NFL Fever

[ixgames]

The National Football League has long been known as the biggest and most esteemed football league in America. With league offices in Ohio, Philadelphia, Chicago, and New York City, the NFL still reigns as a favorite sports event among Americans. The 70s and 80s were considered the peak of NFL's success in having the most number of followers. In fact, even during the early 80s when the United States Football League was established, the NFL still managed to continue being the most viewed football event every year. As a result, the USFL lasted only three years.

Millions of NFL fans have witnessed the best and the worst games played by the National Football Conference and the American Football Conference teams. They have cheered for teams like New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens. NFL collectibles from Ridell helmets, autographed merchandise, flip coins, fact books, and football cards have been bought and auctioned among NFL die-hard fans.

History of NFL

The National Football League started out as the American Professional Football Association in 1920. Established in the Hupmobile dealership in Ohio, the APFA became America's first league where football players are paid to play. The league association's first president was Jim Thorpe, a world-renowned athlete.

Back then, teams were prohibited to join and play for non-league teams. It was in 1921 when APFA started making official standings. Later, the APFA was named the National Football League, but it was still not considered a major football league then. Providence Steam Rollers, Decatur Stanleys, and LaRue, Ohio Oorang Indians were some of the franchises back then.

Professional games gained popularity when college football players like Benny Friedman and Red Grange tried playing in them. In 1934, the small teams either moved to teams of bigger cities or were replaced by them. It was when annual championship games were held that launched the NFL's popularity. But when World War II ended, the NFL became the college football's competitor in having sports fans' attention. Thanks to T-formation games that were faster-paced and higher-scored, the number NFL fans were steadily increasing.

NFL and the Media

Every NFL fan knows how different watching live games can be as against sitting on the couch while watching Super Bowl. But then, with NFL now gaining popularity worldwide, it's quite predictable that the Super Bowl will join the lineup of the most viewed television shows every year. In fact, four Super Bowl shows have already been included in the top ten shows of the Nielsen Media Research. Since last year, there are now five television networks who are airing games during regular seasons: NFL Network, CBS, ESPN, NBC, and FOX.

Even the radio offers NFL fans the latest news, commentaries, game coverage, and analysis through Sirius Satellite Radio. Several radio networks such as Westwood One Radio Network, United Nations Radio Network, Sports USA Radio Network also cover games during regular season. Up to now, NFL still reigns as one of the most frequently followed games in America.

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[MovingLines]

Nice recap of the advance through the years of this great sport.. I'm a crazy fan of football. And its really curious to know a bit of the history of something that you really like.