Oldest Teams in the NFL
Sports are a big part of our daily lives, with major leagues like the National Football League (NFL) seeming to be around forever. However, everything has a beginning and evolves to become what it is today. Everything changes, from browsing libraries to simple internet searches and from playing at land-based casinos to enjoying live casino games Canada online instead. This includes the NFL, which started in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) and developed into the NFL as we know it today. With only two of the original APFA teams remaining, we delve into the oldest NFL teams below.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals is the oldest NFL team, part of the league since its inauguration, and one of the only two teams that initially joined the APFA. Originally the Chicago Cardinals, they were established in 1898 and have been owned by the Bidwells since 1932. The team’s home field is the State Farm Stadium in Arizona. Larry Fitzgerald is a legendary player who played for the Cardinals from 2004 to 2020, winning several awards and legacy honours.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears, initially known as the Decatur Staleys, are the only other team in the original APFA line-up. However, they were established in 1920 and owned by the Halases since 1921, when they moved to Soldier Field Stadium in Chicago. The best player in the Bear’s history is Walter Payton, who set many records and is a legendary NFL player.
Green Bay Packers
This team is the oldest NFL franchise that never moved from its Lambeau Field stadium in Green Bay and never changed its name. Established in 1919, they joined the league in 1921, and the Green Bay Packers Inc. owns the team. Aaron Rodgers is one of the most talented players in the Packer’s history and continues to astound fans with his TD-INT ratio of 4.83-1; he is also the longest-tenured player in the Packer’s history.
New York Giants
The New York Giants were established and joined the NFL in 1925, with their home stadium being the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The Maras founded and still co-owns this team with the Tisches. The New York Giants has been a popular team since its founding date, with over 70,000 fans showing up for its first season. Lawrence Taylor played for the Giants his entire NFL career from 1981 to 1993 and has remained one of their best players.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions started as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1929 and only joined the league in 1930. Their home stadium is Ford Field in Detroit, and George A. Richards purchased the team in 1934. Martha Firestone Ford currently owns it, but the team has never won a Superbowl and won their last championship in 1957. Listed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Barry Sanders is the best player in Lion’s history.
Conclusion
The National Football League is one of the most popular sports leagues today. It enjoys a long history, and many teams have joined the league since its inception. While only two teams of the original line-up remain, the NFL currently boasts 32 teams as part of its league, with NFL fans worldwide. One can only imagine what further developments the future will hold for them.
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