Football History

The 1925 NFL season was a wild and controversial one, ultimately leading to the Chicago Cardinals being crowned champions. It was a season marked by the rise of Red Grange, the suspension of the Pottsville Maroons, and a league still finding its footing.  

Want to catch up on our series of posts and podcasts on Pre-Super Bowl NFL Champions? Check it out here NFL Champions.

-The Rise of Red Grange

The biggest story of the 1925 season was undoubtedly the emergence of Red Grange. The "Galloping Ghost" was a star halfback from the University of Illinois who captivated the nation with his incredible speed and elusiveness. After the college season, Grange signed with the Chicago Bears, and his presence instantly transformed the league. Huge crowds flocked to see him play, and he became a national sensation, bringing unprecedented attention to professional football.  

-The Pottsville Maroons Controversy

The Pottsville Maroons were a dominant team in 1925, boasting a 10-2 record. They even defeated the Chicago Cardinals, their main rivals, late in the season. However, a controversial decision by NFL Commissioner Joseph Carr cost them the championship. The Maroons scheduled a game against a team of former Notre Dame players in Philadelphia, which was considered to be in the territory of the Frankford Yellow Jackets. Despite warnings from Carr, the Maroons played the game, leading to their suspension from the league and the forfeiture of their right to compete for the championship.  

-The Cardinals Claim the Crown

With the Pottsville Maroons out of the picture, the Chicago Cardinals, who had finished the season with an 11-2-1 record, were declared the NFL champions. It was a bittersweet victory for the Cardinals, as they had not defeated the Maroons on the field. Owner Chris O'Brien would NOT accept the title; however, in 1933, when the Bidwell family took over ownership of the franchise, they did embrace the title, marking the franchise's first NFL championship.

-A League in Flux

The 1925 season highlighted the challenges the NFL faced in its early years. The league was still relatively young and lacked the stability and structure of later decades. Controversies like the Pottsville Maroons suspension and the constant movement of franchises were common occurrences. However, the emergence of stars like Red Grange and the growing popularity of the game were signs that professional football was on the rise.

-The Legacy of 1925

Despite the controversies and challenges, the 1925 NFL season played a significant role in the development of the league. The excitement generated by Red Grange helped to attract new fans and solidify the league's place in the American sports landscape. The lessons learned from the Pottsville Maroons incident likely contributed to future rule changes and a greater emphasis on league uniformity. While the Cardinals' championship may have come under somewhat unusual circumstances, it still stands as a testament to their strong season and their place in NFL history.

Fresh off the excitement of Super Bowl LIX, where the quest for a three-peat fell short, let's turn back the clock to a time when a team achieved that very feat – the 1931 Green Bay Packers. This era, before the Super Bowl, was a rugged and fascinating period in NFL history, and the Packers' dominance stands as a testament to their exceptional talent.

-A League in Flux:

The 1931 NFL season, the league's 12th, unfolded against the backdrop of the Great Depression. Financial hardship forced the Newark Tornadoes and Minneapolis Marines to fold, and the Frankford Yellow Jackets, champions of 1926, also succumbed to the economic pressures. This left the NFL with a mere nine teams by season's end. However, amidst the turmoil, the Cleveland Indians joined as an expansion team, and the Portsmouth Spartans emerged as a formidable force, starting with seven consecutive wins and allowing only 16 points in those games.

-The Packers' Path to Glory (and Controversy):

The Green Bay Packers, led by the legendary Curly Lambeau, were on a mission to secure their third consecutive NFL championship. They started strong, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. The season culminated in a controversial decision that ultimately crowned the Packers champions.

The Packers, with a 12-2 record, were scheduled to play the 10-3 Portsmouth Spartans. However, the Packers' brass refused to play, knowing a loss would result in a tie for the championship. The Spartans protested, but NFL Commissioner Joe Carr sided with Green Bay, awarding them the title and leaving Portsmouth with a bitter second-place finish.

The Stars of the 1931 Packers:

The Packers' success was built on a foundation of exceptional talent. Let's delve into some of the key players who contributed to their historic three-peat:

-Laverne "Lavvie" Dilweg:
A dominant defensive end, Dilweg's talent is often overlooked.
He amassed an astounding 27 career interceptions, a feat unmatched by most of his contemporaries.
As Ken Crippen of the Football Learning Academy pointed out, Dilweg was considered one of the best ends of the pre-modern era, yet he has not received the Hall of Fame recognition he deserves.

-Vern Lewellyn:
Lewellyn, the Packers' star halfback, was a crucial part of their championship runs.
Chris Willis of NFL Films highlighted Lewellyn's consistent performance, even suggesting he would have been a back-to-back MVP in 1929 and 1930.
Again, a player whose Hall-of-Fame credentials are powerful.

-Curly Lambeau:
The founder of the Packers franchise and a visionary coach.
Lambeau was instrumental in popularizing passing plays and strategic offensive schemes.
As Larry Schmitt noted, Lambeau's leadership guided the Packers to six championships, surpassing even Vince Lombardi's record.

-Cal Hubbard:
A rare athlete who excelled in both football and baseball, earning induction into both Halls of Fame.
Hubbard was a dominant force on the offensive and defensive lines, contributing to four championship teams.
George Bozeka, PFRA president, detailed Hubbard’s amazing career.

-Johnny "Blood" McNally is a versatile player who made significant contributions.

-Mike Michalske, a Hall of Fame blocker who paved the way for the Packers' running game.

-Arnie Herber, who was in the early part of his Hall-of-Fame career.

-A Legacy Forged in Controversy and Triumph:

The 1931 season was a pivotal moment in NFL history. Though achieved amidst controversy, the Packers' three-peat solidified their place as one of the league's early dynasties. Their roster was filled with legendary players who helped shape the game.

The 1931 season was the last year in which the NFL championship was awarded without a championship game. The next year the NFL would have a championship game. The NFL would continue to evolve, but the legacy of the 1931 Green Bay Packers remains a testament to their remarkable talent and enduring spirit.

The 1928 NFL season, though lacking the modern spectacle of today's game, was a pivotal chapter in the league's formative years. At its heart lies the story of the Providence Steam Roller, a now-defunct franchise that defied expectations to claim the NFL championship. This season, as explored in a detailed podcast, sheds light on the league's early struggles, the absence of a structured championship game, and the unique circumstances that shaped the Steam Roller's triumph.

Want to catch up on our series of posts and podcasts on Pre-Super Bowl NFL Champions? Check it out here NFL Champions.

Unlike the contemporary NFL, where a playoff system culminates in the Super Bowl, the 1928 season determined its champion based solely on regular-season records. This absence of a formal championship game underscores the era's evolving nature, where organizational structures were still being refined. The Providence Steam Roller, entering their fourth NFL season, had demonstrated steady improvement, and in 1928, they reached their zenith.

The podcast narrative meticulously traces the Steam Roller's journey, highlighting pivotal matches that ultimately secured their championship. Critical victories against key rivals propelled them to the top of the standings, showcasing their resilience and strategic prowess. The detailed accounts of these games provide a window into the raw, unpolished football of the late 1920s, a stark contrast to the sophisticated strategies of today.

However, the Steam Roller's story is not merely one of on-field success. The podcast delves into the team's personal challenges, revealing a poignant tale of resilience in the face of tragedy. Amidst their championship pursuit, the players coped with personal losses, demonstrating their unwavering determination and camaraderie. This emotional depth adds a human dimension to their victory, transforming it from a mere sporting achievement into a testament to the team's spirit.

The inclusion of Greg Tranter, a guest expert on the Providence Steam Roller, significantly enriches the podcast. Tranter's insights provide valuable context, offering a deeper understanding of the franchise's history and its place within the broader landscape of early NFL. His expertise illuminates the nuances of the 1928 season, adding layers of historical accuracy and detail.

The narrative emphasizes the importance of historical context in appreciating the NFL's evolution. By examining the 1928 season, listeners gain a greater understanding of the league's humble beginnings and the challenges it faced. The Providence Steam Roller's championship serves as a reminder of the league's diverse history, where teams of varying sizes and resources competed on a level playing field.

The 1928 Providence Steam Roller season stands as a unique achievement, as they are the last defunct team to win an NFL championship. Their record of only one loss is a testament to their dominance that year. This narrative serves as a critical examination of the NFL’s past, and the unique circumstances that shaped the league we know today.

---

The Heisman is one of the most well-known awards in football. A trophy that every college football player covets. Let's take a look at its history in a fun way.

These trophies and awards are more than just objects; they are tangible reminders of the passion, hard work, and unwavering spirit that define football. Spend a few moments with a dose of football history. From the trophy case, where sports memories are preserved, we share some of the iconic moments and facts.

---

The 1933 NFL Championship, the first official title game pitting division winners against each other, didn't just appear out of thin air. Its roots lie in a series of quirky, rule-bending, and downright smelly events that transformed professional football.

-Before Divisions: The 1932 Tiebreaker and the Indoor Experiment

Prior to 1933, the NFL championship was awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. But even that system had its eccentricities. In 1932, the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans found themselves locked in a virtual tie, with identical 6-1 records. However, ties weren't factored into the standings at the time. This led to an impromptu playoff game, an indoor affair at Chicago Stadium, home of the Blackhawks.

This wasn't the first time the Bears had attempted an indoor game. In 1930, they'd played an exhibition against the Chicago Cardinals for charity. The weather was brutal, forcing them to move indoors. To pull it off they had to unfreeze the hockey rink and bring in dirt. The game was a comedy of errors, with players colliding with the rink's wooden boards and Ernie Nevers even hitting the scoreboard. However, it was a success and a few thousand fans attended.

Back to 1932, the Bears and Spartans faced off in a game that was supposed to be outdoors. Due to terrible weather, George Halas decided to move the game indoors again. This time, the circus had just left, leaving behind a layer of dirt and, shall we say, "elephant contributions." The stench was so bad that some Bears players reportedly got sick.

The game itself was played on a modified field, with a narrower width and a unique rule to simulate a 100-yard field. The Bears won, thanks to a controversial jump pass from Bronko Nagurski to Red Grange. This indoor "playoff" game, though not officially a championship, planted the seed for change.

-The 1933 Revolution: Divisions, Rules, and a Landmark Game

The NFL, recognizing the excitement generated by the 1932 playoff, decided to implement a divisional system. The ten teams were split into Eastern and Western Divisions, with the division winners meeting in a championship game. This mirrored the successful World Series format in baseball.

The 1933 season also saw significant rule changes. The league decided to create its own rule book, diverging from the college game. This included:

-Hash marks: To keep the ball in the center of the field.

-Forward pass: Legal from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage.

-Goal posts: Moved to the goal line to encourage field goals.

-The inaugural championship game featured the New York Giants (11-3) and the Chicago Bears (12-1). The Bears roster boasted six Hall of Famers, including Grange and Nagurski. The Giants, coached by Steve Owen, had a roster filled with colorful nicknames like "Red," "Tiny," and "Kink."

The game itself was a back-and-forth thriller. The Bears' kicker, Jack Manders, was instrumental, kicking three field goals. The Giants fought back, with key touchdowns from Red Badgro and Ken Strong. The game ended with a wild lateral play, resulting in a Bill Carr touchdown, giving the Bears a 23-21 victory.

The 1933 NFL Championship was a landmark event. It showcased the new rules, the excitement of divisional play, and the growing popularity of professional football. It was a pivotal moment in the league's history, setting the stage for the modern NFL and its eventual rise to prominence.

The 1922 NFL season was a pivotal year in the league's formative years, marked by the dominance of the Canton Bulldogs and their undefeated championship run. It was the first season that the league went under the banner of the National Football League, as it had previously been called the American Professional Football Association (APFA). This era, still relatively close to the league's inception, showcased the burgeoning popularity of professional football and the rise of legendary figures who would shape the sport's future.

Want to catch up on our series of posts and podcasts on Pre-Super Bowl NFL Champions? Check it out here NFL Champions.

The Canton Bulldogs, led by the astute coaching of Guy Chamberlin, were a force to be reckoned with. Their roster boasted an impressive collection of talent, including iconic names like Jim Thorpe, who, although nearing the end of his career, still commanded attention and respect. The team's offensive prowess was undeniable, steamrolling opponents with a potent combination of skilled players and innovative strategies. Their final record of 10-0-0 spoke volumes about their dominance, a testament to their unwavering consistency and ability to overpower their competition.

The Bulldogs' success wasn't merely about individual brilliance but a collective effort, a testament to teamwork and a shared vision. Their offensive line paved the way for their running backs, while their defense stifled opponents, allowing a mere 21 points throughout the season. This balanced approach and Chamberlin's leadership made them an unstoppable juggernaut.

Beyond their on-field achievements, the 1922 Canton Bulldogs played a crucial role in solidifying the NFL's position in the American sports landscape. Their undefeated season generated significant media attention and fan interest, contributing to the league's growing popularity. The team's success helped to dispel any lingering doubts about the viability of professional football, paving the way for its continued growth and evolution.

The 1922 season also witnessed other noteworthy developments. The league expanded to include new teams, further broadening its reach and appeal. Rule changes were implemented to enhance the game's excitement and safety, reflecting the league's commitment to continuous improvement. While the Canton Bulldogs undoubtedly stole the spotlight, other teams and players also contributed to the season's narrative, adding to the rich tapestry of NFL history.

In conclusion, the 1922 NFL season was a landmark year, defined by the extraordinary achievements of the Canton Bulldogs. Their undefeated championship run solidified their place in NFL history and played a crucial role in the league's growth and development. The team's dominance, coupled with the contributions of other players and teams, helped to elevate professional football to new heights, setting the stage for its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

---

On the night of November 9, 2002, a football game unfolded that would forever be etched into the annals of college football history. The contest between the LSU Tigers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium would be remembered as the "Bluegrass Miracle."

The Wildcats had the upper hand for most of the game, and as the clock ticked down, their fans were already preparing to storm the field and celebrate a hard-fought victory. The Kentucky players, in a show of exuberance, had even doused their head coach, Guy Morriss, with Gatorade. It seemed as if the game was all but over.

However, fate had a different plan. With mere seconds remaining, LSU quarterback Marcus Randall dropped back to pass from his own 15-yard line. A Kentucky defender tipped the ball, but it fell into the waiting arms of LSU wide receiver Devery Henderson. Henderson, with incredible speed and determination, raced down the field, evading tackles and finally crossing the goal line for a stunning 74-yard touchdown.

The improbable victory secured a 33-30 win for the No. 16-ranked LSU Tigers, leaving the Kentucky faithful stunned and the LSU fans ecstatic. This miraculous play would go down as one of the most unforgettable moments in college football history, and ESPN would later rank it as the 113th greatest college game ever played.

The 1926 NFL season was a fascinating one, marked by the dominant performance of the Frankford Yellow Jackets. Here's a look at how they clinched the championship:

Want to catch up on our series of posts and podcasts on Pre-Super Bowl NFL Champions? Check it out here NFL Champions.

-A Dominant Force

The Frankford Yellow Jackets, hailing from the Frankford neighborhood of Philadelphia, were a powerhouse in 1926. They boasted a remarkable regular season record of 14 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties, a winning percentage of .933. This was the highest number of wins in an NFL season up to that point.

-Key Factors in Their Success

Several factors contributed to the Yellow Jackets' impressive run:

-Strong Offense: Frankford led the league in scoring, averaging nearly 14 points per game. Their offensive attack was potent and consistent, allowing them to outscore their opponents with regularity.

-Stingy Defense: While their offense garnered much attention, the Yellow Jackets' defense was equally formidable. They ranked second in the league in scoring defense, allowing a mere 2.9 points per game on average.
-Their ability to stifle opposing offenses was crucial to their success.

Key Victories: The Yellow Jackets secured several crucial victories throughout the season, including a pivotal 7-6 win over the previously unbeaten Chicago Bears on December 4th. This victory propelled them towards the championship.

Leadership: The team was led by Guy Chamberlin, a Hall of Fame coach who also played on the team. His leadership and experience were invaluable in guiding the Yellow Jackets to victory.

-Championship Clinched

The Frankford Yellow Jackets were crowned the 1926 NFL champions by their superior regular season record. A key end-of-the-season win over Pottsville clinched the title. In those days, the team with the best record at the end of the season was declared the champion; there was no championship game.

-A Notable Season

The 1926 season was a landmark one for the Frankford Yellow Jackets. Their 14 wins set a new standard for the league, and their dominant performance on both offense and defense cemented their place in NFL history. They were a deserving champion, showcasing exceptional talent and teamwork throughout the season.

-A Piece of NFL History

The story of the 1926 Frankford Yellow Jackets reminds of the rich history of the NFL. Their championship season is a testament to their skill and determination, and their legacy lives on as a significant chapter in the league's long and storied past.

---

The year was 1957, and the Oklahoma Sooners were a juggernaut. With a 47-game winning streak under their belt and a third consecutive national championship in their sights, they were the undisputed kings of college football. Their opponent, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, were a far cry from their glory days. Yet, as the two teams prepared to clash in Norman, a sense of tension filled the air.

The Sooners were fueled by a combination of pride and anger. They had recently been dethroned from the top spot in the AP Poll by Texas A&M, a slight they were eager to rectify. Moreover, they harbored resentment towards Notre Dame quarterback Paul Hornung, who had won the Heisman Trophy the previous year despite leading his team to a dismal 2-8 record. Oklahoma believed that their own star running back, Tommy McDonald, had been unfairly overlooked.

As the Irish arrived in Norman, they were greeted with a hero's welcome. A local Catholic high school organized a pep rally in their honor, and the team was treated like royalty. However, beneath the surface, a fierce determination burned within the Sooners. They were eager to avenge their 1953 loss to Notre Dame and reassert their dominance on the college football landscape.

The game itself was a defensive struggle, a stark contrast to the high-scoring affairs that had become synonymous with Oklahoma football. Neither team could find a rhythm offensively, and the score remained 0-0 for the majority of the game. It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the deadlock was broken. Notre Dame, facing a fourth-and-goal situation from the Oklahoma three-yard line, executed a perfectly timed misdirection play. Quarterback Bob Williams faked a handoff to fullback Nick Pietrosante before pitching the ball to Dick Lynch, who raced around the end for the game's only touchdown.

With this stunning victory, Notre Dame not only snapped Oklahoma's 47-game winning streak but also delivered one of the greatest upsets in college football history. The game would forever be etched in the annals of the sport, a testament to the power of underdogs and the enduring magic of college football.

---

Football Flashback: December 18th, 1932, holds a unique place in NFL history. It was a day that witnessed the birth of a tradition – the NFL Championship Game. Up until that point, the league simply awarded the title to the team with the best record at the season's end. However, fate intervened in 1932, creating a scenario that demanded a more dramatic conclusion.

The season ended with a nail-biting tie at the top of the standings. The Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans (later to become the Detroit Lions) were locked in a statistical deadlock. Legend has it that George Halas, the fiery owner and coach of the Bears, couldn't stomach the idea of co-champions. He reportedly challenged the Spartans to settle the score on the field, and thus, the first-ever NFL Championship Game was born.

This inaugural postseason game wasn't without its share of bizarre twists. One of the Spartans' star players, Earl "Dutch" Clark, couldn't participate because his primary job was coaching basketball at Colorado College. His team had a game scheduled for the same day, and the gridiron had to take a backseat for "Dutch."

Adding to the drama, Chicago was hit by a late-season blizzard that rendered Wrigley Field, the designated venue, unusable. The deep snow and sub-zero temperatures forced a last-minute relocation to the Chicago Stadium, home of the city's ice hockey team. This unexpected change meant a much smaller playing field, measuring a mere 80 yards in length and 30 yards narrower than the standard size.

Despite these unusual circumstances, the game unfolded with all the intensity one would expect from a championship showdown. The only touchdown of the game came courtesy of a controversial play. Bronko Nagurski, the Bears' legendary fullback, launched a jump pass to Red Grange, another iconic player. However, the Spartans vehemently contested the legitimacy of the play, arguing that Nagurski didn't meet the then-existing rule for forward passes, which required the thrower to be at least five yards behind the line of scrimmage. The officials, however, ruled in favor of the Bears, awarding them the touchdown.

With a final score of 9-0, the Chicago Bears emerged victorious, claiming the first-ever NFL Championship title. This historic game, deemed the 82nd Greatest Pro Game Ever Played by NFL.com, laid the groundwork for the league's exciting postseason format we know today. It was a day that highlighted the resilience of the sport, its ability to adapt to unexpected challenges, and the fierce competitive spirit that defines professional football.

While the Spartans fell short in this initial championship bout, their story doesn't end there. As the Detroit Lions, they would continue to challenge for dominance in the years to come, forever linked to this groundbreaking chapter in NFL history. The 1932 championship game wasn't just a spectacle on the field; it was a turning point, a testament to the league's commitment to crowning a true champion through the thrilling crucible of a playoff game.