Football grew from rugby and soccer. It became popular to collages in the late 1800's. In 1876, Walter Camp helped to put together the first rules for American football. It was very brutal at first. By the early 1900's, it had grown in popularity and safety. The actual NFL was formed in 1920.
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Many people didn't use safety equipment. Only a few people wore some. This nose guard was strapped around the head. The player would hold it into place by gripping it with there teeth. |
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This is one part of football that hasn't changed which are the pants. They go just below the knees and use a simple belt to keep them up. These pants from around 1900, have a high waist to protect the lower back and hips. |
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The football is a combination of the rugby ball and the soccer ball. It is the same today except not as round. |
| The bulk of the less than bulky uniform was made up of leather and canvas. Players wore this in the early football days. The pads were sewn into the pants and shoulders of this player from 1890, which comprised most of the equipment. The players played bareheaded because the helmet was years away. |
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In 1892, former Yale star William Heffelfinger was the first recognized pro player when he accepted $500 to play for the Allegheny Athletic Association. |
| Most people didn't used to wear helmets. When they did, they were flimsy leather caps, occasionally with ear flaps. They were so flimsy that they could be folded up to fit into your pocket. |
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These early shoulder pads were made up of mostly leather and canvas. The top was hard leather and underneath was canvas pads. Before these removable pads were used they would have thin pads sewn into the tops of the shoulders. |
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These cleats are from the 1930s. They are among the first models with screw-in cleats. They were heavier than they are now because they had thicker leather. They are high-top just like today for better ankle support. |
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