NFL To Celebrate Its ‘Original Towns’ As Part Of NFL100 Celebration

Members of communities with inaugural season teams to announce picks for the 2019 NFL Draft from live hometown events

NFL to honor legacy of first-ever NFL game by donating turf to Dayton, Ohio

Nearly 100 years after the National Football League was born in Canton, Ohio, the NFL is celebrating the 13 communities that were home to the 14 teams of its inaugural season.

Eight “Original Towns” outside of the 32 current NFL markets will host live telecasts in their hometowns to announce picks on Day 3 of the Draft: Akron, Ohio; Canton, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Dayton, Ohio; Hammond, Indiana; Muncie, Indiana; Rochester, New York; and Rock Island, Illinois. The hometown celebrations in these markets will showcase the town’s history alongside fans, NFL legends, celebrities, and elected officials. For the fifth consecutive year, picks will be made live by all 32 Clubs in their local markets at special locations of their choosing on Day 3. Clubs will make their picks across the country and around the world from a variety of locations, some of which include military bases, state landmarks, and major attractions.

“There’s no better way to bring the League’s hundred years of history full circle than to partner with these communities and recognize their important place in history as part of the NFL’s centennial celebration,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

To honor the lasting legacy of football and pave the way for future generations of football players, the NFL Foundation, in partnership with FieldTurf & Vasco – who will lead construction and installation – will fund the installment of a new artificial turf field in the city of Dayton, Ohio. The field will commemorate the first-ever NFL game played at Triangle Park on October 3, 1920, between the Dayton Triangles and the Columbus Panhandles. Additionally, the Foundation will make a donation to each of the 13 “Original Towns” to support local youth football programs, advocate for player safety, and promote football’s values.

“This is a really special moment for our city,” said Nan Whaley, Mayor of Dayton, Ohio. “We’re excited that the NFL is recognizing the places that were there in the very beginning and that they are celebrating Dayton’s special history in paving the way for the league with a donation that will leave a lasting impact in the community.”

In celebration of NFL100, the League is proud to honor the following 13 “Original Towns”:

• Akron, Ohio (Akron Pros)
• Buffalo, New York (Buffalo All-Americans)
• Canton, Ohio (Canton Bulldogs)
• Chicago, Illinois (Racine Cardinals, Chicago Tigers)
• Cleveland, Ohio (Cleveland Tigers)
• Columbus, Ohio (Columbus Panhandles)
• Dayton, Ohio (Dayton Triangles)
• Decatur, Illinois (Decatur Stanleys)
• Detroit, Michigan (Detroit Heralds)
• Hammond, Indiana (Hammond Pros)
• Muncie, Indiana (Muncie Flyers)
• Rochester, New York (Rochester Jeffersons)
• Rock Island, Illinois (Rock Island Independents

Visit NFL.com/100 for more on how the NFL is celebrating its 100th season.

For media inquiries, contact Jon Schwartz, Jon.Schwartz@nfl.com.