When it comes to sports in the United States, there is no doubt that football reigns supreme. Football fans in America have passionate and long-standing traditions when it comes to the sport, and there are few cities where football plays a bigger part in the culture than in New York City. NY has a long standing football history and countless notable figures, legendary teams, and rabid fanbases that make it one of the most important cities in terms of the sport. But, how big a role does football really play in NYC life?
History of Football in New York City
Football has a long history in New York City stretching back to the earliest days of the sport. The first professional football team in the city was the New York Brickley Giants which formed in 1921 and played their games at the Polo Grounds. The team was short-lived, however, disbanding in 1923.
The next New York-based football team to make an impact was the New York Yankees of the National Football League (NFL). The team played from 1928 to 1948, winning the NFL championship in 1936. The Yankees were eventually disbanded in 1949.
The New York Bulldogs were the next football team in the city, playing in theAll-America Football Conference (AAFC) from 1946 to 1949. The team went on to become the first New York based NFL team in history when the league merged with its competitor, the AAFC. The Bulldogs were later renamed the New York Yanks, and they played in the NFL from 1950 to 1951.
The New York Giants were founded in 1925, making them one of the oldest football teams in the city. The Giants have played in some of the most iconic sports stadiums in the United States, including the Polo Grounds and Yankee Stadium. The team even had a short stint at Ebbetts Field, the legendary home of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Giants have won four NFL championships, making them one of the most successful teams in the league.
Finally, the New York Jets were founded in 1960 as an original member of the new American Football League (AFL). The Jets have since merged with the NFL and are one of the most widely-recognized football teams in the world. The Jets have won two AFL championships and one Super Bowl championship, and they play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.
New York City Football Culture
Football fandom is alive and strong in New York City, with diehard supporters of all four major teams in the city. The Giants and Jets are the most popular, but the Yankees and Bulldogs each have their own historical significance.
The Giants and Jets are each well-represented throughout the five boroughs of the city, with dedicated tailgating parties taking place in the parking lots of MetLife Stadium before each home game. Giant’s fans hold an annual pre-game party and can often be found tailgating in the Meadowlands before big games.
The relationship between the Giants and Jets doesn’t stop there- there are also numerous pubs, sports bars, and clubs throughout the city that show matches from each team. Indeed, no matter what team you’re supporting there are always plenty of places to catch a game and revel in the football culture of New York City.
Attending a Football Match in NYC
Football in New York City isn’t just about the pre-game festivities; it’s also about attending actual matches. Both the Jets and Giants play their home games in MetLife Stadium, and it’s an exciting atmosphere as homefield advantage is a very real thing in the NFL. Tickets for a football game in NYC can be expensive, but there are always deals available and you don’t need to break the bank to get into the stadium and experience firsthand the passion of the fans.
There is no doubt that football is big in NYC- it’s been around for over a century and it’s deeply ingrained in the city’s culture and history. With two of the most storied teams in the NFL, the Giants and Jets, playing their home games in the city, there is always something going on in terms of football- from pre-game tailgating to pubs and sports bars to the atmosphere at MetLife Stadium. So, there is no question that football is big in NYC- and it’s here to stay.
