The National Football League (NFL) was founded in 1920, and the first teams who competed in the league’s debut season were not all the same franchises we know today, regardless of the fact that the league has developed and grown over the years.
With several teams that have been a member of the league from the very start, the NFL is a league with a long line of history and tradition.
Let’s explore the 3 oldest NFL teams that have been around the longest and go back in time to learn more about their beginnings and contributions to the game.
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What are the 3 oldest NFL teams?
1. Chicago Bears
- The Chicago Bears are the NFL’s first team, formed in 1919.
- The team moved to Chicago in 1921 and changed its name to “Bears” in 1922 from its previous moniker, “Decatur Staleys.”
- They have a distinguished past that includes winning the 1985 Super Bowl and nine NFL titles.
- The Bears are a pillar of the league thanks to their history and famous “Monsters of the Midway” defense.
2. Green Bay Packers
- Earl “Curly” Lambeau started the Packers of Green Bay in 1919.
- They are one of the most recognizable and the second-oldest NFL franchises.
- The Packers have an illustrious past that includes four Super Bowl titles and 13 NFL championships, the most in league history.
- Green Bay is also well-known for having a distinctive ownership structure in which supporters are stockholders, confirming the team’s status as an NFL legend.
3. Arizona Cardinals
- The Arizona Cardinals are the third-oldest NFL team, beginning their existence in 1898 as the Chicago Cardinals.
- They moved about a lot and changed their name before landing in Arizona in 1988.
- The Cardinals have experienced several highs and lows, but they have established themselves in the league.
- They made a spectacular run to Super Bowl XLIII in 2008 and established their position in NFL history.
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Is the NFL older than MLB?
The NFL is definitely older than Major League Baseball in terms of age. Major League Baseball (MLB), which dates back to 1869, is older than the NFL, which was created in 1920.
MLB has therefore been around for a longer period of time, and both leagues have their own distinct histories and customs that add to the rich material of American sports.
The Legacy of the NFL’s Founding Team
The Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, and Arizona Cardinals were the NFL’s founding teams, and the interesting journey through their history highlights the long-standing traditions that have shaped the league from its formation in 1920.
The NFL’s rich history is truly represented by these teams, which are frequently forgotten in the wake of current football’s juggernauts.
Exploring what are the 3 oldest NFL teams? Join us to recognize the significant contributions made by these pioneers to the growth and ongoing popularity of the NFL, creating a lasting impression on the game and securing their position in football fans’ hearts.
We continue to love their legacy, which has helped to make the NFL the recognizable league it is today, as we honor these oldest NFL teams.
