American football, on your phone, no joystick.
Gridiron Idle is a free American football game for iPhone, iPad and Android that you play with one thumb. Your team runs the plays; you build the offense. No account, no purchases, ads only when you ask for one.
Know what you're after
Four kinds of football game on mobile.
"Best football game" means something different to everyone. Pick the one that matches how you want to spend five minutes.
Arcade football
You throw, run and kick by hand, drive by drive. Quick reactions matter. Great if you want to be the quarterback.
Licensed football sims
Real leagues, real players, team-building with collectible items and live events. Usually deep, and usually with lots to buy.
Management games
Draft, sign and set depth charts across seasons. Lots of menus and numbers.
Idle and tycoon football
Your team plays itself and you make the big decisions. Gridiron Idle is this kind.
Where Gridiron Idle fits
Built for the fan who doesn't want a controller.
Gridiron Idle is the idle one. You start with a single running back on a 40-yard backyard field. Every touchdown pays cash, and you spend it on more backs, centers to snap, ball boys to bring the balls back, and eventually quarterbacks and receivers for a passing game.
There is real football under it: a Playbook of 19 plays with names like Inside Zone, Quick Slant and Four Verticals, ten levels from the Backyard to the Hall of Fame, and championships that pay rings.
Who it's for: football fans who like watching a plan come together, idle-game players, and anyone who wants a football game they can pick up for two minutes.
Who it isn't for: if you want to aim every throw yourself, an arcade game like the ones on our Retro Bowl comparison will suit you better.
Made for a phone
What playing on a phone is actually like.
One thumb
The field fills the screen top to bottom. The scoreboard sits at the top, your roster at the bottom.
Two minutes is enough
Open it, make a hire or two, fire a two-minute drill, close it. Nothing expires while you're away.
Same game everywhere
Free on the App Store and Google Play, with no account to create.
Dozens of players
Late in the game dozens of players share the field at once, all drawn in the game's own flat cartoon style.
FAQ
Questions people ask
What is a good American football game for iPhone?
It depends on how you want to play. If you want to throw every pass yourself, pick an arcade football game. If you would rather run the program and watch your team play, try Gridiron Idle: it is free on iPhone and iPad, needs no account, and plays in portrait with one thumb.
Is there a free American football game for Android?
Gridiron Idle is free on Google Play, rated Everyone, with no in-app purchases. Ads only appear if you tap to watch one for a boost.
Is there a casual football game that isn't Madden?
Yes. Gridiron Idle has no controls to learn, no card packs and nothing to buy. Your offense plays on its own and you decide what to hire and which plays to add. See games like Madden Mobile for a side-by-side.
What is a simple football game I can play with one hand?
Gridiron Idle plays in portrait and every control sits within reach of your thumb. Most of the time you are tapping a card to hire someone, or tapping the field for a speed burst.
Is there an American football game for iPad?
Gridiron Idle runs on iPad as well as iPhone. It is the same free game from the App Store.