“Eight Teams Turn Fifty”
Some say life begins when one turns 50. Does it really begin when we turn 50, or have we become so enlightened by our years of experience that we see life in all its glory and wonder and passion? Does life really begin, or, as a result of our perspicacity, are we finally wise enough to start enjoying it? These questions beset even the most savvy of women, and yes, 50 heralds a major landmark for men too. Given that the coming of the 50 year old age is marked with honor, do we all fulfill our destiny at 50? Surprisingly, this year, the question of fulfilling one’s destiny does not only apply to men and women, but also to eight major NFL teams.
This season (2009-2010) marks a milestone in football history. Eight NFL teams and their cities are celebrating the 50 th birthday blast. Circa 1960, a new football league, AFL (American Football League) hit the field with eight eager, bellicose teams. These teams may have moved to new cities, changed names, and have had winning or losing seasons, but all defend their title as comrades of the league that made history. The AFL was started in 1960, but by 1970, the two leagues (NFL and AFL) were forced into a merger to form one single league, NFL, and two conferences were formed, the NFC (National Football Conference) and the AFC (American Football Conference). The creation of the one league eliminated the competition for athletic talent by developing the universal player recruiting system known as The Draft. This merger also brought the need for a championship game, and the Super Bowl game as we know it was conceived.
At your next football soiree, throw out these names as the 50 th birthday celebrators and see who is impressed by your prowess.
· Boston Patriots secured an American Football League franchise on November 22, 1959. Now known as New England Patriots, the Patriots attended six Super Bowls, 1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 winning their 2001, 2003 and 2004 games.
· Buffalo Bills were the 7 th team to be added to the AFL being awarded their franchise on Oct 28, 1959, and currently play in the “Ralph Wilson Stadium” in Orchard Park, NY. The Bills have made it to the Super Bowl four times, 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993, but never walked away with a championship ring.
· The Dallas Texans team was founded by Lamar Hunt when he created the AFC. The Texans were in direct competition with the expansion team, The Dallas Cowboys, so the Texans were moved to Kansas in 1963 and renamed the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs have attended two Super Bowl games, 1966 and 1969 winning their 1969 Super Bowl Ring.
· Denver Broncos was awarded their franchise on August 14, 1959 but for the most part, the team’s success in the AFL was bleak. However, since 1977, the Broncos have been to the Super Bowl six times 1977, 1986, 1987, 1989, 1997, 1998, winning their 90’s Super Bowls in 1997 and 1998.
· Houston Oilers became an AFL team in 1959, but moved to Tennessee in 1997. Two years later in 1999, their name was changed from the Oilers to the Titans, and the Tennessee Titans hit the field. The team made it to the 1999 Super Bowl, but did not come up as the winners.
· Los Angeles Chargers won their franchise on August 14, 1959, but in 1961, the owner Barron Hilton, moved his team south 120 miles to San Diego, and the team became the San Diego Chargers. The Chargers have only been to the Super Bowl once in 1994, but lost the championship game.
· New York Titans team was founded as one of the charter teams of the AFC in 1960, but was renamed the New York Jets in 1963. The Jets have ventured to the Super Bowl in 1968 and went home the champions.
· Oakland Raiders although the AFC was founded on August 14, 1959, The Raiders did not gain the 8 th AFL franchise until January 1960. The Raiders were moved to Los Angeles in 1982 and renamed the Los Angeles Raider and then back to Oakland in 1995 regaining their Oakland Raider name. The team still boasts diehard fans from all over the state of California. The Raiders made it to the Super Bowl in 1967, 1976, 1980, 1983 (As the LA Raiders), and 2002 and won the NFL championship in 1976, 1980, 1983 and 2002.
Happy Birthday everyone!
For more AFC info visit: http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d810f2987&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true
Still on the bench about the game? No worries, this series is all about you….the football novice. A new topic will be presented each day…just so you are in the know. And maybe, just maybe, Sex (your connection to your guy) and the City (the team you watch) and Football will all make perfect sense.
--Suzanna Gagnier, Author “Putting on the Blitz: The Football Book for Women” www.puttingontheblitz.com
