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The beginning of professional football
Owners of the four Ohio football teams (Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, and Dayton Triangles). They meet in an automobile showroom to create a professional football league. The NFL was originally named The American Professional Football Association which is what was presented at this time. This is where the sport as a whole started so this is for sure the biggest event to date. There would be no NFL or Sunday football it simply would not exist which is why this is so major. -
The start of the NFL
TAPFA renames itself the National Football League. This is the start of the NFL as we know it today and a name that is so familiar across the world.
links: https://www.shmoop.com/nfl-history/timeline.html; -
The first televised NFL game
The first NFL game aired with NBC producing a local broadcast of a game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Eagles. It is unknown if anyone actually watched the broadcast.
Links: https://www.shmoop.com/nfl-history/timeline.html; -
Football desegregates
Bobby Mitchell, a receiver, joins the Washington Redskins, becoming the league's final all-white club as its first Black player. The segregationist period of the league is past. This is a big step in the NFL because if not the league as we know it today would be completely different not only in the NFL but also in America it inspired the youth and allowed younger African American kids that their dream is possible also with hard work and dedication. (Continued in the next event) -
NFL desegregates (Pt. 2)
It also added a lot of deeper phases to the NFL such as Increased talent pools, Diverse rosters, Breaking down racial barriers, Trailblazing players, Social impact, and economic impact, all of these things played huge roles in the step forward taken by the NFL. Desegregation also just led to more diverse rosters, with Black players gaining equal opportunities to play alongside their white counterparts. This diversity enriched the league and helped create more dynamic and competitive teams. -
College Player Competition
A brutal rivalry between the NFL and AFL to sign the best players emerging from school football results in wild offering battles for top ability. Exceptionally desired College of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath, picked in the two associations' drafts, was selected to join the AFL's New York Planes subsequent to being offered the biggest agreement to date in genius football history. This event sparked the competition of scouting college athletes in the NFL. (Continued) -
College Player Competition (Pt. 2)
Drafting players has become a huge part of NFL culture over the years adding a new element to the game itself. It's how organizations literally build their team and many big moves are made every year for a team to try and find 'their guy'. -
Super Bowl continued pt.2
Even if football doesn't capture your interest, you might tune in for the highly anticipated halftime show featuring top-notch performers who deliver an extravagant concert experience. However, it's important to note that things weren't always as popular as they are now with regards to the Super Bowl. In its earlier stage back in 1967, it was known by a different name AFL-NFL World Championship Game. -
Super Bowl continued pt.3
During that time, only a modest number of spectators attended these games and tickets were available for just $12. This inaugural game marked the commencement of an extensive history filled with thrilling matches, monumental moments of on-field action, and unforgettable performances during halftime shows within NFL history.
The Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs battled it out and the Packers came out victorious 35-10 -
The Imacculate reception (Pt. 2)
who heaved the ball a few inches off the ground before racing into the end zone for a touchdown. Since the rules at the time stated that an offensive player could not catch a pass without touching a teammate but after much deliberation the officials decided to support the Steelers, Immaculate Reception sleeps still a legendary season in NFL history. -
The Imacculate reception
It is one of the most iconic plays in American football history, etched its place in NFL history in a playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders on December 23, 1972 the game with the Steelers trailing 7-6 , quarterback Terry Bradshaw dropped back to pass, only for the Raiders defense to play his attempted deflected pass miraculously slipped into the hands of Steelers running back Franco Harris, -
The First Super Bowl
Every year, the Super Bowl attracts a large crowd to witness the clash between the AFC and NFC champions in what has become one of the most significant sporting events worldwide. Whether you are an ardent sports enthusiast, a casual viewer, or not interested in sports at all, it is nearly impossible to escape discussions about this event during the early months of each year. -
Walter Payton Breaks Rushing Record
Flu-ridden Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton punishes the Minnesota Vikings' defense while rushing for an NFL single-game record of 275 yards. Payton's record will stand for 23 years setting the bar for the generations ahead. Walter Payton set the bar also for things like on field excellence, versatility, work ethic, leadership, and like I previously said set the bar for generations to come. -
Football Strike
In a bid to gain more control over their free agency rights and obtain a larger portion of the league's earnings, the NFL Players Association, which represents professional football players, initiates a strike. This labor dispute lasts for nearly four weeks, during which time the NFL proceeds with its scheduled games by forming teams consisting of amateur "replacement players." -
Football strike pt.3
Eventually, on October 15th, 1987, defeated players reluctantly ended their strike without securing a new contract while witnessing the disintegration of their once-unified union. It took until 1993 for both the NFL and its players to finally reach an agreement on a fresh collective bargaining deal -
Football strike pt. 2
Meanwhile, regular professionals show their support by picketing outside partially filled stadiums. As the strike enters its third week, solidarity within the players' union starts to crumble as several individuals—among them notable figures like Lawrence Taylor and Steve Largent—decide to defy their peers and participate in football matches. -
Damar Hamlin Incident
Early in Buffalo’s Week 17 game at Cincinnati, Damar Hamlin attempted to tackle Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins on a routine play. Higgins’ right shoulder hit Hamlin in the chest, before Hamlin wrapped his arms around Higgins’ shoulder and helmet to drag him down. Hamlin quickly got to his feet, appeared to adjust his face mask with his right hand, then fell backward about three seconds later and lay motionless on the field. (Continued) -
Damar Hamlin incident (Pt. 2)
He was given medical treatment, including CPR, on the field for nearly 20 minutes before being taken in an ambulance to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. This scene shocked the entire world everybody reached out wth prayers and concerns. Many equipment companies have started making more protective chest gear and certain rules were set in place to try to avoid this situation so it won't happen to another person again. -
