AFL records being ackowledged in NFL?

[BroncoBuff]

I noticed something very weird this past weekend when out of the blue, a Fox game telecast formally referred to an AFL record as if they were incorporated into NFL records: When the Seahawks-Packers were 14-14 in the first quarter, they ran a screen chyron and Simms and Nantz said it's the highest 1st quarter output in a playoff game since 1968 Raiders vs. Oilers. Networks and media NEVER discuss and quote AFL records in the context of NFL stats ... they just never do, except as novelty. But this was a formal chyron (words) neatly spelled out. What's up with that?

This might not sound like much - but in light of the AFL's 50th anniversary next season and the league's big plans to commemorate it - this might be a VERY big deal. 2009 will be a big "AFL-50" season-long celebration supposedly ... throwback uniforms and all type of nostalgia. I wonder if they're gonna start recognizing records?

[TexanBob]

AFL records were officially merged with NFL records when the two leagues merged in 1970. Many of George Blanda's records, for example, were completely or partially set in the AFL. It's always been that way. Of course, we're almost 40 years further down the road so there are less situations where AFL records come up in general discussion but they have been there ever since 1970.

[dbfan4life]

Who the hell uses the word "chyron"?

:poke:

Kidding with you, dude. Had to google it just to find out what it meant. Ha!

[BroncoBuff]

:thanku:

I'm not so sure all the AFL records have been incorporated ... I never see any references until this one, and I'm quite sure I saw a list of 100-catch seasons not long ago, and neither Lionel Taylor nor Lance Alworth were listed.

[TexanBob]

What various media recognize is up to them but the NFL officially recognizes all AFL statistics as their own and has since the beginning. Remember that the NFL absorbed the entire league, not just a few teams as they did with the AAFC in the 40s.

You will also see records listed with caveats such as "since 1970" or "since the AFL merger" so be sure to read the fine print. Keep in mind, too, that both leagues had 12-week seasons back in those days so many of their season records are no longer comparable to today's seasons.

[ColoradoDarin]

Whew, I thought for a minute there this was about the Arena League and was thinking that we might have to pay attention to the CFL as well.

[BroncoBuff]

You will also see records listed with caveats such as "since 1970" or "since the AFL merger" so be sure to read the fine print. Keep in mind, too, that both leagues had 12-week seasons back in those days so many of their season records are no longer comparable to today's seasons.
I think that's what had me sideways here ... 90% of the stats/records quoted are "post-merger," and beyond that, the shorter season means AFL records very rarely come up. Thanks. It was strange to see an AFL record quoted like that, though ....

And I did see fairly recently a list of 100-catch seasons before the 16-game schedule began. Both Lionel Taylor and Lance Alworth were missing from that list. Probably just the list-makers error or failure to include AFL.



FWIW ... for the run-up to the "AFL-50" Anniversary season just 18 months away, we now have a Uniforms, AFL and Old-School Nostalgia Thead (http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=64876) in the Off-Topics Room, including a look back at the season PREVIEW of the 1997 Denver Broncos :thumbs:
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