American football is a gridiron spectacle. Helmeted warriors clash, the crowd roars, and the pigskin spirals through the air. But here’s a head-scratcher: why is it called football at all? After all, the players rarely use their feet, and the ball itself resembles an oval more than a traditional sphere.
From Humble Beginnings: The Roots of “Football”
The story of American football’s name takes us back across the Atlantic to the green fields of England. As The Atlantic explains, “The term ‘football’ originally referred to any game played on foot.” This simple definition encompassed a variety of sports, including rugby and an early version of soccer.
In essence, “football” was a simple descriptor, differentiating these activities from games played on horseback, like polo, or those that involved implements, such as cricket. These foot-based games shared some common elements, but they also had regional variations. In some parts of England, players used their hands to carry the ball, while others focused solely on kicking it. These variations would eventually solidify into distinct sports, but for a time, they all fell under the umbrella of “football.”
A Fork in the Road: Gridiron vs. Association Football
Back in 19th century England, the various “football” games began to resemble a bustling intersection. Imagine a muddy field teeming with young men, each version of the sport vying for dominance. On one hand, there was rugby, a chaotic and brutal game where players could freely carry the ball, leading to bone-jarring tackles and furious scrums. This style of play, though thrilling to some, was becoming increasingly concerned with brute force over strategic finesse.
On the other side of the field, a new set of rules was gaining traction. This version emphasized kicking the ball between two goalposts, fostering a more controlled and tactical approach. These codified rules, established in 1863 by the Football Association, would eventually become known as Association Football, or “soccer” for short.
Across the Atlantic, American colleges were also witnessing the evolution of “football.” Inspired by the chaos of rugby, early American football incorporated elements of running with the ball, tackling, and kicking. However, unlike England where rugby held sway, American universities began to tinker with the rules, molding the game to their specific needs and preferences. The playing field, initially unrestricted in size, gradually morphed into the now-familiar rectangular shape with its distinctive yard markers. Scoring systems were also debated and refined, with points awarded for touchdowns and successful kicks.
While these innovations were underway, there was a brief flirtation with renaming the sport altogether. “American rugby” was a logical contender, considering its clear lineage. However, a sense of tradition prevailed. The term “football” was already ingrained in the lexicon, not just in England but also in the emerging American sporting landscape. Early college athletes often hailed from backgrounds familiar with soccer, and “football” served as a familiar umbrella term for these foot-based games.
Furthermore, some argue that practicality played a role. As soccer’s popularity began to grow internationally, the need for a clear distinction became apparent. “American football” served this purpose perfectly, leaving no doubt about the specific sport being referred to. Ultimately, the name “football” stuck, even as the American game diverged further from its English cousin. The rest, as they say, is history.
A Name Stuck in the Mud: The Gridiron and Beyond
The American game continued to evolve, incorporating the forward pass, the line of scrimmage, and the distinctive rectangular field we know today. Despite these innovations, the name “football” remained. Some argue that the name stuck because early college athletes often came from backgrounds familiar with soccer, and “football” was already the established term for these foot-based sports.
Others point out the practicality of the name. “American football” clearly distinguished it from the growing popularity of soccer around the world. Whatever the reason, the term persisted. And so, we’re left with a curious situation: a sport dominated by throwing and running with the ball, still proudly called football.
So, the next time you watch a quarterback launch a touchdown pass, remember the long and winding road that led American football to its name. It’s a legacy that stretches back to the early days of foot-based games in England, a reminder of how sports evolve and names can sometimes become relics of the past. But here’s the beauty of language: even if it’s a bit illogical, “football” has become synonymous with the uniquely American spectacle playing out on our gridirons every fall.
