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
Ontario Lakers |
0 |
Buffalo Warthogs
|
Toronto Wolves |
0 |
New York Dragons
|
Boston Hammers |
0 |
Detroit Tigers
|
Philadelphia Renegades |
0 |
Montreal Blues
|
Chicago Giants^ |
0 |
Albany All-Pros
|
Cleveland Lions |
0 |
Rochester Americans
|
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles |
0 |
Brooklyn Steel
|
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
Ontario Lakers |
0 |
Buffalo Warthogs
|
Toronto Wolves^ |
0 |
New York Dragons
|
Boston Hammers |
0 |
Detroit Tigers
|
Philadelphia Renegades^ |
0 |
Montreal Blues
|
Louisville Reds* |
0 |
Albany All-Pros
|
Cleveland Lions |
0 |
Rochester Americans
|
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles |
0 |
Brooklyn Steelers
|
Indianapolis Indians* |
0 |
Baltimore Cannon*^
|
St. Louis Triangles* |
0 |
Hartford Whaling Ships*^
|
Chicago Chippers*^ |
0 |
Mississauga Miltons*^
|
1922
Two Franchises were awarded.
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
Ontario Lakers |
0 |
Buffalo Warthogs
|
Syracuse Spartans* |
0 |
New York Dragons
|
Boston Hammers |
0 |
Detroit Tigers
|
Chicago Change*^ |
0 |
Montreal Blues
|
Louisville Reds |
0 |
Albany All-Pros
|
Cleveland Lions |
0 |
Rochester Americans
|
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles |
0 |
Brooklyn Steelers
|
Indiana Indians |
0 |
St. Louis Triangles
|
1923
Three new franchises were awarded
First season in NCFL *
|
Team folded this season ^
|
Only season in the league *^
|
1923 NCFL
Ontario Lakers |
0 |
Buffalo Warthogs
|
Syracuse Spartans* |
0 |
New York Dragons
|
Boston Hammers |
0 |
Detroit Tigers
|
Massachusetts Meerkats* |
0 |
Montreal Blues
|
Louisville Reds |
0 |
Albany All-Pros
|
Cleveland Lions |
0 |
Rochester Americans
|
Cincinnati Fighting Eagles |
0 |
Brooklyn Steelers^
|
Indiana Indians |
0 |
St. Louis Triangles
|
Washington Presidents* |
0 |
Rockford Railroad*
|
1924
1925
1926
1927
1928
1929
1930
1931
1932
1933