Timeline of the National Central Football League: Difference between revisions

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=== 1923 ===
=== 1923 ===
Two new franchises were awarded.
Two new franchises were awarded. While two others folded




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|Cincinnati Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||St. Louis Triangles
|Cincinnati Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||St. Louis Triangles
|-
|-
|Cleveland Lions|| {{0}}||Syracuse Spartans
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;"|Cleveland Lions^|| {{0}}||Syracuse Spartans
|-
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||Tonawanda Kardex
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;"|Tonawanda Kardex^
|-
|-
|Indiana Indians|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Washington Presidents*
|Indiana Indians|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Washington Presidents*
Line 148: Line 148:
|-
|-
|}
|}
=== 1924 ===
Two new franchises were awarded, while the Green Bay Packers joined. The Montreal Blues refused to play due to complaints regarding the 1923 season, and their claim to the NCFL championship. The Minutemen and Presidents folded during the offseason.
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" | First season in NCFL *
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|-
|style="background-color:#FF91A4;" | Only season in the league *^
|style="background-color:#ca00f6;" | Team refused to play +
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1924 NCFL
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Akron All-Stars*|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Fighting Boers
|-
|Albany All-Pros|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#ca00f6;" |Montreal Blues+
|-
|Boston Hammers|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|Brookyln Steelers|| {{0}}||Ontario Lakers
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FF91A4;"|Providence Minutemen*^
|-
|Cincinnati Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||Rochester Americans
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||St. Louis Triangles
|-
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Green Bay Packers*|| {{0}}||Syracuse Spartans
|-
|Indiana Indians|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;"|Washington Presidents*
|-
|}
=== 1925 ===
Four new franchises were awarded, and the Montreal Blues returned to playing. The Akron All-Stars and Rochester Americans folded, with the Americans and All-Pros entering into a merger agreement.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1925 name changes
! 1924 team name
! 1925 team name
|-
|Massachusetts Fighting Boers||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" | First season in NCFL *
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|-
|style="background-color:#1ECAD0;" | Team returned to play +
|style="background-color:#0080FF;" | Team merged into another^^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1925 NCFL
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;"|Akron All-Stars^|| {{0}}||Indiana Indians
|-
|Albany All-Pros|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|style="background-color:#00FF00;"|Baltimore Braves*|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#1ECAD0;" |Montreal Blues+
|-
|Boston Hammers|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|Brookyln Steelers|| {{0}}||Ontario Lakers
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#00FF00;"|Pittsburgh Hawks*
|-
|style="background-color:#00FF00;"|Chicago Giants*|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#00FF00;"|Portland Islanders*
|-
|Cincinnati Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#0080FF;"|Rochester Americans^^
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||St. Louis Triangles
|-
|Green Bay Packers||{{0}}||Syracuse Spartans
|-
|}
=== 1926 ===
The Kalamazoo Kangaroos were enfranchised, while the Fighting Eagles relocated to Cleveland. First season where no franchises folded.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1925 name changes
! 1925 team name
! 1926 team name
|-
|Cincinnati Fighting Eagles||Cleveland Fighting Eagles
|-
|Albany All-Pros||Albany All-Americans
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" | First season in NCFL *
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1926 NCFL
|Albany All-Americans|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#00FF00;"|Kalamazoo Kangaroos*
|-
|Baltimore Braves|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|Boston Hammers|| {{0}}||Montreal Blues
|-
|Brookyln Steelers|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||Ontario Lakers
|-
|Chicago Giants|| {{0}}||Pittsburgh Hawks
|-
|Cleveland Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||Portland Islanders
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||St. Louis Triangles
|-
|Green Bay Packers|| {{0}}||Syracuse Spartans
|-
|Indiana Indians||{{0}}||
|-
|}
=== 1927 ===
Three new franchises were established. The leagues attempted expansion into the West Coast, with the Los Angeles Angels, proved unattainable at the time. The Hammers, which had been playing a number of games in Philadelphia since 1925, opted to move their full time, following an attempt to establish a new franchise in the city. The league began to shift from supporting teams in smaller markets, and several teams folded as a result.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1927 name changes
! 1926 team name
! 1927 team name
|-
|Boston Hammers||Philadelphia Hammers
|-
|St. Louis Triangles||Orange Triangles
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" | First season in NCFL *
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|style="background-color:#FF91A4;" | Only season in the league *^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1927 NCFL
|Albany All-Americans|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Kansas City Warriors*
|-
|Baltimore Braves|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FF91A4;" |[[Los Angeles Angels (NCFL)|Los Angeles Angels]]*^<ref group=Note name=Note01/>
|-
|Brookyln Steelers|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||Montreal Blues
|-
|Chicago Giants|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Cincinnati Senators*|| {{0}}||Ontario Lakers
|-
|Cleveland Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||Orange Triangles
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||Philadelphia Hammers
|-
|Green Bay Packers|| {{0}}||Pittsburgh Hawks
|-
|Indiana Indians||{{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Portland Islanders^
|-
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Kalamazoo Kangaroos^||{{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Syracuse Spartans^
|-
|}
=== 1928 ===
Despite league attempts to improve the financial situation of teams, in regards to smaller market teams. The league opted to merge two financially viable teams from the bankrupt American Professional Central Football Association (APCFA)
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1928 name changes
! 1927 team name
! 1928 team name
|-
|Kansas City Warriors||St. Louis Warriors
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#FFB266;" | Merged from APCFA *
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1928 NCFL
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;"|Albany All-Americans|| {{0}}||Indiana Indians
|-
|Baltimore Braves|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|Brookyln Steelers|| {{0}}||Montreal Blues
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|Chicago Giants|| {{0}}||Ontario Lakers
|-
|Cincinnati Senators|| {{0}}||Orange Triangles
|-
|Cleveland Fighting Eagles|| {{0}}||Philadelphia Hammers
|-
|style="background-color:#FFB266;"|Columbus Maroons*|| {{0}}||Pittsburgh Hawks
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FFB266;"|Providence Blue Devils*
|-
|Green Bay Packers||{{0}}||St. Louis Warriors
|-
|}
=== 1929 ===
First year of the [[NCFL Draft]]. The Washington Raiders were enfranchised, while the Pittsburgh Hawks and Providence Blue Devils folded mid-season, while the Brookyln Steelers, Montreal Blues, and Orange Triangles folded in the offseason as a result of the {{wp|Great Depression}}. In the case of the Montreal Blues, a player strike as a result of unpaid wages in the teams final abysmal 1-11 season, resulted in the Blues forfeiting the last 4 of their games due to having no players to field.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1929 name changes
! 1928 team name
! 1929 team name
|-
|Ontario Lakers||Toronto Lakers
|-
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" | First season in NCFL *
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1929 NCFL
|Baltimore Braves|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Brookyln Steelers^|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Montreal Blues^
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|Chicago Giants|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Orange Triangles^
|-
|Cincinnati Senators|| {{0}} ||Philadelphia Hammers
|-
|Cleveland Fighting Eagles|| {{0}} ||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Pittsburgh Hawks^
|-
|Columbus Maroons|| {{0}} ||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Providence Blue Devils^
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}} ||St. Louis Warriors
|-
|Green Bay Packers|| {{0}} ||Toronto Lakers
|-
|Indiana Indians|| {{0}} ||style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Washington Raiders*
|-
|}
=== 1930 ===
The growing economic difficulty brought on by the Great Depression, resulted in 4 franchises folding. With the Cleveland Fighting Eagles having folded mid-season. The league opted to abandon expansion in the near future, along with reducing its commitment to keeping franchises economically viable and allowed the Baltimore Braves and Indiana Indians to declare bankruptcy and fold in the offseason.
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+ 1930 NCFL
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Baltimore Braves^|| {{0}}||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Indiana Indians^
|-
|Buffalo Warthogs|| {{0}}||Massachusetts Meerkats
|-
|Chicago Giants|| {{0}}||New York Dragons
|-
|Cincinnati Senators|| {{0}}||Philadelphia Hammers
|-
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Cleveland Fighting Eagles^|| {{0}} ||St. Louis Warriors
|-
|Columbus Maroons|| {{0}} ||Toronto Lakers
|-
|Detroit Tigers|| {{0}} ||style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Washington Raiders^
|-
|Green Bay Packers|| {{0}} ||
|-
|}
== Championship and Original Ten era (1931-1949) ==
Start of the championship era, with the winners of each division playing for the championship. League officials grew skeptical of expansion, and opted to remain committed to a ten team structure.
=== 1931 ===
NCFL split into two divisions, East and West, of 5 and 6 teams respectively. The Buffalo Warthogs would fold in the offseason, starting the original 10 era. Roster sizes increased to a minimum of 23 and a maximum of 27 players for each team.
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" | Team folded this season ^
|}
{| class="wikitable"
|+1931 NCFL
!'''Eastern Division'''
!'''Western Division'''
|-
|style="background-color:#FFC40C;" |Buffalo Warthogs^
|Chicago Giants
|-
|Massachusetts Meerkats
|Cincinnati Senators
|-
|New York Dragons
|Columbus Maroons
|-
|Philadelphia Hammers
|Detroit Tigers
|-
|Toronto Lakers
|Green Bay Packers
|-
|-
|St. Louis Warriors
|-
|}
=== 1932-1935 ===
Columbus Maroons move to the Eastern division, following the folding of the Warthogs, bringing both divisions to 5 members.
{| class="wikitable"
|+1932-1935 NCFL
!'''Eastern Division'''
!'''Western Division'''
|-
|Columbus Maroons
|Chicago Giants
|-
|Massachusetts Meerkats
|Cincinnati Senators
|-
|New York Dragons
|Detroit Tigers
|-
|Philadelphia Hammers
|Green Bay Packers
|-
|Toronto Lakers
|St. Louis Warriors
|-
|}
== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=Note|refs=
<ref name=Note01>Despite the name, the Angels played all their regular season contests in St. Louis. The Angels had hoped to move into Los Angeles the following season, but the teams abysmal 0-12 season, and disinterest by Los Angeles, along with the difficulties of intercontinental play, resulted in the team folding.</ref>
}}


== 1933–1947: Start of Championship Game and Original 7 era ==
== 1933–1947: Start of Championship Game and Original 7 era ==

Latest revision as of 23:24, 3 January 2025

This timeline of the National Central Football League (NCFL) tracks the history of each of the league's 36 current franchises from the early days of the league, through its merger with the National Football Association (NFA), and the International Football Association (IFA). The history of franchises that began as independent teams, other defunct leagues are shown as well.

1920-1933 Birth of the NCFL

1920

The National Central Football League is formed September 17, 1920, at Canton, Ohio. The fourteen teams were mainly drawn from the Ontario-Quebec State League, New York professional League, and other leagues. A $100 membership fee was charged. The Chicago Giants folded after the season.

Team folded this season ^
1920 NCFL
Albany All-Pros 0 Detroit Tigers
Boston Hammers 0 Montreal Blues
Brooklyn Steel 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Ontario Lakers
Chicago Giants^ 0 Philadelphia Renegades
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Rochester Americans
Cleveland Lions 0 Toronto Wolves

1921

With the low entry barrier of a $100 membership fee, the number of teams balloons to 20. Four of these franchises would last only one season, with the Louisville Reds only making it through a single game. Two other franchises folded mid-season.

1921 name changes
1920 team name 1921 team name
Brooklyn Steel Brooklyn Steelers
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^ Only season in the league *^
1921 NCFL
Albany All-Pros 0 Louisville Reds*^
Baltimore Cannon*^ 0 Mississauga Millers*^
Boston Hammers 0 Montreal Blues
Brooklyn Steelers 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Ontario Lakers
Chicago Maroons*^ 0 Philadelphia Renegades^
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Rochester Americans
Cleveland Lions 0 St. Louis Triangles*
Detroit Tigers 0 Tonawanda Kardex*
Hartford Whaling Ships*^ 0 Toronto Wolves^
Indianapolis Indians*

1922

Three Franchises were awarded, however only the Syracuse Spartans did not fold by 1923.

1922 name changes
1921 team name 1922 team name
Indianapolis Indians Indiana Indians
First season in NCFL * Only season in the league *^
1922 NCFL
Albany All-Pros 0 Montreal Blues
Boston Hammers 0 New York Dragons
Brooklyn Steelers 0 Ontario Lakers
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Rochester Americans
Chicago Centrals*^ 0 Rockford Rail Kings*^
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 St. Louis Triangles
Cleveland Lions 0 Syracuse Spartans*
Detroit Tigers 0 Tonawanda Kardex
Indiana Indians 0

1923

Two new franchises were awarded. While two others folded


Missing simming this season

First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1923 NCFL
Albany All-Pros 0 Montreal Blues
Boston Hammers 0 New York Dragons
Brookyln Steelers 0 Ontario Lakers
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Rochester Americans
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 St. Louis Triangles
Cleveland Lions^ 0 Syracuse Spartans
Detroit Tigers 0 Tonawanda Kardex^
Indiana Indians 0 Washington Presidents*
Massachusetts Fighting Boers* 0

1924

Two new franchises were awarded, while the Green Bay Packers joined. The Montreal Blues refused to play due to complaints regarding the 1923 season, and their claim to the NCFL championship. The Minutemen and Presidents folded during the offseason.

First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
Only season in the league *^ Team refused to play +
1924 NCFL
Akron All-Stars* 0 Massachusetts Fighting Boers
Albany All-Pros 0 Montreal Blues+
Boston Hammers 0 New York Dragons
Brookyln Steelers 0 Ontario Lakers
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Providence Minutemen*^
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Rochester Americans
Detroit Tigers 0 St. Louis Triangles
Green Bay Packers* 0 Syracuse Spartans
Indiana Indians 0 Washington Presidents*

1925

Four new franchises were awarded, and the Montreal Blues returned to playing. The Akron All-Stars and Rochester Americans folded, with the Americans and All-Pros entering into a merger agreement.

1925 name changes
1924 team name 1925 team name
Massachusetts Fighting Boers Massachusetts Meerkats
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
Team returned to play + Team merged into another^^
1925 NCFL
Akron All-Stars^ 0 Indiana Indians
Albany All-Pros 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Baltimore Braves* 0 Montreal Blues+
Boston Hammers 0 New York Dragons
Brookyln Steelers 0 Ontario Lakers
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Pittsburgh Hawks*
Chicago Giants* 0 Portland Islanders*
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Rochester Americans^^
Detroit Tigers 0 St. Louis Triangles
Green Bay Packers 0 Syracuse Spartans

1926

The Kalamazoo Kangaroos were enfranchised, while the Fighting Eagles relocated to Cleveland. First season where no franchises folded.

1925 name changes
1925 team name 1926 team name
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles Cleveland Fighting Eagles
Albany All-Pros Albany All-Americans
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1926 NCFL
Albany All-Americans 0 Kalamazoo Kangaroos*
Baltimore Braves 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Boston Hammers 0 Montreal Blues
Brookyln Steelers 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Ontario Lakers
Chicago Giants 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Cleveland Fighting Eagles 0 Portland Islanders
Detroit Tigers 0 St. Louis Triangles
Green Bay Packers 0 Syracuse Spartans
Indiana Indians 0

1927

Three new franchises were established. The leagues attempted expansion into the West Coast, with the Los Angeles Angels, proved unattainable at the time. The Hammers, which had been playing a number of games in Philadelphia since 1925, opted to move their full time, following an attempt to establish a new franchise in the city. The league began to shift from supporting teams in smaller markets, and several teams folded as a result.

1927 name changes
1926 team name 1927 team name
Boston Hammers Philadelphia Hammers
St. Louis Triangles Orange Triangles
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^ Only season in the league *^
1927 NCFL
Albany All-Americans 0 Kansas City Warriors*
Baltimore Braves 0 Los Angeles Angels*^[Note 1]
Brookyln Steelers 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Montreal Blues
Chicago Giants 0 New York Dragons
Cincinnati Senators* 0 Ontario Lakers
Cleveland Fighting Eagles 0 Orange Triangles
Detroit Tigers 0 Philadelphia Hammers
Green Bay Packers 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Indiana Indians 0 Portland Islanders^
Kalamazoo Kangaroos^ 0 Syracuse Spartans^

1928

Despite league attempts to improve the financial situation of teams, in regards to smaller market teams. The league opted to merge two financially viable teams from the bankrupt American Professional Central Football Association (APCFA)

1928 name changes
1927 team name 1928 team name
Kansas City Warriors St. Louis Warriors
Merged from APCFA * Team folded this season ^
1928 NCFL
Albany All-Americans 0 Indiana Indians
Baltimore Braves 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Brookyln Steelers 0 Montreal Blues
Buffalo Warthogs 0 New York Dragons
Chicago Giants 0 Ontario Lakers
Cincinnati Senators 0 Orange Triangles
Cleveland Fighting Eagles 0 Philadelphia Hammers
Columbus Maroons* 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Detroit Tigers 0 Providence Blue Devils*
Green Bay Packers 0 St. Louis Warriors

1929

First year of the NCFL Draft. The Washington Raiders were enfranchised, while the Pittsburgh Hawks and Providence Blue Devils folded mid-season, while the Brookyln Steelers, Montreal Blues, and Orange Triangles folded in the offseason as a result of the Great Depression. In the case of the Montreal Blues, a player strike as a result of unpaid wages in the teams final abysmal 1-11 season, resulted in the Blues forfeiting the last 4 of their games due to having no players to field.

1929 name changes
1928 team name 1929 team name
Ontario Lakers Toronto Lakers
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1929 NCFL
Baltimore Braves 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Brookyln Steelers^ 0 Montreal Blues^
Buffalo Warthogs 0 New York Dragons
Chicago Giants 0 Orange Triangles^
Cincinnati Senators 0 Philadelphia Hammers
Cleveland Fighting Eagles 0 Pittsburgh Hawks^
Columbus Maroons 0 Providence Blue Devils^
Detroit Tigers 0 St. Louis Warriors
Green Bay Packers 0 Toronto Lakers
Indiana Indians 0 Washington Raiders*

1930

The growing economic difficulty brought on by the Great Depression, resulted in 4 franchises folding. With the Cleveland Fighting Eagles having folded mid-season. The league opted to abandon expansion in the near future, along with reducing its commitment to keeping franchises economically viable and allowed the Baltimore Braves and Indiana Indians to declare bankruptcy and fold in the offseason.

Team folded this season ^
1930 NCFL
Baltimore Braves^ 0 Indiana Indians^
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Chicago Giants 0 New York Dragons
Cincinnati Senators 0 Philadelphia Hammers
Cleveland Fighting Eagles^ 0 St. Louis Warriors
Columbus Maroons 0 Toronto Lakers
Detroit Tigers 0 Washington Raiders^
Green Bay Packers 0

Championship and Original Ten era (1931-1949)

Start of the championship era, with the winners of each division playing for the championship. League officials grew skeptical of expansion, and opted to remain committed to a ten team structure.

1931

NCFL split into two divisions, East and West, of 5 and 6 teams respectively. The Buffalo Warthogs would fold in the offseason, starting the original 10 era. Roster sizes increased to a minimum of 23 and a maximum of 27 players for each team.

Team folded this season ^
1931 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Buffalo Warthogs^ Chicago Giants
Massachusetts Meerkats Cincinnati Senators
New York Dragons Columbus Maroons
Philadelphia Hammers Detroit Tigers
Toronto Lakers Green Bay Packers
St. Louis Warriors

1932-1935

Columbus Maroons move to the Eastern division, following the folding of the Warthogs, bringing both divisions to 5 members.

1932-1935 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Columbus Maroons Chicago Giants
Massachusetts Meerkats Cincinnati Senators
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers
Philadelphia Hammers Green Bay Packers
Toronto Lakers St. Louis Warriors

Notes

  1. ↑ Despite the name, the Angels played all their regular season contests in St. Louis. The Angels had hoped to move into Los Angeles the following season, but the teams abysmal 0-12 season, and disinterest by Los Angeles, along with the difficulties of intercontinental play, resulted in the team folding.

1933–1947: Start of Championship Game and Original 7 era

1933-1937

The league split into Eastern and Western Divisions with the winner of each division playing in the Championship Game.

1933-1937 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers
Philadelphia Hammers Pittsburgh Falcons
Toronto Lakers Washington Elephants

1937-1941

The Detroit Tigers folded at the end of the 1937 season, leaving only 7 teams. The demise of the Tigers led to financial restructuring throughout the NCFL, and its teams. Beginning of the Original 7 era.

Team folded this season ^
1937-1941 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers^
Philadelphia Hammers Pittsburgh Falcons
Toronto Lakers Washington Elephants

1941-1947

The Original 7 remained mostly unchanged between 1937 until 1947, bar the change in the Elephants name. Financial and roster concerns due to World War II, ensured the league remain committed to 7 teams in uneven divisions. Only after the end of the war, did the NCFL seriously consider expansion again.

1941 name changes
1940 team name 1941 team name
Washington Elephants DC Elephants
1941-1947 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
New York Dragons DC Elephants
Philadelphia Hammers Pittsburgh Falcons
Toronto Lakers

End of the Original 7 era (1947-1960)

1947-1949

The NCFL expanded for the first time since 1929, ending the original 7 era, and growing to 10 teams, with 5 in each division.

First season in NCFL *
1947-1949 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers* DC Elephants
New York Dragons Detroit Warriors*
Philadelphia Hammers Pittsburgh Falcons
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses*

1949

The Detroit Warriors moved to St. Louis following two seasons in Detroit. The NCFL favored relocation over folding, moving foward.

1949 name changes
1948 team name 1949 team name
Detroit Warriors St. Louis Warriors
1949 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers DC Elephants
New York Dragons Pittsburgh Falcons
Philadelphia Hammers St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1950-1954

The NCFL expanded to the west, with the establishment of the Los Angeles Crimsons. The NCFL returned to Montreal after close to 30 years, with the Montreal Tigers. Although the team was plagued with economical difficulties.

First season in NCFL *
1950-1954 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers DC Elephants
Montreal Tigers* Los Angeles Crimsons*
New York Dragons Pittsburgh Falcons
Philadelphia Hammers St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1955-1956

The financially struggling Tigers moved in 1955 from Montreal to San Francisco, after being invited by the mayor of San Francisco Elmer Robinson, changing their name to Sharks. The Pittsburg Falcons were moved from Western to the Eastern division.

1955 name changes
1954 team name 1955 team name
Montreal Tigers San Francisco Sharks
1955-1956 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers DC Elephants
New York Dragons Los Angeles Crimsons
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1957-1960

The NCFL successfully expanded to Mexico City and New Orleans, leading to a further realignment in the divisions to maintain them even. The league settled into 14 teams

First season in NCFL *
1957-1960 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
DC Elephants Los Angeles Crimsons
Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs*
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights*
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

The 1960's The Three Leagues NCFL-NFL-IFL

1960

The National Football League (NFL) was founded with 6 teams, as a rival to the NCFL. Composed mostly of wealthy owners in non-NCFL markets.

1960 NFL
Northern Division Southern Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Cincinnati Bears
Minnesota Valkyries Florida Crocodiles
Philadelphia Penguins Texas Spiders
1960 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
DC Elephants Los Angeles Crimsons
Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1961-1962

The NFL expanded aggressively adding teams in NCFL cities such as Washington, and New York City.

First season in NFL **
1961-1962 NFL
Northern Division Southern Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Cincinnati Bears
Minnesota Valkyries Florida Crocodiles
New York Eagles** Texas Spiders
Philadelphia Penguins Washington Roughriders**
1961-1962 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
DC Elephants Los Angeles Crimsons
Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1963

Several NCFL teams began exploring alternatives following the rapid expansion of the NFL in certain markets.

1963 name changes
1962 team name 1963 team name
Washington Roughriders Washington Red Pandas
1963 NFL
Northern Division Southern Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Cincinnati Bears
Minnesota Valkyries Florida Crocodiles
New York Eagles Texas Spiders
Philadelphia Penguins Washington Red Pandas
1963 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
DC Elephants Los Angeles Crimsons
Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1964

The Elephants left Washington D.C. for Nashville to deny the city hosting an NFL team, following economic troubles in Washington, in the face of increasing competition.

1964 name changes
1963 team name 1964 team name
DC Elephants Nashville Elephants
1964 NFL
Northern Division Southern Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Cincinnati Bears
Minnesota Valkyries Florida Crocodiles
New York Eagles Texas Spiders
Philadelphia Penguins Washington Red Pandas
1964 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Toronto Lakers Texas Horses

1965

The NCFL and the NFL added two teams each

First season in NCFL * First season in NFL **
1965 NFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Denver Dynamo*
Cincinnati Bears Florida Crocodiles
New York Eagles Kansas City Wheat Kings*
Philadelphia Penguins Minnesota Valkyries
Washington Red Pandas Texas Spiders
1965 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Tampa Bay Octopuses* Texas Horses
Toronto Lakers Washington Wolverines*

1966

The International Football League was founded in 1966 and launched with 4 teams. Causing concern to both the NCFL and the NFL, leading to them establishing a championship game between both leagues termed the Orange Cup, played for the first time in January 1967.

1966 IFL
Arizona Armadillos 0 Havana Sugarcanes
Guadalajara Scorpions 0 Mexico Rattlesnakes
1966 NFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Denver Dynamo
Cincinnati Bears Florida Crocodiles
New York Eagles Kansas City Wheat Kings
Philadelphia Penguins Minnesota Valkyries
Washington Red Pandas Texas Spiders
1966 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Tampa Bay Octopuses Texas Horses
Toronto Lakers Washington Wolverines

1967

The IFL expanded by two teams in 1967, focusing primarily on the Mexican states.

First season in IFL ***
1967 IFL
Arizona Armadillos 0 Mexico Rattlesnakes
Guadalajara Scorpions 0 Monterrey Zebras***
Havana Sugarcanes 0 Tijuana Titans***
1967 NFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Denver Dynamo
Cincinnati Bears Florida Crocodiles
New York Eagles Kansas City Wheat Kings
Philadelphia Penguins Minnesota Valkyries
Washington Red Pandas Texas Spiders
1967 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Sharks
Pittsburgh Falcons St. Louis Warriors
Tampa Bay Octopuses Texas Horses
Toronto Lakers Washington Wolverines

1968

All 3 leagues expanded by a team, as competition between the leagues grew fierce.

First season in NCFL * First season in NFL ** First season in IFL ***


1968 IFL
Arizona Armadillos 0 Mexico Rattlesnakes
Guadalajara Scorpions 0 Monterrey Zebras
Havana Sugarcanes 0 Tijuana Titans
Jacksonville Jellyfishes*** 0
1968 NFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Calgary Raiders**
Cincinnati Bears Denver Dynamo
Florida Crocodiles Kansas City Wheat Kings
New York Eagles Minnesota Valkyries
Philadelphia Penguins Texas Spiders
Washington Red Pandas
1968 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Los Angeles Crimsons
Indianapolis Phantoms* Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Hammers St. Louis Warriors
Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
Tampa Bay Octopuses Washington Wolverines
Toronto Lakers

1969

NFL and NCFL teams began secret talks about a possible merger. This would be the last year of the NFL as an independent league.

1969 name changes
1968 team name 1969 team name
Calgary Raiders Alberta Raiders
1969 IFL
Arizona Armadillos 0 Mexico Rattlesnakes
Guadalajara Scorpions 0 Monterrey Zebras
Havana Sugarcanes 0 Tijuana Titans
Jacksonville Jellyfishes 0
1969 NFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Baltimore Ramming Goats Alberta Raiders
Cincinnati Bears Denver Dynamo
Florida Crocodiles Kansas City Wheat Kings
New York Eagles Minnesota Valkyries
Philadelphia Penguins Texas Spiders
Washington Red Pandas
1969 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Los Angeles Crimsons
Indianapolis Phantoms Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Hammers St. Louis Warriors
Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
Tampa Bay Octopuses Washington Wolverines
Toronto Lakers

The 1970's NCFL–NFL merger

1970

  • NCFL and NFL merge
  • NCFL East and West become NAFA East and West.
  • NFL East and West become NFA East and West.
  • Indianapolis Phantoms change from NAFA East to NFA West.
  • Tampa Bay Octopuses change from NAFA East to NFA East.
  • Los Angeles Crimsons change from NAFA West to NFA West.
  • Washington Red Pandas become D.C. Red Pandas.
  • Texas Spiders become Dallas Spiders.
1970 name changes
1969 team name 1970 team name
Washington Red Pandas D.C. Red Pandas
1970 NCFL
NAFA East West
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Hammers St. Louis Warriors
Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
Toronto Lakers Washington Wolverines
NFA East West
Baltimore Ramming Goats Alberta Raiders
Cincinnati Bears Dallas Spiders
D.C. Red Pandas Denver Dynamo
Florida Crocodiles Indianapolis Phantoms
New York Eagles Kansas City Wheat Kings
Philadelphia Penguins Los Angeles Crimsons
Tampa Bay Octopuses Minnesota Valkryies
1970 IFL
Arizona Armadillos 0 Mexico Rattlesnakes
Guadalajara Scorpions 0 Monterrey Zebras
Havana Sugarcanes 0 Tijuana Titans
Jacksonville Jellyfishes 0

1971-1973

  • Dallas Spiders move to Houston, and become the Houston Spiders.
  • IFL Tijuana Titans fold
1973 name changes
1972 team name 1973 team name
Dallas Spiders Houston Spiders
Team folded this season ^
1971-1973 NCFL
NAFA East West
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Hammers St. Louis Warriors
Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
Toronto Lakers Washington Wolverines
NFA East West
Baltimore Ramming Goats Alberta Raiders
Cincinnati Bears Denver Dynamo
D.C. Red Pandas Houston Spiders
Florida Crocodiles Indianapolis Phantoms
New York Eagles Kansas City Wheat Kings
Philadelphia Penguins Los Angeles Crimsons
Tampa Bay Octopuses Minnesota Valkryies


1971-1973 IFL
Arizona Armadillos 0 Mexico Rattlesnakes
Guadalajara Scorpions 0 Monterrey Zebras
Havana Sugarcanes 0 Tijuana Titans^
Jacksonville Jellyfishes 0

1974-1977

  • NCFL and IFL merge
  • NAFA East becomes core of NAFA North
  • NFA East becomes core of NFA North
  • NAFA West becomes core of NAFA West
  • NFA West becomes core of NFA West
  • Detroit Tigers, and Pittsburgh Falcons move from NAFA East to NAFA Central.
  • Nashville Elephants move from NAFA East to IFA East.
  • Chicago Giants and St. Louis Warriors move from NAFA West to NFA Central.
  • Mexico City Aztecs, New Orleans Knights, and Texas Horses move from NAFA West to NAFA South.
  • San Francisco Sharks and Washington Wolverines move from NAFA West to NFA West.
  • Cincinnati Bears move from NFA East to NAFA Central.
  • Florida Crocodiles and Tampa Bay Octopuses move from NFA East to IFA East.
  • Dallas Spiders move from NFA West to NAFA South.
  • Denver Dynamo move from NFA West to IFA West.
  • Indianapolis Phantoms move from NFA West to NAFA Central.
  • Kansas City Wheat Kings and Minnesota Valkyries move from NFA West to NFA Central.
1974–1977 NCFL teams
NAFA North Central South
Boston Meerkats Cincinnati Bears Houston Spiders
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Philadelphia Hammers Indianapolis Phantoms New Orleans Knights
Toronto Lakers Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
NFA North Central West
Baltimore Ramming Goats Chicago Giants Alberta Raiders
D.C. Red Pandas Kansas City Wheat Kings Los Angeles Crimsons
New York Eagles Minneapolis Valkyries San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Penguins St. Louis Warriors Washington Wolverines
IFA East West
Florida Crocodiles Arizona Armadillos
Havana Sugarcanes Denver Dynamo
Jacksonville Jellyfishes Guadalajara Scorpions
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Rattlesnakes
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras

1978-1980

  • D.C. Red Pandas move to Atlanta, to become the Atlanta Red Pandas.
1981 name changes
1980 team name 1981 team name
D.C. Red Pandas Atlanta Red Pandas
1978-1980 NCFL teams
NAFA North Central South
Boston Meerkats Cincinnati Bears Houston Spiders
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Philadelphia Hammers Indianapolis Phantoms New Orleans Knights
Toronto Lakers Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
NFA North Central West
Atlanta Red Pandas Chicago Giants Alberta Raiders
Baltimore Ramming Goats Kansas City Wheat Kings Los Angeles Crimsons
New York Eagles Minneapolis Valkyries San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Penguins St. Louis Warriors Washington Wolverines
IFA East West
Florida Crocodiles Arizona Armadillos
Havana Sugarcanes Denver Dynamo
Jacksonville Jellyfishes Guadalajara Scorpions
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Rattlesnakes
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras

1980's Realignment and present

1980-1982

1983 name changes
1982 team name 1983 team name
Jacksonville Jellyfishes Carolina Jellyfishes
1980-1982 NCFL teams
NAFA North Central South
Boston Meerkats Cincinnati Bears Houston Spiders
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Philadelphia Hammers Indianapolis Phantoms New Orleans Knights
Toronto Lakers Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
NFA North Central West
Atlanta Red Pandas Chicago Giants Alberta Raiders
Baltimore Ramming Goats Kansas City Wheat Kings Los Angeles Crimsons
New York Eagles Minneapolis Valkyries San Francisco Sharks
Philadelphia Penguins St. Louis Warriors Washington Wolverines
IFA East West
Carolina Jellyfishes Arizona Armadillos
Florida Crocodiles Denver Dynamo
Havana Sugarcanes Guadalajara Scorpions
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Rattlesnakes
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras

1983-1984

  • Philadelphia Penguins relocate to Montreal, and become the Quebec Lumières.
1983 name changes
1982 team name 1983 team name
Philadelphia Penguins Quebec Lumières
1983-1984 NCFL teams
NAFA North Central South
Boston Meerkats Cincinnati Bears Houston Spiders
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Philadelphia Hammers Indianapolis Phantoms New Orleans Knights
Toronto Lakers Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
NFA North Central West
Atlanta Red Pandas Chicago Giants Alberta Raiders
Baltimore Ramming Goats Kansas City Wheat Kings Los Angeles Crimsons
New York Eagles Minneapolis Valkyries San Francisco Sharks
Quebec Lumières St. Louis Warriors Washington Wolverines
IFA East West
Carolina Jellyfishes Arizona Armadillos
Florida Crocodiles Denver Dynamo
Havana Sugarcanes Guadalajara Scorpions
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Rattlesnakes
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras

1985-1987

  • San Diego White Sharks enfranchised in NFA West.
  • Utah Raptors enfranchised in IFA West.
  • IFA West becomes core for IFA South
  • Only the Denver Dynamo remain in IFA West.
  • Nashville Elephants move from IFA East to NFA Central.
  • Minnesota Valkyries move from NFA Central to IFA West.
  • Alberta Raiders move from NFA West to IFA West
First season in NCFL *
1985-1987 NCFL teams
NAFA North Central South
Boston Meerkats Cincinnati Bears Houston Spiders
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Philadelphia Hammers Indianapolis Phantoms New Orleans Knights
Toronto Lakers Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
NFA North Central West
Atlanta Red Pandas Chicago Giants Los Angeles Crimsons
Baltimore Ramming Goats Kansas City Wheat Kings San Diego White Sharks^
New York Eagles Nashville Elephants San Francisco Sharks
Quebec Lumières St. Louis Warriors Washington Wolverines
IFA East South West
Carolina Jellyfishes Arizona Armadillos Alberta Raiders
Florida Crocodiles Guadalajara Scorpions Denver Dynamo
Havana Sugarcanes Mexico City Rattlesnakes Minnesota Valkyries
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras Utah Raptors^

1988-Present

  • Nashville Elephants change their name to Tennessee Elephants.
1988 name changes
1987 team name 1988 team name
Nashville Elephants Tennessee Elephants
1988-Present NCFL teams
NAFA North Central South
Boston Meerkats Cincinnati Bears Houston Spiders
New York Dragons Detroit Tigers Mexico City Aztecs
Philadelphia Hammers Indianapolis Phantoms New Orleans Knights
Toronto Lakers Pittsburgh Falcons Texas Horses
NFA North Central West
Atlanta Red Pandas Chicago Giants Los Angeles Crimsons
Baltimore Ramming Goats Kansas City Wheat Kings San Diego White Sharks
New York Eagles St. Louis Warriors San Francisco Sharks
Quebec Lumières Tennessee Elephants Washington Wolverines
IFA East South West
Carolina Jellyfishes Arizona Armadillos Alberta Raiders
Florida Crocodiles Guadalajara Scorpions Denver Dynamo
Havana Sugarcanes Mexico City Rattlesnakes Minnesota Valkyries
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras Utah Raptors
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