By Darin Unwrap History: The Day Football Was Changed Forever (December 23rd)
From permanent coast-to-coast radio in 1928 to the birth of three Hall of Famers, December 23rd marks key moments in American sports and media. On this date in 1951, the NFL held its first nationally televised title game, with the DuMont Network paying $95,000 to broadcast the Rams vs. Browns. On December 23rd, 1972, the Immaculate Reception took place—a debated, miraculous play that changed the long-suffering Pittsburgh Steelers forever and launched a dynasty. We celebrate groundbreaking media firsts, championship moments, and legends like Paul “The Golden Boy” Hornung and Jack Ham, all tied to this date.
December 23 Football History Timeline
- December 23, 1928 – Per the On This Day.com website, NBC Radio established a permanent coast-to-coast broadcast network.
- December 23, 1951 – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The NFL Championship featured the Rams hosting the Browns in the first coast-to-coast televised title game, per the American Football Database. The DuMont Network paid $95,000 for broadcast rights. Earl Gillespie and Harry Wismer called the game. Legendary quarterbacks Otto Graham and Norm Van Brocklin led their teams. Pivotal moments included Graham’s third-quarter fumble, leading to an LA score. After the Browns tied it, they drove 70 yards for a Ken Carpenter touchdown, but the Rams answered. Tom Fears caught a Van Brocklin pass and ran 73 yards for the game-winning touchdown. The Rams beat the Browns 24-17.
- December 23, 1972 – Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh – The “Immaculate Reception” remains football’s most talked-about and replayed play. It changed the Pittsburgh franchise, which had never won a postseason game and had played just one playoff game in 38 years. The 1972 AFC Divisional Playoff featured the favored Raiders, expected to face undefeated Miami. BehindtheSteelCurtain.com notes that Pittsburgh dominated on defense, holding the Raiders’ powerful offense scoreless for almost 59 minutes. Roy Gerela’s field goals had Pittsburgh up 6-0 late. With 1:13 left, Ken “Snake” Stabler scrambled 30 yards for a touchdown, putting Oakland up 7-6. With 22 seconds left, Pittsburgh, on their own 40 and facing fourth-and-10, saw Terry Bradshaw dance away from pressure and throw over the middle to Frenchy Fuqua near the Oakland 33. Jack Tatum covered Fuqua tightly. The ball deflected and lofted back. Franco Harris, sprinting downfield, grabbed the deflection near his ankles at the Raiders’ 42 and ran down the sideline for a shocking touchdown. The stadium erupted.Raiders Coach John Madden argued the legality, claiming Tatum never touched the ball, meaning Harris could not catch it after Fuqua, per NFL rules at the time. Officials also debated whether the ball hit the ground. Referee Fred Swearingen delayed the extra point to call NFL Supervisor Art McNally. Some say instant replay was used unofficially; McNally denied it and said he urged Swearingen to rule. Many believe replay was born that day. Swearingen signaled touchdown, Gerela kicked, and the Steelers won 13-7. Later, announcer Myron Cope, after a fan’s call, popularized the term “Immaculate Reception.”(source)
- December 23, 1972 – #15 Arizona State outlasted Missouri, 49-35, in the second Fiesta Bowl. According to FiestaBowl.com, the Sun Devils set a college football bowl record with 718 yards of total offense. Arizona State dominated on the ground as Woody Green rushed for 202 yards and four touchdowns, mostly outside the tackles, while Brent McClanahan gained 171 yards between the tackles.
- December 23, 1972 – Dallas QB Roger Staubach leads his team back in the second half of an NFC playoff game to defeat the San Francisco 49ers earning the moniker of Captain Comeback
December 23 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Frank Hinkey
- Jack Ham
Conclusion
From the technical achievement of NBC’s permanent coast-to-coast network in 1928 to the chaotic, unforgettable brilliance of the Immaculate Reception in 1972, December 23rd truly defines historic impact. As one of the day’s celebrated birthday boys, Paul Hornung, once put it: “This game is more mental than physical…It’s the guys who are right mentally who come out on top.” Whether it was the clutch plays by Hornung, the undrafted success of Willie Wood, or Franco Harris’s impossible catch, these stories of mental fortitude and execution define this pivotal date. For more incredible tales like these, tune into the partner podcasts of the Sports History Network, including When Football Was Football with Joe Ziemba, The Pigskin Past with Joe Zagorski, and The Football History Dude with Arnie Chapman, all available in one place at TheSportsHistoryNetwork.com.
