A Complete Guide to Original NFL Teams

The NFL did not start as the big league we see today, where highest paid NFL players earn record breaking contracts.. It began with small teams, local crowds, and simple games. In this guide, we look at the Original NFL Teams and how they shaped the sport. We also track the Oldest NFL Teams that are still around today. If you enjoy football history or like to back your picks with real insight, this is worth your time. Let’s break it down and see how it all started. 

What Were the Original NFL Teams? 

In 1920, 14 teams met in Canton, Ohio to form the APFA, which later became the NFL. These were the original NFL teams that started it all. Today, only two of those sides still play, making them the oldest NFL teams in the league. Most others dropped out early due to low crowds and tight budgets. It was a risky start, but it laid the groundwork for the game we follow and back today. 

All 14 Original NFL Teams Listed and Explained 

Before we break down each team, let’s answer a common question. Who were the original NFL teams? These 14 clubs formed the APFA in 1920 and later became the NFL. When we talk about the original NFL teams in 1920, we mean the true starting line of pro football. Many fans still ask what were the original NFL teams, and this list clears it up. These NFL original teams came from small towns and tight budgets, but they built the league we follow today. Some even link to the oldest NFL teams still in action. 

Akron Pros 

The Akron Pros were one of the strongest teams in the early days, and their ability to keep games low scoring would rank highly in modern NFL defense rankings. Their roster had local talent, not big stars, but they played as a unit. We can compare them to a smart underdog pick that keeps cashing in. Over time, money issues hit the team hard. They could not keep up with growing costs and travel demands. By the late 1920s, the team folded and disappeared from the league. 

Canton Bulldogs 

The Canton Bulldogs were a big name before the NFL even took shape. They had strong local support and a winning record in the early years. The team won back-to-back titles in 1922 and 1923, which made them one of the top sides at the time. We can see them as favorite picks in early football markets. Still, success did not last. Financial trouble and rising costs made it hard to compete. The team folded, came back briefly, and then shut down for good. Their early impact still stands in NFL history. 

Chicago Cardinals 

The Chicago Cardinals are one of the few teams that survived. They started as a local club and later became a key part of the league. Over time, they moved cities and are now known as the Arizona Cardinals. This team is part of the oldest active clubs still playing today. They had ups and downs, but they stayed in the game when others dropped out. We can see them as a long-term pick that held strong. Their journey shows how early teams had to adapt to survive in a tough and growing league. 

Decatur Staleys 

The Decatur Staleys later became the Chicago Bears, one of the most famous teams today. They were backed by a company, which gave them better funding than most teams. This helped them stay stable while others struggled. The team moved to Chicago and built a strong fan base. We can compare them to a solid favorite that keeps delivering. Their early success and smart moves helped them grow into a major franchise. Today, they are still one of the most respected names in football history. 

Cleveland Tigers 

The Cleveland Tigers were part of the league’s early setup but did not last long. They played only one season in the APFA and had mixed results on the field. The team struggled to build a strong fan base, which hurt their income. Like a risky pick that does not pay off, they could not stay in the game. Travel costs and weak support made things worse. After just one year, the team folded. Their short run shows how tough it was for early teams to survive in pro football. 

Dayton Triangles 

The Dayton Triangles are known for playing the first official NFL game in 1920. That alone gives them a special place in history. They had a steady team but could not keep up with stronger clubs over time. The team relied on local players and limited funds. We can see them as an early entry that lost pace as the league grew. They stayed active for a few years but later moved and changed names. Their role in the first game still makes them important in NFL history. 

Detroit Heralds 

The Detroit Heralds joined the league in its first season but had a short run. They played only in 1920 and did not return after that. The team had talent but lacked strong financial support. Like a short-term wager, they could not sustain momentum. Low attendance and weak income made it hard to continue. After one season, they folded and faded from the league. Their story shows how early teams needed more than skill to survive. Money and fan support played a big role even back then. 

Hammond Pros 

The Hammond Pros were known for being one of the smaller teams in the league. They struggled with player depth and often had fewer players than needed. This made games tough and resulted in uneven performances. We can see them as a risky pick that rarely paid off. The team played for a few seasons but never found real success. Money problems and poor results pushed them out of the league. They folded in the mid-1920s. Their journey shows how hard it was for smaller teams to compete. 

Muncie Flyers 

The Muncie Flyers had one of the shortest runs among early teams. They played only a few games in 1920 and did not return after that. The team lacked strong backing and struggled to stay organized. Like a quick bet that ends fast, their time was short. They could not draw enough fans or money to keep going. After their brief run, they folded and were not seen again. Their story is a clear sign of how unstable the early league was.    

Racine Cardinals 

The Racine Cardinals are tied closely to the Chicago Cardinals. In fact, they are the same franchise, just listed under a different name at the time. This team later became one of the oldest active teams in the league. They started small but made smart moves to survive. We can compare them to a steady long-term play. Their growth and name changes helped them stay in the league while others dropped out. Today, they are still part of the NFL story. 

Rochester Jeffersons 

The Rochester Jeffersons had a longer run than some early teams but still could not last. They played for several seasons and had moments of promise. The team had local support but struggled against stronger opponents. Like a mid-level pick, they showed some value but not enough to stay long term. Financial issues and travel costs hurt them over time. By the late 1920s, they had folded. Their story shows how even decent teams could not survive without strong backing. 

Rock Island Independents 

The Rock Island Independents were one of the better-known teams in the early years. They had solid performances and a strong local base. The team even hosted one of the first NFL games. We can see them as reliable picks in early seasons. Still, rising costs and league changes made it hard to keep up. They later moved to another league and left the NFL. Their exit shows how teams looked for better chances when things got tough. 

Columbus Panhandles 

The Columbus Panhandles were known for their unique roster, which included many working-class players. They played hard but did not have strong results. The team struggled to win games and attract large crowds. Like a long shot that rarely hits, they found it tough to compete. Financial issues followed, and the team could not continue. They folded after a few seasons. Their story adds a human side to early football, where players balanced work and the game. 

Buffalo All-Americans 

The Buffalo All-Americans were one of the stronger teams in the early league. They had good results and even came close to winning a title. The team built a solid fan base and played competitive football. We can see them as a strong contender in early seasons. Still, disputes and money issues caused problems. Over time, the team changed names and later folded. Their rise and fall show how even top teams faced challenges in those early days. 

Which Original NFL Teams Still Exist Today? 

Out of all the original NFL teams, only two are still active today. These teams have stood the test of time and are now known as some of the oldest NFL teams in the league. While others dropped out early, these two kept going, made smart moves, and built strong fan bases. 

The Chicago Bears started as the Decatur Staleys in 1920. They moved to Chicago in 1921 and later changed their name to the Bears. This move helped them grow a bigger fan base and stronger support. Over the years, they became one of the most successful teams in NFL history. We can see them as a safe long-term pick that kept delivering. Their ability to adapt and stay competitive helped them survive when many others could not. 

The Arizona Cardinals began as the Chicago Cardinals, also in 1920. Over time, they moved to St. Louis, then to Phoenix, and finally became the Arizona Cardinals. Despite many changes in location, the team stayed active in the league. Their journey has not always been smooth, but they managed to stay in play. We can compare them to a team that kept fighting through tough odds and stayed in the game while others folded. 

How Long Did the Original NFL Teams Last? 

When we look at the original NFL teams, one thing stands out fast. Most of them did not last long. Many teams played only one or two seasons before dropping out, much like how sudden shifts have shaped the biggest sports scandals in US history. A few managed to stay for several years, but only two made it all the way to today. Those are now known as some of the oldest NFL teams still active. 

Back then, running a team was a risky play. Low ticket sales, travel costs, and weak support made it hard to stay in the game. Only the strongest sides with better backing could survive. Below is a simple breakdown of how long each team stayed active in the league. 

Team Name	Years Active	Approx. Lifespan
Akron Pros	1920–1926	6 years
Canton Bulldogs	1920–1926	6 years
Chicago Cardinals	1920–Present	100+ years
Decatur Staleys (Bears)	1920–Present	100+ years
Cleveland Tigers	1920	1 year
Dayton Triangles	1920–1929	9 years
Detroit Heralds	1920	1 year
Hammond Pros	1920–1926	6 years
Muncie Flyers	1920	1 year
Racine Cardinals	1920–Present	100+ years
Rochester Jeffersons	1920–1925	5 years
Rock Island Independents	1920–1925	5 years
Columbus Panhandles	1920–1926	6 years
Buffalo All-Americans	1920–1929	9 years

Why Early NFL Teams Struggled to Survive 

When we look back at the original NFL teams 1920, it is clear the odds were tough from the start. These teams were not backed by big money or large fan bases, unlike today’s market where NFL betting sites attract huge interest. Many were small-town clubs trying to stay afloat week by week. We can think of it like a risky long shot. Some teams had talent, but survival needed more than wins. It needed steady cash, travel support, and strong league rules, which were missing at the time. 

• Low attendance: Crowds were small, and ticket sales were weak. This meant less money coming in to support teams. 
• Financial issues: Most teams ran on tight budgets. Without steady funding, even good teams could not last long. 
• Travel challenges: Teams had to travel far with limited resources. This made games costly and hard to manage. 
• Weak league structure: The league was still new and not well organized. Rules and schedules were not always clear, which hurt stability. 

Legacy of the Original NFL Teams 

The original NFL teams may be gone for the most part, but their impact is still clear today. These early clubs helped shape the league we follow and place our picks on. They tested rules, built rivalries, and showed what pro football could become. Without them, the NFL would not have grown into the strong market it is now. 

We can see their value in how the game is run today. The structure, team system, and fan culture all started back then. Even the oldest NFL teams still actively carry that history forward. Those early years were not easy, but they set the base. In many ways, they were the first plays that helped build a long and lasting game. 

NFL Roots: 1920 to Now 

The story of the original NFL teams shows how the league started from small roots and big risks. Many teams came and went, but their role still matters today. They helped build the game, set early standards, and shaped how teams compete now. We can see their impact every time we watch or place a smart pick. The oldest NFL teams still carry that history forward. In the end, those early seasons were like opening plays that led to the strong league we follow today.