The man most responsible for the transition from this rugby-like game to the sport of football we know today was Walter Camp, known as the “Father of American Football.” As a Yale undergraduate and medical student from 1876 to 1881, Camp played halfback and served as team captain, equivalent to head coach at the time.

The person responsible for inventing the modern game of football is Walter Camp. Walter Camp, born in New Britain, Connecticut, was a student at Yale University when he was introduced to football. He played for four years, from 1876 to 1880, while at Yale.