List of defunct NFL franchises

The List of defunct NFL franchises comprises former professional American football teams that once played in the National Football League (NFL) but no longer exist due to folding, merging, or relocating. This list includes teams from the league's inception in 1920 (as the American Professional Football Association) through to the present day. Understanding these defunct franchises provides insight into the evolution and history of the NFL.

Overview

The NFL was established in 1920, and over the decades, numerous franchises have come and gone. Some teams folded due to financial difficulties, while others merged with existing teams or relocated and were rebranded. The early years of the NFL were particularly volatile, with many teams not surviving more than a few seasons due to financial instability and the Great Depression.

List of Defunct Franchises

Akron Pros

The Akron Pros were a charter member of the NFL (then APFA) and played from 1920 to 1926. They were the first team to win the NFL Championship in 1920.

Canton Bulldogs

The Canton Bulldogs were another charter member, playing intermittently between 1920 and 1926. They won NFL Championships in 1922 and 1923.

Decatur Staleys/Chicago Staleys

Originally the Decatur Staleys, this team moved to Chicago in 1921, becoming the Chicago Staleys, and later, the Chicago Bears. Unlike other teams on this list, the Bears are still active in the NFL.

Duluth Kelleys/Eskimos

The Duluth Kelleys, later known as the Eskimos, played in the NFL from 1923 to 1927. They are notable for their extensive barnstorming tours to promote the league nationwide.

Frankford Yellow Jackets

Operating from 1924 to 1931, the Frankford Yellow Jackets won the NFL Championship in 1926. The team folded during the 1931 season due to financial difficulties exacerbated by the Great Depression.

Pottsville Maroons

The Pottsville Maroons joined the NFL in 1925 and played until 1928. They are best known for their controversial claim to the 1925 NFL Championship, which was awarded to the Chicago Cardinals under contentious circumstances.

Other Notable Defunct Teams

• St. Louis All-Stars (1923)
• Rochester Jeffersons (1920-1925)
• Detroit Heralds (1920)
• Kenosha Maroons (1924)
• Tonawanda Kardex (1921)

Impact on NFL Development

The rise and fall of these early NFL franchises played a crucial role in shaping the league's structure and economic model. The instability of the early years led to stronger financial and operational policies, which have helped the NFL grow into the prominent league it is today.

See Also

• History of the National Football League
• Surviving NFL teams
• NFL franchise relocations