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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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FOOTBALL TEAM | Cleveland Browns

"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
football team

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The Cleveland Browns boast a history as turbulent as that of the Great Lake beside which they reside. From their glorious beginnings as a powerhouse to their devastating Relocation and eventual rebirth, the Browns have become synonymous with resilience, passionate fandom, and the enduring hope for gridiron glory.
✦ Born Winners and the Drive Factory (1946-1995): In 1946, Paul Brown, a legendary coach, brought professional football to Cleveland, establishing the Browns as an immediate force. With their revolutionary running game and "Drive Factory" philosophy, the Browns dominated the league, winning eight league championships in their first 17 years. Players like Jim Brown, Otto Graham, and Lou Groza became iconic figures, etching the Browns' legacy in football history. ✦ Heartbreak and Relocation (1996-1999): However, financial concerns and disagreements with ownership led to Brown's departure in 1963, marking the beginning of a decline. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Browns never captured their past glory, culminating in owner Art Modell's controversial decision to relocate the team to Baltimore in 1996. This betrayal left Cleveland fans heartbroken and fueled a years-long struggle to bring the team back...
FOOTBALL TEAM | Cleveland Browns

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Our guest is historian and collector Jeff Payne, who joins us to discuss an incredible portion of his vintage gridiron collection concerning the 1948 Cleveland Browns. The 1948 Cleveland Browns cemented themselves in football history by achieving the seemingly impossible: an undefeated season. This summary details their dominant run:
Building the Team: ✦ Head coach Paul Brown continued to refine his squad after winning the previous two AAFC championships. ✦ Key additions included linebacker Alex Agase and halfbacks Ara Parseghian and Dub Jones...

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