May 19

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.