Prior to being one of the first, AFPA franchises the Buffalo All-Americans played in the Buffalo Semi-Pro Football League and New York Pro Football League. Playing as the All-Stars, Niagaras and Prospects, Buffalo was one of the best professional football teams, winning the City title in 1918 and the state championship in 1919.

Buffalo tried to claim a National Title, but few recognized any team outside the Ohio League as champion. It was this desire to have a top level professional league that opened the door for the formation of the American Professional Football Association, which would become the National Football League.