alternatehistory.com

In 1944, representatives from Buffalo, San Francisco (Tony Morabito), and Los Angeles wanted expansion teams for the NFL. However, on April 21st, the NFL owners decided to put off expansion until after the war.

In steps the AAFC. On June 4th of that year, Arch Ward, Chicago Tribune Sports Editor and organizer of college and baseball All-Star Games, gathered together millionaire owners from Buffalo (Jim Breuil), Los Angeles (Don Ameche), Baltimore (boxer Gene Tunney), Chicago (John Keeshin, a trucking executive), Cleveland (Arthur McBride, who was in the taxi cab business), and San Francisco (Tony Morabito, a lumber executive).

However, what if those three cities had been granted expansion teams to start after the war was over (which was 1946)? Here is how the alignment could have looked:

Eastern Conference: Boston Yanks, Buffalo Bisons, Cleveland Rams, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins

Western Conference: Chicago Bears, Chicago Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco 49ers.

This would have been huge. The biggest butterfly is the Browns and Paul Brown. What happens to him, and, what happens to the people he influences. That could have had major ramifications in the years ahead.

Also, when does the NFL expand again? And, do any of these teams fold or move? If so, which ones?
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