The Game The Nfl Wants You To Forget

Ever heard of the Canton Bulldogs, the Oorang Indians, or the Louisville Colonels? Probably not, right?

That's because the NFL, in its sleek, modern glory, tends to gloss over its delightfully chaotic, slightly embarrassing, and downright weird early years.

Let's dive into the NFL's attic and dust off a game they'd rather you forget!

Forgotten Teams and Forgotten Rules

Imagine a league where teams like the Hammond Pros (yes, Hammond, Indiana!) were considered contenders. It was a wild west show of football, a far cry from today's meticulously planned plays and million-dollar endorsements.

These early teams were like the minor leagues of today but with extra grit. Players often held down regular jobs during the week and then suited up on Sundays, for a fraction of the money.

And the rules? Oh boy. They were, shall we say, evolving. Forward passes were restricted and touchdowns weren't scored as frequently, so kicking was paramount.

The Oorang Indians: A Marketing Ploy Gone Wild

Perhaps the most bizarre team to ever grace the NFL was the Oorang Indians. Based in LaRue, Ohio, and owned by Jim Thorpe, the team was less about winning and more about, well, selling Airedale Terriers!

Yes, seriously. Owner Walter Lingo used the team as a marketing tool for his dog kennel. The halftime shows involved players performing "authentic" Native American dances, which were, to put it mildly, stereotypical and exploitative.

Despite featuring the legendary Jim Thorpe, the team was a disaster on the field, but a legendary example of unique team branding. It might be the most bizarre thing in the league's history.

The Canton Bulldogs: A Dynasty Before Dynasties

Before the Steelers, the Patriots, and the Cowboys, there were the Canton Bulldogs. They dominated the early NFL, winning back-to-back championships in 1922 and 1923.

Canton, Ohio is also the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is largely due to the Bulldog's dominance.

Their success helped solidify professional football's popularity and paved the way for the league's expansion. They were basically the Beatles of early football!

Why Forget? The Reasons Behind the Erasure

So, why does the NFL downplay this period? A few reasons. For one, the league wants to project an image of professionalism and seriousness. A team sponsored by a dog kennel doesn't exactly scream "elite athlete."

Also, the early NFL was plagued by issues of race and class. The treatment of Native American players, like those on the Oorang Indians, is a dark chapter that the league would understandably prefer to keep in the past.

The game has changed. We have safety standards and rules that have created a modern version of the sport. The game is faster, stronger, and much more popular than ever before.

Ultimately, though, acknowledging the NFL's quirky past makes the present all the more fascinating. It's a reminder that even the most polished institutions have humble, sometimes embarrassing, beginnings.

So, the next time you're watching a Super Bowl, take a moment to remember the Hammond Pros and the Oorang Indians. They may be forgotten, but they're part of the NFL's strange and wonderful story.

They played the game they loved, and for that, they're remembered by a select few.