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Today in History: American Professional Football Conference founded in Canton

8/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On August 20, 1920, representatives of several Ohio football clubs gathered in Canton, Ohio, to create the American Professional Football Conference, the direct forerunner of today’s National Football League. The new league set schedules and rules that later evolved into the NFL’s modern 32-team structure.

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Story summary

On August 20, 1920, representatives of several Ohio football clubs gathered in Canton, Ohio, to create the American Professional Football Conference, the direct forerunner of today’s National Football League. The new league set schedules and rules that later evolved into the NFL’s modern 32-team structure.