Football History

---

On April 7, 1943, the NFL underwent a significant transformation, ushering in an era of strategic flexibility and increased player safety. As highlighted on NFL.com, the league officially adopted free substitution, allowing for unlimited player changes throughout games. This pivotal rule change revolutionized game management.

Two-Platoon Era of Pro Football is Born

During World War II, the NFL faced a significant crisis due to the many players and coaches who enlisted in the military. Team rosters were severely depleted, threatening the league's ability to continue operating. With the vast majority of young, physically fit men being drafted for World War II, NFL team rosters faced severe depletion and constant instability. Driven by this critical necessity, the league made a pivotal decision in 1943, implementing a rule allowing teams to substitute players freely at any point during a game. This change was a direct response to the wartime manpower shortage. To address this manpower shortage, the NFL adopted free substitution on April 7, 1943.  

This rule change, initially a temporary measure, allowed teams to freely substitute players in and out of the game without the previous restrictions. This meant coaches could now strategically use different players for offensive and defensive situations, maximizing the limited talent available. Essentially, it paved the way for the "two-platoon system" where distinct offensive and defensive units could be deployed.  

While initially born out of necessity, the strategic advantages of the two-platoon system became apparent. After the war, although there was some initial pushback to revert to the one-platoon system, the benefits of specialization and the increased excitement it brought to the game led to its permanent adoption. Thus, the player shortages of WWII directly spurred the rule change that facilitated the development of the two-platoon system, a fundamental aspect of modern American football.

NFL Makes Helmets Mandatory Equipment

Simultaneously, the NFL mandated the use of helmets, a crucial step towards safeguarding players. The NCAA had integrated a similar rule in 1939.

Furthermore, the league formalized a 10-game regular season schedule, establishing a new framework for competition. This date marks a turning point in NFL history, impacting gameplay and player well-being for decades to come.

April 5, 1973 - The National Football League revises its rules to adopt the jersey numbering system with:

1-19: Quarterbacks and specialists
20-49: Running backs and defensive backs
50-59: Centers and linebackers
60-79: Defensive linemen and offensive linemen other than centers
80-89: Wide receivers and tight ends

Numbers 0, 00, and 90-99 are no longer allowed to be issued, even though these numbers were rarely issued anyway. According to the American Football Database, numbers 90-99 would be allowed again in 1984 for defensive linemen and linebackers in addition to the above-mentioned numbers.

Other NFL rule revisions included the following: Defensive players cannot jump or stand on a teammate while trying to block a kick.
The clock is to start at the snap following a change of possession. Previously, the clock would start on a change of possession when the referee spotted the ball ready for play.

If the offensive team commits a foul and follows it up with a change of possession, the period can be extended by one play by the other team.
If the receiving team commits a foul after the ball is kicked, possession will be presumed to have changed; the receiving team keeps the ball.

Of course, this had some tweaks along the way with expanding the numbers for skill players in 2020 and the History/Football-by-the-numbers/NFL_Allows_0" target="bbcode">reinstating of the number 0 in 2022.

Sock it to 'em, NFL style! Uncover the surprising history behind the NFL's long-standing rule mandating players wear high socks. It's not just about fashion; discover the real reasons behind this unique uniform regulation and how it shapes the look of the game today.

On April 9th, 1945, the NFL officially mandated that all players must wear long stockings covering their lower legs. This decision, spearheaded by Commissioner Elmer Layden, aimed to create a more uniform and professional aesthetic across the league. While seemingly a minor detail, this rule has persisted for decades, directly influencing the visual presentation of NFL players on the field every Sunday.

This "sock up" mandate, established on April 9th, distinguishes the NFL's uniform policy from many college football programs where bare legs are still common. The enforcement of this rule, often resulting in fines for violations, underscores the league's commitment to a consistent and polished appearance. It's a subtle yet defining characteristic of the NFL's iconic visual identity, a tradition upheld for over three-quarters of a century.

1887 - A convention of football rules makers convened and focused on the game's rules, which empowered the referee with even more clout.

A resolution was passed stating, “rules should be enforced rigidly by referees, and that captains should instruct their men against holding, roughing, and all other objectionable features.” The group even made all varsity captains sign a resolution, swearing to coach their teams to play pretty and by the rules. Also, the Umpire position was created to help the Referee.

Other major rules changes from this conference were to make it a must for teams to try for a goal after a touchdown.

See more in our 1887 series, part 10 of the history series.

Could the NFL unexpectedly throw a financial lifeline to the CFL? Explore the potential for a surprising cash infusion between the two leagues. What could trigger such an unprecedented move and what would it mean for the future of Canadian football?

April 9, 1997 -  NFL announced it will give $3M to the CFL and a possible "World Classic Bowl". The agreement was to lessen hostilities of the CFL when the NFL would schedule games in Toronto to try and expand its reach. After all, Toronto is the third largest city in North America. The NFL reached a five-year partnership agreement with the CFL in 1997, which included a $3 million loan to the financially struggling Canadian league. Therefore, the NFL received the CFL's blessing to hold an annual preseason or regular season game in either Toronto or Vancouver for the duration of the agreement.

While no recent official announcements confirm a direct cash surprise from the NFL to the CFL specifically on April 9th or any other date in 2025, the two leagues have a history of occasional collaboration and financial considerations. In the late 1990s, the NFL provided a loan to the CFL during a period of financial instability in the Canadian league. Any future financial support would likely stem from strategic partnerships or mutual growth initiatives rather than a simple, unexpected cash handout.

The relationship between the NFL and CFL has evolved over decades, marked by player movement agreements and efforts to grow the sport of football in North America. While the CFL has faced financial challenges at various points in its history, a sudden, unannounced cash injection from the NFL on April 9th seems improbable without preceding discussions or a clear strategic rationale benefiting both leagues. Any significant financial support would likely be part of a more formal agreement aimed at long-term stability and mutual benefit.

USA Today Thu, Apr 10, 1997 ·Page 15

---

April 12, 1940 - The NFL reduced the penalty for clipping. According to the FootballZebras.com website, up until 1940, the offense might as well have given the ball to the defense immediately if they got flagged for clipping.

Before 1940, a clipping penalty was a 25-yard penalty from the spot of the foul. From 1940 to today, the penalty is 15 yards. At some time during the 1990, all levels of football adopted the Block in the Back rule that partially cleaned up the clipping rule further.

Before this change, almost any block from behind was considered a clip. The Block in the back fouls are blocks from behind above the waist and have a ten-yard penalty, while the clip was limited to behind the back below the waist of the offended player.

---

Today, we're unleashing a blitzkrieg on the evolution of the American Football uniform, a tale of sweat, leather, and, surprisingly... fashion. Don't hang up your cleats just yet, folks, because this will be a wild ride through the sartorial savagery of the gridiron.

Let's rewind to the late 19th century when football resembled rugby more than the high-octane spectacle we know today. Players rocked woolen pants, canvas shirts, and leather strappings adorned the heads that looked more like torture devices than protective gear. Think of it in the vain of a tweed golf getup meets executioner garb and industrial work clothes for some heavy doses of chaffed skin.

These guys were pioneers! They established the basic silhouette – long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and a healthy dose of mud. They also gave us some rudimentary pads. Shoulder pads were first seen in the 1890s, initially worn outside players' sweaters for protection.

Versions of tied shoulder pads were in the Spaldings 1906 catalog, and other teams had them sewn onto the player's sweaters.

These early stocking cap era players were more concerned with protecting their noses than their brains. The nose guard was invented one year before any head protection was formerly marketed.

Multiple types of leather headgear, often referred to as the head harness, were the predecessor of the helmet.

The Leather Revolution and the Birth of the Numbers Game:
(Transition sound)
Fast forward to the roaring twenties, and the game gets a severe wardrobe upgrade. Leather pants and jackets have become all the rage, offering protection and a surprisingly sleek air.

Decorative friction strips were so popular in the 1920s, and how teams placed them in patterns on the jerseys, not only for an aesthetic purpose but to help runners hang on to the ball.

(Optional: Interview with a historian to discuss the cultural and technological factors behind the leather revolution)
Breaking Through the Color Barrier and the Rise of the Superstars:
(Transition sound)

The late 1920s and 1930s are what my friend Timothy Brown refers to as the "Ugly uniform era" of football, as friction strips and stripes and a variety of fabrics were used to try to gain a competitive and aesthetic advantage.

Football teams from 1915 through 1936 had almost complete control over what was on their uniforms. According to NCAA rules, the numbers only went in front of them officially in 1937. The letter designations of the school were expected since the early days of stocking cap era football, but the school logo was an innovation in the World War I era and after the game's brand. Eventually, the random stripes were relegated to the sleeves and a possible military pinstripe down the sides of the football pants.

Before World War II, their helmets were made of more modern materials. In 1939, plastic helmets strutted onto the field, promising lightweight protection. But these early examples crumbled under pressure, shattering and causing more injuries than cheers. They were quickly benched, only to return beefed up with sturdier plastic and a healthy dose of padding a year later. By 1943, even the NFL realized the value of cranium protection, making helmets mandatory four years after college football did the same.

In the late 1940s, mouthguards appeared as the urge to protect the teeth was emphasized.

After WWII, the rules and the look of football morphed considerably once again. The helmets were soon adorned with more protective equipment in a mandatory hard shell variety.

The first face mask was worn by Otto Graham of the Cleveland Browns, who got elbowed in the mouth during the first half of a 1953 game and then played the second half wearing a piece of plastic that coach Paul Brown taped to his helmet.

Let's jump to 1947, which witnessed a gridiron fashion revolution. A Los Angeles Rams running back with a vision. Rams' Fred Gehrke grabbed a paintbrush and transformed his helmet into a canvas, etching iconic ram horns that sent shockwaves through the league. And guess what? Fans adored it! Suddenly, helmets weren't just protective gear; they were billboards of team identity, especially on the nascent black-and-white televisions of the time.

It is the age of high-tech fabrics, lightweight pads, and helmets that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie. Performance meets style, with teams pushing the boundaries of design and material innovation.

The 1960s: Color TV explodes, and so do uniform palettes! Teams embrace dazzling hues, bidding farewell to drab jerseys. The NFL even introduced a position-based numbering system, making it easier to tell who's throwing bombs and who's catching them.
Big Pads, Big Hits: The running game reigns supreme, and shoulder pads morphed into plastic fortresses in the '60s. Think broad, heavy, and "moving a human brick pile." But as the game shifts to aerial acrobatics, pads slim down, prioritizing mobility over medieval armor vibes.
Neck Roll Rhapsody (and Demise): From the '70s to '90s, linemen sport inflatable neck pillows on their backs, hoping to shield vulnerable nerves. But like most fashion fads, evidence mounts against their effectiveness, and eventually, the neck rolls deflate and disappear.

December 20, 1867 - Minneapolis, Minnesota - William W. "Pudge" Heffelfinger, the legendary Yale Bulldogs guard, was born. The footballfoundation.org website bio describes Hefflefinger as being 6’-3" tall and weighing in at 195 pounds. Let's put that size into perspective because Cam Newton at quarterback is 6’-5" and weighed 240 pounds. Still, in 1890 when Pudge played, he was extremely athletic and a giant among his peers.

His size allowed him to destroy the blocks and defenses of opposing lines where it was said he would typically take out two to three players at a time. With his outstanding athleticism and the genius of Walter Camp, he also is credited with introducing the "pulling guard" play. The All- America selections originated in 1889 by Walter Camp, and Pudge was on this initial team. He repeated in 1890-91, his last two seasons at Yale. Yale was a significant football power during that era, and Pudge helped lead the Bulldog team to undefeated seasons in 1888 and 1891 and one-loss seasons during the 1889 and 1890 campaigns.

The 1888 team amazingly outscored their opponents 698-0 that season! The National Football Foundation welcomed the collegiate career of Pudge Heffelfinger into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. As great of a collegiate player as Pudge was, that's not exactly what Pudge is best known for, though. After college Heffelfinger continued playing for independent teams, and on November 12, 1892, the Allegheny Athletic Association near Pittsburgh paid Pudge Heffelfinger the tidy sum of $500 to play just one game with them against their heated rivals, the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. The AAA with Pudge did win the game that day by the score of 4-0, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

---

Witness the wartime resilience of the 1943 NFL season! Despite player shortages, the indomitable Chicago Bears, led by their legendary coach, powered through adversity to claim the championship title. Relive the grit and glory of this unforgettable year in pro football history!

The 1943 NFL season unfolded against the backdrop of World War II, significantly impacting team rosters as many players served in the armed forces. Despite these challenges, the Chicago Bears showcased exceptional talent and coaching, forging a dominant path through the league. Their unwavering determination and strategic brilliance culminated in a decisive championship victory, solidifying their place as the kings of professional football in a nation united by war.

The Chicago Bears' championship run in the 1943 NFL season was a testament to their enduring legacy. Their potent offense and stifling defense proved too much for their opponents, culminating in a memorable title game triumph. This victory not only marked another championship for the storied franchise but also provided a welcome source of entertainment and pride for a nation grappling with the realities of wartime, forever etching their 1943 season into NFL annals.

-Podcast Coverage

We have the history of this milestone year on pro football history documented in a Pigskin Dispatch Podcast and Video powered by guest Jack Silverstein, "Chicago's Sports Historian."

The podcast offers a meticulous examination of the 1943 Chicago Bears, a team that not only epitomized the spirit of resilience during a challenging wartime season but also redefined the dynamics of American football.

Today's guest expert is "Chicago's Sports Historian" Jack Silverstein of readjack.wordpress.com and author of "Why We Root: Mad Obsessions of a Chicago Sports Fan."

Through engaging discussions and expert insights, the episode captures the essence of a transformative period in the NFL, highlighting the strategic innovations introduced by the Bears, particularly the T formation that revolutionized offensive play. The episode is replete with anecdotes and historical context, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by the league, including the significant absence of players who had enlisted in the armed forces. Listeners are treated to a narrative that intertwines personal stories of sacrifice and glory, culminating in the Bears' championship victory that served as a beacon of hope and unity for a nation in turmoil. This exploration not only honors the legacy of the players and coaches involved but also serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of sports to inspire and uplift even in the darkest of times.

-Takeaways

-The 1943 NFL season was marked by significant player shortages due to World War II, influencing the dynamics of the league.

-The Chicago Bears' championship victory in 1943 is a testament to resilience amidst global conflict and adversity.

-Sid Luckman's remarkable performance during the 1943 season redefined quarterback excellence in professional football history.

-The innovative T formation utilized by the Bears revolutionized offensive strategies in the NFL, leading to unprecedented success in the league.

Do you want to know more about the football legacy of the Ohio Bobcats?

Here is a summary of the video about Ohio Bobcats' football history in bowl games:
The video reviews the Bobcats' bowl games throughout history,.
The Bobcats have played in eight bowl games.
Their most recent bowl game was in 2012, which they won.
They have a 4-4 record in bowl games.