Football History

The history of professional football is often dominated by the narratives of established leagues like the NFL. Yet, before the formation of these behemoths, a vibrant ecosystem of independent teams existed, carving their own paths in the nascent world of gridiron.

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons courtesy of Erik Drost.

These teams, unburdened by league mandates and often playing by their own rules, were the true pioneers of professional football.  

This series delves into the stories of these forgotten heroes. From the hardscrabble towns of the Midwest to the bustling cities of the East Coast, these teams captured the hearts of their communities with their grit, talent, and unwavering determination. They played a crucial role in shaping the game we know today, introducing innovative strategies, developing legendary players, and fostering a passionate fan base.

We will explore their triumphs and challenges, their rivalries and alliances. We will examine the economic realities of operating an independent team in an era before television contracts and lucrative merchandising deals. And we will uncover the personal stories of the players, coaches, and owners who risked everything to pursue their football dreams.

By shining a spotlight on these overlooked chapters of football history, we hope to shed new light on the sport's evolution and pay tribute to the men who laid the foundation for the gridiron giants that followed.

Join us as we journey back to a time when football was raw, rugged, and fiercely independent.

The Massillon Tigers stand as a colossal figure in the annals of early American football. Emerging from the industrial heartland of Ohio, they were more than just a team; they were a cultural phenomenon. Their dominance in the early decades of the 20th century, particularly in the pre-NFL era, was unparalleled, earning them the moniker "The Million Dollar Team."

Massillon's significance lies in several key areas. First, they were instrumental in popularizing professional football. Their high-scoring, fast-paced style of play captivated audiences, drawing crowds that were unprecedented for the time. This spectacle helped to transform football from a collegiate pastime to a professional sport. Second, the Tigers served as a proving ground for numerous football pioneers. Players like Benny Friedman, a Jewish quarterback who broke numerous barriers, and the legendary "Bull" Schmidt honed their skills in Massillon before moving on to greater fame.

The team's impact also extends beyond the field. Their success fostered a deep-rooted football culture in Massillon that endures to this day. The city's commitment to the sport has produced generations of talented players, and the Tigers' legacy continues to inspire.

While the Massillon Tigers' era was relatively brief, their influence on the game is immeasurable. Their story is a testament to the passion, skill, and entrepreneurial spirit that fueled the early days of professional football.

The Latrobe Athletic Association, a humble team from the small town of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, holds an outsized significance in the annals of professional football.

Formed in 1895, the team achieved a historic milestone in 1897 by fielding the first entirely professional football team to play a full season. This groundbreaking decision marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the sport, as it signaled the transition from amateur to professional play.  

Prior to Latrobe's revolutionary move, football was largely an amateur endeavor with players often moonlighting as students or workers. By committing to a fully professional roster, the Latrobe Athletic Association challenged the status quo and paved the way for future generations of professional football players. While the financial challenges of operating a professional team in that era were immense, the team's determination and pioneering spirit left an enduring legacy.

Although specific player names from the 1897 roster can be elusive, it is known that John Brallier, a key figure in Latrobe's football history, was a prominent member of the team. His contributions to the organization and the sport as a whole cannot be overstated. While more research is needed to identify the complete roster of this historic team, their collective efforts laid the groundwork for the professional football leagues that would follow, transforming the game into the global phenomenon it is today.

-Frequently Asked Questions About Early Pro Football

Do you like learning about older professional teams from yesteryear? Perhaps a stroll through these FAQ's will entertain your football brain.

-Who was the first professional football player? Pudge Heffelfinger is documented to have been paid $500 by the Allegheny Athletic Association in 1892. Learn more about it in this post: Pudge Gets Paid

-When did the first fullly professional team first take the field? The 1897 Latrobe Athletic Association team was the first to play a full season, but the first fully paid team to play a single game occurred a year earlier in 1896 when the Allegheny Athletic Association paid their entire roster for two games, AAA Pioneers of Pro Football 1896.

-What is the most famous professional team that was not an NFL franchise? There are a number to pick from if you count rival leagues to the National Football League, but when only focusing on independent early teams the Massillon Tigers are a candidate.

---

July 27, 1929—The Staten Island Stapletons/Stapes franchise formed as the Brooklyn franchise and then was transferred to Staten Island. According to an article in the Professional Football Researchers Association publication Coffin Corner, a 1985 article by Joe Horrigan, the Stapletons started their gridiron existence in 1915, a full five years before the NFL was created as the APFA.

A talented halfback and a native of the working-class neighborhood known as Stapleton, Dan Blaine and three other players formed the team to play other semi-pro squads from New York and New Jersey. It wasn't a career for the players, as the Stapes played more for fun than money. The crowds were small, according to Horrigan, as salaries averaged $10 per game.

The team acquired better players through various means and eventually, in 1929, as an independent team, achieved a record of 10-1-1. The next year, they were permitted to join the National Football League. The Stapletons would never have a winning season in the NFL and would eventually fade into obscurity. I encourage you to read more about the Stapletons in the 1985 Coffin Corner article, including how Tim Marra, owner and founder of the New York Giants, helped the Stapes co-exist with his team in the Big Apple.

The Allegheny Athletic Association, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, holds a pivotal position in the annals of American football history.

-Starting a Trend of ProfessionalFfootball Teams

While the sport was still in its formative stages, the 1896 Allegheny team stands out as a groundbreaking entity: the first completely professional football team.  

Before 1896, football players were largely amateurs, often college students or members of athletic clubs. However, the Allegheny Athletic Association challenged the status quo by assembling a roster of players who were paid exclusively for their football services. This radical departure from the norm marked a significant step towards the professionalization of the sport.  

While the team's existence was short-lived, its impact was profound. Players like Pudge Heffelfinger, often credited as the first professional football player, graced their roster. Heffelfinger, a renowned college star, brought both talent and notoriety to the team. Other notable names associated with the Allegheny Athletic Association, though less celebrated, played a vital role in shaping the early landscape of professional football.  

The Allegheny Athletic Association's defiance of amateur rules and their assembly of a fully professional team laid the groundwork for the development of professional football as we know it today. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the entrepreneurial spirit and risk-taking that characterized the early days of the sport.

-Frequently Asked Questions About Early Pro Football

Do you like learning about older professional teams from yesteryear? Perhaps a stroll through these FAQ's will entertain your football brain.

-Who was the first professional football player? Pudge Heffelfinger is documented to have been paid $500 by the Allegheny Athletic Association in 1892. Learn more about it in this post: Pudge Gets Paid

-When did the first fullly professional team first take the field? The 1897 Latrobe Athletic Association 1897 team was the first to play a full season, but the first fully paid team to play a single game occurred a year earlier in 1896 when the Allegheny Athletic Association paid their entire roster for two games