- The origins of the game can be traced back to Medieval Europe. The first game of North American football, or modern football as we know it today, occurred in 1869 between Princeton and Rutgers.
- The game is played on a 100-yard field with two end zones, each 10 yards deep, between two teams consisting of 11 players on offense and 11 players on defense. The offense is made up of a quarterback, who handles the ball every snap, a running back, full back, receivers and linemen. Defense is made up of down linemen, linebackers and defensive backs.
- The game is started with a kickoff, then the offense has a possession to try to score a field goal, worth three points, or a touchdown, worth six points, After a touchdown, the team can add an extra point worth one point or go for a two-point conversion. The offense has four downs to pick up 10 yards and get a new set of downs, or they can choose to punt the ball to the other team rather than turning the ball over on downs.
- Penalties play a large part in each football game. The most common penalties are holding (10 yards), pass interference (15 yards or spot of the foul), false start (five yards), face mask (15 yards) and unsportsmanlike conduct (15 yards).
- The highest form of football is the National Football League, which hosts 32 teams, 16 in each conference. The NCAA is the body which governs college football, from which nearly all of the NFL players come from. Other notable leagues include the Arena Football League and the Canadian Football League.
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