Football History

Born February 23, 1877, in Lisle, New York, was the incredible guard of Princeton University, William Hanford "Big Bill" Edwards.

Big Bill is famous for a few things in history; he played and officiated some big games on the football field. None was more challenging than being the ref for the 1906 Massillon Tigers versus the Canton Bulldogs game that sparked a scandal that almost ruined pro football.

"Big Bill" Edwards left an enduring mark on the early days of American football, primarily through his impactful college career at Princeton University. Here's a look at his contributions to the sport:  

-College Career

-Edwards played guard for the Princeton Tigers football team from 1896 to 1899.  

-He was a dominant force on the field known for his size and strength.  

-Notably, he was a key player on Princeton's national championship teams in 1898 and 1899.  

-His peers respected him so much that he was elected team captain for two years.  

-His time at Princeton established him as one of the preeminent football players of his era.  

In the early days of football, the professional game was not what it is today. Edwards was primarily a college player.  
After his college career, he was involved in football by being an official and coaching and even wrote a book on football titled “Football Days.”. One of our football friends, Peter S., points out that the book is available on the web for free.

Big Bill also was part of some roughhousing that involved the game officials The Umpire Strikes Back?. Thanks to Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com we have an account of the mele. Umpire Strikes Back

-Big Bill Edwards was a Life-Saving Hero of a Government Official

The event showcasing William "Big Bill" Edwards's remarkable bravery occurred on August 9, 1910, as Mayor William Jay Gaynor of New York City prepared to board the SS Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse. The mayor was about to embark on a European vacation when James Gallagher approached him. Without warning, Gallagher drew a pistol and fired, striking Mayor Gaynor.

Amid the chaos that ensued, "Big Bill" Edwards, who was present at the scene, reacted with extraordinary speed and decisiveness. Edwards, known for his imposing physical stature from football days, immediately tackled Gallagher, effectively subduing the would-be assassin. In the process of restraining the attacker, Edwards himself sustained a minor flesh wound. However, his swift action prevented Gallagher from further harming the mayor or anyone else present.

The incident caused a sensation, and Edwards was widely hailed as a hero. His courageous intervention was credited with saving Mayor Gaynor's life. This heroism added another remarkable chapter to the life of "Big Bill" Edwards, further solidifying his reputation as a man of exceptional character. For his bravery, Edwards was awarded the Carnegie Medal for Heroism.

-Football Legacy

-Edwards' legacy is firmly rooted in his exceptional college performance and contributions to early football development.  

-His presence on those dominant Princeton teams helped solidify the program's place in football history.

-Edwards also contributed to the history of football by writing a book called "Football Days" in 1916. This book is a valuable first-hand account of 19th-century college football.  

-Big Bill's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1971 is a testament to his lasting impact.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-2× National champion (1898, 1899)  

-First-team All-American (1899)  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1971)  

"Big Bill" Edwards' influence extended beyond the football field. He was respected, and his contributions to the sport's early development are still recognized today.

The biting December wind whipped through Chicago Stadium, a fitting prelude to the gridiron clash about to unfold. 1932: a year of economic hardship, yet the NFL's popularity surged, culminating in an unprecedented indoor playoff game. The Chicago Bears and Portsmouth Spartans, locked in a tie atop the standings, were forced into this unique contest due to a blizzard that rendered outdoor fields unplayable.

This wasn't just another game; it was a pivotal moment in NFL history. The cramped confines of the stadium, the shortened field, and the modified rules created a spectacle unlike any seen before. This blog post dives into the heart of that legendary matchup, exploring the strategies, the key players, and the lasting impact of the 1932 NFL Playoff game.

Professional football in 1925 had much less structure for scheduling games. Teams wanted additional games for two reasons: to improve their position in the standings and for extra revenue. The sports promoters saw the opportunity to "lend a hand" and were more than happy to invite clubs that had the potential to attract crowds. Promoting games and picking the right opponents for the event was tricky, and they had to endure some ups and downs to get a deal done with the teams and the venue. For many reasons, the start of the 1932 season may have been a low point for the NFL. The Great Depression was in full swing, affecting the revenue of member franchises due to dwindling ticket sales as many people could barely scratch enough coins together to eat, let alone attend a football game. The economic trickle effect caused financial pain for the NFL, resulting in a significant loss of income in conjunction with its franchises and patrons. The League dropped to its lowest level of participating teams ever when only eight franchises took the field under the National Football League banner that year. This low amount of teams occurred only one other time in the League's history, in 1943 amid World War II.

The financial woes had meant the demise of major and recently competitive teams such as the Providence Steam Roller, Frankford Yellow Jackets, and Cleveland Indians. Softening some of this retraction was the addition of the Boston Braves, owned by George Preston Marshall.

-The 1932 NFL Title Contenders Emerge

Despite all the setbacks early on, the season was highly successful as three teams vied for the NFL title that season: the Green Bay Packers, Portsmouth Spartans, and the Chicago Bears.

Green Bay finished the season with a 10-3 record, a great campaign by all accounts, but not when the Spartans and Bears had a higher winning percentage and virtually tied for the best record in the League for 1932. The Bears and the Spartans had met head-to-head twice in the regular season, with both contests ending in a tie.

After some alleged backroom meetings with the NFL hierarchy, the NFL brass decided that a final game to determine a Champ would be played in a unique Chicago at Wrigley Field on December 18, 1932. The title was supposed to be given to the team with the best record, as it had been for over a decade in the young NFL. The season ended with the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans being tied for the top record in the League.

-Let Us Settle This Tie! Says George Halas

It is believed that George Halas challenged the Spartans to play a game to settle the tie; they wanted no part of any Co-Champion bologna. Thus, we had the first NFL Championship! This first postseason game in NFL history had some massive twists and turns to make it quite a remarkable story, even besides the fact that a game was going to be played to determine an NFL Champion. The first odd occurrence was that Spartans star Earl "Dutch" Clark could not play in the game because he had to work. While that may sound wild today, professional players of that era did not make enough to make a living all year. Most had to take off-season jobs to make ends meet, even the superstars like Dutch Clark, who worked as the Head Basketball Coach at Colorado College. His hoops team had a game on December 18, and Dutch couldn't get off work to make the football game in Chicago. The second crazy thing that happened was that due to a freak late-fall blizzard in Chicago, the game had to be moved inside the Chicago Stadium because Wrigley was covered with deep snow and frozen with dangerous sub-zero temperatures. The playing field had to be modified to play inside, so the game was played on a field only 80 yards long and some 30 yards narrower than the regular width the teams played on all season. The last item surrounding the game happened on the contest's only touchdown.

Bronko Nagurski threw a scoring jump pass to Red Grange, but the Spartans argued that Nagurski did not meet the legal forward pass requirement of being 5 yards or more behind the line in those days. The play stood, and the Bears won the NFL title by 9-0.

When all the smoke cleared from the controversial ending to the controversial game, a few things happened. The NFL had its first Championship game, and it was also the first time an NFL title game would be played indoors.

The interest in the NFL impromptu championship game that occurred in 1932 led to a title game being scheduled each year and announcing the birth of the NFL post season. The competitive nature of the historic 1932 season and some changes in local laws provided interest for other cities to gain franchises in the League for the 1933 season. 

The fifth season of the National Football League was filled with change and some familiar faces. The League went into the season with 18 teams (down from 20 participating in the 1923 season). The Cleveland Indians, Toledo Maroons, Oorang Indians, Louisville Brecks, and the St Louis All-Stars all folded shop, but some new blood was instilled into the fray to make it a net loss of only two teams. The Kansas City Blues, Kenosha Maroons and the Frankford Yellow Jackets all debuted as new franchises for the 1924 season.

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The Cleveland Indians are an interesting story, though. The owner of the Cleveland Indians pro football team, a Cleveland area jeweler named Sam Deutsch, agreed on August 4, 1924, to buy the Canton Bulldogs franchise, players, equipment... yes, the whole kit and kaboodle. Yes, the same Canton Bulldogs that were the two-time defending NFL Champions after the 1923 season. The sale was a win for both teams as Canton’s owners had great teams with good game attendance but struggled to make a profit.

At the same time, Cleveland had cash flow but lacked the firepower to put fannies in the stands. So before the 1924 season started, Deutsch named his coach Guy Chamberlin, the player-coach and stud player from the University of Nebraska who led the Bulldogs to their 1922 and 1923 NFL championships in Canton through his strategy and coaching. Deutsch demanded that some of the core players of his former Indians team still be in the lineup, especially quarterback Hoge Workman, an All-American from nearby Ohio State.

The Cleveland Bulldogs was a powerhouse as the combined rosters of the Indians, and the Bulldogs were what, in essence, was an All-star team of the two clubs. He promoted them as the Cleveland Bulldogs, and the team continued the Canton Bulldogs' unbeaten streak by dispatching the Chicago Bears in their opener 16-14, tying Frankford’s Yellow Jackets the next week, then rattling off a string of victories over the likes of the Akron Pros twice, Rochester Jeffersons and the Dayton Triangles. On November 16, though, riding a 31-game unbeaten streak dating back to Canton, the Bulldogs were finally defeated on the gridiron. The second meeting with the Frankford Yellow Jackets ended the streak as the Jackets knocked off the Dogs 12-7 in Cleveland.

-A Unique Twist:

-One of the key factors in the Bulldogs' success was a rather unusual situation involving the Canton Bulldogs.

-The Canton Bulldogs were a successful team on the field, but they struggled financially.

-The owner of the Cleveland franchise purchased the Canton franchise and essentially merged the two teams, taking the best players from Canton and adding them to his Cleveland roster.

-This infusion of talent undoubtedly strengthened the Cleveland Bulldogs and contributed to their championship run.

-No Playoffs, Just a Crown:

As mentioned earlier, there were no playoffs in 1924. So, the Cleveland Bulldogs, with their league-best record, were simply declared the NFL champions.  
This was a different era of professional football, and how championships were determined differed from today's system.

-A Legacy Forged:

-The 1924 championship was a significant moment in the history of the Cleveland Bulldogs (who would later become the Cleveland Rams and then move to Los Angeles).

-It marked their first NFL title and solidified their place among the league's top teams.

-While the circumstances surrounding their championship were unique, there's no denying that the Bulldogs earned their victory with a strong and consistent season.

The 1924 NFL season serves as a reminder of the league's early days, a time of change, adaptation, and some rather unusual twists and turns. The Cleveland Bulldogs' championship story is a perfect example of this intriguing era in professional football history.

The 1923 NFL season marked a pivotal moment in the league's nascent history, showcasing the growing popularity of professional football and the rise of dominant teams like the Canton Bulldogs. While the league was still relatively young and evolving, the '23 season solidified the Bulldogs' place as a powerhouse and offered a glimpse into the future of the sport.

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The Canton Bulldogs, led by the legendary player and coach Guy Chamberlin, entered the 1923 season as defending champions. They were a team stacked with talent, boasting a roster of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Chamberlin's leadership was instrumental to their success, instilling a winning mentality and fostering a cohesive team dynamic. Their style of play was characterized by a tough, physical brand of football, relying on a strong running game and a tenacious defense. This approach proved highly effective in the relatively rough-and-tumble era of early professional football.

The Bulldogs' dominance in 1923 was undeniable. They steamrolled through the regular season, compiling an impressive 11-1-1 record. Their sole loss was a narrow defeat, and the tie game could easily have been a victory. This near-perfect record underscored their superiority over the rest of the league. They consistently overpowered their opponents, showcasing their superior talent and coaching. Their victories were often decisive, leaving little doubt about their standing as the league's premier team.

-NFL standings 1923

Franchise Name W L T PCT PF PA STK

Canton Bulldogs 11 0 1 1.000 246 19 W5
Chicago Bears 9 2 1 .818 123 35 W1
Green Bay Packers 7 2 1 .778 85 34 W5
Milwaukee Badgers 7 2 3 .778 100 49 W1
Cleveland Indians 3 1 3 .750 52 49 L1
Chicago Cardinals 8 4 0 .667 161 56 L1
Duluth Kelleys 4 3 0 .571 35 33 L3
Buffalo All-Americans 5 4 3 .556 94 43 L1
Columbus Tigers 5 4 1 .556 119 35 L1
Toledo Maroons 3 3 2 .500 35 66 L1
Racine Legion 4 4 2 .500 86 76 W1
Rock Island Independents 2 3 3 .400 84 62 L1
Minneapolis Marines 2 5 2 .286 48 81 L1
St. Louis All-Stars 1 4 2 .200 25 74 L1
Hammond Pros 1 5 1 .167 14 59 L4
Akron Pros 1 6 0 .143 25 74 W1
Dayton Triangles 1 6 1 .143 16 95 L2
Oorang Indians 1 10 0 .091 50 257 W1
Louisville Brecks 0 3 0 .000 0 90 L3
Rochester Jeffersons 0 4 0 .000 6 141 L4

While the Bulldogs were the clear frontrunners, the 1923 season also saw other teams vying for contention. Teams like the Cleveland Indians and the Green Bay Packers, though not as dominant as Canton, displayed flashes of brilliance and hinted at the growing competitiveness of the league. These teams and others contributed to the overall narrative of the season, showcasing the increasing talent pool and the growing fan interest in professional football.

Beyond the wins and losses, the 1923 season was significant for the development of the NFL itself. The league was still in its formative years, grappling with standardization issues, player contracts, and overall organization. However, the success of teams like the Canton Bulldogs helped solidify the league's credibility and attract more fans. The growing media coverage of the games also contributed to the increasing popularity of professional football, laying the foundation for its future growth.

The Canton Bulldogs' 1923 season is a testament to their exceptional talent and coaching. Their dominance on the field earned them a championship and contributed to the NFL's overall growth and development. The season was a crucial stepping stone in the league's journey to becoming the dominant force in American sports today. The legacy of the 1923 Canton Bulldogs and their championship season continues to resonate within the history of professional football, reminding us of the sport’s rich and evolving past.

1923 Canton Bulldogs season. (2025, January 27). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1923_Canton_Bulldogs_season

The 1926 NFL season was a fascinating one, marked by the dominant performance of the Frankford Yellow Jackets. Here's a look at how they clinched the championship:

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-A Dominant Force

The Frankford Yellow Jackets, hailing from the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, were a powerhouse in 1926. They boasted a remarkable regular season record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties, a winning percentage of .933. This was the highest number of wins in an NFL season up to that point.

-Key Factors in Their Success

Several factors contributed to the Yellow Jackets' impressive run:

-Strong Offense: Frankford led the league in scoring, averaging nearly 14 points per game. Their offensive attack was potent and consistent, allowing them to outscore their opponents with regularity.

-Stingy Defense: While their offense garnered much attention, the Yellow Jackets' defense was equally formidable. They ranked second in the league in scoring defense, allowing a mere 2.9 points per game on average.
-Their ability to stifle opposing offenses was crucial to their success.

Key Victories: The Yellow Jackets secured several crucial victories throughout the season, including a pivotal 7-6 win over the previously unbeaten Chicago Bears on December 4th. This victory propelled them towards the championship.

Leadership: The team was led by Guy Chamberlin, a Hall of Fame coach who also played on the team. His leadership and experience were invaluable in guiding the Yellow Jackets to victory.

-Championship Clinched

The Frankford Yellow Jackets were crowned the 1926 NFL champions by their superior regular season record. A key end-of-the-season win over Pottsville clinched the title. In those days, the team with the best record at the end of the season was declared the champion; there was no championship game.

-A Notable Season

The 1926 season was a landmark one for the Frankford Yellow Jackets. Their 14 wins set a new standard for the league, and their dominant performance on both offense and defense cemented their place in NFL history. They were a deserving champion, showcasing exceptional talent and teamwork throughout the season.

-A Piece of NFL History

The story of the 1926 Frankford Yellow Jackets reminds of the rich history of the NFL. Their championship season is a testament to their skill and determination, and their legacy lives on as a significant chapter in the league's long and storied past.

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Reflecting on the New York Giants’ storied history as they approach their 100th anniversary, the podcast episode provides a compelling narrative centered on the triumphant 1986 season. Host Darren Hays introduces the episode by highlighting the significance of this anniversary for fans, many of whom have waited decades for a championship. The discussion leads into a recounting of the Giants' struggles throughout the 1970s and 1980s, marked by a lack of success that saw the team unable to secure a championship since their 1956 victory. The episode features insights from Gary Myers, a prominent NFL insider, who discusses the crucial elements that led to the Giants’ resurgence, including the impact of head coach Bill Parcells and the strategic acquisitions made by general manager George Young.

As the narrative unfolds, listeners are taken through the rollercoaster journey of the 1986 season, beginning with the team's initial setback against the Dallas Cowboys. Despite the loss, the Giants rallied to dominate the rest of the season, showcasing their strengths against formidable opponents like the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles. Hays meticulously details each game, emphasizing key moments and player performances that contributed to the team’s growing confidence. The episode culminates with a thorough breakdown of the Super Bowl XXI matchup against the Denver Broncos, illustrating how the Giants executed their game plan with precision and determination. The analysis highlights pivotal plays, including Phil Simms’ touchdown passes and strategic decisions that turned the game in the Giants' favor.

This episode not only celebrates the Giants' achievement but also underscores the importance of teamwork and resilience in sports. By revisiting this iconic season, Hays and Myers offer fans a chance to relive the excitement and pride of being a Giants supporter. The discussion serves as a reminder of the franchise's rich legacy and sets the stage for future explorations into the Giants' history, inviting listeners to reflect on what it means to be part of this football community.

Takeaways[/]

-The New York Giants celebrated their 100th anniversary in 2024, marking a historic season.

-The 1986 Giants team is remembered as one of the greatest in franchise history.

-After nearly three decades without a championship, the Giants finally won in 1986.

-Key players like Phil Simms and Lawrence Taylor contributed significantly to the team's success.

-The Giants started the 1986 season with a tough loss to the Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

-Coaches Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick played crucial roles in shaping the championship-winning team.

The Akron Pros, the champions of the inaugural NFL season in 1920. The challenges faced by the Akron Pros during their season, including a tight schedule and internal team issues, yet they still managed an impressive record. Listeners are taken back to the early days of the league, where the structure and organization of professional football were still in their infancy.

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

The inaugural season of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), later to become the NFL, in 1920 was a chaotic experiment, a wild west of fledgling franchises grappling with the very concept of a professional league. Amidst this uncertainty, the Akron Pros emerged as the first champions, finishing the season with an impressive 8-0-3 record. However, their path to the title was far from straightforward, reflecting the league's growing pains.

The early days of professional football were riddled with challenges. Scheduling was a logistical nightmare, with teams often playing irregularly and against varying levels of competition. Player disputes were common, as the league struggled to establish consistent rules and regulations. The very structure of the league was in flux, with teams joining and disbanding throughout the season. In this turbulent environment, the Akron Pros managed to maintain consistency and secure their place in history.

A fascinating "what if" scenario highlights the precarious nature of that first season. Had a hypothetical game between the Pros and the Decatur Staleys, another strong contender, actually been played, the course of NFL history could have been drastically different. This underscores how close the championship was and how easily it could have swung the other way.

Key figures like Fritz Pollard and Paul Robeson played pivotal roles in Akron's success. Pollard, a pioneering African American player and coach, brought exceptional talent and leadership to the team. Robeson, a multi-talented athlete and activist, contributed significantly to the Pros' performance. Their presence on the team not only showcased their individual brilliance but also reflected the diverse landscape of early professional football.

Despite the excitement surrounding the nascent league, professional football faced a significant hurdle: public perception. College football reigned supreme in popularity, and the professional game was often viewed with skepticism, considered a less refined and somewhat chaotic version of its collegiate counterpart. The 1920 season and the Akron Pros' championship represented a crucial step in legitimizing professional football and paving the way for its eventual rise to national prominence.

-[b]1920 Akron Pros Facts

-Owner Akron Exhibition Co.

-Charles Stahl

-President Frank Nied,

-Art Ranney

-Head coach Elgie Tobin

-Home field League Park

-Results

-Record 8–0–3 overall

-6–0–3 (APFA)

-Division place 1st APFA (named champions)

-Playoff finish No playoffs until 1932

The 1928 NFL season, though lacking the modern spectacle of today's game, was a pivotal chapter in the league's formative years. At its heart lies the story of the Providence Steam Roller, a now-defunct franchise that defied expectations to claim the NFL championship. This season, as explored in a detailed podcast, sheds light on the league's early struggles, the absence of a structured championship game, and the unique circumstances that shaped the Steam Roller's triumph.

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

Unlike the contemporary NFL, where a playoff system culminates in the Super Bowl, the 1928 season determined its champion based solely on regular-season records. This absence of a formal championship game underscores the era's evolving nature, where organizational structures were still being refined. The Providence Steam Roller, entering their fourth NFL season, had demonstrated steady improvement, and in 1928, they reached their zenith.

The podcast narrative meticulously traces the Steam Roller's journey, highlighting pivotal matches that ultimately secured their championship. Critical victories against key rivals propelled them to the top of the standings, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. The detailed accounts of these games provide a window into the raw, unpolished football of the late 1920s, a stark contrast to the sophisticated strategies of today.

However, the Steam Roller's story is not merely one of on-field success. The podcast delves into the team's personal challenges, revealing a poignant tale of resilience in the face of tragedy. Amidst their championship pursuit, the players coped with personal losses, demonstrating their unwavering determination and camaraderie. This emotional depth adds a human dimension to their victory, transforming it from a mere sporting achievement into a testament to the team's spirit.

The inclusion of Greg Tranter, a guest expert on the Providence Steam Roller, significantly enriches the podcast. Tranter's insights provide valuable context, offering a deeper understanding of the franchise's history and its place within the broader landscape of early NFL. His expertise illuminates the nuances of the 1928 season, adding layers of historical accuracy and detail.

The narrative emphasizes the importance of historical context in appreciating the NFL's evolution. By examining the 1928 season, listeners gain a greater understanding of the league's humble beginnings and the challenges it faced. The Providence Steam Roller's championship serves as a reminder of the league's diverse history, where teams of varying sizes and resources competed on a level playing field.

The 1928 Providence Steam Roller season stands as a unique achievement, as they are the last defunct team to win an NFL championship. Their record of only one loss is a testament to their dominance that year. This narrative serves as a critical examination of the NFL’s past, and the unique circumstances that shaped the league we know today.

The 1922 NFL season was a pivotal year in the league's formative years, marked by the dominance of the Canton Bulldogs and their undefeated championship run. It was the first season that the league went under the banner of the National Football League, as it had previously been called the American Professional Football Association (APFA). This era, still relatively close to the league's inception, showcased the burgeoning popularity of professional football and the rise of legendary figures who would shape the sport's future.

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

The Canton Bulldogs, led by the astute coaching of Guy Chamberlin, were a force to be reckoned with. Their roster boasted an impressive collection of talent, including iconic names like Jim Thorpe, who, although nearing the end of his career, still commanded attention and respect. The team's offensive prowess was undeniable, steamrolling opponents with a potent combination of skilled players and innovative strategies. Their final record of 10-0-0 spoke volumes about their dominance, a testament to their unwavering consistency and ability to overpower their competition.

The Bulldogs' success wasn't merely about individual brilliance but a collective effort, a testament to teamwork and a shared vision. Their offensive line paved the way for their running backs, while their defense stifled opponents, allowing a mere 21 points throughout the season. This balanced approach and Chamberlin's leadership made them an unstoppable juggernaut.

Beyond their on-field achievements, the 1922 Canton Bulldogs played a crucial role in solidifying the NFL's position in the American sports landscape. Their undefeated season generated significant media attention and fan interest, contributing to the league's growing popularity. The team's success helped to dispel any lingering doubts about the viability of professional football, paving the way for its continued growth and evolution.

The 1922 season also witnessed other noteworthy developments. The league expanded to include new teams, further broadening its reach and appeal. Rule changes were implemented to enhance the game's excitement and safety, reflecting the league's commitment to continuous improvement. While the Canton Bulldogs undoubtedly stole the spotlight, other teams and players also contributed to the season's narrative, adding to the rich tapestry of NFL history.

In conclusion, the 1922 NFL season was a landmark year, defined by the extraordinary achievements of the Canton Bulldogs. Their undefeated championship run solidified their place in NFL history and played a crucial role in the league's growth and development. The team's dominance, coupled with the contributions of other players and teams, helped to elevate professional football to new heights, setting the stage for its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

The 1929 NFL season was a landmark year, marked by expansion, officiating changes, and a dominant Green Bay Packers team. The league welcomed new franchises, including the Orange Tornadoes, Staten Island Stapletons, and Minneapolis Red Jackets, while the Buffalo Bisons returned after a year's hiatus. Notable team shifts included the Pottsville Maroons becoming the Boston Bulldogs, the New York Yankees folding, and the Detroit Wolverines merging with the New York Giants.

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

A significant development was the introduction of the Field Judge, a fourth on-field official, to enhance game coverage. This position, though initially optional, aimed to improve the visibility of plays, particularly in the deep secondary and along the sidelines, which were increasingly utilized with the growing popularity of the forward pass.

The undefeated Green Bay Packers and the formidable New York Giants dominated the season's narrative. Their highly anticipated November 24th clash, touted as the unofficial championship game, lived up to expectations. The Packers emerged victorious, defeating the Giants 20-6 and securing a crucial lead in the standings. Both teams continued their winning streaks, but with a 12-0-1 record, the Packers clinched their first NFL championship. The Giants finished a close second at 13-1-1.

In their final game, the Packers' victory over the Chicago Bears, 25-0, solidified their undefeated season. Carl Lidberg and Eddie Kotal delivered standout performances, with Kotal's spectacular one-handed catch being a highlight. The team's defensive prowess was also notable, allowing only 22 points throughout the season and recording eight shutouts. The Packers’ roster was filled with talent, and the team featured many players who would be considered game legends.

The first night game in professional football history was played on November 6, 1929, at Kinsley Park in Providence, Rhode Island. The Providence Steam Roller hosted the Chicago Cardinals in this historic contest.

The season also highlighted individual brilliance, with players like Bull Behman, Tony Plansky, Ernie Nevers, and Benny Friedman delivering exceptional performances. The Packers' championship win was celebrated with a "Championship Fund" initiated by the Green Bay Press-Gazette, raising over $5,000 for the players despite the recent stock market crash. Each player received $220 and a watch, a testament to the community's support.

Sources:

Pro-Football-Reference.com

Packers.com

Newspapers.com

https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/packers/205713961.html