Football History

The football contest between the Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club on November 12, 1892, in the football hotbed of Pittsburgh, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the sport.

Pictured is the 1892 Allegheny Athletic Association team courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

While it may seem unremarkable in retrospect, this game stands as a foundational cornerstone for professional football.  Though not an NFL game, it makes our list of Greatest NFL games because it started the trend that made pro football a reality.

The Allegheny Athletic Association and the Pittsburgh Athletic Club were two of the most prominent football clubs in the late 19th century. The rivalry between these two Pittsburgh-based clubs was intense. Their desire to prevail led to a groundbreaking decision: the Allegheny Athletic Association paid William "Pudge" Heffelfinger, a renowned college football player, a substantial sum of $500 to suit up for their team. This unprecedented transaction transformed Heffelfinger into the first openly compensated football player, a watershed moment that signaled the transition from amateur to professional gridiron competition.  

Beyond the financial implications, the game itself was a spectacle. The rough and tumble nature of early football was on full display, with players often employing tactics that would be considered illegal by today's standards. The contest was a microcosm of the era, showcasing the sport's raw, physicality and its growing popularity.

While the Allegheny Athletic Association emerged victorious, the game's true significance lies in its historical context. It ignited a debate about the integrity of the sport and the blurring lines between amateurism and professionalism. Moreover, it laid the groundwork for the professional football leagues that would follow, transforming the game into a major spectator sport. This game was a turning point in the history of football, marking the beginning of the transition from amateur to professional and the rise of football as a major sport in the United States.

The 1892 Allegheny-Pittsburgh game serves as a reminder of the humble beginnings of professional football. It is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of those involved and the enduring appeal of competition. Though overshadowed by the storied franchises of today, this contest deserves recognition as a catalyst for the growth and development of the sport we know and love.

-Key figures associated with the game include:

-William "Pudge" Heffelfinger: The first openly paid football player.  

-1892 - Pudge Heffelfinger Becomes the First Person to be Paid to Play Football

-Allegheny Athletic Association: The team that employed Heffelfinger and won the game.
Pittsburgh Athletic Club: The rival team.

-Frequently Asked Questions About Early Pro Football

Do you like learning about older professional teams from yesteryear? Perhaps a stroll through these FAQ's will entertain your football brain.

-Who was the first professional football player? Pudge Heffelfinger is documented to have been paid $500 by the Allegheny Athletic Association in 1892. Learn more about it in this post: Pudge Gets Paid

-When did the first fullly professional team first take the field? The 1897 Latrobe Athletic Association 1897 team was the first to play a full season, but the first fully paid team to play a single game occurred a year earlier in 1896 when the Allegheny Athletic Association paid their entire roster for two games, AAA Pioneers of Pro Football 1896.

-What is the most famous professional team that was not an NFL franchise? There are a number to pick from if you count rival leagues to the National Football League, but when only focusing on independent early teams the Massillon Tigers are a candidate.

-What is the best professional football team of All-Time? Statistics show that the 1903 Franklin All-Stars from Franklin, Pennsylvania out perform any team in history, learn more about them here: 1903 Franklin All-Stars.

-When did the National Football League start? Though there was a 1902 three-team league of the same name, the NFL we know today actually was organized on September 17, 1920 in Canton, Ohio as the American Professional Football Association or APFA.

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The term "Tuck Rule games" evokes a singular moment in NFL history: the 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. A controversial officiating decision involving quarterback Tom Brady's Fumble, later known as the "Tuck Rule," significantly impacted the outcome, propelling the Patriots to victory and their eventual first Super Bowl win. This essay delves into the game, the controversy, and its lasting legacy on the NFL.

-Our call of the play
Let's relive the moment of the play with our call of the game.

Scene: AFC Divisional Playoff game, final seconds of the second quarter. New England Patriots trailing Oakland Raiders 10-3.

Broadcaster: Second and long, Patriots desperately need a play. Brady takes the snap and drops back... trouble! Raiders bringing pressure! Scrambles right, trying to find an open man... (crowd gasps) Fumble?! Stripped by Woodson, and it's Wheatley for the Raiders! Touchdown practically seals the game... wait a minute! Belichick throws the flag! They're stopping the play! What a turn of events here! Now, the officials are huddled around Belichick, so let's see what they come up with. Replay is incoming, folks; this could be a game-changer.
(tense pause as the replay shows the Fumble)

Broadcaster:  Whew, slow it down. This is right on the edge. Can Brady have tucked the ball away in a throwing motion before the Fumble? That's the whole ball game with the Tuck Rule. Here it comes. The arm starts to go forward just as the ball comes loose, and this will be close. Officials are talking it over...(longer pause, crowd noise rising in anticipation)... An incomplete pass is the call on the field! Belichick is sticking with his call, and the Patriots get a new lease on life! A huge turn of events, folks! We go to halftime with a completely different game on our hands!

-Commentary on the Tuck Rule

The game itself was a nail-biting defensive struggle. With mere seconds remaining in the second quarter and the Raiders leading 10-3, Brady, under immense pressure, scrambled out of the pocket and attempted a pass. Raiders linebacker Charles Woodson, in a move that could have changed the course of the game, stripped the ball, which Oakland safety Tyrone Wheatley then recovered. However, referee Bill Belichick (not related to Patriots coach Bill Belichick) ruled that Brady had tucked the ball away in an attempt to pass before the Fumble occurred, negating the turnover and awarding the Patriots possession. This call sparked a firestorm of outrage from the Raiders and their fans, who believed the game had been stolen.

The controversial Tuck Rule, implemented in 1999, was designed to protect quarterbacks from fumbles caused by hits while bringing their arm back to pass. However, its subjectivity and the rarity of its application in such a critical moment fueled the controversy. The ensuing media frenzy dissected every angle of the play, with opposing viewpoints highlighting the rule's subjectivity and the potential for officiating bias.

Despite the controversy, the Patriots seized the opportunity. They orchestrated a masterful drive down the field and scored a touchdown before halftime, dramatically shifting the momentum. The game remained a fierce battle, but New England ultimately emerged victorious with a score of 24-17. This victory, marked by the controversial call, was the catalyst for the Patriots' dynasty, as they went on to win Super Bowl XXXVI, the first of their six championships under the leadership of Tom Brady and coach Bill Belichick.

The Tuck Rule game's legacy extends far beyond that season. The controversy exposed the weaknesses of the Tuck Rule, leading to its revision in 2004. The revised rule offered a more precise definition of a "fumble" in the context of a passing motion. The game also cemented the rivalry between the Patriots and the Raiders, with the controversial call becoming a source of lingering resentment for Raiders fans.

The Tuck Rule game serves as a cautionary tale regarding the impact of officiating on high-stakes games. It highlights the need for clear and objective rules and consistent officiating. The controversy also underscores the passionate nature of NFL fandom and the enduring impact that controversial calls can have on a team's legacy and a fanbase's perception.

Other instances of the rule coming to light are:

-In their 2001 season opener (September 23) against the New York Jets, the New England Patriots received a controversial call later known as the "tuck rule." [See also: 2001 New York Jets season and 2001 New England Patriots season]
With just over a minute left in the second quarter, Jets quarterback Vinny Testaverde appeared to fumble the ball after pressure from Patriots defensive end Anthony Pleasant. Richard Seymour recovered the Fumble, but upon review, the call was overturned to an incomplete pass due to the tuck rule. This controversial call allowed the Jets to tie the game with a field goal on that drive and ultimately win 10-3. Interestingly, Patriots coach Bill Belichick referenced this game later in the season after the infamous "Tuck Rule Game," implying he knew the rule's potential impact based on this earlier encounter.

-The tuck rule was enforced in a regular season game on October 9, 2005, between the Washington Redskins and the Denver Broncos. Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer lost the football while in the Broncos' end zone.

-In a hard-fought AFC Wild Card matchup on January 9, 2011, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Kansas City Chiefs.

In conclusion, the Tuck Rule game was not just a single playoff matchup. It was a seismic event that exposed officiating vulnerabilities, spurred significant rule changes, and marked the beginning of a dynastic era in the NFL. The game remains a hot topic for fans and analysts alike, a stark reminder of the drama, controversy, and enduring legacy that a single call can leave on the sport.

Aftermath:

On March 20, 2013, the NFL owners voted 29–1 to abolish the rule at the winter meetings. 

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On September 24, 1972, at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts engaged in an epic shootout that would be remembered as one of the greatest games in NFL history. The duel between legendary quarterbacks Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas was a spectacle of offensive fireworks, a clash of two distinct styles of play.

Namath, the brash and charismatic young quarterback of the Jets, was rapidly establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier passers. Unitas, the aging but still brilliant signal-caller of the Colts, was a revered figure in the league, known for his clutch performances and leadership. The matchup between these two quarterbacks promised to be a classic.

The game did not disappoint. Namath and Unitas traded touchdown passes throughout the afternoon, showcasing their exceptional skills and the talent of their respective receiving corps. Namath, in particular, was on fire, throwing for 496 yards and six touchdowns. Unitas, not to be outdone, responded with a solid performance of his own, passing for 376 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jets ultimately emerged victorious, defeating the Colts by a score of 44-34. Namath's six touchdown passes set a new NFL record for a single game, a record that would stand for over a decade. The game was a testament to the enduring greatness of both Namath and Unitas, two quarterbacks who would forever be linked in the annals of NFL history.

#OTD On September 28, 1951, the Los Angeles Rams took the field for their season opener against the Chicago Cardinals. While the Rams were expected to put on a strong performance, few could have predicted the historic feat that was about to unfold. At the helm of the Rams' offense was a quarterback named Norm Van Brocklin, a player known affectionately as "The Dutchman."

Van Brocklin's journey to the starting lineup was anything but straightforward. Despite his impressive talent and potential, he found himself in a quarterback battle with the seasoned veteran Bob Waterfield. Waterfield had won the preseason competition and was expected to start the season. However, an injury sidelined Waterfield, paving the way for Van Brocklin to take center stage.

The Dutchman seized this opportunity with both hands. In a game that will forever be etched in NFL history, Van Brocklin completed 33 of 53 passes for a staggering 554 yards. This record-breaking performance was a testament to his exceptional arm strength, accuracy, and ability to read defenses.

Van Brocklin's success was not solely due to his individual brilliance. He was aided by a talented receiving corps that included the legendary Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch, Tom Fears, and V.T. Smith. These receivers combined for over 439 yards and helped Van Brocklin set a new NFL record for passing yards in a single game.

The Dutchman's performance on September 28, 1951, was a landmark moment in NFL history. It showcased the incredible talent and potential of Van Brocklin and solidified his place among the league's greatest quarterbacks. His record-breaking day remains a testament to his skill and the enduring legacy of the Los Angeles Rams.

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On September 24, 1989, the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles clashed in a thrilling matchup that showcased the brilliance of Joe Montana and the high-powered offenses of both teams. The game, played at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, was a classic shootout that would be remembered for years to come.

The Eagles struck first, taking an early lead on the strength of their running game. However, Montana and the 49ers offense were not to be denied. The legendary quarterback calmly dissected the Eagles defense, throwing five touchdown passes and leading his team to a come-from-behind victory.

The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with both teams combining for over 800 yards of total offense. Montana's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he completed 23 of 32 passes for 357 yards and the five touchdowns. His ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint passes was on full display.

The 49ers' victory was a significant boost to their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions. It also solidified Montana's status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The game between the 49ers and Eagles will be remembered as one of the most exciting and memorable matchups in NFL history.

On September 21, 1986, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins engaged in an instant classic that would be remembered as one of the greatest games in NFL history. The matchup between two iconic quarterbacks, Ken O'Brien of the Jets and Dan Marino of the Dolphins, lived up to the hype and resulted in a thrilling 51-45 overtime victory for New York.  

The game was a shootout from start to finish. Marino, already a superstar, threw for 448 yards and six touchdowns. O'Brien, looking to establish himself as a top quarterback, responded with an equally impressive performance, passing for 479 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Wesley Walker was the hero for the Jets, catching three touchdown passes, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime.  

The Jets led 31-21 at halftime, but the Dolphins stormed back to take a 38-31 lead in the third quarter. The Jets tied the game late in the fourth quarter on a touchdown pass from O'Brien to Walker, forcing overtime. In the extra period, O'Brien connected with Walker once again for the winning touchdown, sending the Jets' fans into a frenzy.  

The combined 96 points scored in the game were the third-most in NFL history at the time. The 927 passing yards combined by O'Brien and Marino stood as an NFL record for 25 years.

The Jets-Dolphins game of September 21, 1986, will always be remembered as one of the greatest offensive displays in NFL history.

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The 1982 match-up where a well-meaning grounds crew member helped hi New England Patriots enjoy themselves at home.

The December 12, 1982 matchup between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots was a game defined by the harsh winter weather. The snow-covered field made for treacherous conditions, significantly impacting both teams' offensive strategies.

As the game progressed, the Patriots found themselves on the brink of victory with a chance to kick a game-winning field goal. However, the snow-covered field posed a significant challenge for the kicker. To ensure a clear path for the kick, a snowplow was brought onto the field to clear a spot for the attempt.

With the field cleared, the Patriots kicker successfully converted the field goal, securing a 3-0 victory over the Dolphins. The game, now famously known as the "Snow Plow Game," remains a memorable moment in NFL history, highlighting the impact of weather on the sport and the lengths teams will go to secure a win.

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Lace up your cleats and step back in time to December 9th, 1934, for a championship game unlike any other. This isn't just about a battle between gridiron giants – the New York Giants and Chicago Bears. This is the story of ingenuity, adaptation, and a surprising footwear choice that changed the course of the game, earning it the unforgettable nickname: The Sneakers Game.

Get ready for a tale of frozen fields, underdog tactics, and a legendary fourth-quarter comeback fueled by...well, let's just say it wasn't your typical football gear. Join us as we delve into the history of this iconic game, exploring the strategies, the stars, and the unexpected twist that secured victory for one lucky team. So, grab some hot cocoa, because things are about to get interesting (and a little slippery) in the 1934 NFL Championship Game!

-The 1934 Season

The defending champion Chicago Bears, a team that had dominated the NFL in 1934 and went undefeated in the regular season, were the Giants' formidable opponents.

December 9, 1934 - Polo Grounds, New York City - "The Sneakers game" is what this National Football League Championship game has been fondly branded. This was a rematch of the two teams that played in the 1933 League Championship contest, the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. The Bears entered the game as the favorites; after all, they had not lost a game all season and had beaten the Giants twice earlier. The November 4 match-up of the two squads at Wrigley Field saw the home team dismantle New York 27-7. The two franchises met again two weeks later at the Polo Grounds, and the Bears won out again in a much closer decision, 10-9.

The Bears had a roster of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers. Experienced veterans like Red Grange, George Musso, Walt Keisling, Link Lyman, and Bronko Nagurski complemented the athleticism of Keith Molesworth, Rookie Beattie Feathers, Bill Karr, and Jack Manders. Yes, George Halass has put together an extremely talent-laden roster.

The Giants countered with a strong supporting cast of Red Badgro, Ray Flaherty, Mel Hein, Ed Danowski, and Ken Strong but ran the gambit with a disappointing 8-5 regular season mark. New York had suffered two season-opening losses, one to Green Bay and the other to Detroit, to back into the season 0-2 before rattling off four straight. The Giants did just enough to win the East outlasting the 6-6 Boston Redskins for the right to play in the NFL Championship game.

The Giants were quite confident entering the contest; though blown out in Chicago during the regular season, they played the Bears almost even on the Polo Grounds' home field. Coach Owen had to carefully search for an edge to give his team an advantage and a fighting chance against the undefeated Champs. Ultimately, this 'leg up' would reveal itself on game day.

The 1934 NFL Title Game

The game was played in New York as the NFL practiced an alternate rotation of East and West Conference's home-field advantage for the title game participants. You may remember from a previous discussion that the 1933 game was played at Wrigley when the two teams squared off. Weather in New York City in early December is always a factor to consider, and in this case, rain the night before froze as temperatures plummeted below 32 degrees to the teens, leaving the Polo Grounds turf and every other outdoor surface in the Big Apple more like a hockey rink that a gridiron battlefield. A sparse crowd of over 35,000 braved the elements to watch the contest in the frozen stands.

The early portion of the contest went as the oddsmakers calculated. Molesworth was a handful for the Giant's defenders as he and Nagurski slashed and pounded the football for chunks of yardage in the first half. Chicago's bright young star, Beattie Feathers, was injured and unavailable for this big game. Bronko eventually lumbered his way over the goal line, and Chicago jumped out to a 10-3 lead by the intermission.

A Change in Momentum

John Mara, the Giants treasurer, noticed that the turf of the Polo Grounds was practically a sheet of ice just hours before kick-off. Mara let the coaching staff, including team Captain Ray Flaherty, know about the field. Flaherty's thoughts returned to a game he remembered that he and his team at Gonzaga College had played with similar icy conditions where they took off their cleats and put on basketball shoes to try and gain better traction. Flaherty wanted the Giants to take the same action; however, since it was a Sunday, no sporting goods store was in the open area. That's when some networking and a true home-field advantage played out.

The Giants' equipment personnel hurried to Manhattan College to borrow their basketball teams' footwear. Both teams initially struggled with traction, but Head Coach Steve Owen's secret strategy and the Giants' determination turned the tide. At halftime, it was time for a footwear revision, and Owen's receivers and backs donned the limited number of sneakers they had on loan, gaining a significant advantage.

At the onset of the second half, things got worse for the Giants as the visitors padded the lead with a field goal that went up 13-3.

Ken Strong's talents were shown bright that day even though he had been banged up due to a rough injury-plagued season, and star end Red Badgro had suffered a season-ending wound in an earlier game, preventing him from playing in the title tilt. He was the Giants' weapon of choice for much of the game, but for the first three quarters, the Bears' defense limited his effectiveness. Strong and the Giants finally caught a break in the third, but it was almost heartbreaking. Ed Danowski stepped back to pass as the Giants drove deep into Chicago territory. The QB's toss seemed destined for glory until Chicago's Carl Brumbaugh stepped in front and appeared to intercept the ball. However, New York receiver Ike Frankian swiped the ball out of the Bears's defender's mits and strolled into the endzone to close the gap on the Chicago lead, avoiding the disaster and making it 13-10 early in the fourth quarter.

After a quarter, the Giants were literally and figuratively finding their footing as the rubber-soled footwear, with its suction cup design to grab a hold on the hardwoods, gave traction to the New York bunch that wore them. It was all Giants the rest of the way as Ken Strong crossed the stripe twice, the first one on a 41-yard scamper to paydirt, followed by another of his own and a Danowski TD run as an insurance policy.

The G-men scored four touchdowns in the final stanza, surprising the Chicago Bears with a 30-13 Giants comeback victory route.

For their efforts, the players on the Giants received a check of $621.03 each while the Bears players licked their wounds on the long train ride back to the Windy City, holding their pay receipts up to just over $400 each.

Little did anyone know that this game would go down in history, not just for the Giants' victory but also for the innovative strategy that changed the course of football.

On January 12, 1969, the football world witnessed a seismic shift at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida. Super Bowl III pitted the upstart American Football League champions, the New York Jets, against the mighty Baltimore Colts, a powerhouse of the established National Football League. The Colts, boasting legendary quarterback Johnny Unitas and led by the esteemed coach Don Shula, were overwhelming favorites. However, the brash young Jets quarterback, Joe Namath, boldly declared his team would emerge victorious, a prediction met with widespread disbelief.

Namath's "guarantee" fueled a national debate, further emphasizing the perceived gulf between the two leagues. The Colts, with their storied history and star-studded roster, were expected to easily dismantle the Jets. Yet, against all odds, Namath and the Jets delivered a stunning 16-7 upset. This landmark victory not only silenced the doubters but also forever altered the landscape of professional football, proving the AFL's legitimacy and ushering in a new era of parity.

Super Bowl III transcended the game itself, becoming a cultural phenomenon. The AFL versus NFL games of the past ended on this day as the AFL rose to equal footing with the senior league. The NFL was truly unified and the championship would become a National Holiday of sorts in the near future.

Namath, the charismatic and confident quarterback, became a national icon. His victory cemented his status as a superstar and inspired a generation of athletes to believe in themselves and defy expectations. The Jets' triumph shattered the myth of NFL dominance and paved the way for the eventual merger of the two leagues, creating the modern-day NFL we know today.

For American football fans, especially those devoted to the Cleveland Browns, January 17th, 1988, is a date etched in memory. It was the night of the "The Fumble," a dramatic AFC Championship game played at Denver's Mile High Stadium. This wasn't the first time these two teams, the Browns and the Broncos, had battled it out for a trip to the Super Bowl. According to Brownsnation.com, these AFC powerhouses were familiar foes throughout the era.

As the clock ticked down in the fourth quarter, the tension was thick. The Browns, trailing by a mere five points, were mounting a determined drive. Each play felt crucial, every yard gained a victory. Browns fans held their breath with each snap, hope rising with every inch of ground gained. But then, disaster struck. With just over a minute remaining and the Browns seemingly on the verge of a comeback, running back Earnest Byner fumbled the ball deep in Denver territory. The Broncos pounced on the loose ball, effectively ending the Browns' championship dreams.

The Denver Broncos secured a 38-33 victory, but the game's legacy extends far beyond the final score. "The Fumble" became a defining moment in NFL history, a symbol of both resilience and heartbreak. It's a story that continues to be recounted and debated by fans to this day, solidifying January 17th, 1988 as a significant date in American football lore.