The Birthplace of Professional Football: Southwestern Pennsylvania

Celebrating the rich history of professional football, this book highlights the pivotal role of southwestern Pennsylvania, particularly Pittsburgh and Latrobe, as its birthplace. It recounts the story of Pudge Heffelfinger, the first paid player, and the establishment of the first all-professional club in 1897. The narrative also explores the contributions of other towns like Jeannette and Greensburg, including Latrobe's unsuccessful bid for the Professional Football Hall of Fame in the mid-20th century, showcasing the region's deep connection to the sport.