Yes, Racine, Wisconsin, did have an NFL team. The Horlick-Racine Legion was an early franchise in the National Football League (NFL) during its formative years.
The Horlick-Racine Legion: An Early NFL Franchise
The Horlick-Racine Legion was officially accepted into the fledgling National Football League in 1922. This team marked Racine's brief but significant presence in professional football history. Their existence highlights a period when many smaller cities hosted professional sports teams, a common occurrence in the early days of major sports leagues.
The team's operations were a joint effort, co-sponsored by prominent local businessman William Horlick, known for Horlick's Malted Milk, and the American Legion. Their home games were played at Horlick Athletic Field, a key venue in Racine's sports landscape.
One of their notable moments was their first official game on October 1, 1922, against the formidable Chicago Bears. This matchup underscores the Horlick-Racine Legion's direct participation in the foundational era of what would become the NFL.
Early Days of the National Football League
The league, initially known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA) and officially rebranded as the National Football League in 1922, was indeed "fledgling" during this time. It was characterized by a diverse mix of teams, some representing large metropolitan areas and others originating from smaller industrial towns like Racine. These early teams laid the groundwork for the modern NFL, establishing rivalries and building fan bases that would evolve over decades.
To learn more about the evolution of the league, you can explore the history of the NFL.
Key Facts About the Horlick-Racine Legion
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Horlick-Racine Legion |
| League Joined | National Football League (NFL) |
| Year of Entry | 1922 |
| Sponsors | William Horlick, American Legion |
| Home Field | Horlick Athletic Field |
| First Game Date | October 1, 1922 |
| First Opponent | Chicago Bears |
The presence of teams like the Horlick-Racine Legion showcases the regional nature and community involvement that defined professional football in its nascent stages, before it grew into the national phenomenon it is today.
