Football History

Welcome to a special series where we’ll take you on a quick journey through the fascinating world of American football history! In each of these short videos, we’ll dive into unique trivia questions and little-known facts, all straight from the trophy case of an athletic department near you. Whether it’s a legendary play, a forgotten milestone, or a quirky piece of NFL history, we’re bringing you the stories that have shaped the game.

The trophy cases around the world hold the memories of past athletic achievements, and now we allow the awards to speak their knowledge to remind us of past glories and accomplishments. Get ready for bite-sized nuggets of football knowledge, told through the lens of some of the most iconic moments, players, and teams.

So, grab your helmet and let’s unlock the secrets of football’s past — all from the heart of the trophy case!

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The story of Mean Joe Greene, legendary D-lineman of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Part of the success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Joe Greene wasn't just a defensive lineman; he was a force of nature, an immovable mountain on the gridiron, and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty. From his early days in Oakland to his reign as the anchor of the legendary "Steel Curtain," Greene's career is a testament to unmatched power, unwavering leadership, and an impact that transcended wins and losses.

Drafted in 1969, Greene's raw talent was undeniable. His imposing size and relentless intensity quickly made him a defensive force, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Yet, individual accolades weren't enough for Greene; he yearned for a team culture that mirrored his own relentless pursuit of excellence.

Steel Curtain Rises:

Traded to the Steelers in 1972, Greene found his perfect fit. His arrival coincided with the emergence of the "Steel Curtain," a defensive unit unlike any before. Alongside Jack Ham, Mel Blount, and others, Greene formed an impenetrable wall, striking fear into opposing offenses and setting a new standard for defensive dominance.

Champions Rise:

With Greene as the anchor, the Steelers embarked on a golden age. From 1974 to 1979, they captured four Super Bowls, rewriting the record books and etching their names in NFL history. Greene's impact was undeniable; he was named Defensive Player of the Year four times, a feat unmatched to this day.

The University of Pittsburgh Panthers football program boasts a rich and storied history, deeply woven into the fabric of Western Pennsylvania and the national landscape of college football. From humble beginnings to national championships and legendary figures, the Panthers have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

The program's roots trace back to 1889, making it one of the oldest in the nation. Early success came under the legendary coach Pop Warner, who led the Panthers to their first national championship in 1916. This golden era continued in 1918 with another national title, solidifying Pitt's reputation as a powerhouse.

Following Warner's departure, Pitt faced a period of transition but continued to produce talented players and coaches. Johnny Majors, a future Hall of Famer, led the Panthers to an undefeated season in 1976 and solidified himself as a fan favorite.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the emergence of another legendary figure, head coach Jackie Sherrill. Under his leadership, Pitt established itself as a consistent contender in the highly competitive Big East Conference. Sherrill's tenure culminated in a thrilling victory in the 1997 Fiesta Bowl, a game etched in the minds of many Pitt fans.

The turn of the millennium brought further chapters to the Panthers' story. Walt Harris, a defensive mastermind, led Pitt to an appearance in the 2004 BCS Championship game, showcasing the program's continued ability to compete at the highest level.

In recent years, Pitt has navigated the changing landscape of college football, joining the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2013. The program has continued to attract talented players and coaches, with Pat Narduzzi leading the team to consistent bowl appearances and victories over ranked opponents.

Beyond wins and losses, the Pitt Panthers program has produced numerous NFL players, including Hall of Famers Mike Ditka and Joe Greene. Additionally, the program has fostered a passionate and dedicated fanbase known for their unwavering support and unique traditions, like the iconic "turnover chain."

The history of Pitt Panthers football is a testament to the program's resilience, dedication to excellence, and unwavering commitment to its community. As the Panthers continue their journey, the legacy they have built inspires future generations of players, coaches, and fans to carry the torch forward and add their own chapters to the program's storied history.

The Steel Curtain Defense was a dominant force in the NFL during the 1970s. The D-line was in the foundation of the squad led by players like Mean Joe Greene, L.C. Greenwood, Ernie Holmes, and Dwight White, the defense was known for its ferocious pass rush and ability to shut down opposing offenses.

They won four Super Bowls during their reign of dominance, and their legacy as one of the greatest defenses in NFL history lives on to this day.

-Stifling Defense is Built Through the Draft

The Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s are synonymous with defensive dominance. At the heart of this dynasty lay the Steel Curtain, a unit that redefined defensive strategy and instilled fear in the hearts of opposing quarterbacks. This essay explores the rise of the Steel Curtain, its key components, and its lasting impact on the game of football.

-From Humble Beginnings to Defensive Greatness (1960s-1970s)

The Steelers of the 1960s were a team in flux, lacking a consistent winning identity. However, the arrival of head coach Chuck Noll in 1969 marked a turning point. Noll, a defensive mastermind, prioritized building a dominant unit. He drafted cornerstone players like defensive tackle Joe Greene and linebacker L.C. Greenwood, who formed the foundation of what would become the Steel Curtain. With the addition of savvy veterans like linebacker Jack Ham and safety Mike Wagner, the Steelers defense began to take shape.

- A Star-Studded Unit (1970s)

The Steel Curtain wasn't just about individual talent; it was a cohesive unit where every player understood their role. Greene, nicknamed "Mean Joe," anchored the defensive line with his unyielding presence. Greenwood, known for his power and speed, provided relentless pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Ham, the "Jack of All Trades," patrolled the middle of the field with exceptional tackling ability and play recognition skills. Wagner, the ball-hawking safety, terrorized quarterbacks with his interceptions and ability to shut down passing lanes. This core group, along with other talented contributors, formed a nearly impenetrable wall.

-A Dynasty Built on Defense (1970s)

The impact of the Steel Curtain was undeniable. The Steelers transformed from a struggling team to a perennial contender. Their defense became the cornerstone of four Super Bowl victories in six years (1974, 1975, 1979, 1980). Opposing offenses were left frustrated, unable to penetrate the Steel Curtain's suffocating pressure and zone coverage schemes. Their dominance revolutionized defensive strategy, showing teams the importance of a well-drilled, cohesive unit over individual superstars.

August 27, 1921 - The Green Bay Packers were admitted into the APFA (predecessor of the NFL) as J.E. Clair of Green Bay's ACME Packing Company was granted a franchise.

The City of Green Bay's population was just over 31,000, making the Packers the second smallest town to have an NFL franchise, next to only Tonawanda (see below). The Packers had to play almost exclusively on the road in larger cities where attendance could be expected to give a better count at the gates, thus giving the Green Bay team a larger cut in revenue than they could expect at home.

The 1921 season was shakey at best for the franchise as games were scheduled weekly by the home teams, who predominantly scheduled opponents by what attendance they could expect to draw.

The Packers are still in the smallest NFL market, but their fan base is one of the more popular teams of fans around the world.

August 1, 1925 - The New York Giants franchise forms and starts it's long rich history in the NFL. As we discussed on the July 29 edition of this series, Tim Mara founded the Giants organization when on advice from then NFL president, Joe Carr, Mara bet on the NFL with $500 of his own money to fund the NY Football Giants and later infuse another $25,000 to ensure its survival.

The gamble paid off for Mr. Mara as he watched his investment payoff according to the ProFootballHOF.com. A wise investment indeed as in December of the first season more than 70,000 onlookers turned out at the Polo Grounds to see the Giants play the Chicago Bears, who had just signed Illinois College sensation, Red Grange, the most famous pro football player of the 1920s.

The franchise has seen four NFL Championships (1927, 1934, 1938 & 1956) and four Super Bowl Victories {XXI(1986), XXV (1990), XLII (2007) & XLVI (2011)}.

The roar of the "12th Man" wasn't always a feature of Seattle's sports scene. In fact, the yearning for a major league football franchise fueled the very arrival of the Seattle Seahawks.

Discontent with the lack of professional football began brewing in the late 1950s. Dreams of a "dome city" with a professional football team gained traction as discussions about constructing a multi-purpose stadium commenced. By 1972, a group of Seattle business and community leaders formed "Seattle Professional Football Inc." with the sole purpose of acquiring an NFL franchise.

Their persistence paid off. Fueled by a civic suggestion campaign that garnered over 20,000 entries for team names, the NFL awarded Seattle its 28th franchise in 1974. The winning entry, "Seahawks," reflected the city's connection to the Pacific Northwest.

June 4, 1974- Seattle Seahawks franchise forms after almost 20 years of planning, plotting and applying. Finally on this date in 1974 the NFL granted access into the league and the Pacific Northwest gained foot hold in professional football as an expansion team.

From 1977 to 2001, Seattle was assigned to the American Football Conference West. In 2002 and beyond after NFL realignment, the Hawks went into the NFC West. The team has played in 3 Super Bowls and raised the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl XLVIII under the coaching of Pete Carroll.

The Seahawks' arrival wasn't without its challenges. As an expansion team, they initially struggled to find their footing. However, the city's enthusiasm remained. The "Kingdome," the aforementioned multi-purpose stadium, became a sea of blue and green, laying the foundation for the passionate fanbase the Seahawks boast today.

The founding of the Seattle Seahawks is a testament to community spirit and perseverance. It's a story born out of fan frustration that ultimately ignited a city's love affair with professional football. From those early days, the Seahawks have become an integral part of Seattle's identity, their legacy forever intertwined with the city's vibrant sports culture.

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The Clemson Tigers football program, founded in 1896, boasts a rich history marked by sustained success and national prominence. Renowned for their exciting offensive play, ferocious defense, and passionate fan base, the Tigers have carved their own unique path in college football.
Early Years and Building a Foundation (1896-1950s):
The Tigers' early years were characterized by independent play and regional competition.
Despite limited resources, they achieved early success under coaches like John Heisman and Jess Neely.
The program laid the foundation for future success, developing a strong identity and fostering a passionate fan base known as "Tiger Nation."
Golden Age and National Championships (1950s-1980s):
Under legendary coaches Frank Howard and Danny Ford, Clemson experienced a golden age in the 1950s and 80s.
The Tigers captured five Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) championships and secured their first-ever national championship in 1981, defeating Nebraska in the Orange Bowl.
Stars like Homer Jordan, Terry Kinard, and William Perry led the way for Clemson, showcasing the program's ability to develop elite talent.
Resilience and Reinvention (1990s-2000s):
The program faced challenges in the 1990s and early 2000s, experiencing inconsistent results and coaching changes.
However, the arrival of head coach Tommy Bowden in 1999 marked a turning point.
Bowden led the Tigers to six ACC championships and six bowl appearances, revitalizing the program and laying the groundwork for future success.
Dabo Swinney Era and National Powerhouse (2008-Present):
The Dabo Swinney era, beginning in 2008, ushered in a new era of dominance for Clemson.
Swinney has led the Tigers to a staggering seven ACC championships, three national championships (2016, 2018, 2020), and six College Football Playoff appearances.
Stars like Deshaun Watson, Trevor Lawrence, and Travis Etienne have emerged under Swinney, solidifying Clemson's reputation as a national powerhouse.
Key Takeaways:
The Clemson Tigers football program has established itself as one of the most successful and admired programs in college football.
Their national championships, numerous conference titles, and consistent bowl appearances are a testament to their commitment to excellence and innovation.
The program's offensive prowess, led by innovative playcalling and dynamic quarterbacks, has garnered national attention.
The Tigers remain a formidable force in college football, consistently attracting top recruits and generating excitement with their "Clemsoning" phenomenon.
Additional Points:
Death Valley, Clemson's home stadium, is known for its electric atmosphere and intimidating tradition of "Running Down the Hill."
The program's iconic orange and purple colors are instantly recognizable and represent a passionate fan base.
Clemson boasts a strong academic record and is committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes.
The Clemson Tigers football program is a model of success and consistency in college football. Their legacy is built upon their unwavering commitment to excellence, their innovative approach to the game, and their dedication to building a winning culture. The Tigers continue to inspire generations of fans and players with their passion, determination, and pursuit of greatness.

For the latest news and information on the Tigers Football Programs, go to the Official Athletic Site of the Clemson Tigers, ClemsonTigers.com.

July 9, 1933 - The Frankford Yellow Jackets are sold and renamed the Eagles as the franchise is moved to Philadelphia, according to our interview with the legendary Upton Bell on our February 25 bonus podcast in tribute to his father, former NFL Commissioner Bert Bell.

Upton shared that his father and mother, Broadway starlet Francis Upton, walked into a Philadelphia bankruptcy courtroom and walked out owning the Yellow Jackets. Upton told us that since his father lost most of his wealth in the 1929 stock market crash, his new bride provided the funds to purchase the newly named team in the City of Brotherly Love. During a walk shortly there, they passed a sign advertising the purchase of U.S. Liberty Bonds, adorned with America's national bird. Bert Bell then looked at his new bride and said something to the effect, that is it! Our new team will be called the Eagles!

The Bells owned the Eagles until 1940 when the famous "Pennsylvania Polka" occurred. Bert Bell and Steelers owner Art Rooney did a series of transactions where, in the end, Rooney and Bell were co-owners of the Steelers. Alexis Thompson purchased the Eagles.

July 8, 1933, then National Football League President Joe Carr announced via a newsletter that Art Rooney Sr. was approved to join the 10-team league in the fall of 1933 to fill a vacancy caused by the withdrawal of the Staten Island franchise.

Rooney named his franchise the Pittsburgh Pirates in honor of the Steel City's Major League Baseball team. The team had to play early and nighttime weekday games until a new Pennsylvania law allowed them to play on Sundays.

The Pirates that day lost their first game in the League 23-2 to the New York Football Giants at old Forbes Field. It would take the upstart team only a short time to find victory, though, as the very next week, the Pittsburgh Professional Football Club defeated the Chicago Cardinals 14-13 in the friendly confines of Forbes Field. In the early 1940s Rooney changed the team moniker to the Steelers. NFL Team origin