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Home , 1932 NFL Playoff Game, 1939 NFL season, 1946 AAFC season, 1953 Pro Bowl, 1958 Pro Bowl, 1961 Pro Bowl

CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL

1869 ly professional, becoming the 1903 throughout . Rutgers and Princeton played first team to play a full The Franklin (Pa.) Athletic Club a college soccer football with only professionals. won the second and last 1909 game, the first ever, November of pro football A dropped from four 6. The game used modified 1898 over the Oreos AC of Asbury points to three. London Football Association A touchdown was changed Park, ; the Water- rules. During the next seven from four points to five. town Red and Blacks; and the 1912 years, rugby gained favor with Chris ’Brien formed a Orange AC. A touchdown was increased the major eastern schools neighborhood team, which Pro football was popular- from five points to six. over soccer, and modern foot- played under the name the ized in Ohio when the Massil- revived a began to develop from Morgan Athletic Club, on the lon Tigers, a strong amateur strong pro team in Canton. rugby. south side of . The team, hired four team later became known as pros to play in the season- 1913 1876 the Normals, then the Racine ending game against Akron. At , a former football At the Massasoit convention, (for a street in Chicago) Cardi- the same time, pro football and track star at the Carlisle the first rules for American nals, the Chicago Cardinals, declined in the Pittsburgh Indian School (Pa.) and a dou- football were written. Walter the St. Louis Cardinals, the area, and the emphasis on the ble gold medal winner at the Camp, who would become Phoenix Cardinals, and, in pro game moved west from 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, known as the father of Ameri- 1994, the . to Ohio. played for the Pine Village can football, first became The team remains the oldest Pros in . involved with the game. continuing operation in pro 1904 football. A field goal was changed from 1915 1892 five points to four. Massillon again fielded a In an era in which football was 1900 Ohio had at least seven pro major team, reviving the old a major attraction of local ath- William . Temple took over teams, with Massillon winning rivalry with Canton. Cusack letic clubs, an intense compe- the team payments for the the Ohio Independent Champi- signed Thorpe to play for tition between two Pittsburgh- Duquesne Country and Athlet- on ship, that is, the pro title. Canton for $250 a game. area clubs, the Allegheny Ath- ic Club, becoming the first Talk surfaced about forming a letic Association (AAA) and known individual club owner. state-wide league to spi- 1916 the raling salaries brought about With Thorpe and former (PAC), led to the making of the 1902 by constant bidding for play- Carlisle teammate first professional football play- ’ Athlet- ers and to write universal rules starring, Canton went 9-0-1, er. Former Yale All-America ics, managed by Connie for the game. The feeble won the champi- guard William (Pudge) Hef- Mack, and the Philadelphia attempt to start the league onship, and was acclaimed felfinger was paid $500 by the Phillies formed professional failed. the pro football champion. AAA to play in a game against football teams, joining the Halfback Charles Follis the PAC, becoming the first in the first signed a contract with the 1917 person to be paid to play foot- attempt at a pro football Shelby (Ohio) AC, making him Despite an by Massillon, ball, November 12. The AAA league, named the National the first known black pro foot- Canton again won the Ohio won the game 4-0 when Hef- Football League. The Athletics ball player. League . felfinger picked up a won the first night football PAC and ran 35 yards game ever played, 39-0 over 1905 1919 for a touchdown. Kanaweola AC at Elmira, New The Canton AC, later to Canton again won the Ohio York, November 21. become known as the Bull- League championship, despite 1893 All three teams claimed the dogs, became a professional the team having been turned The Pittsburgh Athletic Club pro championship for the year, team. Massillon again won the over from Cusack to Ralph signed one of its players, but the league president, Dave Ohio League championship. Hay. Thorpe and Calac were probably halfback Grant Dib- Berry, named the Stars the joined in the backfield by Joe ert, to the first known pro foot- champions. Pitcher Rube 1906 Guyon. ball contract, which covered Waddell was with the Athlet- The was legal- Earl (Curly) Lambeau and all of the PAC’s games for the ics, and pitcher Christy Math- ized. The first authenticated George Calhoun organized the year. ewson a fullback for Pitts- pass completion in a pro . Lam- burgh. game came on October 25, beau’s employer at the Indian 1895 The first World Series of pro when George (Peggy) Parratt Packing Company provided John Brallier became the first football, actually a five-team of Massillon threw a comple- $500 for equipment and football player to openly turn , was played tion to Dan (Bullet) Riley in a allowed the team to use the pro, accepting $10 and among a team made up of victory over a combined Ben- company field for practices. expenses to play for the players from both the Athletics wood-Moundsville team. The Packers went 10-1. Latrobe YMCA against the and the Phillies, but simply Arch-rivals Canton and . named ; the New Massillon, the two best pro 1920 York Knicker bockers; the Syra- teams in America, played Pro football was in a state of 1896 cuse AC; the Warlow AC; and twice, with Canton winning the confusion due to three major The Allegheny Athletic Associ- the Orange (New Jersey) AC at first game but Massillon win- problems: dramatically rising ation team fielded the first New York’s original Madison ning the second and the Ohio salaries; players continually completely professional team Square Garden. New York and League championship. A bet- jumping from one team to for its abbreviated two-game Syracuse played the first ting scandal and the financial another following the highest season. indoor football game before disaster wrought upon the two offer; and the use of college 3,000, December 28. Syra- clubs by paying huge salaries players still enrolled in school. 1897 cuse, with Glen (Pop) Warner caused a temporary decline in A league in which all the mem- The Latrobe Athletic Associa- at guard, won 6-0 and went on interest in pro football in the bers would follow the same tion football team went entire- to win the tournament. two cities and, somewhat, rules seemed the answer. An

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 353 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL organizational meeting, at had their franchises canceled drew from the APFA, January ed to and Billy Gib- which the , Canton by the Association. Four 28. promised son for $500; the Pan- Bulldogs, Indians, teams—Akron, Buffalo, Can- to obey league rules and then thers, featuring Jimmy Conzel- and were ton, and Decatur—still had used $50 of his own money to man as owner, coach, and tail- represented, was held at the championship aspirations, but buy back the franchise. Bad back; the Providence Steam Jordan and auto a series of late-season games weather and low attendance Roller; a new showroom in Canton, Ohio, among them left Akron as the plagued the Packers, and team; and the Pottsville August 20. This meeting only undefeated team in the Lambeau went broke, but local Maroons, who had been per- resulted in the formation of the Association. At one of these merchants arranged a $2,500 haps the most successful American Professional Foot- games, Akron sold Bob loan for the club. A public non- independent pro team. The ball Conference. Nash to Buffalo for $300 and profit corporation was set up NFL established its first player A second organizational five percent of the gate to operate the team, with Lam- limit, at 16 players. meeting was held in Canton, receipts—the first APFA play- beau as and man- Late in the season, the NFL September 17. The teams er deal. ager. made its greatest coup in were from four states—Akron, The American Professional gaining national recognition. Canton, Cleveland, and Day- 1921 Football Association changed Shortly after the University of ton from Ohio; the Hammond At the league meeting in its name to the National Foot- season ended in Pros and from Akron, April 30, the champi- ball League, June 24. The November, All-America half- Indiana; the Rochester Jeffer- onship of the 1920 season Chicago Staleys became the back Harold (Red) Grange sons from New York; and the was awarded to the Akron . signed a contract to play with , Pros. The APFA was reorga- The NFL fielded 18 teams, the Chicago Bears. On Decatur Staleys, and Racine nized, with Joe Carr of the including the new Oorang Indi- Thanksgiving Day, a crowd of Cardinals from Illinois. The named ans of Marion, Ohio, an all- 36,000—the largest in pro name of the league was president and of Indian team featuring Thorpe, football history—watched changed to the American Pro- Dayton secretary-treasurer. , and Pete Calac, Grange and the Bears play the fessional Football Association. Carr moved the Association’s and sponsored by the Oorang Chicago Cardinals to a score- Hoping to capitalize on his headquarters to Columbus, dog kennels. less tie at . At the fame, the members elected drafted a league constitution Canton, led by player-coach beginning of December, the Thorpe president; Stanley and by-laws, gave teams terri- and tackles Bears left on a barnstorming Cofall of Cleveland was elect- torial rights, restricted player and Wilbur (Pete) tour that saw them play eight ed vice president. A member- movements, developed mem- Henry, emerged as the games in 12 days, in St. ship fee of $100 per team was bership criteria for the fran- league’s first true power- Louis, Philadelphia, New York charged to give an appearance chises, and issued standings house, going 10-0-2. City, Washington, , of respectability, but no team for the first time, so that the Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Chica- ever paid it. Scheduling was APFA would have a clear 1923 go. A crowd of 73,000 left up to the teams, and there champion. For the first time, all of the watched the game against the were wide variations, both in The Association’s member- franchises considered to be Giants at the , the overall number of games ship increased to 22 teams, part of the NFL fielded teams. helping assure the future of played and in the number including the Green Bay Pack- Thorpe played his second and the troubled NFL franchise in played against APFA member ers, who were awarded to final season for the Oorang New York. The Bears then teams. John Clair of the Acme Pack- Indians. Against the Bears, played nine more games in the Four other teams—the Buf- ing Company. Thorpe fumbled, and Halas South and West, including a falo All-Americans, Chicago Thorpe moved from Canton picked up the ball and returned game in , in which Tigers, Columbus Panhandles, to the Cleveland Indians, but it 98 yards for a touchdown, a 75,000 fans watched them and Detroit Heralds—joined he was hurt early in the sea- record that would last until defeat the Los Angeles Tigers the league sometime during son and played very little. 1972. in the Los Angeles Memorial the year. On September 26, A.. Staley turned the Canton had its second con- Coliseum. the first game featuring an Decatur Staleys over to player- secutive undefeated season, Pottsville and the Chicago APFA team was played at coach , who going 11-0-1 for the NFL title. Cardinals were the top con- Rock Island’s Douglas Park. A moved the team to Cubs Park tenders for the league title, crowd of 800 watched the in Chicago. Staley paid Halas 1924 with Pottsville winning a late- Independents defeat the St. $5,000 to keep the name Sta- The league had 18 franchises, season meeting 21-7. Paul Ideals 48-0. A week later, leys for one more year. Halas including new ones in Kansas Pottsville scheduled a game October 3, the first game made halfback Ed (Dutch) City, Kenosha, and Frankford, against a team of former Notre matching two APFA teams Sternaman his partner. a section of Philadelphia. Dame players for in was held. At , Player-coach of League champion Canton, Philadelphia. Frankford lodged Dayton defeated Columbus the Akron Pros became the successful on the field but not a protest not only because the 14-0, with Lou Partlow of first black head coach. at the box office, was pur- game was in Frankford’s pro- Dayton scoring the first touch- The Staleys claimed the chased by the owner of the tected territory, but because it down in a game between APFA championship with a Cleveland franchise, who kept was being played the same Association teams. The same 9-1-1 record, as did Buffalo at the Canton franchise inactive, day as a Yellow Jackets day, Rock Island defeated 9-1-2. Carr ruled in favor of while using the best players game. Carr gave three differ- Muncie 45-0. the Staleys, giving Halas his for his Cleveland team, which ent notices forbidding By the beginning of Decem- first championship. he renamed the Bulldogs. Pottsville to play the game, but ber, most of the teams in the Cleveland won the title with a Pottsville played anyway, APFA had abandoned their 1922 7-1-1 record. December 12. That day, Carr hopes for a championship, After admitting the use of fined the club, suspended it and some of them, including players who had college eligi- 1925 from all rights and privileges the and the bility remaining during the Five new franchises were (including the right to play for Detroit Heralds, had finished 1921 season, Clair and the admitted to the NFL—the New the NFL championship), and their seasons, disbanded, and Green Bay management with- York Giants, who were award- re-turned its franchise to the

354 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

league. The Cardinals, who York Yankees, but Grange suf- The Giants defeated a team from less than five yards ended the season with the fered a knee injury and the of former Notre Dame players behind the , best record in the league, were Yankees finished in the middle coached by violating the existing passing named the 1925 champions. of the pack. The NFL champi- 22-0 before 55,000 at the Polo rule, but the play stood. onship was won by the cross- Grounds, December 14. The 1926 town rival , proceeds went to the New York 1933 Grange’s manager, C.C. Pyle, who posted 10 shutouts in 13 Unemployment Fund to help The NFL, which long had fol- told the Bears that Grange games. those suffering because of the lowed the rules of college wouldn’ play for them unless , and the easy football, made a number of he was paid a five-figure 1928 victory helped give the NFL significant changes from the salary and given one-third Grange and Nevers both credibility with the press and college game for the first time ownership of the team. The retired from pro football, and the public. and began to develop rules Bears refused. Pyle leased Duluth disbanded, as the NFL serving its needs and the style Yankee in New York was reduced to only 10 1931 of play it preferred. The inno- City, then petitioned for an NFL teams. The Providence Steam The NFL decreased to 10 vations from the 1932 cham- franchise. After he was Roller of teams, and halfway through pionship game—inbounds refused, he started the first and Pearce Johnson won the the season the Frankford fran- line or hashmarks and goal League. It championship, playing in the chise folded. Carr fined the posts on the goal lines—were lasted one season and includ- , a 10,000-seat Bears, Packers, and adopted. Also the forward ed Grange’s New York Yan- oval that had been built for Portsmouth $1,000 each for pass was legalized from any- kees and eight other teams. bicycle races. using players whose college where behind the line of The AFL champion Philadel- classes had not graduated. scrimmage, February 25. phia Quakers played a 1929 The Packers won an Marshall and Halas pushed December game against the Chris O’Brien sold the Chicago unprecedented third consecu- through a proposal that divid- New York Giants, seventh in Cardinals to David Jones, July tive title, beating out the Spar- ed the NFL into two divisions, the NFL, and the Giants won 27. tans, who were led by rookie with the winners to meet in an 31-0. At the end of the The NFL added a fourth backs Earl (Dutch) Clark and annual championship game, season, the AFL folded. official, the field judge, July . July 8. Halas pushed through a 28. Three new franchises joined rule that prohibited any team Grange and Nevers returned 1932 the league—the Pittsburgh from signing a player whose to the NFL. Nevers scored six , Vin- Pirates of , the college class had not graduat- rushing touchdowns and four cent Bendix, Jay O’Brien, and of ed. extra points as the Cardinals . Dorland Doyle were award- and , and the Cincin- The NFL grew to 22 teams, beat Grange’s Bears 40-6, ed a franchise for Boston, July nati Reds. The Staten Island including the , November 28. The 40 points 9. Despite the presence of two Stapletons suspended opera- who signed All-America full- set a record that remains the rookies—halfback tions for a year, but never back of Stanford, NFL’s oldest. and tackle Glen (Turk) returned to the league. giving the league a gate attrac- Providence became the first Edwards—the new team, Halas bought out Sterna- tion to rival Grange. The 15- NFL team to host a game at named the Braves, lost money man, became sole owner of member Eskimos, dubbed the night under floodlights, and Marshall was left as the the Bears, and reinstated him- Iron Men of the North, played against the Cardinals, Novem- sole owner at the end of the self as head coach. Marshall 29 exhibition and league ber 6. year. changed the name of the games, 28 on the road, and The Packers added back NFL membership dropped to Boston Braves to the Red- Nevers played in all but 29 Johnny Blood (McNally), tack- eight teams, the lowest in his- skins. David Jones sold the minutes of them. le , and guard tory. Official statistics were Chicago Cardinals to Charles Frankford edged the Bears , and won their kept for the first time. The . Bidwill. for the championship, despite first NFL championship, edg- Bears and the Spartans fin- In the first NFL Champi- Halas having obtained John ing the Giants, who featured ished the season in the first- onship Game scheduled (Paddy) Driscoll from the Car- . ever tie for first place. After the before the season, the West- dinals. On December 4, the season finale, the league office ern champion Bears Yellow Jackets scored in the 1930 arranged for an additional reg- defeated the Eastern Division final two minutes to defeat the Dayton, the last of the NFL’s ular-season game to determine champion Giants 23-21 at Bears 7-6 and move ahead of original franchises, was pur- the league champion. The Wrigley Field, December 17. them in the standings. chased by William . Dwyer game was moved indoors to and John C. Depler, moved to because of 1934 1927 , and renamed the bitter cold and heavy snow. .A. (Dick) Richards pur- At a special meeting in Cleve- Dodgers. The Portsmouth, The arena allowed only an 80- chased the Portsmouth Spar- land, April 23, Carr decided to Ohio, Spartans entered the yard field that came right to the tans, moved them to Detroit, secure the NFL’s future by league. walls. The goal posts were and renamed them the Lions. eliminating the financially The Packers edged the moved from the end lines to Professional football gained weaker teams and consolidat- Giants for the title, but the the goal lines and, for safety, new prestige when the Bears ing the quality players onto a most improved team was the inbounds lines or hashmarks were matched against the best limited number of more suc- Bears. Halas retired as a play- where the ball would be put in players in the cessful teams. The new-look er and replaced himself as play were drawn 10 yards from first Chicago College All-Star NFL dropped to 12 teams, and coach of the Bears with Ralph the walls that butted against Game, August 31. The game the center of gravity of the Jones, who refined the T-for- the sidelines. The Bears won ended in a scoreless tie before league left the Midwest, where mation by introducing wide 9-0, December 18, scoring the 79,432 at . the NFL had started, and ends and a halfback in motion. winning touchdown on a two- The Reds lost began to emerge in the large Jones also introduced rookie yard pass from Nagurski to their first eight games, then cities of the East. One of the All-America fullback-tackle Grange. The Spartans claimed were suspended from the new teams was Grange’s New . Nagurski’s pass was thrown league for defaulting on pay-

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 355 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL ments. The St. Louis Gunners, dance, Marshall, the owner of 1940 sos and Heartley (Hunk) an independent team, joined the host team, moved the A six-team rival league, the Anderson served as co- the NFL by buying the Cincin- Championship Game from third to call itself the American coaches as the Bears went nati franchise and went 1-2 Boston to the Polo Grounds in Football League, was formed, 11-0 in the regular season. the last three weeks. New York. Green Bay defeated and the Columbus Bullies won The Redskins defeated the Rookie of the Redskins 21-6, December its championship. Bears 14-6 in the NFL Cham- the Bears became the NFL’s 13. Halas’ Bears, with addition- pionship Game, December 13. first 1,000-yard rusher, gain- al coaching by Clark Shaugh- ing 1,004 on 101 carries. The 1937 nessy of Stanford, defeated 1943 Thanksgiving Day game Homer Marshman was grant- the Redskins 73-0 in the NFL The Cleveland Rams, with co- between the Bears and the ed a Cleveland franchise, Championship Game, Decem - owners Reeves and Levy in Lions became the first NFL named the Rams, February ber 8. The game, which was the service, were granted per- game broadcast nationally, 12. Marshall moved the Red- the most decisive victory in mission to suspend opera- with Graham McNamee the skins to Washington, .C., NFL history, popularized the tions for one season, April 6. announcer for NBC radio. February 13. The Redskins Bears’ T-formation with a Levy transferred his stock in In the championship game, signed TCU All-America tail- man-in-motion. It was the first the team to Reeves, April 16. on an extremely cold and icy back , who led championship carried on net- The NFL adopted free sub- day at the Polo Grounds, the them to a 28-21 victory over work radio, broadcast by Red stitution, April 7. The league Giants trailed the Bears 13-3 the Bears in the NFL Champi- Barber to 120 stations of the also made the wearing of hel- in the third quarter before onship Game, December 12. Mutual Broadcasting System, mets mandatory and approved changing to shoes The which paid $2,500 for the a 10-game schedule for all for better footing. The Giants had an 8-0 record to win the rights. teams. won 30-13 in what has come AFL title, but then the 2-year- Art Rooney sold the Pitts- Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to be known as the Sneakers old league folded. burgh franchise to Alexis were granted permission to Game, December 9. Thompson, December 9, then merge for one season, June The player waiver rule was 1938 bought part interest in the 19. The team, known as Phil- adopted, December 10. At the suggestion of Halas, Philadelphia Eagles. Pitt (and called the by Hugh (Shorty) Ray became a Bell and Rooney traded the fans), divided home games 1935 technical advisor on rules and Eagles to Thompson for the between the two cities, and The NFL adopted Bert Bell’s officiating to the NFL. A new Pirates, then re-named their Earle (Greasy) Neale of proposal to hold an annual rule called for a 15-yard new team the Steelers. Philadelphia and draft of college players, to penalty for roughing the pass- of Pittsburgh served as co- begin in 1936, with teams er. 1941 coaches. The merger auto- selecting in an inverse order of Rookie Byron (Whizzer) was named the matically dissolved the last finish, May 19. The inbounds White of the Pittsburgh Pirates first of the NFL, day of the season, December line or hashmarks were moved led the NFL in rushing. The March 1; Storck, the acting 5. nearer the center of the field, Giants defeated the Packers president, resigned, April 5. Ted Collins was granted a 15 yards from the sidelines. 23-17 for the NFL title, NFL headquarters were franchise for Boston, to All-America end Don Hut- December 11. moved to Chicago. become active in 1944. son of joined Green Marshall, Los Angeles Homer Marshman sold the Sammy Baugh led the Bay. The Lions defeated the Times editor Bill Henry, Rams to Daniel . Reeves and league in passing, punting, Giants 26-7 in the NFL Cham- and promoter Tom Gallery Fred Levy, Jr. and . He led the pionship Game, December 15. established the The league by-laws were Redskins to a tie with the game between the NFL cham- revised to provide for Giants for the Eastern Division 1936 pion and a team of pro all- in case there were ties in divi- title, and then to a 28-0 victo- There were no franchise trans- stars. sion races, and sudden-death ry in a divisional playoff game. actions for the first year since overtimes in case a playoff The Bears beat the Redskins the formation of the NFL. It 1939 game was tied after four quar- 41-21 in the NFL Champi- also was the first year in The New York Giants defeated ters. An official NFL Record onship Game, December 26. which all member teams the Pro All-Stars 13-10 in the Manual was published for the played the same number of first Pro Bowl, at Wrigley Field, first time. 1944 games. Los Angeles, January 15. Columbus again won the Collins, who had wanted a The Eagles made University Carr, NFL president since championship of the AFL, but franchise in in of Chicago halfback and Heis- 1921, died in Columbus, May the two-year-old league then New York, named his new man Trophy winner Jay 20. Carl Storck was named folded. team in Boston the Yanks. Berwanger the first player ever acting president, May 25. The Bears and the Packers Cleveland resumed opera- selected in the NFL draft, Feb- An NFL game was televised finished in a tie for the West- tions. The Brooklyn Dodgers ruary 8. The Eagles traded his for the first time when NBC ern Division championship, changed their name to the rights to the Bears, but broadcast the Brooklyn setting up the first divisional Tigers. Berwanger never played pro Dodgers-Philadelphia Eagles playoff game in league history. Coaching from the bench football. The first player game from to the The Bears won 33-14, then was legalized, April 20. selected to actually sign was approximately 1,000 sets then defeated the Giants 37-9 for The Cardinals and the Steel- the number-two pick, Riley in New York, October 22. the NFL championship, ers were granted permission Smith of Alabama, who was Green Bay defeated New December 21. to merge for one year under selected by Boston. York 27-0 in the NFL Champi- the name Card-Pitt, April 21. A rival league was formed, onship Game, December 10 at 1942 of the Cardinals and it became the second to . NFL attendance Players departing for service and Walt Kiesling of the Steel- call itself the American Football exceeded 1 million in a season in World War II depleted the ers served as co-coaches. League. The Boston Sham- for the first time, reaching rosters of NFL teams. Halas The merger automatically dis- rocks were its champions. 1,071,200. left the Bears in midseason to solved the last day of the sea- Because of poor atten- join the Navy, and Luke John- son, December 3.

356 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

In the NFL Championship granted permission by the Lions to a syndicate headed the players of the former AAFC Game, Green Bay defeated the league to move his NFL cham- by D. Lyle Fife, January 15. Yankees with the Giants. A New York Giants 14-7, pion Rams to Los Angeles. Halfback of the special allocation draft was December 17. Halfback Kenny Washing- painted held in which the 13 teams ton (March 21) and end horns on the Rams’ helmets, drafted the remaining AAFC 1945 (May 7) signed the first modern helmet players, with special consider- The inbounds lines or hash- with the Los Angeles Rams to emblems in pro football. ation for , which marks were moved from 15 become the first African- The won received 15 choices com - yards away from the sidelines Americans to play in the NFL their third straight champi- pared to 10 for other teams. to nearer the center of the in the modern era. Guard Bill onship in the AAFC, going The Los Angeles Rams field—20 yards from the side- Willis (August 6) and running 14-0 and then defeating the became the first NFL team to lines. back (August 49-7. have all of its games—both Brooklyn and Boston 9) joined the AAFC with the In a blizzard, the Eagles home and away— televised. merged into a team that Cleveland Browns. defeated the Cardinals 7-0 in The Washington Redskins fol- played home games in both The rival All-America Foot- the NFL Championship Game, lowed the Rams in arranging cities and was known simply ball Conference began play December 19. to televise their games; other as The Yanks. The team was with eight teams. The Cleve- teams made deals to put coached by former Boston land Browns, coached by Paul 1949 selected games on television. head coach . In Brown, won the AAFC’s first sold the In the first game of the sea- December, the Brooklyn fran- championship, defeating the champion Eagles to a syndi- son, former AAFC champion chise withdrew from the NFL 14-9. cate headed by James P. Cleveland defeated NFL cham- to join the new All-America of the Steelers Clark, January 15. The Boston pion Philadelphia 35-10. For Football Conference; all the led the NFL in rushing, inter- Yanks became the New York the first time, deadlocks players on its active and ceptions, and returns, Bulldogs, sharing the Polo occurred in both conferences reserve lists were assigned to and won the league’s most Grounds with the Giants. and playoffs were necessary. The Yanks, who once again valuable player award. Free substitution was The Browns defeated the became the . Backs and adopted for one year, January Giants in the American and the Halas rejoined the Bears Merle Hapes of the Giants were 20. Rams defeated the Bears in late in the season after service questioned about an attempt by The NFL had two 1,000- the National. Cleveland defeat- with the U.S. Navy. Although a New York man to fix the yard rushers in the same sea- ed Los Angeles 30-28 in the Halas took over much of the championship game with the son for the first time—Steve NFL Championship Game, coaching duties, Anderson Bears. Bell suspended Hapes Van Buren of Philadelphia and December 24. and Johnsos remained the but allowed Filchock to play; he of Green Bay. coaches of record throughout played well, but Chicago won The AAFC played its season 1951 the season. 24-14, December 15. with a one-division, seven- The Pro , dormant of team format. On December 9, since 1942, was revived under Philadelphia led the NFL in 1947 Bell announced a merger a new format matching the all- rushing, kickoff returns, and The NFL added a fifth official, agreement in which three stars of each conference at scoring. the back judge. AAFC franchises—Cleveland, the Los Angeles Memorial After the Japanese surren- A bonus choice was made , and Balti- Coliseum. The American Con- dered ending World War II, a for the first time in the NFL more—would join the NFL in ference defeated the National count showed that the NFL draft. One team each year 1950. The Browns won their Conference 28-27, January service roster, limited to men would select the special fourth consecutive AAFC title, 14. who had played in league choice before the first round defeating the 49ers 21-7, Abraham Watner returned games, totaled 638, 21 of began. The Chicago Bears December 11. the Baltimore franchise and its whom had died in action. won a lottery and the rights to In a heavy rain, the Eagles player contracts back to the Rookie quarterback Bob the first choice and drafted defeated the Rams 14-0 in the NFL for $50,000. Baltimore’s Waterfield led Cleveland to a back Bob Fenimore of Okla- NFL Championship Game, former players were made 15-14 victory over Washing- homa A&M. December 18. available for drafting at the ton in the NFL Championship The Cleveland Browns same time as college players, Game, December 16. again won the AAFC title, 1950 January 18. defeating the New York Yan- Unlimited free substitution A rule was passed that no 1946 kees 14-3. was restored, opening the way tackle, guard, or center would The contract of Commissioner , Sr., owner for the era of two platoons and be eligible to catch a forward Layden was not renewed, and of the Cardinals, died April 19, specialization in pro football, pass, January 18. Bert Bell, the co-owner of the but his wife and sons retained January 20. The Rams reversed their Steelers, replaced him, Janu- ownership of the team. On Curly Lambeau, founder of television policy and televised ary 11. Bell moved the league December 28, the Cardinals the franchise and Green Bay’s only road games. headquarters from Chicago to won the NFL Championship head coach since 1921, The NFL Championship the Philadelphia suburb of Game 28-21 over the Philadel- resigned under fire, February 1. Game was televised coast-to- Bala-Cynwyd. phia Eagles, who had beaten The name National Football coast for the first time, Free substitution was with- Pittsburgh 21-0 in a playoff. League was restored after December 23. The DuMont drawn and substitutions were about three months as the Network paid $75,000 for the limited to no more than three 1948 National-American Football rights to the game, in which men at a time. Forward pass- Plastic helmets were prohibit- League. The American and the Rams defeated the Browns were made automatically ed. A flexible artificial tee was National conferences were 24-17. incomplete upon striking the permitted at the kickoff. Offi- created to replace the Eastern goal posts, January 11. cials other than the referee and Western divisions, March 1952 The NFL took on a truly were equipped with whistles, 3. Ted Collins sold the New York national appearance for the not horns, January 14. The New York Bulldogs Yanks’ franchise back to the first time when Reeves was Fred Mandel sold the Detroit became the Yanks and divided NFL, January 19. A new fran-

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 357 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL chise was awarded to a group Cleveland defeated Detroit An NFL-record crowd of was held by the AFL, Decem- in after it purchased the 56-10 in the NFL Champion - 102,368 saw the 49ers-Rams ber 2. assets of the Yanks, January ship Game, Decem ber 26. game at the Los Angeles NFL Commissioner Bert 24. The new Texans went Memorial Coliseum, Novem- Bell died of a heart attack suf- 1-11, with the owners turning 1955 ber 10. fered at , the franchise back to the The sudden-death The Lions came from 20 Philadelphia, during the last league in midseason. For the rule was used for the first time points down to post a 31-27 two minutes of a game last five games of the season, in a preseason game between playoff victory over the 49ers, between the Eagles and the the commissioner’s office the Rams and Giants at Port- December 22. Detroit defeated Steelers, October 11. Treasur- operated the Texans as a road land, Oregon, August 28. The Cleveland 59-14 in the NFL er Austin Gunsel was named team, using Hershey, Pennsyl- Rams won 23-17 three min- Championship Game, Decem- president in the office of the vania, as a home base. At the utes into overtime. ber 29. commissioner, October 14. end of the season the fran- A rule change declared the The Colts again defeated chise was canceled, the last ball dead immediately if the 1958 the Giants in the NFL Champi- time an NFL team failed. ball carrier touched the ground The bonus selection in the onship Game, 31-16, Decem- The with any part of his body draft was eliminated, January ber 27. abandoned the Single-Wing except his hands or feet while 29. The last selection was for the T-formation, the last in the grasp of an opponent. quarterback King Hill of Rice 1960 pro team to do so. The Baltimore Colts made by the Chicago Cardinals. was elected NFL The won their an 80-cent phone call to John- Halas reinstated himself as Commissioner as a compro- first NFL championship in 17 Unitas and signed him as a coach of the Bears. mise choice on the twenty- years, defeating the Browns . Another quarter- of Cleveland third ballot, January 26. 17-7 in the title game, back, , played his gained an NFL-record 1,527 Rozelle moved the league December 28. last game as the Browns yards rushing. In a divisional offices to . defeated the Rams 38-14 in playoff game, the Giants held Hunt was elected AFL pres- 1953 the NFL Championship Game, Brown to eight yards and ident for 1960, January 26. A Baltimore group headed by December 26. Graham had defeated Cleveland 10-0. withdrew from was quarterbacked the Browns to Baltimore, coached by the AFL, January 27, and the granted a franchise and was 10 championship-game , defeated the same ownership was given an awarded the holdings of the appearances in 10 years. Giants 23-17 in the first sud- NFL franchise for Minnesota defunct Dallas organization, NBC replaced DuMont as den-death overtime in an NFL (to start in 1961), January 28. January 23. The team, named the network for the title game, Champion ship Game, Decem- Dallas received an NFL fran- the Colts, put together the paying a rights fee of ber 28. The game ended when chise for 1960, January 28. largest trade in league history, $100,000. Colts fullback received an AFL fran- acquiring 10 players from scored on a one-yard touch- chise, January 30. Cleveland in exchange for five. 1956 down run after 8:15 of over- The AFL adopted the two- The names of the American The NFL Players Association time. point option on points after and National conferences was founded. touchdown, January 28. A no- were changed to the Eastern Grabbing an opponent’s 1959 tampering verbal pact, relative and Western conferences, facemask (other than the ball was named to players’ contracts, was January 24. carrier) was made illegal. head coach of the Green Bay agreed to between the NFL Jim Thorpe died, March 28. Using radio receivers to com- Packers, January 28. Tim and AFL, February 9. Mickey McBride, founder of municate with players on the Mara, the co-founder of the The NFL owners voted to the Cleveland Browns, sold field was prohibited. A natural Giants, died, February 17. allow the transfer of the Chica- the franchise to a syndicate leather ball with white end of Dallas go Cardinals to St. Louis, headed by Dave . Jones, stripes replaced the white ball announced his intentions to March 13. June 10. with black stripes for night form a second pro football The AFL signed a five-year The NFL policy of blacking games. league. The first meeting was television contract with ABC, out home games was upheld The Giants moved from the held in Chicago, August 14, June 9. by Judge Allan . Grim of the Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadi- and consisted of Hunt repre- The Boston Patriots defeat- U.S. District Court in Philadel- um. senting Dallas; , ed the Buffalo Bills 28-7 phia, November 12. Halas retired as coach of ; K.S. (Bud) Adams, before 16,000 at Buffalo in the The Lions again defeated the Bears, and was replaced ; , Los first AFL preseason game, the Browns in the NFL Cham- by . Angeles; and Bill July 30. The pion ship Game, winning 17- CBS became the first net- Boyer, Minneapolis; and Harry defeated the Patriots 13-10 16, December 27. work to broadcast some NFL Wismer, New York City. They before 21,597 at Boston in the regular-season games to made plans to begin play in first AFL regular-season 1954 selected television markets 1960. game, September 9. The League across the nation. The new league was named Philadelphia defeated Green began a series of raids on NFL The Giants routed the Bears the , Bay 17-13 in the NFL Champi- teams, signing quarterback 47-7 in the NFL Championship August 22. Buffalo, owned by onship Game, December 26. Eddie LeBaron and defensive Game, December 30. , became the end of Washington seventh franchise, October 1961 and Arnie 1957 28. Boston, owned by William The Houston Oilers defeated Weinmeister of the Giants, Pete Rozelle was named gen- . Sullivan, became the eighth the among others. eral manager of the Rams. team, November 22. The first 24-16 before 32,183 in the Fullback Joe Perry of the Anthony J. Morabito, founder AFL draft, lasting 33 rounds, first AFL Championship Game, 49ers became the first player and co-owner of the 49ers, was held, November 22. Joe January 1. in league history to gain 1,000 died of a heart attack during a Foss was named AFL Com- Detroit defeated Cleveland yards rushing in consecutive game against the Bears at missioner, November 30. An 17-16 in the first , seasons. , October 28. additional draft of 20 rounds or Bert Bell Benefit Bowl,

358 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

between second-place teams its antitrust suit against the pended Green Bay halfback 16. in each conference in , NFL, May 21. The AFL had and Detroit CBS submitted the winning January 7. charged the NFL with monop- defensive tackle bid of $14.1 million per year End Willard Dewveall of the oly and conspiracy in areas of for placing bets on their own for the NFL regular-season Bears played out his option expansion, television, and teams and on other NFL television rights for 1964 and and joined the Oilers, becom- player signings. The case last- games; he also fined five other 1965, January 24. CBS ing the first player to play out ed two and a half years, the Detroit players $2,000 each acquired the rights to the his contract and jump from the trial two months. for betting on one game in championship games for NFL to the AFL, January 14. McGah and Valley acquired which they did not participate, 1964 and 1965 for $1.8 mil- Ed McGah, Wayne Valley, controlling interest in the and the Detroit Lions Football lion per game, April 17. and Robert Osborne bought Raiders, May 24. The AFL Company $2,000 on each of of Cornell out their partners in the own- assumed financial responsibil- two counts for failure to report signed a contract with Buffalo, ership of the Raiders, January ity for the New York Titans, information promptly and for becoming the first soccer- 17. The Chargers were trans- November 8. With Commis - lack of sideline supervision, style kicker in pro football. ferred to , February sioner Rozelle as referee, April 17. Buffalo defeated San Diego 10. Dave R. Jones sold the Daniel F. Reeves regained the The AFL allowed the Jets 20-7 in the AFL Championship Browns to a group headed by ownership of the Rams, out- and Raiders to select players Game, December 26. Cleve- Arthur B. Modell, March 22. bidding his partners in sealed- from other franchises in hopes land defeated Baltimore 27-0 The Howsam brothers sold the envelope bidding for the team, of giving the league more in the NFL Championship Broncos to a group headed by November 27. competitive balance, May 11. Game, December 27. Calvin Kunz and Gerry Phipps, The Dallas Texans defeated NBC was awarded exclu- May 26. the Oilers 20-17 for the AFL sive network broadcasting 1965 NBC was awarded a two- championship at Houston rights for the 1963 NFL Cham- The NFL teams pledged not to year contract for radio and after 17 minutes, 54 seconds pionship Game for $926,000, sign college seniors until com- television rights to the NFL of overtime on a 25-yard field May 23. pletion of all their games, Championship Game for goal by . The The Pro Football Hall of including bowl games, and $615,000 annually, $300,000 game lasted a then record 77 Fame was dedicated at Can- empowered the Commission- of which was to go directly minutes, 54 seconds, Decem- ton, Ohio, September 7. er to discipline the clubs up to into the NFL Player Benefit ber 23. The U.S. Fourth Circuit as much as the loss of an Plan, April 5. Judge Edward Weinfeld of Court of Appeals reaffirmed entire draft list for a violation Canton, Ohio, where the the U.S. District Court in New the lower court’s finding for of the pledge, February 15. league that became the NFL York City upheld the legality of the NFL in the $10-million suit The NFL added a sixth offi- was formed in 1920, was the NFL’s television brought by the AFL, ending cial, the line judge, February 19. chosen as the site of the Pro within a 75-mile radius of three and a half years of litiga- The color of the officials’ penal- Football Hall of Fame, April 27. home games and denied an tion, November 21. ty flags was changed from A bill legalizing single-net- injunction that would have Jim Brown of Cleveland white to bright gold, April 5. work television contracts by forced the championship rushed for an NFL single-sea- Commissioner Rozelle leagues game between the Giants and son record 1,863 yards. negotiated an agreement on was introduced in Congress the Packers to be televised in Boston defeated Buffalo behalf of the NFL clubs to pur- by Representative Emanuel the New York City area, 26-8 in the first divisional chase ’s Blair Motion Celler. It passed the House and December 28. The Packers playoff game in AFL history, Pictures, which was renamed Senate and was signed into beat the Giants 16-7 for the December 28. NFL Films, April. law by President John F. NFL title, December 30. The Bears defeated the was awarded an NFL Kennedy, September 30. Giants 14-10 in the NFL franchise for 1966, with Rankin Houston defeated San 1963 Championship Game, a record Smith, Sr., as owner, June 30. Diego 10-3 for the AFL cham- , who went on to sixth and last title for Halas in Miami was awarded an AFL pionship, December 24. Green become the winningest head his thirty-sixth season as the franchise for 1966, with Joe Bay won its first NFL champi- coach in NFL history, replaced Bears’ coach, December 29. Robbie and as onship since 1944, defeating Weeb Ewbank as head coach owners, August 16. the New York Giants 37-0, of the Colts, January 8. 1964 Field Judge Burl Toler December 31. , head coach of The Chargers defeated the became the first black official the Browns since their incep- Patriots 51-10 in the AFL in NFL history, September 19. 1962 tion, was fired on January 9 Championship Game, January According to a Harris sur- The Western Division defeated and replaced the following day 5. vey, sports fans chose profes- the Eastern Division 47-27 in by Blanton Collier. William Clay Ford, the Lion- sional football (41 percent) as the first AFL All-Star Game, The Dallas Texans trans- s’ president since 1961, pur- their favorite , overtaking played before 20,973 in San ferred to Kansas City, becom- chased the team, January 10. baseball (38 percent) for the Diego, January 7. ing the Chiefs, February 8. The A group representing the late first time, October. Both leagues prohibited New York Titans were sold to a James P. Clark sold the Eagles Green Bay defeated Balti- grabbing any player’s face- five-man syndicate headed by to a group headed by Jerry more 13-10 in sudden-death mask. The AFL voted to make David (Sonny) Werblin, March Wolman, January 21. Carroll overtime in a Western Confer- the scoreboard clock the 28. Weeb Ewbank became the Rosenbloom, the majority ence playoff game. Don Chan- official timer of the game. Titans’ new head coach and owner of the Colts since 1953, dler kicked a 25-yard field goal The NFL entered into a sin- the team’s name was changed acquired complete ownership for the Packers after 13 min- gle-network agreement with to the Jets, April 15. They of the team, January 23. utes, 39 seconds of overtime, CBS for telecasting all regular- began play in the Polo The AFL signed a five-year, December 26. The Packers season games for $4.65 mil- Grounds. $36- million television contract then defeated the Browns lion annually, January 10. NFL Properties, Inc., was with NBC to begin with the 23-12 in the NFL Champi- Judge Roszel Thompson of founded to serve as the 1965 season, January 29. onship Game, January 2. the U.S. District Court in Balti- licensing arm of the NFL. Hornung and Karras were In the AFL Championship more ruled against the AFL in Rozelle indefinitely sus- reinstated by Rozelle, March Game, the Bills defeated the

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 359 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Chargers, 23-0, December 26. Rozelle was named Commis- The AFL awarded a fran- defeated the Raiders 27-23 for CBS acquired the rights to sioner of the expanded league chise to begin play in 1968 to the AFL championship, the NFL regular-season games setup. Cincinnati, May 23. A group Decem ber 29. The same day, in 1966 and 1967, with an Davis rejoined the Raiders, with Paul Brown as part Baltimore defeated Cleveland option for 1968, for $18.8 mil- and was named owner, general manager, and 34-0. lion per year, December 29. president of the AFL, July 25. head coach, was awarded the The St. Louis Cardinals Cincinnati franchise, Septem- 1969 1966 moved into newly constructed ber 27. The AFL established a playoff The AFL-NFL war reached its . Arthur B. Modell, the presi- format for the 1969 season, peak, as the leagues spent a Barron Hilton sold the dent of the Cleveland Browns, with the winner in one division combined $7 million to sign Chargers to a group headed was elected president of the playing the runner-up in the their 1966 draft choices. The by Eugene Klein and Sam NFL, May 28. other, January 11. NFL signed 75 percent of its Schulman, August 25. Emlen Tun- An AFL team won the Super 232 draftees, the AFL 46 per- Congress approved the nell of the New York Giants Bowl for the first time, as the cent of its 181. Of the 111 AFL-NFL merger, passing leg- became the first black player Jets defeated the Colts 16-7 at choices, 79 islation exempting the agree- to enter the Pro Football Hall of Miami, January 12 in Super signed with the NFL, 28 with ment itself from antitrust Fame, August 5. Bowl III. The title the AFL, and 4 went unsigned. action, October 21. An AFL team defeated an was recognized by the NFL for became the was awarded NFL team for the first time, the first time. first African-American to work an NFL franchise to begin play when Denver beat Detroit 13-7 Vince Lombardi became in the league office when in 1967, November 1. John in a preseason game, August part owner, executive vice- Commis sioner Rozelle named Mecom, Jr., of Houston was 5. president, and head coach of him director of player rela- designated majority stock- Green Bay defeated Dallas the Washington Redskins, tions, February 1. holder and president of the 21-17 for the NFL champi- February 7. The rights to the 1966 and franchise, December 15. onship on a last-minute 1-yard Wolman sold the Eagles to 1967 NFL Championship The NFL was realigned for quarterback sneak by Bart , May 1. Games were sold to CBS for the 1967-69 seasons into the Starr in 13-below-zero tem- Baltimore, Cleveland, and $2 million per game, February Capitol and Century Divisions perature at Green Bay, Decem- Pittsburgh agreed to join the 14. in the Eastern Conference and ber 31. The same day, Oak- AFL teams to form the 13- Foss resigned as AFL Com- the Central and Coastal Divi- land defeated Houston 40-7 team American Football Con- missioner, April 7. , sions in the Western Confer- for the AFL championship. ference of the NFL in 1970, the head coach and general ence, December 2. New May 10. The NFL also agreed manager of the Raiders, was Orleans and the New York 1968 on a that would named to replace him, April 8. Giants agreed to switch divi- Green Bay defeated Oakland include one “wild-card” team Goal posts offset from the sions in 1968 and return to the 33-14 in Super Bowl II at per conference—the second- goal line, painted bright yel- 1967 alignment in 1969. Miami, January 14. The game place team with the best low, and with uprights 20 feet The rights to the Super had the first $3-million gate in record. above the cross- were Bowl for four years were sold pro football history. The NFL announced a three- made standard in the NFL, to CBS and NBC for $9.5 mil- Vince Lombardi resigned as year agreement with ABC to May 16. lion, December 13. head coach of the Packers, televise . A series of secret meetings but remained as general man- The new series makes the NFL regarding a possible AFL-NFL 1967 ager, January 28. the first league with a regular merger were held in the spring Green Bay earned the right to Werblin sold his shares in series of national telecasts in between Hunt of Kansas City represent the NFL in the first the Jets to his partners Don , May 26. and of Dallas. AFL-NFL World Championship Lillis, , Townsend George Preston Marshall, Rozelle announced the merg- Game by defeating Dallas Martin, and Phil Iselin, May president emeritus of the Red- er, June 8. Under the agree- 34-27, January 1. The same 21. Lillis assumed the presi- skins, died at 72, August 9. ment, the two leagues would day, Kansas City defeated Buf- dency of the club, but then The NFL marked its fiftieth combine to form an expanded falo 31-7 to represent the AFL. died July 23. Iselin was year by the wearing of a spe- league with 24 teams, to be The Packers defeated the appointed president, August 6. cial patch by each of the 16 increased to 26 in 1968 and to Chiefs 35-10 before 61,946 Halas retired for the fourth teams. 28 by 1970 or soon thereafter. fans at the Los Angeles and last time as head coach of All existing franchises would Memorial Coliseum in the first the Bears, May 27. 1970 be retained, and no franchises game between AFL and NFL The Oilers left Rice Stadium Kansas City defeated Min- would be transferred outside teams, January 15. The win- for the and nesota 23-7 in Super Bowl IV their metropolitan areas. While ning players’ share for the became the first NFL team to at New Orleans, January 11. maintaining separate sched- Packers was $15,000 each, play its home games in a The gross receipts of approxi- ules through 1969, the and the losing players’ share domed stadium. mately $3.8 million were the leagues agreed to play an for the Chiefs was $7,500 The movie Heidi became a largest ever for a one-day annual AFL-NFL World Cham- each. The game was televised footnote in sports history sports event. pionship Game beginning in by both CBS and NBC. when NBC didn’t show the last A special league meeting January, 1967, and to hold a The “sling-shot” goal post 50 seconds of the Jets- was held to determine the divi- combined draft, also begin- and a six-foot-wide border Raiders game in order to per- sional realignment of the ning in 1967. Preseason around the field were made mit the children’s special to National Football Conference. games would be held between standard in the NFL, February begin on time. The Raiders With no consensus, Rozelle teams of each league starting 22. scored two touchdowns in the ordered the five most viable in 1967. Official regular-sea- Baltimore made Bubba last 42 seconds to win 43-32, plans be written down on son play would start in 1970 Smith, a Michigan State November 17. sheets of paper. Rozelle’s when the two leagues would defensive lineman, the first Ewbank became the first assistant, Thelma Elkjer, officially merge to form one choice in the first combined coach to win titles in both the picked the winning one out of league with two conferences. AFL-NFL draft, March 14. NFL and AFL when his Jets a vase at random, January 17.

360 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Four-year television con- The Boston Patriots their first postseason win ever, cut. tracts, under which CBS changed their name to the 13-7 over the Raiders, A rival league, the World would televise all NFC games Patriots, March December 23. Football League, was formed and NBC all AFC games 25. Their new stadium, Schae- and was reported in operation, (except Monday night games) fer Stadium, was dedicated in 1973 October 2. It had plans to start and the two would divide tele- a 20-14 preseason victory Rozelle announced that all play in 1974. vising the Super Bowl and over the Giants. Super Bowl VII tickets were O.J. Simpson of Buffalo AFC-NFC Pro Bowl games, The Philadelphia Eagles left sold and that the game would became the first player to rush were announced, January 26. Franklin Field and played their be telecast in Los Angeles, the for more than 2,000 yards in a resigned as games at the new Veterans site of the game, on an exper- season, gaining 2,003. president of the NFL, March Stadium. imental basis, January 3. 12. Milt Woodard resigned as The Miami defeated Washington 1974 president of the AFL, March left Kezar Stadium and moved 14-7 in Super Bowl VII at Los Miami defeated Minnesota 13. Lamar Hunt was elected their games to Candlestick Angeles, completing a 17-0 24-7 in Super Bowl VIII at president of the AFC and Park. season, the first perfect- Houston, the second consec- George Halas was elected Daniel F. Reeves, the presi- record regular-season and utive Super Bowl champi- president of the NFC, March dent and general manager of post season mark in NFL histo- onship for the Dolphins, 19. the Rams, died at 58, April 15. ry, January 14. January 13. The merged 26-team The moved The AFC defeated the NFC Rozelle was given a 10-year league adopted rules changes from the into their 33-28 in the Pro Bowl in Dal- contract effective January 1, putting names on the backs of new home, Stadium, las, the first time since 1942 1973, February 27. players’ jerseys, making a October 24. that the game was played out- Tampa Bay was awarded point after touchdown worth Miami defeated Kansas City side Los Angeles, January 21. the twenty-seventh franchise only one point, and making the 27-24 in sudden-death over- A jersey numbering system to begin operation in 1976, scoreboard clock the official time in an AFC Divisional Play- was adopted, April 5: 1-19 for April 24. timing device of the game, off Game, December 25. Garo and specialists, Sweeping rules changes March 18. Yepremian kicked a 37-yard 20-49 for running backs and were adopted to add action The Players Negotiating field goal for the Dolphins after defensive backs, 50-59 for and tempo to games: one sud- Committee and the NFL Play- 22 minutes, 40 seconds of centers and , 60- den-death overtime period ers Association announced a overtime, as the game lasted 79 for defensive linemen and was added for preseason and four-year agreement guaran- 82 minutes, 40 seconds over- interior offensive linemen regular-season games; the teeing approximately all, making it the longest game other than centers, and 80-89 goal posts were moved from $4,535,000 annually to player in history. for wide receivers and tight the goal line to the end lines; pension and insurance bene- ends. Players who had been in kickoffs were moved from the fits, August 3. The owners 1972 the NFL in 1972 could contin- 40- to the 35-yard line; after also agreed to contribute Dallas defeated Miami 24-3 in ue to use old numbers. missed field goals from $250,000 annually to improve Super Bowl VI at New Orleans, NFL Charities, a nonprofit beyond the 20, the ball was to or implement items such as January 16. organization, was created to be returned to the line of disability payments, widows’ The inbounds lines or hash- derive an income from monies scrimmage; restrictions were benefits, maternity benefits, marks were moved nearer the generated from NFL Proper- placed on members of the and dental benefits. The center of the field, 23 yards, 1 ties’ licensing of NFL trade- punting team to open up return agreement also provided for foot, 9 inches from the side- marks and team names, June possibilities; roll-blocking and increased preseason game lines, March 23. The method 26. NFL Charities was set up cutting of wide receivers was and per diem payments, aver- of determining won-lost per- to support education and eliminated; the extent of aging approximately $2.6 mil- centage in standings changed. charitable activities and to downfield contact a defender lion annually. Tie games, previously not supply economic support to could have with an eligible The Pittsburgh Steelers counted in the standings, were persons formerly associated receiver was restricted; the moved into Three Rivers Sta- made equal to a half-game with professional football who penalties for offensive holding, dium. The won and a half-game lost, were no longer able to support illegal use of the hands, and moved to . May 24. themselves. tripping were reduced from 15 Vince Lombardi died of purchased the Congress adopted experi- to 10 yards; wide receivers cancer at 57, September 3. Los Angeles Rams and trans- mental legislation (for three blocking back toward the ball The Super Bowl trophy was ferred ownership of the club to years) requiring any NFL game within three yards of the line of renamed the Vince Lombardi Carroll Rosenbloom in that had been declared a sell- scrimmage were prevented trophy, September 10. exchange for the Baltimore out 72 hours prior to kickoff to from blocking below the waist, of New Colts, July 13. be made available for local April 25. Orleans kicked a game-win- William . Bidwill pur- televising, September 14. The was awarded the ning NFL-record 63-yard field chased the stock of his broth- legislation provided for an twenty-eighth NFL franchise to goal against Detroit, er Charles (Stormy) Bidwill to annual review to be made by begin play in 1976, June 4. November 8. become the sole owner of the the Federal Communications Lloyd W. Nordstrom, president St. Louis Cardinals, Septem- Commission. of the , and 1971 ber 2. The Buffalo Bills moved Hugh Culver house, president Baltimore defeated Dallas The National District Attor- their home games from War of the , 16-13 on Jim O’Brien’s neys Association endorsed Memorial Stadium to Rich Sta- signed franchise agreements, 32-yard field goal with five the position of professional dium in nearby Orchard Park. December 5. seconds to go in leagues in opposing proposed The Giants tied the Eagles The at Miami, January 17. legalization of gambling on 23-23 in the final game in Yan- defeated the Blazers The NFC defeated the AFC professional team sports, kee Stadium, September 23. 22-21 in the WFL , 27-6 in the first AFC-NFC Pro September 28. The Giants played the rest of winning the league champi- Bowl at Los Angeles, January ’ “Immaculate their home games at the Yale onship, December 5. 24. Reception” gave the Steelers Bowl in New Haven, Connecti-

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 361 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

1975 series, July 23. St. Louis the head slap was outlawed; nationally televised preseason Pittsburgh defeated Minnesota defeated San Diego 20-10 in a offensive linemen were pro- games. 16-6 in Super Bowl IX at New preseason game before hibited from thrusting their The NFL played for the first Orleans, the Steelers’ first 38,000 in Korakuen Stadium, hands to an opponent’s neck, time in , with the championship since entering , in the first NFL game face, or head; and wide Saints defeating the Eagles the NFL in 1933, January 12. outside of , receivers were prohibited from 14-7 in a preseason game, The of August 16. clipping, even in the legal clip- August 5. the WFL signed , ping zone. Bolstered by the expansion , and of 1977 Rozelle negotiated con- of the regular-season sched- Miami, March 31. Oakland defeated Minnesota tracts with the three television ule from 14 to 16 weeks, NFL The divisional winners with 32-14 in Super Bowl XI at networks to televise all NFL paid attendance exceeded 12 the highest won-loss percent- Pasadena, January 9. The regular-season and postsea- million (12,771,800) for the age were made the home paid attendance was a pro son games, plus selected pre- first time. The per-game aver- team for the divisional play- record 103,438. season games, for four years age of 57,017 was the third- offs, and the surviving winners The NFL Players Associa- beginning with the 1978 sea- highest in league history and with the highest percentage tion and the NFL Management son. ABC was awarded yearly the most since 1973. made home teams for the Council ratified a collective rights to 16 Monday night championship games. Previ- bargaining agreement extend- games, four primetime 1979 ously, the home sites were ing until 1982, covering five games, the AFC-NFC Pro Pittsburgh defeated Dallas pre-determined by division on football seasons while contin- Bowl, and the Hall of Fame 35-31 in Super Bowl XIII at a rotating basis, June 26. uing the pension plan— games. CBS received the Miami to become the first Referees were equipped including years 1974, 1975, rights to all NFC regular-sea- team ever to win three Super with wireless microphones for and 1976—with contributions son and postseason games Bowls, January 21. all preseason, regular-season, totaling more than $55 million. (except those in the ABC NFL rules changes empha- and playoff games. The total cost of the agree- package) and to Super Bowls sized additional player safety. The Lions moved to the ment was estimated at $107 XIV and XVI. NBC received the The changes prohibited play- new . The million. The agreement called rights to all AFC regular-sea- ers on the receiving team from Giants played their home for a college draft at least son and postseason games blocking below the waist dur- games in . The through 1986; contained a no- (except those in the ABC ing kickoffs, punts, and field- Saints moved into the strike, no-suit clause; estab- package) and to Super Bowls goal attempts; prohibited the Superdome. lished a 43-man active player XIII and XV. Industry sources wearing of torn or altered The limit; reduced pension vesting considered it the largest single equipment and exposed pads folded, October 22. to four years; provided for television package ever nego- that could be hazardous; increases in minimum salaries tiated, October 12. extended the zone in which 1976 and preseason and postsea- there could be no crackback Pittsburgh defeated Dallas son pay; improved insurance, 1978 blocks; and instructed officials 21-17 in Super Bowl in medical, and dental benefits; Dallas defeated Denver 27-10 to quickly whistle a play dead Miami. The Steelers joined modified previous practices in in Super Bowl XII, held indoors when a quarterback was Green Bay and Miami as the player movement and control; for the first time, at the clearly in the grasp of a tack- only teams to win two Super and reaffirmed the NFL Com- Louisiana Superdome in New ler, March 16. Bowls; the Cowboys became missioner’s disciplinary Orleans, January 15. Dallas’ Carroll Rosenbloom, the the first wild-card team to play authority. Additionally, the victory was the first for the president of the Rams, in the Super Bowl, January 18. agreement called for the NFL NFC in six years. drowned at 72, April 2. His Lloyd Nordstrom, the presi- member clubs to make pay- According to a Louis Harris widow, Georgia, assumed dent of the Seahawks, died at ments totaling $16 million the Sports Survey, 70 percent of control of the club. 66, January 20. His brother next 10 years to settle various the nation’s sports fans said Elmer succeeded him as legal disputes, February 25. they followed football, com- 1980 majority representative of the The San Francisco 49ers pared to 54 percent who fol- Pittsburgh defeated the Los team. were sold to Edward J. DeBar- lowed baseball. Football Angeles Rams 31-19 in Super The owners adopted the tolo, Jr., March 28. increased its lead as the coun- Bowl XIV at Pasadena to use of two 30-second clocks A 16-game regular season, try’s favorite, 26 percent to 16 become the first team to win for all games, visible to both 4-game preseason was percent for baseball, January four Super Bowls, January 20. players and fans to note the adopted to begin in 1978. A 19. The AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, official time between the second wild-card team was A seventh official, the side won 37-27 by the NFC, was ready-for-play signal and snap adopted for the playoffs judge, was added to the offici- played before 48,060 fans at of the ball, March 16. beginning in 1978, with the ating crew, March 14. in , A veteran player allocation wild-card teams to play each The NFL continued a trend Hawaii. It was the first time in was held to stock the Seattle other and the winners advanc- toward opening up the game. the 30-year history of the Pro and Tampa Bay franchises ing to a round of eight post- Rules changes permitted a Bowl that the game was with 39 players each, March season series, March 29. defender to maintain contact played in a non-NFL city. 30-31. In the college draft, The Seahawks were perma- with a receiver within five Rules changes placed Seattle and Tampa Bay each nently aligned in the AFC yards of the line of scrim- greater restrictions on contact received eight extra choices, Western Division and the Buc- mage, but restricted contact in the area of the head, neck, April 8-9. caneers in the NFC Central beyond that point. The pass- and face. Under the heading of The Giants moved into new Division, March 31. blocking rule was interpreted “personal foul,” players were in East Ruther- Rules changes were adopt- to permit the extending of prohibited from directly strik- ford, New Jersey. ed to open up the passing arms and open hands, March ing, swinging, or clubbing on The Steelers defeated the game and to cut down on 17. the head, neck, or face. Start- College All-Stars in a storm- injuries. Defenders were per- A study on the use of ing in 1980, a penalty could be shortened Chicago College mitted to make contact with as an officiating called for such contact whether All-Star Game, the last of the eligible receivers only once; aid was made during seven or not the initial contact was

362 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

made below the neck area. 1982 ton, defeated the AFC’s num- compared to 18 percent for CBS, with a record bid of San Francisco defeated Cin - ber-two seed, Miami, 27-17 in baseball, December 2-4. $12 million, won the national cinnati 26-21 in Super Bowl Super Bowl XVII at the Rose radio rights to 26 NFL regular- XVI at the Pontiac Silverdome, Bowl in Pasadena, January 1985 season games, including in the first Super Bowl held in 30. San Francisco defeated Miami Monday Night Football, and all the North, January 24. The Super Bowl XVII was the 38-16 in Super Bowl XIX at 10 postseason games for the CBS telecast achieved the second-highest rated live tele- in Stanford, 1980-83 seasons. highest rating of any televised vision program of all time, giv- , January 20. Presi- The Los Angeles Rams sports event ever, 49.1 with a ing the NFL a sweep of the top dent Ronald Reagan, who took moved their home games to 73.0 share. 10 live programs in television his second oath of office Anaheim Stadium in nearby The NFL signed a five-year history. before tossing the coin for the Orange County, California. contract with the three televi- George Halas, the owner of game, was one of The Oakland Raiders joined sion networks (ABC, CBS, and the Bears and the last surviv- 115,936,000 viewers. Super the Los Angeles Coliseum NBC) to televise all NFL regu- ing member of the NFL’s sec- Bowl XIX had a direct econom- Commission’s antitrust suit lar-season and postseason ond organizational meeting, ic impact of $113.5 million on against the NFL. The suit con- games starting with the 1982 died at 88, October 31. the . tended the league violated season. NBC Radio and the NFL antitrust laws in declining to A jury ruled against the NFL 1984 entered into a two-year agree- approve a proposed move by in the antitrust trial brought by The Los Angeles Raiders ment granting NBC the radio the Raiders from Oakland to the Los Angeles Coliseum defeated Washington 38-9 in rights to a 37-game package Los Angeles. Commission and the Oakland Super Bowl XVIII at Tampa in each of the 1985-86 sea- The NFL Draft is televised Raiders, May 7. The verdict Stadium, January 22. sons, March 6. The package for the first time by ESPN, cleared the way for the An 11-man group headed included 27 regular-season April 29. Raiders to move to Los Ange- by H.R. (Bum) Bright pur- games and 10 postseason Television ratings in 1980 les, where they defeated chased the Dallas Cowboys games. were the second-best in NFL Green Bay 24-3 in their first from Clint Murchison, Jr., , in part- history, trailing only the com- preseason game, August 29. March 20. Club president Tex nership with Edward Lei- bined ratings of the 1976 sea- The 1982 season was Schramm was designated as bowitz, bought the Philadel- son. All three networks posted reduced from a 16-game managing general partner. phia Eagles from Leonard gains, and NBC’s 15.0 rating schedule to nine as the result was Tose, April 29. was its best ever. CBS and of a 57-day players’ strike. named president of the NFC, A group headed by Tom ABC had their best ratings The strike was called by the March 20. Benson, Jr., was approved to since 1977, with 15.3 and NFLPA at midnight on Monday, Patrick Bowlen purchased a purchase the New Orleans 20.8 ratings, respectively. September 20, following the majority interest in the Denver Saints from John W. Mecom, CBS Radio reported a record Green Bay at New York Giants Broncos from Edgar Kaiser, Jr., June 3. audience of 7 million for Mon- game. Play resumed Novem- Jr., March 21. The NFL owners adopted a day night and special games. ber 21-22 following ratifica- The Colts relocated to Indi- resolution calling for a series tion of the Collective Bargain- anapolis, March 28. Their new of overseas preseason 1981 ing Agreement by NFL own- home became the Hoosier games, beginning in 1986, Oakland defeated Philadelphia ers, November 17 in New Dome. with one game to be played in 27-10 in Super Bowl XV at the York. The moved England/ Europe and/or one Louisiana Superdome in New Under the Collective Bar- their home games to Giants game in each year. The Orleans, to become the first gain ing Agreement, which Stadium in East Rutherford, game would be a fifth presea- wild-card team to win a Super was to run through the 1986 New Jersey. son game for the clubs Bowl, January 25. season, the NFL draft was Alex G. Spanos purchased involved and all arrangements Edgar F. Kaiser, Jr., pur- extended through 1992 and a majority interest in the San and selection of the clubs chased the Denver Broncos the veteran free-agent system Diego Chargers from Eugene would be under the control of from Gerald and Allan Phipps, was left basically unchanged. V. Klein, August 28. the Commissioner, May 23. February 26. A minimum salary schedule Houston defeated Pitts- The league-wide conver- The owners adopted a dis- for years of experience was burgh 23-20 to mark the one- sion to videotape from movie aster plan for re-stocking a established; training camp and hundredth overtime game in film for coaching study was team should the club be postseason pay were regular-season play since approved. involved in a fatal accident, increased; players’ medical, overtime was adopted in A Louis Harris poll in March 20. insurance, and retirement ben- 1974, December 2. December revealed that pro A CBS-New York Times poll efits were increased; and a On the field, many all-time football remained the sport showed that 48 percent of severance-pay system was records were set: most followed by Americans. sports fans preferred football introduced to aid in career of Miami passed for 5,084 Fifty-nine percent of those to 31 percent for baseball. transition, a first in profession- yards and 48 touchdowns; surveyed followed pro foot- The NFL teams hosted 167 al sports. of the Los ball, compared with 54 per- representatives from 44 pre- Despite the players’ strike, Angeles Rams rushed for cent who followed baseball. dominantly black colleges dur- the average paid attendance in 2,105 yards; of The Chicago-Miami Mon- ing training camps for a total 1982 was 58,472, the fifth- Washington caught 106 pass- day game had the highest rat- of 289 days. The program highest in league history. es; and of ing, 29.6, and share, 46.0, of was adopted for renewal dur- Chicago broke Jim Brown’s any primetime game in NFL ing each training camp period. 1983 career rushing mark, finishing history, December 2. The ABC and CBS set all-time Because of the shortened sea- the season with 13,309 yards. game was viewed in more rating highs. ABC finished with son, the NFL adopted a format According to a CBS than 25 million homes. a 21.7 rating and CBS with a of 16 teams competing in a Sports/New York Times sur- The NFL showed a ratings 17.5 rating. NBC was down Super Bowl Tournament for vey, 53 percent of the nation’s increase on all three networks slightly to 13.9. the 1982 playoffs. The NFC’s sports fans said they most for the season, gaining 4 per- number-one seed, Washing- enjoyed watching football, cent on NBC, 10 on CBS, and

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 363 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

16 on ABC. crowd of 101,063, January ment teams. Striking players snapped on the succeeding 25. returned for the seventh week play. 1986 New three-year TV con- of the season, October 25. NFL owners approved the Chicago defeated New - tracts with ABC, CBS, and In a three-team deal involv- transfer of the Cardinals’ fran- land 46-10 in Super Bowl XX NBC were announced for ing 10 players and/or draft chise from St. Louis to at the Louisiana Superdome, 1987-89 at the NFL annual choices, the Los Angeles Phoenix; approved two sup- January 26. The Patriots had meeting in Maui, Hawaii, Rams traded plemental drafts each year— earned the right to play the March 15. Commis sioner Eric Dickerson to the Indi- one prior to training camp and Bears by becoming the first Rozelle and Broadcast Com- anapolis Colts for six draft one prior to the regular sea- wild-card team to win three mittee Chairman Art Modell choices and two players. Buf- son; and voted to initiate an consecutive games on the also announced a three-year falo obtained the rights to line- annual series of games in road. The NBC telecast contract with ESPN to televise backer from Japan/Asia as early as the replaced the final episode of 13 primetime games each , sending Greg 1989 preseason, March 14- M*A*S*H as the most-viewed season. The ESPN contract Bell and three draft choices to 18. television program in history, was the first with a cable net- the Rams. The Colts added The NFL Annual Selection with an audience of 127 mil- work. However, NFL games on Owen Gill and three draft Meeting returned to a separate lion viewers, according to A.C. ESPN also were scheduled for choices of their own to com- two-day format and for the Nielsen figures. In addition to regular television in the city of plete the deal with the Rams, first time originated on a Sun- drawing a 48.3 rating and a 70 the visiting team and in the October 31. day. ESPN drew a 3.6 rating percent share in the United home city if the game was The Chicago at Minnesota during their seven-hour cover- States, Super Bowl XX was sold out 72 hours in advance. game became the highest- age of the draft, which was televised to 59 foreign coun- A special payment program rated and most-watched viewed in 1.6 million homes, tries and beamed via satellite was adopted to benefit nearly sports program in basic cable April 24-25. to the QE II. 1,000 former NFL players who history when it drew a 14.4 Art Rooney, founder and The owners adopted limited participated in the League cable rating in 6.5 million owner of the Steelers, died at use of instant replay as an before the current Bert Bell homes, December 6. 87, August 25. officiating aid, prohibited play- NFL Pension Plan was created Johnny Grier became the ers from wearing or otherwise and made retroactive to the 1988 first African-American referee displaying equipment, apparel, 1959 season. Players covered Washington defeated Denver in NFL history, September 4. or other items that carry com- by the new program spent at 42-10 in Super Bowl XXII to Commissioner Rozelle mercial names, names of least five years in the League earn its second victory this announced that two teams organizations, or personal and played all or part of their decade in the NFL Champi- would play a preseason game messages of any type, March career prior to 1959. Each onship Game. The game, as part of the 11. vested player would receive played for the first time in San series on August 6, 1989, in After an 11-week trial, a $60 per month for each year Diego Jack Murphy Stadium, the Korakuen in jury in U.S. District Court in of service in the League for drew a sellout crowd of Japan, December 16. New York awarded the United life. 73,302. Doug Williams, the States Football League one NFL and CBS Radio jointly game’s MVP, became the first 1989 dollar in its $1.7 billion announced agreement granti- African-American quarterback San Francisco defeated Cin - antitrust suit against the NFL. ng CBS the radio rights to a to play in a Super Bowl, Janu- cinnati 20-16 in Super Bowl The jury rejected all of the 40-game package in each of ary 31. XXIII. The game, played for the USFL’s television-related the next three NFL seasons, In a unanimous 3-0 deci- first time at Stadi- claims, which were the self- 1987-89, April 7. sion, the 2nd Circuit Court of um in Miami, was attended by proclaimed heart of the USFL’s Over 400 former NFL play- Appeals in New York upheld a sellout crowd of 75,129, case. The jury deliberated five ers from the pre-1959 era the verdict of the jury that in January 22. days, July 29. received first payments from July, 1986, had awarded the Commissioner Rozelle Chicago defeated Dallas NFL owners, July 1. Football League announced his retirement, 17-6 at in The NFL’s debut on ESPN one dollar in its $1.7 billion pending the naming of a suc- London in the first American produced the two highest- antitrust suit against the NFL. cessor, March 22 at the NFL Bowl. The game drew a sellout rated and most-watched In a 91-page opinion, Judge annual meeting in Palm crowd of 82,699 and the NBC sports programs in basic Ralph K. Winter said the USFL Desert, California. national telecast in this coun- cable history. The Chicago at sought through court decree Following the announce- try produced a 12.4 rating and Miami game on August 16 the success it failed to gain ment, AFC president Lamar 36 percent share, making it drew an 8.9 rating in 3.81 mil- among football fans, March Hunt and NFC president the highest daytime preseason lion homes. Those records fell 10. Wellington Mara announced television audience ever with two weeks later when the Los By a 23-5 margin, owners the formation of a six-man 10.65-million viewers, August Angeles Raiders at Dallas voted to continue the instant search committee composed 3. game achieved a 10.2 cable replay system for the third of Art Modell, Robert Parins, ABC’s NFL Monday Night rating in 4.36 million homes. consecutive season with the , and Ralph Football, in its seventeenth The 1987 season was Instant Replay Official to be Wilson. Hunt and Mara served season, became the longest- reduced from a 16-game sea- assigned to a regular seven- as co-chairmen. running primetime series in son to 15 as the result of a 24- man, on-the-field crew. At the By a 24-4 margin, owners the history of the network. day players’ strike. The strike NFL annual meeting in voted to continue the instant was called by the NFLPA on Phoenix, Arizona, a 45-sec- replay system for the fourth 1987 Tuesday, September 22, fol- ond clock was also approved straight season. A strength- The New York Giants defeated lowing the New England at to replace the 30-second ened policy regarding anabolic Denver 39-20 in Super Bowl New York Jets game. Games clock. For a normal sequence steroids and masking agents XXI and captured their first scheduled for the third week- of plays, the interval between was announced by Commis - NFL title since 1956. The end were canceled but the plays was changed to 45 sioner Rozelle. NFL clubs game, played in Pasadena’s games of weeks four, five, and seconds from the time the called for strong disciplinary , drew a sellout six were played with replace- ball is signaled dead until it is measures in cases of feigned

364 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

injuries and adopted a joint sioner Rozelle to Commission- Coun cil, comprised of 12 for- United Service Organization. proposal by the Long-Range er Tagliabue took place at mer NFL players, March 14. The donation was the second Planning and Finance commit- 12:01 A.M. on Sunday, One-hundred eighty-four largest single grant ever by tees regarding player person- November 5. Plan B unconditional free NFL Charities, April 5. nel rules, March 19-23. NFL Charities donated $1 agents signed with new Commissioner Tagliabue Two hundred twenty-nine million through United Way to teams, April 2. named Harold Henderson as unconditional free agents benefit Bay Area earthquake Commissioner Tagliabue Executive Vice President for signed with new teams under victims, November 6. appointed Dr. John Lombardo Labor Relations and Chairman management’s Plan B system, as the League’s Drug Advisor of the NFL Management Coun- April 1. 1990 for Anabolic Steroids, April 25 cil Executive Committee, April purchased a San Francisco defeated Den- and named Dr. Lawrence 8. majority interest in the Dallas ver 55-10 in Super Bowl XXIV Brown as the League’s Advi- NFL clubs approved a rec- Cowboys from H.R. (Bum) at the Louisiana Superdome, sor for Drugs of Abuse, May ommendation by the Expan- Bright, April 18. January 28. San Francisco 17. sion and Realignment Com- Tex Schramm was named joined Pittsburgh as the NFL’s NFL International Week was mittee to add two teams for president of the new World only teams to win four Super celebrated with four presea- the 1994 season, resulting in League of American Football to Bowls. son games in seven days in six divisions of five teams work with a six-man committee The NFL announced revi- Tokyo, London, , and each, May 22. of Dan Rooney, chairman; Nor- sions in its 1990 draft eligibil- . More than 200,000 “NFL International Week” man Braman, Lamar Hunt, Vic- ity rules. College juniors fans on three continents featured six 1990 playoff tor Kiam, Mike Lynn, and Bill became eligible but must attended the four games, teams playing nationally tele- Walsh, April 18. renounce their collegiate foot- August 4-11. vised games in London, NFL and CBS Radio jointly ball eligibility before applying Commissioner Tagliabue Berlin, and Tokyo on July 28 announced agreement extend- for the NFL Draft, February 16. announced the NFL Teacher of and August 3-4. The games ing CBS’s radio rights to an Commissioner Tagliabue the Month program in which drew more than 150,000 fans. annual 40-game package announced NFL teams will the League furnishes grants Paul Brown, founder of the through the 1994 season, April play their 16-game schedule and scholarships in recogni- Cleveland Browns and Cincin- 18. over 17 weeks in 1990-92 and tion of teachers who provided nati Bengals, died at age 82, As of opening day, Septem- 16 games over 18 weeks in a positive influence upon NFL August 5. ber 10, of the 229 Plan B free 1993, February 27. players in elementary and sec- NFL clubs approved a reso- agents, 111 were active and The NFL revised its playoff ondary schools, September lution establishing an interna- 23 others were on teams’ format to include two addition- 20. tional division. A three-year reserve lists. Ninety-two oth- al wild-card teams (one per For the first time since financial plan for the World ers were waived and three conference), which raised the 1957, every NFL club won at League was approved by NFL retired. total to six wild-card teams. least one of its first four clubs at a meeting in Dallas, was named head Commissioner Tagliabue games, October 1. October 23. coach of the Los Angeles and Broadcast Committee The Super Bowl Most Valu- Raiders making him the NFL’s Chairman Art Modell able Player trophy was 1992 first black head coach since announced a four-year con- renamed the Pete Rozelle tro- The NFL agreed to provide a Fritz Pollard coached the tract with Turner Broadcasting phy, October 8. minimum of $2.5 million in Akron Pros in 1921, October to televise nine Sunday-night financial support to the NFL 3. games. 1991 Alumni Association and assis- The site of the New England New four-year TV agree- The New York Giants defeated tance to NFL Alumni-related Patriots at San Francisco ments were ratified for 1990- Buffalo 20-19 in Super Bowl programs. The agreement 49ers game scheduled for 93 for ABC, CBS, NBC, ESPN, XXV to capture their second included contributions from on October and TNT at the NFL annual title in five years. The game NFL Charities to the Pre-59ers 22 was switched to Stanford meeting in Orlando, Florida, was played before a sellout and Dire Need Programs for Stadium in the aftermath of March 12. The contracts crowd of 73,813 at Tampa former players, January 25. the Bay Area Earthquake of totaled $3.6 billion, the largest Stadium and became the first The Washington Redskins October 17. The change was in TV history. Super Bowl decided by one defeated the Buffalo Bills announced on October 19. The NFL announced plans point, January 26. 37-24 in Super Bowl XXVI to became the to expand its American Bowl New York businessman capture their third world seventh chief executive of the series of preseason games. In Robert Tisch purchased a 50 championship in 10 years, NFL on October 26 when he addition to games in London percent interest in the New January 26. The game was was chosen to succeed Com- and Tokyo, American Bowl York Giants from Mrs. Helen played before a sellout crowd mis sioner Pete Rozelle on the games were scheduled for Mara Nugent and her children, of 63,130 at the Hubert H. sixth ballot of a three-day Berlin, Germany, and Montre- Tim Mara and Maura Mara Humphrey Metrodome in Min- meeting in Cleveland, Ohio. al, , in 1990. Concannon, February 2. neapolis. In all, 12 ballots were For the fifth straight year, NFL clubs voted to continue The use in officiating of a required to select Tagliabue. NFL owners voted to continue a limited system of Instant limited system of Instant Two were conducted at a a limited system of Instant Replay for the sixth consecu- Replay was not approved. The meeting in Chicago on July 6, Replay. Beginning in 1990, the tive year. The vote was 21-7, vote was 17-11 in favor of and four at a meeting in Dallas replay official will have a two- March 19. approval (21 votes were on October 10-11. On the minute time limit to make a The NFL launched the required). Instant Replay had twelfth ballot, with Seattle decision. The vote was 21-7, World League of American been used for six consecutive absent, Tagliabue received March 12. Football, the first sports years (1986-1991), March more than the 19 affirmative Commissioner Tagliabue league to operate on a weekly 18. votes required for election announced the formation of a basis on two separate conti- St. Louis businessman from among the 27 clubs pre- Committee on Expansion and nents, March 23. James Orthwein purchased sent. Realignment, March 13. He NFL Charities presented a controlling interest in the New The transfer from Commis - also named a Player Advisory $250,000 donation to the England Patriots from Victor

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 365 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

Kiam, May 11. Pasadena, California, January NFL clubs unanimously NFC West () In a Harris Poll taken during 31. approved the transfer of the for the 1995 season only. He the NFL offseason, profes- The NFL and the NFL Play- from also appointed a special com- sional football again was ers Association officially James Orthwein to mittee on realignment to make declared the nation’s most signed a 7-year Collective Bar- at a meeting in Orlando, Febru- recommendations on the 1996 popular sport. Professional gaining Agreement in Wash- ary 22. season and beyond, November football finished atop similar ington, D.C., which guaran- In a move to increase offen- 2. surveys conducted by Harris tees more than $1 billion in sive production, NFL clubs at in 1985 and 1989, May 23. pension, health, and post- the league’s annual meeting in 1995 NFL clubs accepted the career benefits for current and Orlando adopted a package of The San Francisco 49ers report of the Expansion Com- retired players—the most changes, including modifica- became the first team to win mittee at a league meeting in extensive benefits plan in pro tions in line play, chucking five Super Bowls when they Pasadena. The report names sports. It was the NFL’s first rules, and the roughing-the- defeated the San Diego Charg- five cities as finalists for the CBA since the 1982 agree- passer rule, plus the adoption ers 49-26 in Super Bowl XXIX two expansion teams—Balti- ment expired in 1987, June of the two-point conversion at Joe Robbie Stadium in more, Charlotte, Jacksonville, 29. and moving the spot of the Miami, January 29. Memphis, and St. Louis, May NFL Enterprises, a newly kickoff back to the 30-yard Carolina and Jacksonville 19. formed division of the NFL line, March 22. stocked their expansion rosters At a league meeting in Dal- responsible for NFL Films, NFL clubs approved the with a total of 66 players from las, NFL clubs approved a pro- home video, and special transfer of the majority interest other NFL teams in a posal by the World League domestic and international in the from the veteran player allocation draft Board of Directors to restruc- television programming was Robbie family to H. Wayne in New York, February 16. ture the World League and announced, August 19. Huizenga, March 23. CBS Radio and the NFL place future emphasis on its NFL announced plans to The NFL and FOX announ - agreed to a new four-year con- international success, Sep- allow fans, for the first time ced the formation of a joint tract for an annual 53-game tember 17. ever, to join players and venture to create a six-team package of games, continuing a The Professional and Ama- coaches in selecting the annu- World League to begin play in relationship that spanned 15 of teur Sports Protection Act al AFC and NFC Pro Bowl Europe in April, 1995, March the past 17 years, February 22. made it unlawful for a govern- teams, October 12. 23. NFL clubs approved the ment entity to operate a lottery NFL clubs unanimously The Carolina Panthers transfer of the Tampa Bay Buc- or other betting scheme based awarded the league’s twenty- earned the right to select first caneers from the estate of the on pro or collegiate games. ninth franchise to the Caroli- in the 1995 NFL draft by win- late Hugh Culverhouse to Four states that already had na Panthers and owner Jerry ning a coin toss with the Jack- South Florida businessman such betting were grandfa- Richardson at a meeting in sonville Jaguars. The Jaguars , March 13. thered, October 6. Chicago, October 26. received the second selection After a two-year hiatus, the NFL teams played their 16- At the same meeting in in the 1995 draft, April 24. World League of American Foot- game regular-season sched- Chicago, NFL clubs approved NFL clubs approved the ball returned to action with six ule over 18 weeks for the only a plan to form a European transfer of the Philadelphia teams in Europe, April 8. time in league history. league with joint venture part- Eagles from Norman Braman The NFL became the first ners, October 27. to , May 6. major to estab- 1993 Don Shula became the win- The NFL launched “NFL lish a site on the Internet sys- The NFL and lawyers for the ningest coach in NFL history Sunday Ticket,” a new season tem of on-line computer com- players announced a settle- when Miami beat Philadelphia subscription service for satel- munication, April 10. ment of various lawsuits and to give Shula his 325th victo- lite television dish owners, The transfer of the Rams an agreement on the terms of ry, one more than George June 1. from Los Angeles to St. Louis a seven-year deal that includ- Halas, November 14. An all-time NFL record was approved by a vote of the ed a new player system to be NFL clubs awarded the crowd of 112,376 attended the NFL clubs at a meeting in Dal- in place through the 1999 sea- league’s thirtieth franchise to American Bowl game between las, April 12. son, January 6. the and Dallas and Houston in Mexico ABC’s NFL Monday Night Commissioner Tagliabue owner Wayne Weaver at a City. It concluded the biggest Football finished the 1994-95 announced the establishment meeting in Chicago, Novem- American Bowl series in NFL television season as the fifth of the “NFL World Partnership ber 30. history with four games attract- highest-rated show out of 146 Program” to develop amateur The NFL announced new 4- ing a record 256,666 fans, with a 17.8 average rating, the football internationally through year television agreements August 15. highest finish in the 25-year a series of clinics conducted with NBC, ABC, ESPN, TNT, The NFL reached agreement history of the series, April 18. by former NFL players and and NFL newcomer FOX, on a new seven-year contract The defeat- coaches, January 14. which took over the NFC pack- with its game officials, Sep- ed the Admirals As part of Super Bowl age from CBS, December 18. tember 22. 26-22 to win the 1995 World XXVII, the NFL announced the The NFL completed its new The NFL Management Bowl before a crowd of 23,847 creation of the first NFL Youth TV agreements by announcing Council and the NFL Players in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadi- Education Town, a facility that NBC would retain the Association announced an um, June 23. located in south central Los rights to the AFC package, agreement on the formulation The transfer of the Raiders Angeles for inner city youth. December 20. and implementation of the from Los Angeles to Oakland January 25. most comprehensive drug and was approved by a vote of the The Dallas Cowboys 1994 alcohol policy in sports, Octo- NFL clubs at a meeting in defeated the Buffalo Bills The Dallas Cowboys defeated ber 28. Chicago, July 22. 52-17 in Super Bowl XXVII to the Buffalo Bills 30-13 in At an NFL meeting in Chica- Jacksonville Municipal Sta- capture their first NFL title Super Bowl XXVIII to become go, Commissioner Tagliabue dium opened in Jacksonville, since 1978. The game was the fifth team to win back-to- slotted the two new expansion Florida before a sold-out played before a crowd of back Super Bowl titles, Janu- teams into the AFC Central crowd of more than 70,000 as 98,374 at the Rose Bowl in ary 30. (Jacksonville Jaguars) and the St. Louis Rams defeated

366 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

the Jacksonville Jaguars more when the new Baltimore The 10,000th regular-sea- defeated the Chicago Bears 27-10 in their first preseason Ravens defeated the Philadel- son game in NFL history was 27-15, September 20. game, August 18. phia Eagles 17-9 in a presea- played when the Seattle Sea- Oilers owner NFL Charities and 50 NFL son game before a crowd of hawks defeated the Tennessee announced the players donated $1 million to 63,804 at Memorial Stadium, Oilers 16-13 at the team will change its name to the United Negro College Fund August 3. in Seattle, October 5. the following in honor of the fiftieth anniver- Ericsson Stadium opened in owner the 1998 season. The NFL sary of the UNCF and the inte- Charlotte, North Carolina with Rankin Smith died of heart fail- announced that the name Oil- gration of the modern NFL, a crowd of 65,350 as the Car- ure three days prior to his sev- ers will be retired—a first in September 15. olina Panthers defeated the enty-third birthday. Smith was league history, November 14. The Trans World Dome Chicago Bears 30-12 in a pre- the founder of the Falcons and opened in St. Louis with a season game, August 3. was instrumental in bringing 1999 sold-out crowd of 65,598 as Former NFL Commissioner Super Bowls XXVIII and XXXIV The Denver Broncos won their the Rams defeated the Caroli- Pete Rozelle died at his home to Atlanta, October 26. second consecutive Super na Panthers 28-17, November in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Bowl title by defeating the NFC 12. Rozelle, regarded as the pre- 1998 champion Atlanta Falcons On the field, many signifi- mier commissioner in sports The NFL reached agreement on 34-19 in Super Bowl XXXIII at cant records and milestones history, led the NFL for 29 record eight-year television Pro Player Stadium in Miami, were achieved: Miami’s Dan years, from 1960-1989, contracts with four networks. January 31. Marino surpassed Pro Football December 6. ABC (NFL Monday Night Foot- , a center allocat- Hall of Famer in ball) and FOX (NFC) retained ed by the Detroit Lions, was four major passing cate- 1997 their previous rights, CBS took the first selection of the Cleve- gories—attempts, comple- owner over the AFC package from land Browns in the 1999 NFL tions, yards, and touch- Robert Irsay died from compli- NBC, and ESPN won the right . The Browns downs—to become the NFL’s cations related to a stroke he to broadcast the entire Sunday eventually selected 37 play- all-time career leader. San suffered in 1995. Irsay night cable package, January ers, February 9. Francisco’s acquired the club in 1972 when 13. CBS Radio/Westwood One became the all-time reception he traded his Los Angeles The World League was agreed to a 3-year extension and receiving-yardage leader. Rams to Carrol Rosenbloom renamed the NFL Europe of their exclusive national for the Colts. He later moved League, January 22. radio rights to NFL games, 1996 the Colts from Baltimore to The Denver Broncos won March 11. The Dallas Cowboys won their Indianapolis in 1984, January their first Super Bowl by defeat- By a vote of 28-3, the own- third Super Bowl title in four 14. ing the defending champion ers adopted an instant replay years when they defeated the The Green Bay Packers won Green Bay Packers 31-24 in system as an officiating aid for Pittsburgh Steelers 27-17 in their first NFL title in 29 years Super Bowl XXXII at Qualcomm the 1999 season, March 17. Super Bowl XXX at Sun Devil by defeating the New England Stadium in San Diego, January New York Jets owner Leon Stadium in Tempe, Arizona, Patriots 35-21 in Super Bowl 25. Hess died from complications January 28. XXXI at the Louisiana Super- The NFL clubs approved an of a blood disease. Hess had An agreement between the dome in New Orleans, January extension of the Collective Bar- been involved in the owner- NFL and the city of Cleveland 26. gaining Agreement through ship of the Jets since 1963 regarding the Cleveland The rules governing cross- 2003. The extended CBA also and was sole owner of the Browns’ relocation was ownership were modified, per- created a $100 million fund for club since 1984, May 9. approved by a vote of the NFL mitting NFL club owners to youth football, March 22. A group led by Washington clubs, February 9. According also own teams in other sports The NFL clubs unanimously area businessman Daniel Sny- to the agreement, the city of in their home market or mar- approved an der is approved by NFL clubs Cleveland retained the Brown- kets without NFL teams. The for Cleveland to fulfill the com- as the new owner of the s’ heritage and records, vote was 24-5 (one abstention) mitment to return the Browns Washington Redskins at a including the name, logo, col- in favor of approval, March 11. to the field in 1999, March 23. league meeting in Atlanta, May ors, history, playing records, Washington Redskins owner The defeated the 25. trophies, and memorabilia, died at his Frankfurt Galaxy 34-10 to win The Frankfurt Galaxy and committed to building a home in Washington, D.C. the 1998 World Bowl in front became the first team in NFL new 72,000-seat stadium for Cooke became majority owner of 47,846 fans in Frankfurt's Europe League history to win a reactivated Browns’ fran- in 1974 and the Redskins won —the biggest a second World Bowl by chise to begin play there no three Super Bowls under his crowd to witness a World defeating the Drag- later than 1999. Art leadership, April 6. Bowl since 1991, June 14. ons 38-24 at Rheinstadion, in Modell received approval to The NFL clubs approved the Düsseldorf, Germany, June move his franchise to Balti- defeated the Rhein Fire 38-24 transfer of the Minnesota 27. more and rename it. to win the 1997 World Bowl in Vikings from a 10-man owner- The Cleveland Browns The transfer of the Oilers front of 31,100 fans at Estadi ship group to Red McCombs, returned to the field for the first from Houston to Nashville for Olimpic de Montjuic in July 28. time since 1995 and defeated the 1998 season was Barcelona, Spain, June 22. The NFL Stadium at Cam- the Dallas Cowboys 20-17 in approved by a vote of the NFL NFL clubs approved the den Yards opened in Balti- overtime in the annual Hall of clubs at a meeting in Atlanta, transfer of the Seattle Sea- more, Maryland before a Fame Game at Canton, Ohio, April 30. hawks from Ken Behring to crowd of 65,938 as the Balti- August 9. The , August 19. more Ravens defeated the Cleveland Browns Stadium defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy Jack Kent Cooke Stadium Chicago Bears 19-14 in a pre- opened in Cleveland, Ohio 32-27 to win the 1996 World opened in Raljon, Maryland season game, August 8. before a crowd of 71,398 as Bowl in front of 38,982 at Mur- with a crowd of 78,270 as the the defeat- rayfield Stadium in , Washington Redskins defeated opened in Tampa, Florida ed the Browns in a preseason , June 23. the Arizona Cardinals 19-13 in before a crowd of 62,410 as game, 24-17, August 21. The NFL returned to Balti- overtime, September 14. the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Adelphia Coliseum opened

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 367 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL in Nashville, Tennessee before Bowl 2000 in front of 35,680 season game; and INVESCO primetime playoff game, Janu- a crowd of 65,729 with the at Frankfurt’s Waldstadion, Field at Mile High opened in ary 12. Tennessee Titans defeating the June 25. Denver, before a In a special meeting in New Atlanta Falcons 17-3 in a pre- More than 100 of the 136 crowd of 74,063 with the Den- Orleans, NFL owners voted season game, August 26. living members of the Pro ver Broncos defeating the New unanimously to approve the Houston, Texas and owner Football Hall of Fame gathered Orleans Saints 31-24 in a pre- purchase of the Atlanta Fal- Robert McNair were awarded to celebrate Pro Football’s season game, August 25. cons to Home Depot co- the NFL’s thirty-second fran- Greatest Reunion in Canton, President George W. Bush founder , Febru- chise in a vote of the NFL Ohio, July 28-31. became the first United States ary 2. clubs at a league meeting in President to be involved in an The New England Patriots Atlanta. The team will begin opened in Cincinnati, Ohio NFL regular-season pregame won their first Super Bowl by play in 2002. The NFL clubs with a crowd of 56,180 as the coin toss as he helped kick off defeating the NFC champion also voted to realign into eight Cincinnati Bengals defeated the 2001 season from the St. Louis Rams 20-17 in divisions of four teams each the Chicago Bears 24-20 in a White House. Via satellite, Super Bowl XXXVI at the for the 2002 season, October preseason game, August 19. President Bush tossed the Louisiana Superdome in New 6. Minnesota’s Gary Anderson coin for the 10 regular-season Orleans. The game marked the Walter Payton, the NFL's all- converted a 21-yard field goal games that started at 1:00 P.M. first time in Super Bowl histo- time leading rusher, died of against Buffalo to pass George ET, September 9. ry that the winning points liver cancer at the age of 45, Blanda as the NFL’s all-time In the wake of the Septem- came on the final play, a 48- November 1. The NFL Man of scoring leader with 2,004 ber 11 terrorist attacks, Com- yard field goal by Patriots kick- the Year Award, the only NFL points, October 22. missioner Paul Tagliabue post- er , February 3. award that recognizes a player poned the games scheduled Tony Boselli, a five-time Pro for his community service 2001 for September 16-17, Sep- Bowl tackle allocated by the activities as well as his excel- NFL clubs approved additional tember 13. Jacksonville Jaguars, was the lence on the field, was league-wide revenue sharing The league’s 16-game reg- first selection of the Houston renamed in his honor shortly at a special league meeting in ular season was retained Texans in the 2002 NFL after his passing. Dallas. The teams agreed to when the postponed Week 2 Expansion Draft. The Texans Former NFL Commissioner pool the visiting team share of games were rescheduled for selected 19 players, February Pete Rozelle, who guided a gate receipts for all preseason the weekend of January 6-7, 18. still-developing league to its and regular-season games September 18. The NFL and Westwood position today as America’s and divide the pool equally The NFL and its game offi- One/CBS Radio Sports most popular sport, was starting in 2002, January 17. cials agreed to a new six-year announced the renewal of a named by The The won Collective Bargaining Agree- multiyear agreement for West- as the most powerful person their first Super Bowl by ment, ending a two-week wood One/CBS Radio Sports in sports in the 20th Century, defeating the NFC champion lockout of the regular officials, to continue as the exclusive December 15. New York Giants 34-7 in Super who returned to work on Sep- network radio home of the Bowl XXXV at Raymond tember 23, September 19. NFL, April 9. 2000 James Stadium in Tampa Bay, The NFL announced that the NFL Europe kicked off its New York businessman January 28. league’s prohibition of anabol- tenth season with a record Robert Wood Johnson IV was The Sports Business Daily ic steroids and related sub- 254 players allocated by NFL approved by NFL clubs as the named NFL Commissioner stances had been strength- clubs, April 13-14. new owner of the New York Paul Tagliabue the 2000 ened to include supplements The Berlin became Jets at a league meeting, Jan- Sports Industrialist of the Year, containing ephedrine and the first team to win consecu- uary 18. February 28. other high-risk supplements, tive World Bowls, defeating The St. Louis Rams won NFL owners unanimously September 27. the Rhein Fire 26-20 to win their first Super Bowl by approved a realignment plan The NFL announced that the in front of defeating the AFC champion for the league starting in Super Bowl would be re- 53,109 fans at Rheinstadion, Tennessee Titans 23-16 in 2002. With the addition of the scheduled from January 27 to June 22. Super Bowl XXXIV at the Geor- , the league’s February 3 in order to retain Seahawks Stadium opened gia Dome in Atlanta, January 32 teams will be divided into the full playoff format for the in Seattle, Washington with an 30. eight four-team divisions. 2001 season. It will be the first attendance of 52,902 fans as For the first time in league Seven clubs change divisions, Super Bowl played in Febru- the Indianapolis Colts defeated history, paid attendance and the Seattle Seahawks ary, October 3. the Seattle Seahawks 28-10 in topped 16 million for the regu- change conferences, moving President Bush designated a preseason game, August 10. lar season and more than from the AFC to the NFC. A Super Bowl XXXVI as a Stadium opened in 65,000 per game, an increase new scheduling format “National Special Security Foxboro, with of 1,300 per game over 1998. ensures that every team Event,” allowing all security a crowd of 68,436 fans as the Paid attendance for all NFL meets every other team in the for the game to be coordinated New England Patriots defeated games increased in 1999 for league at least once every four by the Secret Service, Novem- the Philadelphia Eagles 16-15 the third year in a row and was years, May 22. ber 26. in a preseason game, August the highest ever in the 80-year The won 17. history of the league. It their first World Bowl, defeat- 2002 Reliant Stadium opened in marked the first time in league ing the Barcelona Dragons The NFL and the NFL Players Houston, Texas with 69,432 history that the 20-million paid 24-17 to win World Bowl IX in Association agreed to a fourth fans in attendance, the largest attendance mark was reached front of 32,116 at Amsterdam extension of the 1993 Collec- non-Super Bowl crowd to ever for all games in a season, ArenA, June 30. tive Bargaining Agreement watch an NFL game in Hous- March 27. Field opened in Pitts- through 2007, January 7. ton as the Miami Dolphins The Rhein Fire won their burgh, Pennsylvania before a In an AFC defeated the Houston Texans second World Bowl in three crowd of 57,829 with the matchup, the Oakland Raiders 24-3 in a preseason game, years, defeating the Scottish Pittsburgh Steelers defeating defeated the New York Jets August 24. Claymores 13-10 to win World the Detroit Lions 20-7 in a pre- 38-24 in the NFL’s first-ever For the first time, the NFL

368 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

season kicked off on a Thurs- 2003 franchise for 43 years, April 8. package for six years (2006- day night in prime time as the The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Former Arizona Cardinals 2011). ESPN agreed on an San Francisco 49ers defeated won their first Super Bowl by safety was killed in eight-year deal to televise the New York Giants 16-13 at defeating the AFC champion a firefight while on combat Monday Night Football from Giants Stadium. The game Oakland Raiders 48-21 in patrol with the U.S. Army 2006-2013, April 18. was preceded by “NFL Kickoff Super Bowl XXXVII at Qual- Rangers in Afghanistan, April The NFL strengthened its Live From Times Square,” pre- comm Stadium in San Diego, 22. steroids program by adopting sented by New York City and January 26. A federal appeals court for- the Olympic testosterone test- the NFL, a football and music Chicago Bears chairman mally ruled in favor of the ing standard, tripling the num- festival honoring the resilient emeritus Edward W. NFL’s draft eligibility rule in ber of times a player can be spirit of New York and Ameri- McCaskey died at the age of Maurice Clarett’s lawsuit, cit- randomly tested during the ca, September 5. 83, April 8. ing federal labor policy in per- offseason from two to six, Week 1 of the 2002 season The Frankfurt Galaxy mitting the NFL and the Play- adding substances to the list produced the highest-scoring became the first team to win ers Association to set rules for of banned substances, and and most competitive Kickoff three World Bowls, defeating when players can enter the putting new language in the Weekend in NFL history. The the Rhein Fire 35-16 to win league, May 24. policy to allow for testing of 16 games averaged 49.3 World Bowl XI in front of The Berlin Thunder defeated designer drugs and other sub- points per game. A total of 28,138 fans at Hampden Park, the Frankfurt Galaxy 30-24 to stances that may have evaded 788 points and 89 touch- June 14. win World Bowl XII in front of detection, April 27. downs were scored, the most Tex Schramm, the leg- 35,413 fans at Arena Auf- NFL owners voted unani- in league history for an open- endary team president and Schalke, June 12. mously to approve the sale of ing weekend. Eleven of the 16 general manager of the Dallas The New England Patriots the Minnesota Vikings to real- games were decided by one Cowboys and a member of the defeated the New York Jets estate developer , score (eight points or less), a Pro Football Hall of Fame, died 13-7 for their NFL-record 18th May 25. Kickoff Weekend record, Sep- at the age of 83, July 15. consecutive regular-season The tember 5-9. victory, October 24. defeated the Berlin Thunder Oakland Raiders wide opened in Philadelphia, Penn- The NFL reached an agree- 27-21 to win World Bowl XIII receiver Jerry Rice became sylvania with an attendance of ment on six-year contract in front of 35,134 fans at LTU the all-time leader in yards 66,279 fans as the New Eng- extensions with two of its net- Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany, from scrimmage, surpassing land Patriots defeated the work television partners— June 11. Pro Football Hall of Fame run- Philadelphia Eagles 24-12 in a CBS and FOX—to run through The NFL designated Sep- ning back Walter Payton preseason game, August 22. the 2011 season, November tember 18-19 as “Hurricane (21,281 yards), September A renovated 8. Relief Weekend,” which con- 29. opened in Green Bay, Wiscon- The NFL and DirecTV cluded with a telethon in con- Cleveland Browns owner Al sin with a crowd of 69,831 announced a five-year exten- junction with a Monday Night Lerner, the NFL Finance Com- fans as the Carolina Panthers sion on the NFL Sunday Ticket Football doubleheader on ABC mittee Chairman and Chair- defeated the Green Bay Pack- subscription television pack- and ESPN. The New York man and CEO of MBNA Cor- ers 20-7 in a preseason game, age to run through the 2010 Giants- poration, died at the age of 69, August 23. season, November 8. game, originally scheduled for October 23. A renovated Soldier Field NFL Europe named the the Louisiana Superdome, Dallas Cowboys running opened in Chicago, Illinois Sea Devils as the was moved to Giants Stadium back became with an attendance of 61,500 league’s newest team, following . In the NFL’s all-time rushing fans as the Green Bay Packers November 24. total, the NFL, its owners, leader, surpassing Pro Football defeated the Chicago Bears teams, players, and fans con- Hall of Fame running back 38-23 in a regular season 2005 tributed $21 million to aid the Walter Payton (16,726 yards), game on ABC’s NFL Monday Indianapolis Colts quarterback Hurricane Katrina rebuilding October 27. Night Football, September 29. set the NFL effort, September 19. The NFL and NFLPA NFL Network, the first 24- single-season record with 49 An NFL record 103,467 announced the creation of hour, year-round television touchdown passes, January fans attended the Arizona Car- USA Football, the first national channel dedicated to the NFL 2. dinals’ 31-14 victory over the advocacy organization repre- and the sport of football, The New England Patriots San Francisco 49ers at Mexi- senting all levels of amateur launched on DirecTV, Novem- became the second team in co City’s Azteca Stadium, the football, December 5. ber 4. NFL history to win three Super first-ever regular-season NFL NFL clubs implemented an Bowls in four seasons by game played outside the Unit- expanded program to promote 2004 defeating the Philadelphia ed States, October 2. diversity in their coaching and The New England Patriots won Eagles 24-21 in Super Bowl Wellington Mara, the New front office ranks based upon their second Super Bowl in XXXIX at ALLTEL Stadium in York Giants’ president and co- recommendations of the NFL three years by defeating the Jacksonville, February 6. chief executive officer, died at Committee on Workplace NFC champion Carolina Pan- The Pat Tillman USO Center the age of 89, October 25. Diversity, December 19. The thers 32-29 in Super Bowl opened in Afghanistan. The Preston Robert Tisch, the committee, appointed by XXXVIII at Reliant Stadium in NFL donated $250,000 to the Giants’ chairman and co-chief Commissioner Tagliabue on Houston, February 1. USO to honor the memory of executive officer, died at the October 31, comprised 10 By a vote of 29-3, NFL the former Arizona Cardinals age of 79, November 15. owners and team executives owners extended the instant player who died in Afghanistan with Pittsburgh Steelers owner replay system for another five while serving in the U.S. Army, 2006 Dan Rooney serving as chair- seasons through 2008, March April 1. The NFL announced that NFL man. 30. The NFL reached long-term Network would begin airing a The 2002 season conclud- took over as agreements for its Sunday and “Road To The Playoffs” pack- ed with 25 overtime games, the controlling owner of the Monday primetime TV pack- age of eight primetime regular the most in NFL history, Baltimore Ravens, succeeding ages. NBC returned to the NFL season NFL games starting in December 30. Art Modell, who operated the by acquiring the Sunday night 2006, January 28.

2013 NFL Record & Fact Book 369 CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

The Pittsburgh Steelers 2011, October 24. widest possible global audi- dale, Arizona, February 3. won their fifth Super Bowl, The NFL Network broadcast ence, including the staging of The NFL set an all-time paid defeating the Seattle Sea- its first-ever regular-season international regular-season attendance record in 2007 for hawks 21-10 in Super Bowl game as the Kansas City games, and discontinued NFL the sixth consecutive season. XL at in Detroit, Chiefs defeated the Denver Europa after 15 seasons of Attendance for all 2007 games Michigan, February 5. Broncos 19-10 at Arrowhead operation, June 29. was 22,256,502, an increase The NFL clubs approved an Stadium on Thanksgiving NFL owners unanimously of 56,790 over the previous extension of the Collective night, November 23. approved $10 million in addi- mark. The Washington Red- Bargaining Agreement through San Diego Chargers run- tional Alliance funding for skins set an all-time NFL regu- 2012, March 8. ning back LaDainian Tomlin- retired players to help pay for lar-season home paid atten- Commissioner Tagliabue son set the NFL single-season joint replacement surgeries dance record of 711,471 for announced his decision to record for touchdowns with and other medical assistance, eight games, breaking their retire by the end of July. The 29 on December 10. He fin- supplementing the initial $7 own record of 708,852 in NFL enjoyed an era of unri- ished the season with 31 million committed in July by 2006. valed prosperity in the Tagli- touchdowns and also set a Alliance members, October NFL clubs voted unani- abue Era, including labor single-season record for 24. mously to exercise their option peace throughout his 17-year points with 186. The New York Giants to shorten by two years the tenure, March 20. Lamar Hunt, founder of the defeated the Miami Dolphins current Collective Bargaining NFL clubs unanimously and the 13-10 at London’s in front of Agreement, which now will decided to return the name of American Football League, 81,176 fans at Wembley Sta- run through the 2010 season the ball to “The died at the age of 74, Decem- dium in the first regular-sea- and 2011 NFL Draft, May 20. Duke” in honor of the late New ber 13. son game played outside of opened York Giants owner Wellington North America, October 28. in Indianapolis, Indiana with a Mara, March 27. 2007 On the field in the 2007 crowd of 65,333 as the Buffa- The Amsterdam Admirals The Indianapolis Colts won season, many significant lo Bills defeated the Indianapo- defeated the Berlin Thunder their second Super Bowl, records and milestones were lis Colts by a score of 20-7 in 22-7 to win World Bowl XIV in defeating the Chicago Bears achieved: Green Bay quarter- a preseason game, August 24. front of 36,286 fans at LTU 29-17 in Super Bowl XLI at back surpassed The NFL established a new Arena in Düsseldorf, Germany, Dolphin Stadium in South Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan fan code of conduct to help May 27. Florida, February 4. Both Marino in both passing cate- support a positive fan environ- became the teams were coached by gories—touchdowns and ment at all NFL , eighth chief executive of the African-Americans: Tony yards—to become the NFL’s August 5. NFL on August 8 when he was Dungy of the Colts and Lovie all-time career leader. Patriots NFLPA Executive Director chosen to succeed Paul Tagli- Smith of the Bears. quarterback set the and Pro Football Hall of Famer abue as commissioner by a NFL clubs approved addi- single-season record with 50 died at the age unanimous vote of the clubs at tional league-wide revenue touchdown passes, including of 63, August 20. a three-day meeting in Chica- sharing at a league meeting in 23 to Randy For the first time, an NFL go, Illinois. The transfer from Phoenix, Arizona. The teams Moss—also a record. New game was broadcast on NBC Commissioner Tagliabue to agreed to redistribute up to England, which became the and also streamed live in its Commissioner Goodell took $430 million over a four-year first team ever to finish 16-0 in entirety to fans on the Internet via place at 6:00 A.M. on Friday, span, retroactive to 2006, the regular season, scored a NFL.com and NBCSports.com September 1. March 26. record 589 points. as the Giants beat the Redskins Cardinals Stadium opened The NFL announced 16-7 in the 2009 NFL Kickoff in Glendale, Arizona with a changes to its long-standing 2008 game, September 4. crowd of 63,400 fans on personal conduct policy and The NFL, United States Owners approved a restruc- August 12 as the Arizona Car- programs for players, coach- Olympic Committee, United tured ownership plan for the dinals defeated the Pittsburgh es, and other team and league States Anti-Doping Agency Pittsburgh Steelers that will Steelers 21-13 in a preseason employees. The modifications and MLB announced a part- keep the team under the con- game. The facility was later focus on expanded education- nership to form a clean com- trol of chairman Dan Rooney renamed University of Phoenix al and support programs in petition anti-doping research and team president Art Stadium on September 26. addition to increased levels of collaborative, January 10. Rooney II, December 17. President George W. Bush discipline for violations of the , majority The NFL announced that the signed into law HR 4954, policy, April 10. owner of the St. Louis Rams, will be played which included the Internet The NFL, NFL Players Asso- died at the age of 80, January a week prior to Super Bowl Gambling Prohibition and ciation, NFL Retired Players 18. XLIV on Sunday, January 31, Enforcement Act. The bill pro- Association, NFL Alumni The NFL announced it will 2010. Both games will be hibits online gamblers from Association, NFL Charities and stage a re gular-season game played in South Florida, using credit cards, checks and Pro Football Hall of Fame in the during December 30. electronic fund transfers to formed the first-ever Alliance each of the next three sea- In the 256 regular-season place and settle bets, to coordinate medical support sons, beginning with the New games of 2008, 44.1 points strengthening enforcement of services for former players, Orleans Saints hosting the San per game were scored—the federal and state gambling May 22. Diego Chargers on October highest average since 1970. laws that had been evaded by The 26, 2008 at London’s Wemb- overseas gambling operations defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy ley Stadium, February 1. 2009 using the Internet, October 13. 37-28 to win World Bowl XV in The New York Giants Stephen M. Ross purchased NFL owners approved a front of 48,125 fans at Com- scored with 35 seconds an additional 45 percent of the resolution to stage a limited merzbank-Arena in Frankfurt, remaining to win their third Miami Dolphins from Wayne number of international regu- Germany, June 23. Super Bowl, defeating the New Huizenga and became the lar-season games—up to two The NFL announced it will England Patriots 17-14 in team’s managing partner. per season—beginning in focus its international busi- Super Bowl XLII at University Coupled with his April 1, 2008 2007 and continuing through ness strategy on reaching the of Phoenix Stadium in Glen- purchase of 50 percent of the

370 2013 NFL Record & Fact Book CHRONOLOGY OF PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

franchise, the stadium, and special advisor to Commis- new three-day format, with the Advisory Panel. The panel pro- the excess developable land, sioner Goodell, September 10. first two days broadcast in vides recommendations on a Ross now owns 95 percent of NFL appointed former head primetime. A record combined variety of safety-related foot- the Dolphins and the stadium coach to lead a total of 45.4 million viewers ball matters, while taking a while Huizenga retains a five new NFL Player Advisory tuned in to watch the 75th NFL long-term view towards mak- percent share of both and Forum and serve as a special Draft on NFL Network, ESPN ing the game safer at every remains a 50 percent partner advisor to Commissioner and ESPN2, April 22-24. level of the sport, January 4. in that land, January 20. Goodell, November 19. New Meadowlands Stadium The Green Bay Packers The NFL re-named its Commissioner Goodell opened in East Rutherford, won their fourth Super Bowl minority coaching internship notified NFL teams of new and New Jersey as the New York title, defeating the Pittsburgh program the Bill Walsh NFL expanded guidelines on Giants defeat the New York Steelers 31-25 in Super Bowl Minority Coaching Fellowship, return-to-play for any player Jets by a score of 31-16 in a XLV at Cowboys Stadium in honoring the Pro Football Hall who sustains a , preseason game, August 16. , February 6. of Fame coach who conceived December 2. purchased an The NFL Head, Neck and of the program, January 29. additional 60 percent of the St. Spine Committee announced a The Pittsburgh Steelers 2010 Louis Rams from the Rosen- new standardized sideline scored a touchdown with 42 For the first time, the Pro bloom family and became the concussion assessment pro- seconds remaining to claim Bowl was played in the Super team’s sole owner and chair- tocol for team medical per- their NFL-record sixth Super Bowl city the week before the man, August 25. sonnel. The new protocol Bowl title, defeating the Super Bowl, as the AFC All- A renovated Arrowhead includes a symptom checklist, Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Stars beat the NFC All-Stars Stadium opened in Kansas limited neurologic examination Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond 41-34 in the 2010 Pro Bowl at City, as the Philadel- and balance assessment, Feb- James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Sun Life Stadium in South phia Eagles defeated the ruary 25. February 1. Florida. The game drew Kansas City Chiefs 20-17 in a On the steps of the Pro The NFL and Westwood 70,697 fans – the highest preseason game, August 27. Football Hall of Fame in Can- One announced a new two- attendance for a Pro Bowl A poster created by the NFL ton, Ohio, Commissioner year agreement for Westwood since 1959, January 31. and the Centers for Disease Goodell & NFLPA Executive One to continue as the exclu- The New Orleans Saints Control and Prevention (CDC) Director DeMaurice Smith for- sive network radio partner of won their first Super Bowl title, to help educate young athletes mally announced a compre- the NFL, March 12. defeating the Indianapolis on was released hensive settlement of litigation The NFLPA selected Wash- Colts 31-17 in Super Bowl to the public. The poster, sim- and signed a new 10-year Col- ington-based attorney DeMau- XLIV at Sun Life Stadium in ilar to one on display in NFL lective Bargaining Agreement, rice Smith as its new execu- South Florida, February 7. locker rooms, stresses the August 4. The agreement tive director, March 16. Dr. Hunt Batjer of North- importance of recognizing a included additional funding for The NFL and DIRECTV western University Feinberg concussion, taking time to player alumni of $1 billion, announced an agreement to School of Medicine and Dr. recover, and not returning to including a $620 million extend DIRECTV’s rights to carry Richard G. Ellenbogen of the play too soon, October 11. “Legacy Fund” to increase NFL Sunday Ticket through the The NFL, NFL Alumni and benefits for pre-1993 retirees. 2014 season, March 23. School of Medicine were Gay Culverhouse Players’ Out- A record 107.4 million fans The NFL reached an agree- named the new co-chairs of reach Program announced a tuned into Kickoff Weekend ment on two-year contract the NFL Head, Neck and Spine partnership to expand ser- games on CBS, ESPN, FOX extensions with two of its net- Medical Committee, March 16. vices for retired NFL players. and NBC, September 8, 11-12. work television partners – NFL owners voted to amend The outreach program identi- The NFL announced an CBS and FOX – to run through postseason overtime rules to fies retired players in need, eight-year extension of its the 2013 season, May 19. a modified sudden death for- ensuring they receive compre- contract with ESPN for the The NFL extended by two mat, guaranteeing at least one hensive medical evaluations broadcast rights to Monday years its broadcast partner- possession for each club if the and assistance in applying for Night Football through the ship with NBC to televise the receiving team fails to score a the expanded benefits and ser- 2021 season, September 8. Sunday night package through touchdown on its first over- vices created in recent years NFL teams, players and the 2013 season, August 19. time possession, March 23. by the NFL, October 12. fans remembered the courage Cowboys Stadium opened The NFL and NFL Alumni Commissioner Roger and resilience that followed in Arlington, Texas with a Association announced a new Goodell notified NFL teams the events of September 11, crowd of 75,720 as the Dallas neurological care program for that more significant disci- 2001 with special tributes in Cowboys defeated the Ten- retired players, one of a series pline, including suspensions, each stadium and on televi- nessee Titans by a score of of NFL initiatives addressing would be imposed on players sion during all games on Sun- 30-10 in a preseason game, the quality of life of retired that strike an opponent in the day, September 11. August 21. players, March 24. head or neck area in violation Al Davis, the Oakland The NFL announced games NFL rules changes empha- of the rules, October 20. Raiders’ owner and Pro Foot- that were blacked out in home sized additional player safety. The NFL and Westwood ball Hall of Famer, died at the team markets during the 2009 Protection for defenseless One Radio announced the age of 82, October 8. season would be shown on players was standardized and renewal of a multi-year agree- NFL owners approved a NFL.com in their entirety on a expanded, protecting a player ment for Westwood One to resolution to continue playing delayed basis, September 10. who has just completed a continue as the exclusive net- regular-season games in the The NFL launched a new catch from blows to the head work radio home of the NFL, United Kingdom through the “Red Zone Channel,” offering or neck by an opponent who December 22. 2016 season, October 11. fans crucial live action cut-ins launches. Additional protec- The NFL reached an agree- of all Sunday afternoon tion was also given to 2011 ment on nine-year contract games, September 13. longsnappers. Play will now The NFL appointed Pro extensions of its Sunday Pro Football Hall of Fame stop if a ball carrier’s helmet is Football Hall of Famers Ronnie broadcast television packages head coach and broadcaster removed, March 24. Lott and as co- with CBS, FOX and NBC to run John Madden was appointed The NFL Draft debuted a chairs of a new Player Safety through the 2022 season,

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December 14. The agree- NFL clubs unanimously ments also enabled the NFL to approved the majority owner- expand its Thursday night ship transfer of the Cleveland package of games on NFL Browns from to Network, which increased Jimmy Haslam at a meeting in from eight to 13 games for the Chicago, October 16. 2012 season. The NFL announced the for- NFL clubs unanimously mation of the National Football approved the majority owner- League Foundation to focus ship transfer of the Jack- on youth football, health and sonville Jaguars from Wayne safety, and community, Weaver to businessman December 12. The newly cre- at a meeting in ated Foundation resulted from Dallas, December 14. the restructuring of the NFL’s On the field, many all-time previous charitable arms – records were set: 11,356 NFL Charities and the NFL points were scored, the most Youth Football Fund. of any season in NFL history; New Orleans’ 2013 passed for 5,476 yards; and The Baltimore Ravens won Green Bay’s their second Super Bowl, led the league with a 122.5 defeating the San Francisco passer rating. 49ers 34-31 in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz 2012 Superdome in New Orleans. NFL clubs extended Com- The game was viewed by missioner Goodell’s contract 164.1 million people, making through March 31, 2019, Jan- it the most-watched program uary 25. in U.S. television history, Feb- The New York Giants won ruary 3. their fourth Super Bowl title, GE and the NFL announced defeating the New England the Head Health Initiative, a Patriots 21-17 in Super Bowl four-year, $60 million collabo- XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in ration to advance diagnostic Indianapolis, February 5. tools for treating concussions The NFL announced a new and the development of new comprehensive health pro- materials for head protection, gram, NFL Total Wellness, for March 11. former and current players to provide additional resources for physical and mental health issues, July 26. NFL AND Art Modell, former owner of PRESIDENTS* the Cleveland Browns-Balti- 1920....Jim Thorpe, President more Ravens franchise and 1921-39 ...Joe Carr, President longtime chairman of the 1939-41.Carl Storck, President NFL’s Broadcast Committee, 1941-46 ...... Elmer Layden, died at the age of 87, Septem- Commissioner ber 6. 1946-1959...... Bert Bell, NFL Network’s Thursday Commissioner Night Football schedule was 1960-1989 ...... Pete Rozelle, expanded from eight to 13 Commissioner regular-season games, debut- 1989-2006 .....Paul Tagliabue, ing with the Green Bay Packer- Commissioner s’ 23-10 victory against the 2006-present ..Roger Goodell, Chicago Bears, September 13. Commissioner The NFL announced an *NFL treasurer Austin Gunsel extension of its exclusive radio served as president in the broadcast agreement with Dial office of the commissioner Global through the 2017 sea- following the death of Bert son, September 20. Bell (Oct. 11, 1959) until the NFL Films President Steve election of Pete Rozelle (Jan. Sabol died at the age of 69, 26, 1960). September 18. The NFL and its game offi- cials agreed to a new eight- year Collective Bargaining Agreement, ending a four- month dispute. The union offi- cials returned to work for Week 4, September 27.

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