American Football or gridiron or simply called as football is the most popular sports in the United States and it is so much loved that it is celebrated twice in a year as National Football Day celebrates it annually on 19th July. However today we are celebrating it as American Football Day which falls annually on 5th November.
This day is especially celebrated to promote the sports of American football worldwide! Along with it this day celebrates the U.S.A's most popular sport and reminds us all that it's mid-season and we should probably check on our fantasy teams.
This day also celebrates the NFL which is also the biggest domestic sports league in our world in terms of brand value and how can we forget about millions of people celebrating and cheering for their favorite teams during the NFL season.
| Event | American Football Day |
|---|---|
| Date | November 5, 2022 |
| Day | Saturday |
| Significance | The day celebrates and honors the American Football |
| Observed by | United States |
American Football Day History:
American football evolved from the sports of rugby and soccer and it is most similar to the sports of rugby. What is considered to be the first American football game was played on November 6th, 1869, between Rutgers and Princeton, two college teams. They consisted of 25 players per team and used a round ball that could not be picked up or carried. It could, however, be kicked or batted with the feet, hands, head or sides, with the objective being to advance it into the opponent's goal. Rutgers won the game 6–4.
On November 12th, 1892, Pudge Heffelfinger was paid $500 to play a game for the Allegheny Athletic Association in a match against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. This is the first recorded instance of a player being paid to participate in a game of American football, although many athletic clubs in the 1880s offered indirect benefits, such as helping players attain employment, giving out trophies or watches that players could pawn for money, or paying double in expense money. Over time, professional play became increasingly common, and with it came rising salaries and unpredictable player movement, as well as the illegal payment of college players who were still in school.
Then the first National Football League (NFL) game was played in 1920 in Ohio between the Dayton and Columbus teams. This new league's stated goals included an end to bidding wars over players, prevention of the use of college players, and abolition of the practice of paying players to leave another team. By 1922, the NFL had established itself as America's premier professional football league. Things grew quickly from then on the professional side. The NFL had grown to 25 teams by the mid 20s only, and although the rival AFL folded after one season, it marked a growing interest in the game. Several college stars joined the NFL, most notably the University of Illinois Red Grange.
Football, in general, became increasingly popular following the 1958 NFL Championship game, a match between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants that is still referred to as the "Greatest Game Ever Played". The game, a 23–17 overtime victory by the Colts, was seen by millions of television viewers and had a major influence on the popularity of the sport. This, along with the innovations introduced by the new American Football League (AFL) in the early 1960s, helped football to become the most popular sport in the United States by the mid-1960s.
American Football Day Significance:
Today, football is an important American pastime, whether playing or watching it in person or on television. With youth, high school, college and professional games being played all over North America throughout the fall and winter football season, this sport is certainly here to stay. Even considering the inevitable injuries, football is beloved by players and fans alike, often building community and encouraging sportsmanship.
There are a few sports out there where one star player can really define a whole team but football is a sport which relies heavily on a team working together. Each play is designed with a desired outcome in mind and if one player is sleeping at the wheel, the whole plan falls apart. This is one reason why football is such a popular sport that it truly celebrates the sports spirit where each player of the team matters towards winning a match. And that's why unity between the players of any team is very much important in winning a game so this game is truly a team sport with crazy fans!
In America there are only the two biggest holidays that bring all family and friends together and these are Christmas and Super Bowl Sunday. Even people who never watch a single regular-season game will head on over to a neighbor's house to watch the Super Bowl and have a wing or two. Even Super Bowl commercials are now an event in the country. Overall we can say American Football is not just a sport but an emotion in the country and NFL is treated as not just sports league but like a festival by the football fans!
Today, American football leagues exist throughout the world, but the game has yet to achieve the international success and popularity of baseball and basketball. It is not an Olympic sport, but it was a demonstration sport at the 1932 Summer Olympics. At the international level, Canada, Mexico, and Japan are considered to be second-tier, while Austria, Germany, and France would rank among a third tier. These countries rank far below the United States, which is dominant at the international level. So American football still needs more global outreach so for promoting it this day is celebrated.
American Football Day Celebrations:
Well what can serve as a better way to celebrate this American Football Day than by organizing a nice game of American football with family and friends on this occasion. You will have a very fun and exciting time enjoying this one of the most amazing sport. It is a great way of paying tribute to this awesome sport which is also considered as religion by some.
If you yet to know about American football or you are completely new to this sport then it is an opportunity for you to dive more into this awesome sport and learn all about its rules and regulations. Watching any NFL match for now will be a great start for you to develop your interest in this amazing sports and once you start understanding it then it is highly likely that you will like it!
During the months of September through December, football games can be found in almost any American town. Whether it’s a youth league that teaches young kids to play, or a rivalry between local high schools, a football game can easily be found. So why miss this opportunity get your tickets now and watch any exciting game of American football within the large attendance of fans live at the stadiums there is an awesome feeling about it.
Most Searched FAQs on American Football Day:
1. When is American Football Day celebrated?
American Football Day is annually celebrated on November 5th in US.
2. Is American football same as rugby?
American football and rugby are two similar sports, but with rather different rules of play. The playing field in both sports looks the same but has different dimensions. Both fields have a rectangular shape, soccer goals at opposite ends, and white lines drawn on certain areas of the field.
3. Do other countries enjoy American football?
While the name of the game is American football, the NFL isn't just a game that is exclusive to Americans and can only be enjoyed by Americans. History has shown that the game is popular in many countries worldwide, especially in certain countries in Europe.