History of American football

American football originated in the late 19th century, evolving from rugby and soccer. The sport was formalized with rule changes introduced by Walter Camp, known as the "Father of American Football," in the 1880s. The game gained popularity in colleges before the formation of professional leagues, leading to the establishment of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920. Over time, innovations like the forward pass and protective gear shaped modern football into the high-impact sport it is today.