Football is more than just a sport in the United States—it’s a way of life. Every fall, millions of fans across the country gather to watch their favorite NFL teams compete in what’s arguably the most thrilling league in professional sports. But have you ever wondered: What state has the most NFL teams?
It’s a great question and one that reflects how deeply the National Football League is woven into the fabric of American culture. Let’s take a closer look at how NFL teams are distributed across the country, which states host the most, and why certain areas have become football hotbeds.
How Many NFL Teams Are There?
Before diving into state-by-state numbers, it’s worth remembering that the NFL currently consists of 32 teams. These NFL teams are divided between the AFC (American Football Conference) and the NFC (National Football Conference). Each conference contains 16 teams, further divided into four divisions—North, South, East, and West.
Although there are 50 states in the U.S., NFL teams are not spread out evenly. In fact, some states don’t have a team at all, while others are home to multiple franchises.
So, What State Has the Most NFL Teams?
The short answer: California and Florida are tied for the most NFL teams, with three each. Let’s explore this in more detail.
1. California – 3 NFL Teams
California is not only the most populous state in the U.S., but it’s also one of the richest in football tradition. It is home to three prominent NFL teams:
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San Francisco 49ers (Santa Clara, CA)
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Los Angeles Rams (Los Angeles, CA)
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Los Angeles Chargers (Los Angeles, CA)Fun Fact:
At one point, California had four NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders. However, the Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020, becoming the Las Vegas Raiders and leaving California with three teams.
California’s diverse fanbase, large media markets, and iconic stadiums make it a natural hub for professional football. With teams on both the northern and southern ends of the state, fans from all corners have a home team to cheer for.
2. Florida – 3 NFL Teams
Florida ties California for the top spot, also hosting three NFL teams:
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Miami Dolphins (Miami Gardens, FL)
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Tampa, FL)
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Jacksonville Jaguars (Jacksonville, FL)
With year-round warm weather and a long football season, Florida is a natural environment for the sport. The state is also a powerhouse at the college level, producing a ton of talent that feeds into the NFL. It’s no surprise that multiple NFL teams thrive in Florida’s sunny climate.
3. Texas – 2 NFL Teams
Coming in just behind the leaders is Texas, with two beloved NFL teams:
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Dallas Cowboys (Arlington, TX)
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Houston Texans (Houston, TX)
Texas is arguably the most football-crazy state in the country, especially when it comes to high school and college football. The presence of two major NFL teams only solidifies its status as a football mecca.
The Dallas Cowboys, often referred to as “America’s Team,” boast one of the largest fan bases in the league, and their stadium is a marvel of modern engineering.
States With One NFL Team
Several states have just one NFL franchise, including:
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Illinois – Chicago Bears
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Pennsylvania – Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles (note: Pennsylvania actually has two)
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Massachusetts – New England Patriots
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Washington – Seattle Seahawks
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Georgia – Atlanta Falcons
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Arizona – Arizona Cardinals
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Minnesota – Minnesota Vikings
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Tennessee – Tennessee Titans
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North Carolina – Carolina Panthers (shared between NC and SC)
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New York – Buffalo Bills (note: NY technically has 3 teams, but two play in New Jersey—more on that below)
Wait, What About New York?
Ah, yes. New York is an interesting case. While three NFL teams bear the name “New York”—the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills—only the Buffalo Bills actually play in New York State.
The Giants and Jets both play their home games at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. So technically, New Jersey is home to two NFL teams, even though they carry the “New York” name.
So, if we’re counting actual stadium location, New Jersey is right up there with California and Florida, but it often gets overlooked.
Other States with Two NFL Teams
Besides Texas and Pennsylvania, other states with two NFL teams include:
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Ohio
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Cleveland Browns
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Cincinnati Bengals
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Ohio has a deep football history, with passionate fan bases and storied rivalries.
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Missouri used to have two teams, but now only has the Kansas City Chiefs. The Rams moved to Los Angeles in 2016.
States Without Any NFL Teams
A large number of states, particularly in the Midwest and Mountain West, do not have any NFL teams. These include:
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Alabama
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Alaska
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Arkansas
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Delaware
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Hawaii
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Idaho
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Iowa
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Kansas
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Kentucky
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Maine
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Mississippi
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Montana
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Nebraska
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New Hampshire
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New Mexico
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North Dakota
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Oregon
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Rhode Island
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South Carolina
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South Dakota
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Vermont
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Virginia
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West Virginia
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Wyoming
However, fans in these states often align with nearby NFL teams, or support teams they grew up watching on TV. For example, many people in Nebraska root for the Kansas City Chiefs, while fans in Alabama might cheer for the Atlanta Falcons or New Orleans Saints.
Why Do Some States Have More NFL Teams Than Others?
There are a few key factors that determine why certain states host multiple NFL teams:
1. Population Size
States like California, Texas, and Florida have large populations, which means a bigger fan base and more ticket sales.
2. Economic Strength
Hosting an NFL franchise requires significant financial infrastructure—stadiums, sponsorship deals, and local government support. Larger, wealthier cities are more likely to attract and retain NFL teams.
3. Media Market
Big cities offer huge television audiences, which is essential for the league’s broadcasting revenue. Cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago are major media hubs.
4. Historical Legacy
Some states have a long history of supporting football, from college to professional levels. This tradition makes them ideal homes for NFL teams.
Conclusion: Which State Wins?
If you’re wondering what state has the most NFL teams, the answer is a tie between California and Florida, each with three franchises. However, New Jersey deserves an honorable mention for hosting both the Jets and Giants, despite their “New York” branding.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into football, knowing where NFL teams are based gives you insight into the league’s geographic and cultural reach. From coast to coast, America’s passion for football is reflected in the cities and states that proudly support their teams every Sunday.
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