TanksAndSpartans wrote:Agree with what others have said so far.
Based on my own interests, I'm curious about the "Iron Man" era (or whatever you want to call it). It may have ended with the season free substitution was allowed. The other possible end point would be when the majority of teams had switched from single-wing type formations to the modern T. So somewhere in the '40s, but not sure which year would be best - would be interested in hearing others opinions.
Free substitution started for good in 1950, so there would be a dividing line there. I think 1933 is also a dividing line, as you had the league form into divisions and mandate a league championship game. I don't think 1960 is that important other than for the start of the AFL, which is important in itself, so I guess we can add it. 1970 is definitely a dividing line as far as the realignment as the AFL and NFL merge into a single league; a much more important dividing line of eras than 1966 for the Super Bowl in my opinion. 1993 is very, very important due to Free Agency starting in pro football. I also think 2002 is another important dividing line due to the last expansion (ever?) the realignment and a number of subtle changes to the game we now take for granted (last year Super Bowl was held in January, season starting on Thursday night, to name a few).
I would name the eras as such:
1920-32 The Small Town Era
1933-49 The Depression and War Era
1950-59 The Romantic Era
1960-69 The War Between the Leagues Era
1970-77 The Defensive Era
1978-92 The Passing Era
1993-2001 The Free Agency Era
2002-18 The Twitter Era
"Every time you lose, you die a little bit. You die inside. Not all your organs, maybe just your liver." - George Allen