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 Super Bowl XXII 1988 Official Match Programme Washington Redskins v Denver Broncos Jack Murphy Stadium San Diego
NFL Super Bowl XXII 1988 Official Match Programme Washington Redskins v Denver Broncos Jack Murphy Stadium San Diego

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 Irish Players and Coaches

NFL Irish Players and Coaches

(New York Giants 1980-1981, Baltimore Colts 1982)

(Buffalo Bills 1977, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1978-1979, St. Louis Cardinals 1980-1985)

Pittsburgh Steelers 1974-1976

(Philadelphia Eagles 1968-1972, Chicago Bears 1972, Detroit Lions 1973)

(New York Giants 1965, Atlanta Falcons 1966)

Ian Jones Irish-Born GAA Football, Rugby Union and NFL American Football Coach 2010-Present

National Football League International

National Football League Seasons

NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme - Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys - Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme – Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys – Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

Picture Credit: NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme – Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys – Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona – Author’s Personal Collection

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 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 2019

National Football League (Preseasons):

1986 1990 1992 1994 1995 2012 2019 2020

National Football League Championship Era (1920-1966)

National Football League Championship Game 1933-1966

National Football League (USA) Champions 1920-1932

National Football League 1920-1925 (Irish Players)

Major League Football (NFL & Independents):

1920

National Football League v Other Leagues

1920s football action. Hundreds of spectators watch from stadium seats.

Picture Credit: Everett Collection [Sutterstock]

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 Teams

NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme - Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys - Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona
NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme – Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys – Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona

Picture Credit: NFL Super Bowl XXX 1996 Official Match Programme – Pittsburgh Steelers v Dallas Cowboys – Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona – Author’s Personal Collection

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.