The American Football League existed in various forms and various times from 1926-1969. Sometimes the AFL would be a rival Pro Football league, and compete directly with the NFL. Such was the case in 1926, 1936-1937, 1940-1941, and 1960-1969. Other times it would be a Semi-Pro Football league, and would not compete directly with the NFL, but would be more of a farm system for the NFL Clubs. Such was the case in 1949. With the dissolution of the Pacific Coast Football League in 1948, the American Football League (formed as the American Association in 1936) became the sole remaining prewar minor league. Charter member Paterson had not missed a week of league play (except refusing to play the 1936 league championship game), and would not until the end of the league. For the first time since the end of World War II, there were no changes in membership prior to league play in 1949. After winning three games in their first four games, Wilkes-Barre was hit by a rash of injuries in their games with Richmond and Paterson. Bob Edgerson, Bullets president, informed the league that the injuries would force him to cancel an upcoming game with Wilmington. Two days later, league president Joe Rosentover revoked the franchise. Rosentover then asked the independent Erie Vets if they could finish the Bullets’ schedule, but the team had disbanded for the season. The last four scheduled Wilkes-Barre games were declared forfeits On the field, it was the Richmond Rebels leading the way with a sparkling 8-1-1 record. The top four teams would qualify for the playoffs. This would include Richmond, the Paterson Panthers, the Bethlehem Bulldogs, and the Wilmington Clippers. In the playoffs, Richmond would destroy Wilmington 66-0, while Paterson would take care of Bethlehem 16-7, setting up the match-up for the 1949 AFL Championship Game, which would be won by Richmond 35-14.