The American Football Association (AFA) was a professional American football league that operated from 1983 to 1985. It aimed to provide an alternative to the National Football League (NFL) and featured teams from various cities across the United States. The league was known for its competitive play and attracted several former NFL players. Despite its initial promise, the AFA struggled with financial issues and a lack of television contracts. The league ultimately folded after just three seasons, but it contributed to the growth of professional football and influenced the development of future leagues, including the United States Football League (USFL).