 The first known professional player was William "Pudge" Heffelfinger, an All-American offensive guard from Yale.Heffelfinger was paid $500 (US dollars) to play for Allegheny against Pittsburgh on November 12, 1892.Heffelfinger, who was working as a railroad clerk in Chicago, and playing for Chicago Athletic Association Football team between arguments with its management, had earlier turned down an offer to play for the Pittsburgh Athletic Club for $250.