March 25

In this episode of the Football History, we discuss Jerry Izenberg's football journalism with author Ed Odeven as well as many more HOF Legendary stories.

The picture in the banner above is from the US Library of Congress' collection and was contributed by New York Post circa 1921 and is titled " Newspapers ."

Author and sports media journalist  Ed Odeven joins us in this episode to talk about legendary sports writer Jerry Izenberg and in particular talk about his exciting book on the journalistic icon called  Book Going 15 Rounds with Jerry Izenberg , Ed Odeven welcome to the Pigpen!

Book announcement: ‘Going 15 Rounds With Jerry Izenberg’ – Ed Odeven Reporting

Going 15 Rounds With Jerry Izenberg: Odeven, Ed: 9781393156055: Amazon.com: Books

I love the opening challenge in the book that says " Pick a place, any place, and Izenberg has probably stepped foot into the joint and observed mankind’s
competitive fire within the boundaries of the building, or watched up close in American stadiums from
coast to coast and during overseas reporting excursions." It really set the tome for the book foreshadowing the accomplishments of Mr. Izenberg.

Some football rlated content we tak about in the podcast is  that ofChapter 13 on Izenberg's relationship with Eddie Robinson the legendary coach at Grambling.

Robinson created and maintained an important pipeline from Grambling to professional football. He proved the critics wrong and, in time, opened America’s eyes to the talent, athleticism and intelligence of African-American football players. More than 200 of his players were later employed as NFL, AFL and CFL players. He coached future Super Bowl XXII-winning (and MVP) quarterback Doug Williams and Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown, as well as wide receiver Charlie Joiner and defensive tackle Buck Buchanan before they launched their distinguished pro careers en route to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Part two of "Going 15 Rounds With Jerry Izenberg" includes three chapters with football connected heavily to the overall theme.
 
The interview with Joe Browne, longtime former NFL PR chief, delves into his insights on Jerry dating to just before the Ice Bowl in1967 and Jerry's relationship with Pete Rozelle.
 
The chapter on Jerry Green highlights their friendship and their long careers and the Super Bowl streak.
 
The Bob and Rick Wolff chapter discusses the book that Jerry wrote about a week in the life of the 1989 New York Giants," No Medals For Trying." Book editor Rick Wolff praised the book project for its subject matter and detailed look at what goes into a team's preparations for a game.

Here are a few football-related articles Ed Odeven has written over the years to give additional background. 
 
Articles on two ASU Sun Devils

Column flashback: A look back at the early days of Pat Tillman’s rookie season in the NFL – Ed Odeven Reporting
 

From the archives: Joe Cajic’s battle with leukemia – Ed Odeven Reporting

A fun compilation piece

Gridiron column flashback: Who are the best football players of all time? – Ed Odeven Reporting

On a high school ref without hands

Gridiron flashback: Steve DePriest hasn’t let lack of hands stop his officiating – Ed Odeven Reporting

On a college football cheerleader who served in the Army National Guard in Iraq.

‘We did not have any casualties in our company and completed more than 1 million miles.’ – Ed Odeven Reporting