Pro Football History.com Blog

May 21st, 2025

The NFL is no longer just about touchdowns and rivalries on Sunday afternoons. Over the past few decades, it has transformed from a sports league into a global brand with influence that stretches far beyond the gridiron. From online casinos and gaming to fashion, film, and music, the NFL has firmly planted itself in almost every corner of pop culture and digital entertainment. Here's a look at how America's most popular sport has become a lifestyle brand and where it’s headed next.

The NFL and online casinos: A game within the game

One of the most notable areas where the NFL's influence has grown is the online casino and gaming industry. As sports betting becomes legal across more U.S. states, the league has strategically aligned itself with major betting platforms. These partnerships have led to the creation of NFL-themed slots, prediction games, and in-app experiences that merge fantasy football with real-money wagering.

Many online casinos that pay real money now offer football-inspired slot machines and virtual sports games that replicate the excitement of NFL Sundays. These games often feature team colors, football animations and mini-games that mimic classic plays. It’s not just about watching anymore, fans are actively engaging with the sport in entirely new ways.

Lights, camera, football: NFL in movies and TV

Hollywood has long been fascinated with football and the NFL’s stories, legends and controversies have found a permanent place on screen. Blockbuster films like Remember the Titans, Any Given Sunday and The Blind Side brought the emotional highs and lows of the sport to life, while documentaries such as The Last Dance (with heavy NFL crossover appeal) and Man in the Arena have redefined sports storytelling.

HBO’s Hard Knocks series gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at training camps, adding a human layer to the athletes we usually see only in helmets. These productions help turn players into household names and keep the NFL in cultural conversations year-round.

NFL x fashion: From jerseys to runways

What was once reserved for game day has become everyday wear. NFL merchandise, particularly vintage and limited-edition team apparel, has found its way into mainstream streetwear. Fashion houses and sportswear giants alike have partnered with the league, creating capsule collections that sell out in minutes.

From Travis Scott sporting a throwback Cowboys jersey to Rihanna donning Raiders gear in paparazzi shots, NFL fashion is now a form of personal expression. The league has successfully merged sports loyalty with trend-forward design, appealing to fans far beyond the traditional football demographic.

Gaming and the digital generation

No conversation about NFL expansion is complete without Madden NFL, EA Sports’ flagship video game series. For many fans, especially Gen Z, Madden was their first introduction to the sport. Its realism, commentary, and annual updates have made it a cultural staple since the 1990s.

In addition, the rise of fantasy football and NFL-themed mobile apps has allowed fans to engage with the league 24/7. Whether they're managing fantasy rosters or playing digital trading card games, fans are more connected to players and teams than ever before. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have further helped the NFL build younger audiences through viral highlights, memes, and influencer collaborations.

Football as a lifestyle

The NFL has carefully positioned itself not just as a sports organization but as a cultural force. Super Bowl halftime shows rival music award performances, and the commercials aired during the big game become pop culture moments of their own. Whether it's teaming up with major music artists or launching branded food and drink items, the league knows how to keep its brand top-of-mind all year long.

What was once a Sunday pastime is now a multi-platform, multi-industry empire. The NFL’s expansion into online casinos, fashion, film and digital experiences shows no signs of slowing down. As technology and culture continue to evolve, the NFL’s ability to adapt and innovate will only strengthen its position, not just as a sports league, but as a dominant lifestyle brand woven into the fabric of modern entertainment.

May 5th, 2025

There was a lot of interest when the Detroit Lions moved up from the 102nd pick to number 70 in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Because of the high cost, some fans and observers were taken aback by the team's choice to trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars in order to acquire wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa. Brad Holmes, the general manager, however, saw the decision as both personal and strategic.

Holmes discussed which player from the Lions' draft haul most caught his attention during an interview with Heather on Detroit's 97.1 The Ticket with Costa and Jansen. He expressed confidence in each of the seven choices, but his personal favorite was one.

According to the Detroit News, Holmes clarified, "I like every guy we brought in." "I think Isaac TeSlaa is the person I bonded with the most, though. In my heart, he was my guy, even though he wasn't the best wideout according to rankings.

A Controversial Trade, But a Clear Vision

Because the deal featured substantial future assets, Holmes' aggressive pursuit of TeSlaa caused some NFL circles to take notice. The Lions gave up both of their 2026 third-round picks and their 2025 third-round pick (ranked 102nd overall). TeSlaa was selected with the 70th pick in 2025, and they were also given sixth-round picks in 2025 and 2026 in exchange. Holmes' audacious choice demonstrated his faith in the young receiver's abilities.

Holmes maintained the choice even though some people questioned the decision to give up so much cash. He pointed out that each year's draft depth and quality varies, and 2025 didn't have as many mid-round jewels as prior years.

"You might say, 'This guy went in the third round,' or 'That guy was a fourth-round steal,' when you look back at previous drafts," Holmes stated. However, each draft is unique. This lesson, like the previous ones, hasn't been as in-depth. Sticking at 102 this year would have required us to take a guy that we regarded much less. For us, moving ahead was the right decision.

Holmes also noted that TeSlaa was among the best players they had left on their board at the time of the deal, both at receiver and overall, according to their evaluations.

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TeSlaa’s Fit with Detroit’s Culture

TeSlaa, a native of Michigan who came to Arkansas from Hillsdale College, didn't have particularly impressive college stats: he caught 62 passes for 897 yards in two seasons with the Razorbacks. He was not required to run a whole route tree in Arkansas's system, and his numbers didn't impress anyone. On tape, however, the Lions saw something they adored.

Why was TeSlaa so attractive? Holmes and his team think that game tape, rather than merely raw data or metrics, provides the true narrative. The Lions front staff wore black sweatshirts with the letters H.W.S. — height, weight, speed — crossed out on them on Day 2 of the draft. The message was unambiguous: emphasize football skills rather than just physical attributes.

Nevertheless, it's important to remember that TeSlaa was among the draft's most athletic wide receivers. At the 2025 NFL Combine, he had the highest Athleticism Score of any receiver who competed, standing at 6' 4 and 214 pounds. But his Production Score only came in at number 48. The argument over his selection value was further stoked by this discrepancy between his potential and his performance.

Holmes made it clear that the Lions are not only riding on TeSlaa's past performance but also on what he may become with the correct coaching and fit.

A Calculated Gamble with Long-Term Upside

The Lions' roster and reputation have been restored under Holmes' direction. Holmes has gained the confidence of Detroit supporters by bringing in standout players like Alim McNeill and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the middle rounds and by altering the team's culture. However, not every swing is successful, and this audacious transaction will be examined for years to come.

That is the truth about decisions made on draft day. The price of two further third-round selections will appear insignificant if TeSlaa proves to be a consistent big-slot target and has a big impact. However, detractors may label this move a mistake if he is only used on special teams or if he doesn't make a smooth transition to the NFL.

Although Holmes is aware of the dangers, he has faith in the procedure and the team's internal assessments. Trusting their board and instincts is part of the winning recipe for a front staff that has made Detroit a serious postseason contender.

Holmes stated, "We consider every move from the perspective of our own board, not what other people may think." "A player's fit with our squad, culture, and objectives is what counts. TeSlaa fulfilled those requirements for us.

In the end, the decision regarding this choice won't be made right away. It will take time to thoroughly evaluate its impact, as is the case with many draft decisions. However, in Brad Holmes' opinion, Detroit added a player he was most enthusiastic about in the entire class in addition to a promising receiver.

Furthermore, in the NFL today, belief can occasionally be just as potent as statistics.

April 23rd, 2025

The 2025 NFL Draft is just around the corner, taking place from April 24 to April 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, at the legendary Lambeau Field. The first round kicks off on Thursday, April 24. NFL fans are eagerly anticipating the next wave of talent that could shape the future of their favorite teams. As fans gear up for the big event, sports enthusiasts are not only following their teams’ picks but also diving into the excitement of sports betting. Many fans are already buzzing with predictions, while others are getting excited and involved with NFL-themed games using platforms like Legalcasino to find the best sites to play.

Top prospects to watch

This year’s draft class is packed with standout talent. Some of the top prospects to watch include:

• Travis Hunter (CB/WR, Colorado): Hunter’s dual-threat ability makes him one of the most exciting players in the draft, and many experts have him pegged as a top pick.
• Abdul Carter (EDGE, Penn State): A dynamic edge rusher, Carter is drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons and is expected to have an immediate impact at the next level.
• Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State): Known for his agility, Jeanty is among the top running back prospects and has a chance to make a big splash early in his career.
• Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Arizona): A rising star, McMillan’s route-running skills make him one of the most exciting wide receivers to enter the NFL.
• Shedeur Sanders (QB, Colorado): The son of Deion Sanders, Shedeur is already garnering attention as a potential first-round pick with his impressive poise and accuracy.

Draft experience in Green Bay

Fans attending the draft in Green Bay will enjoy a host of events throughout the city. The festivities will span the Titletown District and the Resch Complex, offering everything from live entertainment to exclusive fan experiences. The NFL Draft Theater, located near Lambeau Field, will serve as the focal point for the event, providing fans with a front-row seat to the selection process. Green Bay has truly transformed into a must-visit destination for football fans.

How to watch

For those who can’t attend, the draft will be broadcast live on ESPN and NFL Network, with the NFL OnePass app also providing exclusive coverage and updates. The draft promises to deliver moments of excitement and surprises for every football fan.

What’s at stake

For teams, the draft is a crucial opportunity to build for the future. With high-caliber talent like Carter and Sanders on the board, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the season unfolds, teams that make strong draft choices could see themselves competing for a Super Bowl title in the near future.

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April 14th, 2025

By Stephen Juza

As we continue our blog series that looks at coaching wins leaders to start their career, we pick up where we left off yesterday. After Paul Brown’s historic run with the Browns came to an end and a sluggish start to his career several years later with the Cincinnati Bengals, Brown was surpassed in wins by Don Shula. After a strong start to his career in Baltimore, Shula continued his career in Miami and surpassed Brown’s win total 220 games into his career.

Shula is the total career wins leader for coaches, and after a strong decade, nabbed the top spot from his former head coach, Brown. So, in today’s article, let us look at Shula’s NFL start through his 268 wins - when he was briefly caught as the wins leader to start a career.

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Shula’s NFL Beginning

Before Shula was an NFL coach, he was a player. After he graduated from college, the Cleveland Browns, coached by Paul Brown, drafted Shula in the ninth round, who would make the team as one of only two rookies for the team that year. Shula played in all twelve games his rookie year, including one start, en route to an NFL championship game appearance.

However, his next season did not start as planned. The following year, he was called up to active military duty as a member of the Ohio Army National Guard and served briefly in Ohio and Louisiana until he returned to Cleveland in November. With five games left in the season, he returned to the team as a full-time starter for the injury-riddled team, with the season ending in another championship game loss.

In 1953, he was traded to the newest franchise in the NFL, the Baltimore Colts where he played until the 1956 season. After two back-to-back championship appearances with the Browns, Shula’s remaining career was far less successful. In his four seasons in Baltimore, the team was never able to achieve a winning record. Shula finished his NFL career with one more season in Washington, another losing record, before finally retiring from the NFL.

After his playing career ended, Shula entered the coaching ranks, first in college, before moving on to the NFL. After several years as an NFL assistant, he had his first opportunity to lead a team - his former team, the Baltimore Colts.

Baltimore Colts

In 1963, Shula began his hall of fame career in Baltimore, but he did not burst on to the season in his inaugural season like his former coach. His first year, the team went 8-6, good for third in the conference. However, his second season was far more successful, and a sign of what could come. 1964 saw the team finish with a record of 12-2, winning the NFL West division, but falling short of a championship with a loss against his former team, the Browns.

Throughout the sixties, he continued to build the Colts into a championship-contending squad. By the 1969 season, his final in Baltimore, the team had finished first in the NFL four times, and second three other times. His best year in Baltimore was 1968, an impressive 13-1 season where the team won the NFL championship but fell to Joe Namath and the AFL Champion New York Jets.

After the 1969 season, Shula left the Colts after receiving a lucrative offer from the Miami Dolphins, a wide-ranging deal that included the role of general manager and an equity stake in the franchise. However, due to the process the Dolphins went through, they were penalized by the NFL for tampering with Shula, and the team lost their first-round draft pick the following season. However, it was a trade the team was happy to make.

Miami Dolphins

While he finished his Colts career with an impressive winning percentage over 75%, along with countless championship appearances, it was in Miami where Shula’s career went from great to legendary. Entering his first season in Miami, he had the fourth-most wins through ninety-eight games to start a career, thirteen behind Brown. It took Shula most of the decade to catch his former mentor, which he did with his 161st win. But it was a wildly successful decade to get there.

The Dolphins 1972 season was one for the record books. Shula’s third season in Florida saw the team complete a perfect 14-0 regular season, en route to Shula’s first Super Bowl victory in his career. In addition to winning every single game, the team led the league in points scored on offense, and fewest points allowed on defense. Overall, this team was ranked #1 on the NFL’s list of greatest teams for the league's 100th anniversary.

The team followed up a perfect season with another spectacular season, 12-2 with Shula’s second Super Bowl victory. While that would be the last Super Bowl victory of his career, consistent success was a mark of the years to follow. In 1978, Shula caught up to Brown on the Wins through X Games chart.

In this cart above, each column represents the “Ones” digit, while each row represents the “Tens” digit into a coach's career.

For more than 150 games, Shula held the record despite the dropping win percentage. During the 11-year run at the top, his win percentage was more than ten percentage points below his career average (74% compared to 63.5%). However, it took a historic run from another coach and dynasty to surpass Shula, however briefly.

We will profile this coach in Part 4 of our series.

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April 13th, 2025

By Stephen Juza

In yesterday’s article, we began looking at the coaching career wins leaders to begin a career. No one started hotter out of the gate than Jim Caldwell of the Indianapolis Colts, but his time in the limelight was short-lived. After a brief, dominating run through two seasons, the bottom fell out from the Colts when a neck injury sidelined quarterback Peyton Manning, leading to his firing at the end of the season.

George Seifert was the next coach to take the crown, guiding the 49ers dynasty to new heights and leading the transition from one hall of famer quarterback, Joe Montana, to another hall of fame quarterback, Steve Young. Seifert’s run was similarly short-lived as Caldwell’s, who was soon surpassed by Paul Brown of the eponymous Cleveland Browns. This is where we begin today’s blog, mid-Brown’s dynasty at 101 games into Brown’s NFL career.

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In this cart above, each column represents the “Ones” digit, while each row represents the “Tens” digit into a coach's career.

Game 101-238 - Paul Brown’s Domination

In yesterday’s article, we talked about Brown taking over the career leaders spot at 33 games into his career, amidst a remarkable run in the AAFC that led to four straight championships. His success lasted much longer than just the AAFC, with him holding the undisputed top spot from games thirty-three until 218.

So, what made him so good? Today, we look at the countless inventions and strategies that Brown implemented throughout his career, and how it shaped the modern NFL that we know and love today.

• Inventions

Brown is credited with many inventions, both on and off the field. One merely cosmetic invention that he helped implement is the modern facemask. In the earlier days of the NFL, helmets had no facemask to protect players.

While players started wearing some form of a facemask as in the 1930s, Brown would help develop and patent the material that led to the initial single-bar facemask that debuted in 1954. From there, further development has shaped the helmet into what we know and recognize today. This modern football helmet also has a radio-receiver in it to help facilitate communication between the quarterback and the coaching staff. Guess who was one of the first coaches to trial this technology. Paul Brown.

During the 1956 season, Brown worked with a local electronics salesman to help fashion a device to radio in plays to his offense. While there were issues and controversy with his initial implementation of the receiver, NFL commissioner Bert Bell eventually banned the technology.

• Strategies

Brown also took an academic approach to his coaching as well. This included the fact that he was one of the first coaches to study game films, of both his team and of the opponents. He was not just collecting tendencies through film; he was also the first coach to place an assistant coach in the press box during the game to collect information to then relay this back to the entire coaching staff.

Oh, and regarding the coaching staff? Brown was the first head coach to hire a full-time coaching staff when he was hired to lead the Cleveland Browns. It’s no wonder that the Browns left everyone in the dust during the four-year run of the AAFC.

While we may not be able to visualize what the NFL looked like before Brown, it also extends to what types of plays may have been called. One such play that seems almost rudimentary to imagine a game without is the draw play - faking a pass play and then handing it off to a running back.

The End of Paul Brown's Reign

All good things must end though, and Brown’s run in Cleveland ended in 1962. Brown re-emerged in Cincinnati a few years later, but the magic was gone. He lost his status as the record-holder to Don Shula during his first season in Cincinnati, a 3-11 campaign that was his worst NFL season to date. At 160 games into a coaching career, Brown had company at the top, with Shula passing him at Game 161.

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