There were only 14 teams at the beginning of the NFL, including the Akron Pros and Dayton Triangles. They eventually grew to 21 by 1921 with additions like the Green Bay Packers.
The Staleys became the Bears, while the Cardinals shifted to St. Louis and Phoenix. The New York Giants joined in 1925, solidifying their place as an enduring team.
The league stayed under 32 teams until 2001, when the Houston Texans became the newest addition in 2002.
The Baltimore Ravens were established in 1996, and shortly after the period, Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers joined the League, making the league the 32-team league that is followed till today.
Arizona Cardinals – 1920
The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest franchise team which started in 1920 as the Chicago Cardinals. They played in Chicago until 1959 alongside early teams like the Chicago Bears.
After that, the team moved to St. Louis in 1960 and was called the St. Louis Cardinals. But they moved again in 1988 to Phoenix, Arizona.
The team originally started in Chicago before moving to St. Louis and finally settling in Arizona as the Arizona Cardinals in 1994. They responded to the desires of fans for a change despite not playing in Phoenix directly.
The Cardinals clinched two championships (1925 and 1947) before the AFL-NFL merger in 1970. They’ve also secured one NFC conference championship in 2008.
Green Bay Packers – 1921
The Green Bay Packers have been in the NFL without moving or changing their name since 1921. Out of the original 21 teams, only the Bears and Cardinals have stayed alongside them.
The Green Bay Packers hold the record for the most league championships in the League’s history by winning 13 titles. Among these are nine championships and four Super Bowls.
The team clinched the first two Super Bowls in 1966 and 1967, making them the sole NFL team to triumph over the AFL before the merger.
In 1967, the Packers made history by playing in the first Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, winning convincingly with a score of 35-10.
New York Giants – 1925
The New York Giants was formed in 1925 and is ranked as the third oldest NFL team.
There were 19 other teams, including newcomers like the Detroit Panthers, Pottsville Maroons, and Providence Steam Roller, when the Giants started operations.
The Giants possess a unique history of never changing their names. This makes them one of the few teams with a steady and consistent legacy.
The Giants have stood tall in New York, symbolizing longevity and stability in the league since their debut. Over 14 years, starting in 1933, the Giants made it to the championship game eight times, securing victory twice in 1934 and 1938.
Detroit Lions – 1930
Detriot Lions was established with the name Portsmouth Spartans in the year 1930. During the evolution of the Lions, there were only 11 teams in the franchise.
The story began with the Portsmouth Spartans’ relocation to Detroit in 1934, transforming into the Lions and sparking the iconic Thanksgiving game tradition. The team boasts an impressive 14 members who have earned the esteemed honor of induction into the Hall of Fame.
The Lions clinched four NFL Championship Games before the Super Bowl era between 1935 and 1957. Following their 1957 championship, the team only won a single playoff game in 1991.
Washington Commanders – 1932
The Washington Commanders have a history dating back to the 1932 season when they were initially known as the Boston Braves.
Their move to Washington DC happened in 1937, coinciding with a name change to the Washington Redskins, which was a name they held onto until 2022.
The decision to become the Commanders name arose due to controversies surrounding the Redskins name, prompting the change to reflect a more inclusive identity.
The franchise secured 8 playoff appearances, 4 NFC championships, and three Super Bowl victories in 1983, 1988, and 1992. The team was under the guidance of legendary coach Joe Gibbs during this impressive record.
Pittsburgh Steelers – 1933
Pittsburgh Steelers was founded by Arthur J. Rooney in 1933 with the name Pirates. Eventually, the name was replaced by Steelers in 1940.
The Steelers entered the NFL alongside the Philadelphia Eagles by playing in the Eastern Division. The team has never changed its name or moved, staying rooted in Pittsburgh throughout its history in the league after being named Pittsburgh Steelers.
The early years were filled with challenges to the team, with no championships within the first 40 years. They were not able to secure any titles till 1972.
Eventually, the Steelers were able to clinch Super Bowl IX against their rival Minnesota Vikings. The franchise team has a rich history of clinching six national titles with 8 appearances.
Los Angeles Rams – 1937
The Los Angeles Rams was established as an NFL team in 1937, originating from Cleveland. They started playing alongside the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions in the Western Division.
The team moved significantly to Los Angeles in 1946, playing until 1995 before relocating to St. Louis. However, the Rams were one of the teams that made a return to Los Angeles once again in 2016 and 2017.
The Rams have clinched two National Football League championships in 1945 and 1951 and celebrated their Super Bowl victories in 2000 and 2022.
Cleveland Browns – 1950
Cleveland Browns emerged in 1944 as an All-America Football Conference (AAFC) franchise. They dominated four consecutive championship wins before transitioning to the NFL in the year 1950.
In their initial 40 years in the league, the Browns made an impressive playoffs 22 times. Their achievements include four championships from 1950 to 1964, along with 11 American/Eastern Conference championships and three Century Division titles.
Under coach Paul Brown, they became a powerhouse, claiming three National Football League titles between 1950 and 1955. They also became a part of the American Football Conference (AFC) between 1970 to 1980.
Indianapolis Colts – 1953
The Indianapolis Colts kicked off their inaugural season in Baltimore back in 1953. They competed in the Western Conference, facing off against teams like the 49ers, Rams, and Green Bay Packers.
In 1970, the Colts secured their first AFC Eastern division title and won Super Bowl V after the NFL-AFL merger. The Colts found renewed success with the arrival of quarterback Peyton Manning in 1998.
Manning became the face of the league, guiding the team to multiple playoff appearances. He led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2006 (XLI).
Dallas Cowboys – 1960
The league welcomed the Dallas Cowboys as a new franchise, coinciding with the formation of the AFL in 1960. They joined the Western Conference alongside teams like the Rams, Bears, and Detroit Lions.
The team secured 18 years of playoff appearances, won 13 divisional championships, and made five trips to the Super Bowl within this streak.
They celebrated victories in Super Bowls VI and XII, showcasing their consistent excellence and dominance across multiple seasons in the league. They also secured their first two divisional championships in 1966 and 1967.
Kansas City Chiefs – 1960
Kansas City Chiefs was formed in 1960 as the Dallas Texans in the AFL expansion. The team shifted to Kansas City, Missouri becoming the Chiefs in 1963.
After the AFL-NFL merger, the Chiefs joined the AFC West and faced rivals like the Raiders, Chargers, and Broncos in their division.
The Chiefs secured three AFL championships in 1962, 1966, and 1969. They were also the second AFL team after the New York Jets to beat a team in an AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
Los Angeles Chargers – 1960
Los Angeles Chargers were among the 8 teams introduced in the 1960 AFL expansion but moved to San Diego in 1961 after just one year in LA. Post the merger, they joined the AFL West division alongside the Chiefs.
The Chargers claimed the AFL championship in 1963 and appeared in the AFL playoffs five times, reaching the AFL Championship game four times before joining the league.
In 1994, the Chargers secured their first and only AFC championship, advancing to Super Bowl XXIX against the San Francisco 49ers.
Minnesota Vikings – 1961
Minnesota Vikings have had a strong presence in their division and made numerous playoff appearances over the last 25 years. They’ve been to several Super Bowls, playing in IV, VIII, IX, and XI.
The journey began in 1959 when a group of Minnesota businessmen obtained a franchise in the American Football League (AFL). However, they switched to the National Football League before their inaugural season in 1961.
Jim Finks and Bud Grant led the team to great success. Grant’s calm presence on the sidelines defined an era that saw 11 division titles in 13 years and a league championship in 1969. Similarly, they also had a history of clinching NFC titles in 1973, 1974, and 1976.
Atlanta Falcons – 1966
The Atlanta Falcons joined the NFL in 1966 following the expansion of the Vikings. They were part of the Eastern Conference, alongside teams like the Cleveland Browns and Steelers. The franchise only had 15 teams during their debut season.
Over 55 years, the Falcons have claimed division championships in 1980, 1998, 2004, 2010, 2012, and 2016. They had also made two Super Bowl appearances in their history.
Their first appearance was in XXXIII during the 1998 season losing to the Denver Broncos 34–19. Likewise, the SB LI experienced a heartbreaking 34–28 overtime loss to the New England Patriots after 18 years.
New Orleans Saints – 1967
New Orleans Saints was awarded its NFL franchise, with John W. Mecom Jr. becoming the majority owner in the year 1966. The team derived its name from the city’s significant day, All Saints Day.
The Saints commenced their inaugural season in 1967, competing in the Capitol division within the Eastern Conference.
In the late 2000s and 2010s, the Saints became strong contenders in the playoffs. Their most tremendous success came in the 2009 season when they won their first and only Super Bowl.
Cincinnati Bengals – 1968
The Cincinnati Bengals were part of the AFL expansion in 1968, playing alongside teams like the Raiders, Chiefs, and Chargers during their first year.
The Bengals rose in 1981 under the guidance of Coach Forrest Gregg. The team showcased their iconic tiger-striped uniforms, securing the AFC Central with a 12-4 record and reaching Super Bowl XVI.
Anthony Munoz was a first-round pick in 81 who stood out as a prime example of Bengals excellence. He secured an incredible 11 Pro Bowl appearances and earned a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame.
Seattle Seahawks – 1976
The Seattle Seahawks became part of the National Football League in 1976 when there were 28 teams in the league. They were placed in the AFC West division and have remained in Seattle without changing their name or location since their formation.
The team has left a remarkable mark in the league, boasting 11 division titles and three conference championships. They stand as the sole team to have competed in both the AFC and NFC Championship Games, earning trips to three Super Bowls.
Carolina Panthers – 1995
The Carolina Panthers emerged in 1995 as part of the franchise’s expansion package after nearly 19 years without any new additions to the League. Interestingly, they were placed in the NFC West, which had four teams compared to the five teams in the other divisions.
In 2003, the Panthers bounced back from a tough 1-15 season to win the NFC championship and reach Super Bowl XXXVIII. Moreover, they made it to Super Bowl 50 but lost 24-10 to the Denver Broncos in 2015.
Baltimore Ravens – 1996
The Baltimore Ravens emerged as the newest NFL team in 1996 and held that title until 2001. They have played their home games at M&T Bank Stadium since 1998.
The Ravens’ formation was a bit complicated, hoping for an expansion team, but Jacksonville and Charlotte secured those spots. Baltimore attempted to buy the Cleveland Browns, but legal battles kept the Browns in Cleveland.
Houstan Texans – 2002
The Houston Texans emerged as the NFL’s newest team in the 2002 season. Following the departure of the Houston Oilers, the city lacked a football franchise.
Businessmen Bob McNair and Chuck Watson aimed to establish a new team in 1997 during a season with 31 teams. After extensive discussions among potential expansion cities, Houston finally secured approval in October 1999.
They have clinched six division championships in the AFC South, claiming the titles in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.