The 1950s

Norm Van Brocklin’s Record-Setting 554 Yards - this Hall of Fame QB set an all-time passing record in the 1951 season openers.

"The King" - Hugh McElhenny was one of the most thrilling runners in the NFL history.

The Dallas Texans - the saga of the last NFL team that went defunct. The 1952 Dallas Texans turned into a road team and earned its only win on Thanksgiving in Akron, Ohio.

A Dynamic Duo - the San Francisco 49ers were anchored by two Hall of Famers during the 1950s - Joe "The Jet" Perry on offense and Leo "The Lion" Nomellini on defense.

Birth of Overtime - the first use of overtime in NFL history came during a preseason game between the Los Angeles Rams and New York Giants in 1955.

 Ratterman's Radio Helmet - In 1956, Paul Borwn utilized a new technological advancement - a radio helmet.  However, the receiver was outlawed by the league until the 1990s.

1957 Playoff Game- the San Francisco 49ers printed tickets for the '57 championship game by halftime of the first round playoff game but the Detroit Lions had other ideas.

Greatest Game Ever Played – the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants, 23-17, in overtime of the 1958 NFL Championship Game.  The game helped transform pro football in the country’s most popular sport.

DECADE-BY-DECADE
Pre-NFL | 1920s | 1930s | 1940s | 1950s | 1960s | 1970s | 1980s | 1990s | 2000s