Football History

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In less than 30 seconds, we will test your memory and preserve a small piece of NFL history. The trophy case holds the memories of great football feats.

In this short videos, we’ll dive into unique trivia questions and little-known facts, all straight from the trophy case of an athletic department near you. Whether it’s a legendary play, a forgotten milestone, or a quirky piece of NFL history, we’re bringing you the stories that have shaped the game.

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The Mississippi State Bulldogs' football helmet design, like their team itself, has endured several transformations over the decades, each reflecting changes in team identity, trends, and a touch of maroon-and-gray swagger. Here's a journey through the Bulldogs' headgear:

Early Days (1949-1966): Starting with white helmets in 1949, MSU donned numbers for a brief period before sporting the "Flying M" logo from 1963-1966. This era was defined by classic simplicity, a time before the Bulldog spirit found its full visual roar.

The White and Maroon Shift (1967-1973): A switch back to white helmets with numbers (1967-1972) was followed by a return to the "Flying M" on maroon in 1973. This period saw experimentation, a search for the perfect canvas for the Bulldog identity.

The Interlocking MSU Era (1979-2008): In 1979, a defining moment arrived - the iconic interlocking MSU logo took center stage on the maroon helmet. This design solidified the team's brand, becoming a symbol of Bulldog pride and fierce competitiveness. It witnessed three SEC championships and countless memorable victories.

Silver Adornments and Glittering Experiments (2009-2019): The early 2010s saw silver trim and stripes added to the helmet, giving it a modern edge. But the core - the interlocking MSU - remained unchallenged. Matt chrome, matte finishes, and even a throwback "MS" logo made brief appearances, showcasing the Bulldogs' willingness to experiment while holding onto their signature element.

Present Day: Celebrating Tradition and Honoring Heroes (2020-Present): The current helmet design retains the timeless interlocking MSU with subtle tweaks like bolder outlines and slightly altered proportions.

Additionally, several alternate helmets have emerged, like the "maroon chrome" version and the 2023 throwback to the 1998 championship team's design. Special helmets honoring veterans and fallen coaches further showcase the Bulldogs' commitment to tradition and community.

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.

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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 1935 NFL season marked a pivotal moment in the league's burgeoning history, showcasing a rapidly evolving strategy and popularity. While the nation grappled with the lingering effects of the Great Depression, professional football offered a welcome escape, a spectacle of grit and determination. This season, however, was dominated by the rise of a team that would etch its name into the annals of NFL lore: the Detroit Lions.

Under the astute leadership of coach Potsy Clark, the Lions, then just a few years removed from their relocation from Portsmouth, Ohio, had assembled a formidable squad. Their offense, spearheaded by Dutch Clark's powerful running and quarterback Bill Shepherd's strategic passing, proved a force to be reckoned with. Their defense, anchored by Ernie Caddel and Lloyd Thomas, was equally tenacious, capable of stifling even the most potent offenses.

The Lions' regular season was a testament to their dominance. They compiled a 7-3-2 record, securing the Western Division title and earning the right to host the NFL Championship Game. Their opponent, the New York Giants, led by the legendary Steve Owen, presented a formidable challenge. The Giants, known for their innovative T-formation offense, were eager to prove their own championship mettle.

The championship game, played on December 15, 1935, at the University of Detroit Stadium, was a hard-fought contest. The Lions' defense proved the decisive factor, effectively neutralizing the Giants' offensive threats. While the game was not a high-scoring affair, it showcased strategic brilliance and physical prowess. The Lions' relentless defensive pressure and timely offensive plays ultimately secured a 26-7 victory.

This triumph marked the Detroit Lions' first NFL Championship, a watershed moment for the franchise and the city of Detroit. It solidified their status as a dominant force in the league and provided a much-needed boost of morale during a challenging economic period. The 1935 Lions' victory was not just a win on the scoreboard but a symbol of resilience and determination, a testament to the power of teamwork and strategic execution. The 1935 season and championship game remain a significant chapter in the NFL's rich history, a reminder of the league's enduring appeal and the enduring legacy of the Detroit Lions.

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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!

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In the hallowed halls of football history, where legends are born and records are broken, there exists a place where the greatest moments in the sport are preserved.

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The modern touchback rule in American football, where a ball fumbled out of the end zone results in possession for the receiving team at the 20-yard line, wasn't always the way it was. Its history reveals an interesting journey shaped by strategic considerations, safety concerns, and the ever-evolving nature of the game.

Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com joins us to discuss this interesting but rare football event and its evolution in history.

Early Days and the Muffed Punt: In the early years of American football (late 19th century), recovering a fumble in the end zone, even if accidentally, awarded the recovering team a touchdown. This strategy, known as the "muffed punt," involved intentionally fumbling the ball just before crossing the goal line to score. It was a risky maneuver but potentially offered an advantage in scoring position.

Safety First: Introducing the Safety: Recognizing the dangers of this practice, a new rule was introduced in 1882, awarding the opposing team two points (later changed to one) for recovering a fumble in the end zone, effectively discouraging the "muffed punt" and prioritizing player safety.

Strategic Shifts and the Touchdown: However, the new rule also created a strategic conundrum. Teams facing fourth-and-long situations near their own end zone could intentionally fumble the ball out of bounds for a safety, essentially sacrificing two points to avoid a potential turnover and touchdown by the opponent. This led to the introduction of the "touchback" rule.

Step into the annals of American football history on July 23rd, a date marked by pivotal moments that have left an enduring impact on the sport. From historic signings to memorable games and influential decisions, July 23rd has witnessed events that resonate deeply with football enthusiasts and fans alike. It serves as a reminder of the sport's rich heritage and its evolution over the decades.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the significant events that have defined July 23rd in American football. From groundbreaking innovations in strategy to dramatic victories on the field, each story illuminates the passion and drama that make football such a beloved pastime. Whether you're passionate about the game's history or simply curious about its cultural significance, our exploration promises to uncover intriguing narratives and highlight the individuals who have shaped the sport's trajectory.

Stay tuned as we uncover the stories behind July 23rd's most memorable moments in American football history. Discover how these events have not only shaped the game itself but also captivated the hearts and minds of millions around the world. Join us in celebrating the heritage of football and exploring the impact of July 23rd on its enduring legacy.

Gridiron history is packed with exciting moments that have shaped the game we know and love today. On June 21st alone, the gridiron witnessed events that influenced the sport's trajectory. Let's delve into the past and explore some of the most significant happenings that went down on this specific summer date. We'll uncover rule changes, groundbreaking plays, or maybe even the birth of a legendary player – all of which left their mark on the game we cherish. So, gear up and get ready to take a fascinating journey through gridiron history, specifically focusing on the events that unfolded on June 21st.

This daily football history segment features the Great events, Franchise formation anniversaries as well as the birthdays of notable Hall of Fame players, coaches or anyone else in our great game and many more Legendary stories of the Gridiron.