Today, we're taking you on a journey back in time to the hallowed ground of American football. Imagine a field where the echoes of legendary plays still linger in the air, where the grass has witnessed the birth of gridiron strategies, and where the very soul of the game seems to permeate the soil. Wesleyan's Andrus Field is the oldest football field in America. Join us as Tim Brown of FootballArchaeology.com visits to delve into the venue's rich history, uncovering the stories of the players, c...
Aug 20, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 1226
In the rich tapestry of American football, where strategy and athleticism intertwine, there are moments when innovation pushes the boundaries of the game. One such instance is the gadget play known as the "Helmet Toss," a daring maneuver that once captivated audiences with its audacious flair. Introduced in the early days of the college game, the play involved a player taking off their helmet. While it showcased the creativity and risk-taking spirit that drives the sport, the play's inherent dan...
Aug 13, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 1225
Get ready to step back in time to the golden age of football! In our next episode, we’re diving deep into the legendary 1938 New York Giants. This championship team was a force to be reckoned with, and we're going to uncover the stories, the players, and the games that made them legends. From the gritty trenches to the dazzling passing game, we'll break down what made this team so special. So buckle up, football fans, as we relive the magic of the 1938 season and explore the Giants' journey to g...
Aug 12, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 1224
In a time when football was a brutal, almost barbaric spectacle, a new era dawned. A place where the game would be redefined, where legends would be born. Harvard Stadium was constructed to last, and it changed the field venues and stadium designs that had been around prior. Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com joins us to share the history of the opening of Harvard Stadium and its impact on the game. If you love football talk on history and evolution, then wait until you check out Tim's ori...
Aug 06, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 1223
In the annals of New York Giants football, few names command as much respect and admiration as Ward Cuff. A titan of his era, Cuff was more than just a player; he was a legend. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary life and career of this gridiron great. From his humble beginnings to his iconic moments on the field, we'll uncover the story of a man who left an indelible mark on the game of football. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Posi...
Aug 05, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 1222
What if the biggest rivalry in college football wasn't Alabama vs. Ohio State? What if it was Yale vs. Georgia? Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology takes us back a century when these two programs were on par on the gridiron, and it was a Bulldog v. Bulldog matchup. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to check out and sub...
Jul 30, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 1221
Ed Danowski, a name often overlooked in the annals of football history, was pivotal in shaping the quarterback position. His tenure with the New York Giants during the 1930s was marked by exceptional skill and leadership that continues to inspire football enthusiasts. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to check out and su...
Jul 29, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 1220
Calling all football fanatics! This episode tackles a fascinating topic: the history behind the referee's signal indicating a football is ready for play. We're thrilled to have Gridiron historian and Author Tim Brown join us as he shares his insights and experiences in the field. Together, we'll delve into the evolution of the "ready for play" signal, exploring its origins and how it's become an integral part of the game. Tune in for a fun and informative episode that sheds light on the traditio...
Jul 23, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 1219
Tuffy Leemans - sure, the name might conjure up images of a giant lineman, but this New York Giants legend packed a punch in a smaller package. Today on the podcast, we're going behind the helmet of Tuffy Leemans, exploring his rise from Nebraska to the NFL and his lasting impact on Big Blue. Forget the stereotypes; fullback Tuffy Leemans was a force to be reckoned with. Join us as we delve into his incredible career on the podcast today. We'll crack open some cold ones and dissect his iconic pl...
Jul 22, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 1218
Welcome to another exciting Tuesday where we get to go back in time and talk about an aspect of football history that may not be mainstream but is definitely worth the listen and education that we're going to get with Timothy Brown of FootballArcheology.com. This week, Tim tells us about the evolution of the sideline rules and of eligible receivers on the offense. This information comes from his original post titled: Eligible Receivers and the Sideline Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and...
Jul 16, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 1217
"The Sneakers game" is what this National Football League Championship game has been fondly branded as. This was a rematch of the two teams that played in the 1933 League Championship contest, the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch Y...
Jul 15, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 1216
Which NFL division boasts the most Lombardi trophies? We reveal the champions of the Super Bowl stage and dive into the fierce rivalries that forged this dynasty. From legendary quarterbacks to unforgettable playoff battles, this video explores the rich history and dominance of the division that's consistently sent teams to the big game. Who are the reigning kings of the Super Bowl? Tune in to find out! Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Posit...
Jul 12, 2024•21 min•Season 4Ep. 1215
Former Lions legend and Steelers Coaching icon Dick LeBeau joins us for a one-on-one interview in the PigPen! This isn't just any conversation - Coach LeBeau dives deep into his incredible career, from his days as a shutdown cornerback to his legendary coaching tenure, including his two Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach is promoting his new book titled Legendary . Th e icon shares with us his National Championship while playing at Ohio State under Woody hayes, he NFL playi...
Jul 10, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 1214
Have you ever stopped to think about the iconic flip-down markers used to signal first downs in football? Today on the podcast, we delve into the fascinating history of this sideline staple with special guest historian Timothy Brown! Tim's original Tidbit that is the center of this discussion can be found at: Col. Roy C. Baker And The Flip-Style Down Marker Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeaology.com a renowned expert on the evolution of sports equipment, joins us to explore: The early days of dow...
Jul 09, 2024•24 min•Season 4Ep. 1213
Jump back in time with us and relive the exciting New York Giants' 1933 season! This year was a pivotal point for both the Giants and the NFL. We'll delve into: The key acquisitions that fueled the Giants' turnaround, including quarterback Harry Newman's record-breaking performance. The team's dominant run, including a record-setting blowout victory. The thrilling playoff matchup against the Chicago Bears and the heartbreaking finish. How this season played a crucial role in the NFL's rise to na...
Jul 08, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 1212
The 1st 25 years of the #nfl were filled with single-platoon football, where players played on both sides of the ball, seldom, if ever, leaving the game. Historian Chris Willis has written a book ranking the top 100 of the stars from this almost forgotten era of the pro gridiron and joins us to talk about "The NFL's 60-Minute Men." You can order a copy of Chris Willis' The NFL's 60 Minute Men book at the Publisher McFarland.com website or on Amazon. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and th...
Jul 03, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 1211
Ever wondered when paper cups became a staple on the sidelines of American football games? The answer, like most things in football history, is far more interesting than you might think. Today, we're joined by Timothy Brown, the Indiana Jones of pigskin history, to explore the forgotten tale of paper cups on the gridiron. We'll delve into their surprising origins and the impact they had on the game and maybe even uncover some quirky stories you won't believe. So, ditch the foam finger for a ment...
Jul 02, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 1210
Red Badgro's career, though short-lived, left an undeniable mark on the NFL. He was a dominant two-way player, a champion, and a pioneer in the league's early years. While his name may not resonate with contemporary fans, his story serves as a reminder of the incredible athletes who paved the way for the sport's modern era. His legacy lies in his versatility, leadership, and contributions to the historical tapestry of professional football. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports ...
Jul 01, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 1209
This Day In Sports History is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . HIGHLIGHTED SHOW: THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports History is a 365-day journey remembering those significant events that made a lasting impact. HOST: STEVE WHITE Steve White has spent most of his lif...
Jun 26, 2024•4 min
Ken Crippen, the founder and director of the Football Learning Academy, joins us to tell of a new project of preserving bios and stats of legendary players and how he helps the former players in doing so. Ken Crippen joins us to tell of a just launched a new class at the Football Learning Academy: Historical Scouting Reports. This class has: -Video interviews with players talking about how to play their positions during their eras -Historical scouting reports of players going back to the 1920s -...
Jun 26, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 1208
Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website ....
Jun 25, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 1207
One name synonymous with the early NFL's success is Ray Flaherty. Ray was a great player, innovator, and eventually a Championship Coach who left his mark on the game. We are proud to celebrate Mr Flaherty and his football legacy as part of our NY Giants 100th Anniversary season. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to chec...
Jun 24, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 1206
Historian Joe Ziemba joined the program a couple of years ago to share some stories of the greatness of Pro Football Hall of Fame Receiver Don Hutson, including a story of some early motivation by an opposing NFL coach. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel f...
Jun 20, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 1205
Who was Walter Steffen? And what did he contribute to football history? Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology joins us to answer these questions about this gridiron legend in this episode of football preservation at its finest. The discussion is based on one of Tim's Tidbit posts titled: Judging Walter Steffen's Coaching Career I appreciate Timothy Brown for sharing his time, knowledge, and the great story from yesteryear. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to...
Jun 18, 2024•20 min•Season 4Ep. 1204
Discover the untold story of Mel Hein, the legendary player from the New York Giants who revolutionized the game of football. From his exceptional skills on the field to his lasting impact on the sport, this video delves into the life and career of the player you never knew you needed to know about. Join us as we uncover the legacy of Mel Hein and his contributions to the New York Giants. This is Part 19 of our New York Football Giants celebration of their 100th season. We thank Larry Schmitt fo...
Jun 17, 2024•22 min•Season 4Ep. 1203
Discover the fascinating history of the carioca drill in football and its surprising origin as an exercise and conditioning drill for the gridiron. This video takes an in-depth look at how this unique drill has transitioned from a far-off place to the football practice field, showcasing its evolution and impact on the game. Join us as we unveil the secrets behind the carioca drill and its significance in the world of football. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and sho...
Jun 13, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 1202
Think shovel passes are just for checkdowns? Think again! This episode explodes common misconceptions about the shovel pass and reveals its potential as a weapon against a fierce defensive pass rush. You can find Tim's original Tidbit on this subject complete with images, at Slowing The Pass Rush With A Shovel Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-...
Jun 11, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 1201
Ken Strong's career was a spectacle of unparalleled versatility and dominance, spanning college and professional leagues. His record-breaking college days and championship performance with the New York Giants left an indelible mark on the game, earning him a place in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. His journey wasn't just about football; it was a testament to the power of human potential. We dedicate this episode, part 18 of our NYG-100 celebration, to the legend of Ken Strong. ...
Jun 10, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 1200
In the modern world of sports, controversy always seems to be brewing. Professional football has its share. Some arguments over 100 years old in the NFL are still debated today! Do you know what happened in the NFL's first considerable controversy? Stay tuned, and we will fill you in. Special Thanks to Ken Crippen and Greg Tranter for sharing their knowledge. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily footb...
Jun 07, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 1199
Welcome back to Gridiron Ghosts! Today, we're turning the pages of college football history and heading back to a pivotal moment - the final game coached by the legendary Amos Alonzo Stagg at the helm of the University of Chicago Maroons. Stagg, a pioneer of the game, a man who literally wrote the rulebook, was at the reins for an incredible 41 seasons. But what was that last game like? Buckle up, because we're about to dissect the atmosphere, the opponents, and the stakes for both Stagg and the...
Jun 04, 2024•19 min•Season 4Ep. 1198
