Hey there friend! Have you ever heard that the first touchdown in NFL history happened in a game that took place way back in 1920? The touchdown itself is actually quite controversial, as people can’t seem to agree who scored the touchdown. This has caused a massive amount of debate amongst NFL fans and historians for decades. Well, I’m here to tell you that I believe I know who scored the first touchdown in NFL history.
The game in question, which happened in October of 1920, was a matchup between the Rock Island Independents and the Decatur Staleys. It’s generally agreed upon that the touchdown in question was scored by Rock Island’s running back, George McAfee. This piece of information actually goes against the assumption made by many folks that believe the first touchdown was thrown by Staleys QB Paddy Driscoll.
McAfee’s touchdown was definitely the first of the game, and later, the touchdown was later refined into newspaper reports that credit a TD to Driscoll and Auditorium Shoes as the scorers for the Staleys. This caused the controversy, as the question of “who was the first?” was thrown into doubt. But, if you actually watch the film from that day, it’s clear that McAfee, who was a great runner, was the one who actually scored the first touchdown in NFL history.
It was definitely an exciting moment, as there was a huge roar from the crowd when the touchdown was scored. McAfee’s feet really hit the ground as he crossed the line with the ball, and he was the first to ever do it in NFL history. Additionally, McAfee was a fan favorite, so people were cheering even louder for him knowing that he scored the first touchdown of the game.
I also think it’s pretty cool that this specific game that took place one hundred years ago has been studied and discussed for so long. It has withstood long enough to ignite debates and even catch my eye and make me want to learn more. It’s the first example of NFL greatness and the start of our favorite sport.
It’s quite amazing to think about how so much of the history of our beloved game can be attributed to this one man from 100 years ago. Really, when you look at it, it’s amazing where football has come since before McAfee’s touchdown. It has evolved from something that was started by two teams to now a Super Bowl that’s watched by millions of people.
McAfee’s legacy is quite special and I’m sure this smiling man was proud that he was the one to score the very first touchdown in NFL history. Even though he may not have been credited with it at the time, his play lives on in the memories of folks in the minds of those who continue to play and love football today.
This controversy surrounding the first touchdown in NFL history is something that will always remain a bit of a mystery. Even now, after all of these years, we still can’t agree as to who scored the touchdown. With that said, historians and avid NFL fans seem to agree that George McAfee was the first to touchdown in the NFL, and I think it’s great that he was able to make such a substantial impact on something that is still enjoyed by so many today.
Interestingly, the NFL hall of fame lists the first ever game included in their proverbial Hall of Fame records as the Decatur Staleys vs. the Rock Island Independents, and admit that a “touchdown is credited to Butch Kevihian of the Staleys although it was actually scored by George McAfee.” Clearly, McAfee’s place in history has only grown since his time, and now even the NFL Hall of Fame is acknowledging it!
Butch Kevihian is actually the only person to be credited with a touchdown in an NFL game before McAfee DID indeed, score the first touchdown in NFL history. But, despite the initial confusion as to who scored the touchdown, McAfee is the one remembered today as the person who crossed the goal line first.
McAfee was an incredible player, and he certainly left his mark on the NFL. His touchdowns, including the first, were part of a long-running legacy that has made it all the way to modern day. We have to thank him and players like him for their dedication; they are the ones who took the risk and made the sport of football the phenomenal success we know and love today.