Phil-Pitt Steagles Football

The Phil-Pitt Steagles, a unique chapter in NFL history, weren't a permanent team but a temporary wartime merger in 1943. Facing a player shortage due to World War II, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles were forced to combine rosters. The official league record refers to them as the "Phil-Pitt Combine," but the unofficial and more enduring nickname, "Steagles," captured the public's imagination.

Despite the unusual circumstances, the Steagles, co-coached by Steelers' Walt Kiesling and Eagles' Greasy Neale, found success. Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bruce Smith of Minnesota (drafted by the Eagles), the Steagles finished the season with a winning record (5-4-1) and secured a third-place finish in the NFL's Eastern Division.

While the Steagles disbanded after just one season, their story serves as a reminder of American resilience during wartime. It's a testament to the power of competition and the ability of professional sports to bring communities together, even in the face of adversity. The Steagles' legacy lives on as a symbol of football's adaptability and the enduring spirit of competition.