Quarterbacks could now throw football from any point behind line of scrimmage. Previous rule: QBs had to pass 5 yards behind line of scrimmage. 1938: To protect QBs such as Sammy Baugh (Washington) and Arnie Herber (Green Bay), referees penalized the defense 15 yards for deliberately roughing the passer after the ball had left his hand. 1946: Cleveland Rams were not allowed to make LA their new home unless they allowed former UCLA RB Kenny Washington, an African-American, to play. Washington played 3 years in the NFL. Significance? Since the early 1930s, blacks were shutout from playing. 1950: Thanks to the AAFC/NFL merger, unlimited substitution was finally allowed. Result: each team now had separate squads – one for offense, the other for defense. This led to the reduction of 2-way players (those who played both offense and defense). Rule in 1941: if a player was removed anytime before the 4th quarter, he would have to wait until the 4th quarter to return. If he was replaced during the 4th quarter, he could return once to play.
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