On 17 September, the National Football League commemorates its centennial, but where did it all start?
On September 17, 1920, 15 pioneers met in an Ohio automobile showroom to form what would soon be called the National Football League. When the Cleveland Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals in the “Battle of Ohio” tonight on Thursday Night Football, halftime will shift from Cleveland to Canton – the birthplace of the NFL and home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame – for a special ceremony honouring the 25,488 athletes to ever play in an NFL game.
To the more than 25,000 players who’ve ever played in this league: Your talent and tenacity are forever etched in our memories. To the players of today: From the superstars adding to their legacies, to the dynamic young players blazing new trails – you are the backbone of the NFL. To the most loyal and passionate fans anywhere: The NFL would be nothing without you. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support, as we surge into the next century together.
NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell