American Football – also known as Gridiron Football because the field was originally marked out in a grid-like pattern – originated in USA and Canada. The 11v11 version of the game is the one most recognisable to Irish viewers – there is also 12v12 Canadian Football and 8v8 Arena Indoor Football (most popular in Mexico). The NFL is the League most fans would know, however, there is also Rival Leagues (also known as AAA Leagues i.e. Championship to the NFL’s Premier League), NCAA College Football, Minor Leagues (lower level leagues), Semi-Pro State Leagues, High school Football, US Armed Forces Football.
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of American Football in the USA, and started in 1920 (and is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year). Irish-born players have been involved right from the start
National Football League Irish Players and Coaches
NFL Irish Players and Coaches
Tom Furlong Irish-Born NFL and Pro American Football Player 1965-1966 (Check This)
Adrian Young Irish-Born NFL, Pro and College American Football Player 1964-1975
Neil O’Donoghue Irish-Born GAA Football, Soccer and NFL American Football Player 1970-1985 (Check This)
John Sinnott Irish-Born NFL and College Football Player 1976-1982 (Check this)
Ian Jones Irish-Born GAA Football, Rugby Union and NFL American Football Coach 2010-Present (Check This)
Picture Credit: NFL Super Bowl XXII 1988 Official Match Programme Washington Redskins v Denver Broncos Jack Murphy Stadium San Diego – Author’s Personal Collection
National Football League International
NFL International Series; NFL American Bowl;
National Football League International Series (Major League)
National Football League International Regular Season Games in Mexico 2005-Present (Check this)
National Football League International Regular Season Games in London 2007-Present
National Football League International Regular Season Games in Canada 2008-2013 (Check This)
National Football League American Bowls (Preseason Games):
National Football League Intercontinental 1972-1978
National Football League International Preseason American Bowl in Europe 1986-1997
National Football League International Preseason American Bowl in Canada 1988-Present (Check This)
National Football League International Preseason American Bowl in Japan 1989-2005 (Check this)
National Football League American Bowl Preseason Games in Mexico 1994-2001
National Football League International Preseason American Bowl in Australia 1999 (Check This)
Picture Credit: NFL American Bowl 1997 Official Programme – Pittsburgh Steelers v Chicago Bears – Croke Park, Dublin – Authors’ Personal Collection
NFL v Other Leagues
NFL v CFL;
NFL/AFL v Canadian Football League Internationals (1926-1969) :
American Football League International 1926
Canadian Football League v American Football League Matches 1941-1948
National Football League v Canadian Football League 1950-1961
National Football League Preseason Matches in Canada 1960-1969
NFL v American Football Leagues (1927-1942)
Whilst not strictly speaking International matches, the National Football League has also played matches against American Football League teams in the 1920s, 1930s, & 1940s.
National Football League v American Football League 1927-1928
California Winter League 1927-1928
Memphis Tigers AAA Independent American Football 1929-1933
National Football League v Pacific Coast Football League 1936
Pacific Coast Football Leagues (Seasons): 1927 1928
National Football League v Army & College All-Stars 1942 (Check This)
Picture Credit: 1920s football action. Hundreds of spectators watch from stadium seats. Everett Collection [Sutterstock]
National Football League Seasons
NFL seasons; NFL preseasons
National Football League Super Bowl Era (1967-Present)
National Football League Super Bowl 1967-Present
National Football League and American Football League 1966-1969 (Irish Players) (Tom Furlong and Adrian Young)
National Football League 1970-1975 (Irish Players) (Adrian Young)
National Football League (Irish Players) 1976-1987 (Neil O’Donoghue and John Sinnott)
National Football League (Seasons): 2020 (check 2019)
National Football League (Preseasons):
1986 1990 1992 1994 1995 2012 2019 2020
National Football League Championship Era (1920-1966)
The most successful teams in the Ohio League and Upstate New York Pro Football Circuit joined forces in 1920, in attempt at creating a true National Football League, in order to provide a common set of rules and to cut down on the spiralling wage demands, which saw players jump from team to team in search of the best pay packet. This League, the American Professional Football Association, renamed itself the National Football League in 1922, and has since become the most popular sports league in America, although from 1920-1932 it was still a Minor (AAA) League in status.
National Football League Championship Game 1933-1966
National Football League (USA) Champions 1920-1932
National Football League 1920-1925 (Irish Players) National Football League (Check this)
Major League Football (NFL & AAA): 1920 (Check This)
Picture Credit: NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme – Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys – Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona – Author’s Personal Collection