Imagine this: it’s 2025, and fans are getting ready for another exciting NFL season. Fantasy leagues are in full swing, stadiums are packed, and football is everywhere on TV. But did you know that over 100 years ago, American football almost disappeared forever? It took a U.S. President—Theodore Roosevelt—to help save the sport we love today!
The dangerous early days of football
Back in the early 1900s, football was a very different—and much more dangerous—game. Players didn’t wear helmets or proper padding. Teams used brutal tactics like the “flying wedge,” where players locked arms and charged into opponents at full speed.
The results were shocking. In 1905 alone, at least 18 players died during games (althoug some reports even mention a higher number), and many more suffered serious injuries like broken bones and concussions. Newspapers began calling football violent and deadly. Some colleges, including Columbia and Northwestern, even banned the sport. Harvard was thinking about doing the same.
It looked like football was heading for its final whistle….
A tough president steps in
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was known for being tough. He once gave a speech after being shot and even boxed while in office! Roosevelt was a big fan of football, but he also saw that the sport was becoming too dangerous—especially since his own son was playing football.
In October 1905, Roosevelt invited leaders from the top football programs—Harvard, Yale, and Princeton—to the White House. He gave them a clear message: change the game, or risk losing it forever.
Football’s big makeover
Roosevelt didn’t have the power to change the rules himself. But his strong words made a big impact. In 1906, college football leaders created new rules that completely changed the game:
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The forward pass became legal, which opened up the field and made football more strategic.
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The flying wedge was banned.
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A neutral zone was created between teams at the line of scrimmage.
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Teams had to gain 10 yards instead of 5 for a first down.
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New penalties for dangerous play were added.
These changes helped make football safer and more exciting. The sport began to grow in popularity—and the rest is history.
Roosevelt pushing smart football reforms
Roosevelt didn’t try to cancel football. Instead, he pushed for smart reforms that kept the spirit of the game alive while protecting players. His leadership showed how change can make something better, not worse. Without his help, football might not be part of American life at all.
Theodore Roosevelt never played football, but his impact on the game was huge. Thanks to him, football didn’t just survive—it evolved into the fast, thrilling sport we enjoy today.
