1869day.year
In New Brunswick, New Jersey, Rutgers College defeats Princeton University (then known as the College of New Jersey), 6–4, in the first official intercollegiate American football game.
On November 6, 1869, Rutgers and Princeton met in New Brunswick in the first sanctioned intercollegiate American football game. Rutgers emerged victorious 6–4, launching a beloved national tradition.
On November 6, 1869, Rutgers College hosted the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) for an early form of American football.
Played under modified rugby-like rules, the match ended with Rutgers winning 6–4.
Spectators witnessed a rough, fast-paced game contrasting with modern football’s tactics and equipment.
This contest marked the beginning of intercollegiate sports competition in the United States.
It spurred the formation of rivalries, athletic clubs, and standardized rules in subsequent years.
University communities embraced football as a means of camaraderie and school pride.
The game’s popularity would grow into the multi-billion-dollar college and professional leagues of today.
1869
New Brunswick, New Jersey
Rutgers College
Princeton University
first official
football