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The original was posted on /r/nfl by /u/nointro-225 on 2024-05-05 00:40:19.
I’ve been interested in learning about the beginnings of the AFL and what events led to its creation, especially due to it coming about from prospective owners getting rebuffed from the NFL. That got me thinking, if those owners were able to get into the NFL, what would that look like? This is just start of this little project, I’d love to hear feedback from those who know more about the subject, see where I went wrong, and where I can go from here!
As the Cardinals planned to move out of Chicago in the late 1950s, many attempted to invest in the team. This included Lamar Hunt, Bud Adams, and Max Winter, and Bob Howsam. As negotiations fell through, these men all began talks with NFL commissioner Bert Bell about owning expansion teams. In real life this plan was rejected, with the commissioner feeling uneasy about expanding after such a stable period. What if instead, all 4 owners were able to receive a franchise? While IRL expansion occurred in 1960, this was likely done in response to the AFL beginning so suddenly. This timeline begins in 1962 instead.
1962: Hunt and Adams, two of the more outspoken prospective owners, are given the first two new franchises. With both men having roots in Texas, and the NFL currently lacking any teams in the state, the two franchises are based there. These become the Dallas Texans and the Houston Oilers. These two new markets prove successful, which prompts the NFL to pursue a 16-team league in the near future. The Cardinals also finally move to St. Louis this year, instead of 1960 irl. Baltimore also moves from the West to the East.
1965: With the first 2 teams proving successful, the NFL introduced 2 new teams in time for 1965, going to the other two men who tried to invest in the Cardinals. Max Winter and Bob Howsam, with strong ties to the Minneapolis and Denver areas respectively, were the next to receive expansion teams. With 16 teams now in the league, the NFL splits into 4 divisions mirroring its real-life 1967-69 layout. The new Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings are placed in the West along with St. Louis, and Dallas and Houston move East.
Just a few years in, and you’re already down a few notable franchises (though with no Cowboys or Chiefs, I’m sure people are happy with that lol). I am split on if this league would see New Orleans and Atlanta join the league in the 60s still, or what would happen with the AFL franchises left out of this timeline. I know this only covers a few years, but I do plan on continuing. I wanted to get everyone’s thoughts on where I’m at now, and where to go from here. Hopefully this was at least somewhat entertaining!