Football Zebras

NFL100: 90-year-old rules made for a different game

by Mark Schultz - October 4, 2019 0

People who saw a NFL game 90-years ago would almost not recognize the game played today. Back in the 1930s, the pro game had some rules that are mind-boggling. In the early years of the NFL, if a player fell or was knocked down, he could still crawl or get up

NFL100: The expansion of officiating crews followed the evolution of the game

by Mark Schultz - September 19, 2019September 19, 2019 1

http://gty.im/515014724 When the NFL was born, only three officials called the game. Now there are seven --nine if you include the replay official and replay assistant -- with calls to add another pair of eyes at field level. As a part of the NFL's 100th season, Football Zebras takes a look at

NFL100: Before they were zebras, they were … candy canes?

by Mark Schultz - September 11, 2019 3

#NFL100: A Football Zebras feature series NFL officials didn't always wear black and white striped shirts. To commemorate the 100th NFL season, Football Zebras takes a look back at how the third team dressed for a game. No stripes to be found (1920-40) At the league's founding, the NFL required its officials to

Officials used to use a gunshot to signal the end to a quarter or half

by Mark Schultz - December 21, 2018August 13, 2019 0

It seems strange today, but NFL officials used to fire a starter's pistol to end each quarter. It's a mechanic that dated back to the start of pro football up until the NFL discontinued the practice starting in 1994. When the NFL was in its infancy and up through the 1960s,

Father’s Day crews

by Mark Schultz - June 17, 2018June 18, 2018 1

One of the fun parts of being a dad is when a child wants to join the dad in an activity or hobby, or just wants to spend time together. I'm sure NFL officials are happy when their kids want to take up officiating. That happiness and pride, I'm sure,

Golden anniversary of the gold penalty flag

History

by Mark Schultz - August 2, 2015August 2, 2015 3

The most controversial piece of cloth in all of sports wasn't always yellow It won't get a cake or open house. It won't get cheered. In fact it's mere presence will illicit foul language and boos. Be that as it may, the gold penalty flag celebrates a big milestone this season.