Why is American football called “football” when it mostly involves hands?

[jenniferjohnson]

I’ve always wondered why National Football League style football is called “football” even though players mostly carry and throw the ball.
Is the name based on its history or earlier versions of the sport? Would love a simple explanation of how the name came about.

 

[alexanderreed]

The word “football” actually started out as a way to describe games played on foot, instead of on horseback, throughout sports history. American football has its roots in rugby and earlier versions of football, where kicking was a key part of the action. While today’s game is mostly about passing and carrying the ball, kicking—like punts and field goals—still plays a crucial role. So, the name really reflects its origins, not just how the game is played now.

 

[michaelross]

The term “football” actually comes from games that were played on foot, rather than on horseback. American football has its roots in rugby-style games that involved kicking, even though eventually, handling the ball took center stage.