Is NFL the same as rugby?

[Cosedi]

NFL for short, National Football League in full has lots of action just like the common rugby that we all know. They even go ahead to call it American Football. I am still yet to understand why they call it American football when all they do is to hold the ball and run to the other end of the opponent's pole. The only time the foot is used is when they run and when they want to play a penalty or a foul. Is it the same as rugby?

 

[Akuta]

No, the NFL (National Football League) and rugby are not the same sport. While both sports share some similarities, they have distinct rules, origins, and cultures.

Similarities:

1. Full-contact team sports
2. Objective: Score points by carrying or throwing the ball into the end zone
3. Physical tackling and blocking

Differences:

1. Number of players: NFL (11 players per team) vs. rugby (15 players per team)

2. Equipment: NFL players wear helmets, shoulder pads, and other protective gear; rugby players wear minimal protective gear

3. Scoring system: NFL (touchdowns, field goals, extra points) vs. rugby (tries, conversions, penalties, drop goals)

4. Game duration: NFL (four quarters, 60 minutes) vs. rugby (two 40-minute halves)

5. Restarting play: NFL (kickoffs, punts) vs. rugby (scrums, lineouts)

6. Tackling: NFL (helmets and shoulder pads) vs. rugby (full-body tackling)

7. Field size: NFL (120 yards long, 53.33 yards wide) vs. rugby (100-110 meters long, 70-77 meters wide)

8. Game style: NFL (more stoppages, emphasis on passing) vs. rugby (more continuous play, emphasis on running and physicality)

Rugby originated in the UK in 1823, while American football (NFL) evolved from rugby and association football (soccer) in the late 19th century. The two sports have distinct cultures and fan bases, with rugby popular in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, and the NFL dominant in the United States.