The Formation and Merger of the AFL with the NFL

The American Football League (AFL) was formed in 1960, operating as a rival to the National Football League (NFL) before their historic merger in 1970. This article delves into the formation process, rivalry dynamics, and the ultimate merger, exploring the reasons behind the decision to unite and the changes that occurred in the league structures and championships.

Formation of the AFL

The AFL was conceived in the summer of 1959 and officially began its first season in 1960. Initially, it consisted of six charter franchises in Minneapolis-St Paul, Buffalo, Oakland, and Boston. However, one of these teams, the Minneapolisfranchise, dropped out to join the NFL.

By the start of the 1963 season, the league had expanded to eight teams, with two more teams acquiring franchises: the San Diego Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs. In the mid-1960s, despite these challenges, the AFL's popularity grew, enabling the league to compete for the best college talent and eventually adding a ninth team, the Miami Dolphins. This expansion marked a significant moment in American football history.

Controversy and the Decision to Merge

The decision to merge the AFL and NFL stemmed from a series of behind-the-scenes negotiations to avoid a financial war. Key figures in this process included Al Davis, the owner of the Oakland Raiders and later the AFL commissioner. His appointment in April 1966 marked a watershed moment, as he began actively recruiting NFL players, leading to a power struggle between the two leagues.

The merger agreement was formalized in July 1966, including provisions such as a common player draft and the establishment of a championship game that became the Super Bowl. The initial AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs faced the NFL champion Green Bay Packers in the first AFL-NFL World Championship game, resulting in a commanding 35-10 victory for the Packers.

The Final Super Bowl and Reorganization

The AFL and NFL continued to add expansion teams before the full merger of the 1970 season. By this time, the NFL had 16 teams, while the AFL had 10. To balance the league structures, three former NFL teams, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, agreed to move to the American Football Conference (AFC).

The merger was completed in 1970, leading to the establishment of the modern NFL. The first Super Bowl, held in January 1967, saw the AFL champion Kansas City Chiefs lose to the NFL champion Green Bay Packers. The merged league saw a restructuring of teams into divisions, with each conference having 13 teams. The 1970-71 season saw a realignment, with the Miami Dolphins in the AFC and the Seattle Seahawks initially in the NFC before switching conferences and remaining there until the 2002 re-alignment.

This article highlights the key events and significant milestones in the AFL's formation and its eventual merger with the NFL, providing a comprehensive overview of a pivotal period in American football history.