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Exclusive: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. Talks Falcons, Kevin Stefanski, Matt Ryan, Invisalign Partnership & Much More
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49ers Legend Merton Hanks Issues Statement on Rumors of Being Diagnosed With Dementia
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Town of Maynard Pledges Historic Drake Maye Announcement After Patriots Super Bowl 60 Game
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Retired NFL Star Vernon Davis Breaks Silence on Assault Allegations as Arrest Warrant Issued
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Chris Jones turns down honor as the Chiefs still receive double recognition, highlighting his ring-first mindset.
US Govt Regulators Make Final Decision on ESPN’s Billion-Dollar Acquisition of NFL Media
U.S. regulators approve ESPN’s massive NFL Media acquisition, clearing the path for a transformative partnership.
Sources: Bart Scott Wants Jets Coaching Role, Will McDonald Locked In for Breakout Year, Toledo Safety Pulled Out From Senior Bowl Over Speed Concerns
Bart Scott eyes a return to the Jets as NFL insiders share buzz from the Senior Bowl, including Will McDonald’s goals and draft concerns.
Prayers Pour in for Former Bucs HC Bruce Arians Amid Open Heart Surgery News
Fans offer heartfelt support and prayers as Tampa Bay Buccaneers' former head coach to undergo open heart surgery.
Bills’ Rookie HC Joe Brady Doesn’t Hold Back on Coaching Hires After Confirming Jim Leonhard Decision
Buffalo Bills new head coach Joe Brady makes his feelings clear on his team's new coaching hires after he makes a decision on Jim Leonhard.
NY Jets’ Toxic Culture Forced Coach to Change Careers as Jamal Adams Airs Franchise’s Dirty Laundry
Jamal Adams and a former Jets coach expose how New York’s toxic culture reshaped careers and reignited questions about the franchise.
Mike Macdonald Puts Seahawks on Notice Against Drake Maye Despite Patriots QB’s Injury Concerns
Mike Macdonald issues a warning for the Seahawks about Drake Maye as the Patriots continue to deal with injuries ahead of the Super Bowl.
Cowboys Make Hiring Decision for Brian Schottenheimer’s Staff After Confirming Coaching Move
The Cowboys finalize a key hire for Brian Schottenheimer’s staff as Dallas continues reshaping its coaching group after a rough season.
NFL Makes Punishment Decision on Sam Darnold’s Seahawks After NFC Conference Championship Win
The NFL hands down a fine after Sam Darnold's Seattle's NFC title win, placing unexpected focus on discipline ahead of Super Bowl LX.
NFL Legend Makes Bold Shedeur Sanders Claim As Calls Mount to Cancel Pro Bowl
Shedeur Sanders' Pro Bowl selection draws a bold claim from NFL legend as controversy brews over the unexpected pick.
Baker Mayfield’s Wife Shares Heartbreaking Reaction to Hollywood Star’s Tragic Passing
Baker Mayfield's wife, Emily shares heartfelt tribute to late Hollywood star after her passing in Los Angeles.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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