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Cowboys Legend Emmitt Smith Immediately Throws ‘Sorry’ Defense Under the Bus While Defending Dak Prescott
Emmitt Smith defends Dak Prescott, blaming the Cowboys' poor 2025 season on a weak defense rather than the star quarterback's performance.
“I Was Lowkey Pissed Off”: Ex-Chiefs Star Calls Out Harsh Treatment Before Forced Trade to Rams
Former Kansas City Chiefs star opens up about harsh treatment before being traded to the Los Angeles Rams after three seasons.
Adam Schefter Reveals How 49ers Almost Passed on George Kittle, But Draft-Day Twist Changed Everything
The 49ers might repeat their draft luck of George Kittle in 2026, while targeting Kadyn Proctor to secure a Super Bowl.
Cowboys Legend Michael Irvin Names Miami QB as Ideal Heir Apparent to Dak Prescott
Michael Irvin backs Miami QB as a future Cowboys option, calling him a strong fit to support and learn behind Dak Prescott.
Browns HC Todd Monken Blames NFL Amid Criticism Over Missing Coaches’ Photo at Annual Meeting
Browns HC Todd Monken points finger at the NFL amid criticism for missing the annual coaches’ photo, as backlash continues to grow.
Jason Kelce Vehemently Defends Jalen Hurts Amid Criticism Over Eagles Offense
NFL legend Jason Kelce sends a warning to Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles offense, ahead of the upcoming season.
Todd Monken Addresses Myles Garrett’s Noticeable Absence, Gives Update on Browns’ QB Room
Browns HC Todd Monken isn't worried about Myles Garrett, but can he say the same thing about his quarterback room?
“I Prayed First”: Fired Bengals Coach Makes Honest Admission on Facing Lamar Jackson
Fired Bengals coach admits he “prayed first” before facing Lamar Jackson, offering a candid view on the challenge of stopping the star QB.
Robert Griffin III Announces Ambitious Goal for Olympics After Joining Team USA’s Roster
Robert Griffin III eyes 2028 Olympic gold with Team USA after joining roster, setting ambitious goal in flag football journey.
“They Want Me Fired”: ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith Unleashes Rant Against Enemies Conspiring Against Him
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith rants about enemies plotting to fire him from ESPN. He warns backlash would be massive.
Chiefs Super Bowl Champ Joins NFC Rival After Being Cut by Andy Reid & Front Office
After the Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with their Super Bowl champion, an NFC South franchise has signed the veteran star.
FOX Sports Shuts Down Major Service Amid Growing Pressure Over NFL’s Broadcast Antitrust Exemption
Fox is retiring its sports app for FOX One, as the NFL faces legal heat over moving games to paid streaming.
Chiefs Heiress Gracie Hunt Reveals Why She Waited 8 Years to Date Derek Green After Dream Engagement
Chiefs heiress Gracie Hunt recently revealed why she waited 8 years before starting to date Derek Green following their grand engagement
Clark Hunt’s Wife Sends Emotional Message as Chiefs Part Ways With 7 Cheerleaders
Clark Hunt's wife and the Chiefs Kingdom honors seven retiring cheerleaders as the 2026 auditions begin. Check what the women say.
Mike McCarthy Makes Move for New WR Amid Talks Around Steelers Trading DK Metcalf
Mike McCarthy makes a move for a new collegiate wide receiver, while talks about trading WR DK Metcalf grow.
Joe Burrow’s Rumored GF Olivia Ponton Causes a Stir With Her Outfit
Joe Burrow's rumored girlfriend, Olivia Ponton, fires up the internet with her latest attire after revealing it on her latest post.
Kirk Cousins Reveals Exactly How Involved Tom Brady Is, Confirms His Stance on Being Raiders’ QB1
Can Kirk Cousins become the starter under Tom Brady's guidance? If not, the Raiders have already prepared for the next chapter.
Insider Reveals Why Steelers May Trade DK Metcalf Away After $59M Contract Move
According to an NFL analyst, D.K. Metcalf's future in Pittsburgh looks uncertain after the arrival of Michael Pittman Jr.
WWE Star ‘The Miz’ Recalls Being Worried About Rookie Johnny Manziel Before Cold-Blooded 30–0 Defeat From Bengals
The Miz revealed his major concerns for Johnny Manziel when the quarterback was all set for his NFL debut against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ravens 7-Round Mock Draft: Olaivavega Ioane Comes Off the Board First as Baltimore Continues to Add to Their Offense
See what I have the Baltimore Ravens doing with their 11draft picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, only on EssentiallySports.
Texans Spark Widespread Trade Speculation on C.J. Stroud After Clever Contract Decision
Even after the Houston Texans made a contract decision for quarterback C.J. Stroud, trade speculation aren't winding down easily.
Josh Allen’s Wife Hailee Steinfeld Announces New Career Move Days After Welcoming Baby Girl
A week after becoming mother, Hailee Steinfeld has announced a new career move, as she and Josh Allen are slowly embracing parenthood.
“They Didn’t Care”: Ousted Lions Star Reveals How Detroit Ghosted Him After Dolphins Offer
The former Detroit Lions' defensive tackle recalled the time when the franchise didn't match the offer he made following his rookie deal.
Disappointing Update on Aaron Rodgers’ Pending Steelers Decision as Head Coach Addresses Will Howard
Disappointing update on Aaron Rodgers' looming Steelers decision, as Mike McCarthy talks about Will Howard
Iowa State DT Dom Orange Works Out for 10 NFL Teams After Quad Injury Kept Him Out of Predraft Process
Iowa State's Dom Orange is back after an injury sidelined him during the predraft. Find out which 12 NFL teams attended his recent workout.
Why Keeping George Pickens on Payroll Creates a Big Problem for Cowboys and CeeDee Lamb
George Pickens loves Dallas, and Dallas wants him to stay. But can they afford it? And what does it mean for the WR room with CeeDee Lamb?
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