A high-contact team sport played with an oval ball where teams advance downfield in scripted plays to score touchdowns.
Origin and rules
American football evolved from rugby in the late 19th century, with Walter Camp introducing the line of scrimmage and down system in the 1880s. Two teams of eleven take turns on offense, attempting to advance the ball ten yards in four downs.
How it plays
Games last 60 minutes across four quarters. Touchdowns score six points, extra points one or two, and field goals three. The defense can score safeties worth two points. Pass and run plays advance the ball.
Competition
The National Football League dominates the sport, culminating in the annual Super Bowl. College football is also significant, with the College Football Playoff crowning a national champion. The sport remains largely confined to North America.
Find more sports by letter
American Football starts with A and ends with L. Browse other sports along the same letter.
Sports that contain a letter from "American Football":