Why Is American Football Called Football? A Brief Explanation

The name “football” for a sport that primarily involves hands rather than feet might seem counterintuitive at first glance. However, American football’s origins are deeply rooted in older versions of football played in Europe, particularly rugby and association football (soccer). During the 19th century, various football-like games were played in schools and colleges, with rules differing across regions. American football gradually emerged as a distinct sport, influenced by both rugby-style gameplay and strategic innovations. Unlike soccer, where the ball is continuously moved with the feet, American football retained kicking elements such as punts, field goals, and kickoffs.

Despite the emphasis on carrying and passing the ball, the name “football” persisted due to the sport’s historical classification as a form of football. Over time, as the game became more structured and popular in the United States, its name remained unchanged. While the term might confuse internationally, it serves as a reminder of the sport’s evolution and deep-rooted history. Today, American football is one of the most celebrated sports in the U.S., with its unique blend of strategy, physicality, and tradition captivating millions of fans.

The Origins of American Football

American football has its roots deeply embedded in a combination of European sports, particularly rugby and association football (soccer). In the mid-19th century, both rugby and soccer were played in the United States, and they shared many characteristics, such as handling a ball and competing to score by reaching the opponent’s end zone. The name “football” was not initially tied to the game’s present-day form but rather to the activities where players were on foot, as opposed to on horseback, which was common in earlier games. Below, we’ve outlined some of the key events in the evolution of American football and its naming history.

Key Events in the Evolution of American Football

Why is it Called ‘Football’?

The term “football” traces back to several sports played on foot during medieval times. The concept of “football” didn’t necessarily imply a game where the feet played the most important role. Historically, games played on foot were often called “football,” irrespective of whether the ball was primarily kicked. This included a variety of games, some of which involved carrying or throwing the ball. Thus, it wasn’t until later developments that American football evolved into a game focused on passing and carrying the ball.

Why the Name ‘Football’ Was Applied to Early Sports

The key to the answer lies in the fact that the name “football” was originally a blanket term used to describe various games involving a ball and played on foot, and this naming convention simply carried over when the U.S. adapted these games. While kicking remains an important part of American football, it’s only one aspect of a much more complex game.

The Influence of Rugby and Soccer on American Football

Rugby and soccer were two of the earliest influences on American football, both played on foot and emphasized teamwork, strategy, and scoring goals or tries. While soccer (or association football) became a global phenomenon, rugby played a more significant role in shaping American football. In the mid-to-late 19th century, college teams in the United States adopted elements from both sports, but rugby’s tackling, ball-carrying, and scrimmage formations became the foundation for what would eventually evolve into American football. Unlike soccer, where the ball is primarily moved with the feet, rugby allowed for carrying the ball, which was later refined through rule changes to create the distinct style of American football.

However, as the game grew in popularity and its identity solidified, the term “football” became the standard despite the relatively minor role of foot-based plays like punts and field goals. The name endured for historical and cultural reasons, influenced by its classification as a type of football game rather than the actual method of play. Over time, American football evolved into a unique sport with its own rules, traditions, and immense following, distinguishing itself from both rugby and soccer while still carrying the legacy of its early influences.

What Role Does Kicking Play in American Football?

While American football is not a game that is played predominantly with the feet, kicking remains an integral component. Field goals, extra points, and kickoffs all involve the use of the foot and can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. Kickers and punters play specialized roles, with field goals often determining crucial victories and punts, helping teams gain strategic field positions. Kickoffs mark the beginning of each half and follow scoring plays, setting the stage for the opposing team’s offensive drive. Despite these important aspects, kicking is secondary to the primary mechanics of American football, which rely on passing and running the ball. Unlike soccer, where players continuously use their feet to control and advance the ball, American football places much more emphasis on strategic plays involving ball carrying, passing, blocking, and tackling.

The game evolved from rugby-style play, where kicking was originally more prevalent, but as new rules developed, it became less central to the sport. Nevertheless, the influence of soccer, which was widely recognized as “football” in the 19th century, contributed to the retention of the name. By the time American football had fully diverged from its rugby and soccer roots, the name “football” was already deeply ingrained in culture and tradition. Even though the sport emphasizes hand use far more than foot use, its established identity as “football” remained unchanged as it grew into one of the most popular sports in the United States.

Why Did American Football Retain the Name ‘Football’ Over Time?

The name “football” stuck with the game for several reasons, despite its primary reliance on passing and running rather than kicking. First, as mentioned earlier, American football evolved from rugby and soccer, both of which were commonly referred to as “football” due to their use of the feet in gameplay. While rugby allowed for carrying the ball, it still incorporated kicking as an essential element, and American football initially followed a similar structure. Over time, the sport developed its own identity, with rule changes that placed greater emphasis on hand-based plays, but its historical roots kept the “football” label intact. Secondly, by the time American football was widely played and recognized, the name had already been deeply ingrained in the sport’s culture.

Colleges and universities had adopted it, leagues were formed under the “football” banner, and fans identified with it strongly. Changing the name after the sport had gained widespread popularity would have been impractical and unnecessary, as it was already an established part of American culture. Additionally, elements of kicking—such as punts, field goals, and kickoffs—remained important enough to maintain a connection to the original classification of “football.” Even as the game continued to evolve, the name persisted, solidifying its place in history. Today, despite the differences between American football and other versions of football around the world, the term remains an integral part of the sport’s identity and tradition.

Wrapping Up

In the end, the name “football” in American football is a product of its historical evolution rather than a direct description of how the game is played. The sport originated from early forms of football in Europe, particularly rugby, which involved both kicking and carrying the ball. While kicking plays a minor role in American football today, with punts, field goals, and kickoffs being key components, the game primarily revolves around passing and running. Despite this, the name “football” persisted, reflecting the sport’s deep historical roots rather than its modern style of play. Internationally, the term may be confusing, as “football” commonly refers to soccer in most parts of the world.

However, in the United States, American football has grown into a powerhouse sport, drawing millions of fans, generating massive revenues, and creating a deeply ingrained cultural tradition. The name may always spark debate, but the game’s excitement, strategy, and passionate following make it one of the most celebrated sports in the country.

FAQs

Why do Americans call football “football” when it’s not primarily played with feet?

The term “football” originally applied to games played on foot, distinguishing them from horseback sports rather than being solely about kicking. American football evolved from rugby and soccer, both of which were commonly referred to as “football.” Even though the game now emphasizes passing and running more than kicking, the historical association with early football games helped retain the name. Over time, the term became culturally ingrained, making it difficult to change even as the sport developed its own unique identity.

Did American football originally involve kicking as much as soccer does?

No, American football never involved kicking as extensively as soccer, though it played a larger role in its early years. Rugby, one of American football’s main influences, included more kicking than the modern American version does today. While field goals, extra points, and punts still involve the foot, the game has largely evolved into a sport centered around carrying and throwing the ball. As new rules were introduced, kicking became a secondary aspect of gameplay rather than a primary means of scoring.

Who was responsible for the creation of American football?

Walter Camp is often regarded as the “Father of American Football” due to his significant contributions in shaping the game’s structure. In the late 19th century, he introduced rules such as the line of scrimmage, the snap, and the 11-player team format, which helped differentiate American football from rugby. His innovations established a more organized style of play and laid the foundation for modern football strategy. Without his influence, American football might have remained closer to its rugby roots rather than becoming the distinct sport it is today.

What’s the difference between soccer and American football?

The biggest difference between soccer and American football lies in how the ball is handled. In soccer, players primarily use their feet to dribble, pass, and score goals, with hands being mostly restricted to goalkeepers. In contrast, American football focuses on carrying, throwing, and catching the ball, with kicking playing only a minor role. Additionally, American football has complex plays, tackling, and structured breaks, while soccer is more continuous and fluid with fewer stoppages. The two sports share some historical origins but have evolved into completely different games.

What makes American football so popular in the U.S.?

American football has deep cultural roots in the United States, particularly through high school, college, and professional leagues like the NFL. The sport’s combination of physicality, strategy, and spectacle makes it exciting to watch, and major events like the Super Bowl draw millions of viewers every year. Additionally, American football fosters strong regional and school pride, with fans passionately supporting their teams. The game’s history, rivalries, and sense of tradition continue to contribute to its massive popularity across the country.

How did the NFL contribute to the name of American football?

The National Football League (NFL), founded in 1920, played a crucial role in popularizing the sport and solidifying its identity under the name “football.” As the league grew in prominence, the term “football” became widely associated with the American version rather than soccer. Through televised games, massive fan engagement, and the rise of star players, the NFL helped American football become a dominant force in sports. This widespread popularity reinforced the name, making it synonymous with the game despite its limited use of foot-based play.

Why do people in other countries call it “American football”?

In most countries, the word “football” is used to refer to soccer, which is the world’s most popular sport. To avoid confusion, the term “American football” is used internationally to differentiate it from what is known as football elsewhere. Since soccer has maintained its dominance globally, the distinction helps clarify which sport is being discussed. Even in places where American football has gained a following, such as Canada, Europe, and Australia, the term “American football” is commonly used to set it apart from traditional football.