Football game (1940)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The first game
The origin of American football in Mexico is full of anecdotes and uncertainties. Most sources indicate that in 1896, the city of Xalapa, Veracruz hosted the first American football game with a strong influence from the United States.
Football (1950)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Beginnings of the sport in Mexico
At the end of Porfirio Díaz's presidency, wealthy young people studying in the U.S. brought American football to Mexico. Its growth was hindered by the Revolution, but the first national teams emerged in the 1920s.
Football (1960)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
From rugby to touchdown
At the beginning of the 20th century, upon contributions from the players Walter Camp and John Heissman, American football managed to differentiate itself from rugby. As a result, its popularity in other nations increased. At this time, students founded teams to play the sport.
Football (1964-10-24)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Pioneers of college football
The 'University Bears,' the first team of the National University of Mexico, mostly played in the U.S. Arthur Constantine, a journalist and former Yale player, was impressed by their play and obtained financial support from the oil industry to get them a coach.
Football (1966-10-03)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Presidential interest
In 1929, the Carranza Sports Complex in Mexico was the venue for a historic match between UNAM and the Mississippi College. Although there were no national teams yet, its significance attracted President Emilio Portes Gil.
Football (1970) by Raul DuránMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Birth of the league
Despite records of small championships in 1928 and 1929, it was not until 1931 that the American Football League was born and the first official national championship emerged.
First teams
The participating teams were the Centro Atlético de México, Club Deportivo Internacional, Deportivo Venustiano Carranza, and Colegio Militar. Due to their tour of the United States, the UNAM team was unable to participate.
Training in Sports City (1971-11-11)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Sports rivalry since 1936
With the birth of the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) in 1936, its various technical schools formed a representative selection that would be a strong, traditional rival of UNAM in the following years and to this day.
Football (1973-11-25) by Antonio MonroyMinistry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
The heyday of American football
In the 1940s and 1950s, American football was an amateur sport in Mexico, predominating in universities. Broadcast on radio and featured in newspapers, its popularity grew. A milestone was the game at the inauguration of the Olympic Stadium of Ciudad Universitaria in 1952.
Fierce rivals
Just like the classic rivalries between the teams of UNAM and IPN, in the north of the country the rivalry between the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM) and the Autonomous University of Nuevo León (UANL) became enshrined.
Football (1975)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
Growth of competitions
American football in Mexico flourished with the National League, which evolved into ONEFA in 1978. This organization segmented teams into four leagues, with the 'Mayor' (major league) being the main one.
Football (1975)Ministry of Culture of the Government of Mexico
A sport that unites
American football is currently the sixth most popular sport in our country and its recognition continues to increase, benefiting from globalization and migration between Mexico and the United States.
This story was created with information and support of Instituto Nacional de Estudios Históricos de las Revoluciones de México.
