July 28, 1933 – The NFL took a huge step in growth on this day as it divided itself into two 5 team divisions. It was by no means the complexity of today’s two conferences and 6 divisions of 32 teams but it was a baby step in that direction.
The new Eastern Division consisted of the Boston Redskins, Brooklyn Dodgers, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Pirates. The Western Division consisted of the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Green Bay Packers, and Portsmouth Spartans. It certainly set the state for future growth of professional football as winning one’s division became paramount to capturing a title.
To find more great daily sports history make sure to check out the Sports Jersey Dispatch and Pigskin Dispatch.
More From Sports History Network

The Clint Longley Game (Thanksgiving 1974)
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, my friend Dave DePaola and I have a

Breaking Barriers: 5 Pioneering Trainers of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby, often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes In Sports,” is not

The Historical Impact of the Champions League on Modern Betting Trends
The UEFA Champions League has captivated soccer fans worldwide and transformed the landscape of

Bucky Lew: The Man Who Single-Handedly Integrated Every Single Role In Pro Hoops
As the man who single-handedly integrated every single role in pro hoops, Harry “Bucky”

The Joy of Collecting Sports Memorabilia
I began collecting sports memorabilia around 1968 or 1969, mostly football and baseball cards.

Discussing the 1975 AFC Championship Game
On January 4, 1976, the Oakland Raiders traveled into Three Rivers Stadium to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the championship of the American Football Conference.

A Historical Look at Blackjack Tournaments
Blackjack tournaments are making waves in gambling circles nowadays. Unlike blackjack games in land-based

Ugly Passers, Brick Walls, and Feisty Cardinals
Since the Arizona Cardinals are the NFL’s oldest team, with roots extending back to