as the Orange Tornadoes in 1929 (separate franchises but same players) Newark Tornadoes: The Newark franchise was forfeited to the league and ordered to be disposed of to the highest bidder after the 1930 season. With no takers, the league owned-and-operated Cleveland Indians of 1931 took the Tornadoes' place, which in turn was filled by the Boston Braves (now Washington Commanders franchise) in 1932. So, while it is possible that Newark or Cleveland franchise was sold to the Boston group in 1932, there is no documentation available. The Tornadoes themselves joined the minor-league American Association later in the 1930s and adopted the name Newark Bears. Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers corporate entities and players (but not franchises) swap cities after the 1940 NFL season after complex ownership deal. Boston Yanks franchise to New York City as the New York Bulldogs in 1949 (separate franchise but same owner and players) New York Yanks (formerly New York Bulldogs) folded after the 1951 NFL season; players transferred to new Dallas Texans franchise for the 1952 NFL season Dallas Texans: operated out of Hershey, Pennsylvania for the last five games of the 1952 NFL season, playing their last three games in Akron, Ohio. Franchise folded after season's end and players awarded to new Baltimore Colts franchise in 1953 Owners of the Baltimore Colts and Los Angeles Rams traded franchises in 1972. Cleveland Browns: to Baltimore as the Ravens in 1996. In 1995 Browns owner Art Modell announced plans to move the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore for the 1996 NFL season. The NFL, the city of Cleveland and Modell reached an agreement whereby the Browns franchise and history would remain in Cleveland to be resurrected by 1999. Modell was given a new franchise for Baltimore, made up of players from the 1995 Cleveland Browns. For more information on this particular move, see Cleveland Browns relocation controversy. Franchise mergers The Detroit Tigers roster merged with the Buffalo All-Americans in November 1921. The Brooklyn Lions and Brooklyn Horsemen of the 1926 AFL played in the NFL for the rest of the 1926 season: this franchise was given to the AFL's New York Yankees in 1927. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles merged to form the Phil-Pitt "Steagles" for the 1943 season due to the exodus of players during World War II. The team split their home games between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Cardinals