The NFL Preseason has finally begun and with it will bring stories of success and failure. Undrafted free agents vie for a chance to accomplish a dream by making a professional team. Other players who were fortunate enough to be drafted will fall short, and be forced to move on.
Some lucky underdogs will cling to a roster through the practice or taxi squad. These players are able to be a part of team activities and practices but are unable to suit up come game-day. They are “tweeners”, meaning they are good enough to avoid being cut, but not yet developed enough to be on the sidelines.
This “Taxi Squad” concept has been around for a long time contrary to common belief. Its origin has been traced back to the Cleveland Browns during their years of dominance in the old AAFC (All American Football Conference).
Head coach Paul Brown was apt at finding talent, hence the Browns dynasty of the 1940’s. It was during a time when few African Americans were given the opportunity to compete professionally.
Brown brought in two eventual Hall of Famers. Bill Willis and Marion Motley were signed somewhat discreetly by Brown as to not put too much pressure and racial scrutiny on the two pioneers.
The good news for Brown was that his team was loaded with future Hall of Famers backed up by players who would be starters elsewhere. It was troublesome for Brown to have to cut so much talent as rosters were limited at the time to a mere 33 players.
To solve his problem, Brown enlisted the help of the Zone/Yellow Cab Co. of Cleveland Ohio. The Browns formed a relationship with the Cab Company that gave jobs to players who weren’t quite good enough to make the 33 man roster but too talented to be let go.
Thus was born the Taxi squad. The athletes were not on the Cleveland Browns payroll, but their local employment with the Cab Co. provided them with enough incentive to stick around. They would continue to practice with the Browns in hopes of making the roster the following year.
In return the Cab Company would receive promotion and advertising from what would soon become a true dynasty.
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