Football Commemorative Sports Note

Our Gridiron Football bill commemorates that American and Canadian sport that evolved in the 19th century as a combination of rugby and soccer. The first intercollegiate match was played in 1869 between Princeton University and Rutgers College. In 1873 the first collegiate rules were standardized and the Ivy League was formed. Collegiate football grew into one of the most popular U.S. sports. In 1998 the National Collegiate Athletic Association implemented a point plan for picking the country's top two teams, which would meet in a post-season national championship game. Professional football began in the 1890s but did not become a major sport until after World War II. The National Football League was formed (from an earlier association) in 1922; in 1966 it subsumed the rival American Football League (created in 1959). The NFL is now divided into an American and a National conference; the conference winners compete for the Super Bowl championship. A Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio. Canadian football differs from U.S. football principally by having 12 players on a team rather than 11, employing a larger field, and allowing only three downs to make a first down. These variations cause a more wide-open style of game, with emphasis on passing.

Wording and/or Theme found on this bill:

-  $1,000,000 - One Million Dollars

-  Touchdown - Crunch

Pictures found on this bill:

-  American Football Players

-  Helmets - Football - Stadium - Gridiron

-  Football Players in Various Poses