What is the Difference Between NFL and CFL?

The NFL (National Football League) and CFL (Canadian Football League) are both professional football leagues, but they have several key differences in their rules and gameplay. Some of the main differences between the NFL and CFL include:

1. Field dimensions: The CFL field is longer and wider than the NFL field. A CFL field measures 110 yards long and 65 yards wide, while an NFL field measures 100 yards long and 53 1/3 yards wide. The end zones in the CFL are also deeper, at 20 yards, compared to the NFL's 10-yard end zones.
2. Number of players: The NFL allows 22 players on the field at a time (11 on each side), while the CFL has 12 players on the field for each team, totaling 24 players. This difference in the number of players has led to variations in positions, such as the absence of a tight end in the CFL.
3. Downs: In the NFL, a team has four downs to advance the ball, while in the CFL, a team has only three downs.
4. Fair catch: The NFL has a fair catch rule for punt returns, which is not present in the CFL. Instead, the CFL applies a five-yard cushion for punt returns.
5. Motion by offense/defense: In the CFL, there is unlimited motion by both the offense and defense in the backfield before the snap, while the NFL has more restrictions on player motion.
6. Ball size: The CFL ball is slightly larger than the NFL ball, with two 1-inch white stripes around the football.
7. Roster size: CFL roster sizes are 46 players (with only 45 dressing for a game), while NFL roster sizes are 53 players.

These differences in rules and gameplay lead to variations in strategy and player positions, making the two leagues distinct in their approach to football.

Comparative Table: NFL vs CFL

Here is a table comparing the differences between the NFL and CFL:

These differences in rules, field size, and league structure contribute to the unique gameplay and strategies employed in each league.