From record-setting interceptions to legendary quarterbacks dueling under the lights, September 24th has a unique place in football history. It’s the date that witnessed everything from the very first NFL night game in 1930 to Deion Sanders’ two-sport escapades and a massive player protest in 2017. Join us as we explore how this single day became etched in the gridiron’s memory, celebrating the Hall of Famers, college upsets, and unforgettable moments that shaped the game we know today.
September 24 Football History Headlines
September 24, 1930 – The very first NFL game played under portable electric lights occurred in Portsmouth, Ohio, as the Portsmouth Spartans faced the Brooklyn Dodgers in a night game. The first official NFL night game under the lights took place on November 6, 1929, in Kinsley Park Stadium in Providence, RI. Reflecting on the game in Ohio in 1930, though the Spartans defeated the Dodgers by the score of 12-0 at University Stadium, which is reported to still stand to this day and is now aptly called Spartan Municipal Stadium.
September 24, 1983 – Franklin College’s quarterback Pat Brennan is intercepted a record nine times by a stingy Saginaw Valley State defense. Saginaw Valley’s great day in the secondary led them to a 40-21 victory over the opponent. Interestingly enough, Pat Brennan, eleven days earlier, was selected as the NAIA National Player of the Week for throwing for 392 yards and six touchdowns against opponent Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the 56-28 Grizzlies win on September 10, 1983.
September 24, 1991 – Two-sport phenom Deion Sanders returned to the MLB’s Atlanta Braves, as he had been with the Atlanta Falcons through training camp and the start of the season since July 31 of that year. Sanders had a special clause in his NFL contract that allowed him to leave the Falcons to play in the Braves’ postseason. Since the Falcons had a bye week, Sanders contributed to their baseball team’s stretch run.
September 24, 2009 – The University of South Carolina upsets the 4th-ranked Ole Miss 16-10. The heavily favored Rebels entered the contest averaging 48 points per game, but the stingy Game-Cocks defense and head coach Steve Spurrier had something else in mind as they stymied Ole Miss for much of the afternoon.
September 24, 2017 – The NFL players responded, many in protest to President Donald Trump’s comments on them and their actions during the National Anthem before games. Teams and players responded by kneeling, locking arms, or staying in the locker room during the anthem.
