Sometimes known as the first offensive play, the first down is one of the most important principles of ball possession in the game of American Football. Here, the offensive team (the team which, of course, has the ball) must advance ten yards from the point wherein they have taken possession of the football to the end zone of their competitors. The offensive team is, in fact, given FOUR downs in which they can attempt complete the full ten yards, but the first down is considered significant because not only is it the first of four attempts to complete ten yards, but also a reward for completing the ten yards within four downs. That is to say, when a team has advanced ten yards within the specified four downs, they get a first down, another set of four downs in which they can attempt to advance another ten yards toward their opponent’s endzone.

So what does this have to do with our site? Well we would like to think that we at FirstDown.Com are giving giving everyone the opportunity to advance their knowledge and interest in American football (or just football to all those who know and love it), much like a first down. For many of us, football has become something beyond a national pastime – it’s a means of connection, spanning generations. And what better way to cultivate this, to keep this alive, by keeping the understanding of the principles of American football alive?

Here in FirstDown.Com, we give you a first down in American Football knowledge, and the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the sport.