NFL Network To Premiere Full Color Football This Week

In what has to be considered a very good move, NFL Network will air all five parts of the Showtime/NFL Films documentary series “Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League.” This is a very good series and with NFL Films’ touches, it comes off very well. Great rare footage that gives the viewer a feel for the play and the personalities of the league. Plus, John Madden who was a coach on the Oakland Raiders will offer introductions to each segment.

NFL FILMS’ FULL COLOR FOOTBALL: THE HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE DEBUTS ON NFL NETWORK

NEW INTRODUCTIONS BY HALL OF FAMER JOHN MADDEN

Five-part documentary series premieres friday, Jan. 8 at 8:00 pm et

The highly acclaimed documentary series produced by the Emmy Award-winning NFL Films, Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League debuts on NFL Network, Friday, January 8 at 8:00 PM ET in high definition.  The five-part series features new introductions by Hall of Fame coach and broadcaster John Madden as he gives his personal insights into what made the AFL a special league.

Full Color Football follows the birth of the maverick American Football League from the beginning to the merger with the rival National Football League.  The series, which debuted on Showtime last year, profiles the personalities, teams, news events and more that the exciting new league brought to the fans.  The 2009 season marked the 50^th season of the eight original AFL teams who played their inaugural slate of games in 1960.

New for the episodes on NFL Network, John Madden provides his point of view on each episode of Full Color Football. As an AFL assistant and head coach, Madden’s eye for the times, faces, and moments of the 10-season history of the AFL is uncanny and telling. His introductions provide insights which compliment both his interviews within the shows, as well as the storytelling throughout the series.

The story of the AFL is told through rare interviews with some of the biggest names in the league including Joe Namath, Al Davis and many others in addition to highlights and previously unseen footage in every episode.

Episode One, “The New Frontier,” examines Lamar Hunt’s radical idea that was born on an airplane after the NFL refused his attempt to purchase a pro football franchise.  Follow the seemingly foolish dream into reality through the back stories of the AFL founders.  From the league’s humble beginnings of games played in mostly empty stadiums to the landmark 1962 AFL Championship – a double overtime thriller — Part One takes an in-depth look at the beginning of “The New Frontier.”

Full Color Football has been praised by the media:

“Like most NFL Films productions, it’s can’t miss TV.”– Randy Covitz, Kansas City Star

 “Full Color Football…was produced by NFL Films, so right away you know it’s a winner. If you are a fan of football, there’s no better way to spend 60 minutes.” – Rick Gosselin, Dallas Morning News

Additional episodes feature:

Full Color Football #2 (Thursday, Jan. 14 10:00 PM ET)

The new league faces challenges drawing attention and recognition but the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers gain national fame, plus how the Civil Rights movement changes pro sports.

Full Color Football #3 (Thursday, Jan. 21 10:00 PM ET)

The AFL and NFL had “signing wars” when it came to signing and drafting college players. A deal with NBC boosts the league and makes a media star of Joe Namath and the creation of the Super Bowl.

Full Color Football #4 (Thursday, Jan. 28  9:00 PM ET)

Joe Namath, the first major star of the AFL, leads the New York Jets to a stunning upset victory over the highly favored Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.

Full Color Football #5 (Thursday, Jan. 28 10:00 PM ET)

The AFL impact following the merger with the NFL is recognized as the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL beat the Vikings in Super Bowl IV.  The new “Monday Night Football” helps make football America’s most popular sport.

I saw the first two installments and the last twenty minutes of the fifth program. By all means, watch the documentary if you have NFL Network.