The original teams of the National Football League (NFL) are the professional franchises that competed from the league’s early foundations in 1920 through the mid-1960s, before the merger with the American Football League (AFL) and the subsequent expansion waves that reshaped the league. This profile clarifies which teams are considered “original,” how the league evolved in the 1960s, and which current franchises carry direct lineage. For clarity, “original NFL teams” here refers to the clubs that existed through the 1960 season, with context on the key expansion teams that joined in 1961–1966 and their lasting impact on the modern game.
Defining Original NFL Teams and Their Era
The phrase original NFL teams typically refers to the franchises that were established in the first four decades of the league’s history, many of which were founded in the 1920s and early 1930s. These teams helped stabilize a league that experienced frequent name changes, relocations, and foldings in its early years. By 1960, the core set of franchises had begun to settle into more stable home markets, although roster changes, front-office shifts, and gradual competitiveness variations were common. The 1960 season serves as a practical cutoff because it represents the last full year before major expansion and the AFL merger began to transform the league’s structure.
Foundations: The Pre-1933 Landscape
In the 1920s, the NFL was a loose consortium of regional teams, many with limited lifespans. Early stability came from a handful of franchises that committed to full seasons and developed recognizable identities. By 1933, the league had formalized its first divisions and instituted an official championship game, marking a turning point in organization and public legitimacy. The teams that participated in that 1933 championship game and maintained operations through the Great Depression and World War II form the historical core of what we recognize as the original NFL franchises.
Notable Early Franchises and Their Trajectories
Certain teams from this era remain relevant today because of continuous operation and clear institutional lineage. The Chicago Bears, originally the Decatur Staleys, moved to Chicago in 1921 and adopted the Bears name in 1922. The Chicago Cardinals, now the Arizona Cardinals, represent one of the longest continuously operating franchises under various names and cities. The New York Giants and Green Bay Packers also established early identities that carried through decades of competition, becoming benchmarks for longevity and brand continuity in the league.
| Team (1920s–1960s) | Modern Successor | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears (Decatur Staleys) | Chicago Bears | Founded 1919, joined NFL in 1920 | Pro Football Hall of Fame and NFL records |
| Chicago Cardinals | Arizona Cardinals | Oldest continuously operating franchise in the NFL | Pro Football Hall of Fame and team history archives |
| New York Giants | New York Giants | Founded 1925 | Official team history and league archives |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers | Founded 1919, joined NFL in 1921 | Pro Football Hall of Fame and team archives |
| Pittsburgh Steelers (originally Pirates) | Pittsburgh Steelers | Founded 1933 as Pittsburgh Pirates | Official team history and league records |
| Washington Commanders (originally Boston Braves) | Washington Commanders | Founded 1932 as Boston Braves | Official team history and league records |
The 1960 Season: The Last Pre-Expansion Landscape
By 1960, the NFL consisted of 13 teams that had survived relocations, name changes, and competition from rival leagues. These teams contested the championship on the field and set the stage for the transformative decade that followed. The 1960 season was notable for competitive balance, with several teams remaining in contention late into the schedule, and it represented the final year before the league added new franchises in response to the AFL’s formation and to meet growing national demand for football.
1960 NFL Teams at a Glance
The following table summarizes the 13 teams that competed in the 1960 NFL season, their cities, and the modern franchises that trace direct lineage to them.
| 1960 Team | City | Modern Successor(s) | Continuity Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore Colts | Baltimore | Baltimore Colts (1953–1983), later Indianapolis Colts | Continuity of brand and history despite relocation |
| Buffalo Bills | Buffalo | Buffalo Bills | Expansion team in 1960; original AFL squad |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago | Chicago Bears | Unbroken lineage from 1920 |
| Chicago Cardinals | Chicago | Cardinals moved to St. Louis (1960), Arizona (1988) | Direct franchise lineage; name change and relocations |
| Cleveland Browns | Cleveland | Cleveland Browns (1999 revival), original lineage continued in Baltimore | Original franchise joined NFL; suspended operations 1996; revived 1999 |
| Detroit Lions | Detroit | Detroit Lions | Consistent identity since 1934 in Detroit |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay | Green Bay Packers | Publicly owned; continuous operation |
| New York Giants | New York | New York Giants | Unbroken history since 1925 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Philadelphia | Philadelphia Eagles | Consistent franchise since 1933 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Pittsburgh | Pittsburgh Steelers | Founded 1933; name changes early on |
| St. Louis Cardinals | St. Louis | Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals | Moved to St. Louis in 1960; later Arizona |
| Washington Redskins | Washington, D.C. | Washington Commanders | Founded 1932; relocated and renamed in 2022 |
| New York Titans (AFL) | New York | New York Jets | AFL team that joined NFL-AFL merger; separate lineage from NFL Giants |
The 1961–1966 Expansion and Its Impact
The years 1961–1966 marked a period of measured expansion for the NFL. The league added new teams to tap into growing markets and respond to the competition posed by the AFL. These expansions set the stage for the eventual merger in 1970 and for the modern, larger NFL. Understanding these additions helps clarify which teams qualify as “original” and which are successors or relocated versions of earlier franchises.
Key Expansion Teams Introduced Between 1961 and 1966
- 1961: Minnesota Vikings and New York Titans (the latter joining as an AFL team placed in the NFL framework ahead of the merger).
- 1966: Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers entered later, but the most notable immediate expansion was the Vikings in 1961.
The Cowboys began play in 1960 as an expansion team but are frequently discussed alongside 1960s franchises due to their rapid rise. These additions increased the total number of franchises and began shifting the league toward a more nationally balanced schedule.
Modern Successors and Lineage Tracing
Today’s fans often wonder which current clubs can claim direct descent from the earliest franchises. The answer depends on whether a franchise maintained continuous operation, including legal entity and historical branding, through relocations or name changes. Teams such as the Bears, Packers, and Vikings have clear, unbroken lines from their early years, while others like the Cardinals carry institutional memory across cities. Relocations and revivals—like the Browns—require careful distinction between historical franchise continuity and the reactivation of a team name in a new era.
Direct Lineage Examples and Clarifications
- Chicago Bears: Continuously operating as the Bears since 1920 in some form, with clear historical records.
- Arizona Cardinals: Originally the Chicago Cardinals, the franchise moved to St. Louis in 1960 and then to Arizona in 1988, retaining its history.
- Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts: The 1953-founded Colts joined the NFL in 1961 after the AAFC-NFL merger; the brand remained intact through relocation.
- Cleveland Browns: Original franchise joined NFL in 1950; suspended operations after 1995, revived 1999 as an expansion, with historical records preserved.
Common Misconceptions About Original Teams
Misunderstandings often arise around which teams count as “original” and which modern clubs truly inherit historical records. It’s important to differentiate between franchises that have operated continuously and those that have been revived or relocated under similar names. The NFL officially recognizes certain teams as having uninterrupted histories, while others represent legal or nominal continuations. Clarity on these points prevents confusion when discussing league history, championships, and legacy.
Why This History Matters Today
Understanding the original teams and their evolution helps contextualize today’s rivalries, market strategies, and branding decisions. The foundational franchises established the league’s identity, and their modern successors carry forward institutional knowledge, fanbases, and cultural weight. For analysts, historians, and fans, this lineage underscores the continuity behind the changes in players, coaches, and stadiums that define the NFL’s enduring appeal.
As the league continues to evolve with new markets and formats, the core legacy of those original teams remains a touchstone for evaluating long-term value and tradition. Recognizing the difference between historical continuity and modern revival ensures accurate discussions about the NFL’s past and present.
Quick Comparison: Original NFL Teams and Their Modern Counterparts
| Original Franchise (1920s–1960) | Modern Successor | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears | Unbroken operation since 1920 |
| Chicago Cardinals | Arizona Cardinals | Oldest continuously operating franchise in the NFL |
| New York Giants | New York Giants | Founded 1925 |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers | Publicly owned since 1923 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Pittsburgh Steelers | Founded 1933, early name changes |
| Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) | Washington Commanders | Founded 1932, relocated and renamed 2022 |
Tags: NFL history, original teams, franchise lineage, NFL expansion, 1960s NFL, team origins
FAQ
Reader questions
What counts as an original NFL team?
An original NFL team is generally defined as a franchise that was a founding member or joined the league in its early decades (1920s–1940s) and has operated continuously under the same institutional lineage, even if relocated or renamed.
Did any original teams cease to exist?
Some early franchises suspended operations or dissolved, but the most enduring ones have persisted through relocations and rebranding. The modern league recognizes certain teams as direct continuations of historic franchises.
How do relocations affect lineage?
Relocations typically maintain franchise history and records, provided the same legal entity continues to operate. Moves like the Cardinals’ transition from Chicago to St. Louis to Arizona are treated as one continuous franchise.
What about revival teams like the Browns?
The Cleveland Browns were an original franchise that joined the NFL in 1950. After suspending operations in 1996, the team name, history, and records were preserved and revived in 1999 as an expansion, with the new team acknowledging the original lineage. The 1960 season represents the last full year of the pre-merger, pre-expansion NFL landscape. It is a practical benchmark for identifying which teams were part of the league before the transformative 1961–1966 expansions and the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.