Timeline of the National Central Football League: Difference between revisions

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=== 1950-1954 ===
=== 1950-1954 ===
The NCFL expanded to the west, with the establishment of the Los Angeles Armored Lizards. The NCFL returned to Montreal after close to 30 years, with the Montreal Tigers. Although the team was plagued with economical difficulties.
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.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-style="height:15px;"
|-style="height:15px;"
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|-
|-
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Montreal Tigers*
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Montreal Tigers*
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Los Angeles Armored Lizards*
|style="background-color:#00FF00;" |Los Angeles Crimsons*
|-
|-
|New York Dragons
|New York Dragons
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|-
|-
|New York Dragons
|New York Dragons
|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|Philadelphia Hammers
|Philadelphia Hammers
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|-
|-
|DC Elephants
|DC Elephants
|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|Detroit Sharks
|Detroit Sharks
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|DC Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|DC Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|DC Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|DC Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|DC Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|DC Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
Line 1,010: Line 1,010:
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
Line 1,079: Line 1,079:
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
Line 1,155: Line 1,155:
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Nashville Elephants
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #00FF00;"|Indianapolis Phantoms*
|style="background-color: #00FF00;"|Indianapolis Phantoms*
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Detroit Sharks
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Indianapolis Phantoms
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Indianapolis Phantoms
Line 1,359: Line 1,359:
* Indianapolis Phantoms change from NAFA East to NFA West.
* Indianapolis Phantoms change from NAFA East to NFA West.
* Tampa Bay Octopuses change from NAFA East to NFA East.
* Tampa Bay Octopuses change from NAFA East to NFA East.
* Los Angeles Armored Lizards change from NAFA West to NFA West.
* Los Angeles Crimsons change from NAFA West to NFA West.
* Washington Red Pandas become D.C. Red Pandas.
* Washington Red Pandas become D.C. Red Pandas.
* Texas Spiders become Dallas Spiders.
* Texas Spiders become Dallas Spiders.
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Philadelphia Penguins
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Philadelphia Penguins
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Tampa Bay Octopuses
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Tampa Bay Octopuses
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|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Philadelphia Penguins
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Philadelphia Penguins
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Tampa Bay Octopuses
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Tampa Bay Octopuses
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|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|D.C. Red Pandas
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|D.C. Red Pandas
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
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|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
Line 1,741: Line 1,741:
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
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|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Kansas City Wheat Kings
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|New York Eagles
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|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Atlanta Red Pandas
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Atlanta Red Pandas
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Chicago Giants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Chicago Giants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
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|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Atlanta Red Pandas
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Atlanta Red Pandas
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Chicago Giants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Chicago Giants
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Armored Lizards
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Los Angeles Crimsons
|-
|-
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats
|style="background-color: #D0E7FF;"|Baltimore Ramming Goats

Revision as of 05:03, 23 December 2023

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 Chicago Chippers 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 Indianapolis Indians*
Baltimore Cannon*^ 0 Louisville Reds*
Boston Hammers 0 Mississauga Millers*^
Brooklyn Steelers 0 Montreal Blues
Buffalo Warthogs 0 New York Dragons
Chicago Chippers*^ 0 Ontario Lakers
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Philadelphia Renegades^
Cleveland Lions 0 Rochester Americans
Detroit Tigers 0 St. Louis Triangles*
Hartford Whaling Ships*^ 0 Toronto Wolves^

1922

Two Franchises were awarded. While two disbanded.

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

1923

Two new franchises were awarded

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

1924

Two new times were franchised, while the Cleveland Lions folded mid-season.

1924 name changes
1923 team name 1924 team name
St. Louis Triangles Missouri Chiefs
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1924 NCFL
Akron All-Stars* 0 Missouri Chiefs
Albany All-Pros 0 Montreal Blues
Boston Hammers 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Ontario Lakers
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Providence Minutemen*
Cleveland Lions^ 0 Rochester Americans
Detroit Tigers 0 Syracuse Spartans
Indiana Indians 0 Washington Presidents
Massachusetts Meerkats 0

1925

The Boston Hammers relocated from Boston to Chicago, to become the Chicago Hammers. The Rochester Americans and the Albany All-Pros merged into the Albany Americans, at the end of the season.

1925 name changes
1924 team name 1925 team name
Boston Hammers Chicago Hammers
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^ Team merged into another ^^
1924 NCFL
Akron All-Stars 0 Missouri Chiefs
Albany All-Pros 0 Montreal Blues^
Baltimore Braves* 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Ontario Lakers
Chicago Hammers 0 Pittsburgh Hawks*
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Portland Islanders*
Detroit Tigers 0 Providence Minutemen
Indiana Indians 0 Rochester Americans^^
Massachusetts Meerkats 0 Syracuse Spartans
Milwaukee Redskins 0 Washington Presidents

1926

One team was franchised, while the Milwaukee Redskins folded.

1926 name changes
1925 team name 1926 team name
Albany All-Pros Albany Americans
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1926 NCFL
Akron All-Stars 0 Milwaukee Redskins^
Albany Americans 0 Missouri Chiefs
Baltimore Braves 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Ontario Lakers
Chicago Hammers 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Portland Islanders
Detroit Tigers 0 Providence Minutemen
Indiana Indians 0 Syracuse Spartans
Kalamazoo Kangaroos* 0 Washington Presidents
Massachusetts Meerkats 0

1927

Two franchises the Brooklyn Rangers and the Philadelphia Phillies were franchised, while the Washington Presidents folded.

First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1927 NCFL
Akron All-Stars 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Albany Americans 0 Missouri Chiefs
Baltimore Braves 0 New York Dragons
Brooklyn Rangers* 0 Ontario Lakers
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Philadelphia Phillies*
Chicago Hammers 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Portland Islanders
Detroit Tigers 0 Providence Minutemen
Indiana Indians 0 Syracuse Spartans
Kalamazoo Kangaroos 0 Washington Presidents^

1928

Two teams were added to the league, the Lancaster Lancers, and the New York Giants. This was the first year that no team folded. The Ontario Lakers changed their name to the Toronto Lakers.

1928 name changes
1927 team name 1928 team name
Ontario Lakers Toronto Lakers
First season in NCFL *
1928 NCFL
Akron All-Stars 0 Lancaster Lancers*
Albany Americans 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Baltimore Braves 0 Missouri Chiefs
Brooklyn Rangers 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Giants* 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Chicago Hammers 0 Portland Islanders
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Providence Minutemen
Detroit Tigers 0 Syracuse Spartans
Indiana Indians 0 Toronto Lakers
Kalamazoo Kangaroos 0

1929

A team was franchised, and another folded. The 22 team high of the NCFL would not be matched until 1970.

First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1929 NCFL
Akron All-Stars 0 Lancaster Lancers
Albany Americans 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Baltimore Braves 0 Missouri Chiefs
Brooklyn Rangers 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Giants 0 Pittsburgh Hawks
Chicago Hammers 0 Portland Islanders^
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Providence Minutemen
Detroit Tigers 0 Syracuse Spartans
Indiana Indians 0 Toronto Lakers
Kalamazoo Kangaroos 0 Washington Elephants*

1930

The Great Depression resulted in the folding of 8 teams, including two during the season, the Providence Minutemen and Syracuse Spartans. The Kalamazoo Kangaroos moved to Milwaukee, as the Greens.

1929 name changes
1929 team name 1930 team name
Kalamazoo Kangaroos Milwaukee Greens
Team folded this season ^
1930 NCFL
Akron All-Stars^ 0 Massachusetts Meerkats
Albany Americans 0 Milwaukee Greens
Baltimore Braves^ 0 Missouri Chiefs
Brooklyn Rangers^ 0 New York Dragons
Buffalo Warthogs 0 Philadelphia Phillies
Chicago Giants 0 Pittsburgh Hawks^
Chicago Hammers 0 Providence Minutemen^
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Syracuse Spartans^
Detroit Tigers 0 Toronto Lakers
Indiana Indians^ 0 Washington Elephants
Lancaster Lancers^ 0

1931

The Great Depression resulted in the folding of 8 teams, including two during the season, the Providence Minutemen and Syracuse Spartans. The Kalamazoo Kangaroos moved to Milwaukee, as the Greens.

1931 name changes
1930 team name 1931 team name
Massachusetts Meerkats Boston Meerkats
Team folded this season ^
1930 NCFL
Albany Americans 0 Milwaukee Greens^
Boston Meerkats 0 Missouri Chiefs^
Buffalo Warthogs^ 0 New York Dragons
Chicago Giants 0 Philadelphia Phillies^
Chicago Hammers 0 Toronto Lakers
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles 0 Washington Elephants
Detroit Tigers 0

1932

Last new team in the NCFL until XXXXXX. NCFL reduced to its 8 team configuration.

1932 name changes
1931 team name 1932 team name
Chicago Hammers Philadelphia Hammers
First season in NCFL * Team folded this season ^
1932 NCFL
Albany Americans^ 0 New York Dragons
Boston Meerkats 0 Philadelphia Hammers
Chicago Giants 0 Pittsburgh Falcons*
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles^ 0 Toronto Lakers
Detroit Tigers 0 Washington Elephants

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 Sharks* 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 Sharks 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 Sharks 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. The Pittsburg Falcons were moved from Western to the Eastern division.

1955 name changes
1954 team name 1955 team name
Montreal Tigers San Francisco Tigers
1955-1956 NCFL
Eastern Division Western Division
Boston Meerkats Chicago Giants
Detroit Sharks DC Elephants
New York Dragons Los Angeles Crimsons
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Mexico City Aztecs*
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights*
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Los Angeles Crimsons
Nashville Elephants Mexico City Aztecs
New York Dragons New Orleans Knights
Philadelphia Hammers San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Los Angeles Crimsons
Indianapolis Phantoms* Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Los Angeles Crimsons
Indianapolis Phantoms Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks Mexico City Aztecs
Nashville Elephants New Orleans Knights
New York Dragons San Francisco Tigers
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 Sharks, 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 Tigers 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 Sharks 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 Tigers
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 Sharks 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 Tigers
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 Sharks 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 Tigers
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 Sharks 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 Tigers
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 Sharks 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 Tigers
Quebec Lumières St. Louis Warriors Washington Wolverines
IFA East South West
Carolina Jellyfishes Arizona Armadillos Alberta Raiders
Florida Crocodiles Guanajuato 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 Sharks 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 Tigers
Quebec Lumières Tennessee Elephants Washington Wolverines
IFA East South West
Carolina Jellyfishes Arizona Armadillos Alberta Raiders
Florida Crocodiles Guanajuato Scorpions Denver Dynamo
Havana Sugarcanes Mexico City Rattlesnakes Minnesota Valkyries
Tampa Bay Octopuses Monterrey Zebras Utah Raptors
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