On November 12, 1892, Pudge Heffelfinger made history in American football by accepting a $500 payment to play.

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This payment marked Heffelfinger as the first professional player in American football, breaking amateur tradition.

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He played for the Allegheny Athletic Association against the Pittsburgh Athletic Club in this historic game.

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This moment transformed the sport from amateur games to a foundation for the pro leagues we see today.

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