By Darin 
Introduction
Born on November 5, 1891, Earle “Greasy” Neale became one of football’s most dynamic and versatile figures. Did you know his famous nickname, “Greasy,” didn’t come from his elusiveness on the field as many writers assumed, but actually originated from a childhood name-calling spat with a friend? Neale carried that memorable moniker through one of the most remarkable careers in sports history, excelling as a player and revolutionizing the role of head coach, leading the Philadelphia Eagles to unparalleled greatness.
November 5, 1891 – Parkersburg, West Virginia – Earle “Greasy” Neale, a dynamic early pro gridiron end and a fantastic coach, became the pride and joy of his parents. A Sports Illustrated article from 1964 credits writers with assuming that Neale got his nickname, “Greasy”, from his elusiveness on the football field; it actually arose during his youth, from a name-calling joust with a friend. Neale was an early professional player, starring as an end on Jim Thorpe’s Canton Bulldogs before the First World War. He was also a successful college coach, leading his Washington and Jefferson College squad to the 1922 Rose Bowl. Neale was hired in 1941 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and he turned the mediocre team into a contender almost immediately. He studied film on the Chicago Bears, especially a 73-0 trouncing they had over the Washington Redskins. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio on Greasy, after studying the film endlessly, Neale became the first coach to imitate —and, some say, improve — the Bears’ T-formation. The Eagles won the NFL Championship in 1948 and again in 1949, and were the only team to win back-to-back titles by shutting out their opponents, blanking the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 and then the Los Angeles Rams 14-0. Head Coach Earle Greasy Neale was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
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Accolades and Accomplishments
- Pioneering Pro Player: Neale was an early professional star, playing as an end for Jim Thorpe’s Canton Bulldogs before World War I.
- Rose Bowl Coach: He coached his Washington and Jefferson College squad to an appearance in the 1922 Rose Bowl.
- T-Formation Innovator: After studying the Chicago Bears’ T-formation (particularly their 73-0 rout of the Redskins), Neale became the first coach to successfully imitate—and improve—the system for the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Back-to-Back NFL Champion: As head coach, he led the Philadelphia Eagles to consecutive NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949.
- Unique Championship Feat: The Eagles became the only team to win back-to-back NFL titles by shutting out their opponents (defeating the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 in 1948 and the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in 1949).
- Pro Football Hall of Famer: Earle “Greasy” Neale was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.