September 20, 1923

On this day in 1923, the first ever game of professional football was played in the United States. The game was between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles, two teams from the newly formed American Professional Football Association (APFA). The game was played in Dayton, Ohio, and ended in a 14-0 victory for the Triangles.

The APFA was the precursor to the National Football League (NFL), which was founded in 1920. The league was formed by a group of businessmen and football players from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. The league was created to bring professional football to the United States and to create a more organized and competitive sport.

The game between the Triangles and the Panhandles was the first of many professional football games that would be played in the United States. The game was attended by about 5,000 fans, and the Triangles were led by quarterback Lou Partlow, who threw two touchdown passes in the game. The Panhandles were led by quarterback Joe Carr, who was the first president of the APFA.

The game was a success, and the APFA would go on to become the NFL. The NFL has since become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and the game between the Triangles and the Panhandles is considered to be the first professional football game in the United States.

Mysteries and Theories

One of the biggest mysteries surrounding the first professional football game in the United States is why the game was played in Dayton, Ohio. The APFA was formed by businessmen and football players from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois, so why was the first game played in Dayton?

One theory is that the Triangles were the first team to join the APFA, and the league wanted to give them the honor of hosting the first game. Another theory is that the Triangles had the best facilities in the area, and the league wanted to use them for the first game.

Fun Facts for Kids

• The first professional football game in the United States was played on September 20, 1923.

• The game was between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles.

• The Triangles won the game 14-0.

• The APFA was the precursor to the National Football League (NFL).

• The NFL is now one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.

Educational Activities for Kids

Have your kids create their own football team and play a game against another team. Have them create a team name, logo, and uniforms. Have them create a playbook and practice plays. Have them create a field and set up goal posts. Have them create a scoreboard and keep track of the score. Have them create a trophy for the winning team.

Conclusion

The first professional football game in the United States was played on September 20, 1923, between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles. The game was a success, and the APFA would go on to become the NFL. The NFL has since become one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and the game between the Triangles and the Panhandles is considered to be the first professional football game in the United States. The game is a reminder of the importance of sports in our society and the power of teamwork and competition.

References

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayton_Triangles
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Panhandles
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Professional_Football_Association
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League