The NFL's Pivotal Years: Remaking Pro Football, 1957-1962

The NFL experienced significant transformation from 1957 to 1962, including unionization, the 1958 title game, the American Football League challenge, computerization, statistical analysis, globalization, and the hiring of Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry. This period was pivotal in shaping the modern NFL and its fans.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2022
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

The National Football League (NFL) has experienced a challenging period in recent years, culminating in the 2020-21 coronavirus pandemic and social justice issues. However, a comprehensive understanding of the NFL's current state begins with a five-year period that was the most transformative for the league. From 1957 to 1962, the NFL witnessed several significant events that shaped its modern identity.

The advent of unionization was a landmark moment in NFL history, with a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1962 granting players the right to form a union. This decision paved the way for improved player rights, benefits, and salaries, and it helped to establish the NFL as a major professional sports league.

The legendary 1958 title game, the first to go into sudden death overtime, is another significant event in NFL history. This game, between the Baltimore Colts and the New York Giants, is still remembered as one of the most thrilling and dramatic contests in the league's history. The game's overtime period is particularly memorable, as it featured a series of dramatic plays and a final touchdown pass that sealed the Colts' victory.

A challenge from the American Football League (AFL) was another important event during this period. The AFL, which was founded in 1960, sought to rival the NFL and attract more fans and talent. The AFL's success in the 1960s and 1970s led to a merger with the NFL in 1970, which created the National Football League as we know it today.

The introduction of computerization and statistical analysis was another significant development in NFL history. In the 1960s and 1970s, teams began to use computers to analyze game data and improve their performance. This led to the development of advanced analytics and scouting techniques, which have become essential tools for modern NFL teams.

The first steps towards globalization were also taken during this period. The NFL began to expand its reach beyond the United States, with games being played in other countries and teams recruiting players from around the world. This led to the development of a global fan base for the NFL and the emergence of international stars such as Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

The hiring of legends Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry was another important event in NFL history. Lombardi, who coached the Green Bay Packers to two Super Bowl victories in the 1960s, is considered one of the greatest coaches in NFL history. Landry, who coached the Dallas Cowboys to five Super Bowl victories in the 1970s, is also regarded as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

This book. The book provides a detailed account of the key events that helped shape the modern NFL, and it explains why this period was so momentous to the league and its fans. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL's past, present, and future, and it provides insights into the league's challenges and opportunities.

In conclusion, the period from 1957 to 1962 was a transformative time for the NFL, with the advent of unionization, the legendary 1958 title game, a challenge from the American Football League, the introduction of computerization and statistical analysis, the first steps towards globalization, and the hiring of legends Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry. This book provides a detailed account of these key events and explains why they were so significant to the league and its fans. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL's past, present, and future, and it provides insights into the league's challenges and opportunities.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476684390