By Darin From the Chargers’ Big Move to the Birth of Hall of Fame Ball-Hawks
February 10 is a great page in American football history lore, marking seismic shifts for franchises and the arrival of some of the greatest defensive backs ever to play the game. Whether it was the AFL approving the Los Angeles Chargers’ historic move south to San Diego in 1961, the ambitious launch of developmental leagues like the AAF, or the birthdays of a legendary lockdown corner like Ty Law, this day highlights the gridiron’s constant evolution. From the “Fearsome Foursome” origins to Hall of Fame enshrinements, February 10th is a masterclass in football history.
Before we start, let’s enjoy some gridiron artwork created last century….
Football History Timeline of February 10
- On February 10, 1961, the AFL’s Los Angeles Chargers moved South to the City of San Diego. They have called San Diego home for almost five decades before moving back to LA just a few short years ago.
- February 10, 1989 – St Louis, Missouri – The Minor League Football System opened organizational meetings. According to the Fun While It Lasted website story on this subject, the project was an effort to develop a nationwide semi-pro football league. MLFS had teams across the country from the Pacific Northwest to New England to the Deep South during the summers of 1989 and 1990. The league aspired to become a developmental feeder system for the National Football League, but no formal relationship ever developed. We will talk about another one of those in just a few moments.
- On February 10, 2007, the NFL Pro Bowl was held at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii, for the second time. This showcase of the League’s top talent resulted in a 31-28 AFC victory over their NFC counterparts. The MVP of the game was Quarterback Carson Palmer, then of the Cincinnati Bengals.
- February 10, 2008 – Aloha Stadium, Honolulu – At the 2007 season’s NFL Pro Bowl game, the NFC knocked around the AFC squad 42-30. Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson took home the Most Valuable Player Award.
- February 10, 2019 – Spectrum Stadium, Orlando, Florida – The Orlando Apollos crushed the Atlanta Legends, 40-6, to kick off the Alliance of American Football. The eight centrally owned and operated teams got the startup developmental league underway, but unfortunately, the group lost funding and disbanded the league partway through its inaugural season.
February 10 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Dick Anderson
- Ty Law
Conclusion
As we look back at the “Football History of February 10,” it’s clear that this date is dominated by the secondary. The combined legacies of Rod Woodson, Ty Law, and Dick Anderson represent an era where defense truly won championships. Beyond the individual accolades, this date serves as a reminder of the sport’s experimental nature—from the Minor League Football System in the late ’80s to the Alliance of American Football kickoff in 2019. Each event, whether a 50-year stay in San Diego or a short-lived spring league, has contributed to the rich, complex tapestry of American football.
