The game of professional football in America began, not with a single person s conception but rather as a gradual evolution. From soccer to rugby, to rugby- football, and finally to football ( Camp 1). In the year 1823, according to record, a student at rugby school (William Webb Ellis) picked up the soccer ball during a game and ran with it. This action was strictly forbidden by the rules, but it shed some light for new ideas to come forth ( Ask 1). Over the years, independent thinking Americans wrote rules that would eventually overhaul the traditional style of rugby, and then rugby-football was born. On the day of April 17, 1859 in New Haven, Connecticut a child named Walter Camp was born, he would later emerge as the major founding father of the game. Even though many say there is no single inventor of the game, many still agree that he is the father of American Football for his many new additions and innovations that shaped the game as we know it today ( Camp 1). In 1880 he had the first of these breakthroughs. He wanted one team to have undisputed possession of the ball, until that side gave it up under their own violation. This was passed by the rules convention (probably the main forerunner to the NCAA) along with the reduction of each side s players from fifteen to eleven. Another of his ideas was passed again on October 12, 1882 in which a team had three downs to advance the ball at least five yards. Then in 1894 games were shortened from a monstrous 150 minutes to a mere 70. And in 1912 Camp decided to change point values because of several problems in the past. Such as the incident in the Harvard-Princeton game in 1882, Harvard scored a touchdown, missed the goal but later kicked a goal from the field. Meanwhile, Princeton scored a touchdown and successfully kicked the point after. The referee, a Yale man, gave the win to Harvard. Princeton, claiming the rules did not justify that, refused to accept that and claimed victory for years afterward ( Camp 6). So the values were changed, a touchdown was now six points instead of four, field goals went down from five points to three. Again in 1912, the rules committee decided to change a little more about the game. The field was now one hundred yards and the offense had four downs (instead of three) to advance the ball ten yards instead of five. Some say when all was said and done and Walter Camp finally stopped the game was forever changed into the unique sport that it has become. Historically, the NFL began in 1920, but it s beginnings were in 1915 with the arrival of Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe was considered one of the greatest athletes of his time. Many tend to remember him as a great kicker and little else about his playing ability. There is much more. Physically, he was perfect for his time. At 6 1 and 195 to 205 pounds he was bigger than most linemen of his day. He was extremely strong. His favorite running maneuver in an open field was to lower his shoulder and drive himself into the defender. Then at the moment of impact, he would lift and peel back the defender. A generation later, Bronko Nagurski used the same style. Yet Thorpe was also a dash man on the Carlisle track team, and his speed on a football field enabled him to break away for long runs. He was an evasive runner, but probably not so much as Red Grange. However, his combination of power and his explosive speed made him a more versatile runner than either Grange or Nagurski ( Ask 4). Then on August 20, 1920, leaders of the four best Ohio League teams met to discuss forming a national professional football league. The attendees included Ralph Hay and Jim Thorpe from the Canton Bulldogs, Frank Neid and Art Ranney from the Akron pros, Jimmy O Donnell and Stan Cofall from the Cleveland Tigers, and Carl Storck of the Dayton Triangles. Buffalo, Rochester and Hammond applied for membership by letter. The result of this meeting was the American Professional Football Conference ( NFL 3) With the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, the NFL went from 26 teams down to a mere eight. 1932 is when the first playoff game occurred. The Chicago Bears
and Portsmouth both ended the season with 6-1 records (ties were not counted). Then league president Joe Carr set up a playoff game to determine the championship. Chicago won ( NFL 5). The 1940s were tough on the NFL. In 1939, league president, Joe Carr died. Carl Storck was interim president until Elmer Layden (head coach and athletic director at Notre Dame) took over. Layden was the first commissioner . The position of president was abolished when Layden took over. World War II obviously had an affect on the league. Most players were involved in the war in some way, whether drafted or working in war plants. The Cleveland Rams suspended play in 1943 and the Steelers and Eagles merged to form what is called the Steagles . They played four games in each city. In 1945, Bert Bell replaced Elmer Layden as League commissioner. The idea of an NFL players union started in the 1950s. In November, 1956, the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) was started. Labor discussions included a minimum salary of $5000 a year for each player, clubs must pay for the equipment, and a clause in the standard player contract to continue payment in the event of injury. The 1950s ended with the death of commission Bert Bell. He was later replaced by Pete Rozelle as his successor. In the 1960s several changes occurred to the NFL. The Chicago Cardinals ( a charter NFL team) moved to St. Louis. Four new teams were added -Atlanta, Dallas, Minnesota, and New Orleans. The 12 game schedule was increased to fourteen games. Also, the emergence of the American Football League had a serious impact on the NFL. And in 1963 the NFL Hall of Fame was opened with 17 charter members : Sammy Baugh, Bert Bell, Joe Carr, Earl Clark, Red Grange, George Halas, Mel Hein, Wilbur Henry, Cal Hubbard, Don McNally, Bronko Nagurski, Ernie Nevers, and Jim Thorpe. Canton, Ohio was selected for the site of it ( NFL 8). The 1970s were highlighted by the start of Monday Night Football. The first game was between the New York Jets and the Cleveland Brown. Football had changed forever. Also in the 1970s the Miami Dolphins had the first (and only) undefeated season in NFL history. And in 1973 O.J. Simpson ran for 2000 yards in a single season, a first for any running back in NFL history. In the same year he broke Jim Brown s old record of 1,863 yards. The 1980s were marred by not only one, but two player strikes. The first came in 1982. The stoppage forced the league to shorten it s season to nine games. Then, in 1987, the players went on strike again. This time, the owners replaced the striking players with scabs . Both of these strikes were over free agency. The collective-bargaining agreement signed to the the end of the strike of 1987 allowed restricted player movement in exchange for a salary cap. The 1980s were also known for the class of 83. Six quarterbacks were selected in the first round draft : John Elway, Todd Blackledge, Jim Kelly, Tony Eason, Ken O Brien, and Dan Marino. Interestingly enough, all were selected by AFC teams. At the March 22, 1989 NFL annual meeting, commissioner Pete Rozelle announced his retirement. His replacement was announced on October 26, 1989 : Paul Tagliabue. The collective bargaining agreement signed in 1993 gave the players what they were seeking : free agency. There were a few restrictions on player movement. Classifications were devised depending on years of service in the league. There was also a salary cap, including a rookie salary cap. Still, players with over five years of experience were allowed to sign with any team. The game is still changing today, Just last week instant replay was reinstated and it will be in place for one season before being revisited next year at this time. It was last in effect from 1986 to 1991 ( Instantly 1). Who knows what the future holds for this ever changing and evolving game.
Camp and his Followers. (online) available geocities/Colosseum/Sideline/5960/d-to1889.htm, February 1999 Ask the Guru. (online) available nflhistory/roots.shtml,8 February 1999. How it all started : the story of the NFL. NFL Films television special, ESPN, national TV, February 9, 1999. NFL History. (online) available nflproweb/NFLHistory/, March 1999 Instantly Reinstated. (online) available nfl/news/990317replay.html, March 1999
Другие работы по теме:
Ray Lewis Royalties Essay Research Paper As
Ray Lewis- Royalties Essay, Research Paper As the crowd roars like an angry ocean, 245 pounds of flesh hurls itself over the finish line, scoring the winning touchdown of the game. Suddenly, the crowd is overflowing from the stands and into the field, as reporters and photographers rush toward the star of the game. ?Ray Lewis, where are you going now that you?ve won the Superbowl??, exclaims one reporter.
Fool
’s Ball Essay, Research Paper Fool?s Ball Many people enjoy watching or playing the game called football. However, there are many people that think football is just a waste of
Soccer Essay Research Paper My name is
Soccer Essay, Research Paper My name is Joe Leavy and I am a freshman here at South Georgia College on a scholarship to play soccer for coach Al Horner. Soccer, ya, the most played game in the world, what a game! I believe who ever invented soccer has got to be the most brilliant man that has ever existed! Soccer is the largest international sport of all times.
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Brick
) Essay, Research Paper “Brick” In Tennessee William s play, “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” the character that appealed to me the most is Brick. Brick seemed to be the center of attention throughout the play. I feel that the there were three main things that Brick was known for. He is the one that everybody loves, and everyone favors.
We Kool Kats Essay Research Paper We
We Kool Kats Essay, Research Paper We kool kats you left bare you left starren into nothin bang America cock of eternity you tore me up as if i were your child
Freshman Yearimbas Essay Research Paper I remember
Freshman Yearimbas Essay, Research Paper I remember walking into South Brunswick High School on the first official day of high school freshman year. It was like nothing out of the ordinary. I had already been in the school all summer. I was there every day for summer football practice with coaches: Homman, Simmons, and Harding.
The Contractual Model Essay Research Paper The
The Contractual Model Essay, Research Paper The contractual model is the model in a professional client-relationship that shows the most trust within any of the professional-client relationships. For this model to work there must be a large amount of trust within the two parties since the choices are made collectively by each of them.
Sportsmanship Essay Research Paper Sportsmanship When I
Sportsmanship Essay, Research Paper Sportsmanship When I first looked at the list of words there were to choose from on character, I was dumbfounded. There were twenty-seven values to choose from, all of them equally important. So after reviewing the list three or four times and getting the personal opinion of others, I decided to choose Sportsmanship.
Just For Kicks Essay Research Paper Brandon
Just For Kicks Essay, Research Paper Brandon Lewis is the manager for his high school football team. On the football team, there is a sorry loser named Timmy. The football team was undefeated for six games straight. Mistakes made by Timmy made the team lose a game. He was the punter and he kept dropping the ball.
Fences Essay Research Paper Get on your
Fences Essay, Research Paper Get on your mark! Get set! Go! From the moment we are born, we enter the race of life. The race to win, to live victoriously, or to be successful in the race of life. Generally, we can say that success is defined as the accomplishment of something attempted. Therefore, anyone can be successful.
Sportsmanship In Our World Today Essay Research
Paper Sports are an involved part in today’s society. The ways that the athletes act are an important part in the playing of sports. Sportsmanship is found in every single sport there is. Whether it is professional football or the local little league, players on each team should have a certain respect for the other team.
PeeWee Essay Research Paper Playing peewee football
Pee-Wee Essay, Research Paper Playing peewee football had always been something that I wanted to do when I was younger. I thoroughly enjoyed throwing the pigskin in the backyard with my dad, but I had never played football competitively. When I was around ten or eleven I decided to sign up for the peewee league.
Chuck Noll Great Coach Essay Research Paper
According to Chuck Noll, the key to a successful professional football team is good management, fairness to team members and team co-operation. Without these three important factors, your team may be doomed from the first time it sets foot on the field.
Popularity Of Soccer Around The World Essay
, Research Paper Popularity of Soccer Around the World I am going to talk about the most popular sport in the world: football. Now, you may be having visions of huge quarterbacks, dressed up in their padding and helmets, parading down the field during the Super Bowl. But the other kind of football, the football the rest of the world knows, has no padding or helmets.
Stream Of Thought Essay Research Paper Ever
Stream Of Thought Essay, Research Paper Ever wonder what a football player is thinking before or during a game? You might be surprised to know that football is not the only thing on his mind. Sure, they think of strategy and game plan, but numerous other thoughts go through their heads.
Rituals Essay Research Paper Rituals Rituals are
Rituals Essay, Research Paper Rituals Rituals are essential to an athlete to help him or her succeed. Most athletes have rituals that take place before, during, or after a sporting event but some are not as obvious.
JC Watts Essay Research Paper Most Untied
J.C. Watts Essay, Research Paper Most Untied States Senators have either prior military experience or graduated from Ivy League schools. With this trend how can one of the most powerful senators in congress be from a state university, be African American and only 38? This Senator really does exist; his name is J.C.
Essay On Man Essay Research Paper Scriptalready
Essay On Man Essay, Research Paper Script already be on stage when show starts Austin= super stu Brian=Fredrick Austin says- ?Hi guys, I hope your doing sssuper, My name is stu, and this is my partner in crime, Fredrick. Fredrick don?t be bashful, introduce your self silly.?
Why I Like Football Essay Research Paper
Why I like Football Many people love watching and participating in sporting events. Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd U.S. president once said, "Sports is the very fiber for what we all stand for. It keeps our spirit alive." No matter if watching or playing, football is one of America’s most popular sports.
History Of Lacrosse Essay Research Paper What
History Of Lacrosse Essay, Research Paper What is Lacrosse? Summary: Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America, and dates back to the 1400 s. Lacrosse did not become well know until the 1600 s.
Football Or Soccer Essay Research Paper Football
Football Or Soccer Essay, Research Paper Football or Soccer Many people argue about soccer and football. Football is mainly an American sport, but it is growing rapidly around the world. Soccer in the other hand is played worldwide; in many people eyes soccer is graceful and well disciplined.
Football College Vs Pro Essay Research Paper
Football It s the sound of helmets crashing, people yelling, the smell of sweat, the feel of pigskin and the taste of blood. Football, it is the only real contact sport. Who are better the NFL players or collegiate players? The leagues are about the same; about football; yet they are completely differences.
Wrestling Today Essay Research Paper The world
Wrestling Today Essay, Research Paper The world of professional wrestling has recently gone through changes. In the eighties, professional wrestling came into the mainstream as sports entertainment. Back then, it was ?good guy? vs. ?bad guy?. The fans knew to cheer for and, likewise, they knew who to jeer for.
Soccer Why It Can
’t Make The Essay, Research Paper Soccer: Why It Can’t Make the Big Time in the U.S.A. Soccer or football (or foosball or futbol), as the rest of the world outside the United States calls it is surely the most popular sport in the world. Every four years, the world championship of soccer, the World Cup, is watched by literally billions all over the world, beating out the United States professional football’s Super bowl by far.
Gambling Essay Research Paper Sports GamblingThere are
Gambling Essay, Research Paper Sports Gambling There are a number of different ways a person can gamble on Professional football. The only problem is here in Wisconsin it is illegal. In the following I will list several different ways a person can gamble on football.
Afl Essay Research Paper AFL football is
Afl Essay, Research Paper AFL football is one of the most loved sports in Australia. This popular game attracts over 13.9 million people a year. It has, according to research conducted in 1999 the 3rd highest number of registered players in any Australian sport with the figure standing at 447,436.
MY MOMMA SAYS Essay Research Paper My
MY MOMMA SAYS Essay, Research Paper My momma says that alligators are ornery because they got all them teeth and no toothbrush. My momma says that happiness comes from little rays of sunshine that sprinkle down from above when your happy. My momma says thyat Vicky Valencourt is the devil. I disagree, I think shes really great, she helped me play football and I like her.
Sports Injury Essay Research Paper Most sports
Sports Injury Essay, Research Paper Most sports work on the same concept, whoever has the most points at the end of the game wins. There are some exceptions, like golf, where the least points win. Sports can be confusing if you have never played. Once you learn one, the rest come easy. Basketball and football are two sports that have the same basics, but very different styles.
Athlete
’s Salaries Essay, Research Paper Are professional athlete?s salaries well justified? Shoot a good game of hoops and grab a million bucks! Professional athletes play their favorite game and they are paid outrageous amounts of money. It seems almost unreal that people are paid anything at all to entertain the public by playing a game of golf or to running around on a football field.
VIOLENCE IN SPORTS Essay Research Paper Violence
VIOLENCE IN SPORTS Essay, Research Paper Violence in sports To: Mrs. Woods From: Jean-Philippe Do you think there?s a connection between sports and violence? If you do, do you think it should be banned? I too think that it?s connected but, unlike most people, don?t think it should be banned. I have many reasons to believe so and I will state them in my essay.
Women In Professional Sports Essay Research Paper
When we think of “professional athletes,” the names that come to our minds are players such as Kurt Warner, Andre Agassi, Mark McGwire, Michael Jordan, Brett Hull, and Steve Austin to name a few. These male athletes are very popular in the professional sports world. But what about Dot Richardson, Rebecca Lobo, Sheryl Swoopes, Mia Hamm, and Cammi Granato to name a few more? These are female professional athletes that some might recognize, but their names are not as popular as the men’s names.
Women Sports Essay Research Paper Women and
Women Sports Essay, Research Paper Women and women’s sports have made great strides since the mid 70’s. Although, gender inequality in sports is still common in most sports today. Prior to the