The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams, each with a rich history and a unique story. The league itself was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) before evolving into the NFL two years later. Since then, many teams have come and gone, while some have stood the test of time. Let’s take a closer look at the established dates of the current 32 NFL teams.
1. Green Bay Packers (Est. 1919): The Green Bay Packers are the oldest continuously operating NFL franchise. Founded in 1919 by Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Calhoun, the Packers initially played in local leagues before becoming a part of the APFA/NFL.
2. Arizona Cardinals (Est. 1920): Originally established as the Morgan Athletic Club in 1898, the team became known as the “Cardinals” in 1901. The Cardinals are one of the two remaining founding members of the league, starting as the Chicago Cardinals before moving to St. Louis and finally settling in Arizona.
3. Chicago Bears (Est. 1920): Formerly known as the Decatur Staleys, the team was established in 1920. Led by legendary coach George Halas, they would eventually move to Chicago and become the Bears in 1922.
4. New York Giants (Est. 1925): The Giants were founded by Tim Mara in 1925, making them one of the longest-established teams in the league. Throughout their history, the Giants have been known for their rich tradition and numerous championships.
5. Detroit Lions (Est. 1930): Originally known as the Portsmouth Spartans, the team was established in 1929 in Ohio. They became the Detroit Lions in 1934 and have been a part of the NFL ever since.
6. Washington Football Team (Est. 1932): Founded as the Boston Braves in 1932, the team changed its name to the Washington Redskins in 1933. After a change in ownership and pressure regarding the team’s name, they are currently referred to as the Washington Football Team.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (Est. 1933): The Steelers were established as the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1933. They changed their name to the Steelers in 1940 to better represent the city’s steel industry.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (Est. 1933): Chartered in 1933, the Philadelphia Eagles were created as a replacement for the bankrupt Frankford Yellow Jackets. The team has a loyal fan base and has had success throughout their history.
9. Minnesota Vikings (Est. 1961): The Vikings were granted an expansion franchise in 1961 and began playing in the NFL in 1961. Known for their passionate fans and rich tradition, the Vikings have become a beloved team in Minnesota.
10. Los Angeles Rams (Est. 1936): Originally established in Cleveland in 1936, the Rams moved to Los Angeles in 1946 but eventually relocated to St. Louis in 1994. They returned to Los Angeles in 2016.
11. San Francisco 49ers (Est. 1946): Founded in 1946 as part of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), the 49ers joined the NFL in 1950 after the merger between the two leagues. The team has a storied history, including a dynasty in the 1980s.
12. Cleveland Browns (Est. 1946): The Browns were also part of the AAFC before joining the NFL in 1950. The original Browns moved to Baltimore and became the Ravens in 1996. However, the NFL awarded an expansion franchise to Cleveland in 1999, and the Browns returned to their rightful home.
13. Indianapolis Colts (Est. 1953): Originally established as the Baltimore Colts in 1953, the franchise moved to Indianapolis in 1984. Known for legendary quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts have had their fair share of success.
14. Dallas Cowboys (Est. 1960): The Cowboys became the NFL’s first modern-era expansion team in 1960. Led by their iconic owner Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have enjoyed numerous successful seasons and have become one of the league’s most recognizable brands.
15. New England Patriots (Est. 1959): The Patriots were established in 1959 as the Boston Patriots and became the New England Patriots in 1971. Under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, they have become one of the most dominant teams in NFL history.
16. Kansas City Chiefs (Est. 1960): Originally founded in 1960 as the Dallas Texans, the team moved to Kansas City in 1963 and became the Chiefs. The Chiefs have achieved great success in recent years, including winning Super Bowl LIV.
17. New Orleans Saints (Est. 1967): The Saints were awarded an expansion franchise in 1966 and began playing in the NFL in 1967. Known for their passionate fan base and the iconic Superdome, the Saints have risen to prominence in recent years.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (Est. 1968): The Bengals were established in 1968 by former Cleveland Browns head coach Paul Brown. They have had their ups and downs but remain a beloved team in Cincinnati.
19. Atlanta Falcons (Est. 1965): Founded in 1965, the Falcons have had their fair share of ups and downs throughout their history. They reached the pinnacle of the NFL in 1999 when they made it to the Super Bowl but fell short against the Denver Broncos.
20. Baltimore Ravens (Est. 1996): The Ravens were established in 1996 when the original Cleveland Browns relocated to Baltimore. Since then, they have become one of the most successful teams in the NFL, with two Super Bowl victories to their name.
21. Carolina Panthers (Est. 1995): The Panthers were awarded an expansion franchise in 1993 and began playing in 1995. Led by star linebacker Luke Kuechly and quarterback Cam Newton, the Panthers had a memorable run to the Super Bowl in 2015.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars (Est. 1995): The Jaguars were also awarded an expansion franchise in 1993 and started playing in 1995. The team has had its struggles but has shown promise in recent years.
23. Houston Texans (Est. 2002): The Texans were established in 2002 as an expansion team after the original Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee and became the Titans. Since then, the Texans have established themselves as a competitive team in the NFL.
24. Tennessee Titans (Est. 1960): Originally known as the Houston Oilers, the team began playing in 1960 before relocating to Tennessee in 1997. The Titans have had their moments of success, including a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl XXXIV.
25. Buffalo Bills (Est. 1960): The Bills were established as one of the AFL’s founding teams in 1960. After the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Bills became part of the NFL. They enjoyed a period of dominance in the early 1990s, reaching four consecutive Super Bowls.
26. New York Jets (Est. 1960): Founded as the New York Titans in 1960, the team changed its name to the Jets in 1963. The Jets famously won Super Bowl III, led by quarterback Joe Namath, and have been trying to recapture that success ever since.
27. Miami Dolphins (Est. 1966): The Dolphins were established as an AFL expansion team in 1966. Led by Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, the Dolphins enjoyed a perfect season in 1972 and have won two Super Bowls.
28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Est. 1976): The Buccaneers were granted an expansion franchise in 1974 and began playing in the NFL in 1976. After years of struggles, they won their first Super Bowl in 2003 under head coach Jon Gruden.
29. Las Vegas Raiders (Est. 1960): The Raiders were established in 1960 and were initially based in Oakland. In 2020, they moved to Las Vegas, where they continue to build their legacy.
30. Seattle Seahawks (Est. 1976): The Seahawks were established in 1974 and began playing in the NFL in 1976. With their passionate fan base known as the “12th Man,” the Seahawks won their first Super Bowl title in 2014.
31. Denver Broncos (Est. 1960): Initially part of the AFL, the Broncos joined the NFL when the two leagues merged in 1970. Under the leadership of quarterback John Elway, the Broncos have become one of the most successful franchises in the league.
32. Los Angeles Chargers (Est. 1960): The Chargers were established in 1960 as the Los Angeles Chargers before moving to San Diego. In 2017, they relocated back to Los Angeles, where they’ve been competing ever since.
From the historic Green Bay Packers to the new arrivals like the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans, each NFL team has a unique story that contributes to the league’s rich tapestry. The established dates of these franchises serve as a reminder of their long and storied relationships with football fans. As the league progresses, new teams may emerge, but the history and traditions of the current 32 teams will forever remain a cornerstone of the NFL.