Football Q&A Little Known Pro Football Facts

* First of all, from where did the name ''football'' originate?

Based on its history, it was the Greeks who had first played the football called harpaston. In the United States, it was called foot ball. A blown-up bladder was used in Virginia in the year 1609.

Football in Europe is actually soccer, the sport from which American football evolved.

Football got its name because originally the hands could not be used in the sport. Only the feet were allowed. Then rugby football came into action wherein the hands were allowed to be used. American football had been widely influenced by these sports and is now known throughout the world.


* Who was the highest paid football player in the NFL?

Steve Young was the NFL''s highest paid player, just ahead of Brett Favre on his seven year contract. Young had only a six year contract deal worth 45 million dollars for six years of playing. Young had traded a salary cap room for the right to say that he was the highest salary paid in the League.


* What is the average height and weight of an NFL Football player?

On the event of the NFL Kickoff Roster, in 2003, there were 321 players weighing in at a minimum of 300 pounds and 6''3" in height. Different positions require a different height and weight. But most of the players are required to be at least 6''1" in height and can a weigh about 245 lbs.


* What is the average salary of an NFL football player?

Based on the NFL Stats, the average earnings of the highest playing NFL team is reaching up to $895,716 (Pittsburg Steelers) and the lowest salary team is San Diego (Chargers) at an average of only $453, 800. Aside from that the football players also have a signing bonus every time they sign a contract and an allowance per game season. So, all in all, the average salary of an NFL football player ranges from $650,000 to $700,000.


* Where can you find the official rules and regulations of Pro Football?

The National Football League has the official rules and regulations of Pro Football. NFL set of rules consist of Official''s Jurisdiction, positions and its duties. Football''s officials are the umpire, the referee, head linesman, line judge, field judge, side judge, and back judge.

NFL has the definitions of the game, Summary and Penalties, field end zone and the official markings to avoid confusion in terms of goal lines, sidelines, and end lines.

Other sets of rules like fumble, double foul, unfair acts, kicking from scrimmage and intentional grounding of forward pass are also imposed by the NFL. Official Rules and Regulations of NFL are followed by the players in the whole game season.

Many websites dedicated to the NFL have the official rules and regulations of Pro Football that can be downloaded or viewed for free. There are also books that can be purchased locally with the official rules and regulations.

Hadyn Falk is a regular contributor to football- and sports-related websites such as Football Headquarters HQ. Website: http://www.Football-HQ.com