The American Football League is widely regarded as one of the most innovative professional football leagues in history. Founded in 1960 by Lamar Hunt, the AFL was a bold experiment in competition with the National Football League, leading to the creation of two new teams in New York City and Kansas City.

The first season, 1960-61, saw the New York Titans defeat the Boston Patriots, marking the beginning of an era of excitement. The NFL-NFL World Championship Game was also established, providing a framework for the league's inaugural championship contest. Over the next eight seasons, teams like the Houston Oilers and Los Angeles Rams joined the AFL ranks.

The 1960s were marked by intense rivalries between teams, with the New York Jets and Baltimore Colts emerging as perennial contenders. The NFL-NFL World Championship Game became a defining moment in AFL history, showcasing the league's passion and competitiveness. As the years went by, the AFL continued to grow and evolve, paving the way for its eventual merger with the NFL in 1970.