Many forms of football have been played throughout history. All of them involved handling a ball in scrimmage-like formations. Some were more closely related to rugby. However, football did not truly catch on in America until the early 20th century. It was seen as the subject of very intense competition and rivalry.
At the time, it was considered dishonorable to pay a player. Despite this, a Pittsburgh area club, known as the Allegheny Athletic Association, hired William Heffelfinger for $500 to play in a game against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. Heffelfinger became the first known professional football player on November 12, 1892. He ended up winning the game for Allegheny and the payment remained a secret for years. On September 3, 1895,
