Special Exhibit – Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

NFL Teams Take Drastic Measures Due to Manpower Shortage

As World War II siphoned the ranks of the NFL, a severe manpower shortage emerged. In 1943, the shortage was so severe the league changed its rules to allow for free substitution. The player shortage forced the Cleveland Rams to suspend play for the 1943 season, while the Pittsburg Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles agreed to merge. In 1944, the Steelers merged with the Chicago Cardinals.

Program for the October 9, 1943 game between the Eagles-Steelers and the Giants in Philadelphia, PA.