The history of football is traced as it evolved from the English game of rugby. The game as it is known today was conceived only after a long series of changes. Three prominent reasons for the change were: to make football more interesting to the spectator; to balance the competition between offense and defense; and to modify the dangerous elements of the sport. The growing popularity of the game on college campuses is described, and its eventual commercialization is discussed. The compromises football imposes on educational values are considered. (JD)