NFL: From start to today

The Start of the NFL

Jan 1, 1920

The NFL was created in 1920 and was formed by eleven teams and was callled the American Professional Football Association

NFL's first black coach

May 11, 1921

Fritz Pollard was the first African American coach in the NFL. He coached Akron Pros

Change of name

Jun 24, 1922

The American Professional Football Association officially renames itself the National Football League

First NFL night game

Nov 6, 1929

The chicago Cardinals defeated the Providence Steam Rollers 16-0, however it was a success because roughly 6000 fans attended

First NLF Rules

Feb 25, 1933

The NFL adopted new rules and discontinued the use of collegiate rules.

First NLF Championship game

Dec 17, 1933

<a href='http://http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.aspx?story_id=2087' >First championship game held between the two division winners. Chicago Bears defeatred the New York Giants 23-21.

First NFL Draft pick

Feb 8, 1936

A halfback by the name of Jay Berwanger holds the distinction of being the very first NFL draft pick and the first Heismann Trophy winner.

The Sneaker Game

Dec 9, 1938

New York coach Steve Owen provided his team with tennis shoes for better traction on the icy field

First Pro Bowl

Jan 15, 1939

At Wrigley Field the New York Giants defeated the hand picked All Americans known as the Pro All-Stars 13-10

First Game on tv

Oct 22, 1939

NBC broadcasted the first ever NFL game, between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Eagles.

The Biggest loss

Dec 8, 1940

After Redskins coach giving uncalled for comments the Chicago Bears destroy the Redskins 73-0 making it the worst game in the NFL

First Helmet Logo

Jan 1, 1948

The Los Angles Rams became the first team to paint their logo onto their leather helmet.

First use of the penalty Flag

Sep 17, 1948

The first penalty flag was thrown in the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Yanks

First Overtime Game

Aug 28, 1955

[The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants, 23-17, three minutes into overtime in a preseason game. ](http://http://portland.daveknows.org/2011/08/28/august-28-1955-la-rams-and-ny-giants-play-first-overtime-nfl-game-at-multnomah-stadium/)

First Overtime Championship game

Dec 28, 1958

Colts Fullback Alan Ameche runs a 1 yard touchdown to defeat the New York Giants 23-17 in overtime. The game was on tv and was watched by 50 million people

AFL Champions

Jan 1, 1960

The First AFL Champion game between the Houston Oilers and the San Diego Chargers. Oilers defeat the Chargers

NFL: America's greatest sport

Jan 4, 1960

Football was becomeing so popular during the mid-1900's that more people were starting to watch football instead of baseball

The Great Merger

Jun 8, 1966

The NFL and the AFL reached agreements to merger into one league. The two divisions will then meet in the Superbowl

First Super Bowl game

Jan 15, 1967

Although it was not called the Super Bowl at the time it was played, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10, in Super Bowl I. It was called the AFL-NFL championship game.

Ice Bowl

Dec 31, 1967

Dallas Cowboys play the Green Bay Packers on Lanbeau Field when the reported temp. was -13 degrees. The Packers win 21-17

Monday Night Football

Jun 1, 1970

Monday Night Football, which first aired in 1970 brought in high ratings by mixing sports and entertainment

Perfect Season

Jan 1, 1972

Miami Dolphins complete thier season with not one loss and end up winnning the Super Bowl that season.

The Hail Mary

Dec 28, 1975

Cowboys QB Roger Staubach threw a 50 yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson for the game winning play to defeat the Vickings in the NFC Playoff game

Fumble Rule

Sep 10, 1978

Raiders QB Ken Stabler fumbled the ball and the running back hit the ball into the end zone where it was picked up by tightend. From there on it was made illegal to kick or swat the ball forward

First halftime concert

Jan 24, 1982

Superbowl XVl held the first halftime concert outside in Pontiac, Michigan. Peformance by Diana Ross

The Snow Game

Dec 12, 1982

After a Snowstorm Patriots coach orders filed plowed where the field goal was to be kicked. Patriots defeat the dolphins 3-0

Introduction of the Texans

Jan 1, 2002

The Houston Texans were created after the Houstion Oilers were moved to Tennessee where they became the Titans

The Great Rice

Nov 19, 2006

Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL, officially marks his retirement from football with a halftime celebration in San Francisco. Rice leaves the game as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns

Finally the Saints can boast

Jan 28, 2010

The Saints finally win a super bowl after a long Forty-two years of football

Houston to the Playoffs

Jan 1, 2012

The Houston clinch a spot in the playoffs the first time in NFL history when they destroyed the Cinicinnati Bengals 31-10