Football is the name given to a number of different, but related, team sports. The most popular of these worldwide is Association football, which also goes by the name of soccer. The English language word football is also applied to Rugby football (Rugby union and Rugby league), North American football (American and Canadian), Australian rules football, and Gaelic football.

While it is widely believed that the word football, or "foot ball", originated in reference to the action of a foot kicking a ball, there is a rival explanation, which has it that football originally referred to a variety of games in medieval Europe, which were played on foot.Professional Football Researchers Association Origins of Football These games were usually played by peasants, as opposed to the horse-riding sports often played by aristocrats. While there is no conclusive evidence for this explanation, the word football has always implied a variety of games played on foot, not just those that involved kicking a ball. In some cases, the word football has been applied to games which have specifically outlawed kicking the ball. (See football (word) for more details.)

All football games involve scoring with a spherical or ellipsoidal ball (itself called a football), by moving the ball into, onto, or over a goal area or line defended by the opposing team. Many of the modern games have their origins in England, but many peoples around the world have played games which involved kicking and/or carrying a ball since ancient times.

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ESPN.com - NFL

Miami Dolphins' Joey Porter on New England Patriots' Tom Brady: 'He got his own rules'
ESPN.com news services Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:30:32 -0800
Joey Porter, never shy with an opinion, thinks that Tom Brady has an extra advantage every week: his own special set of rules.
Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders has torn biceps tendon, out for season as injuries hit secondary
Adam Schefter Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:39:07 -0800
Colts safety Bob Sanders suffered a torn biceps tendon and will require season-ending surgery, a team source said.
Cornerback Ty Law agrees to contract with Denver Broncos
Adam Schefter Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:07:35 -0800
Cornerback Ty Law and the Broncos have reached agreement on a contract that will add another former Patriot to Josh McDaniels' stable of them in Denver.

SI.com - NFL

Houshmandzadeh 'shocked' by 'Hawks' criticism
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:37:36 -0500
RENTON, Wash. (AP) -- T.J. Houshmandzadeh says he's "shocked" with the fuss Seattle's making over him.
Ex-Pro Bowler Law agrees to deal with Broncos
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:04:42 -0500
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) -- Defensive back Ty Law has agreed to terms on a deal with the Denver Broncos.
GB's Rodgers, Driver probable
Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:34:22 -0500
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Donald Driver practiced Friday and are probable for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay.

NYT > College Football

Oklahoma’s Bradford Chooses Season-Ending Surgery and Will Try for Draft
By THAYER EVANS Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:53:25 -0000
Sam Bradford, who won the Heisman Trophy last season, returned in hope of winning a national championship but injured his shoulder.
Florida No. 1 Again in N.C.A.A. Football Poll
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:29:04 -0000
Florida regained the top spot Sunday in The Associated Press poll from Alabama, which was ranked No. 1 for a week ahead of the Gators.
Analysis: Pittsburgh Eyeing Big East’s Berth in B.C.S.
By THAYER EVANS Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:46:17 -0000
Behind the shifty freshman running back sensation Dion Lewis and the efficient quarterback Bill Stull, Coach Dave Wannstedt is being more vocal about his team and the Big East title.
Southern White Teams Just Didn’t Play Black Ones, but One Game Ended All That
By SAMUEL G. FREEDMAN Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:45:53 -0000
At a homecoming event in Tallahassee, Fla., veterans of a groundbreaking football game in 1969 come back to celebrate.
On the Way to the N.F.L. Draft, a Year of Fulfillment in England
By PETE THAMEL Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:20:17 -0000
Myron Rolle, a safety from Florida State who will likely be a top pick in next year’s N.F.L. draft, put football on hold to attend Oxford as a Rhodes scholar.
No. 1 Alabama 12, Tennessee 10: Lineman’s Arms Save No. 1 Tide
By RAY GLIER Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:23:10 -0000
Terrence Cody blocked Daniel Lincoln’s 44-yard field-goal attempt on the last play of the game to preserve a victory for top-ranked Alabama.

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