NFL officially incorporates AAFC stats, recognizing Browns' dominance

The NFL has officially incorporated statistics and records from the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) into its official books, a move that acknowledges the achievements of the Cleveland Browns, who won the AAFC championship every year from 1946 to 1949. This decision, approved by NFL owners at their annual meetings in Palm Beach, recognizes the historical significance of the AAFC, which was previously ignored due to the league's rivalry with the NFL. As a result, Browns coach Paul Brown's career wins have increased from 170 to 222, elevating him to seventh on the all-time coaching list. The Browns' perfect 1948 season, where they went 14-0 and won the championship, now places them alongside the 1972 Miami Dolphins as the only undefeated teams in NFL history. The inclusion of AAFC stats is seen as a significant victory for former players and coaches of the league, many of whom are now part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This change mirrors the NFL's past incorporation of the American Football League's stats after its merger in 1970.