The sport of football, especially American football, is deeply ingrained in American culture. Yet, the origin of its name often puzzles people. Why is a game dominated by throwing and catching called “football”? After all, using one’s feet isn’t the primary method of moving the ball down the field. This article delves into the intriguing history behind the name.
While kicking plays a role in football (punts, field goals, kickoffs), the sport’s name doesn’t stem from these actions. The roots of “football” trace back to medieval Europe, long before the modern game existed. Back then, “football” referred to any game played on foot rather than on horseback. These games varied widely in rules and gameplay, but the common thread was their ground-based nature.
This broad definition eventually encompassed various kicking games across the United Kingdom. Over time, these games evolved, leading to the codification of association football (soccer) in the mid-19th century. Simultaneously, rugby football emerged, incorporating the element of carrying the ball.
A depiction of a medieval football game. Image source: Wikimedia Commons
American universities adopted aspects of both soccer and rugby in their early football iterations. These games gradually developed unique rules and strategies, diverging significantly from their European predecessors. By the turn of the 20th century, American football had become a distinct sport.
Despite these changes, the name “football” remained. The Pro Football Hall of Fame confirms that the moniker had firmly taken root in America by the early 1900s.
An early American football game between Yale and Princeton in 1879. Image source: Wikimedia Commons
The evolution of terminology also explains the term “soccer.” In England, to distinguish between association football and rugby football (both often called “football”), enthusiasts of the former started using “association football.” This lengthy name eventually got shortened to “assoc” or “soc,” and ultimately evolved into “soccer” with the addition of the slang suffix “-er.”
The term “soccer” gained traction in the United States where gridiron football was taking hold. Ironically, “soccer” became the name for the more foot-centric sport in America, while “football” designated the game where carrying the ball dominated.
In conclusion, the name “football,” seemingly contradictory for a sport with limited foot involvement, reflects a historical evolution of terminology. Its origins lie in a broad categorization of games played on foot, encompassing various kicking games that predate the modern sports of soccer and American football. While the game itself evolved significantly in America, the name “football” persisted, becoming inextricably linked to the sport we know and love today.
