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Game Day Guru: How President Teddy Roosevelt helped save football

One of the changes to make the game safer was the introduction of the forward pass to spread out the players on the field.

WASHINGTON — Football is a great sport, and we at WUSA9 want you to know all you can about the game during the 2021 season.

Did you know Teddy Roosevelt helped save football?

According to a 1905 article in The Washington Post and History.com. President Roosevelt summoned coaches and athletic advisers to the White House to discuss how to make the game safer.

According to the Post, at least 45 football players died between 1900 and 1905. Most died from internal injuries, broken necks, concussions, or broken backs.

One of the changes to make the game safer was the introduction of the forward pass to spread out the players on the field.

Whether it's covering the Washington Football Team, Maryland Terps games in College Park or your local high school, WUSA9 has you covered this football season.

Check out all our Game Day Guru facts on wusa9.com/gamedayguru

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