You may or may not become more than casual fans of the NFL. Howver, there are many who are fanatics for professional football. It wasn’t always so. In the early twentieth century most football fans preferred college football and to an extent looked down on players who competed for money. Your own great-grandfather sometimes poo-pooed the NFL and didn’t give it much mind, even during the Packer glory years of the 1960’s.

Television super-charged the popularity of NFL football. A recent “day in history” article reminded me of the “Greatest Game Ever Played” in 1958. The Baltimore Colts defeated the NY Giants in sudden death overtime. It was the first sudden death game and it was seen by millions watching one of the first nationally televised games. Papa was already on board as a fan. The fact that a great Wisconsin player with a great nickname scored the winning touchdown made the game all the more memorable. TV contracts and money has flowed and increased ever since. It has exploded into a billions of dollars industry.

For perspective, an eighth grade classmate and I decided, on the morning of a Packer game, to bike to County Stadium to watch a game. Yes, walkup tickets were available. I can’t imagine having had more than a few bucks in my jeans so I assume the ticket was rather cheap. In those days we simply left our bikes leaning on a fence or whatnot during the game. I assume this was in 1956 as we were in the same school until the 8th grade. I do recall the game involved Tobin Rote and a new guy named Unitas as quarterbacks. I think the Pack won.

For further perspective, the 1939 NFL Championship game sold tickets from between $1.10 to $4.40. This I looked up. It also provides a good trivia question if you ever need one. The victorious Packers beat the NY Giants to be NFL champs in Papa’s hometown; West Allis, Wisconsin. ( Of course this trivia question would make sense only if others had ever heard of West Allis. ) I’ve always loved the contrast between the huge population monster of New York vs, little Green Bay. That fondness was reversed for players from the “Big City.” Wisconsinites were “inhospitalble mugs” per the NY Giants captain due to perceived slights. Enough to get locals dander up as also happened in1957: but that is a different story, a different NY player and sport.