The National Football League (NFL) has a rich history that dates back to 1920 when it was originally founded as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Over the years, the league has seen many teams come and go, but there are a few original teams that have stood the test of time and continue to be a part of the NFL to this day.
The original NFL teams, also known as the “Charter Members,” consisted of 10 teams that played in the inaugural 1920 season. These teams were essential in shaping the early years of professional football and laying the foundation for what the NFL would become.
The original NFL teams were:
1. Akron Pros
2. Buffalo All-Americans
3. Canton Bulldogs
4. Chicago Cardinals
5. Chicago Tigers
6. Cleveland Tigers
7. Columbus Panhandles
8. Dayton Triangles
9. Decatur Staleys
10. Detroit Heralds
Each of these teams played a crucial role in establishing the NFL as a premier professional football league in the United States. Many of these original teams have evolved and undergone name changes over the years, but their contributions to the league’s history are undeniable.
The Akron Pros, for example, became the Cleveland Indians in 1921 before eventually settling on the Cleveland Browns in 1946. The Canton Bulldogs were one of the most dominant teams in the early years of the NFL, winning two championships in 1922 and 1923.
The Chicago Cardinals, now known as the Arizona Cardinals, are the oldest continuously run professional football team in the United States. The Decatur Staleys moved to Chicago in 1921 and were later renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922, becoming one of the most iconic franchises in NFL history.
The Detroit Heralds, originally a traveling team, eventually became the Detroit Lions in 1934. The Dayton Triangles, one of the original teams, ceased operations in 1929, but their legacy lives on as part of NFL history.
These original NFL teams paved the way for the growth and success of professional football in the United States. Their commitment to the sport and their pioneering efforts helped shape the NFL into the powerhouse league it is today.
While many of the original teams have undergone changes in ownership, location, and branding over the years, their impact on the NFL’s history is undeniable. As fans, it’s important to remember and honor the legacy of these original teams and the role they played in shaping the game we all know and love today.
So, the next time you tune in to watch an NFL game, take a moment to appreciate the history and tradition that these original teams helped create. Their contributions have truly stood the test of time and continue to influence the league in countless ways.