Historic Newspapers: National Football League

EVENING TRIBUNE, San Diego, May 19, 1917

* Elmer Oliphant - Army Cadets college football photo

Page 14 has a two column action photo of Elmer Oliphant with heading: "Oliphant Captain of Army Eleven" with brief text. (see) Surprisingly this issue is in good condition being from the "wood pulp" era. Very hard to find issues that are not totally fragile from this era in paper. Rare as such.
Complete with 16 pages, small library stamp within the masthead, generally nice.

wikipedia…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Dec. 13, 1920

* First professional football championship game
* Akron Pros vs. Decatur Staleys - Wrigley Field
* Extremely rare item from the city were it happened

The top of page has a one column heading: "STALEYS BATTLE AKRON TEAM TO DEADLOCK, 0 TO 0" with lineups. (see images) There is a small piece torn away along the right margin of this heading but not affect readability. (see images) Great to have from the city where this game was played. Exceedingly rare…

THE OMAHA DAILY NEWS, Nebraska, November 23, 1925

* Red Grange - Galloping Ghost
* Illinois Fighting Illini - College football
* Chicago Bears signing - NFL

The sport's section (page 7) has a two column heading: "Grange Signs to Play With Bears on Thanksgiving" (see images) First report coverage on the famous Illinois running back signing with the Chicago Bears just after playing in his last college football game vs. Ohio State two days earlier.
ten pages, light toning, a little…

THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE-TIMES, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, December 7, 1925

* Red Grange - Chicago Bears
* Polo Grounds - professional football

This 20 page newspaper has two column headline on page 9 that include: "'RED' GRANGE RECEIVES ABOUT $470 A YARD FOR HIS WORK AS PROFESSIONAL PLAYER"
and more. This is first report coverage on Red Grange playing in a pro football game at the famed Polo Grounds.
Other news of the day. Usual browning with minor margin wear, otherwise good.

wikipedia…

THE BETHLEHEM GLOBE-TIMES, from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, dated December 7, 1925

* Red Grange - Chicago Bears
* Polo Grounds - professional football

This 20 page newspaper has two column headline on page 9 that include: "'RED' GRANGE RECEIVES ABOUT $470 A YARD FOR HIS WORK AS PROFESSIONAL PLAYER"
and more. (see) 1st report coverage on Red Grange playing in a pro football game at the famed Polo Grounds.
Other news of the day. Usual browning with minor margin wear, otherwise good.

…

SECTION TWO (sports) only of the Chicago Daily Tribune, Nov. 21, 1927

* Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers (rivalry)
* Early NFL National Football League
* Best publication to be had (very rare)

The front page of this section has a nice banner headline: "BEARS HUMBLE GREEN BAY PACKERS, 14-6" with subheads, lineups, and related photo. (see images) An early game here which was 14 years prior to America's involvement in World War II.
I suspect this to be a very rare item because there…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, November 29, 1929 

* Aviator Richard Evelyn Byrd 
* South Pole flight begins 
* Ernie Nevers makes NFL record in scoring 

This 44 page newspaper has a great three line banner headline on the front page: "COMMANDER BYRD OFF ON FLIGHT TO THE SOUTH POLE; RADIO REPORTS 'ALL IS WELL' AT 6:30 A.M., 8 HOURS OUT; PASSES SLEDGE PARTY ON THE TRAIL AND DROPS MESSAGES" with subheads and nice photo of Byrd (see photos). Much more on pages 2 & 3. Loads of text, way too much to…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Sept. 26, 1932

* Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
* First game of the year (0-0 tie)
* Bronko Nagurski and Red Grange era
* 1st ever NFL football championship year
* Best publication to be had - very rare

The front page of the sport's section has a one column heading: "BEARS, PACKERS PLAY 0 TO 0 TIE BEFORE 14,000" with subheads and lineups. (see images) This was the year that the NFL had it's very first championship game (playoff) at the end of the season…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 18, 1933

* (Washington) Boston Redskins
* 1st time nickname was used in franchise history
* First game of the 1933 NFL football season

The sport's section (page 26) has one column headings: "GREEN BAY ELEVEN HELD TO 7-7 TIE" "Boston Rallies in the Closing Minutes of Contest to Deadlock Score" with lineups. Text begins with: "The Boston Redskins came from behind in the closing minutes...." This was the very 1st time that the franchise used the name…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, NY, November 6, 1933

* Chicago Bears 30 game win streak ends
* Bronko Nagurski
* NFL football

This 40 page newspaper has a two column headline on page 25: "Boston Checks Chicago Bears' Air Attack To Topple Unbeaten Pro Champions, 10-0" with lineups. (see photos)

Tells of the 30 game unbeaten streak of the Chicago Bear coming to an end in a loss by the hands of the New England Patriots (Boston Reds).

Other news of the day throughout. Light browning…

BOSTON EVENING TRANSCRIPT, December 18, 1933

* Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants
* First NFL football championship game

Page 6 has a one column heading: "Brilliant Play Features Game for Pro Title" with subhead. (see images)
Complete with 20 pages, light toning at the margins, some small binding holes along the spine, nice condition.

Background:The 1933 NFL Championship Game, held on December 17 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, was the league’s first officially scheduled title game…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, September 1, 1934

* Chicago College All-Star Game
* Very 1st annual football game
* Chicago Bears NFL team
* Best title to be had (rare)

The front page has a five column headline: "All-Stars Battle Bears to 0-0 Tie" subheads. (see) The front page of section 2 (sports) has a nice banner headline: "COLLEGE SPIRIT STOPS PROS' MARCH ON GOAL" with subheads, 3 related photos and lineups. Nice for display. First report coverage on the very 1st Chicago College All-Star…

NEW YORK TIMES, September 1, 1934

* Chicago College All-Star Game
* Very 1st annual football game
* Chicago Bears

The sport's section (page 8) has one column headings: "80,000 See Bears Tie All-Stars, 0-0" & subheads: "Collegians Outplay Champions of Pro League, Gaining Six First Downs to Three" "Laws, Everhardsus and Mikulak Star With Hewitt and Becker in Battles at Chicago" with stats and lineups. First report coverage on the very 1st Chicago College All-Star Game.
Other news,…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Sept. 24, 1934

* Detroit Lions very 1st football game
* NFL - National Football League

Page 16 has a small and discrete one column heading: "Detroit, 9; Giants, 0" (see image)
I suspect this to be an extremely rare item because there was really no reason to save it at the time.
Complete with 36 pages, rag edition in very nice condition. A few small binding holes along the spine.

wikipedia notes: The 1934 Detroit Lions season was the fifth in franchise history…

ALBANY EVENING NEWS, New York, December 10, 1934 

* The famed "Sneakers Game" 
* NFL football title championship 

The sport's section (page 15) has a two column heading: "Giants Upset Bears to Win Pro Football Title, 30 to 13" with subhead which includes the text: "..Donning Rubber-Soled Shoes...". (see) First report coverage of the famous "Sneakers Game" which was the 1934 NFL football championship. The New York Giants upset the Chicago Bears.
Other news, sports and advertisements of…

FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Mass., December 10, 1934 

* The famed "Sneakers Game" 
* NFL football title championship 

Page 8 under "Sport Chatter" is some brief reporting which includes: "The Giants wore basketball sneakers in the second half on account of the frozen ground and then went into the air" This was the famous "Sneakers Game" which was the 1934 NFL football championship. The New York Giants upset the Chicago Bears.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 12…

THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS, Vermont, December 10, 1934 

* The famed "Sneakers Game" 
* NFL football title championship 

The top of page 13 has a one column heading: "Giants Capture Pro Grid Title; Beat Bears 30-13" with subhead. (see) First report coverage of the famous "Sneakers Game" which was the 1934 NFL football championship. The New York Giants upset the Chicago Bears.
Complete with all 16 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, small library label within the masthead,…

THE DETROIT NEWS, December 15, 1935

* Detroit Lions NFL football championship game (1st time)
* vs. New York Giants (Day of) - Best title to be had ? (rare)

The front page of the sport's section (page 21) has a one column heading: "Lions Are Set for Title Game" with subheads and lineups. Page 5 of this section has a six column team photo of the New York Giants. (see images) The Lions would win their very first championship on this day. Great to have in this Detroit publication, very…

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, December 14, 1936

* Green Bay Packers victorious
* Boston Redskins (Washington)
* NFL football championship
* Jesse Owens wins best athlete award

Page 3 of section II has a two column heading: "Green Bay's Passing Attack Nets Victory In "Pro" Title Game" with stats and lineups. (see)
The top of the same page has another two column heading: "Jesse Owens Is Voted Outstanding Athlete Of 1936 Campaign" with list. This was the year that Owens shined at the Berlin…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, November 11, 1937 

* William "Pudge" Heffelfinger 
* Yale University football star 
* Best football player ever ? 

This 52 page newspaper has two column headlines in the sport's section (page 34): "Heffelfinger Named Best Player Of All Time at Touchdown Club" and"Yale Football Immortal, First Guard to Run Interference, Made Three All-America Teams--Played at 65". See photos for 1st report coverage on William "Pudge" Heffelfinger being named the best football player…

THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, New Orleans, December 12, 1938

* NFL football championship game w/ photos
* New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers

The sport's section (page 18) has a three column heading: "New York Giants Beat Green Bay Packers in Pro Grid Title Game" with lineup. First report coverage on the NFL football championship game between the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers.
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 32 pages, irregular along the spine, light…

THE NEWS, Frederick, Maryland, January 16, 1939

* 1st Pro Bowl football game
* New York Giants
* All-Stars

This 10 page newspaper has a one column headline on page 6: "New York Giants Win Finale From All Stars". Tells of the very 1st pro bowl game in professional football.

Other news of the day throughout. Light browning with minor spine wear, otherwise in good condition.

wikipedia notes: A post season all-star game between the new league champion and a team of professional…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, October 23, 1939

* Very 1st NFL football game on television
* Philadelphia Eagles vs. Brooklyn Dodgers

This 38 page newspaper has two column headlines on page 23 that include: "Dodgers Vanquish Eagles, 23-14, As Kercheval and Manders Excel" and more with smaller subheads and game stats and lineups (see images).

Though not mentioned in the report, this was in fact the very first NFL football game to be televised with the new technology of television. A historic…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, NY, November 18, 1940

* Green Bay Packers
* 1st to travel by airplane
* NFL football

This 38 page newspaper has a five column headline on page 24: "Early Touchdown by Giants Defeats Packers" with subheads, photo and stats. (see photos)

Though not mentioned in the reporting of this game, this was the very first time a professional football team traveled by airplane to play in an away game. Thus the Green Bay Packers were the first NFL team to travel in…

ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, December 9, 1940

* Chicago Bears vs. Washington Redskins
* NFL Championship game
* Famous 73-0 rout by the Bears

The top of page 5B has a banner headline: "Records Fall as Bears Rout Redskins, 73-0, in Pro Playoff" with subheads, related photo, lineups and stats. First report coverage on the 1940 NFL: championship game between the Washington Redskins and Chicago Bears. This was the most one-sided victory in NFL history.
Complete with all 28 pages, light toning…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, December 15, 1941 

* 1st ever divisional playoff game...  NFL football 
* Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers
* Ted Williams .406 batting average enters record books
* Boston Red Sox - major league baseball - MLB

The front page of the sport's section has a nice banner headline: "BEARS WIN, 33 TO 14; PLAY FOR TITLE SUNDAY" with subheads, lineups and large related photo. More inside. First report coverage on the very first NFL divisional playoff game ever played.…

NEW YORK WORLD-TELEGRAM, December 22, 1941 

* Chicago Bears win NFL pro football championship
* Just after the bombing of Pearl Harbor - WWII era

The sport's section (page 21) has a six column headline: "Power, Weight, Spirit Crown Bears Grid Kings" with subheads, related photo and stats. First report coverage on the Chicago Bears winning the National Football League championship vs. the New York Giants.
Great displayable World War II related headlines on the front page. Complete with…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Massachusetts, December 22, 1941 

* Chicago Bears win NFL pro football championship
* New York Giants 
* Just after the bombing of Pearl Harbor - WWII era 

The sport's section (page 11) has a three column heading: "Devastating Last-Half Attack Gives Bears 37-9 Victory and Pro Grid Title" with subhead, related photos, lineup and stats. 1st report coverage on the Chicago Bears winning the National Football League championship vs. the New York Giants.
Complete in…

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, January 5, 1942

* Chicago Bears vs. Pro football all-stars
* Post Pearl Harbor Pro Bowl
* Best title to be had ? (rare)

The front page of section 2 (sports) has a nice banner headline: "BEARS DEFEAT LEAGUE ALL-STARS, 35 TO 24" with subheads, lineups and related photo. Nice for display.
Much on World War II with nice front page headline. Complete with all 34 pages, light toning at the margins, small library stamp within the masthead, small binding holes along the…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, Dec. 9, 1942

* Frank Sinkwich wins Heisman Trophy
* Georgia Bulldogs - NCAA college football

The sport's section (top of page 40) has a seven column headline: "Heisman Trophy Scroll Presented to Sinkwich at the Downtown A. C." with subheads and photo (see images) Always nice to have notable events in history reported in this World famous publication.
Complete with 56 pages, rag edition in very nice condition.

background: Francis “Frank” Sinkwich (1920–1990) was a…

THE TIMES PICAYUNE, New Orleans, Louisiana, December 14, 1942

* Washington Redskins win NFL title
* NFL football championship
* Chicago Bears upset

This 32 page newspaper has a six column headline on page 18: "Washington Beats Chicago Bears in Amazing Upset" with subheads that include: "REDSKINS GET REVENGE FOR 73-0 TRIMMING." Additional details are provided, which include the lineup.
Other news of the day along with period advertising is found throughout.
Complete in 32 pages, light…

THE BOSTON POST, December 14, 1942

* Washington Redskins win NFL title
* NFL football championship game
* Chicago Bears upset (1st report)
* Sammy Baugh vs. Sid Luckman

The sport's section (page 16) has a two column heading: "Redskins Blaze Over Bears, 14-6" with subheads and starting roster. (see images) A side note: Boston was the city where the Redskins originated just a few years prior.
Complete with 20 pages, minor dirtiness, generally in nice condition.

CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, Sport's section only, November 1, 1943

* Sammy Baugh throws 6 TD's
* Washington Redskins quarterback
* NFL football

The front page has a four column heading: "Baugh Breaks Passing Record" with subheads, lineup and stats of the game. (see)
Complete sport's section only with 12 pages, light toning at the margins, some small binding holes along the spine, nice condition.

THE NEW YORK TIMES, New York, NY, November 1, 1943

* Quarterback Sammy Baugh 6 TD's
* Washington Redskins
* NFL football

This 36 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 21: "BAUGH PASSES SINK BROOKLYN, 48 TO 10", "Redskins' Star Hurls Six for Touchdowns, New Record..." with smaller subheads, lineup and stats of the game. (see photos)

Tells of Washington Redskins quarterback Sammy Baugh throwing 6 TD passes in one game. Nice to have in this famous NYC title.

Other news of…

THE TIMES-PICAYUNE, New Orleans, December 27, 1943

* Chicago Bears win NFL football championship
* Sid Luckman 5 touchdown passes
* Washington Redskins

The sport's section (page 8) has a one column heading: "CHICAGO BEARS WIN PRO TITLE" with subhead, stats and lineups. (see)
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 20 pages, light toning, a little spine wear, generally in nice condition.

FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Mass., December 17, 1945

* Cleveland Rams win NFL football championship
* (St. Louis) vs. Washington Redskins

The sport's section (page 8) has a two column heading: "Rams Win Before 32,178 Fans, 15-14, As Baugh's Pass Hits Post For Safety" (see)
Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Complete in 12 pages, light toning at the margins, generally nice.

wikipedia notes: In the 1945 National Football League Championship Game, the Cleveland Rams defeated the…

THE TOPEKA DAILY CAPITAL, Topeka, Kansas, December 17, 1945

* Cleveland Rams win NFL football championship
* (St. Louis)
* Washington Redskins

This 10 page newspaper has a six column headline on page 6: "Cleveland Wins National Pro Football Championship" with subheads, lineup and photo of Bob Waterfield (see images).

Other news, sports and advertisements of the day. Some damage along the spine, doesn't affect mentioned report, otherwise nice.

wikipedia notes: In the 1945 National…

Early United Nations...

THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 12, 1946 

* Bert Bell - Co-founder of the Philadelphia eagles 
* Becomes the new NFL football commissioner
* Early/formative meeting of The United Nations

The top of page 18 has one column headings that include: "LAYDEN QUITS POST; SUCCEEDED BY BELL" "Resignation of Commissioner Big Surprise to National Football League Men" and more with 2 related photos. (see)
The front page has two reports related to the early formation of The United Nations.
Other news…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, January 13, 1946 

* Cleveland Rams - NFL Football
* 1st move to Los Angeles, California

The front page of the sport's section has a two column heading: "Rams Quit Cleveland, Move to Los Angeles" with subhead. (see images) 
Thirty + pages, light toning and very minor wear at the margins, nice condition.

history notes: On January 12, 1946, the NFL approved the relocation of the Cleveland Rams to Los Angeles, marking a pivotal moment in professional football…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, March 22, 1946

* Kenny Washington breaks the color barrier
* NFL football signs it's 1st African American player
* Los Angeles Rams 

The sport's section (page 25) has a small and inconspicuous heading at the bottom of the page that reads: "Rams Sign Ken Washington" (see) Unfortunate for the small report here but still a historic 1st in this famous NYC publication. 
Complete in 42 pages, rag edition in nice condition.

Background:Kenny Washington was a…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 16, 1946

* Chicago Bears win NFL football championship
* Sid Luckman touchdown play photo
* New York Giants - players busted on 'Fix' scandal
* Nice to have from the city where the game was played

The top of the front page has a one column heading: "'FIXER' JAILED HERE FOR BRIDE OFFERS TO FOOTBALL STARS" with subheads. (see) The top of page 32 has a banner headline: "58,346 See Bears Beat Giants in National Football League Title Play-off" with subheads,…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 8, 1947

* Baltimore (Indianapolis) Colts 1st game
* National Football League NFL

This 44 page newspaper has a banner headline on page 29 that reads: "Wrong-Way Run by Buffington Helps Baltimore Down Football Dodgers" with subheads that include: "Colts Turn Back Brooklyn By 16-7" an d more with Stats & lineups (see images).

This was the Colts very first game in franchise history. It is also their very first win as well. A historic item for the true Colts…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Springfield, Massachusetts, December 2, 1947

* Johnny Lujack wins Heisman Trophy
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish - NCAA college football

This 30 page newspaper has two column headlines on page 23: "Lujack Is Top College Grid Player in Nation", "Notre Dame Quarterback Voted Winner of Annual Heisman Trophy; Chappius of Michigan Is Second" with photo of Lujack striking the famous Heisman pose.

Other news, sports and advertisements of the day throughout. Nice…

FITCHBURG SENTINEL, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, December 29, 1947

* Chicago Cardinals vs. Philadelphia Eagles
* NFL championship title game

This 12 page newspaper has a small one column headline on page 8: "Cardinals Win Pro Grid Title On 'Fast Break'".

Tells of the NFL football championship game between the Chicago Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Other news of the day. Light browning with minor margin wear, otherwise in good condition.

wikipedia notes: The 1947 National…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, September 6, 1948

* Y. A. Tittle sets passing records in game
* Baltimore Colts quarterback
* NFL Football

The sport's section (page 10) has a banner headline: "Tittle Sets Two Records as Colts Upset Football Yankees; Brooklyn Loses" with subheads that include: "Tittle Star Of Winners" "Gains 346 Yards on Passes and Is Responsible for Five Touchdowns, New Records" and more with stats. (see) Always nice to have notable events in history reported in this World famous…

THE SPRINGFIELD UNION, Springfield, Massachusetts, December 8, 1949

* Leon Hart wins Heisman Trophy
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* NCAA college football

This 40 page newspaper has two column headlines on page 32 that include: "Hart May Command Top Price For Turning Pro" and more (see images).

Other news, sports and advertisements of the day throughout. Minor margin wear, otherwise nice condition.

wikipedia notes: Leon Joseph Hart (November 2, 1928 – September 24, 2002) was an…

THE DETROIT NEWS, Michigan, December 12, 1949 

* Johnny Lujack 6 TD's for Chicago Bears 
* NFL football quarterback 

This 42 page newspaper has within reporting on the recent football games from the day before, news of  Chicago Bears quarterback Johnny Lujack passing for six touchdowns with 468 yards passing (new NFL record at the time).

Other news of the day throughout. Rag edition with some small binding holes along the spine, otherwise in good condition.

SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN, Mass., sport's section only, December 18, 1949

* All-America Football Conference All-Star game
* Shamrock Bowl - Cleveland Browns
* Last ever AAFC game

The front page of this section has a one column heading: "ALL-STAR GRIDDERS DEFEAT CLEVELAND IN CHARITY BATTLE" with subhead. (see)
Other sporting news of the day. Complete sport's section only with all 16 pages, light toning at the margins, nice condition.

wikipedia notes: The All-America Football Conference…

THE NEW YORK TIMES, January 13, 1944

* Angelo Bertelli wins Heisman Trophy
* Notre Dame Fighting Irish
* NCAA college football

This 44 page newspaper has one column headlines on page 24 that include: "BERTELLI PRAISED AT CEREMONY HERE"; "Former Notre Dame Ace Gets Heisman Award at Luncheon in the Downtown A.C." with photo.

Other news of the day throughout. Good condition.

wikipedia notes: When Angelo Bertelli entered Notre Dame in 1940, he was 6 feet 1 inch and 173 pounds, a…

THE DETROIT FREE PRESS, December 24, 1951

* Los Angeles Rams vs. Cleveland Browns
* NFL football championship title game

The top of page 12 has a banner headline: "Rams Win, 24-17, to End Browns' Pro Reign" with subheads, 3 related photos and stats. (see) First report coverage on the NFL football championship game between the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns.
Complete with 20 pages, light toning and minor wear at the margins, small binding holes along the spine, generally nice.…