NFL: From start to today timeline | Timetoast Timelines

Jan 1, 1920

The Start of the NFL

The NFL was created in 1920 and was formed by eleven teams and was callled the American Professional Football Association
May 11, 1921

NFL's first black coach

Fritz Pollard was the first African American coach in the NFL. He coached Akron Pros
Jun 24, 1922

Change of name

The American Professional Football Association officially renames itself the National Football League
Nov 6, 1929

First NFL night game

The chicago Cardinals defeated the Providence Steam Rollers 16-0, however it was a success because roughly 6000 fans attended
Feb 25, 1933

First NLF Rules

The NFL adopted new rules and discontinued the use of collegiate rules.
Dec 17, 1933

First NLF Championship game

<a href='http://http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.aspx?story_id=2087' >First championship game held between the two division winners. Chicago Bears defeatred the New York Giants 23-21.
Feb 8, 1936

First NFL Draft pick

A halfback by the name of Jay Berwanger holds the distinction of being the very first NFL draft pick and the first Heismann Trophy winner.
Dec 9, 1938

The Sneaker Game

New York coach Steve Owen provided his team with tennis shoes for better traction on the icy field
Jan 15, 1939

First Pro Bowl

At Wrigley Field the New York Giants defeated the hand picked All Americans known as the Pro All-Stars 13-10
Oct 22, 1939

First Game on tv

NBC broadcasted the first ever NFL game, between the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Dec 8, 1940

The Biggest loss

After Redskins coach giving uncalled for comments the Chicago Bears destroy the Redskins 73-0 making it the worst game in the NFL
Jan 1, 1948

First Helmet Logo

The Los Angles Rams became the first team to paint their logo onto their leather helmet.
Sep 17, 1948

First use of the penalty Flag

The first penalty flag was thrown in the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Yanks
Aug 28, 1955

First Overtime Game

[The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants, 23-17, three minutes into overtime in a preseason game. ](http://http://portland.daveknows.org/2011/08/28/august-28-1955-la-rams-and-ny-giants-play-first-overtime-nfl-game-at-multnomah-stadium/)
Dec 28, 1958

First Overtime Championship game

Colts Fullback Alan Ameche runs a 1 yard touchdown to defeat the New York Giants 23-17 in overtime. The game was on tv and was watched by 50 million people
Jan 1, 1960

AFL Champions

The First AFL Champion game between the Houston Oilers and the San Diego Chargers. Oilers defeat the Chargers
Jan 4, 1960

NFL: America's greatest sport

Football was becomeing so popular during the mid-1900's that more people were starting to watch football instead of baseball
Jun 8, 1966

The Great Merger

The NFL and the AFL reached agreements to merger into one league. The two divisions will then meet in the Superbowl
Jan 15, 1967

First Super Bowl game

Although it was not called the Super Bowl at the time it was played, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10, in Super Bowl I. It was called the AFL-NFL championship game.
Dec 31, 1967

Ice Bowl

Dallas Cowboys play the Green Bay Packers on Lanbeau Field when the reported temp. was -13 degrees. The Packers win 21-17
Jun 1, 1970

Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football, which first aired in 1970 brought in high ratings by mixing sports and entertainment
Jan 1, 1972

Perfect Season

Miami Dolphins complete thier season with not one loss and end up winnning the Super Bowl that season.
Dec 28, 1975

The Hail Mary

Cowboys QB Roger Staubach threw a 50 yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson for the game winning play to defeat the Vickings in the NFC Playoff game
Sep 10, 1978

Fumble Rule

Raiders QB Ken Stabler fumbled the ball and the running back hit the ball into the end zone where it was picked up by tightend. From there on it was made illegal to kick or swat the ball forward
Jan 24, 1982

First halftime concert

Superbowl XVl held the first halftime concert outside in Pontiac, Michigan. Peformance by Diana Ross
Dec 12, 1982

The Snow Game

After a Snowstorm Patriots coach orders filed plowed where the field goal was to be kicked. Patriots defeat the dolphins 3-0
Jan 1, 2002

Introduction of the Texans

The Houston Texans were created after the Houstion Oilers were moved to Tennessee where they became the Titans
Nov 19, 2006

The Great Rice

Jerry Rice, the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL, officially marks his retirement from football with a halftime celebration in San Francisco. Rice leaves the game as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns
Jan 28, 2010

Finally the Saints can boast

The Saints finally win a super bowl after a long Forty-two years of football
Jan 1, 2012

Houston to the Playoffs

The Houston clinch a spot in the playoffs the first time in NFL history when they destroyed the Cinicinnati Bengals 31-10