Introduction
The National Football League (NFL) as we know it today is a powerhouse, home to iconic franchises that have built legacies over decades. Teams like the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Pittsburgh Steelers dominate the sport’s history and lore. But before the NFL became the well-organized and highly profitable league we recognize today, it was a much more fluid and unpredictable organization. In its early years, teams came and went, leaving behind fascinating legacies and stories. While many of these defunct NFL franchises are no longer active, their contributions helped shape the league into what it is today. In this article, we’ll explore some of these forgotten teams, their histories, and the legacies they left behind.
The Duluth Eskimos (1926–1927): Pioneers of Traveling Football
The Duluth Eskimos are perhaps one of the most well-known forgotten teams in NFL history, largely due to their unique role as a pioneering traveling team. The Eskimos were based in Duluth, Minnesota, a small city where it was difficult to generate consistent fan support and ticket sales. As a result, the team played most of their games on the road, traveling across the country to compete in various cities.
Led by future Hall of Fame running back Ernie Nevers, the Eskimos became known for their grueling travel schedule, playing 29 games over two seasons, many of which took place far from their home city. Despite their limited success on the field, the Eskimos helped popularize the idea of football as a traveling sport, paving the way for the NFL to expand its reach.
Legacy:
Though the Duluth Eskimos only existed for two seasons, they played a crucial role in establishing the idea of a national league, rather than one restricted to specific regional areas. Their travels helped increase the popularity of professional football across the country, and their star player, Ernie Nevers, became one of the early legends of the game. Today, the Eskimos are remembered as one of the NFL’s pioneering teams.
The Portsmouth Spartans (1930–1933): The Predecessors to the Detroit Lions
Before the Detroit Lions became one of the NFL’s most recognizable franchises, there were the Portsmouth Spartans. The Spartans were based in the small town of Portsmouth, Ohio, and joined the NFL in 1930. Despite coming from a small market, the Spartans quickly became competitive, finishing in the top half of the league standings several times during their brief existence.
One of the Spartans’ most notable moments came in the 1932 season when they played in the NFL’s first-ever playoff game against the Chicago Bears. The game was played indoors at Chicago Stadium due to bad weather, and the Bears defeated the Spartans in a close contest. This game helped lay the groundwork for the creation of the NFL Championship Game, which eventually evolved into today’s Super Bowl.
In 1934, financial difficulties forced the Spartans to relocate to Detroit, where they were renamed the Detroit Lions. The Lions would go on to become one of the NFL’s longest-standing franchises, winning multiple championships in the 1950s.
Legacy:
The Portsmouth Spartans left a lasting legacy by helping to establish the modern NFL playoff system. Their relocation to Detroit preserved the team’s history and ensured its continuity as one of the league’s key franchises. The Lions’ roots in Portsmouth are still remembered, and the city remains proud of its connection to the NFL’s early history.
The Canton Bulldogs (1920–1923, 1925–1926): NFL Champions of the Early Days
The Canton Bulldogs were one of the most dominant teams in the early years of professional football. The team was based in Canton, Ohio, a city that would later become the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame due to its rich football history. The Bulldogs were an original member of the NFL (then called the American Professional Football Association) when it was formed in 1920.
During their early years, the Bulldogs were one of the most successful teams in the league, winning back-to-back NFL championships in 1922 and 1923. Led by Hall of Fame coach and player Guy Chamberlin, the Bulldogs were known for their tough defense and physical style of play. They went undefeated during their championship seasons, solidifying their place in NFL history.
Despite their success, the Bulldogs struggled financially, and the team eventually folded after the 1926 season. However, their legacy as one of the NFL’s first dynasties remains intact.
Legacy:
The Canton Bulldogs are remembered as one of the NFL’s first great teams, helping to establish the league’s early credibility. Their back-to-back championships and undefeated seasons were remarkable achievements in the fledgling league. Canton’s place in football history was further cemented with the establishment of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where the Bulldogs’ contributions are honored.
The Frankford Yellow Jackets (1924–1931): Philadelphia’s Forgotten Champions
The Frankford Yellow Jackets were one of the NFL’s most successful teams in the 1920s, yet they are largely forgotten today. Based in the Frankford section of Philadelphia, the Yellow Jackets were a dominant force in the league, winning the NFL championship in 1926. The team played its home games at Frankford Stadium, where they drew large crowds and became a source of pride for the local community.
The Yellow Jackets were known for their innovation, including being one of the first teams to use night games under lights, a novelty at the time. However, the team struggled financially during the Great Depression, and in 1931, a fire destroyed their stadium, leading to the franchise’s collapse.
In 1933, the NFL granted a new franchise to Philadelphia, which became the Philadelphia Eagles, marking the city’s return to professional football. Although the Eagles became the city’s dominant team, the Yellow Jackets’ legacy lives on as Philadelphia’s first NFL champions.
Legacy:
The Frankford Yellow Jackets played a significant role in establishing Philadelphia as a football city. Their 1926 championship is often overlooked, but it represents an important chapter in the city’s football history. The Eagles’ arrival in 1933 ensured that professional football would remain in Philadelphia, but the Yellow Jackets’ contributions should not be forgotten.
The Boston Yanks (1944–1948): A Short-Lived New England Team
The Boston Yanks were a short-lived NFL franchise that operated during the 1940s. The team was founded in 1944 by Ted Collins, who had ambitions to bring a successful NFL team to Boston. However, the Yanks struggled on the field, never posting a winning season during their time in the league.
After just five seasons, the team relocated to New York in 1949, becoming the New York Bulldogs. The Bulldogs would later evolve into the New York Yanks, but their fortunes didn’t improve, and the franchise eventually folded after the 1951 season.
Although the Boston Yanks were not successful, their existence highlighted the NFL’s attempts to expand into new markets during a time of growth and change for the league. Boston would eventually get another chance at professional football with the formation of the New England Patriots in the AFL, who later joined the NFL in 1970 as part of the AFL-NFL merger.
Legacy:
While the Boston Yanks were a fleeting presence in the NFL, their short tenure demonstrated the league’s desire to expand its reach into New England. The eventual arrival of the New England Patriots allowed the region to fully embrace professional football, with the Patriots going on to become one of the NFL’s most successful franchises. The Yanks, though forgotten, were an early part of this journey.
The Brooklyn Dodgers (1930–1944): A Multi-Sport Name, but a Struggling Franchise
While most people associate the name “Brooklyn Dodgers” with baseball, there was also a Brooklyn Dodgers football team that competed in the NFL from 1930 to 1944. The team shared its name and occasionally its home stadium, Ebbets Field, with the famous baseball team. Despite the name recognition, the Brooklyn Dodgers football team struggled on the field, never winning an NFL championship.
The Dodgers’ best season came in 1940 when they finished with an 8-3 record, but they were unable to sustain any long-term success. The team ceased operations in 1944 due to World War II and financial difficulties.
Legacy:
Though the Brooklyn Dodgers football team never reached the heights of its baseball counterpart, it remains an interesting footnote in NFL history. The name “Dodgers” carries immense weight in American sports, and the football team’s existence highlights the shared history of professional sports in Brooklyn. Today, the team is a reminder of the NFL’s early struggles to establish successful franchises in New York.
Conclusion
The forgotten football teams of the NFL’s early years may no longer exist, but their legacies are still felt today. These defunct franchises helped shape the league during its formative years, contributing to the growth of professional football in America. Whether through pioneering ideas, like the Duluth Eskimos’ traveling team, or laying the groundwork for modern franchises, like the Portsmouth Spartans’ move to Detroit, these teams played a crucial role in the NFL’s evolution. Though their names may no longer be spoken as often as the Packers or Cowboys, these teams deserve recognition for their place in football history.
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