Legends and Victories: Exploring the Rich Heritage of Football

by Kendall Jones 

 

 

Modern football originated in Britain in the 19th century. Walter Camp helped shape football into the American Sport we watch today.  At first, football was played in towns and villages, but as time passed football became more popular.  On November 16, 1869, players from Princeton and Rutgers held the first intercollegiate football contest in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Camp introduced the idea of an “11 man-team”. The quarterback position, line of scrimmage, offensive signal calling, and the scoring scale are used in football today. 

 

In 1920, the American Professional Football Association, Later known as the Nation Football League (NFL), was founded in Canton, Ohio,  Professionalizing the sport. The history of American football goes back to early versions of rugby football & association football. Both versions of football originated in the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century. There are also mentions of Native Americans playing games similar to football. 

 

American football resulted in major divergences. The rules changes were created by Walter Camp, a Yale University coach who is considered to be “The Father of American Football.” In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gameplay developments were changed by college coaches, Eddie Cochems, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Parke H. Davis, and Glen Pop. The coaches helped take advantage of the new “forward pass”.

 

After this, the popularity of college football grew. It became the dominant version of the sport in the U.S. In 1936 halfback Jay Berwanger became the first-ever NFL Draft pick. He was also awarded the first Heisman Trophy. The trophy recognizes the most outstanding college football player. 

 

After the 1958 NFL championship game, college football didn’t have the same national popularity as the NFL. But both games benefited from TV. The NFL became a nationally popular sport, while college football remained more regional. In the 1950s Notre Dame had its network to broadcast games. But overall college football still had mostly regional following. It wasn’t until 1984 that schools could negotiate their TV deals. ABC Sports started broadcasting key matchups and rivalries nationally in 1966. 

 

Back in 1940, there were only five bowl games for top college football. By the 1980s there were already fifteen bowls, thanks to cable TV and networks like ESPN. The growth didn’t stop there, From 1980 to 2010, they added 20 more bowl games. Some people think it diluted the significance of the game, but others see it as a positive because more schools get exposure and revenue. 

 

Football has a fascinating history that began in Britain in the 19th century. Walter Camp played a crucial role in shaping American football as we know it today. Over time, football became more popular and the first intercollegiate football contest took place in 1869. The American Professional Football Association, later known as the NFL, was founded in 1920, marking a significant milestone in professionalizing the sport. College football also played a significant role in the development and popularity of the game. Football has come a long way and continues to captivate fans today.

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