By Darin May 23rd stands out in American football history for key moments. In 1967, Paul Brown emerged from his Cleveland firing to establish the Cincinnati Bengals, changing both the AFL and the NFL. This day also marks milestones—from Yale’s high-knee running Ted Coy to the birth of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald—showcasing the game’s journey from leather helmets to modern stardom.
To start the day, let us honor some gridiron artwork.
May 23 American Football History Timeline
- May 23, 1967 – The Cincinnati Bengals franchise forms in the AFL.
The team was founded by Paul Brown, former Cleveland Browns head coach and legendary innovator. Brown had led the Cleveland franchise since its inception in the American Football Conference in 1946.
He led the Brownies to all four AAFC titles. After the league folded, his team was one of three that merged into the NFL. He then guided the Browns to three NFL championships.
In 1962, businessman Art Modell purchased the Cleveland Browns franchise and abruptly fired Paul Brown.
After being fired, Coach Brown began looking for a way to place a second football franchise in Ohio. The emergence of the AFL during the 1960s provided him and his group the opportunity. This transition from setbacks in Cleveland to new beginnings in Cincinnati marks a significant progression in the timeline.
Paul Brown served as head coach of the Bengals from the team’s birth until 1975, and remained the owner after retiring from coaching. The franchise experienced highs, including two AFC Championship Game wins in the 1980s, but lost both Super Bowls XVI and XXIII to the 49ers. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honors three Bengals—Anthony Munoz, Charlie Joiner, and Terrell Owens—alongside Paul Brown.
- May 13, 2018 – NFL owners approved a new, controversial policy. It required players to stand during the National Anthem if they were on the field for pre-game presentations. Players could choose to remain in the locker room instead.
During the national anthem.
This policy did not last long due to negative publicity and shifting public opinion.
May 23 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Happy Birthday to these incredible gridiron figures! Celebrating this day in history, we span generations of football excellence—from leather-helmet legends to a modern defensive titan.
Here is your list for May 23, organized by their year of birth:
- Ted Coy [1888]A legendary, blond-haired fullback for Yale, Coy was a three-time First-team All-American who famously lost only a single game during his entire collegiate playing career. He capped off his dominant run on the gridiron by captaining the 1909 Bulldogs to a perfect 10-0 record where they outscored opponents 209-0, before returning to the school as head coach the following year.
- Aaron Donald [1991]Widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive forces to ever play the game, Donald spent his entire historic 10-year career with the Los Angeles Rams. The powerhouse defensive tackle secured three NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, eight First-team All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl LVI ring before hanging up his cleats.
Other gridiron legends with May 22 birthdays
- Gary Barnett [1946]An influential architect of modern college football, Barnett is best known for staging a historic turnaround at Northwestern in the 1990s, taking the perennial underdogs to their first Rose Bowl in 47 years and claiming two Big Ten titles. He later moved to the University of Colorado, where he won a Big 12 Championship and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors.
- Rich Karlis [1959]One of the last bare-footed kickers in pro football history, Karlis played nine seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Denver Broncos. He played in two Super Bowls and famously kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime against the Cleveland Browns to win the 1986 AFC Championship game.
Conclusion
On May 23, football’s story is written by trailblazers and stars. Paul Brown re-wrote the script with the Bengals, while the birthdays of legends like Ted Coy and Aaron Donald remind us that greatness comes in every era. Whether it’s the daring launch of a franchise or the sheer dominance of a defensive star, these milestones beam with football’s unbeatable spirit. Looking back on these anniversaries, we salute the innovators and athletes who made football America’s beloved game.