The roots of the Columbus Panhandles date back to the start of the 20th century as they were founded by workers at the Panhandle shops along the Pennsylvania Railroads in Central Ohio. In 1904 Joseph Carr a sports writer for the Ohio State Journal took over the team's ownership.

The Panhandles would shut down after two games in 1904, but returned in 1907. The new and improved Panhandles would be guided by the Nesser Brothers a group of seven brothers (Ted, John, Frank, Fred, Phil, Al and Ray ) who followed their father in the railroad industry working as boilermakers while playing football for Columbus for more than a decade.

Ted Nesser was considered the toughest playing center and nose tackle. John was the smallest Nesser brother who when he retired in 1921 was 46 the oldest player in NFL history before his record was broken by George Blanda.

Frank Nesser was perhaps the most talented Nesser, once was said to have made a 63 yard Field Goal as he was a passer and led the Panhandles in scoring most of his career that lasted 20 years. Fred Nesser was the tallest brother playing fullback and was also a legitimate heavyweight boxing contender.

Phil Nesser was said to be the smartest member of the family, later working as a teacher in Columbus. Al Nesser would be the final brother to retire in 1931 and was also the last player in the NFL to not wear a helmet.

Ray had the shortest career playing just a few games, before suffering an ankle injury. In addition John Schnedier was married to Mary Rose Nesser.

The Nesser had a reputation of playing dirty as none had any formal education, but fans in Columbus loved them and made the Panhandles one of the best drawing teams in the Ohio League.