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In the summer of 1920, Art Ranney and Frank Nied formed the Akron Pros – a game-changing team that included the likes of Bob “Nasty” Nash and Fritz Pollard, the first-ever African American player and coach -
By the 1930s, a solid foundation had been put into place for the NFL to grow. The decade saw the league adopt major rule changes, divide into divisions, and establish a championship game. The league also began to showcase the talents of its many stars -
In 1940 the NFL committee thought about hosting something called a pro bowl game that would feature some of the top players from that season -
The merger with the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) expanded the league to 13 teams. Meanwhile, television brought a new era to the game. The Los Angeles Rams became the first NFL team to have all of its games – both home and away – televised. -
The popularity of professional football exploded across the country during the 1960s with great expansion occurring throughout the decade. By 1965, a Harris Poll determined that pro football was this nation’s favorite sport. It has remained that way ever since. -
The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL’s first 2,000-yard season by O.J. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw’s two Super Bowl MVP performances. But perhaps more than the star players, the decade was dominated by dynasty teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and Dallas Cowboys. -
The NFL experiences its first players' strike, which lasts 57 days and results in the cancellation of seven games. -
DAN MARINO became the all-time passing leader. JERRY RICE became the league's all-time leading receiver and touchdown scorer. TERRELL DAVIS and BARRY SANDERS each rushed for over 2,000 yards in a single season. The NFL also experienced an almost annual attendance increase -
The NFL realigns into eight divisions, with four teams in each division. The realignment also introduces the Houston Texans as the league's 32nd team. -
The COVID-19 pandemic impacts the NFL season, causing schedule changes, game cancellations, and limited attendance at games. The league adapts by implementing strict health and safety protocols.
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