American football, often just called football in the United States, is a beloved and iconic sport with a rich history and passionate following.
From prestigious college bowl games to thrilling NFL playoffs, here’s an overview of the most prominent American football events.
Most Important American Football Tournaments:
- Super Bowl
- NFL Playoffs
- College Football Playoff National Championship
- Rose Bowl
- Cotton Bowl Classic
- Sugar Bowl
- Orange Bowl
- Fiesta Bowl
- Peach Bowl
- Senior Bowl
- East-West Shrine Game
- NFL Pro Bowl
- Army-Navy Game
- Holiday Bowl
- Alamo Bowl
- Music City Bowl
- Cactus Bowl
- Gator Bowl
Table of Contents
- #1 Super Bowl
- #2 NFL Playoffs
- #3 College Football Playoff National Championship
- #4 Rose Bowl
- #5 Cotton Bowl Classic
- #6 Sugar Bowl
- #7 Orange Bowl
- #8 Fiesta Bowl
- #9 Peach Bowl
- #10 Senior Bowl
- #11 East-West Shrine Game
- #12 NFL Pro Bowl
- #13 Army-Navy Game
- #14 Holiday Bowl
- #15 Alamo Bowl
- #16 Music City Bowl
- #17 Cactus Bowl
- #18 Gator Bowl
- FAQ
#1 Super Bowl
- 📍 Location: Varies within the United States
- 📅 Established: 1967
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 professional teams
The Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL), showcasing the league’s two top teams competing for the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
With a massive global audience and spectacular halftime shows, the Super Bowl serves as the climax of the American football season. The New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers are tied for most victories with six each.
#2 NFL Playoffs
- 📍 Location: United States
- 📅 Established: 1933
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 14 professional teams
The NFL Playoffs determine the league’s champion, culminating in the Super Bowl. Comprised of division winners and wildcard teams from the league’s two conferences, the highly competitive playoffs feature fierce rivalries, monumental upsets, and unforgettable moments.
The current format, expanded in 2020, includes 14 of the NFL’s 32 teams.
#3 College Football Playoff National Championship
- 📍 Location: Varies within the United States
- 📅 Established: 2014
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The College Football Playoff National Championship decides the winner of the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) championship.
Created to replace the Bowl Championship Series, the game showcases the top two college teams, determined by a selection committee. Alabama currently holds the record with three national titles since the Playoff’s inception.
#4 Rose Bowl
- 📍 Location: Pasadena, California
- 📅 Established: 1902
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Rose Bowl Game, also known as the “Granddaddy of Them All,” is the oldest college football bowl game, held annually on New Year’s Day.
The game traditionally features the winners of the Big Ten Conference and the Pac-12 Conference, unless one of the teams is selected for the College Football Playoff. The Rose Bowl game is renowned for its history and charm.
#5 Cotton Bowl Classic
- 📍 Location: Arlington, Texas
- 📅 Established: 1937
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Cotton Bowl Classic is a prestigious post-season college football bowl game, featuring prominent teams from different conferences.
It has been part of the College Football Playoff rotation since 2014, and is held at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cotton Bowl Classic has seen many memorable matchups, further cementing its position as a cherished football tradition.
#6 Sugar Bowl
- 📍 Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- 📅 Established: 1935
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Sugar Bowl, played in New Orleans, Louisiana, is another prestigious college football bowl game and part of the College Football Playoff rotation.
Traditionally featuring teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Big 12 Conference, the game has provided an exciting showcase of talent and passion in the heart of the vibrant city.
#7 Orange Bowl
- 📍 Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
- 📅 Established: 1935
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Orange Bowl, held in Miami Gardens, Florida, is a prestigious college football bowl game with a rich history.
As part of the College Football Playoff rotation, it often features prominent teams from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and other conferences. Through memorable performances, the Orange Bowl has become a revered New Year’s tradition for fans nationwide.
#8 Fiesta Bowl
- 📍 Location: Glendale, Arizona
- 📅 Established: 1971
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Fiesta Bowl, played in Glendale, Arizona, is a distinguished college football bowl game and part of the College Football Playoff rotation.
Since its inception, the Fiesta Bowl has brought competitive matchups of top-ranked teams, thrilling fans of all ages. The game is known for its colorful festivities and vibrant atmosphere.
#9 Peach Bowl
- 📍 Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- 📅 Established: 1968
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Peach Bowl, held in Atlanta, Georgia, is another esteemed college football bowl game and member of the College Football Playoff rotation.
It traditionally features top teams from various conferences, showcasing a high level of competition and talent. The Peach Bowl takes pride in its reputation for hospitality and fan engagement, contributing to its longstanding success.
#10 Senior Bowl
- 📍 Location: Mobile, Alabama
- 📅 Established: 1950
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college all-star teams
The Senior Bowl, played in Mobile, Alabama, showcases the top college football seniors, providing them an opportunity to boost their NFL Draft stock.
Featuring North and South squads, the game is a premier post-season event for NFL coaches, scouts, and general managers to evaluate the players. The Senior Bowl has a history of producing notable NFL stars.
#11 East-West Shrine Game
- 📍 Location: Varies within the United States
- 📅 Established: 1925
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college all-star teams
The East-West Shrine Game is a long-standing college football all-star game that features talented seniors from universities across the country.
As an opportunity for players to showcase their skills before NFL scouts, coaches, and executives, the game plays a crucial role in helping springboard careers. The event also supports Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, adding a charitable dimension to the game.
#12 NFL Pro Bowl
- 📍 Location: Varies within the United States
- 📅 Established: 1951
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 professional all-star teams
The NFL Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game featuring the league’s top players, selected by fans, players, and coaches.
Although the game has experienced format changes over the years, the Pro Bowl has remained a showcase of skill and a celebration of the NFL’s elite talent. The game takes place the week before the Super Bowl, capping the regular season.
- 📍 Location: Varies within the United States
- 📅 Established: 1890
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Army-Navy Game is a fiercely contested college football rivalry between the United States Military Academy and the United States Naval Academy.
This storied rivalry dates back over a century and serves as a tribute to the spirit and traditions of the armed forces. The game has produced many unforgettable moments and reflects the deep respect between the two academies.
#14 Holiday Bowl
- 📍 Location: San Diego, California
- 📅 Established: 1978
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Holiday Bowl is a post-season college football game held in San Diego, California.
Featuring teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences, the bowl has provided exciting matchups and memorable performances since its inception. The Holiday Bowl’s festive atmosphere and dedication to community engagement contribute to its enduring appeal.
#15 Alamo Bowl
- 📍 Location: San Antonio, Texas
- 📅 Established: 1993
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Alamo Bowl, held in San Antonio, Texas, is a post-season college football game that typically features teams from the Pac-12 and Big 12 conferences.
Known for its competitive matchups and thrilling finishes, the Alamo Bowl has established itself as a must-watch event for college football fans nationwide. Its historical setting adds to its allure and charm.
#16 Music City Bowl
- 📍 Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- 📅 Established: 1998
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Music City Bowl, named after Nashville’s thriving music scene, is a post-season college football bowl game featuring teams from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
The game has become a favorite event for fans and tourists, showcasing thrilling football action and the city’s famous musical heritage, making it a unique and memorable experience.
#17 Cactus Bowl
- 📍 Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- 📅 Established: 1989
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Cactus Bowl, currently known as the Guaranteed Rate Bowl, is a post-season college football game played in Phoenix, Arizona.
The game typically features teams from the Big Ten and the Big 12 conferences, providing an exciting platform for players to showcase their abilities. With a storied history and competitive atmosphere, the Cactus Bowl remains a staple of the bowl season.
#18 Gator Bowl
- 📍 Location: Jacksonville, Florida
- 📅 Established: 1946
- 🔄 Held: Annually
- 👥 Teams: 2 college teams
The Gator Bowl, played in Jacksonville, Florida, is one of the oldest post-season college football bowl games.
Currently known as the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the contest has a rich history and has featured teams from various conferences over the years, including the SEC, ACC, and Big Ten. With competitive matchups and a strong fan base, the Gator Bowl continues to captivate audiences year after year.
To get involved in the sport even more, explore how to create your team with our American football team name generator.
FAQ
What is the most important football tournament?
The Super Bowl is the most important football tournament, given its high stakes and global viewership.
What is the most important football tournament?
The Super Bowl is the most important football tournament, given its high stakes and global viewership.
What is the hardest football tournament to win?
The Super Bowl, due to its high level of competition, is often considered the hardest football tournament to win.
Discover the creative and competitive spirit of the sport by exploring some of the most creative American football team names inspired by the sport’s rich history.
