October 22

In this edition of the Football's History Headlines, we discuss the NFL's 1st TV game and the Snake's retirement as well as many more Hall of Fame Legendary stories.

As we flip the calendar page, we delve into another chapter of pigskin history. From legendary comebacks that defied the odds to record-breaking performances that left fans speechless, remarkable moments unfolded on this very date. So, buckle up and get ready to relive iconic plays, celebrate trailblazing athletes, and revisit the captivating stories that continue to shape the ever-evolving narrative of professional football. Let's lace up our cleats and journey back in time to witness the incredible feats that transpired on this historic day in the NFL!

The First NFL game on TV

October 22, 1939 - NBC became the first network to televise a pro football game as it broadcast the Brooklyn Dodgers defeating the Philadelphia Eagles, 23-14 at Brooklyn's Ebbets Field.  

Niners strike Gold in the NFL

October 22, 1950 - Kezar Field,  San Francisco,  California - The San Francisco 49ers earned their very first  win in the NFL in their 6th game in the League when they defeated the Detroit Lions 28-27 at Kezar Field. The team was founded in 1946 as a charter member of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and joined the NFL in 1949 when the leagues merged. The 49ers were the first major league professional sports franchise based in San Francisco.

LA scores a Point per Minute

October 22, 1950 - Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum - The Los Angeles Rams soundly defeated the Baltimore Colts 70-27. The Rams were being called a “Point per Minute” team and they definitely made their case for that title in this game. Dual quarterbacks Norm Van Brocklin and Bob Waterfield each had multiple TD tosses in the game as Vitamin Smith scored twice, once on a 95 yard kick return to run the Rams point machine.

Air Tight Safety Innovation

October 22, 1971 - Air valve is placed in a helmet for the first time by an executive at Riddell. The Insertion of air added an aspect of better custom fit and protection for players to suit all sizes and shapes of heads.

The WFL's Demise

October 22, 1975 - A few days before the start of week 13, the WFL went out of business.

The Snake takes a Bow

October 22, 1984 - NFL quarterback Ken Stabler retires after 15 brilliant seasons in the NFL. He played with the Oakland Raiders for ten seasons before being traded to the Houston Oilers where he played for 3 years. His bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame;s website indicates that Stabler retired after the third game of the 1984 season after struggling through two injury-plagued seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

Dillon sets record

October 22, 2000 - The Bengal's Corey Dillon rushes for 278 yards on 22 carries to set the single game rushing yards record in one game versus the Denver Broncos. The previous record was Walter Payton's 275 yard game during the 1977 season. Dillon’s yardage did not go to waste either as he led the Bengals to a 31-21 victory over Denver that day.

Anderson overtakes Blanda

October 22, 2000 - Vikings kicker Gary Anderson boots a 21 yard field goal against the Buffalo Bills to go past George Blanda as the NFL's all time scoring leader with 2004 career points.
 

The Versatile Star  -Pete Pihos

October 22, 1923 - Orlando, Florida  - Pete Pihos the fantastic end and later fullback from Indiana University was born.  The NFF’s website states that Pete was noted by multiple experts in 1943, including noted sports writer Grantland Rice, to be one of the top receivers in college football that season. He was an All-American in multiple polls in 1943 but then served his country in the war efforts the following season. After serving in the U.S. Army Pihos returned to Indiana to become the Hoosiers fullback in 1945 and 1946 and assisted the team go 9-0-1 and win the Big 10 championship, the first in Indiana history. Pete had the most team receptions in 1942-43, in led Indiana in rushing yards in 1946, and topped all Hossier in scoring in 1945-46. And in his senior season was the team's Most Valuable player. The National Football Foundation selected Pete Pihos to enter into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966.  After graduation Pete was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1945, but again he served in the US military for two additional seasons before reporting to the Eagles.At first he was a two -way end in Philly but after a season  of that the coaching staff asked him to concentrate on his offensive skill set. According to his bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website,  the Eagles, in 1952 found themselves in need of a defensive end. Knowing the skill set of Pihos they called on his versatility, and he not only took the field with the “D” but he earned All-NFL honors in doing so! Then for the remaining three years of his career, he switched back to offense and led the league in receiving all three seasons. Pete Pihos entered into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.