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Bronko Is Champion of Multiple Sports

Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the June 24, 1939 edition of the...

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FOOTBALL NAME | Nagurski Bronko

"Bronko Is Champion of Multiple Sports"

Last updated 📅 2025-06-22

Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the June 24, 1939 edition of the Santa Rosa Republican in Santa Rosa, California when they printed the headline of:

Bronko Nagurski former Grid Star wins from Thesz.

The article below recounts the June 23, 1939, bout in which future Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Bronko Nagurski defeated Lou Thesz in Houston, Texas, to become the National Wrestling Association's World Heavyweight Champion. The piece recounts how Nagurski scored the first fall via an airplane spin and subsequent drop kick in the wrestling ring, a move he had learned from his football training. Later, Bronko is reported to have used a reverse slam and a series of "flying mares" to overcome Thesz and pin him, thereby taking the title.

Nagurski was later coerced during World War II to come out of retirement and rejoin the Chicago Bears when there were player shortages on the pro gridiron. He even helped lead the Bears to an NFL title in a triumphant return. Bronko Nagurski is not only in the College and Pro Football Hall of Fames but is in the Wrestling Hall of Fame as well.

  • HASHTAGS: #June23 #NagurskiBronko
  • EVENTDAY: June 23
  • FOOTBALL NAME: Nagurski Bronko
football name

"Nagurski, Bronko"

Get ready to grapple with a legend as we journey back to the rugged origins of professional football and explore the legendary accomplishments of Bronko Nagurski, a player whose raw power and unparalleled versatility redefined the game. This series will delve into the remarkable career of a true iron man, whose impact was felt on both sides of the ball.
From his mythical collegiate days as an All-American at two positions simultaneously to his bruising tenure with the Chicago Bears, where he led them to multiple NFL Championships, Nagurski symbolized an era of smash-mouth football. Discover the stories, the sheer dominance, and the enduring legacy of a player so formidable that a prestigious college defensive player award now bears his name. Find more photos and a Big thanks to the image above courtesy of NFL Past Players - Bronko Nagurski Get ready to grapple with a legend as we journey back to the rugged origins of professional football and explore the legendary accomplishments of Bronko Nagurski, a player whose raw power and unparalleled versatility redefined the game. This series will delve into the remarkable career of a true iron man, whose impact was felt on both sides of the ball...