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3 NFL Teams Reposition

May 17, 1969—The Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the December 10, 1969...

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EVENTDAY | May 17

"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 #FourthAmericanFootballLeague #BaltimoreColts #ClevelandBrowns #PittsburghSteelers
  • EVENTDAY: May 17
  • FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Fourth American Football League
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers
EventDay

" 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.
From franchise-altering decisions and significant league realignments to the personal milestones of legendary players, May 17th has witnessed events that have subtly shaped the NFL and the broader landscape of the game. We'll explore instances of teams shifting conferences in the pursuit of balance, the early careers of Hall of Famers taking crucial steps, and perhaps even uncover some forgotten oddities and rule changes that briefly marked this specific date. Join us as we unearth the hidden history and unexpected connections that tie American football to the 17th day of May. 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...

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