Step onto the gridiron of history as we explore significant football moments occurring on this calendar date. From the foundational days of college play to crucial developments in the professional leagues, this date marks key milestones, player legacies, and pivotal events shaping the game we know today.
Football History by the Day of the...
This Day in American Football History
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
"3 NFL Teams Reposition"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-17
May 17, 1969—The Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the December 10, 1969, Clarion-Ledger in Jacksonville, Mississippi, which placed in boldface print: “NFL Gives ‘69-’70 Schedule.” The article declares that the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers all agreed to leave the NFL to join the 10 AFL franchises in the new American Football Conference in the NFL as part of the merger of the two rival leagues.
NFL President and Browns owner Art Modell declared that the transfer of the three longtime NFL teams was to balance out the teams in the two conferences. In retrospect, it is interesting how much it also shifted the power of the conferences, as in the decade following the transfer, Baltimore and Pittsburgh accounted for five of the ten Super Bowl Titles.
- HASHTAGS: #May17 #Football
- EVENTDAY: May 17
- PODCAST: Football
"May 17th on the Gridiron: Unearthing Football's Unexpected Crossroads"
While the crisp autumn air and Thanksgiving Day battles often dominate football lore, the date of May 17th holds its own unique, and sometimes surprising, place in the sport's history. This series of articles and podcasts will delve into the intriguing American football stories and pivotal moments that have unfolded on this seemingly ordinary day.
"Ace Parker Early Gridiron Triple Threat"
Last updated 📅 2023-05-17
Born May 17, 1912, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Clarence “Ace” Parker was Duke University’s quarterback/halfback from 1934 through 1936. Ace was one of the most versatile stars to ever set foot on the college gridiron, playing quarterback, halfback, wide receiver, punter, kicker, safety, and returning punts and kickoffs.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
_________________________
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
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