You guys are so dang easy. It's like trolling for stocker Bluegills up in here.

Salmo - the easy answer is because real American football requires true talent & skill plus good genetics (size and speed). Most little kids lack those things, so they have no choice but to play footy. Footy also requires minimal equipment, so the start up costs are low and more approachable for the poor, huddled masses (hence it's popularity).

BTW - I played both. And baseball. And wrestling. And basketball. I wasn't very good at wrestling. Too tall and lanky. I mostly did it to keep in shape over winter for spring baseball.

Footy is fine I guess, but red blooded Hand Egg is where it's at.