Football History

Football History Rewind: A glance at how football developed in stages especially in post Civil War America

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The 1920s were a period of innovation and upheaval in professional football. While the established National Football League (NFL) was still in its formative stages, a unique challenger emerged—C.C. Pyle's New York Yankees. This essay explores Pyle's audacious attempt to establish a rival football team in New York City, a story marked by ambition, controversy, and a lasting impact on the sport.

The Birth of a Renegade Franchise

A flamboyant entrepreneur, C.C. Pyle wasn't new to shaking things up. He had already revolutionized professional basketball with the American Basketball League. In 1926, he set his sights on professional football, capitalizing on the immense popularity of college star Red Grange. Recognizing Grange's potential to elevate the sport, Pyle convinced him to join a new league – the American Football League (AFL) – with a single franchise: the New York Yankees.

Grangemania in the Big Apple

The arrival of Red Grange in New York ignited a media frenzy. Nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost," his electrifying talent and iconic status as a college legend attracted massive crowds. The Yankees, despite playing in a fledgling league with a questionable schedule, filled stadiums across the country, showcasing Grange's immense drawing power.

A Clash of Titans

However, the Yankees' existence was a thorn in the side of the established NFL. The league saw Pyle and Grange as interlopers, and a fierce rivalry ensued. Legal battles and scheduling conflicts plagued the AFL's short lifespan. While the Yankees enjoyed some success, including a victory over the NFL's Chicago Bears, the lack of a cohesive league structure and the financial strain of competing with the well-established NFL ultimately proved impossible.

A Legacy of Change

Though the New York Yankees only lasted three seasons, their impact is undeniable. The AFL's competition forced the NFL to adapt, improve its organization, and expand its reach to compete with the excitement surrounding Grange and the Renegade League. The Yankees paved the way for future rival leagues like the American Football Conference (AFC), which eventually merged with the NFL, creating the powerhouse league we know today.

The National Football Foundation or better known as NFF, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing amateur American football on all levels throughout the United States. They aim to:
Support amateur football: This includes providing resources and funding to local youth leagues, high school programs, and college teams.
Develop leadership: They emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and competitive spirit in young athletes, fostering valuable skills beyond the field.
Recognize excellence: The NFF honors outstanding players, coaches, and contributors to the sport through awards and recognition programs.
Preserve history: They maintain the College Football Hall of Fame, celebrating the legends and traditions that have shaped the sport.
Promote academic achievement: The NFF emphasizes the importance of education for athletes, encouraging them to excel in academics alongside their athletic pursuits.
Overall, the National Football Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering the growth and appreciation of amateur football while also promoting essential values among young athletes.

Claude Humphrey's football career stands as a testament to perseverance, excellence, and sheer dominance on the gridiron. Born on June 29, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, Humphrey emerged as one of the most feared defensive ends of his era, leaving an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL).

Humphrey's journey to football greatness began at Tennessee State University, where his athletic prowess quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches. Excelling as a defensive end, he demonstrated a rare blend of speed, agility, and power that set him apart from his peers. His stellar performances earned him All-American honors and laid the foundation for a promising professional career.

In the 1968 NFL Draft, Humphrey was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the third overall pick, marking the beginning of his impactful tenure in the league. From the outset, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his relentless pass rush and formidable run-stopping capabilities. His technique and athleticism made him a nightmare for offensive linemen, earning him respect across the league.

Throughout his NFL career, Humphrey played a pivotal role in the Falcons' defense, anchoring the line and setting a high standard for defensive excellence. His consistency and durability were remarkable, as he continued to perform at a high level year after year. His leadership qualities also shone through, inspiring teammates and earning the admiration of fans and coaches alike.

Humphrey's standout performances did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous accolades and honors during his career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times (1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977) and earned first-team All-Pro honors five times (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977). His impact on the Falcons' defense was instrumental in establishing them as a competitive force in the league.

In 1979, Humphrey briefly retired from the NFL but returned to the gridiron a year later, joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite nearing the end of his career, he continued to demonstrate his effectiveness as a pass rusher and leader on the field. His veteran presence and experience proved invaluable to the Eagles' defense, contributing to their success during his tenure with the team.

Claude Humphrey's football career culminated in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport. In 2014, he was rightfully enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. His induction was a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and served as a testament to his enduring impact on the game.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Humphrey's dedication and passion for football continue to inspire generations of players and fans. His journey from a standout college athlete to a Hall of Fame professional exemplifies the rewards of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Claude Humphrey remains a revered figure in football history, forever etched in the annals of the sport as a true gridiron legend.

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Football Archaeology digs up some events where fans and players got into altercations with officials over a call.

The historical examination of the NFL's championships from 1920 to 1965, explicitly emphasizing the 1927 season, elucidates the profound transformations that characterized the league during its formative years. The decision to reduce the number of teams from 22 to 12 was not merely a financial necessity; it represented a critical juncture in the NFL's quest for legitimacy and stability. This consolidation reflected the league's ambition to cultivate a more competitive environment by focusing on significant markets where financial viability was assured. The strategic discussions in Cleveland, spearheaded by Commissioner Joe Carr, laid the groundwork for a single-tier league that would distinguish the NFL from its predecessors.

Want to catch up on our series of posts and podcasts on Pre-Super Bowl NFL Champions? Check it out here NFL Champions.

The 1926 professional football season was a wild ride, as we learned from a couple of episodes ago in part 59 of this series. Red Grange and C C Pyles's original American Football League had gone by the previous year's end. The death knell of the AFL was that group’s champion Philadelphia Quakers, getting beaten fairly badly in an exhibition game by a somewhat pedestrian NFL team from 1926, the New York Giants. Right before the 1927 season, the league eliminated the financially weaker, generally smaller market teams. The results were quite evident when you look at the NFL standings from 1926 versus those of 1927. from 22 to 12 teams. The National Football League absorbed many players and a defunct American Football League franchise. That team is Grange’s New York Yankees.

-Eliminated of NFL franchises in 1927:

-Kansas City Cowboys

-Los Angeles Buccaneers

-Detroit Panthers

-Louisville Colonels

-Racine Tornadoes

-Hartford Blues

-Brooklyn Lions

-Canton Bulldogs

-Milwaukee Badgers

-Akron Indians

-Columbus Tigers

-Hammond Pros

The Canton, Columbus, and Hammond franchises were original teams that helped organize the League in 1920. The Rochester Jeffersons were not one of the official cuts, but they had a second consecutive season with their position listed as an inactive franchise.

Also missing from the playing fields of NFL football were African-American roster members. In 1926, there were still a few black men, such as Fritz Pollard, donning pads, but in 1927, the awful decision to have a backroom agreement not to allow non-whites on rosters was quite evident. It was an ugly era of American football that lasted until the 1940s.

Some teams, like the Buffalo Bisons, only made it through five games before suspending operations through the remainder of the year.

The NFL championship title was claimed by one of the prominent market teams that the NFL coveted, the New York Giants. New York took the title based on having the best league record of 11-1-1.

The story of this Giants team is quite remarkable. The Giants registered ten shutouts in the 13 games they played and outscored the opposition by the margin of 197-20. That means, as a team, they allowed only three touchdowns! The only setbacks they suffered were against the 8-4-2 Cleveland Bulldogs eleven.

To have success on the field, you have to have some good players. The Giants had a handful, including Guard Steve Owens and End Cal Hubbard. These men played on both sides of the ball and seldom left the field. The offensive production was mainly due to the skill of tailback Hinkey Haines and wingback Mule Wilson, who each scored six rushing touchdowns during the 1927 campaign. Fullback Jack McBride was the leading scorer on the squad, though, as he also had six TDs but added a couple of field goals and fifteen points after kicks for a total of 57 points on the season. You also need good coaching to win; headman Earl Potteiger provided that.

-New York Giants Rise

Central to the 1927 narrative is the New York Giants, whose ascent to prominence is chronicled with great detail. The episode meticulously outlines the factors that contributed to the Giants' success, including their adept management of player acquisitions and the tactical acumen of coach Earl Pottinger. The Giants' ability to integrate talent, such as the dynamic duo of Jack McBride and Hinky Haynes, into a cohesive unit underscored their versatility and effectiveness on both sides of the ball. Moreover, the defensive prowess displayed throughout the season was equally remarkable, as the Giants led the league in points allowed, showcasing a commitment to discipline and teamwork that became their hallmark.

Ultimately, the 1927 season not only marked the Giants' first championship victory but also signified the emergence of a formidable franchise capable of withstanding the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving league. The legacy of this season continues to resonate within the annals of NFL history, serving as an enduring testament to the foundational principles of teamwork, strategy, and excellence that define the sport.

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Timothy P. Brown brings the scoop on the history of the football official's starters pistol, how it entered the game, and its purpose.

Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a trailblazer, a symbol of defiance, and a testament to the power of athletic excellence to challenge societal norms. From his early days at Brown University to his groundbreaking professional career, Pollard's story is one of breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron.

Born in 1894, Pollard excelled in athletics from a young age. His exceptional speed and agility landed him at Brown University, where he shattered racial barriers as the first African American to play for the school's prestigious football team. He led the Ivy League in scoring in 1916, silencing critics and proving his undeniable talent. Fritz played halfback on the Brown team that went to the 1916 Rose Bowl.

Pollard's on-field prowess was undeniable. He led the teams that he played for to heights. The Akron Pros, Union Club of Phoenixville, Milwaukee Badgers, Hammond Pros, Providence Steam Roller, and Akron Indians dazzled audiences with dazzling runs and electrifying touchdowns. His talent forced NFL teams to confront their racial prejudices with the integration of black players into the league in the early 1920s, which would be interrupted for decades after he hung up his cleats.

Though facing discrimination and prejudice throughout his career, Pollard persevered. He played for several NFL teams, becoming the league's first black head coach with the Akron Pros in 1928. His influence extended beyond the playing field; he served as a mentor and advocate for future generations of black athletes, encouraging them to break through barriers and pursue their dreams.

Beyond individual accolades, Pollard became a key figure in the fight for racial equality in sports. In 1930s, he coached the all-black "Brown Bombers," the standout professional football team. The Bombers challenged established leagues and showcased the talents of black players who were systematically excluded from mainstream professional sports.

Although his playing career ended in the early 1930s, Pollard's legacy continues to inspire. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, his contributions finally recognized on the grandest stages.

Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a catalyst for change, a champion for equality, and a role model for generations of athletes to come. His story reminds us that the power of sports transcends the game itself, serving as a platform for breaking down barriers and shaping a more equitable world.

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FootballArchaeology.com post on James L. Gilbert's fantastic work of identifying revision history graphically of the American College football field over the years.

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Timothy P Brown takes the Football Archaeology focus to the practice equipment for football in the 1960s.