Football History

The early NFL franchise in Portsmouth, Ohio competed for a couple of NFL titles in the League's first decade.

This team played an important part in early professional football and, in particular, the early NFL. The legacy of the franchise continues today as the Spartans moved to a different state and became the Detroit Lions.

Portsmouth's pro football story is an integral part of the Detroit Lions origin story and we share it here.

The Portsmouth Spartans, a professional football team that played in the National Football League (NFL), holds a unique place in sports history. On July 12, 1930, the Spartans were officially granted their franchise, becoming a symbol of Portsmouth, Ohio’s enthusiasm for the sport. Established as a member of the NFL during a time when professional football was still in its infancy, the Spartans quickly gained a reputation for competitiveness and skill.

The team played its first game in 1930, and by the 1932 season, they had established themselves as a formidable opponent in the league. Under the leadership of coach Luf McCarty, the Spartans achieved notable success, finishing the 1932 season with a record of 6 wins, 1 loss, and 4 ties. Their tenacity on the field earned them respect among their peers and a loyal local fanbase.

However, despite their on-field success, the Spartans faced financial difficulties. In 1934, the franchise was sold to a group from Detroit, leading to its relocation and rebranding as the Detroit Lions. This transition marked the end of the Spartans' era but allowed the team to thrive in Detroit, ultimately becoming one of the NFL’s iconic franchises.

The legacy of the Portsmouth Spartans lives on, especially among historians and sports enthusiasts who recognize their contribution to the development of professional football. The Spartans’ brief existence is a reminder of the passion and commitment that helped lay the foundation for the NFL's growth into a national pastime.

Born November 24, 1929 - John Henry Johnson was a great fullback who attended St. Mary’s University and was the second pick in the 1953 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, as told on the profootballhof.com internet site.

Johnson rushed for over 1000 yards in both the 1962 and 1964 seasons and was the first Steeler to ever accomplish the feat. After his contract ended in Pittsburgh, he played in the CFL for a season and then returned to the NFL with the 49ers and Detroit Lions and then played his 13th and final por season with the AFL’s Houston Oilers.

After the dust on his brilliant career had settled, Johnson accounted for 6803 career rushing yards and ranked him fourth on the All-Time rushing list. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined John Henry Johnson in the class of 1987.

There are few names in NFL history more synonymous with relentless pursuit and bone-crushing tackles than Roger Brown. A dominant defensive end for the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, Brown terrorized quarterbacks for a decade, leaving an indelible mark on the game. This essay delves into the career of this Hall of Famer, exploring his rise from a small college to becoming one of the league's most feared defenders.

Born in 1937, Brown's path to football stardom wasn't conventional. Initially aiming to improve his grades to transfer to a bigger school, he enrolled at Maryland State College (now Maryland Eastern Shore). There, his raw athleticism blossomed. He led his team to a CIAA championship in 1957 and earned NAIA All-American honors in 1958 and 1959.

Despite his collegiate success, some teams questioned his size (6'2", 260 lbs) for the professional level. The Detroit Lions, however, saw his potential. Drafted in the fourth round of the 1960 NFL Draft, Brown quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Playing alongside future Hall of Famer Alex Karras, he formed a dominant defensive line that helped revolutionize the 4-3 defense.

Brown's impact was immediate. He earned All-Pro honors five times in his first six seasons, a testament to his dominance. His relentless pursuit, ability to disrupt plays, and knack for sacking quarterbacks transformed the Lions' defense. While sacks weren't officially recorded until 1982, it's widely believed Brown amassed an impressive total throughout his career. He was known to say, "I never missed a game, I had broken hands and broken bones. But probably not as many as I caused."

Beyond his individual accolades, Brown's presence elevated the performance of his teammates. His leadership and work ethic set the standard for the Lions' defense. Although the Lions never quite reached the Super Bowl stage, Brown's impact was undeniable.

In 1970, a trade sent Brown to the Los Angeles Rams, where he continued his reign of terror for four more seasons. He retired in 1974 after a remarkable ten-year career, having played in 138 games and establishing himself as one of the most feared defensive players of his era.

A bio of the legendary College Football Hall of Fame Place kicker Jim Martin. Born April 8, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Notre Dame’s position flexible end and tackle Jim Martin. Jim started college at a bit later age than most after serving military duty in the War, so as a twenty-two year old stepping on campus as a frosh but he hit the ground running on the gridiron starting all four seasons and even becoming a team co-captain with Leon Hart in his senior season.

During that time period with Martin on the team the Fighting Irish never saw a defeat as they amassed a record of 36-0-2 according to the National Football Foundation. He was an end  in his first three years, Notre Dame faced a shortage at tackle going into 1949, and Martin volunteered to change positions. He played tackle in 1949 and was on the AP, INS, and NEA All-America teams.

The well rounded athlete also participated in boxing and swimming at the school earning the 1950 George Gipp Award as Notre Dame's outstanding athlete. Jim Martin was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Jim served on the US Marines during WWII as part of an amphibious assault team. Jim played 14 years in the National Football League with Cleveland in 1950, Detroit in 1951-61, Baltimore in 1963, and Washington in 1964. Spending the 1962 season as assistant coach at Denver. He starred as linebacker and place kicker.

For his pro career he had 56 field goals, including 15 in the 1961 season with Detroit. He later served as a football coach in the NFL, WFL and the college ranks.

A look back at all the people, events, and teams that dominated pro football during the 1935 season.

A look at the 1935 Professional Football Season in America.