This accounting ledger from a game played on November 12, 1892 in Pittsburgh is the first documented proof that a player was paid to play football.  Note the line item that shows William "Pudge" Heffelfinger was paid $500 to play in the game.  Apparently, he was well worth it, as the Alleghany Athletic Club defeated the Pittsburgh Athletic Club, 4-0.  Heffelfinger recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown for the game's only score.  Touchdowns were worth just four points in 1892.