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The inaugural season of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), later to become the NFL, in 1920 was a chaotic experiment, a wild west of fledgling franchises grappling with the very concept of a professional league. Amidst this uncertainty, the Akron Pros emerged as the first champions, finishing the season with an impressive 8-0-3 record. However, their path to the title was far from straightforward, reflecting the league's growing pains.

The early days of professional football were riddled with challenges. Scheduling was a logistical nightmare, with teams often playing irregularly and against varying levels of competition. Player disputes were common, as the league struggled to establish consistent rules and regulations. The very structure of the league was in flux, with teams joining and disbanding throughout the season. In this turbulent environment, the Akron Pros managed to maintain consistency and secure their place in history.

A fascinating "what if" scenario highlights the precarious nature of that first season. Had a hypothetical game between the Pros and the Decatur Staleys, another strong contender, actually been played, the course of NFL history could have been drastically different. This underscores how close the championship was and how easily it could have swung the other way.

Key figures like Fritz Pollard and Paul Robeson played pivotal roles in Akron's success. Pollard, a pioneering African American player and coach, brought exceptional talent and leadership to the team. Robeson, a multi-talented athlete and activist, contributed significantly to the Pros' performance. Their presence on the team not only showcased their individual brilliance but also reflected the diverse landscape of early professional football.

Despite the excitement surrounding the nascent league, professional football faced a significant hurdle: public perception. College football reigned supreme in popularity, and the professional game was often viewed with skepticism, considered a less refined and somewhat chaotic version of its collegiate counterpart. The 1920 season and the Akron Pros' championship represented a crucial step in legitimizing professional football and paving the way for its eventual rise to national prominence.

1920 Akron Pros Facts

✦ Owner Akron Exhibition Co.

✦ Charles Stahl

✦ President Frank Nied,

✦ Art Ranney

✦ Head coach Elgie Tobin

✦ Home field League Park

Results

✦ Record 8–0–3 overall

✦ 6–0–3 (APFA)

✦ Division place 1st APFA (named champions)

✦ Playoff finish No playoffs until 1932