Football first started in the United States in the early 19th century. It has been traced clear back to early differations of rugby in the United Kingdom, which also started in the early 19th century. Some of the biggest changes between early rugby and early football were the intoduction of the "line of scrimage", and "down-and-distance" rules. Later that century, the "forward pass" was introduced, and many coaches such as Eddie Cochems, Amos Alonzo Stagg, Knute Rockne, and Glenn "Pop" Warner took advantage of this new strategy.
However, professional football has been traced back to 1892. At this time, William "Pudge" Heffelfinger made a contract, getting paid $500 dollars to play in the Allegheny Athletic Association, against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Later, the first professional league was made in 1903, being the Ohio League.
