Football History

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The results of the 1919 and 1920 Bulldog campaigns.

Step into the rich history of American football with our exclusive series on the Canton Bulldogs, a team that defined the early years of professional football. Founded in 1905 and based in Canton, Ohio, the Bulldogs became trailblazers in the sport, setting records and paving the way for future generations of gridiron greatness.

Join us as we chronicle the remarkable journey of the Canton Bulldogs, from their humble beginnings to their dominance on the field. Through in-depth profiles, iconic moments, and insights into their impact on football culture, we'll explore why the Bulldogs remain a revered name in the annals of sports history.

Discover the players who became legends, the rivalries that shaped their era, and the enduring legacy that continues to influence the game today. Whether you're a passionate fan or a curious newcomer, our series promises to unveil the fascinating story of the Canton Bulldogs like never before. Stay tuned for a journey through time and touchdowns!

The National Football League (NFL) boasts a rich history of iconic teams and legendary players. However, nestled amongst the established franchises lie the ghosts of teams past – the NFL's defunct franchises. These fallen entities, ranging from fleeting one-season wonders to championship contenders, offer a glimpse into the league's evolution and the challenges fledgling franchises face.

The early days of the NFL were a tumultuous time. Franchises grappled with financial instability, often folding after just a few seasons. The Akron Pros, for instance, were a founding member in 1920 but were eventually brought to their knees by financial woes by 1931. Similarly, the Dallas Texans, the league's last defunct franchise, barely managed to survive a year in 1952 before succumbing to similar pressures.

Financial instability wasn't the only struggle. Some franchises, like the Los Angeles Buccaneers of 1926, existed solely on paper, never actually playing a game. Others, like the Brooklyn Dodgers (not to be confused with the baseball team), faced fierce competition for fan loyalty and resources from established franchises in the same city.

However, the stories of defunct franchises aren't all tales of woe. Several, like the Canton Bulldogs, were powerhouses in their prime. The Bulldogs, another founding member, secured back-to-back championships in 1922 and 1923 before financial difficulties led to their demise. Other defunct teams, like the Pottsville Maroons, are more controversial in history. Despite an undefeated season in 1925, the Maroons were stripped of their championship due to a league-sanctioned replay, leaving a mark of injustice on their legacy.

The defunct franchises also played a significant role in shaping the NFL geographically. Their departure or existence in certain cities like St. Louis, which previously housed the All-Stars and Gunners, eventually saw the return of professional football with the Rams. Similarly, the departure of the Dayton Triangles arguably paved the way for the eventual arrival of the Bengals.

In conclusion, the NFL's defunct franchises offer valuable insights into the league's past. They represent the struggles of establishing a professional football league, the fierce competition for fan loyalty, and the occasional heartbreak of championship dreams dashed. While their legacies may have faded, these fallen teams serve as a reminder of the NFL's ever-evolving nature and the challenges faced in the pursuit of gridiron glory.

The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most iconic franchises, boast a rich history with surprising beginnings. Contrary to their fierce mascot, the Bears' origin stemmed not from gridiron dominance, but from an unlikely source: a laundry products company team.

In 1919, a young George Halas and a group of friends, were employed at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The manufacturer sponsored a baseball and later a football team to not only market the brand but to keep their employees in good shape of body and mind. This led to the venture into the burgeoning sport of professional football. With a mere $5,000 investment, they formed the Decatur Staleys, named after A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, which sponsored the team.

The Staleys played their first game on September 19, 1920, against the Rock Island Independents. Despite losing 6-10, the game marked the launch of an extraordinary journey.

In 1921, the team relocated to Chicago, kept the Staleys name for another year per an agreement with he manufacturer as Halas would assume ownership, and in honor of the nickname "Cubs," the city's beloved baseball team chose a suitable moniker to match. Inspired by the powerful and athletic grizzly bears roaming the Midwest, Halas opted for the iconic "Bears" nickname in 1922, solidifying their identity.

The following years saw the Bears navigate financial struggles and player turnover. Yet, under Halas's steady leadership, the team gradually gained traction. In 1925, they achieved their first winning season and earned their first NFL Championship title in 1940.

From humble beginnings as a wrestling promoter's side project, the Chicago Bears emerged as a powerhouse of professional football. Their journey, fueled by perseverance and a fierce mascot, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the "Monsters of the Midway."

The Arizona Cardinals, known for their scorching desert home, boast a rich history that began far from the cactus needles. Their roots trace back to 1898 in Chicago, Illinois, where they started as the amateur Morgan Athletic Club. Soon after, a shipment of faded maroon jerseys, nicknamed "Cardinal red," gave birth to their iconic moniker – the Chicago Cardinals.

The Cardinals became a founding member of the league that evolved into the National Football League (NFL) in 1920. They tasted early success, capturing the 1925 NFL championship. However, the following decades were a mixed bag. While they secured another championship in 1947 with their explosive "Dream Backfield," consistent success proved elusive. The shadow of the more popular Chicago Bears loomed large, making fan support a challenge.

Financial struggles in the late 1950s ultimately led to a move in 1960. St. Louis became their new home, where they remained for nearly three decades. Despite flashes of brilliance, including division titles in the 1970s, a championship remained out of reach.

In 1988, the Cardinals migrated once again, this time settling in Phoenix, Arizona. While they haven't yet replicated their early Chicago glory, they've experienced periods of strong play, reaching the Super Bowl in 2009. The franchise holds a unique distinction: the longest active championship drought in American professional sports, dating back to 1947.

Despite the lack of recent titles, the Cardinals' legacy is undeniable. They are the oldest continuously operating NFL franchise, carrying with them a rich history that began on the streets of Chicago. Their journey across cities reflects the evolution of professional football itself, reminding us of the changing landscape of the sport we love.

Joe Ziemba joins us to tell the origin story of the Chicago Cardinals.

In Joe Carr's Master Plan, the National Football League would rid itself of lesser municipalities like Evansville, Hammond, Green Bay, even his own Columbus, and play exclusively in the nation's largest cities. He'd gained a Philadelphia team in 1924 (although Frankford actually played in a suburb). Chicago had the Bears and Cardinals. Cleveland was the league champ. It was time to get serious about New York. Based on Bob Carroll;s article Red Equals Green 1925.

In the 1920s, the National Football League (NFL) was a vastly different landscape. Teams were primarily concentrated in smaller towns and industrial centers, with limited national exposure. This essay explores the vision of Joseph Carr, then Commissioner of the NFL, to propel the league into a new era by expanding into larger metropolitan areas.

Challenges of the Small-Town NFL:

Prior to Carr's vision, the NFL faced limitations associated with its focus on smaller markets. These towns often lacked the resources to support a professional sports team, leading to limited infrastructure, lower attendance figures, and difficulty attracting top-tier talent. Additionally, media coverage was restricted, hindering the league's national appeal.

Carr's Bold Vision:

Recognizing these challenges, Joe Carr proposed a revolutionary plan for expansion. He envisioned moving teams to larger cities with established media markets, robust infrastructure, and a wider potential fanbase. This strategic move aimed to increase revenue, attract bigger name players, and ultimately, propel the NFL to national prominence.

Carr's vision wasn't met without resistance. Existing team owners in smaller towns feared losing revenue and relevance. Nevertheless, Carr persevered, successfully securing the addition of teams in large cities like Atlanta, Miami, and New Orleans. This influx of new franchises marked a turning point in the NFL's history.

Joe Carr's bold vision for expansion proved to be a masterstroke. The influx of teams in major cities boosted attendance, television viewership soared, and the league's national profile skyrocketed. This expansion paved the way for the NFL to become the multi-billion dollar powerhouse it is today.

Joe Carr's vision for NFL expansion transcended a simple geographical shift. It was a strategic move that revolutionized the sport's business model, fan engagement, and national appeal. His legacy lies in his foresight and unwavering belief in the potential of the NFL to become a true national phenomenon.

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Original APFA franchise, NFL founding franchise, Original APFA team

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Akron Pros, Arnie Chapman, Buffalo All-Americans, Canton Bulldogs, Chicago Cardinals, Chicago Tigers, Cleveland Tigers, Columbus Panhandles, Dayton Triangles, Decatur Staleys, Detroit Heralds, Hammond Pros, Muncie Flyers, Rochester Jeffersons, Rock Island Independents

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Original APFA franchise, NFL founding franchise, Original APFA team

West of Ohio, Muncie Flyers, an article by Roy Sye of the Pro Football Research Association in the group's periodical called the Coffin Corner, Original APFA franchise, NFL founding franchise, Original APFA team