NFL 100
National Football League , Rob Fleder
27 min
9 Key Points
5 RateWhat's inside?
Dive into a century-long journey of Pro Football, exploring its rich history, legendary players, and unforgettable moments, as documented by the National Football League.
You'll learn
1. How the NFL has changed over 100 years2. The best games and players ever3. Winning strategies of top teams4. The business side of football5. How the NFL has shaped America6. What's next for football?Key points
01The Dawn of the Gridiron: The NFL's Inception (1920-1930)
The inception of the National Football League (NFL) in 1920 marked a significant milestone in the history of American sports. Born in Canton, Ohio, as the American Professional Football Conference (APFC), the league was renamed the NFL in 1922, setting the stage for a century of professional football that would captivate millions of fans worldwide. The NFL's inaugural season in 1920 saw the Akron Pros emerge as the first champions, going undefeated with a record of 8-0-3. This achievement, however, was not marked by an official championship game but was determined by the team's record. This initial approach to determining the league's champion underscores the NFL's early experimental phase, as it sought to establish its identity and rules. The 1920s were a period of expansion and consolidation for the NFL. The league grew from 14 teams in 1920 to 21 teams in 1921, reflecting the growing popularity of the sport. The Chicago Staleys, later known as the Chicago Bears, won the championship in 1921, marking the beginning of the league's early powerhouses. The decade also witnessed the emergence of the NFL's first stars, who played a crucial role in popularizing the sport. Harold "Red" Grange, known as "The Galloping Ghost," joined the Chicago Bears in 1925 and captivated audiences with his electrifying running style. Jim Thorpe, an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most versatile athletes of his time, served as the league's first president, further legitimizing the NFL's status in the sports world. However, the league's early years were not without controversy. The "Pottsville Maroons Controversy" of 1925, where the Pottsville Maroons were stripped of their NFL title due to a disputed rules violation, led to significant changes in the league's rules and regulations. This incident highlighted the need for a more structured and standardized approach to the game, which would shape the NFL's future trajectory. By the end of the decade, the NFL had consolidated to 12 teams, with the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears emerging as dominant forces. The Packers' first NFL Championship win in 1929 under the leadership of Curly Lambeau marked the end of a transformative decade for the NFL. In conclusion, the NFL's inception from 1920 to 1930 was a period of growth, consolidation, and transformation. The establishment of the league, the emergence of its first stars, and the resolution of its first major controversy all played a significant role in shaping the NFL as we know it today. This decade laid the foundation for the NFL's future success and its enduring popularity as a cornerstone of American sports culture.
02The Great Depression and War Years (1931-1945)
The period between 1931 and 1945 was a time of significant upheaval and transformation for the National Football League (NFL). The Great Depression and World War II presented formidable challenges, but they also catalyzed changes that would shape the future of the league. The Great Depression posed a severe financial strain on the NFL. Teams like the Staten Island Stapletons and the Newark Tornadoes were unable to weather the economic storm and folded due to financial insolvency. However, the league's survival during this period can be attributed to the astute leadership of then-president Joe F. Carr. Carr implemented measures to stabilize the league's finances, ensuring its continuity amidst the economic turmoil. In 1936, the NFL introduced a significant innovation that would forever change the dynamics of the league - the Draft system. Held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia, the first NFL Draft saw Jay Berwanger, a halfback from the University of Chicago, making history as the first player ever drafted. The Draft system was designed to level the playing field, ensuring that all teams had an equal opportunity to acquire top talent. This system has since become a cornerstone of the NFL, fostering competitive balance and shaping the league's landscape. The war years also brought about changes in the league's composition. The Cleveland Rams joined the NFL in 1937, expanding the league's footprint. In 1943, the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers merged temporarily to form the "Steagles," a unique solution to player shortages caused by World War II. These adaptations underscore the NFL's resilience and ability to innovate in response to external pressures. This period also saw the emergence of several stars who would leave a lasting impact on the league. Don Hutson, a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers, revolutionized the passing game and set numerous records, many of which stood for decades. Sammy Baugh, a quarterback for the Washington Redskins, is often credited with making the forward pass an integral part of the game. These players not only elevated the level of play but also contributed to the evolution of the game's strategies and tactics. The 1940 NFL Championship Game was a watershed moment during this period. The Chicago Bears' 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins remains the most lopsided victory in NFL history. This game showcased the potency of the T-formation, which would become a dominant strategy in the years to come. In conclusion, the period between 1931 and 1945 was a crucible for the NFL. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II, the league managed to not only survive but also evolve and grow. The innovations and adaptations of this era laid the groundwork for the NFL's future success, demonstrating the league's resilience and capacity for transformation.
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03Post-War Boom and the Golden Age (1946-1960)
04The AFL-NFL Merger and the Birth of the Super Bowl (1961-1970)
05The NFL's Modern Era: Dynasties and Superstars (1971-1990)
06The NFL Goes Global: Expansion and Globalization (1991-2000)
07The New Millennium: Parity and the Digital Age (2001-2010)
08The NFL Today: Challenges and Triumphs (2011-2019)
09Conclusion
About National Football League , Rob Fleder
Rob Fleder is an esteemed editor and writer, known for his work with Sports Illustrated. He has edited several sports books, including "Sports Illustrated 50 Years of Great Writing" and "Damn Yankees". His expertise in sports journalism is reflected in his book "NFL 100: A Century of Pro Football".