Steamrollered 1928
The National Football League (NFL) of today, awash in billion-dollar franchises and national attention, bears little resemblance to its humble beginnings. In the early decades of the 20th century, the league was a ragtag collection of teams, some based in small towns with quirky nicknames like the Providence Steamrollers and the Pottsville Maroons. This essay explores how the NFL moved on from these early franchises, transforming itself into the sports juggernaut it is today.
According to the report read by President Joe Carr at the annual league meeting, held at Cleveland's Statler Hotel on February 11 and 12, 1928, the previous season had been the greatest in attendance in league history, but you couldn't prove it in Cleveland, Buffalo or Pottsville.
Growing Pains and Unsustainable Models:
Many of the early NFL teams, like the Steamrollers and Maroons, struggled financially. Small-town markets couldn't support the growing costs of professional football. Limited infrastructure, lower attendance figures, and difficulty attracting top-tier talent hampered their ability to compete. These factors, coupled with the lack of a centralized television deal, meant that financial stability was a constant struggle.
A Vision for Expansion and Consolidation:
Forward-thinking commissioners like Joseph Carr in the 1960s recognized the limitations of the small-town model. They envisioned an NFL with franchises in major metropolitan areas boasting established media markets, robust infrastructure, and a wider potential fanbase. This strategic shift aimed to increase revenue, attract bigger name players, and ultimately, propel the NFL to national prominence.
The path from small towns to big cities wasn't smooth. Expansion meant competition for existing franchises, and consolidation became a key theme. Weaker teams were forced to leave. This process, though painful for fans of these early teams, was a necessary step towards financial stability and a more competitive league.
According to the report read by President Joe Carr at the annual league meeting, held at Cleveland's Statler Hotel on February 11 and 12, 1928, the previous season had been the greatest in attendance in league history, but you couldn't prove it in Cleveland, Buffalo or Pottsville.
Growing Pains and Unsustainable Models:
Many of the early NFL teams, like the Steamrollers and Maroons, struggled financially. Small-town markets couldn't support the growing costs of professional football. Limited infrastructure, lower attendance figures, and difficulty attracting top-tier talent hampered their ability to compete. These factors, coupled with the lack of a centralized television deal, meant that financial stability was a constant struggle.
A Vision for Expansion and Consolidation:
Forward-thinking commissioners like Joseph Carr in the 1960s recognized the limitations of the small-town model. They envisioned an NFL with franchises in major metropolitan areas boasting established media markets, robust infrastructure, and a wider potential fanbase. This strategic shift aimed to increase revenue, attract bigger name players, and ultimately, propel the NFL to national prominence.
The path from small towns to big cities wasn't smooth. Expansion meant competition for existing franchises, and consolidation became a key theme. Weaker teams were forced to leave. This process, though painful for fans of these early teams, was a necessary step towards financial stability and a more competitive league.
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author:Bob Carroll
