Pioneering Period of NFL
Initial Struggles and Founders
The youthful National Football League was marked by trials and determination of its founding figures. Key contributors included Chicago Bears' George Halas, and Pittsburgh Pirates’ Art Rooney. Overcoming financial difficulties, these advocates laid a foundation for professional football.
Controversies and Challenges
Washington Redskins' owner George Preston Marshall found controversy with his views on racial integration. His resistance to change mirrored larger societal issues. Despite conflicts and financial woes, the NFL stood its ground against rival associations like the All-America Football Conference.
The Boom of Broadcast
With the emergence of television and radio rights, the face of professional football was transformed. Broadcasts amplified the popularity and growth of the NFL even as it grappled with issues such as racial integration and owners' disputes.
Integration and Growth
Despite hesitant owners like Marshall, the NFL moved forward with the integration of African American players. This not only marked a turning point for the league but also enhanced its popularity and growth, proving that perseverance often leads to progress.
George Halas and the Legacy of the Chicago Bears
Origins of the Staley Bears
Football player George Halas received the opportunity to revisit his sporting roots when George Chamberlain called him to coach and play for a company football team. Showing leadership finesse, Halas assembled his squad, giving birth to the Staley Bears, who kick-started their winning legacy in 1920.
The Transition to Chicago
In 1921, the team found a new home in Chicago and took on a new identity as the Chicago Bears. However, this move posed challenges for Halas. Struggling with promotion of the new team and generating fan support, he had to use loans to financially sustain the Bears.
A Game-Changing Role in the NFL
Undeterred by the hurdles, Halas focused on establishing professional football. His resilience bore fruit as he played a key role in forming the American Professional Football Association, the precursor of the National Football League (NFL). On top of shaping the NFL’s formation, he became its first president.
The Ambitious Journey of Timothy Mara
From Newsboy to Bookie
Timothy Mara, raised in Lower Manhattan, started as a newspaper boy, an experience that led him to form connections with bookmakers. Before long, Mara himself was operating as a bookie, traversing venues from hotel suites to Belmont Park.
Entry into the Sports Industry
Intrigued by the sports world, Mara began promoting boxing matches. This exposure steered him towards football, an unknown territory for him at the time. Undeterred, he purchased a professional football franchise in New York, founding the legendary team, New York Giants, in 1925.
Steering the Giants to Success
The Giants faced initial struggles but gained momentum thanks to star player Red Grange. Mara's unwavering determination and business acumen kept the team afloat even amidst stiff competition. By 1927, the Giants clinched the coveted NFL championship, a testament to Mara's resilience and leadership.
Master Marketer in NFL History
Football's Theatrical Mastermind
George Preston Marshall, before leading the Washington Redskins, honed his promotional skills in an unexpected field - a laundry chain and semi-pro basketball team. His pioneering approach to marketing, using ads such as "This page cleaned by Palace Laundry and Dry Cleaning Company", made a lasting impact beyond his laundry business, despite the eventual downfall of his team, the Yankees-turned-Palace Five.
NFL Success via Promotion Savvy
Applying his accumulated experience, Marshall propelled the Washington Redskins to popularity. His influential role in the NFL is underscored by his instrumental presence in Boston in 1932, where he made the Boston Braves a successful newcomer. Marshall's unique blend of showmanship and promotion was not only defining for his era, but also influential in shaping the NFL's present cachet.
Bert Bell: From Privilege to NFL Stardom
Football Legacy Born Amid Wealth
Bert Bell, of an affluent Philadelphia family, pursued his passion for football despite societal expectations. From playing varsity football at the University of Pennsylvania to later becoming an organizer for the National Collegiate Athletic Association, Bell made his name in the football world.
Financial Fall and Rise
Despite being born into wealth, Bell's indulgent lifestyle led him into debt, resulting in him losing access to his family's money. Nevertheless, he turned his financial tide around by tapping into professional football. In 1933, he purchased the Philadelphia Eagles, marking a significant turning point in his life and career.
Inspired Team Selection
Bell chose to name his new team after President Franklin Roosevelt's National Recovery Act symbol. Despite initial reservations from his family, Bell's decision to invest in the professional football space saw the Eagles, and eventually his own career, going from strength to strength.
Founding the Pittsburgh Steelers' Dynasty
Rooney's Early Formative Years
Born into an Irish immigrant family, Art Rooney spent his childhood immersed in the vibrant worlds of sports and politics. His interest in sports, particularly boxing and football, was cultivated right under his father's hardworking gaze and from within the bustling atmosphere of his saloon. Boxing gloves and football boots aside, Rooney possessed a knack for gambling that helped maintain his financial stability, even footing the bill for his honeymoon.
The Steeler's Birth
Rooney's athletic fervor found fruition when he decided to delve into the throes of the National Football League (NFL). Unfazed by the unpredictability of blue laws in Pennsylvania, he rounded up several investors, took a hefty financial gamble, and gave birth to the remarkable legacy of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, this Steelers pride is an NFL icon, its operational reins still helming in the Rooney family's firm and able hands.
Halas' Perseverance Despite Struggles
Halas' Rocky Football Journey
In the late 1920s and early 1930s, George Halas found it tough to keep the Chicago Bears running. His supplemental ventures, funded by the tour proceeds with Red Grange, didn't pan out and collapsed due to the stock market crash. Therefore, he often had to rely on loans from relatives, friends, and even children.
The Ownership Struggle
Halas took over as the sole owner of the Bears through loans and investments from parties including Charles Bidwill. Despite the rocky financial landscape, he remained committed to his team, even resorting to issuing IOUs as salary payments.
NFL's Wobble During the Depression
The NFL suffered during the economic depression, causing many franchises to go under. Unlike professional baseball and college football, pro football took a backseat. The Green Bay Packers were however able to thrive, supported by community ownership and game victories. Charles Bidwill emerged as an important NFL figure by buying the Cardinals and a percentage of the Portsmouth Spartans.
Unfolding NFL's Boston Story
Origins of the Boston NFL Team
In 1932, Boston welcomed the NFL with the introduction of the Bulldogs, which were later renamed the Braves. The choice of Boston as a team location was influenced by NFL president Joe Carr's faith in the city's love for sports and George Preston Marshall's view of its potential. Named after and playing at Braves Field, the new team hoped to garner attention through association with the celebrated sport of baseball.
However, the young team, made up predominantly of rookies, faced a challenging first season. With a record of four wins, four losses, and two ties, they struggled to excite enthusiasts.
Marshall's Intervention and the Redskins
The subpar performance led to owner Marshall's interference in coaching and ultimately the buyout of his partners due to mounting debt. For the next season, the team shifted to Fenway Park and rebranded as the Redskins. William 'Lone Star' Dietz, a coach with Native American links, was appointed the new coach.
Despite rule changes in 1933 to boost scoring and engagement, the Redskins' fate remained the same with an average .500 record. In the same year, during the season opener, history was made as the NFL's first African American players faced off against each other.
Exclusion and the Death of Diversity
Despite a promising start, the diversity in the NFL began to dwindle. By 1934, all the teams were lily-white. Reportedly, Redskins' owner Marshall played a significant part in pushing for the exclusion of black players from the league.
Turning Points for the Giants
A New Era Emerged
Tim Mara, financially strained by the 1929 stock market crash, improved the success of the New York Giants by procuring talented quarterback Benny Friedman. This, in turn, drew in more supporters.
Transition and Continuity
Ownership transferred to Tim's sons, Jack and Wellington, in 1930, resulting in operational changes. Nonetheless, team success continued, even following the retirement of key player Friedman.
Friedman's Mixed Legacy
Although the Giants initially struggled in 1931 without Friedman, who returned mid-season, tension mounted when Friedman's bid for ownership was rejected. This resulted in him signing elsewhere and the Giants subsequently suffering a losing season.
The Birth of NFL Draft
The Inception of NFL Draft
Bert Bell, the Philadelphia Eagles owner, didn't agree with the system of top college footballers opting for their preferred teams. It gave powerhouses an upper hand while leaving struggling teams high and dry.
The Draft Proposal
Bell then suggested a draft, where the weakest team would get the first turn to pick players. He saw this as a way to bring parity among NFL teams.
Receiving Unlikely Nods
High-profile owners like George Halas and Tim Mara, despite realizing it could hamper their own teams' dominance, gave their nod to the draft.
The First NFL Draft
The first draft session took place in 1936, with minimal preparation or scouting. It gestured a significant moment in NFL history and prepped for future squabbles between owners and players.
Turning Tides for Pittsburgh Pirates
Rough Start to Promising Victory
The Pittsburgh Pirates, under Art Rooney, initially struggled in the NFL, securing only nine wins in their initial 35 games. However, the 1936 season witnessed a turnaround, both in their performance and in gaining the attention of western Pennsylvania football fans. A strategic connection with Tim Mara, the New York Giants owner, led to an exciting victory over the Giants, marking their first triumph against this team.
Battling Challenges
Early years for Rooney weren't without obstacles. A lack of finances and injuries to crucial players were significant challenges. Rooney's achievement in horse racing gambling, despite being notable, did not translate into substantial benefits for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Significant Victories Attract Fans
In the same year, the Pirates secured victories over the Boston Redskins and the New York Giants, attracting more fans. However, the triumph was ephemeral as they couldn't sustain their winning momentum, owing to injuries and financial constraints.
Washington Redskins' Transformation
Relocation for Success
George Preston Marshall, the Washington Redskins' owner, saw potential in moving his struggling Boston team to Washington, D.C. He sought to tap into the untapped sports following in the south and made a strategic decision that paid off, relocating his franchise and contributing to the NFL's rise in popularity.
Marketing Innovations and Striking Gold
With a knack for marketing, Marshall, alongside his wife Corinne Griffith, made notable efforts to sell his team to the new city. These included drafting star quarterback Sammy Baugh and creating a catchy fight song. The outcome was a successful season, record-breaking attendance and the league championship win in 1937.
NFL Rivalries and Camaraderie
Passionate Rivalries and Bonds
Marked by an intense rivalry, the NFL scene in 1937 was a heady mix of heated debates and unique bonds. Though often clashing over things like schedules and home games, owners like George Halas and George Preston Marshall shared the goal of promoting their sport's growth.
Inequalities and Improvements
There was noticeable disparity in terms of fan attendance among the teams, which highlighted the need for adjustments. Recognizing this urgency, Halas pushed for the hiring of consultant Hugh 'Shorty' Ray, who made significant contributions in improving gameplay.
Uniting for a Common Cause
Despite their distinct motivations, the owners collaborated to address the game's shortcomings, realizing that their collective success relied heavily on the sport's overall appeal and proficiency. Efforts such as hiring Ray proved instrumental for the survival and success of the NFL.
Revolutionizing Football Scouting
In the 1930s, Wellington Mara of the New York Giants transformed how football teams scouted and drafted players. Despite initial difficulties with the draft, the Giants found success. Realized largely through Wellington's extensive research on prospects and the adept leadership of his sons Jack and Wellington, the Giants enjoyed strong attendance and championship contention. By then the Giants' owner Tim Mara believed the team was stable enough for him to withdraw from day-to-day operations. Against a backdrop where football team owners struggled to make money from the sport, the end of rivalry with the failed American Football League and consecutive wins over the Washington Redskins brought the Giants stability. They flew high in the late 1930s with the first profitable year in pro football and a victory in the championship game against the Green Bay Packers, cementing the NFL as a respected force in American sports.
Football Enters The Spotlight
The Birth of Pro-Football's Popularity
In the early 1930s, pro football was overshadowed by baseball. Chicago Bears' coach, George Halas, took a cue from successful baseball teams and incorporated radio broadcasts to garner public attention.
Game-Changing Exhibition
A sports editor orchestrated a highly successful College All-Star Game, where NFL champions would face college stars. This exhibition attracted more attention than the NFL's championship itself.
Halas' Strategic Moves
Halas, in unity with Clark Shaughnessy, revamped the Bears' game plan. They established a new T formation, giving the quarterback a more strategic role. Halas' knack for perfect talent scouting brought Sid Luckman to the team.
Meteoric Rise to the Limelight
The Bears' crushing victory against the Redskins in the 1940 championship game marked their ascent in pro football. This tremendous win and their subsequent performances under the spotlight led to a surge in audience attendance and a solid spot in Chicago's popular sports arena.
The Tumultuous Journey of Art Rooney
Financial Downfall and Shifting Fortunes
In the late 1930s, Art Rooney, owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers (formerly known as the Pittsburgh Pirates), encountered severe financial difficulties. While Rooney mulled over selling his struggling team, initial plans to shift them to Boston fell apart.
Franchise Swap with Bert Bell
Rooney and Bert Bell, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, who was also undergoing similar hurdles, decided to exchange their franchises. Consequently, Rooney secured part-ownership of the Eagles.
Continuing Woes and New Beginnings
Even with the reshuffle, the Steelers continued to languish. On the other hand, the Eagles managed slightly improved results under their new ownership. The pair ultimately founded the Philadelphia Eagles Football Club and jointly owned both teams.
Turbulence in NFL Leadership
Looking for a Leader
In 1941, after a couple of years of searching, Bert Bell and Art Rooney, owners of the NFL, recruited Elmer Layden as their commissioner. This decision was not without controversy, leading to charges of constitutional evasion and cunning by Halas.
Arrival and Disquiet
Layden's appointment led to tension among the league leaders. Despite his lack of administrative experience, Layden received support from Halas, Marshall, and Rooney. Bidwill's desire to relocate the Cardinals to Los Angeles was another sticking point, impacting his relationship with Mara.
Rivalries and Alliances
Fierce competition and strong alliances between the owners became prominent. Halas and Rooney demonstrated this mix of rivalry and partnership. Halas asked Bell to keep an eye on McCaskey, who was courting Halas's daughter, Virginia, showcasing the intimate ties within the NFL's fraternity of owners.
Wartime Impact on Football
Wartime Echoes at the Stadium
Shock waves of the Pearl Harbor attack hit the Polo Grounds during a Giants-Dodgers game, leaving players and spectators stunned. Giants' coach, Steve Owen, shared the chilling news at halftime, casting a heavy mood over the remaining game.
Sustaining Morale During War
Despite the war, the league persisted, seeing many of its players volunteer for military service. Amusingly, attendance and football interest stayed high throughout, offering entertainment and fostering a sense of connection for oversees troops.
Adapting to War Circumstances
In a unique twist, the Steelers and Eagles merged their teams in 1943 responding to player shortages, brought about by the war. This unlikely alliance, however, didn’t deter fan support, as the games continued to be well-attended.
Forming Rivals in Pro Football
Halas' War Years and Promises
George Halas, the founder of the Chicago Bears, was still involved with his team and made a major promise during his service in the World War II. He stayed updated about the Bears while serving as a welfare and recreation officer in the South Pacific. He also vowed to his friend, Charles Bidwill, on handing him a Los Angeles franchise for the Cardinals.
The Birth of AAFC
However, a proposed plan for pro football in Los Angeles led to an unexpected development. Newspaper editor Arch Ward had a plan that led to the birth of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). This new, well-financed league soon posed a stiff competition to the NFL.
A Pro Football Showdown
Struggling NFL experienced owners including Dan Topping, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, shifting allegiance to the AAFC. The AAFC also hired famed coach Paul Brown, turning the tides in their favour. With the imminent clash of the leagues, an NFL prepped with George Halas geared up.
Historic NFL Shift
The Rams and Redskins faced off in a bitterly cold blizzard for the league championship in 1945, and while the Rams took the victory, their owner Dan Reeves came to a financial loss. Reeves' eyes had long been set on Los Angeles, and winning the championship further fueled this desire. In 1946, a change in league leadership saw Bert Bell take over the reins as commissioner and soon found himself in negotiations with Reeves. After careful talks, the decision was made to let the Rams move to Los Angeles, kickstarting the city's NFL journey.
Reversing NFL's Racial Barriers
The Rebirth of Integrated NFL
In 1946, the NFL lineup changed forever when the Los Angeles Rams fielded two black players, Kenny Washington and Woody Strode, as a response to pressure from local media and the coliseum's management. The move was a gamble for the NFL owners who, despite their initial hesitation, hoped to bring the league up to par with other popular sports.
Challenges Met On the Road
This major shift had its hurdles. The Rams faced a strong backlash from supporters and fellow players, making hotel accommodations during away games a big problem due to widespread segregation. Nevertheless, Rams put up an impressive attendance record at the Coliseum.
A Notch for Financial Stability
Key NFL franchises were struggling with financial pressures from player salaries and competition from AAFC. The successful integration of the Rams presented a potentially fruitful option to pave way for future sustainability while widening NFL's fanbase.
Scandal, Recovery and Success in Giants' History
Rocked by Scandal, Recovered in Strength
1946 was a year of highs and lows for the Giants. Despite an outstanding team and impressive fan turnout, they got rocked by a gambling scandal involving two key players, Frank Filchock and Merle Hapes. This not only hurt the team's image but affected ticket sales too.
New Rules for Protecting the Game's Integrity
In response to scandal, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell ushered in stringent rules. Lifetime ban implemented for anyone guilty of fixing games and injury updates of players made public aimed to cut the collusion between insiders and gamblers.
The Turnaround with Key Signings
The Giants, facing all challenges head-on, brought in talented quarterback Charlie Conerly and Emlen Tunnell, their first black player. Their impactful performances helped the Giants recover from the blow and taste success again.
Defining Moments in Football League History
Unexpected Coach's Death Hits Steelers
Art Rooney's confidence in Pittsburgh Steelers took a hit when coach Jock Sutherland died suddenly. Despite hurdles, Rooney maintained his sway among league stakeholders. Controversies loomed on the approach towards AAFC, leading to divided opinions among owners. The distressed Steelers, along with other teams, favored ending hostilities and were open to talks.
Milestone Merger Forms New League
A landmark merger of NFL and AAFC eventually took place, giving rise to the National-American Football League. Acceptance of AAFC's rule allowing unlimited substitutions by NFL marked an addition that significantly enhanced the game's quality. Conflicts emerged over expansion of the league, player allocation and divisional alignments.
Flexing Cooperation Over Competition
In the face of competitive tensions, the idea of NFL cooperatively conducting a draft with AAFC, suggested by Eagles' owner Alexis Thompson, was dismissed. However, owners like Art Rooney considered ending the war against AAFC and were flexible towards collaboration.
Overcoming Stumbling Blocks, Negotiating Mergers
Initial discussions stumbled but later, NFL and AAFC achieved a merger. Financial burden and dwindling spectators nudged AAFC closer towards a truce. Horace Stoneham, owner of New York Giants, mediated a meeting paving the way for a deal.
Embracing Unlimited Substitutions
NFL decided to adopt the AAFC's unlimited substitution rule. This turned the tide in favor of teams, enabling them to cultivate specific offensive and defensive units. The resulting specialization improved gameplay with Paul Brown, leveraging this to hone specialized skills.
The NFL's Television Revolution
Television’s Role in NFL's Expansion
The introduction of television to NFL was met with caution by the owners. Despite the initial hesitance, its rising popularity paved the way for wider public reach than just stadium goers. Through televised broadcasts, sports like boxing and horse racing were already gaining grounds.
The Impact of Televised Games
The first NFL match aired on television was in 1947, and although plagued by technical limitations, it had a discernible effect on game attendance. Some owners, like Chicago Bears' Halas, saw this broadcast medium as a chance to popularize their teams.
Developing Prosperity via TV Income
Television income showed substantial growth in the 1950s, thanks to national network deals and regional broadcasting networks. Owner hesitations over breaking up profitable regional networks led to refusing CBS's $1 million offer for broadcasting rights in 1957.
The Green Bay Packers' Struggle
Facing attendance and revenue struggles, the Green Bay Packers considered moving to a larger city. However, sentiments of loyalty, rivalry, and tradition among other NFL owners crowned the decision to stay. Thus, a stadium, funded via a bond referendum, was built to ensure their success.
Embracing Television as a Revenue Source
Recognizing the wealth potential of television in the form of rights fees and increasing viewership, NFL owners started to consider it. The perception that every team, irrespective of location or market size, could benefit from television broadcasts marked a major transition in the NFL's approach to television, influencing the lucrative TV contracts of today.
Overcoming Racial Barriers in NFL
Breaking Racial Prejudices in NFL
In the 1940s and 50s, the prevalent racial bias in American sports was being questioned, especially in the NFL. Despite the integration of African American players in 1946, many still doubted their capabilities. The move by The Rams in 1949 to include an all-black college player was overlooked, which only reflected the skepticism this decision faced.
Successful Inclusion of Black Players
The Giants and Lions made bold steps in 1948 by recruiting black players from major integrated colleges. This initiated a shift in the league, ushering owners to reconsider their prejudices. The inclusion of such players in starting positions gave the clear message that black players belonged in the NFL.
Rigid Stance towards Integration
However, some teams like the Redskins, under George Preston Marshall's ownership, maintained an all-white team distinctively. His strong opposition to black players resulted in the team's downfall and led to their pitiful performance in the 1960s.
Giants' Resurgence in 1950s
Struggling Giants Revamp Strategy
In the 1950s, the New York Giants were losing more than they were winning. Baseball had more popularity in the city. The Giants realized they needed to change strategies. They replaced their head coach Steve Owen with Jim Lee Howell. Assistants Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry helped the Giants adapt a fresher playing style.
Changing Venues for Bigger Reach
The Giants also changed their home, moving from Polo Grounds to Yankee Stadium. The aim was to attract a larger fan base. This strategic move coupled with the innovative coaching helped revive the team's fortunes. The end result was the team's victory in the NFL championship in 1956, making them a favorite in New York.
The Uphill Journey of NFL
Unionizing the NFL Players
In 1957, NFL players decided to form a union to bargain for better working conditions. Though some prominent figures like George Preston Marshall and George Halas opposed this move, Bert Bell foresaw its inevitability and importance for business. Affirming this thought, the NFL officially recognized the players' union in December 1957.
A Loss of Pillars
In the following years, the league faced the loss of key figures. Giants founder Tim Mara, who played an integral part in sustaining the team during challenging times, passed away in 1959. Soon after, the league also lost Bert Bell who was renowned for his pivotal role in NFL's growth and success.
A Shadow Over the NFL
Meanwhile, George Preston Marshall, the owner of the Washington Redskins, was criticized widely for his refusal to sign African American players. Despite drafting a black player eventually, Marshall is primarily remembered for his racist legacy that still casts a shadow over the NFL.
End of the Old Guard
In 1983, after George Halas' demise, Art Rooney became the last surviving member of the original NFL team. Known for his benevolence and rapport with the players, his death in 1988 marked the end of an era in NFL.
The Challenges Ahead
Today, despite being a billion-dollar entertainment industry, NFL remains under constant scrutiny regarding player safety. The legacy of these key figures continues to influence the present and future of the NFL.
Transforming the NFL: The 1934 Turning Point
Struggling Times for the NFL
The 1934 gathering of NFL team owners came during a difficult period for the league. Competition from other sports like baseball left the NFL overshadowed and facing financial issues. Despite this, George Halas, Bert Bell, Art Rooney, Tim Mara, and George Preston Marshall, whose presence hallmarked this meeting, held firm in their belief in the future of the sport.
Fight for Popularity
In an attempt to increase its recognition, the league introduced a championship game and tried to tap into major markets. Despite their determined efforts, the NFL still encountered problems, primarily centered around attendance and financial stability. However, the audacious belief of these key players laid a strong foundation for the league's future success.
Exploring Sports History
Delving into Sports Literature
This text examines comprehensive literature about sports, intricately exploring football and baseball. It introduces over 40 books, opening up a diversified world revolving around the sports industry. From presenting the history and development of specific teams, to influential figures that have shaped the sports, and even the integration of African Americans into the National Football League.
Broad Spectrum of Sports Narratives
The material taps into books that span over various timelines and offer unique insights into the industry, its cultural impact, and evolution. Some focus on teams or players, while others examine broader themes like the rise of football in America and the history of professional sports. This literature thus represents a comprehensive overview of the sports history and its development.