cleveland season cleveland season team america football conference winning crown league years existence repeated champions perfect season winning games season began number roster moves including addition linebacker alex dub jones following training camp preseason games began regular season win buffalo bills led quarterback graham ends mac followed string victories leading november matchup san_francisco teams perfect records point relying heavily offensive production quarterback albert end win games beat followed weeks later narrow victory san_francisco closest competition end season perfect record led league western division setting championship game matchup bills won playoff eastern division cleveland beat buffalo december win championship preserve unbeaten record season graham included news organizations pro teams alongside teammates graham named valuable player league alongside albert games televised time season recognized perfect pro football hall_of_fame national_football_league nfl absorbed dissolved recognize ohio senator brown wrote letter nfl commissioner roger asking league officially recognize team statistics including perfect season new_england patriots complete season time join miami teams register perfect record offseason roster moves cleveland finished season win loss tie record beat new_york_yankees win second straight championship team successful years existence head coach paul brown numerous roster changes season brought linebacker alex defensive tackle trade chicago rockets tommy james defensive stayed team season came national_football_league detroit lions defensive warren joined team play breaking leg preseason offensive additions included quarterback george significant signing year dub jones brown got jones long successful career cleveland trade brooklyn dodgers rights draft bob author andy describes trade history signed quarterback louisiana state university forced send baltimore effort balance talent teams league year play center mike left season head coach western reserve frank took position retirement don featured team seasons retired sustaining injury accepted job head football coach falls high school falls ohio games televised time stations country away games shown northeast ohio presented bob stan announced games radio entry new ownership group brooklyn dodgers offseason included branch impact schedule executive baseball brooklyn dodgers convinced brown schedule late season road trip cleveland play teams days new_york_yankees los_angeles san_francisco plan effort bring attention help attendance sending successful team cross country road trip strategy worked baseball roster coaching staff preseason results preseason game cleveland held training camp campus bowling green state university previous years preseason games scheduled buffalo bills rubber bowl ohio second baltimore glass bowl ohio week buffalo bills cleveland preseason game victory bills scored touchdowns quarter interception return cliff lewis pair passes quarterback graham dean mac scored touchdown second quarter pass lewis came substitute graham time ran short touchdown quarter score coach paul brown pulled team starters buffalo proceeded mount comeback scoring touchdown quarter fourth buffalo final score came punt return received tackled cleveland yard line pitched ball teammate bill ran rest way touchdown cleveland buffalo downs yards rushing yards passing buffalo helping secure win week baltimore cleveland lost second preseason game played baltimore degree heat ohio opened scoring yard field goal quarter touchdown later period baltimore responded second quarter touchdown pass quarterback receiver jake ran touchdown soon giving point lead receiver davis caught yard touchdown pass end second quarter cleveland led halftime team scored fourth quarter baltimore bus ran yard touchdown secured win number cleveland players suffered injuries game graham hurt hand strained end suffered broken leg injury sidelined seven games regular season game baltimore players hub brown tapped phone line went cleveland press box allowed listen coaches conversations play calling regular season results game week los_angeles opened regular season win home los_angeles beaten chicago rockets season opener week struggled cleveland built lead quarters touchdowns bill field goal safety pulled comeback seconds remaining game los_angeles john scored touchdown short run time recovered kick ensuing quarterback threw long pass end joe fell incomplete cleveland called pass interference ball placed yard line threw completion second touchdown seconds left play time expired ensuing cleveland won yard field goal matched professional football record set years earlier week buffalo bills beat bills second game regular season cleveland dominated game beginning end scoring points total yards offense scoring began touchdowns quarter bob end mac caught touchdown second quarter giving scores span minutes buffalo scored touchdowns second period score stood halftime pulled away second half scoring unanswered touchdowns graham ran score period taken game lead widened ran yards carries matched single game record recording yards despite loss bills backs ran yards combined final score week chicago rockets beat chicago rockets chicago straight victory matchup marked rough play sides teams combined play stopped times break fights chicago yards unnecessary cleveland yards despite frequent cleveland quarterback graham best game season throwing touchdowns rushing fourth bob caught touchdowns chicago scored touchdown short pass quarterback second quarter chicago successfully contained cleveland productive finished game yards carries final score week chicago rockets played rockets second time weeks time cleveland rockets opened scoring yard pass quarterback receiver eddie minutes game added field goal jim mccarthy near end second quarter score half came win game second rockets defenders double teaming cleveland ends adjusted sending receive deep passes cleveland dub jones bill caught long touchdown passes graham quarter ran touchdown fourth quarter final score previous game cases rough play tackle ejected game hitting jim rockets rockets player picked handful sand stadium baseball infield threw mac face game temporarily accidentally kicked player suffered skull fracture week baltimore won fifth game season baltimore muddy field led quarterback began scoring fourth play game yard touchdown pass billy minutes later score pass graham set short touchdown run jones retook lead second quarter field goal led half focusing running game muddy conditions scored touchdown quarter lead good jones returning rib injury finished day yards touchdowns ran yards slippery conditions caused sides cleveland fake field goal attempt second quarter final score won games san_francisco eastern division standings having won games week brooklyn dodgers beat brooklyn dodgers sixth game season dodgers won game season started strong cleveland took lead quarter dodgers answered points second quarter tie score halftime jones ran cleveland touchdown followed yard field goal longest career time brooklyn ran team second quarter touchdown yard drive came touchdown quarter aided long dodgers score field goal blocked returned hank touchdown cleveland pulled away fourth quarter recovery touchdown george young short run downs game setting team record missed extra point cleveland touchdowns breaking long streak narrowly missed yard field goal attempt set professional football record good week buffalo bills won seventh game row bills cleveland jones scored touchdown team offensive play yard pass graham possession bills capitalized mistake running plays brought ball yard line quarterback jim threw baldwin touchdown score field goal short touchdown run later quarter points halftime cleveland retained lead rest game end mac caught touchdown passes fourth quarters graham ended game yards touchdowns leading league receiving added seven yards bills lost second string quarterback george came second quarter strong performance completing passes yards totals included touchdown throw fourth quarter game reach week new_york_yankees end returned lineup week game new_york_yankees recovering broken leg sustained preseason return immediate impact caught yard pass graham touchdown quarter graham threw touchdowns second quarter bob mac scored catching graham pass new_york defenders running yards end zone set yard touchdown caught touchdown beginning quarter lead graham ran yards fifth touchdown fourth quarter pass play broke yankees avoided shutout final minute game end buddy young got cleveland defenders caught yard touchdown pass pete total yards game including yards passing cleveland remained undefeated san_francisco continued hold best record straight wins begin season week baltimore cleveland beat baltimore second time regular season ninth straight victory baltimore turnover downs early game set score short touchdown run jones quarter baltimore drove deep cleveland territory early second quarter turnover downs gave ball passes graham took yard line ran touchdown score halftime jones scored cleveland touchdown cap yard drive start quarter ran touchdown fourth quarter avoided shutout later period threw screen pass billy ran yards touchdown final score win gave victories row extending previous season setting new record missed field goals game week san_francisco victory san_francisco gave wins row start regular season game anticipated sides san_francisco started season victories won games relied heavily offense featured quarterback albert end team came matchup averaging points game proficient defense team ranked fewest points allowed held league record longest field goal game began san_francisco cleveland opening recovered plays later graham ran yards touchdown giving points san_francisco responded later period rushing touchdown joe perry tie score cleveland struck jones touchdown quarter held win game standout offense defense batting albert passes crowd set professional football record cleveland won key players suffered injuries separated shoulder linebacker bill kicked face tommy james hurt ankle graham hand stepped guard humble suffered chin injury week new_york_yankees beat yankees eleventh game season road games scheduled play span days opened scoring early quarter screen pass graham ran yards touchdown interception yankees possession set touchdown yard run jones yankees responded touchdowns second quarter long pass pete bruce early period cleveland possession graham threw pass john waiting ball arrive new_york jumped interception clear shot cleveland end zone ran touchdown tied game points interception later quarter set field goal pulled away bob ran touchdown added field goal halftime touchdown quarter ahead points yankees scored final touchdown fourth quarter cap yard drive won game hit eye early game sit tackle jones hurt game adding cleveland long list injured players week los_angeles victory los_angeles twelfth week season preserved cleveland undefeated record began scoring quarter yard drive engineered quarterback series ended short touchdown run clay came tie game second quarter yard drive features graham caught yard pass graham score possession los_angeles converted fourth deep territory extending long drive ended touchdown clay cleveland score minutes left half touchdown pass jones pulled away quarter graham ran quarterback sneak touchdown later kicked yard field goal interception cliff lewis set run tony final touchdown final score graham twisted knee fourth quarter jones bob injuries planned stay hot springs california recover prepared face second time san_francisco days later week san_francisco days beating played san_francisco won games rematch significant held record loss coming weeks earlier teams western division loss tie lead teams combined record best professional squads game surpassed graham initially considered doubtful game knee injury suffered team trainer cleared play game began play tony recovered ball graham threw yard touchdown pass play field goal later quarter came second period scored touchdowns short run joe perry second pass albert san_francisco widened lead quarter touchdown catch graham engineered drives space minutes gave touchdowns point advantage ran score dub jones jones caught graham passes scored touchdown final quarter won game game paul brown called greatest performance given injury week brooklyn dodgers ended regular season win dodgers undefeated record began game scoring unanswered points score came short dub jones run followed yard drive quarter score came yard drive second quarter pair passes yard run jones graham completed long touchdown pass sped away defender monk right graham engineered long drive end half completing yard passes yard march ended short touchdown run graham giving cleveland advantage half kicked field goal beginning quarter ensuing led touchdown pass graham putting points comfortable lead brown took starters substituted string players dodgers proceeded score touchdowns came long passes bob won game win left standings western division ahead san_francisco lost games perfect regular season record professional football national_football_league chicago bears won games chicago lost nfl championship year final standings championship game won western division perfect record faced buffalo bills winners eastern division championship game bills tied lead eastern forcing playoff buffalo won december baltimore championship game took place cleveland degree weather sparsely attended expected win game having beaten bills twice regular season possessing significantly better record bills scoring began late quarter jones touchdown run followed return touchdown george young second period ahead halftime cleveland scored touchdowns quarter runs jones buffalo scored points aided penalty bills capped yard drive short touchdown pass jim baldwin scored touchdowns fourth quarter ran interception final score jones led offense game accounting large share team offensive production graham quiet day passing yards victory professional team win league championships row following titles won time professional football team finished season unbeaten championship game instituted nfl chicago bears finished perfect records lost nfl championship times won consecutive games stretching season professional record stood nfl philadelphia eagles won championship philadelphia park following win eagles owner thompson advocated championship game teams nfl losing money felt inter league championship draw large crowds thompson leading proponent nfl owners negotiation deal ease leagues competition talent driven salaries eating owners profits thompson met owner agreed playoff game yankee stadium best series games philadelphia cleveland possibly new_york thompson proposal shot nfl owners given commissioner bell suggesting nfl championship frustrated financial losses lack support owners thompson sold eagles shortly season ended season leaders postseason graham finished season receiving yards named league valuable player sharing honor albert led league rushing scored field goals league second year row overall game receivers nfl second year running associated_press named graham team combined nfl pro team bill second team magazine sporting news team pro list graham second team cleveland players pro teams assembled new_york_daily_news united press international perfect season championship victory came strong year cleveland sports teams april cleveland barons city american hockey league team won cup championship cleveland_indians city major_league_baseball club set time season attendance record won world series success major draw fans team led professional football attendance average people game lower year distribution talent fortune teams successes gate teams including rockets financially nfl facing major financial trouble teams lost money year leagues competition talent led talks merger discussions centered teams nfl absorb owners favored teams talks broke powerful owners george preston marshall washington tim new_york_giants intervened suggested cleveland san_francisco absorbed continued play disbanded season merged nfl starting perfect season controversy winning regular season games championship recorded perfect season professional football advent nfl championships feat miami dissolved season nfl absorbed new league recognize statistics including perfect season pro football hall_of_fame recognizes perfect season united_states senator brown represents ohio united_states congress sent letter nfl commissioner roger asking league recognize championships team records including perfect season time new_england patriots undefeated prepared super bowl new_york_giants game went lose advocated nfl adopt records


anthony september july american football running played college football indiana university military service second world war university maryland playing maryland set national collegiate athletic association ncaa season scoring high touchdowns points named bowl valuable player played professional football years baltimore america football conference early competitor national_football_league nfl early life born illinois september attended high school illinois football track field standout enrolled indiana university played football freshman team varsity team season season head coach led indiana record recorded defensive opponents points indiana played alongside consensus america future teammate billy shortly dropped school join united_states_army air forces serve second world war college career selected nfl draft chicago bears 26th round overall pick discharged army enrolled university maryland considered indiana far superior football program called maryland cow school located relatively close mother widowed living baltimore season saw limited playing time mediocre football team directed head coach clark following year head coach jim hired engineered reversal team fortunes took personal project aimed develop team featured senior set ncaa season scoring high touchdowns points fifth meeting rival west_virginia scored touchdowns help maryland away victory series scored touchdowns delaware passed season rushed total yards attempts maryland leading terms single season yards carry maryland season return leader returned seven kicks yards average yards maryland finished regular season secured school bowl game appearance bowl georgia honored valuable player tie rushed score touchdowns yard runs compiled rushing yards school bowl rushing record stood years finally broken scott humanitarian bowl achievement bowl game superb running inducted bowl hall_of_fame season end named team southern conference player america catholic player associated_press honorable mention american touchdown club awarded arch mcdonald trophy best player washington area prior start season southern conference ruled college eligibility exhausted unable play year college football called decision asserted standing rules count returning veterans pre war playing career eligibility maryland athletics official member southern conference executive committee filed request special session consider rule change failed garner support thirds member schools required meeting professional career issue college eligibility playing courted professional football teams chicago bears nfl drafted war strong interest baltimore america football conference baltimore eventually acquired traded round draft selection cleveland held draft rights played seasons year saw action games including starter carries rushed total yards touchdown recorded yards returns yards following season played games started carries yards yards touchdown time players bald baltimore sun published article explored unusual occurrence concluded wearing helmet belonged baltimore author william described street clothes looked like robert wide hat long trousers cigarette fingers smile running baltimore released summer winter knee surgery correct bone spur picked new_york_giants placed reserve list july professional playing career ultimately cut short knee married née lived north riverside illinois died heart disease july university medical center illinois years old


born march american football quarterback played national_football_league nfl season course career played games tampa bay completed passes yards threw touchdown finished career rating year starting quarterback mississippi valley state university drafted seventh round nfl draft served backup quarterback steve rookie season saw playing time games including start miami season ended suffering injury game cleveland recovered injury tried team cut ending career retiring high school offensive coordinator tampa college career played college football mississippi valley state quarterback team freshman year performances season included game southern completed passes yards rushed touchdowns win end season named national association athletics star team quarterback alongside sophomore year awarded team award given player best attitude morale junior year threw yards touchdowns course season seasons led southwestern athletic conference total offense performances senior year included comeback victory prairie view threw touchdown pass minute left win game minutes left season ended named black college american football team second year row professional career graduating college selected expansion tampa bay overall pick seventh round nfl draft head coach john said considered second best prospect draft board richard steve starting job wrapped signed team result spent offseason competing backup quarterback spot alongside bill james started training camp throwing hardest passes accuracy issues process served second string quarterback preseason game green bay led touchdown team end preseason place roster solidified cut replaced larry lawrence completed passes yards professional game houston coming late game following week faced san_diego game came game rushing times yards throwing interception returned tom touchdown play buffalo bills following week ended getting injured meaning slated possibly nfl start baltimore ended starting game playing time completing passes yards throwing interception loss attempted pass following week game cincinnati weeks game slated start miami october game completed passes attempted yards led yard touchdown drive suffered twisted foot ankle game sidelined indefinite time returned weeks later failing complete pass game denver allowing interception returned john touchdown productive outing following week completing passes yards loss new_york jets game season cleveland completed passes yards fourth quarter completing passes intercepted terry brown hit late throwing pass result torn left knee ended season despite season ending injury optimism quarterback future ability went knee surgery offseason concern future nfl set aside considered progressing recovery early july offseason roster changed entirely starter fighting backup role alongside mike lost injuries season ended starting quarterback team final preseason game bills game completed passes yards sacked times loss week game bills released players signed got injured late october released couple weeks later signed new_england patriots quarterback situation set order way nfl roster joined team wide receiver released team month later ended career hamilton tiger cats canadian football league later life retiring football insurance salesman opened centers offensive coordinator tampa catholic high school 1980s recruited fellow dave lewis inaugural member southwestern athletic conference hall_of_fame


stephen stephen born july american football offensive guard included preseason award previously time associated_press team class state selection washington high school football team played state champion teams born raised washington grew playing basketball high school high school member time state champion team star offensive standout seattle athlete high school won consecutive state championship junior year won numerous area state honors junior senior highly touted national level selected play army american bowl nominees parade american player year highly recruited college football programs list conference football teams university_of_michigan decided attend michigan michigan true freshman started following year team transitioned head coach lloyd rich rodriguez sophomore season experienced players endure change anchored offensive line composed experienced players honored michigan football team best offensive sophomore nationally recognized award candidate selected big conference honorable mention trophy watch list candidate drafted san_diego sixth round nfl draft began nfl career practice squad activated prior week nfl season rookie year played subsequent games team played seattle announced retirement april high school young large play organized football kids age youth leagues regulated weight age limits caused basketball instead says true love basketball probably experimented football coach basketball team resigned right freshman season summer prior freshman year visited high school weight room noticed intensity eventually year starter football team sophomore championship football team season extended long interfere participating early basketball season sophomore championship came result game winning streak close season time class state champions september junior helped end high school football record game winning streak high school second annual city classic field score early junior season got scholarship offer university washington inch pound wore high school played offensive line defensive line prior state championship game named area football team seattle times helped team school state washington win state championships championship week effort played offensive tackle selected seattle times class male athlete week season known training habits end football season selected state teams associated_press seattle times junior basketball season solid contributor team scoring averaged points game junior season end junior year named number football prospect nation number offensive tackle july prior senior season included western american list sports_illustrated early senior season running wing offense defeated highly regarded california high school game field september defeated long beach high school ranked number usa_today end september left game second quarter thought separated shoulder spent following weeks sore shoulder october return snapped game winning streak games season averaged yards rush eleventh game team lost state ended career having played state champions sixteen nominees parade america high school player year award selected local star teams seattle times seattle post repeated associated_press class state selection selected play january army american bowl highly regarded tackle started right guard west game parade american play basketball senior year avoid risk injury highly recruited season decided decision season ended scheduled visits bears anticipated visits michigan washington schools seriously considering eventually changed visit dates final contenders remained time final decision scholarship offers final week consideration eliminated contention home visits finalists week final selection traditional recruit announcement technique schools caps extended family including mother named sister aunt college arrive ann michigan time spring practice like classmates prior ncaa division football season opener michigan football team diagnosed caused miss weeks practice late october decided second shoulder surgery having missed weeks practice lost lots weight transition wing offense rarely passed work improving pass blocking earned starting right tackle position battle mark perry start ncaa division football season michigan football team starter september opening game loss time defending champion state starting games right tackle moved right guard games eastern michigan result injuries teammates expected start game right guard returned right tackle practice spend time positions injuries start guard sixth game played guard opener got injured stretch past experiences natural position able seek fifth year seniors jake long adam rivalry game ohio_state prime example lack experience pass blocking difficulties pass blocking posted quarterback sacks departure mike hart mario adrian jake long adam national_football_league team michigan football team entered season new head coach rich rodriguez returning offensive starters tight end butler mark backup quarterback ryan transferred senior offensive alex mitchell declined use fifth years eligibility virtually returning offensive experience aside projected opening game starting offensive line total career starts offensive line injuries continued affect lineup early season david center david right guard right tackle players start games bit injured causing handled practice games team different starting offensive line combinations injuries season rodriguez offense started seventh game line returned strength opening day lineup week game season ohio_state injured knee practice result play final game nonetheless honored team end season team best offensive young offense starters returning following season fourth year junior entered ncaa division football season opener second career starts michigan football team switched left guard right tackle ohio_state game notable losing shoe game trying play recognized honorable mention big conference selection coaches media fifth year senior stephen trophy award elected captain participated season long program responded michigan fan questions email facebook friday following big conference season selected honorable mention conference selection coaches media following season participated senior bowl senior season robinson record setting season offense broke drew big single season total offense record yards robinson fell yards short tim michigan school record rushing yards led conference total offense rushing yards game professional career pre draft offensive invited participate february march nfl scouting combine ranked sixth bench press total ranked ninth yard shuttle time san_diego selected overall pick sixth round nfl draft san_diego waived september signed practice squad september activated practice squad october activated prior week play played subsequent weeks started weeks week starting lineup remained active played released roster august signed december released august round preseason roster cuts september signed seattle signed seattle march placed season ending injured reserve november knee injury opted retire april personal september girlfriend named university_of_michigan law school student michigan women soccer player undergraduate recreational


alfred lee september march professional football brief stint university decided transfer united_states military academy army spring played renowned coach season army statistical leader scoring rushing resigned school involved sports wide scandal ranks army sports teams drafted new_york 21st round nfl draft played total games nfl philadelphia eagles scoring career touchdown left eagles opportunity played western football union later known canadian football league lions achieving canadian status retiring football pursued number business ventures canada including regarded restaurant pennsylvania color commentator eagles broadcasts cbs television radio worked play play man charlie swift anchored eagles program broadcasting years worked regional sales manager large commercial printing company developed ice skating tennis court facility died march early life high school born california september mother starred high school excelled executing formations senior year scored touchdowns gained total yards achievements earned second consecutive player year award southern_california high school football players athletic foundation college heavily recruited major colleges decided attend university known high school coach william coaching recruiting class known golden boys los_angeles_times said glamorous injuries plagued freshman campaign dropped february decision surprised officials said simply needed rest army transferred united_states military academy march played coach red coach transfer rules forced sit season enrolled preparatory school pass west_point entrance exam army known focus attention mainly football care academics roommate west_point noted friends frequently helped drop season football team army statistical leader rushing averaging yards carry scoring total points prior army game penn scout team said best college football december athletic foundation named american team fellow army cadet dan named associated_press united press east teams associated_press praised running capabilities commenting time ball liable way following end season cadets including coach son forced resign academy scandal scandal chronicled espn original film code breakers according interview philadelphia_inquirer broke heart following scandal received scholarship offers major schools number smaller ones called athletic director notre dame transferring playing football program informed notre dame fighting irish accepted transfers years technically sophomore class graduated declared eligible nfl draft professional career national_football_league paul usa_today named fifth best player army play nfl selected new_york eighth pick 21st round nfl draft overall practice new_york tore played games rushed yards received addition returned yards respectively offered salary waived november signed philadelphia eagles finishing games season carried ball times process gained yards returned yards returned yards best season games rushed yards sole touchdown nfl received passes yards recovered returned yards played games saw rush yards receive recover gain yards punt returns gain yards returns center small brawl san_francisco game september brawl erupted fourth quarter san_francisco squared eagles ended losing received disciplinary action ejected western football union september heard minutes second exhibition game retired eagles contract threatened legal action general manager avoided legal officially signing team reserve clause contract explained rationale interview philadelphia_inquirer got fed knew wouldn chance play carried ball times games year wrong considering joining western football union canadian football league reported given good deal propaganda turn away picked british_columbia lions played played single season calgary action ended career health problems later life broadcasting career canada opened store restaurant sports director radio station vancouver moving pennsylvania color commentator broadcasts eagles games radio worked charlie swift play play man anchored eagles program occasionally commented cbs television voice knowledge sports praised eagles publicist jim mid-1980s retiring broadcasting owned managed ice skating tennis court facility valley forge pennsylvania regional sales manager large commercial web printing company participated organizations eagles alumni addition chaired committee ran liberty bowl death march died home devon pennsylvania age stated cause death wife years children john kurt grandchildren survived death buried march peter paul cemetery township pennsylvania


tony anthony tony october professional american football linebacker america football conference national_football_league nfl played entire career cleveland retiring pursue medical degree grew cleveland ohio star high school football team attended ohio_state university college career cut short world war stint air_force returned finish education ohio_state soon dropped school joined cleveland won championships years league folded absorbed established nfl cleveland continued succeed nfl winning championship advancing championship losing los_angeles left season pursue medical degree came retirement briefly won nfl championship left football good season earning medical degree western reserve university cleveland settled family kent ohio ran medical practice death team physician local high school kent state university years son mike played nfl 1970s retiring sports broadcaster early life high school born west_virginia immigrants family moved cleveland child attended high school city east standout high school team cleveland area star squad matched team stars florida question best high school player seen cleveland sports editor said chosen star named ohio player associated_press united press international earned varsity letters football high school college military career attended ohio_state university ohio_state freshman team left school prior season fight world war serving air_force mediterranean theatre war returned ohio_state team season season varsity playing center november game northwestern intercepted frank pass quarter returned yards interception fourth quarter victory ohio_state finished season record selected play college star game defunct matchup national_football_league nfl champion selection best college players country professional career eligible play decided leave school join cleveland america football conference selected pick nfl draft chicago bears told cleveland head coach paul brown coached ohio_state varsity team join bears sign pretty sick fellow today knowing tony george gotten brown said season began decision drop controversial rules normal circumstances barred playing professionally graduating war forced suspension rule account players military service allowed leave college denied encouraged drop convinced join gene bill players ohio_state finish studies season starting team season played competed position said working second straight afraid stand brown cold team coach brown impressed held respect seventh game season matchup chicago rockets october replaced team starting brown said given big anchored offense early years starter mistakes hurt thought competition helpful pounds lighter started brief time offense led quarterback graham registering carries yards season career high went finish season record win championship game new_york_yankees returned ohio_state offseason continue studies team following season defense left linebacker primary cleveland perfect season winning games beating buffalo bills championship rushing yards touchdown year filled injured games following year continuing play linebacker rushing yards career high cleveland won championship league folded absorbed established nfl cleveland success continued nfl season named team captain replacing following retirement team won nfl championship game seven players chosen play pro bowl football star game led nfl year named second team pro new_york_daily_news chosen pro bowl cleveland season team reached championship game lost los_angeles named team pro united press international new_york_daily_news season interception recovery mainly outside linebacker cleveland defense later career attempting rushes 1950s finished college kent state university earning bachelor degree received master degree education western reserve university cleveland upset brown criticisms defense championship game left season enter medical school brown traded rights green bay deal brought defensive ace cleveland know determined enter medical school informed unlikely play football brown said hoped play time school spent working orderly hospital cleveland entering western reserve medical school september came retirement play years old october working scout chicago cardinals year medical school agreed come condition practice week continue studies advanced nfl championship game seasons play lost times detroit lions cleveland season team reached championship game beat lions medical career quit football good season focused medical career received medical degree western reserve settled kent ohio ran medical practice rest life served team doctor roosevelt high school kent state university years specialized knee neck injuries published articles cold therapy use sports medicine ohio high school athletic association named state outstanding team physician later life death died seven year battle cancer son mike running roosevelt high school northwestern university played professionally kansas_city chiefs new_york jets chicago bears 1970s sports broadcaster


american football american football referred football united_states canada known sport played teams players rectangular field end offense team control oval shaped football attempts advance field running passing ball team control ball defense aims stop advance control ball offense advance yards downs plays turn football opposing team succeed given new set downs points primarily scored advancing ball opposing team end zone touchdown kicking ball opponent field goal team points end game wins american football evolved united_states originating sports association football rugby football game american football played november college teams princeton rules based association football rules time half 1870s colleges playing association football switched rugby union code allowed carrying ball set rule changes drawn onward walter camp father american football established snap player teams concept downs later rule changes forward pass created neutral zone specified size shape football american football popular sport united_states professional football college football popular forms game major levels high school youth football nearly million high school athletes college athletes play sport united_states annually national_football_league popular american football league highest average attendance sports league world championship game super bowl ranks watched club sporting events world league annual revenue billion etymology names united_states american football referred football term football officially established college football season sport shifted soccer style rules rugby style rules easily called rugby point harvard primary proponents rugby style game compromised request sport changed rugby english speaking countries codes football popular united_kingdom ireland canada new_zealand australia terms american football favored instead history early history american football evolved sports association football soccer rugby football rugby football like american football sport competing teams control ball kicked set run opponent goal area score points considered american football game played november princeton college teams game played teams players round ball picked carried kicked batted feet hands head sides ultimate goal advance opponent goal won game goals collegiate play continued years matches played rules host school representatives yale columbia princeton met october create standard set rules schools adhere teams set players fields feet specified harvard conference favored rugby style game allowed running ball harvard yale game played rugby style rules observed impressed princeton athletes players introduced sport princeton feat professional football researchers association compared selling princeton harvard yale columbia agreed play form rugby union rules modified scoring system schools formed football association yale join yale player walter camp regarded father american football secured rule changes reduced size team players instituted snap replace chaotic inconsistent evolution game introduction snap resulted unexpected consequences prior snap strategy punt resulted bad field position group princeton players realized snap hold ball indefinitely prevent opponent scoring teams game yale princeton strategy maintain undefeated records team held ball gaining ground entire half resulting tie block game proved extremely unpopular spectators fans teams rule change necessary prevent strategy taking hold considered camp successfully proposed rule limited team downs tackles advance ball yards failure advance ball required distance downs result control ball team change effectively american football separate sport rugby resulting yard lines added field measure distances resemble appearance major rule changes included reduction field size yards adoption scoring system awarded points touchdown safety goal following touchdown goal field additionally waist arguably important innovation american football uniquely american interference blocking tactic highly illegal rugby style rules despite new rules football remained violent sport dangerous mass formations involved interference like flying wedge resulted injuries deaths peak fatalities nationwide resulted threat president roosevelt abolish game major changes response colleges universities met new_york_city discuss rule changes december proceedings resulted formation athletic association united_states later named national collegiate athletic association ncaa legal forward pass introduced impact initially limited restrictions placed use rule changes introduced year included reduction time play minutes increase distance required yards reduce dirty play teams neutral zone created width football scoring adjusted field goals lowered points touchdowns raised points field reduced yards long yard long end zones created teams given downs instead advance ball yards penalty implemented eligible players allowed catch ball field professional era november william paid play game athletic association match pittsburgh athletic club recorded instance player paid participate game american football athletic clubs 1880s offered indirect benefits helping players attain employment giving trophies watches players money paying double expense money despite extra benefits game strict sense time direct payment players outright prohibited time professional play increasingly common came rising salaries unpredictable player movement illegal payment college players school national_football_league nfl group professional teams originally established american professional football association aimed solve problems new league stated goals included end bidding wars players prevention use college players abolition practice paying players leave team nfl established premier professional football league dominant form football time played collegiate level nfl received boost legitimacy nfl team defeated team notre dame stars exhibition game greater emphasis passing game helped professional football distinguish college game late 1930s football general increasingly popular following nfl championship game match baltimore new_york_giants referred greatest game played game overtime victory seen millions television viewers major impact popularity sport innovations introduced new american football league early 1960s helped football popular sport united_states mid-1960s rival american football league arose challenged nfl dominance began relative obscurity eventually initial television contract abc network existence forced conservative nfl expand dallas minnesota attempt destroy new league introduced new features professional football united_states official time clock watch referee pocket nfl optional point conversions pass run touchdowns names players including expansion role minority players actively recruited league contrast nfl signed star college players drafted nfl teams competition players heated new_york jets signed rookie joe record contract year million nbc television contract followed helped sustain young league bidding war players ended nfl owners approached merger leagues agreed effect agreement provided common draft place year instituted annual world championship game played champions league game began play end season merger completed longer championship game leagues reverted nfl championship game came known super bowl college football maintained tradition postseason bowl games bowl game associated particular conference earning spot bowl game reward winning conference arrangement profitable tended prevent ranked teams meeting true national championship game normally committed bowl games respective conferences systems determine national champion college football bowl coalition place replaced bowl alliance gave way bowl championship series arrangement proved controversial replaced college football playoff teams positions football game played teams players playing field penalty teams substitute number players downs platoon system replaced original system featured limited rules resulted teams utilizing specialized offensive defensive special teams squads individual players football game designated uniform number nfl teams required number players league approved numbering system exceptions approved commissioner ncaa teams strongly advised number offensive players according league suggested numbering scheme offensive unit role offensive unit advance football field ultimate goal scoring touchdown offensive team line legal formation snap ball offensive formation considered illegal players fewer players numbered offensive line players temporarily line position eligibility different number permits long immediately report change referee informs defensive team change team players exception allowed line cross neutral zone ball snapped interior offensive allowed snap ball main positions quarterback quarterback leader offense coach calls plays typically inform rest offense play team lines quarterback lines center snap hands ball throws runs primary role known carry ball running plays serve receivers tend larger function primarily runners short situations passing situations offensive line consists players primary function block members defensive line ball carrier running plays quarterback passing plays leader offensive line center responsible snapping ball quarterback blocking making sure jobs play center guards tackles line outside guards principal receivers wide receivers tight ends wide receivers line near line split outside line main goal wide receiver catch passes thrown quarterback function running plays tight ends line outside tackles function receivers defensive unit role defense prevent offense scoring ball carrier forcing defensive line consists defensive ends defensive tackles defensive ends line ends line defensive tackles line inside defensive ends primary responsibilities defensive ends defensive tackles stop running plays outside inside respectively pressure quarterback passing plays occupy line break line defensive line defensive divided types middle mlb outside defensive leaders defensive plays diverse roles include defending run quarterback guarding backs wide receivers tight ends passing game defensive called secondary consists divided free strong line outside defensive formation typically opposite receiver able cover line farther secondary line defense responsible stopping deep passing plays running plays special teams unit special teams unit responsible kicking plays special teams unit team control ball try execute field goal attempts opposing team unit aim block return positions specific field goal pat point touchdown unit holder long long job snap football holder catch position usually holder ball kicked holder certain situations wind preventing ball remaining upright player receiving team catches ball known positions specific punt plays long gunner long football directly drops kicks hits ground gunners line split outside line race field aiming tackle punt player catches punt rules scoring american football winner team scored points end game multiple ways score football game touchdown worth points valuable scoring play american football touchdown scored live ball advanced caught recovered end zone opposing team scoring team attempts try conversion commonly known point touchdown pat single scoring opportunity pat commonly attempted yard line depending level play scored goal posts worth point typically called extra point scored normally touchdown called point conversion worth points season nfl adopted rule extra points stated kicked yard line point conversion teams eligible yard line points awarded failed extra point point conversion attempt general extra point successful professional play slightly successful amateur levels point conversion play higher probability failure accordingly extra point attempts far common point conversion attempts field goal worth points scored ball defense pat attempt successful field goal scoring team kick ball team safety scored ball carrier tackled end zone worth points awarded defense addition team conceded safety kick ball scoring team free kick field equipment football games played rectangular field measures yards long yards wide lines marked ends sides field known respectively end lines lines goal lines marked yards inward end line weighted placed inside corner intersections goal lines end lines white markings field identify distance end zone lines marks short parallel lines mark yard yard lines run width field marked yards yard wide placed end field line marked center yard line professional play yard line college play display distance closest goal line placed sides field yards located center plane end lines posts feet meters ground vertical end feet inches apart professional collegiate play feet inches apart high school play extend vertically feet professional fields minimum yards college fields minimum feet high school fields goal posts base orange normally placed tip upright football oval ball similar balls rugby australian rules football levels play football inflated pounds square inch psi weighs grams exact dimensions vary slightly professional play ball long axis inches long inches short inches college high school play ball long axis inches long inches short inches duration time football games total minutes professional college play divided halves minutes quarters minutes high school football games minutes length halves minutes quarters minutes halves separated halftime period quarters followed short break prior start game referee team captains team meet coin toss visiting team allowed heads tails winner toss allowed decide choosing receive kick ball choosing goal want defend choice second half losing team winning team decides allowed choose option winning team select receives option receive kick select goal defend begin second half teams choose receive choosing kick ball start game allow team choose goal defend teams switch goals following quarters progress quarter ends play continues completed games longer defined length play average nfl game lasts slightly hours time football game measured game clock operator responsible starting stopping operating game clock based direction appropriate official separate clock play clock determine delay game committed play clock ball snapped free kicked delay game foul called offense play clock set seconds professional college football seconds high school play following certain administrative levels play advancing ball downs main ways offense advance ball running passing typical play quarterback calls play center passes ball backwards legs quarterback process known snap quarterback hands ball throws ball runs play ends player ball tackled goes bounds pass hits ground player having caught forward pass legally attempted line nfl ends runner helmet comes offense given series plays known downs offense advances yards downs awarded new set downs fail advance yards possession football turned defense situations offense reaches fourth punt ball team forces begin drive field field goal range attempt score field goal group officials chain crew keeps track downs distance measurements television yellow line superimposed field line viewing audience kicking categories kicks football kicks executed offensive team line free kicks free kicks starts quarters overtime follows try attempt successful field goal safety kick follows safety ball placed yard line kicking team professional college play yard line high school play ball drop kicked place kicked place kick chosen ball placed ground holder case safety kick kicking team kicks ball yard line punt drop kick place kick ball professional play member receiving team catch advance ball ball recovered kicking team gone yards touched ground touched member receiving team types kicks place kicks drop kicks place kicks drop kicks score points place kick standard method score points shape football makes difficult reliably drop kick ball kicked kick advanced kicking team caught recovered line touched recovered kicking team line dead spot touched kicking team prohibited interfering receiver opportunity catch ball receiving team option signaling fair catch prohibits defense blocking receiver play ends soon ball caught ball advanced officials officials responsible enforcing game rules monitoring clock officials carry whistle wear black white striped shirts black hats referee hat white carries weighted yellow flag thrown ground signal foul called official spots multiple throw hat secondary signal seven officials field tasked different set responsibilities referee positioned offensive backs charged oversight control game authority score number rule interpretations discussions officials announces penalties discusses team captain monitors illegal hits quarterback makes requests measurements head coach player ejected umpire positioned defensive watches play line sure offensive players field prior snap offensive illegally pass plays monitors contact offensive defensive calls holding penalties umpire records number taken winner coin toss game score assists referee situations involving possession ball close line determines player equipment legal wet balls prior snap game played rain judge positioned deep defensive umpire ensures defensive team players field determines catches legal field goal extra point attempts good pass interference violation occurred head positioned end line watches line illegal use hands violations assists line judge illegal shift illegal motion calls head rules bounds calls happen field oversees chain crew marks forward progress runner play dead judge positioned yards head mainly functions judge line judge positioned end line opposite head player line game timing referee time expired end quarter head coach home team minutes remain halftime nfl line judge referee minutes remain half clock line judge official field judge positioned yards line judge monitors controls play clock counts number defensive players field watches offensive pass interference illegal use hands violations offensive players makes decisions catches ball spot player goes bounds illegal touching balls crossed line set officials chain crew responsible moving chains chains consisting large sticks yard long chain measure chain crew stays game requested officials briefly bring chains field measure typical chain crew people members chain crew hold sticks hold marker marker large stick flipped play indicate current typically moved approximate spot ball chain crew system years considered accurate measure distance rarely subject criticism safety football contact sport injuries relatively common injuries occur training sessions particularly ones involve contact players try prevent injuries players required wear set equipment minimum players wear football helmet set shoulder pads individual leagues require additional thigh pads guards knee pads chest injuries occur lower particularly knee significant number affect upper common types injuries strains repeated increase person risk later life chronic traumatic mental health issues disease depression caused helmet helmet upper body contact opposing players helmets prevented injuries skull programs aiming reduce reducing frequency helmet helmet hits usa football heads football program aiming reduce youth football teaching coaches players signs concussion proper way wear football equipment ensure fits proper methods avoid helmet helmet contact leagues tournaments national_football_league nfl national collegiate athletic association ncaa popular football leagues united_states national_football_league founded largest popular sport united_states nfl highest average attendance sporting league world average attendance persons nfl season nfl championship game called super bowl biggest events club sports worldwide played champions national football conference american football conference winner awarded trophy college football popular sport united_states professional baseball professional football ncaa largest collegiate organization divided divisions division division division iii division football divided subdivisions football bowl subdivision football championship subdivision champions level play determined ncaa sanctioned playoff systems champion division historically determined polls ranking systems subdivision adopted team playoff system high school football popular sport united_states played boys million boys participated sport according survey national federation state high school associations largest organization high school football member associations states district_of_columbia usa football governing body youth amateur football pop warner little scholars largest organization youth football rival professional leagues professional football leagues formed rival leagues nfl successful rival league american football league existed significant rival signing year million television deal nbc teams began sign nfl players contracts league popularity grew challenge nfl leagues merged season teams joined nfl earlier league america football conference play league dissolved teams cleveland san_francisco members nfl member baltimore joined league folded year nfl attempts start rival leagues far successful world football league played seasons faced monetary issues severe league pay players second final season attempted establish stable credit rating league disbanded second season completed united_states football league operated seasons collapsed poor business decisions monetary problems subsequent usd billion lawsuit nfl successful court league awarded dollars damages created vince_mcmahon lasted season despite television contracts nbc upn high expectations suffered poor television ratings low quality play united football league began folded season financial issues international play american football leagues exist world game achieve international success popularity baseball basketball nfl developmental league nfl operated time closure nfl teams based germany netherlands european football league run european federation american football annual tournament champions champions competitions run members league championship game tournaments include cup played teams national leagues similar manner cup atlantic cup played teams atlantic region europe challenge cup played teams newer eligible play cup american football present asia oceania pan america total national football exist july international federation american football international body composed american football runs tournaments world championship held years women world championship world championship flag football world championship annual international bowl game international level canada mexico japan considered second tier austria germany france rank tier countries rank far united_states dominant international level football olympic sport demonstration sport summer olympics received provisional recognition international olympic committee vote making olympic sport held early major obstacles hinder goal achieving status olympic sport predominant participation men international play short week olympic schedule large team sizes additional difficulty olympics set limit athletes coaches american football issue global visibility ceo usa rugby noted american football recognized globally sport played globally order solve concerns major effort promoting flag football modified version american football international level popularity cultural impact united_states baseball called national football far popular sport american society according sean poll conducted harris interactive professional football ranked popular sport college football ranked professional football baseball participants ranked form game favorite sport professional football ranked popular sport poll surpassed baseball time professional football popular live eastern united_states rural areas college football popular southern united_states people graduate post graduate degrees football played sport high school college athletes united_states study ncaa estimated million high school football players nearly college football players united_states comparison second played sport basketball million participants high school college super bowl popular single day sporting event united_states biggest club sporting events world terms viewership nfl makes approximately billion annually super bowl games account seven watched broadcasts american history recent super bowl super bowl watched record million americans american football plays significant role american culture super bowl considered facto national holiday parts country like texas sport compared religion football linked holidays new year day traditionally date college football bowl games including rose bowl new year day sunday bowl games moved date conflict typical nfl sunday schedule thanksgiving football american tradition hosting high school college professional games steve usa_today wrote americans passionate football embodies love american merit rewarded punished celebrated people beliefs backgrounds melting pot unify common goal team successful implicit rules playing pain sacrificing better team promoted football culture abroad canada game significant following according poll respondents said followed nfl closely fairly closely making followed league national hockey league canadian football league american football long history mexico introduced sport american football second popular sport mexico 1950s game particularly popular colleges los_angeles_times notes nfl claims million fans mexico places country canada american football played mexico professionally college sports system japan introduced sport paul teacher christian missionary helped establish football teams universities tokyo play halted world war began grow popularity war high school football teams japan participants teams play collegiate football association college champion plays champion league semi pro league teams financed corporations rice bowl determine japan national champion europe major target expansion game football organizers united_kingdom 1980s sport fairly popular super bowl watched million people sport popularity faded 1990s coinciding establishment premier league according bbc america social stigma surrounding american football feeling sport right football small emphasis kicking nonetheless sport retained following united_kingdom nfl operates media network country hosted nfl international series london super bowl viewership rebounded million watching super bowl sport played european countries switzerland american football clubs major city germany sport registered amateur players variations related sports canadian football predominant form football canada closely related american football sports developed rugby sports considered chief variants football games share similar set rules key rule differences example canadian football field measures yards yards including yard end zones distance goal lines yards teams downs instead players instead fair catches allowed worth single point scored offensive team kicks ball defense end zone canadian football league major canadian league second popular sporting league canada national hockey league major variant football arena football played arena football league arena football player teams uses indoor field yards length excluding end zones yards wide illegal attempted goal line large overhead nets forward passes kicks hit kicks live balls recovered team arena football league new_york_times writer mike described minor minor leagues indoor football leagues like arena football teams indoor football leagues play arenas games attended small number fans players semi professional athletes indoor football leagues unstable franchises regularly moving league merging teams teams entire leagues entirely indoor football league southern indoor football league ultimate indoor football league continental indoor football league american professional football league examples prominent indoor leagues non contact variants american football flag football flag football tackled instead defenders aim pull flag tied waist variant touch football simply requires touched considered downed game touch football require player touched hands considered depending rules


tampa bay season tampa bay season began team trying improve season worst seasons franchise history sentiment team worse team points conceded beaten nfl team indianapolis gave selected jackson pick draft unable convince join team weeks draft jackson signed year baseball contract kansas_city despite holding selections draft presence great influx fresh talent defunct teams unable find impact players draft free agency entered season roster nearly identical previous season team coach bennett treated season building season disappointed team mental errors lack progress later season begin privately admit talent worse realized steve won starting quarterback job steve young preseason favor young struggling games kevin house released october loss new_orleans saints dallas ron springs bennett showed press conference held season owner hugh unaware purpose press conference announce bennett firing detroit lions criticized saying coach compensate lack talent claimed administrator destroyed team chemistry players contract negotiations pointing guard sean example offseason defensive end lee roy retired week draft missed entire season disk chose retire undergo surgery retirement expected seek replacement draft mark steve wilson having retired earlier year original roster nfl draft received additional picks 1st 2nd rounds miami exchange linebacker hugh green extra 6th round pick came new_england patriots exchange 5th round pick draft second pick 12th round came san_francisco return rights center jim 3rd round pick traded new_orleans saints defensive david 6th round pick traded denver exchange defensive end manor 7th round pick went buffalo bills exchange wide receiver perry 8th round pick went defensive ivory jackson draft auburn university running jackson selected overall pick draft refused sign jackson angry accepting private jet ride attend team caused lose eligibility play baseball auburn ncaa rules allow professional athlete compete different sport southeastern conference rules professional athlete competing college sports jackson accused college baseball career insisted sec advised flight jackson insisted private flight jackson rated best running prospect come college simpson years earlier jackson said ridiculed tampa bay offensive line shortly baseball draft told teams intention playing football teams believe kansas_city unsure waited fourth round major_league_baseball draft select jackson vowed play football accepted offer worth offered turned impressive trade offers jackson including san_francisco offer tyler second round draft picks jackson statements playing football contradictory alternated stating didn want play saying didn want play terrible team organization like tampa bay book jackson recalls meeting davis said liked davis told boss love play raiders offers pick tampa bay speculation owner hugh torn promise jackson highest paid rookie status member nfl finance committee set reasonable fiscal precedent rest league resulted contract offer produced perception signing jackson offered jackson million years half form incentives real estate actual salary averaged year twice yearly salary gave year million contract said officials nfl teams agreed offered jackson fair money jackson recounted book got angry turned initial offer said cut offer jackson didn accept contract following day jackson contract gave option buying contract wanted return football jackson eligible drafted year signed april turned case announced embarrassment news conference quoted smiling shining lyrics current hit song friends jackson fourth consecutive trophy winner players walker mike nfl pete leave football entirely time tom signed canadian football league instead buffalo bills overall pick chose play nfl draft selections rod jones known hard hitter world class track star controversial selection coming run heavy southwest conference pass coverage skills unknown considered nfl jones defensive selected rated better fifth best scouting services criticized taking linebacker walker pick kevin murphy national champion oklahoma available eventually draft murphy surprised find available 40th overall selection murphy believed fallen rumors knee injury rated walker murphy players draft rated best safety draft fell fourth round previous charge conspiracy distribute cocaine eventually achieve kind postseason honors selected football digest rookie team team went big offensive later rounds cancer patient drafted nfl considered second round talent fell way fifth round belief worth money average fifth caused agent advise reject offer sign baltimore stars eventually able reach agreement preseason personnel moves bennett efforts offseason address passing game improve team speed held extra passing camp training camp offensive defensive players involved passing game establishing offense complicated situation having reliable running backs run offense finding receivers run receiver set difficult finding faster defensive backs play man man coverage bennett wanted cutting safety david trading john improved speed secondary opening starting spots jones florida product local high school played michigan defensive coordinator jim stanley signed end preseason addition took starting spot meant secondary positions turned previous year quest speed secondary meant cutting safety punt mike prior went green bay playoff teams 1990s attempt upgrade offensive line time pro bowl tackle brought speculation new_york jets let president national_football_league players association jets concerned quarterback brien having sacked nfl record times previous season selected tackles draft sentiment teams despite pro bowl appearances player lived reputation performed tampa bay placed injured reserve midseason undergoing knee surgery free agent running emerged preseason legitimate complement james keys defensive end team loaded pass david williams receiver led nation catches junior year claimed defending world champion chicago bears regular season steve won starting quarterback job steve young preseason lost throwing seven season opener san_francisco week minnesota nose tackle dave logan summed team condition game saying teams play respect players coming winning teams keys found shocked constant losing discouraged team easy acceptance losses keys particular thought losing bothered young later criticized team win saying hide quarters home happy highest paid offensive league placed injured reserve knee injury games embarrassing loss new_orleans saints followed release kevin house receivers history time starting ron springs upset club veterans weakened offense compensate defense allowed rushing yards previous games league perception replacing older veterans younger players incapable taking places said executive team replacement runs wouldn bring camp rumors denied began secret meetings held arrange replacing bennett steve rookie free agent running play bright spots season lost team suffering neck week loss chicago bears large number injuries suffered bears game ended pattern suffering fourth quarter collapses close games instead losing seven games average points jerry bell tight end played position crucial tampa bay running game suffering broken ankle game forced sign ron springs runners saying decision minutes prior fired bennett press conference bennett spoken earlier morning unaware let met ray offered tampa bay coaching job hours firing bennett firing criticized felt steps taken address office problems real root criticism echoed safety david pointed team incident wanted football game ball catching interception executive demanded pay football roster coaching staff schedule game week san_francisco tampa stadium tampa florida san_francisco quarterback joe montana completed passes yards leaving game injury fourth quarter injury similar ended lee roy career require season ending surgery threaten montana football future steve yard touchdown pass carter quarter brought touchdown score seven team record short nfl record placed blame loss teammates defended pointing constant pressure pass rush opposing safety said predictable throw ball pressured james rushed yards caught passes number retired halftime ceremony week minnesota tampa stadium tampa florida early quarter james tipped pass steve hands linebacker chris returned touchdown took helmet play leaving deep caused miss games reduced effectiveness remainder season seventeen seconds later scott recovered tampa bay yard line leading viking field goal added field goal end quarter answered touchdown pass tommy mike yard touchdown pass brought touchdown halftime unable score second half number statistical categories overcome week detroit lions michigan running james nursing bruised rushed yards touchdowns running rush yards tampa bay rookie rush yards jerry followed footsteps older brothers george backup nfl running backs came bench breakout games leading respective teams victory lions constant resulted sacks forced lions quarterback good statistical day completing passes yards tampa bay defense pressure prevented converting opportunities points win broke tampa bay game road losing streak week atlanta tampa stadium tampa florida atlanta overcame halftime deficit defeat overtime field goal strategy running clock conservative offense worked lions previous week offensive line failed dominate wound running offensive plays second half ran plays runs finished day yards rushing yards half yards second half advanced win left atlanta undefeated week los_angeles anaheim anaheim earned fourth career yard rushing game yard touchdown run win game overtime los_angeles steve young led yard drive fourth quarter ended field goal sent game overtime unable stop day second consecutive overtime loss rushed times yards yard touchdown run young ran touchdown bennett criticized game conservative play calling total rushing yards double average allowed previous games game left nfl leader rushing average yards carry continued lead nfl rushing yards ahead record setting pace week louis cardinals tampa stadium tampa florida criticized poor conservative play calling following loss previously louis cardinals team time complaints came players cardinals know advance plays running waited late game adjustments led early steve touchdown pass fake field goal steve young rushing passing combined yards cardinals unexpectedly soft zone defense instead usual contributed tampa bay decision avoid passing game fourth quarter cardinals game away mitchell yard fourth quarter touchdown run missed tackles ron holmes carter missed game injuries week new_orleans saints louisiana new_orleans rushed yards second new_orleans saints history saints highest margin victory saints scored possessions score fourth quarter steve ran yard touchdown steve young left stadium starting defensive end ron holmes left game trying play quarter broken selected round draft pick obtained exchange safety david waived week kansas_city chiefs stadium kansas_city missouri veteran quarterback bill making start kansas_city chiefs place struggling completed passes yards touchdown chiefs offensive line protected allowing sack led halftime yard pass steve young field goals unable hold lead second half tied game fourth quarter touchdown run james year immediately allowed chiefs drive length field winning touchdown played game included sacks penalties yards art contributed chiefs sacks week buffalo bills tampa stadium tampa florida took halftime lead buffalo bills recovering barely held victory jim kelly pass went incomplete end zone time remaining afterward bennett declared start new season steve young completed passes yards ran touchdowns james contributed yard touchdown run bills attempted comeback kelly throwing touchdowns kelly threw twice half completed yards second half bills 31st consecutive road loss bills coach hank fired following loss replaced levy week chicago bears tampa stadium tampa florida nfl debut fourth quarter chicago bears bears took early lead mike yard touchdown pass play occurred recovery thomas penalty defense improved later game overcome problems injury battered offense suffered broken neck making tackle opening followed injuries jerry bell freeman played prior injury james harris forced leave game carter left experienced receiver bears bell run week green bay field green bay wisconsin james leaving game rib injury unable advantage green bay quarterback wright wright completed passes yards career best half touchdowns win second season loss left defense place league despite having spent draft picks defensive players week detroit lions tampa stadium tampa florida half possessions deep detroit lions territory led zero points route loss lions receiver jeff took yard reception yard line rod jones fell covering jones got beaten thompson jump ball end zone lions score james yards rushing yards receiving week minnesota minneapolis minnesota tommy injured quarterback wade wilson threw career best yards touchdowns tampa bay steve yard pass set yard touchdown pass ron tackle eligible play offense came field goals week chicago bears soldier field chicago illinois exceeded worst loss loss pittsburgh 10th anniversary shut fourth quarter scored chicago bears safety bell intercepted steve young pass mike richardson attempted lateral tampa bay receiver intercept lateral run score mike ran bears score later walter touchdown called holding penalty stopped bears fourth penalty gave bears chance causing favor scored touchdowns passing running returned second half tampa bay scored second time young yard pass barnes returned ensuing touchdown receiving yards remain single game record tight end week green bay tampa stadium tampa florida green bay seven different players contribute sack wright yards passing second player history throw yards season crowd news indianapolis win moved place rights overall draft pick players ron holmes sack wright ivory recorded blocked punt regular season history teams went second string second half steve young returned game steve suffered concussion wright threatened start comeback week louis cardinals stadium louis missouri louis cardinals pro bowl rookie tied nfl record returning touchdowns clinched nfl worst record second consecutive year frank playing injury punt blocked net gain yard scored yard bobby howard run cardinals unanswered points gave lead good halftime yard touchdown pass steve young freeman brought points quarter game ended futile season concluded cardinals worst season moving louis years earlier standings


birmingham americans birmingham americans professional american football team located birmingham alabama members team central division world football league americans founded late december played league inaugural season team owned william bill business alabama football inc club played home games legion field successful world football league franchises americans led league attendance won home games winning games row developed reputation come victories winning narrow margins americans finished regular season won world bowl point florida financially unstable investor reluctance lavish signing bonuses paid lure national_football_league nfl players new league team folded season team assets seized pay taxes failed lawsuits recover signing bonus money kept team headlines long defunct americans replaced birmingham franchise season new team called birmingham franchise history atlanta businessman william bill awarded expansion franchise birmingham world football league secured lease play legion field original investors alabama football inc atlanta businessmen majority owner bill cecil day day jay invested million franchise hoped find investors birmingham buy additional unable find local investors team threatened americans birmingham start season season tickets sold game team position birmingham secured year assistant coach cincinnati chosen head coach general manager days announcement turned job assistant miami jack got head coach ottawa rough riders canadian football league hired got solid squad including veteran quarterback george rookie matthew reed wide receiver dennis running louis cardinals auburn standout safety larry johnny alabama lions americans round pick pro draft march birmingham selected year old retired professional basketball player atlanta hawks head coach round draft drawing laughter audience radio play play duties handled larry color commentary provided series guest commentators season birmingham competed central division chicago fire memphis detroit wheels team began training camp june military institute alabama broke camp week july americans played game regular season pre season games team play controlled jacksonville sharks saturday june games played wednesday nights nationally televised games thursday nights americans won games finishing regular season second place central division memphis midway season world football league players association formed americans selected serve president alfred named team valuable player season half americans game played july southern_california sun crowd legion field figure official announced attendance including free ticket distribution reported paid attendance figure actually opening game held scoreless sun quarters trailing touchdown start fourth quarter americans came win road game americans overcame point deficit halftime win new_york stars downing stadium july second home game win memphis july drew fans games detroit wheels birmingham quarterback matthew reed scored game winning touchdown remaining fourth quarter secure victory july road win witnessed fans stadium michigan reed led play touchdown drive seconds americans home game birmingham win detroit reported fans sat rain foul weather victory august weather factor americans fourth home game driving rain delayed start august game reduced attendance fans legion field saw halftime featuring grass skirt clad dancers music provided high school marching band addition victory birmingham americans travelled florida face jacksonville sharks jacksonville fans sharks new coach charlie birmingham managed win touchdown charlie action point quarterback matthew reed seconds remaining august game americans went north face chicago fire thursday august nationally televised game birmingham won match fans attendance soldier field quick turnaround found americans home labor day game eastern division leading florida monday september fans stadium fourth quarter scoring drive kept birmingham winning streak intact narrow win florida short week found americans action saturday september home chicago fire weather factor hurricane pushed torrential rains birmingham area field players fans attendance yard field goal earl minute game difference birmingham victory chicago second half games weeks proved americans game winning streak came end september loss memphis rallying seven fourth quarter games birmingham lost strong crowd liberty bowl memorial stadium americans nationally televised september home game houston proved game houston following week taken league relocated louisiana fans legion field saw win birmingham beginning slow downward trend attendance figures coincided start college football season americans words sportswriter joe minute score trademark upset portland storm stands portland civic stadium storm scored game winning touchdown seconds left september road contest long flight pacific_ocean help birmingham october game honolulu americans lost fans honolulu stadium demolished birmingham trailed quarter rallied defeat portland storm average hometown fans legion field october following week october americans lost game weeks falling southern_california sun crowd anaheim mid october americans team president carol announced team remaining home games start easier early rising fans original americans game schedule adjusted accommodate league shifting struggling franchises october game steamer scheduled birmingham played road instead return november match relocated state fair stadium birmingham legion field road unexpectedly americans suffered shutout season falling steamer fans october game florida moved orlando birmingham giving americans home games game regular season home games relocated orlando legal settlement ownership sell financially troubled team pay debts checks players paid mid september included americans season ticket package extra home game tallied lowest home attendance date americans present legion field game quarterback george injured shoulder second quarter rookie matthew reed came bench lead americans victory birmingham scored points half november home game philadelphia bell fought second half comeback attempt philadelphia win legion field victory team clinched spot playoffs birmingham franchise increasing financial playing final regular season game doubt deal tax officials worked americans wrapped regular season november win steamer marking consecutive home game victories doubts game played day contest ticket sales poor fans saw final regular season game americans play record second half finish second central division winning memphis wild card slot team playoff series earn bye round post season receiving bye playoff games birmingham beat western division winning semifinals sparse legion field americans advanced host world bowl championship game thursday december unpaid early october americans players staged monday title game demanding pay players returned team ownership promised buy player championship ring game went forward birmingham beat florida point game played fans stands fewer witnessed americans game months championship game held folded games regular season schedule results regular season playoffs financial fallout early november alabama attorney general bill filed suit jefferson county circuit court tax team property suit sought recover state income taxes sales taxes august september plus october state alabama judge ordered jefferson county sheriff attach property real personal mixed defendant jefferson county team admitted owed roughly sales taxes jefferson county city birmingham birmingham coaching staff offices evicted team non payment november time americans paid players weeks staff coaches weeks november internal revenue service filed tax americans team owner bill announced press conference trying raise funds pay team debts reported team taken million gate receipts point left short operating club revealed team paid million bonuses future players asserted team dire financial straits bonus money paid said need raise november team pay taxes state county city salaries players paid weeks said money comes birmingham stay money comes people want team said group new_york interested purchasing americans speculated reason unable secure local money invest franchise local interests hoping bring nfl franchise city loss property attempt pay debt allow world bowl played teams negotiated deal creditors accept portion gate receipts paying fixed costs associated game money split percent revenue teams receiving remaining percent pay long player salaries revenue split americans basis world bowl winners receiving larger share based gate receipts americans player paid world bowl play player taking home sporting goods provided uniforms football equipment americans paid end season immediately championship victory members jefferson county sheriff department seized team equipment uniforms locker room week later sporting goods began selling reclaimed gear christmas presents retail stores loss players oakland raiders quarterback kenny signed contract birmingham january circuit court judge found team payment remaining guaranteed ruled americans breach contract released year deal paid played contract option raiders season playing americans judge ruled released contract debt struggling americans franchise successor americans different organization ownership americans assume debts obligations including americans player contracts internal revenue service seized americans player contracts placed auction march pay team taxes judge ruled player contracts breached value case auction cancelled judge ruled birmingham trust national bank valid prior claim contracts loss franchise newly elected president chris determined impose measure financial league things insisted potential owners establish line credit league tried find local investors meet requirement late january revoked americans franchise team chronic financial stated americans owed total million bills taxes missed player salaries league said intention placing new team birmingham responded league demanding compensated rights new_york_city suit went march president board directors new franchise birmingham announced birmingham team called birmingham previously registered group birmingham businessmen trying secure nfl franchise birmingham began selling shares stock general public priced share sold blocks shares team hoped raise million offering officially secured birmingham franchise april folded good games ill fated season best record legal pursuits kenny nfl player americans signed contracts played team detroit lions wide receiver ron paid signing bonus early begin playing americans season completing option year lions dallas defensive tackle offensive tackle wright received signing bonus set start playing americans wright pittsburgh defensive end received signing bonus play team folded commissioner federal judge ruled player contracts players remained nfl playing americans successor birmingham team bill alabama football inc legal owners little remained americans assets headlines late 1970s sued nfl players claiming breach contract recover signing bonus money players ultimately able money 5th circuit court appeals ruled favor legacy financially devastated americans team president carol downtown birmingham sports bar early americans players signed birmingham season notable exceptions included star players charlie alfred paul robinson veteran quarterback george birmingham world hockey association held jack got night december honor americans head coach july americans owner bill working buy world hockey association franchise relocate hollywood florida florida breakers team planned start play october hollywood home ice august announced plan collapsed continue attempts bring hockey franchise south florida fans team organized reunion celebration held july honor 30th anniversary americans game played july southern_california sun reason festivities help pay promised world bowl championship rings players receive financial failing franchise daily_news sportswriter chick discovered omission research book investigative skills find manufacturing texas original rings create replacement rings story received national attention prompted birmingham help sponsor reunion alabama sports hall_of_fame birmingham april birmingham americans players inducted alabama sports hall_of_fame muscle native dennis played super bowl dallas inducted class oxford native terry played pro football atlanta washington new_england patriots inducted class native larry played louis cardinals retired medical reasons comeback americans inducted class elected auburn tigers football 1970s team decade


safety football score football safety american football safety touch canadian football scoring play results points awarded scoring team scored number ways ball carrier tackled end zone foul committed offense end zone safety scored american football ball kicked team scored safety yard line canadian football scoring team options taking control ball yard line kicking ball ability scoring team receive ball differs touchdown field goal require scoring team kick ball scored team despite relatively low point value significant impact result games brian advanced nfl stats estimated greater abstract value field goals despite worth point field position reclaimed possession gained safety kick common method scoring american football rare occurrences safety occurred games national_football_league nfl week current scheduling rules october fred playing los_angeles green bay player nfl history score single game occurrence point safety scored offense extra point point conversion attempt occurred twice ncaa division football recently bowl conversion occurred nfl conversion safety defense possible highly unlikely occurred possible way team finish single point american football game scoring safety american football american football safety scored following conditions occur ball carrier tackled end zone ball dead end zone exception incomplete forward pass defending team responsible offense commits foul end zone canadian football canadian football safety touch scored following conditions occur ball dead goal area team possession ball ball touches crosses dead line goal having directed field play goal area team scored direct result blocked kick resuming play safety american football safety scored ball play free kick team scored kick ball yard line punt drop kick place kick ball professional play kicking high school college football ball kicked caught advanced member receiving team recovered kicking team ball travels yards player receiving team touches ball canadian football scoring safety touch scoring team option taking control ball beginning play yard line kicking ball yard line accepting yard line team conceded score chosen place kick ball held placed ground placed prior kick american football ball yards recovered kicking team american football intentionally conceded uncommon strategy teams utilized gain field position punt pinned deep territory ahead near end game run clock deny team chance force turnover return punt teams taken intentional kicking loose ball end zone intent preventing defense scoring touchdown common canadian football result better field position punt surrendered canadian football league factor led reporter jim suggest increasing value safety touch points conversion safety american football normally safety scored extra point point conversion attempt officially known try point awarded scoring team commonly known conversion safety point safety scored offense known occurrences conversion safety division college football november game texas scored texas bowl oregon scored kansas state games pat kick blocked recovered defense thrown end zone coincidentally play play commentator called games conversion scored nfl slightly likely rule change allowed defense possession score conversion attempt scenario point safety scored nfl involved defense kicking batting loose ball end zone taking possession rule change point safety scored defense takes possession end zone tackled leaving ncaa college football nfl conversion safety scored defense accomplish kicking team retreat way end zone ball tackled plausible scenario involve turnover extra point attempt followed lost defensive player reaches end zone ball finally downed offense end zone conversion safety scored defense possible way team finish single point american football game