The Chicago Cardinals defeated the Providence Steam Roller, 16-0.
First NFL Rules - February 25, 1933
In 1933, NFL officials adopted rules specifically for the NFL and discontinued the use of collegiate rules.
First NFL Championship Game - December 17, 1933
The Chicago Bears defeated the New York Giants, 23-21.
First NFL Draft Pick - February 8, 1936
A halfback by the name of Jay Berwanger holds the distinction of being the very first NFL draft pick and the first Heismann Trophy winner.
First Pro Bowl - January 15, 1939
The New York Giants defeated the Pro All-Stars, 13-10.
First NFL Divisional Playoff Game - December 14, 1941
The Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers, 33-14, in an NFL Western Division playoff game.
First African-American NFL Player - March 21, 1946
The Los Angeles Rams signed halfback Kenny Washington to an NFL contract.
First African-American NFL Player From an All-Black College - 1947
Paul "Tank" Younger also signed with the L.A. Rams a year after Washington.
First Use of a Penalty Flag in the NFL - September 17, 1948
The penalty flag was first used in the NFL in a game between the Green Bay Packers and the Boston Yanks.
First Overtime NFL Game - August 28, 1955
The Los Angeles Rams defeated the New York Giants, 23-17, three minutes into overtime of a preseason contest.
First Overtime NFL Championship Game - December 28, 1958
The Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants, 23-17.
First Super Bowl - January 15, 1967
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 35-10.
First African-American Head Coach of the Modern NFL Era - 1989
Art Shell was hired as head coach of the Oakland Raiders after serving as a player and assisstant coach for the Raiders for 20 years.
First NFL Playoff Game Featuring Two Black Head Coaches - January 4, 2003
Herman Edwards' New York Jets defeated Tony Dungy's Indianapolis Colts 41-0 in the wild-card round.
