NFL
The National Football League
The Beginning
The NFL was founded by in 1920. Originally, there were 13 teams, but only one (Chicago Bears) remains today. The Packers joined the league in 1921, and hold the league record for championships, with 13. Up until the 1940's, teams would commonly join the league, but collapse in just a few years.
During WWII
During World War II, many football players were drafted into the army. More than 20 died, and the league came to an abrupt standstill. Play still continued, but several teams merged for several seasons.
1920s
WWII
The 1943 "Steagles", or the Steelers and Eagles
1970s
History of the NFL in Logos
1950s-1980s
After the war, the NFL came back well. Teams and the league became more stable, and the last team to collapse collapsed in 1953. The NFL gained popularity and passed baseball as the most popular sport in the U.S. The NFL merged with the AFL and grew even more popular. The championship game became the most watched game in sports.
The 1970s Steelers, who dominated the league in the 1970s
Today
The NFL today is a $1.43 billion industry. The NFL is dealing with lawsuits by former players because of head injuries. The players are angry because they say the NFL just gave them painkillers and put them on the field with injuries. Besides that, the NFL is a highly successful money-making machine.
The average injuries by position in the NFL