Football History

Journalist Peter Oltchick is the co-author (with former New York Daily News journalist Bill Bell) of Football for Fun: The Story of Coach Stewart “Fergie” Ferguson. Learn more about his work here on his own site!

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Learn more about our guest Geoff Giordano and his great posts on the APBA game and APBA Football Club

Born June 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Back for the Green Bay Packers. Herb ended his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Prior to being picked by the Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft as an offensive halfback, Adderly had played collegiately for Michigan State. In his rookie season facing the fact that the Pack already had two great backs in Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, the Green Bay coaches flipped him over to the defensive side of the ball as an emergency fill in for an injured corner Hank Gremminger and Adderly thrived as a cornerback.

Adderly accounted for 48 interceptions in his career and did some damage returning them as he averaged 21.8 yards per pick for a total of 1046 yards. Herb played in five NFL title games, and four Super Bowls! One of his biggest moments as a pro was a 60 yard pick six in Super Bowl II. The ball-hawking back also made it into five Pro Bowl games, as he was also an All-Pro in five different seasons. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Herb Adderly in 1980 to their Canton, Ohio museum.

Born May 22, 1940, in Lexington, Nebraska, was Mick Tingelhoff is an NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Center who played for the Minnesota Vikings for 17 seasons.

He was selected in the Hall of Fame in the 2015 class. Mick played his college football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and did not become the starter there until his senior season.

The Hall of Famer also went undrafted and signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 1962 and became the starter as a rookie! His hard work earned him the right to play in six consecutive Pro Bowls in the late 1960s. After the 1969 season, Mr. Tingelhoff was voted as the NFL's Top Offensive Lineman of the Year.

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A history lesson on the origin of the BYU Cougars moniker

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The results of the 1919 and 1920 Bulldog campaigns.

Step into the rich history of American football with our exclusive series on the Canton Bulldogs, a team that defined the early years of professional football. Founded in 1905 and based in Canton, Ohio, the Bulldogs became trailblazers in the sport, setting records and paving the way for future generations of gridiron greatness.

Join us as we chronicle the remarkable journey of the Canton Bulldogs, from their humble beginnings to their dominance on the field. Through in-depth profiles, iconic moments, and insights into their impact on football culture, we'll explore why the Bulldogs remain a revered name in the annals of sports history.

Discover the players who became legends, the rivalries that shaped their era, and the enduring legacy that continues to influence the game today. Whether you're a passionate fan or a curious newcomer, our series promises to unveil the fascinating story of the Canton Bulldogs like never before. Stay tuned for a journey through time and touchdowns!

Born August 14, 1916, in Rochester, New York, was Wellington Mara Pro Football Hall of Fame was the famed owner of the New York Giants, who along with his brother, Jack, inherited the team from his father Tim in 1930 due to the latter's connection with Professional Boxing.

When he was young and watched his father's Giants practice and play from the sidelines, the New York players called him with a nickname "the Duke" because of the royal position in Great Britain, the Duke of Wellington. The NFL admired the innovations of Wellington so much that in 1941, they nicknamed the version of the Wilson Game ball " 'the Duke" in his honor.

Under Wellington's leadership the G-men won 6 NFL Titles, which included two Super Bowl wins.

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The New England Historical Society has a great excerpt on the history of Hobey Baker and his days at Princeton.

Perhaps the most identifiable item of an athlete to the public is their clothes while performing at epic levels in their respective sport. Our aim is to capture the essence and tell the history. The Sports Jersey Dispatch – where history threads the game together.

The Sports Jersey Dispatch aims to furnish the history by the uniforms, jerseys & sweaters of top North American Team Sports players.

So, come explore the vibrant tapestry of sports history, one stitch at a time. At Sports Jersey Dispatch, we believe every jersey carries a story, and we're dedicated to unearthing and celebrating them all. Lace up your passion, grab your favorite game day gear, and let's embark on this unique journey together!

In the bustling newsroom of the Pittsburgh Guardian, amidst the clatter of typewriters and the crackle of telegraph wires, a legend waits to be written. This is the story of Orville Mulligan, a sportswriter with a nose for a scoop and a knack for getting under the skin of even the most seasoned athletes. Join us as we delve into the exhilarating world of 1920s sports journalism, where Orville navigates the smoke-filled locker rooms, the tranquil back alleys, and the roaring grandstands in pursuit of the truth.

His typewriter is his weapon, his words his bullets. Orville doesn't just report the news; he exposes it, unearthing scandals, chasing down leads, and championing the underdog with a wit as sharp as his fedora brim. But his relentless pursuit of the truth often puts him at odds with influential figures, from crooked team owners to shady gamblers, all with secrets they desperately want to keep buried.

Prepare to be swept away by the crowd's roar, the chase's adrenaline rush, and the poignant beauty of second chances. Orville Mulligan is a character you will remember, a testament to the power of the written word and the unwavering spirit of the underdog. So, grab your press pass, tune in, and get ready to experience the golden age of sports journalism, where every game is a story waiting to be told.