in 1882

Camp proposed that a team be required to advance the ball a minimum of five yards within three downs (a team had to surrender possession if they did not gain five yards after three downs (successful tackles),.
These down-and-distance rules, combined with the establishment of the line of scrimmage, transformed the game from a variation of rugby or soccer into the distinct sport of American football

http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/coltsnf...ynfl.htm#x1912


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