First Professional Football Player

Date: November 12, 1892 • Location: Washington, United States

William Heffelfinger was paid $500 by the Allegheny Athletic Association, becoming the first professional American football player.

William Walter "Pudge" Heffelfinger, also spelled Hafelfinger, was an American football player and coach. He is considered the greatest lineman of his time, and the first athlete to play American football professionally, having been paid to play in 1892 for the Allegheny Athletic Association.