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May 19

The 1935 Meeting that started the NFL Draft, a Modern Waiver policy and more in the League!

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EventDay

"May 19th on the Gridiron: Unearthing Pivotal Moments in Football History"

Beyond the roar of autumn crowds, the date of May 19th quietly marks significant turning points in the evolution of American football. From crucial league decisions shaping the game's structure to the birthdates of future legends, this seemingly ordinary day holds a unique collection of historical threads woven into the fabric of the sport. Join us as we explore the unexpected moments and key figures that have left their mark on May 19th.

One such pivotal moment occurred on May 19, 1935, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where key figures of the National Football League convened for a crucial meeting.
Those pictured above are Eddie Casey and George Marshall of the Boston Redskins (Washington Commanders); Tim Mara and Jack Mara of the NY Giants; Art Rooney, Joe Bach, and Dick Guy of the Pittsburgh Pirates (Steelers); Arch Wolf of the Chicago Cardinals (Arizona); George Halas of the Chicago Bears; Potsy Clark, George Richards, and William Alfs of the Detroit Lions; Bert Bell and Lud Wray of the Philadelphia Eagles; Shipwreck Kelly of the Brooklyn Dodgers; Curly Lambeau and Lee Joannes of the Green Bay Packers; Myron Greentree of St. Louis, and President Joe Carr. Info and image are courtesy of Newspapers.com via The Pittsburgh Press- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Monday, May 20, 1935

Facing the ongoing challenges of the Great Depression and the need to solidify the league's foundation, team owners and officials gathered to address critical issues. This meeting saw the formal adoption of standardized rules regarding player contracts and territorial rights, aiming to foster greater stability and prevent the raiding of player rosters between teams. Furthermore, discussions likely revolved around strategies to increase fan attendance and enhance the overall professionalism of the burgeoning league, laying the necessary groundwork for the NFL's future growth and success.

  • DOB: May 19
  • EVENTDAY: May 19
  • FOOTBALL: NFL Draft
  • FOOTBALL MONTH: May History
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Archie Manning, Art Rooney, Bert Bell, John Friesz, Lud Wray, Manning Archie
  • FOOTBALL POSITION: Quarterback
  • FOOTBALL TEAM: Houston Oilers, Idaho Vandals, Los Angeles Chargers, Minnesota Vikings, New England, New Orleans Saints, Ole Miss Rebels, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, Washington Commanders, Washington Redskins
  • NCAAF JERSEY: Number 17, Number 18
  • NFL JERSEY: Number 04, Number 08, Number 17
  • OTHER: Bud Witte, Carl Jorgensen, Jim Musick, Steve Sinko
  • PODCAST: Football
  • SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
  • HASHTAGS: #May19 #NFLDraft #MayHistory #ArchieManning #ArtRooney #BertBell #JohnFriesz #LudWray #ManningArchie #Quarterback #HoustonOilers #IdahoVandals #LosAngelesChargers #MinnesotaVikings #NewEngland #NewOrleansSaints #OleMissRebels #PhiladelphiaEagles #SanDiegoChargers #SeattleSeahawks #WashingtonCommanders #WashingtonRedskins #Number17 #Number18 #Number04 #Number08 #BudWitte #CarlJorgensen #JimMusick #SteveSinko #Football #CollegeFootballHallofFame

Football History

"NFL Draft Light Bulb Moment"

The Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the day comes from the May 20, 1935 edition of the Pittsburgh Press that says, “ You Can’t Say We Didn’t Do Plenty!” of course, it is about the May 19, 1935 meeting in the Steel City of the top brass and owners of the NFL franchises as they laid out some new pivotal rules and policies the League adopted. Among the items discussed and approved by Commissioner Joe Carr and the boys was a waiver rule where the team with the worst record the previous season would have first dibs at waived players of rival teams. The group also decided on the former Cincinnati franchise and gave the rights to the city of St. Louis. 
Bert Bell, owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, purchased some players from the Detroit Lions. Halfback Robert Rowe, guard Maurice Bodenger, and tackle Robert Emerick were now part of Coach Lud Wray’s Eagles squad...

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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
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