The NFL celebrates its 100th birthday tonight on national television and the 25,488 alumni who played in at least one game over the last century will receive a special present.
The state of Ohio will be in the spotlight when the Bengals travel to Cleveland to renew their rivalry with the Browns tonight (NFL Network, 8.20 PM ET kickoff).
There will be a special televised feature just before the second half kickoff when Pro Football Hall of Fame CEO David Baker and local officials dedicate Centennial Plaza in Canton. There are Player Pylons in the plaza which lists the names of all alumni—living and deceased—who played during the NFL’s first 100 seasons.
“To the more than 25,000 players who’ve ever played in the league,” says Commissioner Roger Goodell, “your talents and tenacity are forever etched in our memories.”
The 100th birthday also celebrates Ralph Hay and the other pioneers who met in Hays’ Hupmobile auto showroom on September 17, 1920 to form what would soon be called the National Football League.
“We at NFL Alumni congratulate all the players who helped build our great sport over the decades,” Alumni CEO Beasley Reece says. “We have been proud for more than half a century to represent you, advocate for you and offer you benefits and programs to help you and your family live healthier and more comfortable lives.”
We at NFL Alumni hope that you will have a chance in the near future to visit Centennial Plaza in Canton and see YOUR name listed alongside the other talented NFL individuals who contributed so much to the sport we love.
