Football

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Born August 13, 1913, in Portsmouth, Virginia, was NFL Films "Voice of God," John Facenda. The son of Italian immigrants got into broadcasting and sports event announcing, becoming a fixture in the Philadelphia area. His famous voice was marketed Nationally when he became the narrator of NFL Films and the Football Follies videos.

Facenda, with his resonant baritone and poetic delivery, is synonymous with the NFL Films sound. While his narration often evoked a sense of grandeur and drama, the man behind the voice was also known for his wit and humor.

One story tells of Facenda recording a particularly intense narration for a highlight reel. After a long session, the director asked him to try a different tone, perhaps something more light-hearted. Facenda, without missing a beat, launched into a comedic impression of a sports announcer, complete with exaggerated enthusiasm and over-the-top commentary. The entire crew burst into laughter, and the session took a lighter turn.

Another anecdote highlights Facenda's dedication to his craft. While recording a script, he stumbled over a particularly complex sentence. Frustrated, he exclaimed, "I can't say this!" The director, amused, suggested they cut the line altogether. Facenda, however, insisted on finding a way to make it work. After several takes, he finally delivered the line flawlessly, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to perfection.

These glimpses into Facenda's personality reveal a man who was not only a master of his craft but also possessed a quick wit and a tireless work ethic. His ability to seamlessly transition from the epic to the everyday is what made him such a beloved and iconic figure in the world of sports broadcasting.

The story goes that while sitting in a bar discussing how interesting the slow-motion game sequences of NFL films were to another bar patron; he was overheard talking by another customer in the establishment, Ed Sabol, the founder of NFL Films. That was in 1965, and after reading script after script, Facenda continued on as the voice of NFL Films until he died in 1984.

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The History of the Black Quarterback in Professional Football by Sports Journalist John Eisenberg.
Eisenberg has an in-depth look at the hardships and rejection that African-American signal-callers went through in the first century of Professional Football. Their stories are of perseverance and strength and what they did for the modern QBs of color.

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Here is a Pigskin Dispatch video on the namesake of the Outland Trophy, John Outland.

Born in 1871, Outland's path to football glory was far from linear. He began humbly, captaining his college squad with an unmatched blend of power and finesse. Yet, his ambitions lay beyond the dusty plains of the Midwest. He yearned for the intellectual rigor of the East Coast, and it was at the University of Pennsylvania that Outland's star truly exploded.

Here, amidst the ivy-covered halls and gaslight-lit streets, he donned the crimson and blue of the Quakers. But unlike the refined gentlemen surrounding him, Outland remained a son of the earth. He played with a ferocity that belied his gentle nature, a quiet dominance that left opponents bewildered and teammates awestruck. His tackles were immovable pillars, his runs unstoppable forces of nature. He was a paradox, a poet with the physique of a bear, a scholar who spoke the language of broken bone and shattered defenses.

But Outland's impact stretched beyond the gridiron. He saw the underappreciated role of interior linemen, those unsung heroes who toiled in the trenches, their sacrifices often fading into the roar of the crowd. He fought for their recognition, championing their cause until it resonated across the nation.

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Wouldn't it be nice to give our players a piece of equipment that will make play be a bit more safe while increasing their comfort? How about if it could improve their athletic performance as well? Dr. Michael Hutcison has the item in his PowerPlus Mouthguard.

Born September 29, 1903, in Aline, Oklahoma, Territory, was Bill Owen, who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the New York Giants, Cleveland Bulldogs, and Detroit Wolverines. He was the brother of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Steve Owen.

Owen was a prominent figure in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). He played primarily as a guard and tackle, demonstrating strength and tenacity on the line of scrimmage. His NFL career spanned multiple teams, including the New York Giants, Cleveland Bulldogs, and Detroit Wolverines.

Owen's most notable achievement came in 1934 when he was part of the New York Giants team that captured the NFL championship. His contributions in the trenches helped pave the way for the Giants' offensive success. While his individual statistics might not stand out compared to modern football, his impact on the game during his era was significant.

Owen's football journey was intertwined with his brother, Steve Owen, who became a legendary NFL coach. Together, they represented a football family that left a lasting mark on the sport's history.

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Stewart Ferguson was a college football coach who did things in a style quite differently than most any coach in any sports you have ever known about. Author Peter Oltchick picked up where his dearly departed Father-In-Law, Journalist Bill Bell left off to complete a book on the famed Coach Fergie. From special coaching contracts to barnstorming antics of the gridiron, the adventures of Stewart Ferguson are a refreshing story of a unique coach.

Authors Jeffrey Miller and Greg Tranter visit the Pigpen in this episode to talk about their latest book titled RELICS and its unique way to preserve Western New York Football History!

Jeff Miller and Greg Tranter tell Buffalo Football History thru Memorabilia.

Warren Rogan takes his Sports Forgotten Heroes podcast to new places to seek past athletes' memories and accomplishments. Claude "Buddy" Young (1926-2003) was a trailblazing African American athlete who left his mark on both college and professional football. Nicknamed the "Bronze Bullet" for his exceptional speed and acceleration, Young's career was a testament to talent, perseverance, and the fight for racial equality in sports.

College Standout:

A world-class sprinter, Young's athleticism translated seamlessly to football at the University of Illinois.
He earned the nickname "Bronze Bullet" for his electrifying runs, leading the Illini to a Big Ten Championship in 1946.
Young set the Big Ten single-season rushing record (later tied) and was named an All-American.
Pro Pioneer:

Despite facing racial discrimination, Young entered the NFL in 1947, playing for the New York Giants.
He established himself as a versatile threat, excelling as a running back, receiver, and kick returner.
Young racked up over 4,000 rushing yards and 2,000 receiving yards in his nine-year professional career.
He became one of the first African Americans to achieve significant success in the NFL.
Beyond the Field:

After retiring from playing, Young remained involved in football as an assistant coach and then an assistant commissioner for the NFL.
He worked to diversify the league and address racial inequities, paving the way for future generations of players.
Young was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Legacy:

Buddy Young's athletic prowess and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity made him a legend of the game. He not only excelled on the field, but also used his platform to advocate for equality and pave the way for future generations of African American athletes in football.

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Sports Illustrated had a nice write-up on Mac Speedie a few years back that we thought sheds some good light on the player that Speedie was.

More than just statistics, Speedie's story resonates with his resilience and pioneering spirit. He defied expectations, proving that size and past challenges could not hold him back. In a league dominated by hulking running backs and bruising linemen, Speedie carved his niche as a smaller, faster player who excelled with his skill and intelligence.

Despite his achievements, Speedie's name doesn't hold the same recognition as other icons of the era. Perhaps it's the fleeting nature of the AAFC, or the shadow cast by his more glamorous teammates. But for those who remember his dazzling plays and relentless spirit, Mac Speedie remains a reminder that greatness can often be found in the most unexpected corners of the gridiron.

So, the next time you watch a wide receiver weave through defenders or snag a seemingly impossible pass, remember Mac Speedie. Remember the "Flea" who defied the odds and danced across the field, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance that deserves to be retold.

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Jim Youel wasn't just a talented athlete; he was a Hawkeye legend, weaving his story into the very fabric of Iowa football history. From punting prowess to coaching glory, his name echoes through the halls of Kinnick Stadium, an enduring testament to grit, talent, and unwavering Hawkeye spirit.

Born in Vinton, Iowa, Youel's athleticism blossomed early. He starred in football, basketball, and track, before choosing the gridiron as his battlefield. As a quarterback and punter for the Hawkeyes in the 1940s, his name became synonymous with precision and power. His booming punts often pinned opponents deep, earning him the nickname "Iron Jim" for his unyielding leg and unbreakable spirit.

Youel's impact on the field went beyond punting. He played a pivotal role in defeating the undefeated Wisconsin Badgers in 1942, showcasing his leadership and knack for winning plays. His legacy reached beyond Iowa City, leading him to a brief stint with the Washington Redskins before returning home to teach and coach.

As a coach, Youel's legacy cemented. He led Fort Madison High School to two undefeated seasons and instilled the Hawkeye spirit in countless young athletes. His passion for the game was infectious, evident in his dedication to developing not just athletic prowess, but also character and integrity.

Though his life ended in 2020, Jim Youel's legacy lives on. His name graces Fort Madison's football field, reminding future generations of his achievements. He remains a cornerstone of Hawkeye lore, his story whispered in the stands and his spirit embodied in every Hawkeyes defender who lays it all on the line.