Oldest Football Clubs in the NFL
The Oldest NFL Franchises: A Look Back at Their Origins and Histories
The National Football League (NFL), originally known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA), has a rich history that spans over a century. Here, we take a closer look at the 10 oldest NFL franchises and their fascinating journeys.
1. Arizona Cardinals (1898)
Founded as the Morgan Athletic Club in Chicago in 1898, the Cardinals joined the NFL (originally APFA) in 1920 as the Racine/Chicago Cardinals. Through various moves and name changes, they are now based in Phoenix, Arizona, and are the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise.
2. Chicago Bears (1919)
The Bears, originally known as the Decatur Staleys, were founded in 1919. They joined the NFL in 1920, moved to Chicago in 1921, and were renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922. One of the most successful and storied franchises in the league, the Bears have numerous championships and Hall of Famers.
3. Green Bay Packers (1919)
Founded in 1919, the Packers joined the NFL in 1921 after a suspension in 1921. They are one of the NFL's original teams and have been one of the most successful franchises historically. What sets the Packers apart is their unique community ownership.
4. New York Giants (1925)
The Giants were founded in 1925 and joined the NFL in the same year. While they were established later than the first three teams, they are still among the older teams that have been actively participating in the league.
5. Detroit Lions (1930)
Established as the Portsmouth Spartans in 1930, the Lions joined the NFL in 1934 and moved to Detroit. They have a proud history, winning four NFL Championships between 1935 and 1957.
6. Washington Commanders (1932)
Originally known as the Boston Braves/Redskins, the Commanders joined the NFL in 1932 and moved to Washington in 1937. They have a combined five championship or Super Bowl wins.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers (1933)
Founded as the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Steelers joined the NFL in 1933 and were renamed in 1940. They have been one of the oldest franchises established in the 1930s and have been highly successful, especially since the start of the Super Bowl era in 1966, with six Super Bowl victories.
8. Philadelphia Eagles (1933)
The Eagles were founded in 1933 as an NFL expansion team and have been playing continuously since then. They didn't win a Championship or Super Bowl from 1960 until 2017.
9. Chicago Cardinals (now Arizona Cardinals) (1898)
As noted earlier, the Cardinals trace their NFL participation to the league's founding in 1920, with their name derived from red jerseys bought second-hand in 1922. They have won four championships between 1950 and 1964 but haven't won anything since.
10. Cleveland Browns (1946)
Founded in 1946, the Browns joined the NFL in 1950 after the merger with the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). They have a successful history, winning four championships between 1950 and 1964, but haven't won anything since.
Notably, the Los Angeles Rams, who have a combined four NFL Championship and Super Bowl wins, and the Detroit Lions, who have won four NFL Championships between 1935 and 1957, are not among the 10 oldest franchises but have significant histories in the league.
The Green Bay Packers, with the most successful record in NFL history, have a combined 13 NFL Championships and Super Bowls since joining the league in 1921. The Pittsburgh Steelers, with six Super Bowl victories, have been highly successful, especially since the start of the Super Bowl era in 1966.
The Lions, unfortunately, have not appeared in a Super Bowl and made the playoffs only three times in the last twenty seasons. The Browns have reached the playoffs only three times since 1994. The Philadelphia Eagles, after a long drought, finally won their first Super Bowl in 2017.
In conclusion, the oldest NFL franchises are led by the Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, and Green Bay Packers, followed by teams founded mainly in the 1920s and 1930s. These teams have shaped the history of the NFL and continue to be a significant part of the league today.
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