Accused of Stealing Cartier Watch & Cash From Instagram Model
Take a look when a model accused Damon Arnette of stealing multiple items from her Las Vegas home, an incident that took place in 2022.
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Dallas Cowboys announce double trade as Jerry Jones and Co. receive major $7.25 million salary cap relief amidst an important offseason.
Triple Exit Rocks Shedeur Sanders’ Offense as Browns Open Door for Deshaun Watson
Triple exit shakes Shedeur Sanders’ Browns offense as Cleveland releases some key players, while leaving the door open for Deshaun Watson.
2026 NFL Mock Draft Post-Free Agency: Chiefs Pick Mansoor Delane, Patriots Land KC Concepcion
With most of the top free agents signed to new teams, here's an update on EssentiallySports' first round mock draft.
Patrick Mahomes Sends a 5-Word Message to Wife Brittany on Reaching Major Personal Milestone
Patrick Mahomes paused amid all the chaos to celebrate his life with Brittany. Find out what the QB wrote to his wife on March 12.
Troy Aikman Makes Final Decision on Accepting NFL Coaching Job After ESPN Season Ends
Troy Aikman is heading into the last year of his ESPN deal, and he's got things to say about why coaching was never on the table.
Sarah Jane Ramos Reportedly Issued “Ultimatum” to Dak Prescott Before Wedding Cancellation
Before ultimately cancelling the wedding just a month before the scheduled date, Sarah Jane Ramos confronted the Cowboys' QB Dak Prescott.
Former Cowboys QB Takes a Shot at Jerry Jones Amid Free Agency
Former Cowboys QB Ben DiNucci revisits a past comment from Jerry Jones, firing back while the owner pushes his aggressive free agency plan.
The ES 2026 NFL Free Agency Awards Show: Biggest Bargain, Best Overall Haul & More
From the biggest bargain signing to the best overall class, here are our awards for the 2026 NFL free agency.
Will Malik Willis’ Dolphins Signing Lead to a Career Turnaround?
Malik Willis signed a significant three-year $67.5 million deal with the Miami Dolphins. Will this be the start of his career turnaround?
Zac Taylor Makes Massive Decision for Joe Burrow’s Protection as Bengals Address $22M Cap Dilemma
Joe Burrow's offensive tackle negotiated a two-year contract extension to stay with the Cincinnati Bengals through the 2028 season.
Maxx Crosby’s Wife Rachel Shares Heartfelt Message as Raiders Star Marks Personal Milestone
Maxx Crosby's wife, Rachel, shares an emotional message as the Raiders star completes a significant personal milestone.
2026 Pro Day: Ravens Interested in Center Jager Burton, 49ers on Hand for Wyoming TE John Michael Gyllenborg
Stay updated on the 2026 Pro Day events as the Baltimore Ravens eye Kentucky guard Jager Burton to bolster their line.
“Disappointed” Tony Dungy Breaks Silence on NBC Firing After 17-Year ‘Football Night in America’ Stint
Tony Dungy looked back at his 17 years with NBC after the network let him go as part of it's one of the major decisions for revamp.
Ja’Marr Chase Shares Telling Reaction Amid Maxx Crosby-Trey Hendrickson Trade Saga
Ja'Marr Chase shared a telling reaction amid the Maxx Crosby–Trey Hendrickson trade saga, sparking speculation.
Pittsburgh Steelers Announce Double Roster Signings While Locker Room Awaits Aaron Rodgers’ Decision
Amid Aaron Rodgers' uncertainty, the Pittsburgh Steelers addressed their needs on the special teams and the offensive line for 2026.
Maxx Crosby’s Agent Claps Back at ‘Fake News’ After Ravens Nix Trade Before Trey Hendrickson Signing
Maxx Crosby’s agent fires back at “fake news” after the Baltimore Ravens backed out of a trade, before signing Trey Hendrickson.
Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman Accuses Jerry Jones of Spinning the Narrative in Documentary
Cowboys legend Troy Aikman accuses Jerry Jones of influencing the storytelling in his team's Netflix documentary series.
Mike McCarthy Makes Roster Decision on 5 Free Agents After Steelers’ Backup QB Plan Is Revealed
Mike McCarthy makes tender decision on five free agents after the Steelers’ backup QB strategy comes to light.
NFL World Rallies Around Ex-Chiefs Star After Tragic Personal Loss
Fans across the NFL send support to former Chiefs star after he shares heartbreaking news about his father’s passing.
Chiefs Super Bowl Parade Shooter Sentenced After Murder Charge Dropped
One of the shooters in the Chiefs’ 2024 Super Bowl parade is expected to be released after Missouri prosecutors dropped the charges.
“In Fear of My Life”: WNBA’s Rickea Jackson Files Protection Petition Against James Pearce Jr
Rickea Jackson has filed a protective petition against James Pierce Jr., as new details regarding their confrontation have emerged.
Pete Carroll Admits Major Regret Over Geno Smith After Jets Trade for Raiders QB
Pete Carroll reveals his biggest regret about Geno Smith after the Jets trade reunites the veteran quarterback with his 1st team.
Cowboys Hit With $16M Setback After Trading ‘Unhappy’ Osa Odighizuwa to 49ers
Cowboys send Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers in a surprising move that leaves Dallas dealing with a major $16M setback.
Outgoing Chiefs Star Bids Emotional Farewell as Trent McDuffie & More React
Outgoing Chiefs linebacker sent an emotional farewell to the Chiefs Kingdom as Trent McDuffie and others reacted.
Dallas Cowboys Bolster Defense Further as Jerry Jones Reportedly Decides Against Maxx Crosby Trade
Jerry Jones is bolstering the defensive depth by signing a former Cowboys DE, while significantly shifting away from the Maxx Crosby trade.
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