Nearly 100 years after the National Football League was born in Canton, Ohio, the NFL will honor the 13 Original Towns, which were home to the 14 teams of the league’s inaugural season, as part of its NFL 100 celebration.
City | Team |
Akron, Ohio | Akron Pros |
Buffalo, New York | Buffalo All-Americans |
Canton, Ohio | Canton Bulldogs |
Chicago, Illinois | Racine Cardinals & Chicago Tigers |
Cleveland, Ohio | Cleveland Tigers |
Columbus, Ohio | Columbus Panhandles |
Dayton, Ohio | Dayton Triangles |
Decatur, Illinois | Decatur Staleys |
Detroit, Michigan | Detroit Heralds |
Hammond, Indiana | Hammond Pros |
Muncie, Indiana | Muncie Flyers |
Rochester, New York | Rochester Jeffersons |
Rock Island, Illinois | Rock Island Independents |
Eight of these communities, which are located outside of the 32 current NFL markets, will host live telecasts to announce picks on Day 3 of the 2019 NFL Draft. The hometown celebrations in these markets will showcase the town's history and include fans, NFL legends, celebrities, and elected officials.
Day 3 picks will be made live by all 32 clubs at special locations in their markets, including military bases, state landmarks, and major attractions.
"There's no better way to bring the league's hundred years of history full circle than to partner with these communities and recognize their important place in history as part of the NFL's centennial celebration," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
To honor the legacy of the game, the NFL Foundation, in partnership with FieldTurf and Vasco, will install a new artificial turf field in Dayton, Ohio, to commemorate the NFL’s first-ever game between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles, played at Triangle Park on Oct. 3, 1920.
The Foundation will also make a donation to each of the 13 Original Towns to support local youth football programs, advocate for player safety and promote football's values.
"This is a really special moment for our city," said Nan Whaley, the mayor of Dayton, Ohio. "We're excited that the NFL is recognizing the places that were there in the very beginning and that they are celebrating Dayton's special history in paving the way for the league with a donation that will leave a lasting impact in the community."
Visit the NFL 100 website to learn more about how the NFL is celebrating its 100th season.