Who founded the Columbus Panhandles football team?
The Columbus Panhandles were founded in 1901 by workers at the Panhandle shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad in Columbus, Ohio. Joseph Carr took over as owner in 1907 and ran the club through 1922.
Questions about Columbus Panhandles
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who were the Nesser Brothers and why were they important to the Columbus Panhandles?
The Nesser Brothers were seven brothers who worked as boilermakers for the Pennsylvania Railroad and formed the backbone of the Columbus Panhandles for nearly 20 years. None attended college despite multiple offers, and their physical size and reputation drew crowds throughout the country. In 1921, player-coach Ted Nesser and his son Charlie became the only father and son to play together in NFL history.
Did the Columbus Panhandles play in the first NFL game?
The Columbus Panhandles are credited with playing in the first game between two APFA (later NFL) member teams. On the 3rd of October 1920, the Panhandles were defeated by the Dayton Triangles 14-0 at Triangle Park, a contest historians recognize as one of the first league matchups, though the exact start times were never recorded.
What happened to the Columbus Panhandles after they left the NFL?
Joseph Carr discontinued the Panhandles after the 1922 season due to cost and salary demands. The franchise was reorganized as the Columbus Tigers under owner Jerry Corcoran. The Tigers achieved their best NFL finish of eighth place in 1923 before folding after the 1926 season.
Why is Joseph Carr in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Joseph Carr was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 for his work as NFL president, a role he took on after the 1921 season when he also renamed the American Professional Football Association as the National Football League. He had previously owned and managed the Columbus Panhandles from 1907 to 1922.
How did the Columbus Panhandles practice and prepare for games?
Because most Panhandles players were railroad workers, the team practiced on an athletic field behind the railroad shops in Columbus during their lunch breaks. Players typically spent the first 15 minutes of the break eating and the remaining 45 minutes running plays. Road travel was covered free of charge under Pennsylvania Railroad policy, which allowed the club to schedule mostly away games.