May 17th on the Gridiron

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.

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.