9781422283080

the 49ers, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Colts— became part of a 13‑team NFL. That reformed new league began appearing on national television for the first time in 1956, as TV took the country by storm. In 1958, the league’s national championship game changed the future of both the medium and the sport. On December 25, 1958, the Baltimore Colts and New York Giants played the NFL Championship Game at the Polo Grounds in New York City. The first 60 minutes were not an artistic success. The last eight-and-a-half minutes changed NFL history. A 17–17 tie after four quarters forced a new term into the language of pro football: sudden-death overtime. The Colts took the ball and went 80 yards in 13 plays to win 23–17. But the outcome that mattered was the marriage of television and the NFL: the dra- ma of Baltimore quarterback Johnny Unitas master- fully directing his team’s winning drive, finishing with Alan Ameche’s touchdown from one yard out. One game suddenly generated a new level of suspense and enjoyment…and ratings.

12