As the Super Bowl rapidly approaches. Many Americans are reflecting on the game’s legacy and how it has become such an integral part of their culture. A few know the full history of this beloved tradition. In this blog post, we’ll explore the origins of the Super Bowl and how it has evolved over time. We’ll also take a look at some of the most iconic moments in its history. Since then, the Super Bowl has become an annual event and one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world. It’s actually a major American cultural event, with billions of dollars at stake. So, whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting interested in the game. Read on to learn more about America’s favourite pastime!
First year Of the Super Bowl.
The first Super Bowl was played on January 15, 1967, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs by the score of 35-10.
In April 1966. A committee was formed consisting of Jim Hardy (president), Bud Holmes (secretary/treasurer), Steve Acker (vice president) and G.D. Housh (coach) to advance flag football in the Baltimore area. The word of the new league spread quickly. By early summer seven teams had registered for participation in that first season. All games were played at Mervo Field, home to the Baltimore City Recreation Department’s adult flag football program.
As it turned out, the league’s first season was a short one. Four of the teams did not field complete squads by opening day in September 1966. With only three complete teams available. The second half of the season was cancelled, and each team declared co-champions with 2-1 records.
The Year Of Division.
By December 15, 1966, eleven teams had registered for the 1967 season, which would begin with six teams. That is to say, it was decided to split the league into two divisions, East and West.
It is not known how many of the original eleven teams went on to play flag football. In some capacity during the next few years. however, three eventually made their way onto some future flag football tournament teams.
The 1966-67 flag football league was composed of six teams:
Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns.
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys by the score of 7-0. They won their first championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was John Corso (RB/LB).
The Year Of Shrinkage.
For the 1967-68 season, the league added an “A” division and shrunk to four teams. The Baltimore Colts replaced the Cleveland Browns in this second season of flag football.
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Detroit Lions by a score of 21-14. To win their second consecutive championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Gary Hart (QB/DT).
The Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions went on to represent the league at the first West Coast Flag Football Tournament. It is uncertain if either team won their respective tournament. But both teams did receive participation trophies from tournament director Jack Olsen of Oakland, CA.
The Year Of ‘A’ And ‘B’.
With six teams for the 1968-69 season. It was decided to split the league into an “A” division (Oilers, Colts and Cowboys).
And a “B” division (Chiefs, Vikings and Bears).
The Green Bay Packers defeated the Detroit Lions by a score of 16-12. To win their third consecutive championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was John McCracken (WR/CB).
Expansion Of Super Bowl Teams.
Expansion to twelve teams brought league re-alignment for the 1969-70 season with three divisions of four teams each. The Chiefs, Broncos Broncos and Packers moved into the “A” division. Where they were joined by the Cowboys and Lions. (who had won the “B” division each of the previous two seasons). The Vikings, Browns and Bears were transferred to the “B” division.
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Detroit Lions. By a score of 16-8 to win their first championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Bill Davis (QB/DE).
Fourteen Teams In Three Divisions.
Expansion continued with fourteen teams in three divisions for the 1970-71 season. The Chiefs, Vikings and Packers were transferred out of the “A” division, replaced by the Browns and Buccaneers. The Colts moved down to the “B” division where they were joined by two new teams (the Chiefs and Vikings).
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Green Bay Packers in overtime. By a score of 17-16 to win their fourth consecutive championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Jim Evans (WR/RB).
The Dallas Cowboys went on to represent the league at the third West Coast Flag Football Tournament. It is uncertain if they won their respective tournament, but they did receive a trophy for participation.
The Year Of Broncos And Falcons.
New teams in 1971-72 were the Broncos and Falcons in a twelve team.
“A” division with the Packers, Browns and Buccaneers.
In the “B” division.
The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Green Bay Packers. By a score of 14-6 to win their second championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Larry Brown (RB/LB).
18 Teams in Super Bowl.
Two teams were added to the league before its 1972-73 season. The Colts (now in the “A” division) and Steelers (in the “B” division).
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Green Bay Packers. By a score of 16-12 to win their fifth consecutive championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Amos Worthy (QB/LB).
Following their victory at the inaugural West Coast Flag Football Tournament. The Dallas Cowboys went on to represent the league at the fourth West Coast Flag Football Tournament. It is uncertain if they won their respective tournament, but they did receive a trophy for participation.
The Broncos and Falcons Transferred.
In 1973-74, twelve teams competed in two divisions. The Broncos and Falcons transferred from the “A” division to the “B” division.
The New England Patriots defeated the Dallas Cowboys. By a score of 22-16 to win their first championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Steve Worthy (QB/DB).
The Chiefs and Buccaneers Were Transferred.
In 1974-75, fourteen teams competed in two divisions. The Chiefs and Buccaneers were transferred from the “A” division to the “B” division.
New England Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. By a score of 14-12 to win their second championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was John McCracken (WR/LB).
New York Flag Football League And Won.
The New York Giants transferred from the New York Flag Football League and won the 1975-76 championship.
The New York Flag Football League is a competitive league. Of adult flag football teams in the New York City area. The league was founded in 1975 and has been running continuously since then. The league is divided into several divisions, with the most competitive division being the championship division.
The New York Flag Football League has a proud history of success. The league’s first championship was won by the Brooklyn Bulldogs in 1976. Since then, many other teams have tasted success. With the most recent championship victory coming from the Queen’s Tigers in 2017.
Baltimore Area Flag Football.
Teams in the Baltimore area flag football were divided into three divisions for the 1976-77 season. With a total of thirteen teams divided as follows:
“A” division – Steelers, Broncos, Giants and Jets;
“B” division – Packers, Chiefs and Buccaneers;
“C” division – Browns, Lions, Packers and Dolphins.
The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Miami Dolphins. By a score of 8-0 to win their sixth consecutive championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Jeff Miller (QB/DB).
New England Patriots.
In 1977-78, fourteen teams competed in two divisions. With expansion again occurring as the Rams and Vikings moved from “A” division to “B” division. The Buccaneers were moved from the “B” division to the “C” division.
New England Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs. By a score of 5-0 to win their third championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Billy Riggans (QB/LB).
The Year Of Pittsburgh Steelers.
Teams in the Baltimore area flag football were divided into two divisions for the 1978-79 season. With a total of eleven teams divided as follows:
“A” division – Steelers, Giants, Jets and Browns;
“B” division – Broncos, Chiefs, Lions and Falcons.
The Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Super Bowl runner-up Denver Broncos. By a score of 16-8 to win their fourth championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Ron Johnson (LB/FB).
The Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys defeated Super Bowl runner-up Pittsburgh Steelers. By a score of 7-6 to win their seventh consecutive championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Herman Welker (QB/FB).
5th Championship Of Pittsburgh Steelers.
Teams in the Baltimore area flag football were divided into three divisions for the 1979-80 season. With a total of twelve teams divided as follows:
“A” division – Steelers, runner-up Raiders and Rams;
“B”- division Broncos, Cowboys and Redskins;
“C” division – Dolphins, Super Bowl runner-up Bengals and Super Bowl loser Giants.
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Washington Redskins. By a score of 14-6 to win their fifth championship in Baltimore area flag football. MVP for the championship game was Ronnie Johnson (RB/LB).
The Dallas Cowboys became the second team to win consecutive championships in Baltimore area flag football. Thus, defeating the Super Bowl loser Philadelphia Eagles by a score of 9-4. MVP for the championship game was Jeff Wilson (QB/DB).
Conclusion.
The Super Bowl is a national holiday that has become an integral part of our culture. It’s the most-watched TV event annually. And one of the biggest sporting spectacles in the world, with billions at stake for advertisers. And yet few know about its origins or its history. We’ve explored both below to give you some insight into this cultural phenomenon. So whether you’re a lifelong football fan reminiscing on your favourite memories from past games. Or someone who may not be as familiar with it as me until now. I hope you’ll enjoy reading through this post and learning more about what makes America the proudest of their game. Read my article on how to overcome obstacles here.