The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). The NFL is widely regarded as the pinnacle of professional football and is highly popular in the United States.
Founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association before changing its name to the NFL in 1922, the league has evolved significantly over the years. The NFL season consists of a 17-week regular season, followed by a playoff tournament leading to the Super Bowl, the league's championship game held annually on the first Sunday in February. The Super Bowl is one of the biggest sporting events worldwide.
The NFL's teams are primarily based in major cities across the United States, with one franchise located in Canada. Each team represents a unique market, contributing to the league's diversified fanbase. Highly skilled athletes compete at the highest level, showcasing their talents in areas such as passing, running, tackling, and strategizing.
The league operates under a salary cap system to maintain competitive balance among teams and uses a draft system to recruit new talent. The NFL has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry, generating substantial revenue through broadcasting rights, merchandise sales, sponsorships, and ticket sales.
Due to its widespread popularity, the NFL has become a significant cultural phenomenon in American society, capturing the attention of millions of fans and attracting numerous advertisers. Its impact extends beyond sports, with NFL-related events often serving as platforms for social and political debates.
