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Bill Belichick Issues Statement Amid Outrage Over Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Snub

After the NFL community were outraged on his behalf over the HOF snub, Bill Belichick finally released his first statement (sort of).
NCAA Football 2025: TCU 48:14 North Carolina

Tom Brady Announces Health Update Amid Criticism Over Dual Role With Raiders & FOX

Tom Brady makes health update while balancing Raiders ownership and Fox Sports broadcasting despite NFL dual-role scrutiny.
NFL: Detroit Lions at Los Angeles Rams

Andy Reid Risks Losing Out on Ideal Travis Kelce Successor Amid Chiefs TE’s Retirement Buzz

With uncertainty looming over Travis Kelce's return in the 2026 season, Andy Reid and Chiefs could run out of options for his replacement.
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants

Sam Darnold Holds Nothing Back on Time With Jets, Panthers Ahead of Super Bowl LX

Ahead of the Super Bowl matchup against the New England Patriots, Sam Darnold looked back at his journey with the Jets and the Panthers.
NFL 2025: Seahawks At Panthers Dec 28

Joe Brady Confirms Major Josh Allen Regret as Bills QB Announces Injury Update After Foot Surgery

While Joe Brady had his first regret as the Bills' HC, quarterback Josh Allen provided an update on his foot injury.
NFL: AFC Divisional Round- Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Bills Make Final Decision on Firing Sean McDermott’s Staff as Joe Brady Demands Major Changes From Josh Allen & Co.

Buffalo Bills retain key staff after Sean McDermott’s exit as Joe Brady brings new energy, demanding changes from Allen & co.
NFL: JAN 05 Bills at Patriots

Mike McCarthy Loses Promising Steelers Coach Immediately After Patrick Graham’s Hiring

Mike McCarthy’s Steelers face staff changes as NFL coaching moves highlight rising defensive talent and shifting opportunities.
ATLANTA, GA Ð NOVEMBER 03: Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy looks on from the sideline during the NFL, American Football

Tony Romo Comes Clean on Broadcasting Errors as Cowboys Legend Shares Update on Chronic Health Condition

Over a couple of years after grabbing the spotlight for his on-air slip-ups, Tony Romo made it clear that the mistakes were on purpose.
KANSAS CITY, MO – JANUARY 19: CBS broadcaster Tony Romo before the AFC Championship game between the Tennessee Titans an

What is Jim Leonhard’s Net Worth in 2026? Contract Breakdown, NFL Earnings, Salary & More

Find out Bills Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard Net Worth, contract details, his salary and career earnings and more on EssentiallySports.
Jim Leonhard

Giants Co-Owner Steve Tisch Issues Public Statement After Being Named In Jeffrey Epstein Files

New York Giants release statement addressing the involvement of co-owner Steve Tisch in the recently released Epstein files.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA NFL Owners Meetings, Oct 17, 2017; New York, NY, USA; New York Giants chairman and ex

Justin Jefferson Admits to Tough Sam Darnold Reality as Vikings Fire GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah

Justin Jefferson addressed how he feels watching his former quarterback, Sam Darnold, heading to the Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL: NFC Wild Card Round-Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Rams

Cowboys Legend Jimmy Johnson Boldly Defends ‘Spygate’ Amid Staunch Defense Against Bill Belichick’s HOF Snub

Jimmy Johnson

Mike McCarthy Makes Plans Clear With Aaron Rodgers as Steelers QB Faces New Retirement Deadline

Amidst uncertainty over Aaron Rodgers' return with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike McCarthy addressed the reunion with his quarterback.
NFL 2026: Ravens 24: 26 Steelers

Exclusive: Injured Michael Penix Jr. Confirms His Return Timeline for Falcons Amid Recovery From Left Knee Surgery

In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports' Ryan Ward, Michael Penix Jr. addressed where he stands for a Week 1 return in 2026.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Atlanta Falcons, American Football, National Football League, Berlin Game 2025, Saison 2025, Spieltag 10, 09.11.2025

Jeff Bezos Linked With Purchasing $6.6 Billion NFL Franchise Immediately After Super Bowl 60

After previously exploring ownership for an NFL team, Jeff Bezos name has been is resurfacing again as a potential buyer in 2026.
Jeff Bezos talk with John Elkann at Italian Tech Week

Clark Hunt’s $300M Chiefs Plan at Risk as City Prepares For 30-Years Verdict

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt's ambitious plans faces its first real hardship, as the repayment of STAR bonds' $300 million becomes a big question.
Kansas City Chiefs v Las Vegas Raiders

Chiefs Search Turns to Ex-Super Bowl Coach After Eric Bieniemy’s Strong Locker Room Message

While the Kansas City Chiefs are putting their faiths in familiar faces, the new OC revealed the trajectory for the upcoming season.
INGLEWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 17: Washington Commanders assistant coach Eric Bieniemy Jr. during the NFL, American Football H

Joe Brady Makes First Decision as Bills Head Coach With Strategic Reunion to Help Josh Allen & Co.

Joe Brady brings in a familiar name as his offensive coordinator to help end the Josh Allen-led Buffalo Bills' postseason troubles.
Bills coach Joe Brady

Mike McCarthy Delivers Direct Message on Steelers Hirings and Firings After Aaron Rodgers Retirement Claims

Mike McCarthy addresses Steelers coaching and roster stability after addressing Aaron Rodgers' retirement speculation.
Mike McCarthy, New Head Coach of Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers DC Patrick Graham Put On Immediate Alert as Mike McCarthy Sends Clear Championship Message

Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham faces immediate championship pressure as Mike McCarthy lays out his vision.
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 18: Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy watches action during game featuring the Houston Te

How Elite Defenses Turn Great Quarterbacks Into NFL Legends

The NFL may be an offense-driven league, but history proves you can't win it all without an elite defense.
A player for the New England Patriots hoists the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Patriots defeated t

Joe Brady Demands Major Changes From Josh Allen and Co. While Embracing Pressure From Bills Ownership

Joe Brady steps into pressure with the Bills, demanding change from Josh Allen while ownership raises expectations for a new era.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Buffalo Bills Training Camp Jul 24, 2024; Rochester, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills offensive

Exclusive: Tommy DeVito On Joining The Patriots, His Road To Super Bowl LX and Growing Up with Shedeur Sanders

The New England Patriots backup quarterback details his rise from high school star to Giants cult hero to being front and center for the Patriots' turnaround.
DeVitoFI

UT Tyler Athletics Announces Brittany Mahomes’ Induction Into 2026 Hall of Fame Class After Remarkable Career

UT Tyler Athletics announces Brittany Mahomes’ induction into the 2026 Hall of Fame following her remarkable collegiate soccer career.
NFL: AFC Championship-Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

Mike Macdonald Clears Feelings on Klint Kubiak as Seahawks OC Faces Difficult HC Decision

Mike Macdonald explains his stance on Klint Kubiak as the Seahawks offensive coordinator draws serious head coaching interest.
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks Nov 24, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle

Josh Allen & Joe Brady Left With No Excuses After Bills GM Unveils ‘Aggressive’ Plans at Buffalo

Josh Allen and Joe Brady face massive pressure after Buffalo’s GM reveals aggressive plans that leave the Bills with no excuses.
NFL: JAN 17 AFC Divisional Round Bills at Broncos

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