What determines where football teams are placed? (afc vs nfc) Is there a criteria for each conference?

Question

Im trying to figure out how the teams are placed into the conferences. Is it specific franchises that go into each?

Thanks for your help

Answer 1

Quick background.  The NFL started their league in 1922.  In 1960 the AFL was formed.

It wasn't until 1970 when they actually came together in one league, the (NFL), but they were still distinguished.....  NFC/AFC.

From there, teams are decided based on keeping both leagues equal in their number of teams.

When teams are 're-aligned' like they were several years ago, the NFC went from NFC West, NFC Central, NFC East to the NFC west, NFC North, NFC South, and NFC East.

From there, teams in the general area were put together.  Although, there were several exceptions such as Dallas, who you would assume to be in the NFC South, put up a big fuss about staying with the Eagles, Giants, and Washington due to their long history together.  They (TV network) would have lost some big rival match-ups if they were split so they allowed some of these exceptions.