Football History

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March 27, 1991 - The NCAA banned the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football program from postseason play in 1992. In an article he did for the Chicago Tribune, Ed Sherman tells the tale of the incident quite well.

A former University of Minnesota administrator, Luther Darville, started the practice way back in 1982 of handing out cash to football players. Others in the Minnesota program caught him red-handed in 1988 and stopped the practice with consequences. Therefore, the NCAA felt obligated to do its investigation. In its aftermath, it laid the hammer down on the program in 1991, not allowing the team to participate in a bowl game for the 1991 postseason.

Mr. Sherman brings up some great points about people who committed crimes, both in Darville's handing out the funds and the 1982-era players who accepted them, did not suffer much from the NCAA penalty. But the legacy players and coaches in the Golden Gophers program, almost a decade later, served the penance for what their predecessors did so long ago. D. Alan Williams, chairman of the NCAA's infraction committee in 1991, had a different opinion, according to the article. First, he said, the NCAA isn't penalizing individuals. "The penalties are to the institution. It's always unfortunate, but the committee has what it requires to do before it."

The matter comes down to the fact that there has to be a better punishment for violating institutions; perhaps a more efficient and timely investigation, rather than one three years in length, would be a good place to start.

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 2001—The NFL announced that, for the third straight year, it reached a record average paid attendance mark. It was the first time paid attendance went over 66,000 fans per game.

In similar news, the NFL announced the Washington Redskins set a league record for attendance in 8 games of 656,599, surpassing the Detroit Lions record of 634,204 set in 1980.

The NFL primarily measures attendance by counting the number of tickets distributed for a game. This includes both tickets sold and complimentary tickets given away. While this figure might not perfectly reflect the exact number of people physically present in the stadium due to no-shows, it serves as the official and consistent metric for reporting attendance. This method provides a standardized way to track fan interest and compare attendance figures across different teams and seasons.

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March 26, 2014 — The Chicago Bears completed a transaction to shore up their defensive line by signing a free agent who used to play with one of their NFC North rivals.

Defensive Jared Allen, formerly of the Minnesota Vikings, inked a guaranteed deal worth $15.5 million, which could escalate to over $32 million. Not bad for a 31-year-old.

Allen spent the entire 2014 and part of the 2015 seasons with the Chicago Bears before he finished the year and his brilliant career with the Carolina Panthers. The sack specialist registered 5.5 of his career 136 QB sacks as a member of the Bears.

The first legal forward pass in football was thrown by Bradbury Robinson on September 5, 1906, in a game between Saint Louis University and Carroll College. Robinson was a quarterback for Saint Louis, and he threw the pass to Jack Schneider, who was a wide receiver. The pass was completed for a touchdown, and it helped Saint Louis win the game 22-0.

The forward pass was not originally allowed in football. The rules of the game at the time only allowed players to advance the ball by running or kicking. However, in 1905, there were a number of serious injuries and deaths in college football games. In response, President Theodore Roosevelt called for reforms to the game, and one of the reforms was to allow the forward pass.

Robinson's forward pass was a major turning point in the history of football. It opened up new possibilities for offense, and it made the game more exciting and unpredictable. The forward pass is now an essential part of the game, and it is responsible for many of the most memorable plays in football history.

Robinson was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he played college football at Saint Louis University from 1904 to 1907. He was a two-time All-American, and he led the nation in passing in 1906. After college, Robinson played professional football for the Milwaukee Badgers and the Chicago Cardinals. He retired from football in 1915.

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They say art imitates life, and this may be true in many cases. But could we also say life is imitated by our sports?

Conditioning football players to play the rugged game is nothing new but there have been multiple approaches and theories to do so and a multitude of drills. Our passion for pigskin history meets better fitness as we are being inspired to better health through studying the history of football conditioning.

So what are some of the roots of conditioning for football? In 2023 I spoke to Dr. Randall Balmer auhtor of the book Passion Plays.

Dr Randall Balmer told me in a 2023 interview, "I focus on the four major team sports in North America, that would be baseball, football, hockey, and basketball. And all four of those sports really develop for the most part, roughly from the middle of the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. By that time, by the middle of the 20th century, those sports have more or less assumed their current form. But as these sports are developing in the 19th century, they develop against the background of the Industrial Revolution. And what's happening in America, North America, more generally, is that men in particular are beginning to work outside the home and outside the farm. They're no longer engaging in subsistence living. They're beginning to work in factories, textile mills, and so forth. And many of them also in sedentary office jobs. So there's a great deal of concern in the Anglo -American world, that is both in North America as well as back in Britain, that men are becoming too sedentary. That is, they're becoming, they're not getting outside enough. They're not engaging in athletics. They're becoming weak and even sisified. And a number of religious leaders are noticing that. And they, very cleverly, I think, try to combine religion, in this case Protestantism, with athleticism. And they come up with a movement that is known to historians as muscular Christianity. That is to say that we want to appeal to men, to be athletics, to be virile, and also to be in the churches. And one of the complaints is that the women have had charge of the church work long enough. And we need to find a way to lure men back to the faith and back to the churches. And part of the strategy for doing that was to combine religion with sports or with athletic endeavors. And probably the best example of that institutionally would be the YMCA, the Young Men's Christian Association, that provided both religion and YMCA's really were quite religious. They're not less so today, but in the beginning, that was at the core of the YMCA, to combine religion with recreation."

Wow the YMCA insturmental in bringing football along. Let's go back to last year when some thoughts that Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology had on the Y and early football.

Timothy Brown said on our Pigskin Dispatch program once that, "So, different kinds of organizations have influenced football's growth and one that is vastly underestimated, I think, by many is the YMCA. And so it came about in a couple of different ways. One is that, back in, you know, one of the arguments for playing football and justification for football was the Muscular Christianity Movement that came out of England. And so it's just kind of this, this belief in the mind and the body and the spirit and that, you know, football was a way to meld, you know, that all three of them came together in football and provided good training for young men who needed to be hardy"

The YMCA among other organizations are beating the drum towards young guys getting active in sports like football you say?

The Springfield Mass YMCA school mentioned was indeed a catalyst for football innovation. Famous Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg went there right after playing on the gridiron for Walter Camp at Yale. Stagg worked with another famous sports pioneer on a training device for football. Jennifer Taylor Hall in a 2021 interview about her book Amos Alonzo Stagg Football's Man in Motion shared some great information about the game of basketball being developed initially as a training method for football and baseball players during the winter offseason.

Dr. John Behee added that Fielding H. Yost of Michigan would train players in the off season along the shores of Lake Huron. Conditioning and nutrition were important elements to football in the early twentieth century.

-Disclaimer:

This information is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any existing health conditions. They can help you determine if this program is safe and appropriate for you and create a personalized plan to reach your fitness goals.

-The History of the Burpee

The burpee, a unique full-body exercise, is often referred to as an 'up-down'. It combines a squat thrust with an additional standing jump between repetitions. What's fascinating is that while it's primarily anaerobic when performed individually, it can transition into an aerobic exercise when strung together in rapid succession over longer durations.

Contrary to the quirky theory many of us might have had, the origin of the name 'burpee 'Is not related to bodily function. It's a fascinating story that's quite different from what we might expect.

The burpee exercise, developed by Royal Huddleston Burpee Sr., a US physiologist, has its roots in 1939. Burpee, who earned his PhD in applied physiology from Teachers College, Columbia University, in 1940, developed it as part of his doctoral thesis. This simple yet challenging exercise was a quick and easy fitness test to assess agility and coordination.

As a side note, it returns to the belch history; Dictionary.com states, "The first records of the word burp come from around 1930. It is an Americanism that is meant to imitate the sound a person makes when they burp." If true, could we connect Mr. Burpee and his exercise to the slang term "burp?"

-Oklahoma Drill History

The Oklahoma drill, a staple of American football training camps, is synonymous with intense competition and the development of elite linemen. Its origins trace back to a single coach and his innovative vision for defensive dominance.

The Visionary: Bud Wilkinson and the 5-2 Defense

In the 1940s, Bud Wilkinson, the head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, introduced a groundbreaking defensive strategy—the 5-2 defense (a precursor to the modern 3-4). This system relied heavily on three interior linemen who could control multiple gaps and swiftly shed blocks to disrupt plays. However, traditional drills failed to replicate the specific demands of this aggressive style, necessitating the creation of a new training method.

The Drill Emerges: Refining Technique in Confined Chaos

Wilkinson, known for his meticulous approach, needed a way to train his defensive linemen for the unique situations they'd encounter in the 5-2. Thus, the Oklahoma drill was born. It pitted offensive and defensive linemen head-to-head in a confined space, surrounded by tackling dummies. A ball carrier would enter the scene, forcing the defender to shed the block and make a play. This intense, full-contact environment replicated the chaos and quick reactions needed in a real game.

A Legacy of Competition and Grit

The Oklahoma drill became a cornerstone of the Sooners' training regimen, and its effectiveness spread throughout football. It wasn't just about developing defensive technique; it fostered a culture of competition and grit, prized qualities for any successful football team.

-Big Thanks to Our Guest Experts

Big Thanks to our guests Coach David Hashemi of Southern Connecticut University, and

Passion Plays: How Religion Shaped Sports in North America

Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology

Amos Alonzo Stagg: College Football's Man in Motion

Coach Yost:Michigan's Tradition Maker by Dr. John Behee

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The All-American Football Conference lasted only four seasons, but its impact on professional football was enormous. One big reason is the success of the league's top team, the Cleveland Browns.

Pro football historian George Bozeka recently sat down with us in the Pigpen to tell us about the fascinating origin and history of the Browns in this era. George is the Executive Director of the Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA).

Arch Ward, the Chicago Tribune editor who was the organizer of the AAFC, saw an opportunity in Cleveland for a pro football franchise after the Cleveland Rams won the NFL Title in 1945 and then abruptly left the city for the West Coast. It was a historic and controversial move, as no other NFL franchise was within a couple thousand miles at the time. Also, the Rams were the first American major league sports franchise on the Pacific Coast. George Bozeka tells us that Rams owner Dan Reeves moved not only for the football opportunities but also for some of his other business ventures.

Ward contacted Arthur "Mickey" McBride, an Eastern Ohio businessman with his hands in everything from real estate to a taxi company in Cleveland. McBride also ventured into a wire service that provided horse racing results to people who needed to know the results, such as bookies. McBride's involvement in this side hustle placed him in the public eye even before he bought the Cleveland franchise. This interest made a part of McBride's persona a bit shady as it put him in the company of organized crime figures who did not continuously operate within the fine lines of the law. But despite this, McBride had a passion for Northeast Ohio, the finances to cover the costs, and a strong desire to win at football. He also knew he needed people with good football knowledge and organization to run his franchise.

Mickey McBride officially joined the All-American Football Conference owners in 1944 by buying the rights to the new Cleveland franchise. Yes, he needed a coach to organize his team and wanted a good one to start things off right. Author Andy Piascik, in his book, The Best Show in Football: The 1946–1955 Cleveland Browns, says that McBride and Leahy even had a handshake deal made for the Fighting Irish coach to leave his very successful program to be the sideline boss of the Cleveland franchise. When Notre Dame officials got wind of the deal, they took action. They appealed to McBride and his loyalty to the school, as McBride's son was an alumnus. Soon, they persuaded Leahy to stay and McBride to make another choice as a coach for his new team.

Fun facts about how the size of the football field has changed in size, shape, and dimensions.

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The 1972 Miami Dolphins weren't just another football team but a phenomenon. This season wasn't just about winning; it was about flawless execution, dominant defense, and an unwavering commitment to perfection. It's a journey worth revisiting, a story in NFL history as the league's only undefeated and untied season.

A Team Forged in Adversity:

The Dolphins were floundering just a few years prior, finishing with a dismal 1-13 record in 1967. However, under the leadership of head coach Don Shula, a culture of discipline, hard work, and unwavering dedication took root. Key acquisitions like Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick, and Bob Griese bolstered the offense, while the "No-Name Defense" became a force to be reckoned with.

Dominating Every Week:

Their 17-0 record speaks volumes, but the details paint an even clearer picture. The Dolphins outscored their opponents by a staggering 385-171, boasting the league's best offense and defense. The rushing attack, featuring Csonka and Kiick, averaged over 200 yards per game, leaving defenses gasping for air. The defense, led by Nick Buoniconti and Bill Stanfill, allowed a mere 12.2 points per game, shutting down even the most potent offenses.

The injury forced Griese to the sidelines for a good portion of the year, but veteran signal-caller Earl Morrall was up to the challenge to cement his legacy.

From Close Calls to Championship Glory:

While the scoreboards screamed dominance, the journey could have been smoother sailing. Close calls against the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Colts tested their mettle, showcasing their composure under pressure. However, a late-season injury to Griese forced Earl Morrall to step in, proving his veteran leadership and securing the team's playoff berth.

The playoffs were a mere formality. The Dolphins dismantled the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and finally, the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII, culminating their historic season with a resounding 14-7 victory.

Beyond the Trophy: A Legacy of Excellence:

The 1972 Dolphins achieved the seemingly impossible, leaving an enduring legacy that transcends statistics and trophies. They proved the power of teamwork, discipline, and relentless pursuit of perfection. Their story inspires athletes and teams across all sports, reminding them that anything is possible with unwavering dedication and a shared vision.

The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the only team to go undefeated and win the Super Bowl in NFL history.

March 24, 1973 - At an owner's meeting, San Francisco 49ers President Lou Spadia proposes that the NFL expand to 30 teams per the profootballhof.com site. This was just 4 years after the AFL and NFL merged, and the total number of teams in the League was now 26.

Some of the franchises were afraid of expanding too fast and thinning out the talent bases, thus making the NFL very vanilla. Others supported the increase to strike while the iron was hot. A compromise was reached, and the League awarded franchises to Tampa Bay and Seattle to take the total to 28.

It was not until the early 1990s that the National Football League added Jacksonville, Carolina, and later Houston and Cleveland to round out 32 teams.

March 23, 1991 - 1st World League of American Football games commenced with three opening day games.

The London Monarchs, who eventually were champs in the League's inaugural season, ruled the Frankfurt Galaxy team coached by John Elway's father Jack 24-11. The Sacramento Surge overcame the Raleigh-Durham Skyhawks coached by Roman Gabriel 9-3. And according to the Stats Crew website finally the Montreal Machine extinguished the Birmingham Fire team coached by Chan Gailey 20-5.  

This opened the door for NFL teams to play regular season games across the pond later!