The NFL currently boasts 32 proud franchises that compete for the coveted Lombardi Trophy each season. The League started with fewer teams in its fray over a century ago; a slow progression of expansion, retraction, and merger has led to the modern NFL divisions and conferences.

Embark on a captivating journey through The Complete NFL Expansion History, a series that uncovers the untold stories behind the teams that laid the foundation for the NFL’s modern landscape. In this second edition, we continue the thrilling narrative of NFL growth.

In Part I, we started at the launch of the inaugural season. We then subsequently went through the significant teams of the NFL’s first baker’s dozen or seasons to find the core eight franchises that would carry the National League banner for years to come: the Cardinals, Bears, Packers, Giants, Lions, Washington, Steelers, and Eagles.

Quick math tells us that we still need to find out where 24 other franchises originated from to help build the Shield and its representative franchises of the modern era. Without further adieu let’s crack some pads, and keep this NFL expansion journey going.

The Next of the New NFL Franchises

It wouldn’t be until 1937 that the League would absorb another of its long-lasting franchises. 

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The Cleveland Rams were the solitary survivor of the rival upstart football league known as the second incarnation of the American Football League. The AFL lasted for just the 1936 season and succumbed to the NFL. The franchise would play in Cleveland for almost a decade, winning the title in 1945 before leaving town to set up shop on the West Coast in LA. The 1943 season had the Rams sit out due to manpower issues caused by the War. Cleveland returned to the standings in 1944. Though they have also made stops in St. Louis along the way, the team we know as the Los Angeles Rams is the modern-day derivative of this club.

The NFL operated as a ten-team organization for quite a while. The tenth was the Brooklyn Dodgers football program, which was in the league’s standings from 1930 through World War II.

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The Dodgers morphed into the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944 and emerged as the Yanks in 1945 before dissolving after the 1945 season.

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Rival League and a Merger

As World War II ended, the American passion for professionals grew. This provided an avenue for yet another rival league to sprout up the All-American Football Conference or AAFC. After four seasons dominated by one team, the AAFC succumbed to the NFL. Part of the surrender was the parting gift of the League absorbing three of the AAFC’s eight teams into the NFL as franchises. Thus, the next period of expansion was in 1950, when the NFL surged to 13 teams with these additions.

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Under the guidance of innovative Coach Paul Brown and stars like Otto Graham, Marion Motley, Mac Speedie, and others, the Browns lost only four AAFC tilts and captured all of the rival league’s Titles. The first season in the NFL, the Browns won an NFL Championship to make it five in a row and eventually seven championships in their first ten seasons as a football team. That’s pretty dominant!

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The Niners were also a very good AAFC team, and had it not been for the powerhouse Browns, who knows, they could have won multiple Titles before joining the NFL in 1950. The San Francisco franchise had stars like Joe Perry, Frankie Albert, Johnny Strzykalsk, and Norm Standlee leading the charge.

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The name sounds familiar, but these are not the Baltimore Colts that turned into the Indianapolis Blue Horseshoes we know and love today. This original NFL Colts club went belly up one season after the merger, but they did have a guy on their roster named Y. A. Tittle, who would eventually be an NFL legend. More on the Colts in a moment.

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These new Colts of Baltimore went on to play for the NFL title a few times just a handful of years after being resurrected. This team went on to have Johnny Unitas, Raymond Berry, and company and won Super Bowl V before moving to Indy.

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Fending Off Yet Another Rival

The status quo of the National Football League sticking to twelve teams lasted until 1960, when yet another competitor, what many consider the fourth edition of the AFL, was brought to life. The NFL decided to go head-to-head in the Dallas-Fort Worth market when the American Football League reincarnated the Dallas Texans name. The NFL, in turn, countered with a franchise of its own.

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Dallas hired innovative Giants defensive coordinator Tom Landry, who would lead Big D for three decades. The Cowboys could have been a better team in that first season but had some rising stars in QB Don Meredith, Jim Doran, Eddie LeBaron, and others. The big news was that they won the battle of Dallas as the Texans left town to become the AFL’s Kansas City affiliate.

The NFL chose another potential battleground with the AFL to even out the number of teams for scheduling and conference reasons to get the number of franchises to fourteen. The American League did have a franchise on paper prior to the NFL having one, but with some power play moves, the Twin City AFL franchises have yet to come to fruition. The NFL had better luck with their new entry.

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Former Championship Quarterback Norm Van Brocklin was the Vikings’ first head Coach. A youngster from Georgia named Fran Tarkenton was the team’s signal caller. At the same time, veterans like Hugh McEhlhenny, Jerry Reichow, and Mel Triplett provided a touch of experience to the new team on the field.

It would not be until 1966 that the next new squad would debut in the League.

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The AFL brand of football was garnering steam and popularity with some innovative Television contracts. The NFL countered again by grabbing some strongholds in the South, and Atlanta was a big prize they needed. The Falcons had a watered-down roster but still managed three wins in their opening season of play.

The uneven amount of teams again caused scheduling disturbances in 1966. The NFL would correct the numbers and balance thongs out again by going South once more, canceling yet another AFL threat.

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Another former NFL star would get a Head Coaching position, as Tom Fears was the Saints’ first sideline boss. Veteran QB Billy Kilmer took up under center while veterans Tom Barrington and Jim Taylor lined up behind him. 

The move to sixteen teams allowed the NFL to go to four divisions for the first time in history, allowing for an expanded postseason.

It would be the next expansion period that would be the most significant in league history. One that would change the course of the NFL, significantly altering the sports landscape across the globe. Look back for Part III of this series on the history of NFL expansion as we look at this whirlwind of growth for the NFL.

The NFL, a name synonymous with athletic excellence, billion-dollar contracts, and electrifying Sundays, boasts a rich and fascinating history. But where did this powerhouse league begin? Today, we embark on a captivating journey through The Complete NFL Expansion History, a series that unveils the stories behind the teams that laid the foundation for the NFL’s modern landscape.

In this first installment, we travel back in time to 1920, a period where professional football was still taking its first wobbly steps. We’ll meet the ten courageous teams who dared to form the American Professional Football Association (APFA), the league that would eventually morph into the NFL we know and love.

From the powerhouse squads like the Canton Bulldogs to the underdogs with larger-than-life personalities, each team brought a unique story and a burning passion for the game. We’ll delve into their first seasons, explore the challenges they faced, and celebrate their victories.

Prepare to be surprised! You’ll discover how these early teams redefined the game with innovative strategies and iconic players. We’ll also analyze the crucial moments and decisions that shaped the APFA’s evolution, ultimately leading to the birth of the National Football League.

So, buckle-up that leather helmet and grab your virtual history book as we get ready to step back in time! This is the story of the NFL’s humble beginnings, with early small town teams and players filled with grit, determination, and the unwavering spirit that continues to define the game today.

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Any way you slice it, the Dallas Cowboys are a brand, like the New York Yankees or the Boston Celtics. Since they were deemed America’s Team in the 1970s, the Cowboys have had both a national following and a universal hatred. This franchise has won five Super Bowl titles (tied for 2nd all time) … two in the 70s and three in the 90s. It seems like the men with the star on their helmets constantly get the media spotlight. One way or the other, there is no lack of passion with NFL fans when it comes to the Cowboys. This team has packed a ton of players and coaches in Canton. Some of their most memorable names are the signal callers. Quite a few notable QBs have played in Big D, so choosing some of the top men under center for this franchise wasn’t an easy task. Without any more delay, here are the top quarterbacks in Dallas Cowboys history.

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It’s fairly difficult to put together a winning season in the NFL. It’s extremely difficult to have sustained success over decades and decades. A handful of franchises have had sustained success for their entire history, winning more than 53 percent of their games going back to their founding in the 20th century. 

Today, we’re going to look at the all-time best NFL teams to find out what team in the NFL has the best record and winning percentage. Here are the top 10 NFL Franchises with the highest winning percentages. 

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The NFL’s All-Time Top 100 list isn’t just a collection of legendary names; it’s a pantheon of gridiron gods who redefined the game. But among these titans, one position reigns supreme – the quarterback. These signal-callers are the orchestrators, the maestros conducting symphony-like plays that leave fans breathless.

A few years ago, the NFL released its prestigious list. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players. With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is daunting. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. We’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss by the end, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans. We are entering the final leg to round out the top one hundred players who were chosen.

This article is a deep dive into the elite quarterbacks enshrined in the Top 100. These are the men who defied expectations, shattered records, and led their teams to glory. We’ll dissect their playing styles, delve into their iconic moments, and explore the lasting impact they’ve had on the sport. This comprehensive analysis will leave you with a profound understanding of their contributions to the game.

From the pinpoint accuracy of surgical passers to the scrambling gunslingers who defied convention, get ready to meet the architects of victory, the quarterbacks who cemented their place as legends not just in the Top 100 but in the annals of NFL history.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 5 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love. Here, you will find half of the signal-callers who made many memories of the unbelievable throws, extraordinary feats escaping the pocket, and more in football history.

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Fly Eagles fly … on the road to victory! The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the most passionate, disgruntled, and tortured fan bases in the NFL. I know because I am part of it. Started in 1933, the franchise has only won four championships, but they have been close many times. They are 6th all time in regular season victories (624) and tied for 7th in postseason wins (25). Since 2000, only the New England Patriots have had more conference championship appearances (13) than the Eagles (7). This franchise has had some of football’s most legendary names, but this list will just focus on the signal callers. Who are the best QBs in the history of Franklin Field, Veterans Stadium, and Lincoln Financial Field? Some of these slingers made the cut because they put up big numbers, and others made the cut because they led their team to championship glory. Before someone gets thrown in jail at the Vet, here are some of the top quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles history.

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The offensive line acts as the wall protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes, and right guards play a crucial role in this formidable structure. These unsung heroes anchor the right side, locking horns with defensive tackles and linebackers. This post delves into the realm of the NFL’s greatest right guards of all time.

We’ll journey through gridiron history, uncovering the legendary figures whose dominance and skill cemented their place in football lore. From dominant run blockers to impeccable pass protectors, we’ll analyze their impact on the game and dissect their unique play styles.

So, coddle down in your best three-point stance, be prepared to fire out, and be awestruck by the feats of these remarkable athletes. Let’s unveil the Best NFL right guards of all time!

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In part five, we met the first wave of legendary quarterbacks who dominate the NFL’s All-Time Top 100 list. These masters of the gridiron, with their pinpoint accuracy, strategic brilliance, and clutch performances, left fans in awe and redefined the quarterback position.

The NFL’s All-Time Top 100 list isn’t just a collection of legendary names; it’s a pantheon of gridiron gods who redefined the game. But among these titans, one position reigns supreme – the quarterback. These signal-callers are the orchestrators, the maestros conducting symphony-like plays that leave fans breathless.

A few years ago, the NFL released its prestigious list. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players. With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is a meticulous process. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. We’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss by the end, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans. We are entering the final leg to round out the top one hundred players who were chosen.

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The greatest NFL rushers in history

 The NFL’s All-Time Top 100 list isn’t just a ranking; it’s a pantheon of legends – the running backs who carved through defenses like a hot knife through butter. This piece will delve into the dynamic rushers who graced the gridiron and displayed their offensive brilliance. We’ll meet the elusive running backs who left defenders grasping at air with their shifty moves and explosive speed. Prepare to be transported back through NFL history as we explore the careers of these offensive powerhouses. The running backs redefined the game and forever etched their names in the league’s most prestigious ranking.

This article takes a deep dive into the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking meticulously compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts mixed with the database values of Pro-Football-Reference. We’ll unravel the criteria distinguishing the elite from the exceptional, examining factors like on-field dominance, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.

A few years ago, the NFL released its prestigious list. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the NFL top 100 players is daunting. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. We’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss by the end, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans. We are entering the final leg to round out the top 100 players chosen.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 4 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love. Here, you will find the running backs that made many memories of significant chunk plays and extraordinary feats of football history.

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Backers, Tight Ends, Safties, and More

Forget the quarterbacks for a moment. The NFL’s symphony of violence and athleticism wouldn’t be complete without the tenacious blitzers who hunt quarterbacks, the mismatch nightmares at tight end, the dazzling route runners who leave defenders in their dust, and the lockdown corners who silence aerial assaults. In the NFL’s Top 100, where legends are ranked and legacies debated, these unsung heroes – the linebackers, tight ends, receivers, and defensive backs – take center stage. Let’s delve into the pantheon of these gridiron warriors, exploring the all-time greats who redefined their positions and forever changed the way the game is played.

This article takes a deep dive into the prestigious NFL Top 100 list, a dynamic ranking meticulously compiled by current and former players, coaches, and media experts mixed with the database values of Pro-Football-Reference. We’ll unravel the criteria that distinguish the elite from the exceptional, examining factors like on-field dominance, leadership qualities, and lasting impact on the game.

Prepare to embark on a journey through time, encountering iconic shutdown defenders who haunted opposing offenses and electrifying receivers who defied expectations. This list encompasses the best of the best, from the gridiron warriors of yesteryear to the modern-day superstars.

A few years ago, the NFL released a list called the NFL 100. It was a media frenzy and stirred controversy and discussion as only the NFL can. For our list, we will consult the NFL’s choices but also use the power of the Stathead Football database and its Approximate Value and Fantasy rankings data to provide a top 100 of the NFL’s best players.

With so many deserving players, crafting a list of the top 100 is a daunting task. We’ll tackle it by position groups and in three separate posts. By the end, we’ll have a compelling 100 to discuss, sparking lively conversations among NFL fans.

So, please sit back, relax, and join us as we delve into Part 3 of the definitive NFL’s Top 100 list of players of all time. This exploration promises to ignite debates, rekindle memories of legendary plays, and solidify your understanding of the men who have truly shaped the game we love. We fondly call this the “thumper section,” filled with tight ends, offensive two-position stars, safety, and backers, which fit the bill in this section.

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