American football

American football is a team sport that evolved in North America from rugby and association football, and is played primarily in the United States and Canada.

American football is a team sport played primarily in the United States and Canada. It evolved from rugby and association football and is also known as gridiron football.

History

American football developed in the late 19th century from earlier forms of rugby and soccer. Modern rules emerged in North America, with the United States becoming the sport’s main centre of popularity.

Rules and gameplay

The game is played between two teams that alternate possession and try to advance the ball toward the opponent’s end zone. The sport is distinct for allowing limited handling of the ball and for its downs-based system of advancing yardage.

Professional and amateur play

The NFL is the best-known professional league and the highest professional level of the sport. College football, especially in the United States, is also a major part of the American football landscape.