Football History

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The NFL, with its passionate fans and high-stakes games, is no stranger to controversy. But did you know the league's first major controversy stretches back to its very early days? The 1921 NFL Championship, shrouded in accusations and a sense of injustice, remains a hotly debated topic even a century later.

Was a dominant team robbed of their rightful title? Did a loophole in the rules lead to a questionable champion? Join us as we untangle the truth behind the 1921 NFL Championship controversy. We'll delve into the events that unfolded, the accusations that flew, and the lasting impact it had on the young professional football league. This is a story of ambition, heartbreak, and the fight for football supremacy – a story that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about the NFL's beginnings.

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Sunday night, November 17, 1968, was a night of football excitement. The New York Jets and the Oakland Raiders were locked in a fierce battle on NBC. With just over a minute left in the fourth quarter, the Jets held a narrow 32-29 lead. As the network cut to a commercial break, fans eagerly awaited the final moments of the game, popcorn bowl in hand.

However, when the commercial break ended, the football game was nowhere to be found. Instead, the screen was filled with the image of Heidi, a children's movie. Fans were left bewildered and frustrated. In the pre-internet era, there was no way to quickly find out what had happened. The only source of information was the local newspaper, which would report the shocking outcome the next day.

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The Bronze Busts tackle this intriguing question of the most consecutive NFL playoff appearances in this episode.

Welcome to Bronze Busts Football Facts, where we bring you key moments and iconic figures from the rich history of football. In each episode, we highlight pivotal events—from the first paid player to the birth of the NFL—that have shaped the sport and its legacy. Join us as we share fascinating football facts and celebrate the legends who made the game what it is today.

Dive into the history preserved in the Halls of Greats, and let’s uncover the stories behind the game’s greatest milestones!

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In the debate over which NFL team holds the title for the most Super Bowl victories, two teams stand out: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots. Both teams have claimed the coveted Lombardi Trophy six times, making them the joint leaders in Super Bowl history.

The Steelers, led by legendary coaches like Chuck Noll and Mike Tomlin, won their championships in 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, and 2008. Similarly, the Patriots, under Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, secured their victories in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

Who will ultimately hold the title as the true Super Bowl king? Watch to find out!

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This episode explores the events leading up to the scandal, the investigation that followed, and the lasting impact it had on the NFL. Hear from experts, historians, and eyewitnesses as they recount the shocking details of the alleged plot and its consequences.

1946 was a year where America and the world were changing as WWII had just ended, and football was adapting to the new culture. Nefarious activities also reared their head and one in particular almost caused the collapse of the NFL.

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It's time for another round of NFL trivia! This question takes us to the nickname of a famous NFL QB. Are you up to the task of gridiron monikers?

Think you know the answer? Join us to see if you’re right and to learn more about the impact of this unforgettable play! Stay tuned!

Football is a sport that is very special to many people. It combines grit and power with endurance and elegance. If you're a fan of football now, you've most likely been one for the past few years and will continue to be one for the rest of your life. That's the thing about football: once you love the sport, you can't shake it. With the tremendous arena games, all the way over the thrill of simply watching it at home, football has a little something for everyone. 

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There are certain teams that have been around for a long time, that have garnered a lot of support over the years and that have proven that they belong as some of the most reputable football teams and franchises around. This article aims to shed light on exactly that. 

-The Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are the oldest football team in the whole of the USA. This is a very special feat and one that is extremely impressive, especially in a country that lives and breathes football as much as the USA. They even bet on the sport to show just how engrossed they are in the game. Betting platforms are rather popular amongst football fans, who even stray away from football when it becomes too heated and try to find a good online fish shooting game with real money and no deposit, so that they have a thrilling distraction from the game. 

This team started its humble beginnings in 1898. Their name back then was actually different, it went as the Morgan Athletic Club. Back then, they were even based in the south side of Chicago. The reason they got their name as the Cardinals is because, in the early 1900s, the teams' managers received an old shipment of faded cardinal red football jerseys and just like that, the name stuck. 

The team was excellent when it started, which is exactly what propelled them to being part of the NFL in 1920 when it officially started. That was over a century ago, and since then, as you can imagine, the team has gone through many significant changes, never losing its Cardinal name, though. The team is now based in Phoenix. They're the oldest team in the franchise, but unfortunately, they have only won two NFL titles in the last 100 years. They are one of the least successful teams in the bunch; however, who knows, maybe the tides will change for them. 

-The Chicago Bears

Just like the Arizona Cardinals, the Chicago Bears started out under a different name. In 1920, they got their name from their then-founder, A.E. Staley, as the Decatur team. However, then Staley passed on the team to the famous George Halas in 1921, who moved the team all the way over to Chicago. After their first year, they were already showing success and Halas was already given the endearing name of 'Papa Bear', as he was known for walking up and down the field at every game, trying to help his team as much as possible. You see where the story and the name change are going. In 1922, seeing as they were located in Chicago and their managed was known as 'Papa Bear', the team got the endearing name of the Chicago Bears and the rest has been history. 

This team has done extremely well for themselves in the NFL and has proven time and time again that they are the ones to look out for. They have won 8 NFL Championships since they started and they have even won one Super Bowl Championship, to boot. Showing that they are truly the ones to watch and they continue to be successful even today. 

-The New York Giants

The New York Giants started their success in the early 1920s, they started their franchise in 1925 specifically and have shown progress and improvements right from then. They started their journey on the famous Polo Grounds in Manhatten, marking one of the most esteemed training grounds. As one of the only teams to have never changed their name, this team often says that it has been marked for success right from the very beginning. 

They naturally joined the NFL the moment they became a functioning team and actually managed to win the title four times over, in 1939, 1941, 1944 and 1946. Doing this made them one of the best teams to ever enter the NFL Championship and certainly a team to look out for. Another reason they are one of the most popular teams, even today, is because they have also won the Superbowl four times over, which is an incredible feat. 

Today, the New York Giants continue to be one of the most influential teams on the roster and one that shows incredible promise. 

-A Solid Foundation

One of the most impressive things about these older teams is that they continue to play, even today. The fact that football seems to truly be based on history and heritage, makes it far more understanding that football is one of the most beloved sports in the USA. Fans have been watching their favorite teams play for years and years, passing the love of the sport on to the next generation. Football also certainly shows no sign of slowing down. 

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Charles Follis, often referred to as "The Black Cyclone," etched his name into the annals of American football history as the first African American professional football player.

Born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1879, Follis' journey to football stardom began on the high school gridiron. His exceptional talent and leadership skills led him to captain his team, earning the respect of both his white teammates and coaches.  

Follis' football career took a significant turn in 1902 when he joined the Shelby Blues, a professional team in the Ohio League. His performance on the field was nothing short of extraordinary, and he quickly became a fan favorite. In 1904, he signed a contract with the Blues, making him the first Black man to have a professional football contract. His presence on the team challenged racial barriers and paved the way for future Black players in the sport.  

Despite his groundbreaking achievements, Follis' career was cut short due to injuries. His impact on the game, however, was undeniable. He not only demonstrated his exceptional athletic abilities but also challenged societal norms and prejudices. His legacy continues to inspire generations of football players and serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and fighting for equality.  

Author and Historian John Maxymuk has written over a dozen books and 30 articles published on gridiron history. His subject matter spans from his favorite NFL team the Green Bay Packers, to his neighbors the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants and beyond.

A Librarian at a prestigious university, John is no stranger to good literature, and to combine that with a passion for football history, Maxymuk is a bank filled with knowledge.

Maxymuk also dabbles in creating some cards of football legends and shares them in a blog post of his dedicated to the Green Bay Packers called: Packers Past Perfect. We are happy to be able to record a recent conversation with John and talk a little football.

Please note the links below to John's books are through the Pigskin Dispatch Affiliate link, and purchasing through them helps fund this website.

John Maxymuk's books include the following titles on Amazon:

- Packers by the Numbers

-Eagles by the Numbers

- Quarterback Abstract

-Uniform Numbers of the NFL

-Biographical History of the NFL Coaches

-Strong Arm Tactics

-Pioneer Coaches of the NFL

Football history is woven with tales of legendary teams and iconic players. But tucked away in the archives of time lie lesser-known stories, waiting to be rediscovered. Today, we embark on a journey into the past with collector Jeff Payne, who has dedicated himself to preserving the legacy of a powerhouse few remember – the Pottsville Maroons.

The Maroons, hailing from Pennsylvania's coal country, were a dominant force in the early days of professional football. Their story, however, is one of triumph and controversy, marked by a championship victory later stripped due to a league dispute.

But for Jeff Payne, the Maroons' legacy transcends wins and losses. It's about a community rallying behind its team, about blue-collar athletes etching their names in gridiron history. Jeff, with his impressive collection of Pottsville Maroons memorabilia, will act as our guide.

Through Jeff's prized possessions – vintage jerseys, faded photographs, and maybe even a program from a pivotal game – we'll unveil the Pottsville Maroons' captivating story. We'll learn about their legendary players, their innovative strategies, and the cultural significance they held for their hometown.

So, join us as we delve into Jeff Payne's collection and rediscover the forgotten glory of the Pottsville Maroons. Prepare to be transported back to a bygone era of football, where passion burned bright and underdogs dared to challenge the status quo.