August 6, 1956 – There used to be another major television network that had sports on TV. That was the American national broadcaster DuMont Television Network who after filing for bankruptcy in 1955, made its final broadcast, a boxing match from St. Nicholas Arena. Dumont was one of the first broadcasters to have live NFL games beamed to living rooms across the nation.
The relationship with the NFL spanned from 1951 through 1955, not exactly banner years for the NFL in terms of popularity. Had they been able to last a few more years as a network when the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants was the first ever NFL playoff game to go into sudden-death overtime. The “Greatest Game” set Professional football and television on a launch to bigger and better things.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network

Ray Guy and the Pro Bowl Gondola
To complete the 1975 NFL season, the annual Pro Bowl game pitted the best

“Munich Air Disaster” of 1958 – Busby Babes Tragedy
What would become known as the “Munich Air Disaster,” a plane crashed after trying

From Fantasy Leagues to Real Wagers: How USA Online Casinos Fuel Fan Engagement
In the dynamic world of sports fandom, the way we engage with our favorite

How Sportsbooks Mostly Got It Right About the NFL Playoffs
When you look at things statistically, there is some wisdom in the statement that

Celebrating 25 Years Since One of the Greatest – And Most Unexpected – Super Bowl Games In History
The Super Bowl is an occasion never shy of razzmatazz anyway, but the 2000

Manchester United v. Juventus, UCL 1999: A Game That Changed Soccer History
There were many thrilling games and moments throughout the 26-year tenure of Sir Alex

Weight Training For People With Limited Time
One of the biggest excuses I hear from people when I try to get

Winning with Purpose: Proven Football Betting Strategies That Deliver Real Results
Smart soccer betting is no longer about luck—it’s about strategy, insight, and timing. Many