February 20 marks Presidents Day, which is much more than a bank holiday where people can get a good deal on a mattress. The third Monday of February is a time in the United States to remember the chief executive officer of the federal government and all of the 46 individuals who have held that duly elected power.
The NFL has been around since 1920, which means the league has carried on through many presidencies. While the only significant change to the office in that span was the ratifying of the 22nd Amendment, which provided for term limits, the NFL has undergone changes in how champions are determined.
First, the playoffs extend well into the next calendar year, and have even gone past the inauguration date of Jan. 20 following a presidential election.
Second, from 1920-32, winning percentage determined the champion, while from 1933-69 an actual championship game was played. Since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, the Super Bowl has been the definitive contest to crown a new champion, although AFL champions will be recognized here.
For a president to score a league champion on his ledger, he has to have been holding office when the championed was crowned — which will make the champions after the 16-game season format all the more interesting.
Here is a list of each presidency and the NFL champions who reigned during those administrations.
