Nfl Photo (1950s)

Although the NFL did not become a formal organization until the 1920s, it has its roots in the late 19th century, when a Yale footballer was paid a massive amount of money by the Allegheny Athletic Association ($500) to play against a Pittsburgh. The tradition of making money with pigskin continues, the Super Bowl being the most-watched sporting event in the United States (although some argue that this is for the commercials, appropriately enough).