Football History

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We have heard of the famous lost NFL Championship of the Pottsville Maroons in 1925 and the controversy surrounding it. However, another Title controversy brewed a few seasons earlier concerning a now-defunct franchise when the League was still under its original American Professional Football Association banner.

Controversy is always good subject matter for a solid story, and what we have for today is solid. Back in 2021 we spoke with Football Learning Academies' Ken Crippen, speaking of a Buffalo All-Americans NFL title controversy with the Chicago Staleys and George Halas.

The 1921 APFA title, the precursor to the NFL championship, went to the Chicago Staleys (later Bears) in a controversial decision. Both the Staleys and Buffalo All-Americans finished the season with a 9-1-1 record. A tiebreaker game was played, but there's disagreement on its significance. Buffalo believed it was an exhibition, while Chicago argued it counted towards the standings. The Staleys won the game, and league officials ultimately awarded them the title. This decision, known as the "Staley Swindle" by Buffalo fans, remains a point of contention.

Big thanks to Ken Crippen for sharing the information and his time. Check out the Football Learning Academy https://www.football-learning-academy.com/.

Ken has written a few books on Buffalo Pro football too. We share some links through our Amazon Associates Account that gives some proceeds to the running of Pigskin Dispatch if purchased through. Kens books include:
The Original Buffalo Bills: A History of the All-America Football Conference Team, 1946-1949.

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Before roaring crowds and million-dollar contracts, American football was a nascent sport struggling to define itself. Enter Walter Camp. Often hailed as the "Father of American Football," Camp's influence transcended mere coaching. He was a strategist, an innovator, and a visionary who molded a chaotic game into the gridiron giant we know today. This article delves into the life and legacy of Walter Camp, exploring his groundbreaking contributions that shaped the sport we love – American football.

Born April 7, 1859 in New Britain, Connecticut—Walter Camp suggested the innovations of the line of scrimmage, a series of downs, and the creation of the player positions of snapper and quarterback to handle the transitions of scrimmage. These revisions set American football on a course to become a sport all its own and separate it from the already established games of soccer and rugby. Camp also was an innovative coach who spearheaded some of the most dominant college football teams ever.

Walter Camp was the Yale Bulldogs coach from 1888-1892 and the Stanford Indian coach from 1892, 1894-1895. Camp's 1888 Eli team's average margin of victory was 54-0, as Yale went 13-0. It wasn't a fluke either, as Camp and the Bulldogs repeated the feat in 1888-1892. They had a 68-2 record, posting three un-scored upon, undefeated teams in his five years. When not coaching, Camp officiated games and even started the Walter Camp All-American awards at the end of the season. Walter continued attending the rules meeting until 1925, when he died at a rules convention.

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1941 will be remembered as a marker of the game's significant changes. There were obvious changes due to world events, but the NFL and the style of play were about to undergo one of the most revolutionary changes in decades.

-Changes at the Top of the League

There was a shuffle of the top NFL brass even before the season started. League President Carl Storck, one of the NFL's founding members, stepped down to give way to former Notre Dame Four Horseman Star Elmer Layden. Layden became the NFL's first Commissioner, signing a contract promising $20,000 annually over informative years.

On April 5, Layden and company moved the NFL offices to Chicago.

Playoffs were integrated into the NFL only if two teams were tied at the end of the season. A sudden-death format was activated if a playoff was tied after four quarters.

Pennsylvania Shuffle

Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney Sr. was frustrated by the ill fate of his team's 1940 season after a 2-7-2 record. That previous season, he tried to change the fortunes of the team by changing the moniker from the Pirates to the Steelers, as we know them today, but this and personnel changes were to be fruitless.

Meanwhile, across the Keystone State, Rooney's longtime friend, Philadelphia Eagles owner Bert Bell, was suffering a similar frustration with his woeful 1940 club.

A way out arose to help settle Rooney's stomach from the financial impact of continual losing seasons. 26-year-old New York businessman Alexis Thompson, whose family wealth ironically came from the steel industry, wanted a new toy, so "Lex" offered Rooney many times what the franchise cost the Chief to start, $160,000.

A clever sequence of events then transpired in the following months. In late December 1940, the League approved the sale of the Steelers to Thompson at the owner's meeting. Rooney invested these newly found funds in buying half of the Eagles from Bell, who also needed the cash infusion after long-suffering years in the red.

Thompson changed the name of his new Pittsburgh club to the Pittsburgh Ironmen and hired Coach Greasy Neale. Secretly, Thompson Bell and Rooney had a master plan. Lex was planning on moving the team out of Steel City to Boston, while Art and Bert would make a statewide team called the Pennsylvania Keystone, splitting home games between Philly and Pittsburgh.

Washington owner George Preston Marshall entered the story. He did not want to see a statewide franchise and blew the whistle on the unhatched plot, rallying other owners to block the planned transactions of Rooney, Bell, and Thompson.

A new plan was needed since Thompson liked his team and coach but not the town, and Rooney wanted to return to the confines of his hometown. The newly accepted course of action was for the two franchises to trade cities and names. The Bell/Rooney-owned Eagles became the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Thompson Ironmen became the new Philadelphia Eagles in April 1941. Leading to the April 3, 1941, Philadelphia Inquirer headlines to read, "Eagles Swap Franchise With Pittsburgh," and "Bert Bell, Players Quit Phila. ~ Pittsburgh Gridmen Come Here."

Pearl Harbor Attacks During NFL games

When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on Sunday, December 7, 1941, the time on the East Coast was 12:55 PM. Three League games were underway, including one at the Polo Grounds as the Giants entertained cross-town rival the Brooklyn Dodgers on "Tuffy Leemans," tribute day. According to reports, the stadium Associated Press ticker tape machine started hammering out a message near halftime of the game, which read, "Airplanes identified as Japanese have attacked the American Naval Base at Pearl Harbor."

During commemorations for the former Giants star Leemans, the Public Address announcement boomed through the stadium, stating that all active military persons needed to report to their commanding officers. There did not seem to be any mention of the attack to make the players and those in attendance aware of why the soldiers were being called to base.

New York End Jack Lummus, who suited up for the game as a reserve, might not have known it then, but this would be the final NFL game he attended. Lummus joined the US Marine Corps and was one of the many American war heroes who died on the island of Iwo Jima a few short years later. Among his last words to surviving comrades was something that the New York Giants had lost a perfect end.

The New York Football Giant ended, and Marine was later posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

Meanwhile, at Griffith Stadium in the Nation's Capitol, a similar announcement to military and government officials echoed through the stands. Press members were encouraged to report to their employers immediately, but no one in attendance was told why these statements were made.

They soon discovered that the event involved the United States entering two theaters of war in a conflict on three continents.

-Post Season

The timing of the Playoff OT rule was perfect because Western rivals, the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, were tied after the last scheduled games for first place. The NFL's first divisional playoff was set. The game took place at iconic Wrigley Field, and the hometown Bears won 33-14 to earn the right to host the NFL championship game against the New York Football Giants. Once again, the Bears would make the Windy City patrons proud with a 37-9 victory.

Passing Leader: Cecil Isbell, 1479 Yds

Rushing Leader: Pug Manders, 486 Yds

Receiving Leader: Don Hutson, 738 Yds

-Dominant Style of Play

The strategy and formational look of the 1941 game were different than what we would recognize based on the modern game. It was still in the era of single-platoon football, where substitutions were rare, and players staying out on the field from the initial whistle to the final gun was common.

The offense of choice was predominantly the use of the single-wing was still the popular choice but the success that the Bears had in the 1940 NFL Championship game, where they defeated the Washington Redskins handily at 73-0, had some starting to think about deploying another tactic the T-Formation. Clark Shaughnessy, then the head coach at Stanford, helped the Bears employ the formation to surprise the Washington eleven.

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This video delves into the strategic trading history of the number 1 NFL Draft pick. From the early days of the draft to the present, teams have used calculated trades to build their rosters and secure future success. Join us as we unravel this practice's evolution and profound impact on the league. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just curious about the NFL Draft's inner workings, this video will surely provide valuable insights and information. Take advantage of this fascinating journey through the history of trading the number 1 NFL Draft pick!

Get ready for a thrilling ride through the world of sports with our channel. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for all the latest updates. Remember, the draft is just the beginning - the real adrenaline rush starts when the trades start rolling in.

-The Value of Number One

In the world of the NFL Draft, the number 1 pick holds significant value. But over the years, teams have made bold moves by trading away this top selection.

From the early days of the NFL to the present, the trading of the number 1 pick has evolved in many ways. Teams have used this valuable asset to acquire multiple picks, star players, or future draft selections.

In some cases, teams have succeeded by trading away the number 1 pick, while others have regretted passing up on potential superstars. The risk and reward of trading the top pick have always been a hot topic of debate among fans and analysts.

Whether it's the infamous Eli Manning trade or the recent blockbuster deals involving quarterbacks, the history of trading the number 1 pick is filled with drama and excitement. Teams must carefully weigh their options and consider the long-term implications of such a decision.

As the NFL Draft continues to evolve, one thing remains certain—the trading of the number one pick will always be a captivating storyline for football fans worldwide.

-Famous Number One Draft Trades

-2023 the Chicago Bears to Carolina Panthers

The player picked at No. 1 by the Panthers: Bryce Young, QB from Alabama.

In return, the Bears received WR DJ Moore, a 2023 first-round pick (No. 9), a 2023 second-round pick (No. 61), a 2024 first-round pick, and a 2025 second-round pick.

In -2016, the Tennessee Titans traded off the honor to the Los Angeles Rams
Player picked at No. 1 by the Rams: QB Jared Goff

Titans received a 2016 first-round pick, a 2016 second-round pick, and a 2016 second-round pick and took RB Derrick Henry, a 2016 third-round pick, a 2017 first-round pick and selected WR Corey Davis, and a 2017 third-round pick.

-2001 saw the San Diego Chargers swap the selection with the Atlanta Falcons.
The player picked at No. 1 by the Falcons is QB Michael Vick from Virginia Tech.

The Chargers received WR Tim Dwight, a 2001 first-round pick, where they took RB LaDainian Tomlinson, a 2021 third-round pick, and a 2002 second-round pick.

-1997 the New York Jets sent their top selection spot to the St. Louis Rams
Player picked at No. 1 by the Rams: OT Orlando Pace

Jets received a 1997 first-round pick, 1997 third-round pick, 1997 fourth-round pick, and 1997 seventh-round pick.

-1995 had the Carolina Panthers sending the top spot to the Cincinnati Bengals
Player picked at No. 1 by Cincy: RB Ki-Jana Carter, Penn State

Panthers received a 1995 first-round pick, QB Kerry Collin) and a 1995 second-round pick, DE Shawn King.

-1991 the New England Patriots traded out to hand the slot to the Dallas Cowboys
Player picked at No. 1 by Dallas: DT Russell Maryland was in one Pro Bowl but won three Super Bowl Rings.

The Patriots received a 1991 first-round pick, a 1991 second-round pick, and three players: CB Ron Francis, LB David Howard, and LB Eugene Lockhart Jr.

-1990 the Atlanta Falcons made a deal with the Indianapolis Colts
Player picked at No. 1 by the Colts: QB Jeff George

Falcons received: OT Chris Hinton, WR Andre Rison, a 1990 fifth-round pick, and a 1991 first-round pick.

In -1984 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sent their honor to the Cincinnati Bengals, who in turn shipped it off to the New England Patriots
The player picked at No. 1 by the Pats: WR Irving Fryar

June 1983 trade: Bengals received 1984 No. 1 pick, Buccaneers received QB Jack Thompson

-1978 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded out to send their spot to the Houston Oilers
The player picked at No. 1 by the Oilers: RB Earl Campbell

Tampa Bay received TE Jimmie Giles, a 1978 first-round pick, where they took QB Doug Williams, a 1978 second-round pick, a 1979 third-round pick, and a 1979 fifth-round pick.

-1975 the Baltimore Colts swapped with the Atlanta Falcons
The player picked at No. 1 by Atlanta was QB Steve Bartkowski, who had two Pro Bowl seasons and an eleven-year NFL career.

The Colts received a 1975 first-round pick and OL George Kunz.

-1974 the Houston Oilers sent their selection placeholder to the Dallas Cowboys
The player picked at No. 1 by the Boys is DE Ed Jones, who went to three Pro Bowls and had an All-Pro season.

The Oilers received DE Tody Smith and WR Billy Parks.

The Cowboys received a 1974 No. 1 pick to get Too Tall and a 1974 third-round pick that they used to take QB Danny White.

-1968 the New York Giants danced with the Minnesota Vikings
The player picked at No. 1 by Vikes: T Ron Yary was a Hall of Fame player with 7 Pro Bowls and six All-Pro Seasons.

The Giants received QB Fran Tarkenton, who had five solid seasons in New York and then returned to the Vikings in 1972 and played seven seasons there during his second stint.

-1967 the upstart New Orleans Saints sent their NFL slot to the Baltimore Colts
Player picked at No. 1 by the Colts: DT Bubba Smith, who had two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro Season and helped the Colts win Super Bowl V

Saints received QB Gary Cuozzo.

Trading for the top spot is an exciting moment for the teams but it is quirte a gamble based on multiple variables. Will we see a trade out of the number one slot for this year's Draft? That is something we fans will have to wait and see.

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The Heisman Trophy recognizes the most outstanding college football player, while the NFL Draft's top overall pick signifies a team's belief in a player's future dominance. So, expectations soar when a Heisman winner becomes the number one pick. But does this translate to NFL greatness? Here's a breakdown of these players' careers:

-Mixed Bag: The results are far from guaranteed success. Some Heisman winners who were top picks, like Cam Newton and Roger Staubach, excelled in the NFL, becoming league MVPs and Super Bowl champions. Unfortunately, others like Tim Couch and Ryan Leaf became cautionary tales, failing to live up to the hype and experiencing short, underwhelming careers.
-Heisman winners who were the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft (Heisman year, player, school, NFL team)
-1935 – Jay Berwanger – Chicago – Philadelphia Eagles - Never played
-1940 – Tom Harmon – Michigan – Chicago Bears
-1942 – Frank Sinkwich – Georgia – Detroit Lions
-1943 – Angelo Bertelli – Notre Dame – Boston Yanks
-1949 – Leon Hart – Notre Dame – Detroit Lions (3X NFL Champ, Pro Bowl, All-Pro)
-1956 – Paul Hornung – Notre Dame – Green Bay Packers - Pro HOF
-1959 – Billy Cannon – LSU – Los Angeles Rams-never signed (3X AFL Champ, 2X Pro Bowl, 2XAll-Pro)
-1961 – Ernie Davis – Syracuse – Washington Redskins
-1962 – Terry Baker – Oregon State – Los Angeles Rams
-1969 – O.J. Simpson – USC – Buffalo Bills - Pro HOF
-1970 – Jim Plunkett – Stanford – New England Patriots
-1977 – Earl Campbell – Texas – Houston Oilers - PRo HOF
-1978 – Billy Sims – Oklahoma – Detroit Lions
-1980 – George Rogers – South Carolina – New Orleans Saints
-1985 – Bo Jackson – Auburn – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-1986 – Vinnie Testaverde – Miami – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-2002 – Carson Palmer – USC – Cincinnati Bengals
-2008 – Sam Bradford – Oklahoma – St. Louis Rams
-2010 – Cam Newton – Auburn – Carolina Panthers
-2013 – Jameis Winston – Florida State – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-2017 – Baker Mayfield – Oklahoma – Cleveland Browns
-2019 - Kyler Murray - Oklahoma - Arizona Cardinals
-2020 - Joe Burrow - LSU - Cincinnati Bengals
-2023 - Bryce Young - Alabama - Carolina Panthers

-Challenges of Adaptation:

The leap from college to the NFL is significant. Stronger competition, complex defenses, and the demands of the professional game can expose weaknesses that are not evident at the collegiate level. Injuries can also derail promising careers.

-Quarterback Emphasis: Notably, quarterbacks dominate this category. The pressure on these top picks is immense, as they're expected to be franchise cornerstones. Running backs and defensive players, drafted first overall less frequently, have yet to see the same boom-or-bust pattern.

Heisman Winners in the 2024 BFL Draft

-CALEB WILLIAMS, 2022 USC QB

-JAYDEN DANIELS 2023 LSU QB

-Shifting Trends: While some Heisman winners at the top of the draft have struggled, recent years have shown promise. Players like Joe Burrow and Kyler Murray have displayed early success, suggesting a potential shift in the narrative.
Overall, Winning the Heisman and being drafted number one doesn't guarantee NFL stardom. It's a complex equation in which talent, adaptation, and a bit of luck play crucial roles. Some players thrive under pressure, while others struggle to translate their college dominance to the professional level.

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Bennie Oosterbaan's name is synonymous with excellence at the University of Michigan. Not only was he a legendary player, but he also went on to coach the Wolverines to glory. To understand Oosterbaan's impact, we must explore both facets of his football career.

On the field, Oosterbaan was a force to be reckoned with. Ultimately, he led the Big Ten in scoring in 1925, showcasing his offensive prowess. He earned three All-American selections and established himself as a critical contributor to Michigan's success, playing alongside another legend, quarterback Benny Friedman. Oosterbaan's athleticism was wider than football. He was a three-time letterman in basketball, leading the Big Ten in scoring in 1928, and a talented baseball player, leading the conference in batting average the same year. This versatility solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted athletes in college sports history.

After graduation, Oosterbaan chose to stay at Michigan, not as a player, but as a coach. He began his journey as an assistant, learning the ropes under the legendary Fritz Crisler. Oosterbaan's dedication and strategic mind were evident. In 1948, he was tasked with succeeding Crisler, who had just led Michigan to an undefeated season and a national championship.

Oosterbaan's debut as head coach was nothing short of spectacular. He led the 1948 team, known as the "Goofus Galore" squad, to another undefeated season and a national championship. He became the only coach in NCAA history to achieve this feat in his first year. He built a successful coaching career, winning three Big Ten titles and finishing in the top 20 in the polls most years.

However, Oosterbaan was known for more than wins and losses. He emphasized discipline, sportsmanship, and character development in his players. His quiet leadership style, emphasizing "poise" over yelling and screaming, earned him the respect and loyalty of his teams. He believed in his players and empowered them to excel on and off the field.

Bennie Oosterbaan's legacy extends far beyond wins and championships. He is a symbol of dedication, athletic prowess, and exceptional leadership. He was a role model for generations of players and coaches, proving that success can be achieved through hard work, humility, and a genuine love for the game. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Michigan football history as a true legend.

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Born February 18, 1895, in Laurium, Michigan, the legendary University of Notre Dame fullback George Gipp was born.

Records show that Gipp rushed for 2,341 yards in four varsity years. This was a school record that lasted until 1978. He also completed 93 passes for 1,769 yards, punted, and returned kicks. He scored 156 points, counting touchdowns, extra points, and field goals. It was no wonder that with a talent like George Gipp, legendary Notre Dame Coach Knute Rockne would remember Gipp's last words to him as Gipp lay in a hospital bed dying from a battle with pneumonia.

Gipp had said. "Someday, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are going bad, and breaks are beating the boys - tell them to go on in there with all they've got and win just one for The Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock, but I'll know about it and be happy." Knute used those words eight years after Gipp died in a 1928 game against the Army. The Irish were down by six in the halftime locker room, but Rockne's plea from the dear departed Gipp roused the Irish into a 12-6 comeback victory that may never be forgotten.

The National Football Foundation selected George Gipp for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

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Alabama and Auburn played each other in what is, in essence, the 1st Iron Bowl. Only 450 people were at Birmingham's Lakeview Baseball Park on Feb. 22, 1893, to witness a 32-22 Auburn victory, per an NCAA.com story. Little did the handful of football fans on that winter day realize what would develop from the first game of these two eventual SEC powerhouses. The Iron Bowl is one of the most looked forward to matchups every season by college football fans.

The term Iron Bowl came from the venue where the game had been played for many years, Birmingham, Alabama's Legion Field. The City of Birmingham is known for its historic role in the steel industry, and these two top-flight college programs from the state of Alabama treated the crowds at Legion Field to some great memories. The game was predominantly played there from the late 1940s until 1989.

2023 saw the 88th time these teams had met, and with the narrow 27-24 Bama win where they overcame a 4-point deficit in the 4th and a 4th and goal on the 31-yard line, the Tide leads the series All-time series leads 50–37–1

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The New England Patriots are a household NFL name nowadays, but they almost were called by something slightly different that may have made them the butt of some rude commentary.

A 33-year-old new General Manager, Upton Bell, joined the franchise in the winter of 1971, just in time to intercept what may have been a naming catastrophe for the club. Upton Saved the day! Here is an excerpt from an interview with Upton in 2021, almost 50 years from the day this story took place.

Not able to tolerate the Bay Side Patriots being shortened to B.S. Patriots, Upton consulted management to use the New England moniker to embrace the region after the move from Boston to Foxborough.

Great story, and thanks to the legendary football icon Upton Bell for the content. Newspapers.com for the Boston Globe headlines from February and March of 1971. Much appreciation for the talented Mike and Gene Monroe for the background tunes, and Canva and Wikimedia Commons for some great images.

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February 20 is the anniversary of an important moment in football history.

According to the University of Georgia web post, it was on that day in 1892 in Atlanta, Georgia, that the University of Georgia Bulldogs played its second game ever in a 10-0 loss against the Auburn Tigers. The game would be the first in what is now known as 'The Deep South's Oldest Rivalry,' with 128 games between the schools entering the 2024 season. It was the first game of what has become the South's oldest college football rivalry, and many of the sport's historians consider February 20, 1892, to be the birth date of college football in the South and an early nod to SEC football.
Though the two teams did not square off in 1893, it has been a regular matchup since 1894.
Georgia leads the series is 64-56-8.