The National Football League (NFL) just did something unexpected. It will now count statistics from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in its official records. This action, passed unanimously by the other NFL owners, honors the long-lasting contributions of the AAFC, which was in operation from 1946 to 1949. Thus, in the future the record books will include the accomplishments of squads, mentors and performers from a now folded league.
The AAFC is particularly noted for the Cleveland Browns, who dominated during its four seasons by winning the championship title each year. Led by legendary coach Paul Brown, the Browns pulled off a similar accomplishment in 1948. They went on to complete the regular season with a perfect 14-0 record! They punctuated that magical season by winning the championship game, finishing with a perfect 15-0 overall record.
This incorporation has huge precedential significance. When the NFL completed its merger with the American Football League (AFL) in 1970, their statistics were made official as well. In short, the decision to include AAFC stats was the correct one by all metric in enriching the historical narrative of professional football. With this change we get a more accurate look at player value across the decades. Instead, the NFL will belatedly add AAFC champions to its record books.
Prominent figures from the AAFC have been recognized in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with two coaches and 15 players honored. Hall of Famers Otto Graham, legendary quarterback; Lou Groza, kicker; and Marion Motley, running back. Perhaps the most famous of the inductees were Elroy Hirsch, Tom Landry, Joe Perry, and YA Tittle. Their impact on the game during the AAFC years has cast a lasting shadow in football lore.
It would be followed up by the AAFC’s own statistical supplement, released after that league’s final season in 1949. These guidelines allowed for a better understanding of game-to-game performances and single-game records. It should be emphasized that most complete scoresheets from that period are lost. This absence really prevented the statistics from being as comprehensive as they could be.
In 1950, the Browns, along with the San Francisco 49ers and original Baltimore Colts, joined the NFL as part of the league’s expansion efforts. These AAFC numbers pay tribute to these teams. Telling that story of how professional football has evolved makes a more complete and compelling narrative.
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