If I'm not mistaken the initial game against an NFL team was the preseason game against the Washington Redskins in 1946. I believe it was a night game-at least the one I went to (believe it or not). It became known as the Times Charity game after the Los Angeles Times. Bob Waterfield (UCLA) was the starting qb. Also-if I'm not mistaken-the ball was white with black circles around the two ends of the ball-apparently for better viewing at night.