NFL (National Football League), is a professional American football league consisting of 32 teams. Here Are 101 Facts You Didn't Know About the NFL (National Football League).
1. The NFL was founded on August 20, 1920, in Canton, Ohio, as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). (Sportskeeda.com)
In 1929, the Tornadoes, a team from Orange, New Jersey joined the NFL.
"The Tornadoes are one of the most unique teams in the history of American football, by which we can trace the history of its development in the United States outside of the major league.
An amateur football team appeared in Orange back in 1887 and for lack of professional opponents the first years played against students from the surrounding colleges. Then "Tornadoes" began to participate in local semi-professional leagues - American Football Union and World Series of Football.
In 1919, the Tornadoes managed to defeat the future NFL team New York Brickley Giants. And 10 years later, as the strongest independent team in the states of New York / New Jersey to join the NFL, but not for long - just for two seasons. In 1929, the Tornados' record in the league, where the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Chicago Cardinals and Chicago Bears were already playing, was 3-5-4 (yes, the draws were okay back then). A year later, the team moved to Newark and finished in last place with a 1-10-1 record.
In the following years the team played in the American Association, Atlantic Coast Football League, Continental Football League, and in the 60's tried to join the AFL, but was rejected - there were already the New York Jets. The team then moved to Florida and played there for a while under the name of the Panthers.
In one form or another, the team existed for 83 years - from 1887 to 1970, although it took a break right after the end of World War II.
2. The APFA changed its name to the National Football League (NFL) in 1922. (britannica.com)
In 1929, Chicago Cardinals fullback Ernie Nevers set an NFL record by scoring 40 points in a game against the Bears' neighbors: six touchdowns and four realized extra points. That achievement remains unrivaled.
In 1955, Philadelphia hosted the first round of the NFL Draft. The event was first held in November, the reason for the postponement being the desire of the league's team owners to have more opportunities to compete for players with the Canadian League. The right of the overall first pick at it was drawn in a lottery with certain restrictions and went to Pittsburgh. The team selected safety Gary Glick from the Colorado A&M program, who failed to live up to expectations and left the team as the 1959 season progressed.
In 1964, the NFL Draft was held, which made history with the St. Louis Cardinals' unsuccessful attempt to acquire quarterback Joe Namath, who eventually went to the Jets from the AFL. The No. 1 pick in this draft, however, was early-round pick Tucker Frederickson, an Auburn star who was selected by the Giants and spent all six seasons of his career with the team.
3. The NFL currently consists of 32 teams divided into two conferences: the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). (dazn.com)
On October 17, 1883, a meeting was held in New York City to discuss the awarding of points for various types of shenanigans in American Football.
At that time 14 years had passed since the historic match between Princeton and Rutgers Universities. The process of forming unified rules of soccer in the United States was actively underway.
The main figure in this process became a former football player and coach of the Yale University team Walter Camp. It was at his suggestion that the number of players in American football was reduced from 15 to 11, the line of scrimmage, the snap from the center to the quarterback, the system of set attempts and the forward pass were introduced. Once these rules were approved, American football ceased to be a variation of rugby and became a sport in its own right.
And in 1883, a set of points was defined. It certainly looks a far cry from what it does today.
1 point is a safety.
2 points - touchdown.
4 points - field goal after touchdown.
5 points - field goal.
"Eh, there was a time," modern day kickers would sigh.
4. The NFL regular season typically runs from September to January, with each team playing 17 games. (the-sun.com)
On December 2, 1951, a ceremony was held in which the Packers retired #14, which belonged to receiver Don Hutson. His number was the first of six now officially unused by the team.
In 1957, four rounds of the regular NFL Draft were held on this day. The lottery-winning Chicago Cardinals selected quarterback King Hill with the first pick. He was not particularly successful in the game, then worked as a coach and scout, served as vice president of the Players Association.
5. The NFL's most prestigious game is the Super Bowl, which is played annually on the first Sunday in February. (nfl.com)
According to an NBC Sports insider, the NFL is aiming to borrow the XFL's kickoff execution system in the future. In the XFL, kickoffs are kicked from the 30-yard line with all players on the kicking team except the kicker at the opponent's 35-yard line. Until the returner has touched the ball, no one (except the kicker and the returner) may move. Since players are separated by 5 yards before contact, there are far fewer injuries due to the lack of the high speed factor.
6. The Green Bay Packers won the first two Super Bowls in 1967 and 1968.
In 1971, two outstanding men in NFL history were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame - coach Vince Lombardi and running back Jim Brown.
Lombardi is best known as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in the 60's. He won 5 championship titles in 7 years (including the first two Super Bowls) and never once ended a season with a negative win-loss balance.
In the summer of 1970, Lombardi was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer. U.S. President Nixon called the coach and said that the whole country was praying for him. Lombardi died in September of that year at the age of 57. In addition to inclusion in the Hall of Fame, the trophy given for winning the Super Bowl began to bear his name.
Jim Brown spent 9 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, won a championship in the 1964 season and was recognized as MVP three times. Throughout his career, he averaged 104.3 rushing yards per game.
With 12,312 career rushing yards, he ranks 11th all-time. Brown was inducted into the Hall of Fame five years after his career ended, the minimum allowed.
7. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots have won the most Super Bowl titles, with each team winning six championships.
On October 1, 1922, an NFL team from Chicago played its first game under the name "Bears".
The team had previously been called the Chicago Steelers and the Decatur Steelers. New owner George Halas changed the name to instill fear in opponents and also to emphasize the connection to the MLB club Chicago Cubs, on whose field the players played their games.
The Bears' first game was played at Horlick Field in Racine, Wisconsin. "The Bears defeated the Racine Leathernecks by a score of 6-0.
During the 1922 season, the Bears finished second in the league with 9 wins and 3 losses - twice to the neighboring Chicago Cardinals and once to the eventual champions Canton Bulldogs.
8. The most recent Super Bowl was Super Bowl LVII, where the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles.
9. The New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills hold the record for the most consecutive Super Bowl appearances, with four each.
10. The team with the most NFL championships overall is the Green Bay Packers, with 13 titles (including pre-Super Bowl era championships).
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11. The NFL's highest-scoring game occurred in 1966 when the Washington Redskins defeated the New York Giants 72-41. (commanders.com)
12. The Dallas Cowboys hold the record for the most consecutive winning seasons, with 20 from 1966 to 1985.
In 1995, a Hall of Fame preseason game was played between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers.
For both teams, it was the first game ever played. The game featured future Panthers legend linebacker Sam Mills, as well as quarterbacks Mark Brunell and Frank Reich (Carolina's current head coach).
"Carolina won the game by a score of 20-14. It also had a better debut season. Competing in the NFC West, the Panthers have 7 wins with 9 losses. "The Jaguars in the AFC Central Division have only 4 wins with 12 losses.
13. The Miami Dolphins are the only team in NFL history to complete a perfect season, winning all 17 regular-season games and the Super Bowl in 1972.
In 1933, the NFL split into two divisions for the first time in its history. Previously, the champion was declared the team with the best regular season results within one division.
The 1932 season ended in an atypical way - the Chicago Bears and Portsmouth Spartans finished the year with the same 85.7% winning percentage. Bears coach George Halas thought it was kind of silly to split the title between the two and suggested an extra match. The winner would become the champion, and the loser would roll to third place, losing to the Green Bay Packers.
"The Bears won the scandalous game 9-0. It became scandalous because quarterback and Spartans star quarterback Dutch Clark could not participate in the game.
Since the 1933 NFL season, there were already two divisions in the NFL - the East and the West. In the East were the Boston Redskins, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Pirates. In the West, the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Green Bay Packers and Portsmouth Spartans.
14. The longest field goal in NFL history is 66 yards, kicked by Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos in 2013.
In 1994, U.S. national soccer team goalkeeper Tony Meola signed a contract with the New York Jets.
After the World Cup in the States in the summer of 1994, many players of the local national team found jobs in Europe. Meola decided not just to stay in his homeland, but to try himself in the national sport - American football. Naturally, at the position of kicker.
He was given a chance by a team from his home state. Unfortunately for the Italian-American, in the same offseason the Jets signed one of the most accurate kickers in the league, Nick Lowery. However, Lowery was already 38 years old, and the Jets were worried about a rule change that moved the kickoff return to 5 yards back. The club decided to see if the goalie's powerful leg kick would help him consistently get touchbacks.
Alas, Meola found he had big problems with technique - kicking an oval ball is not the same as kicking a round ball. After suffering through training camp, the goalie left the Jets and returned to soccer.
15. The longest play in NFL history was a 109-yard missed field goal return by Antonio Cromartie of the San Diego Chargers in 2007.
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16. Jerry Rice holds the record for the most career receiving yards, with 22,895 yards.
17. Emmitt Smith is the NFL's all-time leading rusher, with 18,355 career rushing yards.
18. Tom Brady holds the record for the most career passing touchdowns, with 624.
19. The Chicago Bears have the most members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with 33 enshrined players and personnel.
20. The Cleveland Browns have the unfortunate distinction of having the worst winning percentage of any active NFL franchise.
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21. The NFL has had multiple player strikes and lockouts throughout its history, most notably the 1982 and 1987 player strikes and the 2011 lockout.
22. The NFL introduced instant replay for officiating purposes in 1986 to review certain plays on video.
23. The league expanded to 32 teams in 2002 with the addition of the Houston Texans.
24. The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible college football players to join the league. It typically takes place in April.
25. The first player ever selected in an NFL Draft was Jay Berwanger, chosen by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1936.
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26. The NFL's most valuable franchise was the New York Giants, valued at over $5.4 billion.
27. The Super Bowl halftime show has become a major entertainment spectacle, featuring performances by renowned artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, Beyoncé, Rihanna and Lady Gaga.
28. The NFL has a strict salary cap system in place to promote competitive balance among teams.
29. The Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders are one of the most famous cheerleading squads in the NFL.
30. The phrase "Hail Mary" is commonly used to describe a long, desperate pass attempt in football, and it originated from a game-winning touchdown pass by Roger Staubach of the Dallas Cowboys in 1975.
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31. The NFL has a long-standing rivalry with college football, as they both compete for viewership and talent.
32. The NFL International Series started in 2007, featuring regular-season games played in international locations such as London and Mexico City.
33. The "Immaculate Reception" is one of the most famous plays in NFL history. It occurred in 1972 when Pittsburgh Steelers running back Franco Harris caught a deflected pass for a touchdown.
34. The NFL has an official merchandise partnership with Nike, providing game-day uniforms and apparel for teams and fans.
35. The league has faced controversies and criticism regarding player safety, particularly related to concussions and long-term health effects.
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36. The NFL has implemented various rule changes over the years to enhance player safety, such as targeting penalties and adjustments to kickoff rules.
37. The NFL has a strict substance abuse policy, and players can face suspensions for violating the league's drug policy.
38. The league has a comprehensive replay review system to assist officials in making accurate calls on the field.
39. The NFL has a designated "Trade Deadline" each season, after which teams cannot make player trades until the following league year.
40. The NFL Pro Bowl is an annual all-star game where players are selected based on their performance during the season.
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41. The Pro Bowl is traditionally held in Hawaii but has been hosted in other locations, including Orlando, Florida.
42. The NFL has a partnership with the United Service Organizations (USO) to support active-duty military personnel and veterans.
43. The NFL has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including the "NFL Play 60" campaign, which promotes youth fitness and active lifestyles.
44. The league has a strict code of conduct for players and personnel, aiming to maintain a positive image and uphold high standards of behavior.
45. The NFL has faced controversies related to player protests during the national anthem, which began in 2016 as a way to raise awareness about social justice issues.
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46. The NFL has an official website and a mobile app where fans can access news, scores, player statistics, and other league-related content.
47. The NFL has a strong presence on social media platforms, with official accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
48. The league generates a significant portion of its revenue through television contracts and broadcasting rights.
49. Super Bowl commercials are highly coveted by advertisers due to the massive viewership and reach of the game.
50. The NFL has a dedicated officiating department responsible for training and overseeing game officials.
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51. The Vince Lombardi Trophy is awarded to the team that wins the Super Bowl, named after the legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
52. The NFL has a strict policy against gambling and has taken steps to distance itself from any association with sports betting.
53. The Pro Football Hall of Fame, located in Canton, Ohio, honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors to the game.
54. The NFL has a strict policy against performance-enhancing drugs, and players can face suspensions for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
55. The "12th Man" is a term commonly used to describe passionate fans who create a loud and supportive atmosphere in the stadium.
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56. The NFL has a practice squad where teams can sign additional players for development and depth.
57. The league has an annual "Combine" event, where prospective players showcase their skills and athleticism in front of NFL scouts and coaches.
58. The NFL has a partnership with the American Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for cancer research.
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59. The league has implemented initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including the "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview minority candidates for head coaching and senior football operation positions.
60. The NFL has faced controversies regarding domestic violence incidents involving players, prompting the implementation of stricter policies and educational programs.
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61. The NFL has a comprehensive player health and safety program, including regular physical examinations and mental health resources.
62. The league has expanded its international presence, with games played in London, Mexico City, and potentially other international locations in the future.
63. The NFL has had notable owners throughout its history, including Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, Robert Kraft of the New England Patriots, and the late Al Davis of the Oakland Raiders.
64. The NFL has a designated period called "Free Agency" where players whose contracts have expired can negotiate and sign with other teams.
65. The league has a dedicated department called NFL Films, known for producing cinematic highlight reels and documentaries about the game.
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66. The NFL has an annual awards ceremony called the "NFL Honors," where the league recognizes outstanding players, coaches, and performances from the season.
67. The NFL has had various notable rivalries throughout its history, such as the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Football Team and the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears.
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68. The league has had notable commissioners, including Pete Rozelle, Paul Tagliabue, and Roger Goodell.
69. The NFL has a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) to govern labor relations and player contracts.
70. The league has faced controversies related to player discipline, including suspensions and fines for on-field behavior and off-field misconduct.
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71. The NFL has a salary cap system to ensure competitive balance among teams and prevent excessive spending.
72. The league has a strict protocol for player injuries, including the "concussion protocol," which requires players to undergo evaluation and clearance before returning to the game.
73. The NFL has a partnership with organizations like the United Way to support community outreach and charitable initiatives.
74. The league has a Hall of Fame Game, which kicks off the preseason and features teams playing in Canton, Ohio.
75. The NFL has had notable dynasties throughout its history, including the Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s, the San Francisco 49ers of the 1980s, and the New England Patriots of the 2000s and 2010s.
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76. The NFL has had several memorable games, such as the "Ice Bowl" between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys in 1967, played in frigid conditions.
77. The league has an official partnership with the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) to address player concerns and negotiate labor agreements.
78. The NFL has a strict policy against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
79. The league encourages player involvement in community service and philanthropy through initiatives like the "Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award."
80. The NFL has a designated process for teams to relocate to different cities, subject to approval by the league and considerations of market viability.
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81. The league has a comprehensive marketing and licensing program, with official merchandise available for fans to purchase.
82. The NFL has an annual schedule release, generating excitement and anticipation among fans for the upcoming season.
83. The league has had notable coaches throughout its history, including Vince Lombardi, Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, and Tom Landry.
84. The NFL has implemented measures to enhance player safety, such as stricter rules on helmet-to-helmet hits and player ejections for targeting.
85. The league has an official fantasy football platform, allowing fans to create and manage virtual teams based on real NFL players' performance.
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86. The NFL has a partnership with various corporate sponsors, including major companies in sectors such as technology, automotive, and consumer goods.
87. The league has a strict policy on player celebrations and conduct during games to maintain professionalism and sportsmanship.
88. The NFL has faced controversies regarding the league's handling of player protests and social justice issues, prompting discussions and actions for greater inclusivity and equality.
89. The league has implemented technology advancements, such as video replay systems and tracking devices for player performance analysis.
90. The NFL has a comprehensive media rights package, including broadcasting agreements with major television networks and digital platforms.
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91. The league has established various committees and task forces to address specific issues, such as player safety, diversity, and officiating.
92. The NFL has a strong fan base, with millions of people attending games, watching on television, and engaging in online discussions and fantasy football leagues.
93. The league has a dedicated department for player engagement, providing resources and support for players' personal and professional development.
94. The NFL has a strict anti-gambling policy to maintain integrity and protect the game's credibility.
95. The league has a designated process for teams to submit proposals for hosting the Super Bowl, considering factors such as stadium facilities and community support.
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96. The NFL has had iconic plays throughout its history, including David Tyree's helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII and the "Music City Miracle" kickoff return by the Tennessee Titans in the 1999 playoffs.
97. The league has a rigorous scouting process for college players entering the NFL Draft, including evaluations, interviews, and physical assessments.
98. The NFL has a designated week called "Salute to Service" to honor and support the military and veterans.
99. The league has a comprehensive broadcast coverage, with games televised nationally and regionally, reaching a wide audience.
100. The NFL has a strict policy against tampering, ensuring that teams adhere to fair practices when recruiting and negotiating with players.
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101. The league has a Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee responsible for inducting players, coaches, and contributors into the Hall of Fame based on their contributions to the game.
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That's All 101 Facts You Didn't Know About The NFL.
More Facts About The NFL
On December 6, 1992, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jerry Rice made his 101st career touchdown reception, breaking the NFL record previously held by Steve Largent. Rice went on to raise that record to an unreachable height of 197 touchdowns by the end of his career. Among active players, Larry Fitzgerald (120) and Rob Gronkowski (83) hold the highest touchdown reception records.
On December 3, 1950, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Philadelphia Eagles with a score of 13-7. The winners of this game did not complete a single pass as both of their passing attempts were nullified due to penalties. This remains the last such occurrence in NFL history to this day. Additionally, during the course of this game, the Browns managed to earn only one first down.
In 1961, the NFL team St. Louis Cardinals came to Toronto for an exhibition game against the Argonauts.
The game was played under the rules of Canadian football. However, even the major differences - 3 tries instead of 4, multiple players can move in front of the snap, 12 men on the field - didn't prevent the Cardinals from showing the difference in class. What's more, by that point, the regular season in the CFL had already picked up steam, and for St. Louis, this was the first preseason game.
The Cardinals defense, after 12 days of practice and one scrimmage, managed to hold their opponents to minus-22 total yards on carries and only 184 passing yards in 35 attempts.
Final score: 36-7 in favor of St. Louis.
Two more similar meetings took place in the same month - the Chicago Bears beat the Montreal Alouettes 34-16, but the Buffalo Bills lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 21-38.
After 1961, games between NFL and CFL teams were no longer played.
In 1962, the NFL Draft took place at the Sheraton Hotel in Chicago. With the first overall pick, the Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Terry Baker from Oregon State, the recipient of the 1962 Heisman Trophy. However, Baker's professional career did not pan out successfully. He spent three seasons with the Rams and one year in Canada playing for the Edmonton Eskimos. Terry Baker became one of the early players now referred to as a "bust."
On December 9, 1934, the final game of the NFL Championship was played, in which the New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears with a score of 30-13. The game became known as the "Sneakers Game" because it took place on a frozen field. The night before the game, it rained, and the subsequent freezing temperatures turned the field into a sheet of ice. One of the Giants players, who had experienced a similar situation in college, suggested playing in sneakers. During the third quarter, nine pairs of sneakers were brought to the stadium, which played a decisive role. The Giants scored 27 unanswered points in the final quarter.
On December 9, 1935, the first-ever award for the most outstanding college football player was presented, now known as the Heisman Trophy. The inaugural recipient was halfback Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago. A year later, he was selected as the first overall pick in the first-ever NFL Draft but chose not to pursue a professional football career, opting for a higher-paying job in another field.
On December 9, 1939, the NFL Draft took place at the Schroeder Hotel in Milwaukee. The Chicago Cardinals selected fullback George Cafego from the University of Tennessee with the first overall pick. However, Cafego never played for the team, and his NFL career was short-lived, spanning only four seasons, including a break for military service.
The All-America Football Conference (AAFC) ceased to exist on December 9, 1949. Three of its teams, the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Colts, joined the NFL.
On December 9, 1984, in a game against the Houston Oilers, running back Eric Dickerson of the Los Angeles Rams set a new record for the most rushing yards in a single season, surpassing O.J. Simpson's record. Dickerson accumulated a total of 2,105 rushing yards, a record that remains unbroken to this day.
On December 21, 1941, at Rigley Field in Chicago, the Bears defeated the New York Giants 37-9 in the championship game. The match took place just two weeks after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and attracted only about 13,000 spectators, the lowest attendance in the history of championship finals. Sadly, two players from the game later lost their lives in battles in the Pacific. This title marked Chicago's fifth championship victory. Additionally, it was the first time a team won two consecutive finals.
On December 21, 1948, on this same day, the NFL Draft took place. The Philadelphia Eagles selected center Chuck Bednarik as the first overall pick. Bednarik, a descendant of Slovak immigrants and a World War II hero, played fourteen seasons in the league, winning the championship twice and becoming a true legend not only for his club but also for the sport as a whole.
On December 21, 1984, the Holiday Bowl was played, where Brigham Young Cougars defeated Michigan with a score of 24-17. The winners completed the season with a perfect 13-0 record, securing the top spot in the rankings and capturing the championship title for the only time in the program's history. The 1984 Brigham Young team remains one of the few to win a championship without belonging to one of the leading conferences in the NCAA.
In 1949, the Rams and the Eagles faced off in the final match of the season at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game was played under pouring rain, turning the field into a muddy mess. In such conditions, Philadelphia emerged victorious, defeating the Rams 14-0.
In 2013, quarterback Matt Ryan received his second career contract from the Atlanta Falcons - 5 years and $103.8 million ($42 million guaranteed).
Ryan came into the league under the previous salary scale, so his rookie contract looked chic for the current times - 6 years and $67.5 million. By comparison, C.J. Stroud (No. 2 overall, Ryan was No. 3), selected in the 2023 draft, received a 4-year, $36.3 million contract.
By 2013, Ryan's resume included two All-Star Game appearances and 5 playoff appearances (one win). The 2012 season was the most successful - the Falcons went 13-3 in the regular season and only fell in the conference finals. Therefore, the starting negotiating position for Ryan's agents was excellent.
As a result, Ryan ranked second on the list of highest paid NFL players that offseason - behind Aaron Rodgers. He outsold Joe Flacco, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, in terms of total contract value.
The next 3 seasons were disappointing for Atlanta - the team never made the playoffs, and Ryan played worse than he had in his final seasons on his rookie contract.
However, in the 2016 season, Matt Ryan produced his best season, became the regular season MVP and helped the team reach the Super Bowl.
Ryan's averages during the designated period: 395 completions of 591 passes (66.8%), 4,568 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, passer rating of 96.0, team score of 39-41.
On August 10, 2002, the new Seattle Seahawks stadium (now Lumen Field) officially opened.
The arena hosted a preseason game between the Seahawks and Indianapolis Colts.
The home team's head coach was Mike Holmgren, with Matt Hasselbeck at quarterback and Shaun Alexander at running back. The Colts were coached by Tony Dungy and the offense featured quarterback Peyton Manning, running back Edgerrin James and receiver Marvin Harrison.
The Colts came away with a 28-10 victory.
On November 19, 1932, a football game was played between the modest college teams of West Liberty State and Cedarville. The routine game went down in college football history thanks to one Joe Kershalla, who scored 71 points - 11 touchdowns and 5 extra points.
On this same day in 1978, the Miracle at the Meadowlands took place as the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Giants 19-17 at Giants Stadium. Eagles cornerback Herman Edwards scored the decisive touchdown with 31 seconds left in the game, picking up a fumble after a failed contribution by home team quarterback Joe Pisarcik to Larry Csonka. The prank cost offensive coordinator Bob Gibson his job, and the practice of taking a knee gradually spread throughout the league afterward.
In 1995, the Baltimore Stallions and Calgary Stampeders faced off for the Grey Cup, the Canadian League's premier trophy. Baltimore won 37-20, the first and only time in history that a team from the United States had won the trophy. Less than a year later, the Canadian Football League's attempted southward expansion was scrapped.
Two years ago on this day, the Kansas City Chiefs lost 51-54 to the Los Angeles Rams. The matchup was the third highest-scoring game in NFL history, but it was the first time two teams scored more than 50 points in the same game. The meeting became an instant classic and is rightfully among the most notable games in football history.
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