On this day in 1966, the NFL & AFL formally announced plans to merge the two leagues.  After the New York Jets lured Joe Namath to the AFL with the largest contract at the time … MORE ►

Cookie Gilchrist is said to have been recruited by Jim Brown to sign with the Browns right out of high school.  After learning he wasn’t a lock to make the team, Gilchrist went to play … MORE ►

Forty-five years ago today on the banks of the mighty Ohio River, a band of orange and black, football playing tiger cats was born under the watchful eye of a fedora toting Organization Man. His … MORE ►

On this day in 1966 Al Davis became the commissioner of the AFL.  Here’s the story of how it all unfolded, as originally presented in 2009’s Full Color Football: The History of the American Football … MORE ►

On this day in 1963, the Titans of New York became the New York Jets.  Founded by Harry Wismer in 1960, the AFL Titans had hoped to compete with the NFL’s New York Giants for … MORE ►

Peyton Manning has received the blessing of the Broncos first ever quarterback Frank Tripucka to wear Tripucka’s retired number 18 Denver jersey.  Barring a “Throwback” event in Denver next season, however, one pleasure Manning may … MORE ►

On this day in 1971, the Boston Patriots of the AFL became the New England Patriots. Here is a look at the early years of the franchise as originally presented on the show Full Color … MORE ►

Films Encore continues to reflect on the life of Al Davis by looking back at how he changed the NFL, and built the Oakland Raiders into a west coast powerhouse with a proud tradition.

Take … MORE ►

The NFL lost a true visionary this weekend when Al Davis died.  All this week, Films Encore will spotlight the many accomplishments of the Raiders owner, who as Commissioner of the American Football League, took … MORE ►