National Football League: AFL–NFL Merger and Expansion (1960–1979)

1. American Football League (AFL) is founded

   Aug 14, 1959Labels: Lamar Hunt, AFL

   • Britannica
   • Pro Football HOF

2. AFL begins play with eight original teams

   Sep 9, 1960Labels: AFL, Original teams

   • Pro Football HOF
   • Britannica

3. AFL awards Miami Dolphins expansion franchise

   Aug 16, 1965Labels: Miami Dolphins, AFL expansion

   • Pro Football HOF
   • Axios

4. NFL and AFL announce merger agreement

   Jun 8, 1966Labels: NFL, AFL

   • HISTORY
   • Merger Wikipedia

5. New Orleans Saints are awarded an NFL franchise

   Nov 1, 1966Labels: New Orleans, NFL expansion

   • Pro Football HOF
   • Saints Draft

6. First AFL–NFL Championship Game (Super Bowl I)

   Jan 15, 1967Labels: Super Bowl, Kansas City

   • HISTORY
   • Super Bowl I

7. First common NFL–AFL player draft is held

   Mar 14, 1967Labels: Common draft, NFL, AFL

   • 1967 Draft
   • Merger Wikipedia

8. AFL awards Cincinnati Bengals expansion franchise

   May 24, 1967Labels: Cincinnati Bengals, Paul Brown

   • Bengals 1968
   • 1968 Bengals

9. Jets win Super Bowl III, validating AFL competitiveness

   Jan 12, 1969Labels: New York, Super Bowl

   • HISTORY
   • NFL 100

10. Chiefs win Super Bowl IV before full merger

    Jan 11, 1970Labels: Kansas City, Super Bowl

    • Super Bowl IV
    • Chiefs 1969

11. AFL–NFL merger is consummated; AFC and NFC form

    Sep 18, 1970Labels: AFC, NFC

    • 1970 Season
    • Merger Wikipedia

12. Monday Night Football debuts on national television

    Sep 21, 1970Labels: Monday Night, ABC

    • MNF List
    • 1970 Season

13. NFL reaches 28 teams with Seahawks and Buccaneers

    Sep 12, 1976Labels: Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay

    • 1976 Season
    • Merger Wikipedia

14. 1978 rules changes open up the passing game

    Jan 1, 1978Labels: 1978 rules, Mel Blount

    • 1978 Season
    • NFL Rules

15. Steelers win Super Bowl XIV, closing the 1970s era

    Jan 20, 1980Labels: Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl

    • 1979 Season
    • Super Bowl XIV