Football History

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It is a fantastic book by Original NFL Insider Gary Myers that tells the Story of the 1986 Championship Season of the New York Football Giants and the trials, tribulations, and victories of the team thereafter.

Once a Giant by Gary Myers delves deep into the heart and soul of the legendary 1986 New York Giants. More than just a retelling of their Super Bowl victory, this book offers an intimate portrait of the team's journey, both on and off the field.

Myers provides unprecedented access to the players and coaches, revealing the intense camaraderie, fierce competition, and unwavering dedication that forged this championship squad. But the story doesn't end with the final whistle. Through candid interviews and meticulous research, Myers explores the challenges and triumphs faced by these athletes in the years following their glory days. From the physical and mental toll of the game to the complexities of life after football, Once a Giant offers a raw and honest look at the enduring impact of the NFL on its players.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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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.

Born November 20, 1944, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Point Guard Louie Dampier. This legend was a four-time ABA All-Time team member and a seven -time NBA All-Star. Dampier won Rookie of the Year honors as well as an ABA Championship, playing all nine seasons of the ABA's existence with the same team. Louie was on the rosters of the Kentucky Colonels and the San Antonio Spurs.

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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.