Hey Bill they tell me that American football was born from a few folk trying to copy British rugby just like you did with our kids game rounders or as you call it baseball. Apparently they changed most of the rules to make it less skillful and tamer. They also needed a breather every few seconds to decide what to do next as they were not as fit either physically or mentally as British rugby players. They also wore silly padding everywhere and helmets because they were not tough enough to play without them.
Well that is what I have been told and it sure looks that way.