RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The sudden-death overtime rule was used for the first time in a pre- season game between the Rams and Giants at Portland, Oregon, August 28. The Rams won 23-17 three minutes into overtime.
A rule change declared the ball dead immediately if the ball carrier touched the ground with any part of his body except his hands or feet while in the grasp of an opponent.
The Baltimore Colts made an 80-cent phone call to Johnny Unitas and signed him as a free agent. Another quarterback, Otto Graham, played his last game as the Browns defeated the Rams 38-14 in the NFL Championship Game, December 26. Graham had quarterbacked the Browns to 10 championship-game appearances in 10 years.
NBC replaced DuMont as the network for the title game, paying a rights fee of $100,000.
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NFL 100: Earl Campbell's Record Setting Monday Night
Houston Oilers RB Earl Campbell rushes for 199 yards and four touchdowns, out-dueling Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese in a 35-30 victory at the Astrodome. Miami took a 23-21 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Campbell scored twice in the final seven minutes, including an 81-yard TD sprint with 1:11 to go to ice the game.
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.