What do the Green Bay Packers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Chicago Bears all have in common? They were three of the original twelve football league teams when the National Football League (NFL) was founded nearly one hundred years ago. But who were the other nine teams that started it all? Let’s take a trip down memory lane to explore the roots of the sport.
Before the Super Bowl, before Monday Night Football, and even before the NFL became a multi-billion-dollar industry, there were twelve teams that laid the foundation for what football is today. These teams battled it out on the gridiron in 1920, as part of the first-ever professional football league in America. But there were some hiccups along the way. The league faced numerous obstacles and even went through several name changes before settling on its current moniker, the National Football League. Despite these challenges, the original twelve teams persevered and paved the way for the future of the sport.
If you’re a die-hard football fan, you might think of yourself as a historian of the game, knowing all the stats, facts, and trivia. But do you know all twelve original teams that comprised the NFL in its infancy? Sure, you might know the Green Bay Packers, but do you know about the Dayton Triangles or the Decatur Staleys (who eventually became the Chicago Bears)? Get ready to take a trip back in time to discover the roots of one of America’s favorite sports and the twelve teams that started it all.
FAQs: Who Were the Original 12 Football League Teams
1. Who were the original 12 football league teams?
The original 12 football league teams were Accrington, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Everton, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke (now Stoke City), West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
2. When did these teams form a league?
These teams formed the inaugural English Football League (EFL) on March 22, 1888.
3. Were these 12 teams the only ones to participate in the first league season?
Yes, these 12 teams were the only ones to participate in the first league season.
4. How did these 12 teams perform in the first league season?
Preston North End emerged as champions, winning the league without losing a single game. Aston Villa finished second, while Blackburn Rovers finished third.
5. Are there any other teams that were added to the league later?
Yes, many other teams were added to the league in later years. Currently, there are 92 teams in the EFL.
6. Are any of the original 12 teams still playing in the EFL?
Yes, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers, Burnley, Derby County, Notts County, Preston North End, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers are still playing in the EFL. Only Accrington is not currently in the top four tiers of English football.
Closing: Thanks for exploring the roots of English football with us!
We hope this article has brought you closer to the rich history of football in England. From Preston North End’s unbeaten season to the present day, the EFL has been a major part of English culture for over a century. Make sure to visit us again for more fascinating topics!