The 1934 Pro Football Season
A look back at all the people, events, and teams that dominated pro football during the 1935 season.
The 1935 NFL Season History Rewind
A look at the 1935 Professional Football Season in America.
The 1940 College Football Season History Rewind
The 1940 college football season was a rollercoaster ride with multiple contenders and a touch of controversy.
Tennessee Volunteers football team was a dominant force in college football, finishing the 1940 season with a 10-1 record and claiming the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship. Led by the legendary coach Robert Neyland, the Vols boasted a potent offense and a stingy defense, earning them recognition as one of the top teams in the nation.
The Vols marched through their regular season schedule without a single blemish, outscoring their opponents by a staggering margin of 332 to 45. This included victories over rivals Alabama (27-7) and Georgia (14-0).
The Vols' offense was well-oiled, averaging over 30 points per game and featuring several talented playmakers. Notable players included:
-Bob Suffridge: A unanimous All-America selection at guard, Suffridge anchored the offensive line and paved the way for the Vols' running attack.
-Johnny Majors: A sophomore quarterback who would become a college football legend, Majors led the Vols' passing game and contributed to their offensive success.
-Dizzy Dean Hobbs: A versatile back who could run, pass, and catch, Hobbs was a threat to opposing defenses every time he touched the ball.
Defensive Stalwarts: The Vols' defense was equally impressive, allowing only 4.1 points per game and shutting out four opponents. Key players included:
Bill Brennan: A hard-hitting linebacker, Brennan led the team in tackles and was a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defense.
John Micheloson: A talented defensive end, Micheloson was a disruptive force on the pass rush and contributed to the Vols' overall defensive dominance.
The 1940 Boston College Eagles football team was one of the surprise teams in college football that season. They finished the regular season undefeated (11-0) and were widely considered the national champion, although the final Associated Press poll ranked them fifth. The Eagles were led by head coach Frank Leahy, who was in his second year at the helm and played their home games at Fenway Park in Boston and Alumni Field in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
The team's star player was fullback Mike Holovak, who won the Heisman Trophy and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Other key players included quarterback Paul Doherty, halfback Jack Moir, and end Al Coup.
The Eagles' most famous victory came in the 1941 Sugar Bowl when they defeated the previously unbeaten Tennessee Volunteers 19-13. This victory cemented the Eagles' claim to the national championship. However, some sportswriters argue that Minnesota, which finished the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, should be considered the true champion.
Big Ten Battle
The Big Ten conference had two dominant teams: Michigan and Minnesota.
The 1940 Michigan Wolverines football team dominated college football, finishing the season with a 7-1 record and ranking No. 3 in the final AP Poll.
Here are some of the highlights of their season:
Led by third-year head coach Fritz Crisler, the Wolverines boasted a potent offense that outscored opponents 196 to 34.
The team's offensive attack was led by quarterback Tom Harmon, who won the Heisman Trophy after throwing 1,177 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 244 yards and four touchdowns.
Heisman Trophy:
The "Golden Boy" of the year was Tom Harmon of Michigan. He won the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award, dazzling fans with his running and passing skills. Harmon formed a potent trio with quarterback Forest Evashevski and fullback Bob Westfall, making Michigan a feared offensive force.
1940 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team was a dominant force, going undefeated (8-0) and capturing the national championship title. Led by the legendary coach Bernie Bierman, who was in his ninth year at the helm, the Gophers were well-oiled machines, outscoring their opponents by a convincing margin of 154 to 71.
One of the team's key strengths was its potent running attack, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of George Franck and Bruce Smith. Together, they accounted for over 60% of the Gophers' touchdowns, showcasing their exceptional speed and agility on the gridiron. Franck even finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, a testament to his brilliance.
The Gophers' defense was equally impressive, holding their opponents to a mere 8.9 points per game. All-American tackle Urban Odson anchored the defensive line, while quarterback Bob Paffrath orchestrated the offense with precision and efficiency, earning him the team MVP award.
Ah, the 1940 Minnesota Golden Gophers' victory over the Michigan Wolverines was a game etched in college football history as a thrilling nail-biter and a turning point in the season. Here's the story:
Setting the Stage:
Date: November 9, 1940
Location: Memorial Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Weather: A muddy, rain-soaked field
Teams:
-Minnesota Golden Gophers: Undefeated powerhouse, ranked #2 in the AP Poll, coached by legendary Bernie Bierman.
Michigan Wolverines: Also undefeated, ranked #3 in the AP Poll, boasting the "point-a-minute" offense led by Tom Harmon.
The Game:
It was a brutal defensive battle in the mud, with both offenses needing help finding a rhythm. Michigan scored a touchdown, but the extra point attempt was missed, leaving the Wolverines leading 6-0.
Minnesota's Bruce Smith (nicknamed "Biggie") broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run in the second half, electrifying the home crowd.
Joe Mernik calmly converted the extra point, giving Minnesota the narrow lead of 7-6.
The game remained tense until the final whistle, with Minnesota holding on for the dramatic victory.
The Gophers then faced a tough Nebraska Cornhusker team. Despite missed opportunities, Minnesota edged out Nebraska with a final score of 13-7. Here's a rewrite of the provided text incorporating some key details:
Minnesota established early control, marching down the field on their opening drive. However, after reaching the Nebraska 15-yard line, they unfortunately missed a field goal, leaving points on the board. Despite this setback, the Golden Gophers' defense held firm, keeping Nebraska scoreless in the first half.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Nebraska came out firing, tossing a 48-yard pass and a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. This sudden surge put pressure on Minnesota to respond.
Minnesota quarterback Bruce Smith stepped up in the crucial fourth quarter. He launched a spectacular 41-yard touchdown pass to receiver William Johnson, putting the Golden Gophers back in the lead at 13-7.
The third game in a row for Minnesota's gauntlet of a schedule was against rival Ohio State. Minnesota owed everything to Bruce Smith, who carved up the Buckeyes for 139 yards and both touchdowns. He opened the scoring with a 10-yard jaunt after a fake pass, but his missed extra point kept it a nervous 6-0. Ohio State threatened, reaching the 1-yard line, only to be turned away.
A classic gridiron duel unfolded as Bruce Smith's 139-yard, two-touchdown show traded blows with Ohio State's grit. His 10-yard fake-pass TD, however, was marred by a missed PAT, leaving the Gophers clinging to a 6-0 lead. The Buckeyes stormed back, reaching the 1-yard line before Minnesota's defense stood firm. A fumble soon after gave Ohio State a golden opportunity, which they converted with a fourth-down lateral and touchdown pass to grab a 7-6 lead. But Smith wasn't done, ripping off two electrifying 23-yard runs to set up his second touchdown and ultimately secure a 13-7 victory.
Another team that had some strong contention for being the top team in 1940 was Stanford. The 1940 Stanford Indians football team, also known as the "Wow Boys," is a true gem in college football history. Let's dive into their remarkable season:
Dominating with the "T" Formation:
Led by innovative first-year head coach Clark Shaughnessy, the Indians revolutionized the game using the T formation. This offensive scheme, considered outdated then, emphasized speed, deception, and ball distribution, leaving defenses needing clarification.
The season was packed with thrilling moments. Stanford's narrow escape against USC, dubbed the "Thrilling Thursday" game, stands out. With seconds remaining, they pulled off a last-minute field goal to secure a 13-10 victory.
Another highlight was the Indians dismantling rival California in the Big Game. Stanford's 41-0 shutout cemented their dominance and sent shockwaves through college football.
Champions:
Officially: The Associated Press (AP) crowned Minnesota national champions after their undefeated season (8-0-1). They were ranked #1 in the final AP poll.
Unofficially, The Dunkel System, another popular ranking system at the time, awarded the title to Tennessee. The Volunteers finished the regular season 10-0, but a Sugar Bowl loss to Boston College tarnished their record.
Minnesota: AP Poll, National Championship Foundation, CFB Researchers
Stanford: Helms
Tennessee Volunteers football team was a dominant force in college football, finishing the 1940 season with a 10-1 record and claiming the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship. Led by the legendary coach Robert Neyland, the Vols boasted a potent offense and a stingy defense, earning them recognition as one of the top teams in the nation.
The Vols marched through their regular season schedule without a single blemish, outscoring their opponents by a staggering margin of 332 to 45. This included victories over rivals Alabama (27-7) and Georgia (14-0).
The Vols' offense was well-oiled, averaging over 30 points per game and featuring several talented playmakers. Notable players included:
-Bob Suffridge: A unanimous All-America selection at guard, Suffridge anchored the offensive line and paved the way for the Vols' running attack.
-Johnny Majors: A sophomore quarterback who would become a college football legend, Majors led the Vols' passing game and contributed to their offensive success.
-Dizzy Dean Hobbs: A versatile back who could run, pass, and catch, Hobbs was a threat to opposing defenses every time he touched the ball.
Defensive Stalwarts: The Vols' defense was equally impressive, allowing only 4.1 points per game and shutting out four opponents. Key players included:
Bill Brennan: A hard-hitting linebacker, Brennan led the team in tackles and was a force to be reckoned with in the middle of the defense.
John Micheloson: A talented defensive end, Micheloson was a disruptive force on the pass rush and contributed to the Vols' overall defensive dominance.
The 1940 Boston College Eagles football team was one of the surprise teams in college football that season. They finished the regular season undefeated (11-0) and were widely considered the national champion, although the final Associated Press poll ranked them fifth. The Eagles were led by head coach Frank Leahy, who was in his second year at the helm and played their home games at Fenway Park in Boston and Alumni Field in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
The team's star player was fullback Mike Holovak, who won the Heisman Trophy and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Other key players included quarterback Paul Doherty, halfback Jack Moir, and end Al Coup.
The Eagles' most famous victory came in the 1941 Sugar Bowl when they defeated the previously unbeaten Tennessee Volunteers 19-13. This victory cemented the Eagles' claim to the national championship. However, some sportswriters argue that Minnesota, which finished the season ranked No. 1 in the AP poll, should be considered the true champion.
Big Ten Battle
The Big Ten conference had two dominant teams: Michigan and Minnesota.
The 1940 Michigan Wolverines football team dominated college football, finishing the season with a 7-1 record and ranking No. 3 in the final AP Poll.
Here are some of the highlights of their season:
Led by third-year head coach Fritz Crisler, the Wolverines boasted a potent offense that outscored opponents 196 to 34.
The team's offensive attack was led by quarterback Tom Harmon, who won the Heisman Trophy after throwing 1,177 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushing for 244 yards and four touchdowns.
Heisman Trophy:
The "Golden Boy" of the year was Tom Harmon of Michigan. He won the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award, dazzling fans with his running and passing skills. Harmon formed a potent trio with quarterback Forest Evashevski and fullback Bob Westfall, making Michigan a feared offensive force.
1940 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team was a dominant force, going undefeated (8-0) and capturing the national championship title. Led by the legendary coach Bernie Bierman, who was in his ninth year at the helm, the Gophers were well-oiled machines, outscoring their opponents by a convincing margin of 154 to 71.
One of the team's key strengths was its potent running attack, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of George Franck and Bruce Smith. Together, they accounted for over 60% of the Gophers' touchdowns, showcasing their exceptional speed and agility on the gridiron. Franck even finished third in Heisman Trophy voting, a testament to his brilliance.
The Gophers' defense was equally impressive, holding their opponents to a mere 8.9 points per game. All-American tackle Urban Odson anchored the defensive line, while quarterback Bob Paffrath orchestrated the offense with precision and efficiency, earning him the team MVP award.
Ah, the 1940 Minnesota Golden Gophers' victory over the Michigan Wolverines was a game etched in college football history as a thrilling nail-biter and a turning point in the season. Here's the story:
Setting the Stage:
Date: November 9, 1940
Location: Memorial Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Weather: A muddy, rain-soaked field
Teams:
-Minnesota Golden Gophers: Undefeated powerhouse, ranked #2 in the AP Poll, coached by legendary Bernie Bierman.
Michigan Wolverines: Also undefeated, ranked #3 in the AP Poll, boasting the "point-a-minute" offense led by Tom Harmon.
The Game:
It was a brutal defensive battle in the mud, with both offenses needing help finding a rhythm. Michigan scored a touchdown, but the extra point attempt was missed, leaving the Wolverines leading 6-0.
Minnesota's Bruce Smith (nicknamed "Biggie") broke free for an 80-yard touchdown run in the second half, electrifying the home crowd.
Joe Mernik calmly converted the extra point, giving Minnesota the narrow lead of 7-6.
The game remained tense until the final whistle, with Minnesota holding on for the dramatic victory.
The Gophers then faced a tough Nebraska Cornhusker team. Despite missed opportunities, Minnesota edged out Nebraska with a final score of 13-7. Here's a rewrite of the provided text incorporating some key details:
Minnesota established early control, marching down the field on their opening drive. However, after reaching the Nebraska 15-yard line, they unfortunately missed a field goal, leaving points on the board. Despite this setback, the Golden Gophers' defense held firm, keeping Nebraska scoreless in the first half.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. Nebraska came out firing, tossing a 48-yard pass and a 7-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7. This sudden surge put pressure on Minnesota to respond.
Minnesota quarterback Bruce Smith stepped up in the crucial fourth quarter. He launched a spectacular 41-yard touchdown pass to receiver William Johnson, putting the Golden Gophers back in the lead at 13-7.
The third game in a row for Minnesota's gauntlet of a schedule was against rival Ohio State. Minnesota owed everything to Bruce Smith, who carved up the Buckeyes for 139 yards and both touchdowns. He opened the scoring with a 10-yard jaunt after a fake pass, but his missed extra point kept it a nervous 6-0. Ohio State threatened, reaching the 1-yard line, only to be turned away.
A classic gridiron duel unfolded as Bruce Smith's 139-yard, two-touchdown show traded blows with Ohio State's grit. His 10-yard fake-pass TD, however, was marred by a missed PAT, leaving the Gophers clinging to a 6-0 lead. The Buckeyes stormed back, reaching the 1-yard line before Minnesota's defense stood firm. A fumble soon after gave Ohio State a golden opportunity, which they converted with a fourth-down lateral and touchdown pass to grab a 7-6 lead. But Smith wasn't done, ripping off two electrifying 23-yard runs to set up his second touchdown and ultimately secure a 13-7 victory.
Another team that had some strong contention for being the top team in 1940 was Stanford. The 1940 Stanford Indians football team, also known as the "Wow Boys," is a true gem in college football history. Let's dive into their remarkable season:
Dominating with the "T" Formation:
Led by innovative first-year head coach Clark Shaughnessy, the Indians revolutionized the game using the T formation. This offensive scheme, considered outdated then, emphasized speed, deception, and ball distribution, leaving defenses needing clarification.
The season was packed with thrilling moments. Stanford's narrow escape against USC, dubbed the "Thrilling Thursday" game, stands out. With seconds remaining, they pulled off a last-minute field goal to secure a 13-10 victory.
Another highlight was the Indians dismantling rival California in the Big Game. Stanford's 41-0 shutout cemented their dominance and sent shockwaves through college football.
Champions:
Officially: The Associated Press (AP) crowned Minnesota national champions after their undefeated season (8-0-1). They were ranked #1 in the final AP poll.
Unofficially, The Dunkel System, another popular ranking system at the time, awarded the title to Tennessee. The Volunteers finished the regular season 10-0, but a Sugar Bowl loss to Boston College tarnished their record.
Minnesota: AP Poll, National Championship Foundation, CFB Researchers
Stanford: Helms
The 1939 College Football Season - Football History Rewind
Despite lacking a universally recognized national champion, the 1939 college football season was anything but uneventful. It was a year marked by unexpected ... — www.youtube.com
The Tumultuous 1939 College Football Season: Undefeated Champions and Surprising Twists
Despite lacking a universally recognized national champion, the 1939 college football season was anything but uneventful. It was a year marked by unexpected twists, dominant teams, and individual brilliance, impacting the sport's history.
A Season of Upsets and Contenders:
Pre-season favorites like Pitt and Notre Dame suffered surprising losses early in the season, shaking up the national landscape. Even the previous year's highly ranked team, TCU, lost at UCLA, 6–2, on September 29, spiraling the Horned Frogs to a losing season. The year saw the emergence of several strong contenders, including Tulane, Cornell, and Tennessee, all vying for the top spot.
The University of Tennessee's Volunteers completed a regular-season campaign of 10-0 and garnered an invitation to the Rose Bowl. The Vols were the defending national champions, and their run through the schedule in 1939 may have outdone the efforts of 1938. The 1939 Vols version is the last team in NCAA history to go undefeated, untied, and unscored upon in the regular season. Under Coach Robert Neyland's guidance, the team completed what would be their second of three consecutive undefeated regular seasons.
The USC Trojans still have their stalwart Coach Howard Jones, now in his fifteenth season. Southern Cal sported stars such as future College Football Hall of Fame inductee guard Harry Smith, who in '39 was a consensus first-team pick. Quarterback Grenny Lansdell was also an All-American lauded by a few publications. Southern Cal suffered a couple of regular season ties against rivals Oregon and UCLA but still bested the others on the West Coast to have the honor of attending the Rose Bowl.
USC emerged victorious in the Rose Bowl against a talented Tennessee team, boasting a solid defense. The Trojans blanked the Number 3 Vols 14-0 to finish 8-0-2 on the year.
The Big Red of Cornell University finished 8–0 and, per the Litkenhous System, were selected as the National Champions. The Big Red was also retroactively chosen as co-national champion in the Sagarin Ratings. Coach Carl Snavely's squad was invited to the 1940 Rose Bowl but declined the bid for academic reasons, as they wanted their players to catch up on their schoolwork after a long season.
Cornell's freshman team included a future College Football Hall of Fame tackle, Nick Drahos. Drahos was a consensus first-team selection on the 1939 All-America college football team and was inducted into the Hall in 1981.
Texas A&M Emerges Victorious:
The season culminated with the Texas A&M Aggies, led by consensus All-American fullback John Kimbrough, claiming the Associated Press (AP) national championship title. Their undefeated season, featuring a dominant win over a highly-ranked Tulane team 14-13 in the Sugar Bowl, has solidified their place as the top team in the eyes of many voters. The A&M squad went 11–0 and outscored their opponents by a combined total of 212 to 31.
The 1939 Texas A&M College Football team etched their name in history as one of the most dominant teams of their era. Led by a strong defense and a prolific offense, the Aggies marched through the season undefeated, culminating in a national championship victory.
Building a Dynasty Under Homer Norton:
This pinnacle of success wasn't a coincidence. Under the guidance of head coach Homer Norton, who entered his sixth year at the helm, the Aggies had been steadily building a winning culture. Norton's emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and a solid running game laid the foundation for the team's dominance.
A Season of Perfection: Shutouts and Offensive Exploits
The 1939 season was a masterclass in both defensive prowess and offensive efficiency. The Aggies boasted one of the nation's stingiest defenses, allowing a meager 1.6 points per game and shutting out six of their eleven opponents. This defensive dominance was anchored by a talented line led by tackle Joe Boyd, who served as team captain.
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Other Notable Teams and Performances:
Despite not being crowned national champions, several other teams had remarkable seasons. Iowa, led by Heisman Trophy winner Nile Kinnick, finished with an impressive 6-1-1 record.
A Season of Controversy:
The lack of a unified governing body to declare a national champion in 1939 fueled the debate and controversy surrounding the top teams. This highlighted the need for a more centralized system to determine a definitive winner, ultimately leading to the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) creation in the late 1990s.
A Pivotal Year for College Football:
Despite the lack of undisputed champions, the 1939 season was pivotal for college football. It showcased the sport's increasing depth and competitiveness, with multiple teams vying for national relevance. Additionally, it paved the way for future discussions and advancements in determining a national champion, shaping the landscape of college football as we know it today.
The 1940 Pro Football Season History Rewind
The 1940 NFL season was marked by dominance, innovation, and a record-breaking finale, as well as vying with yet another rival league.
The Short-Lived American Football League (AFL III) (1940-1941)
The American Football League (AFL III) was a professional American football league from 1940 to 1941. It was the third major league to bear that name, but its existence was short-lived due to competition from the established National Football League (NFL).
The AFL III was formed in 1940 when three teams from the minor-league American Professional Football Association (APFA) - the Cincinnati Bengals, the Columbus Bullies, and the Milwaukee Chiefs - were lured away to join three new franchises in Boston, Buffalo, and New York City. This move dissolved the APFA, which had just announced its plans to compete with the NFL as a major league.
The AFL III faced an uphill battle, competing against the well-established and popular NFL. Despite some innovative features, such as the first-ever use of a double round-robin schedule (five home games and five away games for each team), the AFL III needed traction.
There were several reasons for the AFL III's demise:
-Financial difficulties: The league needed more financial resources from the NFL and struggled to attract fans and sponsors.
-Competition from the NFL: The NFL had a more extended history, extensive fan base, and established teams, making it difficult for the AFL III to compete.
-Internal turmoil: The league was plagued by internal disagreements and a lack of stability.
Despite its short existence, the AFL III made a few notable contributions to American football:
-Innovation: The league introduced the double round-robin schedule, which is still used today in some sports leagues.
-Player development: Several players who later starred in the NFL, such as Don Maynard and Pat Harder, got their start in the AFL III.
NFL 1940
The 1940 NFL season was marked by dominance, innovation, and a record-breaking finale.
The Chicago Bears reigned supreme, showcasing the power of the T-formation offense orchestrated by legendary coach George Halas. Led by aerial artistry and Sid Luckman's leadership, the Bears secured the Eastern Division title.
Innovation: This season saw the rise of the T-formation, revolutionizing how offenses operated. This innovative scheme emphasized teamwork and precision, opening passing lanes and creating a formidable rushing attack.
Memorable Moments:
-In one of the most bizarre finishes in NFL history, the New York Giants were leading the Packers 27-0 when the game was cut short due to bad weather. However, the Packers had rallied in the second half, and upon further review, the NFL awarded them the victory due to their progress before the interruption.
-Sammy Baugh's Passing Prowess: Baugh led the league in passing yards, further cementing his status as one of the game's all-time great quarterbacks.
The season culminated in an epic NFL Championship Game between the Bears and the Washington Redskins. In a display of offensive dominance, the Bears crushed the Redskins by a score of 73-0, still the most significant margin of victory in NFL history.
This lopsided victory remains the most one-sided in NFL history, a testament to the Bears' sheer power and precision.
The game was a landmark moment for the league, not just for the score but also because it became the first NFL title game broadcast nationwide by the Mutual Broadcasting System. This brought the excitement of professional football to millions of listeners across the country, further solidifying its place as America's favorite sport.
The Bears' offense, led by quarterback Sid Luckman and fueled by the innovative T-formation, was unstoppable. They scored eleven touchdowns, with ten different players finding the end zone. This dominance cemented the T-formation as a revolutionary strategy, influencing offensive schemes for decades.
Legacy: The 1940 NFL season cemented the Chicago Bears as a powerhouse and showcased the growing popularity of professional football. The rise of the T-formation and the innovations on the field laid the groundwork for the dynamic, pass-oriented NFL we see today.
Passing Leader: Sammy Baugh, 1367 Yds
Rushing Leader: Whizzer White, 514 Yds
Receiving Leader: Don Looney, 707 Yds
The Short-Lived American Football League (AFL III) (1940-1941)
The American Football League (AFL III) was a professional American football league from 1940 to 1941. It was the third major league to bear that name, but its existence was short-lived due to competition from the established National Football League (NFL).
The AFL III was formed in 1940 when three teams from the minor-league American Professional Football Association (APFA) - the Cincinnati Bengals, the Columbus Bullies, and the Milwaukee Chiefs - were lured away to join three new franchises in Boston, Buffalo, and New York City. This move dissolved the APFA, which had just announced its plans to compete with the NFL as a major league.
The AFL III faced an uphill battle, competing against the well-established and popular NFL. Despite some innovative features, such as the first-ever use of a double round-robin schedule (five home games and five away games for each team), the AFL III needed traction.
There were several reasons for the AFL III's demise:
-Financial difficulties: The league needed more financial resources from the NFL and struggled to attract fans and sponsors.
-Competition from the NFL: The NFL had a more extended history, extensive fan base, and established teams, making it difficult for the AFL III to compete.
-Internal turmoil: The league was plagued by internal disagreements and a lack of stability.
Despite its short existence, the AFL III made a few notable contributions to American football:
-Innovation: The league introduced the double round-robin schedule, which is still used today in some sports leagues.
-Player development: Several players who later starred in the NFL, such as Don Maynard and Pat Harder, got their start in the AFL III.
NFL 1940
The 1940 NFL season was marked by dominance, innovation, and a record-breaking finale.
The Chicago Bears reigned supreme, showcasing the power of the T-formation offense orchestrated by legendary coach George Halas. Led by aerial artistry and Sid Luckman's leadership, the Bears secured the Eastern Division title.
Innovation: This season saw the rise of the T-formation, revolutionizing how offenses operated. This innovative scheme emphasized teamwork and precision, opening passing lanes and creating a formidable rushing attack.
Memorable Moments:
-In one of the most bizarre finishes in NFL history, the New York Giants were leading the Packers 27-0 when the game was cut short due to bad weather. However, the Packers had rallied in the second half, and upon further review, the NFL awarded them the victory due to their progress before the interruption.
-Sammy Baugh's Passing Prowess: Baugh led the league in passing yards, further cementing his status as one of the game's all-time great quarterbacks.
The season culminated in an epic NFL Championship Game between the Bears and the Washington Redskins. In a display of offensive dominance, the Bears crushed the Redskins by a score of 73-0, still the most significant margin of victory in NFL history.
This lopsided victory remains the most one-sided in NFL history, a testament to the Bears' sheer power and precision.
The game was a landmark moment for the league, not just for the score but also because it became the first NFL title game broadcast nationwide by the Mutual Broadcasting System. This brought the excitement of professional football to millions of listeners across the country, further solidifying its place as America's favorite sport.
The Bears' offense, led by quarterback Sid Luckman and fueled by the innovative T-formation, was unstoppable. They scored eleven touchdowns, with ten different players finding the end zone. This dominance cemented the T-formation as a revolutionary strategy, influencing offensive schemes for decades.
Legacy: The 1940 NFL season cemented the Chicago Bears as a powerhouse and showcased the growing popularity of professional football. The rise of the T-formation and the innovations on the field laid the groundwork for the dynamic, pass-oriented NFL we see today.
Passing Leader: Sammy Baugh, 1367 Yds
Rushing Leader: Whizzer White, 514 Yds
Receiving Leader: Don Looney, 707 Yds
The 1937 Pro Football Season History Rewind
In 1937, gridiron history saw two leagues duke it out. In the established NFL, Canton's "Monsters of the Midway" roared to an undefeated season, only to falter in the championship game against the Washington Redskins, led by rising star Sammy Baugh.
Meanwhile, the rival AFL witnessed the Los Angeles Bulldogs become the first-ever West Coast champs with a perfect, undefeated record. Though short-lived, the AFL served as a springboard for Cleveland's Rams, who joined the NFL the next year. This season also saw the formation of the Oorang Indians, an all-Native American team sponsored by a dog kennel, adding a unique note to the year's gridiron tapestry. Buckle up, football fans, 1937 was a wild ride in the early days of professional football!
Image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons , courtesy of the Los Angeles Daily News of American Pro Football League game between the Los Angeles Bulldogs (dark jerseys) and the Rochester Tigers at Gilmore Stadium. The exciting game kept the 17,000 fans on their toes and ended with a victory for the Bulldogs, who defeated the Tigers 48–21.
Meanwhile, the rival AFL witnessed the Los Angeles Bulldogs become the first-ever West Coast champs with a perfect, undefeated record. Though short-lived, the AFL served as a springboard for Cleveland's Rams, who joined the NFL the next year. This season also saw the formation of the Oorang Indians, an all-Native American team sponsored by a dog kennel, adding a unique note to the year's gridiron tapestry. Buckle up, football fans, 1937 was a wild ride in the early days of professional football!
Image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons , courtesy of the Los Angeles Daily News of American Pro Football League game between the Los Angeles Bulldogs (dark jerseys) and the Rochester Tigers at Gilmore Stadium. The exciting game kept the 17,000 fans on their toes and ended with a victory for the Bulldogs, who defeated the Tigers 48–21.
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