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
Super Bowl XXXV (Ravens vs. Giants): An Ultimate Recount of the Game
Today we have Super Bowl XXXV, which was held on January 28, 2001, at
Sports History On This Day: May 1
May 1, 1883 – Bob Rogers is acknowledged as the first American pro sports trainer
Sports History On This Day: April 30
April 30, 1921– The Akron Pros were declared the champions of the 1920 season
The Years of Living Dangerously (Hockey’s Most Hated Players)
The 2021-22 season has been a somewhat eventful one for one Brad Marchand. As
Sports History On This Day: April 29
April 29, 1961 – It was the beginning of the “Thrill of Victory and the
Sports History On This Day: April 28
April 28, 1887 – Auto racing has its humble beginnings. French toymaker and engineer, Georges Bouton won
Sports History On This Day: April 27
April 27, 1983 – Houston Astros ace Nolan Ryan became the MLB leader in strikeouts with the
Sports History On This Day: April 26
April 26, 1966 – The legendary Red Auerbach retired as the Boston Celtic’s head coach.