Tales from the 50-Yard Line: Football’s Greatest Moments

Football’s Beginnings

The United States, nearing 250 years old, and football, the nation’s most popular sport, have grown together. The game has become the perfect reflection of our passions and preoccupations, our joy and violence, our ongoing yearning for both community and competition

The Origins of the Super Bowl

Young Texas millionaire Lamar Hunt suggested the name for the game: “I have kiddingly called it the ‘Super Bowl,’ which obviously can be improved upon,” he said.  American excess—in food consumption, high-profile television commercials and over-the-top halftime concert spectacles—would never be the same.

The Superbowl as Pop Culture Phenomenon

The Super Bowl has evolved far beyond its origins as a football championship into a pop culture spectacle, blending sports, entertainment, and global influence. The halftime show has become a centerpiece of the event, elevating the game's cultural impact. Here, the Rolling Stones perform during the halftime show at Super Bowl XL, Fort Field, Detroit, February, 2006.

Sammy Baugh Shines

December 12, 1937: Slingin’ Sammy Baugh, completing his first year in the pros as the Washington Commanders completed their first season in Washington, led the team to a rousing 28–21 win over the Chicago Bears in the 1937 NFL Championship Game. In 24-degree weather at Wrigley Field, Baugh completed 18 of 33 passes for 335 yards.

Paul Brown and Cleveland's Historic Rise

September 6, 1946: Paul Brown begins his pro-coaching career. After a successful stint at Ohio State, Paul Brown took the pros by storm with a new team based in Cleveland that would come to bear his name. Fulfilling his goal to become “the New York Yankees of professional football,” Brown’s team won multiple titles in the All-America Football Conference and reached the title game in each of the team’s first six seasons in the NFL.

The Spirit of Cheer

Cheerleading has long played a vital role in enhancing the atmosphere of football games, energizing both players and fans. As an essential part of college football traditions, cheerleaders contribute to the excitement, pride, and energy that surround these sporting events. Here, the Oklahoma Sooners cheerleaders perform during the annual Red River Showdown rivalry game against the Texas Longhorns at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas, October 13, 1990.

The Dolphins’ Perfect Ending

January 14, 1973: Larry Csonka ran for 112 yards and Miami eked out a hard-fought 14–7 Super Bowl VII win over George Allen’s “Over the Hill Gang” from Washington. For Dolphins head coach Don Shula, who served as the Colts’ coach during their Super Bowl III loss, the game provided redemption, and the conclusion to an unsurpassed 17-0 season.

Football Players as Cultural Icons

Football players have transcended the field to become cultural icons, often depicted in art and media as larger-than-life figures. Andy Warhol's famous 1978 portrait of O.J. Simpson, created using synthetic polymer and silkscreen ink on canvas, captures this shift, immortalizing the athlete as a symbol of fame in Interview magazine's August 1978 issue.

Football as Entertainment Vehicle

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, transforms during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show, featuring Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson. The Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers, 24–10; it was also Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning’s final game.

The Rise of Dan Reeves

Dallas Cowboys running back Dan Reeves is tackled during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at the Cotton Bowl Stadium, December 4, 1966; the Cowboys won the game 31–17. Reeves went on to coach the Denver Broncos, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.