The 1936 Pro Football Season History Rewind

The 1936 NFL season unfolded like a gritty underdog story. For the first time, all ten teams played an equal schedule, setting the stage for an unpredictable scramble to the top.

Green Bay, fueled by Arnie Herber's passing and Don Hutson's receiving magic, claimed their third consecutive title, cementing a dynasty against all odds. Meanwhile, Boston's "Redskins" (now named Washington Commanders) traded home-field advantage for a neutral site in New York, fearing low attendance in Fenway Park – a sad testament to the league's struggles.

But there were glimmers of hope. The draft's first pick, Heisman winner Jay Berwanger, refused to play, challenging the game's semi-professional status. And in the newly formed AFL, the Boston Shamrocks and Cleveland Rams hinted at a brewing challenge to the NFL's dominance.

So, while 1936 wasn't a season of fireworks, it was a turning point. It laid the foundation for future parity, sowed seeds of player power, and hinted at the rivalries that would soon reshape the gridiron landscape.