Photograph

American Football is considered by many to be second only to baseball as the national pastime. A slightly younger sport, football grew popular on American college campuses in the early 20th century. The game evolved from British rugby and association football, and initially American footballs resembled rugby balls, which were more spherical. American college students played some variation of football on college campuses during the first half of the 19th century. By the 20th century, the rules evolved into what we recognize today. A college team is seen in this1899 photograph, posed for a formal shot along with their coach. Their ball is marked "99."