The Boston Yanks were established in1944 and brought pro football back to the city for the first time since the city's previous team left for Washington, D.C. in 1937. In 1945, the team temporarily merged with the (formerly the ) for one season. In 1949, the team became the New York Bulldogs, before becoming the New York Yanks in 1950. Following the 1951 season, owner Ted Collins sold the franchise back to the league, who in turn sold the assets to a group that formed the in 1952.