American football has captivated generations of fans around the world! Its story is a testament to sport's ability to bring people together and inspire admiration for its tactical complexity and emotional appeal, and you can feel that emotion every time a team takes the field.
And did you know that it is possible to watch American football games 100% free? Continue reading this article and discover this in much more!
Brief history of American football
American football, one of the most popular sports in the United States, has deep roots and a fascinating history. Its origins can be traced back to a variety of European games such as association football and rugby, but the development of American football is a unique and distinct process.
In the 19th century, many American universities played different versions of football, each with its own rules and variations. However, the game that eventually became American football began to take shape in the second half of the century, particularly in the 1870s. The first recorded official American football match took place in 1869 between the Princeton and Rutgers teams. At the time, the game was much more similar to traditional football, with more simplified rules and similarities to rugby.
In 1873, a crucial rule change was introduced by Walter Camp, often called the “Father of American Football.” Camp proposed the adoption of the down system, which involves consecutive downs (plays), with the attacking team advancing the ball in defined attempts. This gave rise to the tactical and strategic game that is a hallmark of current American football.
The next major milestone occurred in 1880 when the team size was reduced from 15 to 11 players on the field. This allowed greater opening on the field and more opportunities for offensive and defensive plays. The advancement of rules and the popularity of the sport at American universities led to the formation of regulatory bodies, such as the Intercollegiate Football Association, which oversaw the standardization of rules. The first American football, with a distinctive oval shape, was also introduced, replacing the spherical-shaped soccer ball.
At the beginning of the 20th century, American football began to differentiate itself further from rugby and associated football. The forward pass was legalized in 1906, revolutionizing the game and allowing a variety of aerial plays. In 1920, the American Professional Football Association (later to become the National Football League, NFL) was founded, marking the beginning of professional American football in the United States.
How the National Football League Works
The National Football League, or NFL, is the main American football league in the United States and one of the most popular and profitable sporting competitions in the world. The history of the NFL dates back to 1920, when the league was founded as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before adopting its current name in 1922. Since then, the NFL has grown and evolved in remarkable ways.
The NFL is made up of 32 teams divided into two conferences: the American Conference (AFC) and the National Conference (NFC). Each conference is subdivided into four divisions. The NFL regular season usually begins in September and consists of 17 games for each team, with one week off. The regular season culminates in the playoffs, where teams compete in elimination games to advance to the conference finals and, ultimately, the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl is the highlight of the NFL season and one of the most-watched sporting events in the world. In addition to the game, the Super Bowl is known for its spectacular halftime shows and famous commercials shown during the broadcast. The Super Bowl winner is crowned NFL champion and receives the Vince Lombardi trophy, named after one of the greatest coaches in the history of the sport.
The NFL is recognized for its stars and legends, such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Jim Brown, Lawrence Taylor, Tom Brady and many others. NFL players are known for their commitment to the sport and dedication to teamwork.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the NFL also plays an important role in popular culture in the United States and beyond. The sport has influenced movies, TV shows and music, and many NFL personalities have become cultural icons. Additionally, the league is committed to social and environmental issues, supporting various causes and promoting positive changes in society.
Options for Watching the NFL for Free Online
1 – Free Broadcasts on Open TV: In many countries, some matches are broadcast on free-to-air TV channels. This allows fans to watch select games at no cost.
2 – Official NFL Applications: The NFL offers its own official app, the NFL Game Pass.
3 – Social Networks and Video Platforms: Many teams and the league itself have an active presence on platforms like YouTube and Facebook, where they share game summaries and highlights. You can watch these videos for free.
4 – Free Trial Promotions: Some streaming services, such as Amazon Prime Video and the Hulu Live TV, offer free trial periods. During these periods, you can access live streaming of NFL games at no cost.
5 – Assistance from Fan Groups: Join local or online fan groups dedicated to the league. Some of them may share links to free game streams.
6 – Free Video Libraries: Online video libraries such as YouTube may contain recordings of old games. This allows you to watch classic matches and memorable moments at no cost.
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Whether through local TV channels, official apps, streaming services with free trials or social media, American football lovers can enjoy the excitement of the sport without spending money. And now that you know this, all you can do is take advantage of the options and plan to watch the next game!
