The National Football League (NFL) has a rich history, and there are several teams that have been around for decades. If you're an NFL sports bettor interested in supporting these historic teams, find a list of available options in this US sports betting guide. Without further ado, look at some of the oldest NFL teams based on their first season in the league.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest team in the NFL, with their first season in the league dating back to 1920. However, the team's history can be traced back to 1898, when it was established. Over the years, the team has undergone several name changes, including the Chicago Cardinals (1920-1943, 1945-1959), Card-Pitt (1944), St. Louis Cardinals (1960-1987), Phoenix Cardinals (1988-1993), and finally the Arizona Cardinals (1994-present). The Arizona Cardinals are one of only two teams alongside the Chicago Bears that were part of the inaugural NFL roster. 

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are another of the oldest teams in the NFL. They were established on September 17, 1920, making them one of the original teams in the league's inaugural season. The team was initially known as the Decatur Staleys in 1920 and was based in Decatur, Illinois. The following year, they moved to Chicago and became the Chicago Staleys. In 1922, the team changed its name to the Chicago Bears, which has stuck since then. Since 1971, the home field for the Chicago Bears has been Soldier Field. This historic Chicago-based stadium adds to the team's rich tradition. As aforementioned, the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals are the only current NFL franchises that have existed since the league's first year in 1920. This longevity is a testament to the team's enduring popularity and success. 

Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers are a professional football team established on August 11, 1919. They joined the NFL in 1921 and have been a part of the league ever since. The team was founded by Earl "Curly" Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun, with Lambeau serving as the first coach. The Packers are the oldest continuous franchise in the NFL, as they have never moved or changed their name. 

New York Giants

The New York Giants are one of the oldest teams in the NFL, having established themselves and joined the NFL in the same year, in 1925. Right from the start, the New York Giants gained popularity as over 70,000 people attended their games during their inaugural season. The team also proved strong and skilled by winning their first NFL Championship in 1927, just three seasons after their establishment. They also have the distinction of being one of the few teams that have remained in the same city since its founding.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team established in 1929 as the Portsmouth Spartans and joined the NFL the following year. In 1934, George A. Richards, a Detroit radio executive, purchased the team and was relocated to Detroit, Michigan. Since then, they have been known as the Detroit Lions. The Lions experienced their most successful period in the 1950s, winning multiple championships. They have since been striving to regain that level of success.

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders have a long history in the NFL. They were established as the Boston Braves on July 9, 1932, and immediately joined the NFL. They later became the Boston Redskins from 1933 to 1936. In 1937, the team moved to Washington, D.C., becoming the Washington Redskins, due to a lack of fan support in Boston, and they have remained in Washington ever since. The team underwent another name change in 2020, temporarily becoming the Washington Football Team, before adopting its current name, the Washington Commanders, in 2022. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers, originally known as the Pittsburgh Pirates, were founded in 1933 by Arthur J. Rooney. The Rooney family has owned them for over half a century. In their early years, the Steelers struggled to find success and did not win any championships for the first 40 years of their existence. However, everything changed in the 1970s when the team experienced a remarkable winning streak. They were led by legendary coach Chuck Noll and had a roster of talented players who helped the team become one of the most dominant in NFL history. During the 1970s, the Steelers won four Super Bowl championships, in 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979, known as the "Steel Curtain" era. Since then, the Steelers have remained a competitive team in the NFL, consistently making playoff appearances and contending for championships. 

These are just a few of the oldest NFL teams in the USA. Each team has a unique history and has contributed to the rich tapestry of the NFL. Whether you're a fan of one of these teams or not, it's fascinating to learn about the long-standing traditions and legacies built over the years.

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