First Play by Play From Radio

1939
Live Action
NBC televises a pro football game for the first time, featuring the Philadelphia Eagles and the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field in Brooklyn. But few people own television sets in 1939. Many watch the telecast on monitors at the World's Fair in New York, where it has been promoted as a special event.

1956
Radio Play
Cleveland Browns coach Paul Brown tries out the first wireless communication between coach and quarterback. A citizens band radio receiver is placed inside the helmet of QB George Ratterman. Brown attempts to relay plays to him via a transmitter on the sidelines. The effort fails when Ratterman's receiver picks up a conversation between two women.

1963-1964
Play It Again
For the first time, CBS uses instant replay to let fans review the action during the Dec. 7 telecast of an Army-Navy game. In 1964, instant replay becomes a standard for NFL broadcasts.

1975
Listen Up
Referees start using wireless microphones during NFL games to clue coaches, players and fans in to the particulars of their penalty or play calls.