Everything Everywhere Daily · Thursday, August 27, 2026
In 1958, a growing interest in professional football led investors to seek expansion, but the NFL's resistance prompted the creation of the American Football League (AFL). Lamar Hunt, an oilman from Texas, was a key figure in founding the AFL in 1960 as a direct competitor to the NFL.
“But when the NFL resisted expansion, a group of spurned young investors dared to create an alternative league.”
“He saw football's potential and sought to expand the league beyond its 12-team format.”
“They created the American Football League, which was intended to be a direct competitor to the National Football League.”