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NFL vs CFL

AFirst Sport

NFL

American Football

First Sport

Details

Players11

Settingboth

Season2025 Rulebook

CategoryTeam Sports

BSecond Sport

CFL

Canadian Football (CFL)

Second Sport

Details

Players10-15

Settingboth

SeasonCFL 2025 Rule Book (PDF at static.cfl.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025_Rule-Book.pdf; 2026 in-season rule changes: rouge modifications; 2027 changes: goalposts to back of end zone, field re-sized)

CategoryTeam Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(9)

Concussion Protocol

Different

NFL

The NFL operates one of the most comprehensive concussion protocols in professional sports. Any player suspected of sustaining a concussion is immediately removed from the game and evaluated by the team's medical staff in the sideline medical tent or locker room.

CFL

Independent spotter: The CFL employs independent medical spotters who can stop play to evaluate any player suspected of having a concussion; Removal requirement: Any player identified with concussion symptoms is immediately removed from the game; Return to play: A player diagnosed with a concussi...

Goal Posts

Different

NFL

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Rule-by-Rule Comparison(9)

Concussion Protocol

Goal Posts

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Point Values

Section 2: Equipment

Section 3: Playing Area

Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 8: Safety Considerations

The Football