The Best Way to Celebrate American Football Day

We’re well into football season, and here in the South, it’s kind of a big deal. Whether you’re a house divided or a die-hard Dawg, weekends are officially booked for beer and ball. But it’s not just us–America loves football so much that someone decided to make it a holiday! American Football Day is November 5th and this year it’s extra special because we’re celebrating 150 years of the home-grown sport!

How Did American Football Start?

The first official American football game was held on November 6, 1869, between opposing college teams from Princeton and Rutgers (Rutgers won, and kicked off a 150-year rivalry that still continues to this day).



As a unique blend of rugby football and association football (a.k.a. soccer), the earliest versions of the game would have been violent and chaotic with large numbers of players, ever-changing rules, and a lot of on-field injuries. By the 1880s, Walter Camp, the Father of American Football, would establish many of the rules and systems that define the sport today, like the number of players allowed on the field, and the concept of downs.

In 1920 the American Professional Football Association was formed, and two years later changed its name to the National Football League (NFL). Over time, the game has undergone many rule changes and a lot of advancements have been made to protect the safety of players. Today, professional football is America’s number one national sport, followed closely by baseball, with college football coming in third.

Games to Watch on American Football Day

American Football Day is observed on November 5th every year, one day before the anniversary of the first college game ever played. Whether you host a tailgate or just find a great local sports bar, it’s a good excuse to catch a game and enjoy an ice-cold beer with friends1 On Tuesday, you can catch the Kent State vs Toledo game at 7:00 on CBS Sports Network, and Ball State vs Michigan on ESPN2 at 8:00.

Tune in on Saturday this weekend for the big Alabama vs LSU game, and on Sunday for the NFL Falcons vs Saints match! They’ll be on the big screen at McCray’s Tavern in Smyrna, where you can celebrate football all season long!

Watch The Game with Your Friends at McCray’s in Smyrna!

McCray’s Tavern is the place to be on American Football Day, and every weekend through football season! With big-screen televisions tuned to all the hottest games, plus wing specials and a wide selection on tap, it’s a whole lot of sports fan fun. Make a reservation today at McCray’s Tavern in Smyrna! 678.370.9112