Choosing the greatest moments in NFL history is a tough job, but some had the biggest impact on the league and its fans. As the NFL grew from its early days, football became more popular and influential in American sports and culture. And if you are interested in football just as much as you are in ReviewCasino Canada, you will want to know about the best moments that defined the sport. Let’s begin, shall we?
1. Creation of the NFL Draft
Burt Bell co-owned the Philadelphia Eagles and faced challenges in getting top talent. In 1935, he proposed an NFL draft to improve competition and help all teams. The draft idea was accepted, creating a fairer system where all teams had a chance to compete, not just the top ones. Over time, the draft has evolved, but it remains close to Bell’s original vision. His innovative thinking greatly benefited the NFL. Bell also served as NFL Commissioner from 1946 to 1959 and sold his share of the Pittsburgh Steelers to take on the role.
Many football fans know about the AFL and NFL merger, but Bell led the original NFL merger with the All-America Football Conference. He also tackled a gambling scandal in 1946 and urged players to report any bribery attempts.
Bell independently created the NFL’s league schedules and developed a revenue-sharing system. This system helped teams from smaller markets compete with those from larger, more profitable markets. Bell’s contributions have had a lasting impact on the NFL.
2. Miracle at the Meadowlands (1978)
On November 19, 1978, the New York Giants were close to winning against the Philadelphia Eagles. They just needed to run out the clock.
Instead, Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik fumbled a handoff. Herm Edwards of the Eagles grabbed the loose ball and ran into the end zone for a surprise win.
Now, teams in similar situations use the victory formation, keeping a player back to avoid such mishaps.
3. Instant Replay Is Passed (1986)
The NFL introduced instant replay on March 11, 1986, to help referees review certain calls during games.
Even with slow-motion and multiple camera angles, the system is not perfect. It requires clear visual evidence to change the on-field decision, which can be challenging if the original call was incorrect.
Before 1986, fans often complained about bad calls affecting their teams. Instant replay now gives them a chance to see if their team was treated unfairly.
Instant replay was introduced alongside the option for coaches to challenge calls they believed were incorrect. New technology, like slow motion and multiple angles, improved the replay official’s ability to make accurate decisions.
This advancement has pushed football forward, with ongoing updates expected. For the 2012 season, the NFL added a rule that all turnovers must be reviewed by instant replay to confirm their validity before continuing the game.
4. Wild Card Teams in the NFL Playoffs
The NFL has included Wild Card teams in the playoffs three times:
- 1970: Wild Card teams were first introduced before the NFL and AFL merger.
- 1978: The NFL expanded to a 16-game schedule and added one more Wild Card team per conference.
- 1990: A third Wild Card team was added to each conference.
The extra playoff spots meant more teams could still make it to the postseason. Games that seemed meaningless in December before now had a chance to matter if it meant a wild card spot.
Once in the playoffs, anything can happen. Ten wild card teams have reached the Super Bowl, and six of them won it. Three of those winners (Pittsburgh, New York Giants, and Green Bay) had to win three straight road games to get there.
5. Moving the Draft from January to April
For 40 years, the NFL Draft took place in late January or early February. In 1976, the NFL decided to move it to April 8-9. Since then, it has been held on various dates in April and May.
This change gave NFL teams more time for scouting. With the NFL Scouting Combine, pro visits, and college Pro Days, teams had better opportunities to evaluate players before the draft.
From a fan’s perspective, it meant more time to learn about players and understand why their team might draft them.
With the NFL Network broadcasting the Scouting Combines and Pro Days, fans saw the skills of specific players. This helped them form stronger opinions and increased their interest in the game.
6. NFL Network Creation
The NFL Network launched in November 2003, offering football fans a nonstop stream of games and NFL Films content. While much of the programming featured old footage and game replays, NFL Films’ work remained a highlight.
By the 2012 season, the network had more games to show due to a new deal. However, a conflict emerged between the NFL Network’s programming goals and NFL Films’ content production.
7. NFL and NFLPA Sign a New Deal
The NFL and NFLPA resolved their labor dispute with a new 10-year deal on July 25, 2011. Fans worried the season might be lost due to the lengthy negotiations. However, key figures like Robert Kraft, Jeff Saturday, Commissioner Goodell, and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith helped reach an agreement that satisfied both sides.
Labor unrest can lead to strikes and lost games or even an entire season. This risks losing dedicated fans who may find it frustrating when wealthy individuals argue over big contracts. However, with nine more years of stability, we hope future work stoppages are avoided.
8. Super Bowl XXV
Super Bowl XXV was unforgettable, being the closest Super Bowl ever decided by just one point. It was also during the Gulf War, so stadium security was very tight. Whitney Houston gave an incredible performance of the Star Spangled Banner.
The New York Giants won 20-19 against the Buffalo Bills when Scott Norwood’s 47-yard field goal missed in the final moments. The missed kick brought joy to Giants fans but marked the start of four tough Super Bowl losses for the Bills.
What do you think of these moments? Do you think we missed any big one? Let us know.
