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FOX Host Offered New Job to Dianna Russini Days Before Her Resignation From The Athletic

3 hrs ago
Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini-2

Veteran NFL Coach Passes Away: Famously Rejected Bears Job After Team Announced Hiring Without His Consent

5 hrs ago
NFL: NOV 23 Steelers at Bears

Chiefs Drop Biggest Hint Yet at Andy Reid’s Potential Move to Draft Travis Kelce’s Successor

5 hrs ago
September 5, 2019, Jacksonville, Florida, USA: Kansas City Chiefs tight end TRAVIS KELCE (87) talks

Rams Legend Aaron Donald Announces New Career Move With NFL’s $50B Broadcasting Partner

5 hrs ago
NFL: JAN 13 NFC Wild Card Playoffs – Vikings at Rams

“I Will Deal With the Jail Time”: Bengals Legend Chad Johnson Makes Wild Promise if USMNT Hits World Cup Milestone

5 hrs ago
NFL 2025: Lions Vs Bengals OCT 05

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Former Dolphins 1st-Round Pick & Columbus Football Coach Forced to Miss Game On Sunday After DUI Booking

Columbus Aviators coach and Dolphins ex-player takes accountability for his DWI arrest as Todd Haley steps in as interim head coach.
miami-dolphins-football-helmet-kdsp7am3x6nrkoc0

“It’s Unfair”: Eagles GM Addresses Overblown Jalen Hurts Criticism After Admitting Major Fault in Team Communication

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman opens up on the Jalen Hurts criticism after the quarterback found support from a sports analyst.
NFL: DEC 14 Raiders at Eagles

“Not Great”: Patriots GM Eliot Wolf Delivers Blunt Verdict on Fernando Mendoza-Led 2026 NFL Draft Class

Patriots GM Eliot Wolf gives a blunt reality check on the 2026 NFL Draft class as New England picks at the 31st spot.
Eliot Wolf (Image via X @Arrick Upton)

“You’re Washed”: Chargers Star Reveals How Those Two Words Fueled His NFL Comeback

Los Angeles Chargers safety reveals what motivated him to leave the job he loved to return to the gridiron after retiring in 2023.
NFL 2024: Chargers 12:32 Texans

Stefon Diggs Makes Personal Decision After Controversial Breakup With Cardi B

Stefon Diggs returns to Instagram with a cryptic post amid Cardi B reunion rumors and his ongoing NFL free agency.
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B

“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?
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“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

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.
NFL 2025: NY Giants Training Camp July 23

“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
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Super Bowl LVIII – San Francisco 49ers Media Availability San Francisco 49ers quarter

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
Jordyn Tyson

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.
NFL: Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs

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.
NCAA Football 2025: Miami Vs. Pitt NOV 29

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.
NCAA Football 2026: Rose Bowl CFP Quarterfinal Indiana Vs Alabama JAN 01

2026 NFL Draft: What Should the Cardinals, Titans, Browns and More Do With Their Picks?

NFL writer Daniel Rios breaks down what he would do if he was tasked with the difficult decisions in Round 1 of the NFL draft.
NFL: DEC 14 Titans at 49ers

Rueben Bain Jr.’s Draft Stock Could Tank if Investigation into Fatal Crash Reopens

Rueben Bain Jr.'s Draft stock risks a massive plunge in the face of the car crash investigation from 2024 resurfacing again.
Reuben Bain Jr.

Joe Buck Turns Down ESPN’s Offer Away From NFL After Declaring His Retirement Stance

Joe Buck recalls the incident when he declined an offer from ESPN while revealing his retirement stance with one-year left in his contract.
NFL 2025: Steelers Vs Bills DEC 15

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