August 14

In the aftermath of World War I, the 1920 Summer Olympics were held in Antwerp, symbolizing peace and regained international cooperation. For the first time, athletes gathered under the newly adopted Olympic flag, featuring five interlocking rings. An athlete’s oath was also introduced, emphasizing sportsmanship and fair play. The Games saw 29 nations compete in 154 events, despite the absence of countries on the losing side of the war. These innovations set enduring traditions for future Olympic ceremonies and fostered a sense of global unity.

On August 14, 1959, a group of entrepreneurs led by Lamar Hunt convened in Chicago to establish the American Football League as a competitor to the NFL. Eight charter teams were announced, including the Houston Oilers, Buffalo Bills, and Dallas Texans. The AFL introduced innovations such as naming players’ jerseys and the two-point conversion after touchdowns. Television partnerships with ABC helped the league reach a national audience and drive up popularity. The AFL's high-scoring games and dynamic style challenged the NFL’s dominance and energized football fans. In 1970, a merger with the NFL formalized the AFL's impact and paved the way for the modern era of American professional football.