​Pottsville Maroons: A Century of Football Legacy and Celebration

Photos by Steve Kee, Stadium Journey

The Pottsville Maroons, an iconic team in early NFL history, celebrated their 100th anniversary throughout 2025, marking a century since their disputed 1925 championship win. Based in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, the Maroons' legacy in professional football is notable not just for their achievements on the field but also for their connection to the local community.

Founded in 1920, the Pottsville Maroons quickly rose to prominence, famously clinching the 1925 NFL Championship. Their season was marked by an extraordinary record, as they dominated their opponents. However, their title was controversially stripped later that year due to a series of disputes stemming from the franchise's decision to play an unauthorized game against Notre Dame, making the episode central to one of the largest scandals in sports history.

This narrative of triumph and downfall is what makes the Maroons a compelling subject of discussion—a story celebrated not only by football fans but also by historians and authors. Notably, David Fleming's book, "Breaker Boys: The NFL’s Greatest Team and the Stolen Championship of 1925," highlights their legacy and the broader context of the era.

100th Anniversary Celebrations

In 2025, the Maroons centennial celebrations kicked off with a series of events focusing on honoring the team’s legacy and celebrating its historical significance within the NFL and American sports culture.

Key Events

The pinnacle event took place on August 16, 2025, at the Mountain Valley Golf Course, hosted by the Schuylkill County Historical Society and the Maroons Centennial Committee. This memorable evening included:

• Guest Speakers: Former NFL stars Marvin Washington, John Booty, and Mark Kelso shared their insights, reflecting on the influence and spirit of the Maroons. Washington, in particular, highlighted the team’s resilience.

• Community Engagement: Descendants of former Maroons players shared their stories, reinforcing the team's enduring impact on the community. Jim Ernst, grandson of former quarterback Jack Ernst, emphasized how much the community cherishes the Maroons legacy.

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Celebrations throughout the year consisted of notable events from the Pottsville Maroons 100th anniversary celebrations throughout 2025:

• Kickoff Gala: A grand opening event featuring local dignitaries, Maroons alumni, and fans celebrating the team’s legacy.

• Historical Exhibit: A year-long installation by the Schuylkill County Historical Society showcasing memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts related to the Maroons.

• Speakers' Series: Guest appearances by former NFL players such as Marvin Washington, John Booty, and Mark Kelso, sharing stories and insights.

• Community Engagement Programs: Events aimed at involving local schools and youth football teams to promote the sport and educate about the Maroons history.

• Anniversary Game: A special game featuring former players and local teams held at Pottsville's local high school stadium as a tribute to the Maroons’ impact on the community.

• Family Fun Day: An event filled with activities for families, including games, food stalls, and live music to bring the community together.

• Charity Auction: A fundraising event featuring signed memorabilia and experiences with former players, with proceeds directed towards historical preservation.

• Documentary Screening: A film showcasing the history of the Pottsville Maroons and their significant milestones, promoting awareness of their legacy.

• Awards Ceremony: Recognizing individuals and organizations that have contributed to the Maroons history and community involvement.

• Legacy Project Launch: Announcing initiatives aimed at promoting youth sports and preserving the history of local football.

These events aimed to intertwine the rich history of the Pottsville Maroons with community engagement, ensuring a memorable centennial celebration.

Photo by Steve Kee, Stadium Journey

Exhibits and Artifacts

Throughout the year, the Schuylkill County Historical Society showcased interactive exhibits that displayed historical memorabilia and artifacts related to the team. Visitors could delve into the team’s storied past, learning about the rugged landscape of early 20th-century football.

Commemorative Legacy

By inviting local schools and youth teams, the event encapsulated the spirit of football that thrives in Pottsville. A portion of the proceeds from anniversary events was dedicated to historical preservation and educational initiatives focused on the Maroons.

The Pottsville Maroons centennial year reaffirmed their role as both a pivotal chapter of NFL history and a cherished part of Pottsville's identity. With plans to continue celebrating their legacy, the community is dedicated to ensuring that the story of the Maroons—America's "lost champions"—is preserved for future generations.

As the dust settles on the 100th anniversary celebrations, the Pottsville Maroons continue to symbolize not just a team, but a community woven together by passion, history, and shared memories. Their journey from champions to an underdog tale echoes through the annals of sports history, reminding us of the unyielding spirit found in the face of adversity.