NFL (National Football League) is the most popular sport in the US. Every fall and winter millions of Americans watch on TV, tailgate outside stadiums and cheer for their favorite teams. From touchdowns to the Super Bowl, the NFL is more than a sport — it’s a national holiday.
Whether you’re a beginner or an international fan, this guide will break down **what the NFL is, how it works and why it’s so loved in the US.
What Is the National Football League
The NFL is the top professional American football league in the US, founded in 1920. It has 32 teams, divided into two main conferences:
- AFC (American Football Conference)
- NFC (National Football Conference)
Each conference has 4 divisions (North, South, East, West) and each team plays 17 games during the regular.
NFL Season Breakdown (2025)
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preseason | August |
| Regular Season | September – January |
| Playoffs | January – early February |
| Super Bowl | First Sunday of February |
What Is the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the NFL championship game where the AFC and NFC champions play. It’s the most watched sporting event in America with over 100 million viewers each year.
In addition to football the Super Bowl has:
- Famous halftime shows
- Iconic TV commercials
- National parties and events
Super Bowl 2025 will be in New Orleans, Louisiana.
How National Football League Games Work (Basic Rules)
- Each team has 11 players on the field.
- The field is 100 yards long.
- The goal is to score touchdowns by getting the ball into the other team’s end zone.
- Teams take turns on offense and defense.
Scoring system:
- Touchdown: 6 points
- Extra point: 1 point
- Two-point conversion: 2 points
- Field goal: 3 points
- Safety: 2 points
Popular National Football League Teams
Here are some of the most popular and loved teams in the league:
| Team Name | City/State | Nickname |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | Texas | “America’s Team” |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Missouri | Super Bowl champs |
| San Francisco 49ers | California | Historic winners |
| New England Patriots | Massachusetts | Tom Brady legacy |
| Green Bay Packers | Wisconsin | Oldest franchise |
Why Is the National Football League (NFL) So Popular?
- Fast action and strategy
- Deep team loyalty
- Weekly excitement – especially on Sundays
- Cultural influence from the Super Bowl, ads and celebs
- Big fantasy football and betting community
NFL Going Global in 2025
The NFL is going international with regular season games in Germany, UK and Mexico. It also has a huge presence on social media — YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels and TikTok.
Planning to Attend an NFL Game?
Here are some quick tips:
- Buy tickets early (games sell out fast)
- Tailgating is a must! Enjoy food and fun outside the stadium
- Learn the basic rules to enjoy the game more
- Wear your team’s colors – fans go all out!
NFL is American sports in a nutshell, athleticism, entertainment and emotion. Whether you’re watching your first game or your favorite team the NFL is a must see.
FAQ’S About National Football League
1. What is the NFL?
The NFL (National Football League) is the top professional American football league in the US. 32 teams are divided into two conferences: AFC (American Football Conference) and NFC (National Football Conference).
2. When does the NFL season start and end?
Preseason: August
Regular Season: September to January
Playoffs: January
Super Bowl: First Sunday of February
3. How many teams are in the NFL?
32 teams — 16 in the AFC and 16 in the NFC.
4. What is the Super Bowl?
The Super Bowl is the NFL’s championship game. It’s the winners of the AFC and NFC and the most watched sports event in the US.
5. How long is an NFL game?
60 minutes of play time, 4 quarters of 15 minutes each. Including breaks, commercials and halftime, a game is about 3 hours.
6. How do teams score in football?
Touchdown: 6
Field Goal: 3
Extra Point: 1 or 2
Safety: 2
7. What’s the difference between the AFC and NFC?
Both are conferences within the NFL. Teams play most of their games within their own conference. The AFC Champion and NFC Champion play each other in the Super Bowl.
8. Who are some of the most popular NFL teams?
Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs
Green Bay Packers
New England Patriots
San Francisco 49ers
9. Can I attend NFL games in person?
Yes! NFL games are open to fans and tailgating (pre-game parties in the parking lot) is a big part of the fun.
10. Where can I watch NFL games?
You can watch NFL games on TV on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN and on streaming platforms like NFL+, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football).
11. What is Fantasy Football?
Fantasy Football is an online game where fans draft real NFL players and earn points based on their actual performance. It adds an extra layer of fun and strategy for viewers.
12. Where can I learn more about NFL rules?
You can go to the official NFL website (nfl.com) or check out beginner-friendly guides and videos on YouTube explaining positions, rules and strategies.