The Complete History of the NFL & American Football | NFL Vault

Summary

This video chronicles the evolution of the NFL, starting from its origins in 1920 when pro football teams met in a Hupmobile dealership to form the American Professional Football Association. The story highlights key moments, such as the rise of Red Grange, the first NFL Championship game in 1933, the formation of the AFL, and the eventual NFL-AFL merger. It touches on legendary teams, players, and innovations that shaped the league, from Vince Lombardi’s Packers to Bill Walsh’s 49ers, ending with modern dynasties like the Patriots, and thrilling Super Bowl moments.

Takeaways

• 🏈 The NFL began as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) in 1920, formed by pro football team owners in Canton, Ohio.
• 💰 Red Grange became the first major NFL star, signing a groundbreaking $100,000 contract in 1925, and boosting the league's popularity.
• 🏆 The NFL Championship Game was introduced in 1933, played between the top teams from each division, leading to increased competition and fan interest.
• 👊 World War II depleted NFL rosters, resulting in merged teams like the 'Steagles' to keep the league running during the war.
• 🤝 The NFL and the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) merged in 1949, integrating teams like the Browns and 49ers into the NFL.
• 🎥 Coach Paul Brown pioneered the use of game film study, which helped the Browns dominate and win three championships in the 1950s.
• 🎯 The AFL was created in response to the NFL's rising popularity, introducing teams like the Raiders, Chiefs, and Bills. Eventually, the NFL and AFL merged in 1970.
• 🏅 The Green Bay Packers, led by coach Vince Lombardi, won the first two Super Bowls, cementing their legacy in NFL history.
• 🎮 Bill Walsh's West Coast offense revolutionized the game, helping the 49ers win three Super Bowls in the 1980s.
• 🤠 The Cowboys, Steelers, and 49ers became dominant teams in the 1990s and early 2000s, while Tom Brady's Patriots defined the era as the league's only true dynasty.

Q & A

What event marked the official founding of the National Football League (NFL)?

The NFL was founded on September 17, 1920, at a Hupmobile dealership in Canton, Ohio, when owners of existing pro football teams formed the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became the NFL.

Who was Red Grange, and why was he significant to early NFL history?

Red Grange was the NFL's first major star, joining the Chicago Bears in 1925 after his college career at the University of Illinois. He gained fame for scoring 31 touchdowns and earning a then-record sum of $100,000.

When and why did the NFL introduce its first championship game?

The NFL introduced its first championship game in 1933 to capitalize on the growing popularity of football. It was played between the best teams from each division.

How did World War II affect the NFL and its teams?

World War II depleted league rosters, leading to merged teams like the 'Steagles' (a combination of the Steelers and Eagles) that played against whoever was left.

What innovation did Paul Brown bring to the NFL in the 1950s?

Paul Brown, coach of the Cleveland Browns, pioneered the use of film study in football, helping his team win three championships in the 1950s.

What was the significance of the 1958 NFL Championship game?

The 1958 NFL Championship game between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants is known as 'The Greatest Game Ever Played.' It ended in sudden-death overtime, boosting the NFL's popularity.

How did the AFL-NFL merger in 1970 change the landscape of professional football?

The 1970 AFL-NFL merger unified the two competing leagues, creating a stronger NFL that introduced new teams and increased competition, cementing the league's dominance in professional football.

What offensive strategy did the San Diego Chargers and coach Don Coryell popularize in the late 1970s?

The San Diego Chargers under coach Don Coryell introduced 'Air Coryell,' a high-powered passing offense that influenced modern offensive strategies, although the team did not win a Super Bowl.

What is the 'West Coast Offense,' and which team used it to dominate the 1980s?

The 'West Coast Offense' is a short-pass-focused offensive system developed by Bill Walsh, which helped the San Francisco 49ers win three Super Bowls in the 1980s.

How did the NFL evolve in the 2000s in terms of competition and team dynamics?

The 2000s saw traditional powerhouses crumble due to salary cap restrictions and increased parity, allowing teams like the Ravens, Buccaneers, and Patriots to rise as new champions.

Outlines

00:00

🏈 The Origins of the NFL: From Hupmobile Dealership to Red Grange's Rise

The story of the NFL begins in 1920 at a Canton, Ohio Hupmobile dealership, where owners of pro football teams gathered to form the American Professional Football Association (APFA). By 1922, the APFA became the National Football League (NFL). The league’s first major star, Red Grange, a University of Illinois standout, joined the Chicago Bears in 1925, earning $100,000, an unheard-of sum at the time. He thrilled fans with 31 touchdowns, and his popularity helped propel the NFL to create its first championship game in 1933. During the 1930s, teams like the Bears, Giants, and Redskins dominated, with standout players like Sammy Baugh revolutionizing the game with their passing abilities.

05:01

🌍 War, Merger, and Paul Brown’s Innovations Shape the NFL’s Future

World War II severely impacted the NFL, with teams combining their rosters to stay afloat. Post-war, football’s popularity soared, leading to the creation of the All-America Football Conference (AFC) with teams like the Browns, 49ers, and Colts. Rather than causing rivalry, the NFL and AFC merged in 1949. Legendary coach Paul Brown introduced innovations such as film study, helping the Browns secure three championships in the 1950s. Detroit also shined, led by quarterback Bobby Layne, before Johnny Unitas and the Colts captured hearts in 1958 by winning the 'Greatest Game Ever Played' in sudden-death overtime.

🏆 Packers Dominate Early Super Bowls, AFL Emerges as Strong Contender

In the 1960s, the NFL’s dominance was challenged by the emergence of the AFL, with teams like the Bills, Broncos, and Raiders. The Green Bay Packers, coached by Vince Lombardi, became the standard of excellence, winning the first two Super Bowls, with the league’s championship trophy later named after Lombardi. Meanwhile, Jim Brown broke numerous records before retiring at age 29. In Super Bowl III, Joe Namath’s 'guarantee' led the underdog New York Jets to victory over the Colts, proving that AFL teams could compete with NFL powerhouses, which culminated in the merger of the two leagues in 1970.

🔨 The Power of the Run Game and America's Team Emerges in the 1970s

The 1970s saw the dominance of ground-based football, with teams like the Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys winning titles with strong running games. The Dolphins claimed two championships, while Tom Landry’s Cowboys, powered by their Doomsday Defense and stars like Tony Dorsett, earned the nickname 'America's Team.' The Pittsburgh Steelers, however, overshadowed them all, winning four Super Bowls with their legendary 'Steel Curtain' defense and players like Mean Joe Greene. Despite the heavy emphasis on the run, innovative offenses like Air Coryell’s passing game, led by the San Diego Chargers, hinted at a future shift in NFL strategy.

🏅 1980s and 1990s: Dynasties, West Coast Offense, and Epic Super Bowl Battles

In the 1980s, Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense led the San Francisco 49ers to three Super Bowl titles, while Bill Parcells’ New York Giants became known for their powerful defenses, securing two championships. Joe Gibbs’ Washington Redskins also emerged as a dominant force, winning three titles. The early 1990s saw the rise of the Dallas Cowboys under colorful owner Jerry Jones, winning three Super Bowls. Meanwhile, legendary players like Jerry Rice broke records, and Reggie White terrorized quarterbacks with the Green Bay Packers, earning their third Super Bowl victory.

⚡ The New Millennium: Parity, New Champions, and the Brady Era

As the NFL entered the 2000s, traditional powerhouses began to fade, and new champions emerged. Teams like the Ravens and Buccaneers won their first Super Bowls, but it was the New England Patriots, led by backup quarterback Tom Brady and mastermind coach Bill Belichick, that defined the era. Their rivalry with Peyton Manning’s Colts produced legendary matchups. Brady was famously thwarted by Eli Manning and David Tyree in the Giants' upset victory. The Steelers added more rings with Ben Roethlisberger, while teams like the Saints, Ravens, and Eagles achieved memorable Super Bowl wins, each with dramatic finishes and iconic moments.

Keywords

💡Hupmobile

The Hupmobile was a car manufactured by the Hupp Motor Car Company. In the video, it serves as a symbol of the NFL's humble beginnings, as a Canton, Ohio, dealership became the meeting place where the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became the NFL, was formed in 1920. This shows the historical roots of the league in American business and culture.

💡American Professional Football Association (APFA)

The APFA was the original name of what would become the National Football League (NFL). Formed in 1920, this association marked the formal beginning of professional American football. The video highlights how two years later, the APFA transformed into the NFL, setting the stage for professional football's rapid growth.

💡Red Grange

Red Grange, known as 'The Galloping Ghost,' was the first major star of the NFL. His signing with the Chicago Bears in 1925 for a then-unheard-of $100,000 made him a national icon and helped popularize the league. The video emphasizes Grange's role in raising the NFL's profile during its early years.

💡NFL Championship Game

First introduced in 1933, the NFL Championship Game was created to crown the league's best team. The video mentions this innovation as a crucial step in solidifying the league's structure and appeal, with teams like the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants dominating the early contests.

💡World War II

World War II had a significant impact on the NFL, as many players left to serve in the military, leaving team rosters severely depleted. The video explains that teams like the 'Steagles' (a merger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles) were formed during this time to cope with the shortage of players, illustrating the league's struggle to survive during wartime.

💡AFL-NFL Merger

The AFL-NFL merger in 1970 unified the two major professional football leagues in the U.S., leading to the creation of the modern NFL. The video highlights this as a pivotal moment in football history, showcasing how the merger fostered intense competition and led to the eventual dominance of the NFL.

💡West Coast Offense

The West Coast Offense, developed by coach Bill Walsh, revolutionized the way football was played by emphasizing short, precise passes over traditional running plays. The video mentions this offensive strategy as one of the innovations that shaped modern football, with the San Francisco 49ers winning multiple championships using it.

💡Super Bowl

The Super Bowl is the NFL's annual championship game and one of the most-watched sporting events globally. First played in 1967, the video recounts the history of the Super Bowl, including notable moments like Joe Namath's famous guarantee in Super Bowl III and the dynastic wins of teams like the Packers, Steelers, and Cowboys.

💡Salary Cap Era

The Salary Cap Era refers to the implementation of spending limits on player salaries in the NFL, starting in the 1990s. The video discusses how this change led to greater parity across the league, allowing smaller market teams like the Ravens and Buccaneers to compete for championships, which contrasted with the previous dominance of powerhouse teams.

💡Greatest Game Ever Played

The 'Greatest Game Ever Played' refers to the 1958 NFL Championship between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants, which went into sudden-death overtime. The video cites this game as a turning point in NFL history, as its dramatic finish captured national attention and helped solidify football as America's favorite sport.

Highlights

The American Professional Football Association (APFA) was founded on September 17, 1920, in Canton, Ohio, and would later become the NFL.

Red Grange, the first major NFL star, earned $100,000 in 1925, a huge sum at the time, after moving from Illinois to the Chicago Bears.

The NFL Championship Game was introduced in 1933 to capitalize on the league's growing popularity, with Grange's Bears dominating early championships.

World War II heavily impacted NFL rosters, leading to the temporary merger of teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers as the 'Steagles.'

Post-World War II, football gained enough popularity to support the formation of a second league, the All-America Football Conference (AFC), which later merged with the NFL.

Paul Brown, coach of the Cleveland Browns, revolutionized football in the 1950s by championing film study and guiding his team to three championships.

Johnny Unitas led the Baltimore Colts to a comeback win in sudden-death overtime in the 1958 NFL Championship, considered the 'Greatest Game Ever Played.'

The AFL was formed in response to rising demand for football, and iconic teams like the Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Kansas City Chiefs emerged from this league.

The Green Bay Packers, led by Vince Lombardi, dominated the 1960s, winning the first two Super Bowls and lending Lombardi's name to the NFL Championship trophy.

Broadway Joe Namath's Jets upset the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III, proving AFL teams could compete with the NFL, leading to a merger in 1970.

The 1970s saw ground-and-pound football, with teams like the Miami Dolphins winning two titles and the Pittsburgh Steelers securing four Super Bowls with their legendary defense.

San Francisco 49ers coach Bill Walsh introduced the 'West Coast Offense,' revolutionizing passing strategies and leading the 49ers to three Super Bowl victories.

The Dallas Cowboys, known as 'America's Team,' won three Super Bowls in the early 1990s under colorful owner Jerry Jones.

Tom Brady's partnership with coach Bill Belichick defined the 2000s, launching a New England Patriots dynasty.

The NFL saw parity in the 2000s with different teams like the Ravens, Buccaneers, and Saints winning championships, while the Patriots were the only consistent dynasty.

Transcripts

ever wonder how we got from this to this

to this well it all started with this a

Hupmobile

because at a Canton Ohio Hupmobile

dealership on September 17 1920 owners

of existing pro football teams met to

form the a PFA the American Professional

Football Association George Halas and

other signers likely couldn't have

predicted that two years later the a PFA

would become the National Football

League they were off and running and so

was Red Grange the first big NFL star

who in 1925 sprinted from the campus of

Illinois to the bears and the bank

pocketing the then ridiculous sum of

$100,000 to thrill huge crowds as the

galloping ghosts Red Grange carried the

ball and scored 31 touchdowns to

capitalize on its newfound popularity

the NFL created the NFL championship

game in 1933 played between the best

teams in each division granges bears

were a powerhouse playing in seven of

the first eleven championships against

teams like Tim Maris Giants and the

Redskins led by sling and Sammy Baugh

who lived up to his name by throwing the

ball all over the gridiron

he throws the football complete to past

games a yard scores a touchdown that's

the world record the NFL like the rest

of America was hit hard by World War two

league rosters were so depleted merged

teams like the steagle 's played against

whoever was left but when the soldiers

came home football had gained enough

popularity to support a second league

the AFC which included teams like the

Browns 49ers and Colts instead of a

rivalry between two leagues killing the

sport they merged in 1949 along with his

Browns coach Paul Brown brought to the

NFL innovation and domination

he was the first coach to champion film

study which helped lead to three

championships in the 50s

the Browns weren't winning Detroit was

three times with quarterback Bobby Lane

Johnny you close out the decade in style

leaving the Colts to an epic

come-from-behind victory in sudden-death

overtime in what's still known as the

greatest game ever played the huge

demand for football led to the formation

of the AFL and teams like the bills

Broncos Chargers Chiefs Oilers and

Raiders but back in the NFL it was all

Packers winning titles in a Cotton Bowl

a nice Bowl and in the first two Super

Bowls their legendary status secured

when the league's championship trophy

was named after their head coach Vince

Lombardi meanwhile Jim Brown was

rewriting record books until retiring at

the ripe old age of 29 in Super Bowl

three Broadway Joe's guarantee of a Jets

victory stole the spotlight and when

they delivered by upsetting the Colts

fans knew AFL teams weren't bit players

anymore

it was 1970 when the NFL and AFL merged

the style of football

ground-and-pound the run game was in

vogue from The Electric Company to the

new champs the Dolphins who ground out

two titles so did Tom Landry's Cowboys

behind Dwayne the silent Tony D and the

defense called doomsday these cowboys

and their cheerleaders won themselves a

new nickname America's team and a pair

of Super Bowls but the Steelers Trump

fat with four of a kind dominating the

70s with two jacks a Mean Joe

and a swan dive but it wasn't all hand

offs during the disco era as a bearded

quarterback and a brilliant coach

created a supercharged modern offense

called air Coryell San Diego might not

have one in Lombardi's but they made the

Walshes gives and Parcells

take notice Walsh's short pass West

Coast offense got it done three times

for San Francisco

[Applause]

but Parcells set his sights on defusing

it and any other wide open offense

winning himself two Super Bowls

meanwhile Gibbs left Coryell's coaching

staff and landed back on the ground

winning the Redskins three titles just

like their rivals in Dallas who led by a

colorful owner hoisted the Lombardi

three times in the early 90s then God

told Reggie wife to sign with Green Bay

and he put the fear of God in

quarterbacks on the way to the Packers

third Super Bowl while all that was

happening Jerry Rice rewrote the record

books and the bills lost four Super

Bowls setting records for fan headaches

but not even an ill-timed migraine could

stop Terrell Davis and John Elway from

picking up two titles then the Music

City miracle ended up as a mere preview

for the greatest show on turf as the

league into the 2000s the traditional

powerhouses were crumbling in the tag

Limu salary cap and parody era opening

the way for new champions like the

Ravens and the Bucs but it was a backup

quarterback partnering with a rumpled

genius that would define the start of

the era's only real dynasty

[Applause]

and his duels with Peyton Manning were

the stuff of legend no it was the other

manning who would thwart Brady along

with David Tyree who proved that it pays

to be a heavy player did he do that

meanwhile Ben Roethlisberger saw to it

that Steelers fans had a ring for the

thumb and the other hand yet unlike the

20s through the odds no team this decade

has repeated Brees saved the Saints but

got Beiste moated in the follow-up the

blazing-hot Ravens couldn't recharge

with the lights on nor off and the team

one yard from repeating had their dreams

killed at the goal line and after a DAB

in a Vaughn at Super Bowl 50 a comeback

for the ages and a Philly special that

brings us up to now 98 seasons with 99

on the horizon the NFL has come a long

way who would have thought a Hut mobile

could get you that far

[Music]

you

[Music]