Football History

The Brooklyn Dodgers, an early professional football franchise, were established on July 12, 1930, during a pivotal era in the development of the National Football League (NFL). Originally a member of the NFL, the Dodgers were part of a broader movement to bring professional football to major urban centers across the United States.

Competing in a league still finding its footing, the Dodgers played their inaugural season in 1930, showcasing a roster filled with promising talent. Their games attracted local fans and contributed to the growing popularity of the sport in Brooklyn. However, despite their competitive spirit, the franchise struggled with financial challenges and inconsistent attendance, which were common issues for many teams during this period.

The Brooklyn Dodgers played for several seasons, making notable contributions to the NFL landscape before ultimately folding in 1944. Their legacy lives on as part of the rich history of professional football, highlighting the passion and dedication that fueled the sport's evolution in American culture. Today, the name "Dodgers" is remembered fondly by football historians as part of the NFL's early narrative.

The Cleveland Indians, a professional football team that briefly existed in the early 1930s, were granted their NFL franchise on July 12, 1931. This team emerged during a transformative period for professional football as the league sought to expand its reach and solidify its popularity across the United States.

The Indians played their inaugural season in 1931, featuring a roster filled with talented players who showcased their skills in a growing league. Despite the team's competitive spirit, they faced challenges typical of early professional franchises, including financial instability and inconsistent attendance.

The Indians managed to compete for three seasons before the franchise was ultimately dissolved in 1933. Their existence, though short-lived, contributed to the rich tapestry of Cleveland's sports history and the evolution of professional football.

Today, the legacy of the Cleveland Indians is often remembered by football historians and fans, serving as a reminder of the early days of the NFL and the passionate pursuit of sports in American culture.

On September 20th, a pivotal moment in American football history unfolded in Akron, Ohio. It was on this day in 1920 that the Akron Pros, a founding member of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), took their first steps toward NFL glory.

The Pros were a powerhouse during the early years of professional football, capturing the APFA championship in 1920 and 1921. Their success helped to establish the league as a major force in American sports and paved the way for the NFL as we know it today.

In this post, we'll delve into the rich history of the Akron Pros and explore their impact on the development of professional football. From the team's early triumphs to their eventual demise, we'll uncover the stories of the players, coaches, and fans who helped shape their legacy.

Join us as we celebrate the anniversary of the Akron Pros' formation and honor their contribution to the rich tapestry of American football history.

Nestled in the annals of football history lies a team whose impact resonates to this day: the Hartford Blues. Founded in 1924, the Blues emerged as a formidable force in the early years of American football, representing the city of Hartford, Connecticut, with pride and passion.

Join us on a journey through time as we uncover the rich history and contributions of the Hartford Blues. From their pioneering days in the early professional football landscape to their lasting influence on the sport, the Blues left an indelible mark on football culture.

Stay tuned as we delve into their standout players, memorable games, and the enduring legacy that continues to inspire football enthusiasts and historians alike. Discover what made the Hartford Blues a team to remember, and why their story remains a cherished chapter in the colorful tapestry of American football.

On June 24th, 1922, a new chapter unfolded in the history of American football. The Racine Legion, a team based in Racine, Wisconsin, took the field for the first time. This short-lived franchise, later known as the Racine Tornadoes, would leave its mark on the National Football League (NFL) during its brief but exciting existence from 1922 to 1926.

This post delves into the fascinating story of the Racine Legion/Tornadoes. We'll explore their rise to prominence, their battles against the league's early giants, and the factors that ultimately led to their demise. So, gear up for a journey through a forgotten era of the NFL, where a Wisconsin town witnessed the rise and fall of a team that packed a punch in its short time on the gridiron.

The early NFL franchise in Portsmouth, Ohio competed for a couple of NFL titles in the League's first decade.

This team played an important part in early professional football and, in particular, the early NFL. The legacy of the franchise continues today as the Spartans moved to a different state and became the Detroit Lions.

Portsmouth's pro football story is an integral part of the Detroit Lions origin story and we share it here.

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In a dramatic March makeover, the Pittsburgh Steelers revamped their quarterback situation. They dealt away their 2022 first-round pick, Kenny Pickett, to the Philadelphia Eagles, signaling a change in direction. To fill the void, the Steelers made a splash by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, a proven winner with exceptional talent.

This move wasn't the only surprise. The Steelers also acquired Justin Fields, a young quarterback with starting experience, from the Chicago Bears at a bargain price. This two-pronged approach gives the Steelers options: a veteran leader in Wilson and a potential future franchise quarterback in Fields. While the full impact of these moves remains to be seen, one thing is sure: the Steelers' quarterback room is no longer a question mark. It's a position of strength, poised to lead the team into a new era.

This is not the first time that the Steelers franchise's QB room has been shaken up and changed, but it might be the fastest and most dramatic. We will analyze these moves in March 2024 and tell the history of the Steelers Signal Caller Shakeups.

1950s Era Legendary Room
Has there ever been a more enormous blunder on NFL QB talent than what the Steelers did in the mid-1950s?

Walt Kiesling was on his second stint as the head coach of the Steelers in the mid-1950s. In his last few years with the franchise, which was filled with Hall of Fame legends, All-Pros, and legends, he ran pretty much a quarterback carousel.

Before the 1955 season, Jim Finks, Paul Heidt, a ninth-round Draft pick from Louisville, a local kid named Johnny Unitas, and another local arm from Franklin, PA, Ted Marchibroda.

-Unitas did not make the team! The legend, of course, would get signed by the Baltimore Colts a bit later. Johnny U. set multiple NFL records and was named LFL MVP three times, earning spots on ten Pro Bowl rosters and five first-team All-Pro honors. He helped lead the Colts to four NFL championship titles.

In 1956, the Pittsburgh QB room consisted of Marchibroda and Jack Scarbath.

In 1957, the Pittsburgh Quarterbacks comprised Len Dawson, Earl Morrall, and Jack Kemp. Kielsing was demoted to an assistant, and Buddy Parker was brought in as the coach.

-Dawson was let go in 1959, and the Cleveland Browns signed him for two seasons before also cutting ties with him. He then became an AFC Dallas Texan who moved to Missouri after one year in Big D. He is, of course, enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame after a Super Bowl Championship in which he was the game MVP in seven Pro Bowls and 2 All-Pro Seasons as a Kansas City Chiefs.

-Pittsburgh released Jack Kemp after the 1957 season. He sat out of football for two years and then was picked up by the AFL's Chargers. After a year in LA and another in San Diego with the Bolts, he signed a contract with AFL rival the Buffalo Bills and led that team to two AFL titles, seven Pro Bowls, and a couple of All-Pro Seasons.

-The Steelers once coveted Earl Morrall. On September 16, 1957, Pittsburgh acquired Morrall from the San Francisco 49ers and guard Mike Sandusky in exchange for two first-round draft picks and linebacker Marv Matuszak. After just one season, the Steelers traded their prize quarterback to the Detroit Lions for future Hall of Famer Bobby Layne.

1958 Morrall's early-season trade left HOFs Bobby Layne and Len Dawson as the remaining signal callers. The Steelers went 7-4-1 and missed the Playoffs. The two stayed in Pittsburgh for 1959, and the team registered a 6-5-1 record.

1970s QB room

In the early 1970s, the Steelers had three potential starting quarterbacks: Terry Hanratty, Terry Bradshaw, and Joe Gilliam. In 1973 and 1974, all three of these signal-callers saw starts for the Steelers in both seasons. At the end of the 1974 season, the Steelers won Super Bowl IX, and Bradshaw secured the job.

1984 Signal Callers

David Woodley, the Dolphins' Rookie of the Year in 1980 and recently unseated by Miami newcomer Dan Marino, arrived in Pittsburgh to compete with Mark Malone for the Steelers' quarterback duties. The team ended up going 10-6.

1990s QB Rooms
Neil O'Donnell and Bubby Brister battled it out for the starting job, and the team went 7-9 in Chuck Noll's final season. These two again were the quarterbacks when the Steelers improved to 11-5 under first-year head coach Bill Cowher.

Brister exited the next season, and Mike Tomzak joined the fray. O'Donnell took the team to 9-7, 12-4 in 1994, and 11-5 in 1995, losing the Super Bowl to Dallas, with the young arms of Jim Miller and Kordell Stewart joining the room.

New Millenium and a Franchise QB

The Steelers took Ben Roethlisberger with the 11th pick of the 2004 NFL Draft. Big Ben joined youngster Brian St. Pierre and a resurging Tommy Maddux.

However you look at it, changing the roster of the most important position on the team is the ultimate gamble of a franchise. The moves the Steelers have made in their QB room in March of 2024 look brilliant but only the play this fall will dictate if they were the right moves. The gambles on unwanted arms filled with potential and past glories don't always translate to "W"s on Sunday. Just look at the history of the team in similar circumstances. But Gosh what a fun ride it is to see Omar Khan pull his magic. Here We Go!

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Rich Shmelter, a prominent football historian and author, takes center stage in a captivating discussion about his latest book, "Drive to Conquest," which chronicles the 1964 Cleveland Browns and their historic NFL Championship victory. The episode opens with Darren Hays introducing Smelter, who shares his lifelong passion for the Browns, ignited by a childhood Christmas gift that featured stories about championship teams. This episode serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as Shmelter recounts the team's journey through a season filled with ups and downs, ultimately leading to their remarkable championship win against the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. Smelter’s narrative brings to life the grit and determination of a team often underestimated by critics and fans alike, showcasing their ability to rise above challenges.

Get your copy of Drive to Conquest by Rich ShmelterDrive to Conquest by Rich Shmelter on Amazon.

As the conversation unfolds, the episode delves into the tactical aspects of the Browns' championship game, where they executed a game plan that caught the Colts off guard. Shmelter discusses the strategic insights of head coach Blanton Collier, who implemented innovative tactics to disrupt the Colts' high-powered offense. The discussion also touches on the key players of the 1964 Browns, including the legendary Jim Brown, who delivered a stellar performance, along with Gary Collins, whose clutch catches helped secure the championship. Listeners are invited to appreciate the historical significance of this victory, which remains etched in the memories of Browns fans and serves as a beacon of hope for the franchise.

Diving deeper into the roots of football history, Shmelter emphasizes the importance of documenting and sharing these stories with new generations of fans. He outlines his vision for the Championship Diary series, which aims to spotlight other historic teams and their narratives, enriching the understanding of the game’s evolution. Smelter’s journey from a young fan to an author reflects a deep commitment to preserving the legacy of the sport, and his insights provide valuable context for listeners who may not be familiar with the pre-Super Bowl era of football. This episode is not just about the 1964 Cleveland Browns; it's a tribute to the spirit of football and the stories that define its rich history, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in the game.

Takeaways

-Rich Shmelter discussed his book 'Drive to Conquest', celebrating the 1964 Cleveland Browns' championship.

-The 1964 season was significant as it marked the last NFL title for the Browns to date.

-Darin Hayes and Rich Shmelter explored the coaching transition from Paul Brown to Blanton Collier.

-The Browns were labeled the 'laugh champs' despite their strong regular season performance.

-Shmelter emphasized the importance of game planning in the Browns' upset victory over the Colts.

-The podcast highlighted the evolving interest in professional football history among fans today.

On September 14, 1930 - The Portsmouth Spartans played their first NFL game on this date. The Spartans defeated the Newark Tornadoes in their first game by the final score of 13-6. The Portsmouth Eleven ended the 1930 season with a record of 5-6-3, but they had a core of players they could build upon, which became evident two years later.

The 1932 season ended with the Spartans and the Chicago Bears finishing with identical records at 6-1-4, and previously (since 1920), the League's champion was determined by the team with the best record. The NFL decided that a final game to determine a Champ would be played in a unique Chicago at Wrigley Field on December 18, 1932. This first postseason game in NFL history had some massive twists and turns to make it quite a remarkable story, even besides the fact that a game was going to be played to determine an NFL Champion. The first odd occurrence was that Spartans star Earl "Dutch" Clark could not play in the game because he had to work. While that may sound wild to us today, the fact was that professional players of that era did not make enough to make a living all year long. Most had to take off-season jobs to make ends meet, even the superstars like Dutch Clark, who worked as the Head Basketball Coach at Colorado College. His hoops team had a game on December 18, and Dutch couldn't get off work to make the football game in Chicago. The second crazy thing that happened was that due to a freak late-fall blizzard in Chicago, the game had to be moved inside the Chicago Stadium because Wrigley was covered with deep snow and frozen with dangerous sub-zero temperatures.

The playing field had to be modified to play inside, so the game was played on a field only 80 yards long and some 30 yards narrower than the normal width the teams played on all season. The last item surrounding the game happened on the contest's only touchdown. Bronko Nagurski threw a scoring jump pass to Red Grange, but the Spartans argued that Nagurski did not meet the requirement of legal forward passes in those days of being 5 yards or more behind the line. The play stood, and the Bears won the NFL title with a score of 9-0. The Spartans franchise would become the Lions in 1933 when they moved from Portsmouth, Ohio, to Detroit, Michigan, after a Detroit radio businessman, George A. Richards, purchased the rights to the team for $8000.

This was a hefty sum at the time, but Portsmouth had, after all, just recently played for a somewhat impromptu first NFL Championship game against the Chicago Bears, shorthanded of their star player. The Motor City was a risky place to put the team at this point, as three previous franchises had failed there, but Richards knew the city needed a winner and took the chance. It was well worth his risk as the newly named Detroit Lions team won the NFL Title in 1935 and later in the 1952, 1953, and 1957 seasons.

Richards took another chance with his football franchise in 1934 when he scheduled a game on Thanksgiving Day. However, it failed in other cities (save Dallas a few decades later), but the Turkey Day game in the Motor City was a huge success. Unfortunately, in 1940, Mr. Richards had to sell the franchise due to a declining health issue and a fine from the NFL for draft tampering, but his $8000 initial investment turned into a $225,000 sale of the Lions to retail magnate Fred Mandel. The Lions eventually were purchased by the descendants of Henry Ford and are owned by the family to this day.

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June 24, 1922 - Milwaukee Badgers franchise forms and plays from 1922 through 1926.

According to the SqueakyCurd.com the Badgers ended their 5 seasons, with a total record of 16-27-6, including only one season above .500 and one season at 0-6. The Borchert Field at Athletic Park in fact became the stop for the Green Bay Packers when they played their home games in Milwaukee after the Badgers demise. The most famous story according to the article of the Badgers may be the infamous 1925 Chicago Cardinals scandal.

Apparently the Cardinals scheduled two extra games at the end of the 1925 season in an effort to have a better win loss record that the Pottsville Maroons so that the NFL title could be claimed. The Badgers who had already disbanded at this time were resurrected by some crafty Chicago football folks that allegedly gathered some highschool, suited them up as the Badgers and then fed them to the Cardinals only to be whallopped 59-0. This win put the Cardinals ahead of the Maroons in the win-column, and with it the championship title. Our friend and Chicago Cardinals historian Joe Ziemba tells us though that the Cardinals , and any other NFL team, could schedule as many games as they wanted up until December 20, 1925 (when the season officially ended).

Of course, there are several other underlying stories in play here, including the Pottsville team playing in a game forbidden by Joe Carr and the Cardinals refusing the 1925 NFL championship at the league meeting in February of 1926. But as historians such as Joe Horrigan and Chris Willis have pointed out, the Cardinals did indeed have the best record in 1925 and should be recognized as the NFL champs. Joe will give us more detail in on this story of the Caridnals versus Badgers saga in his new book that is in the works, that is yet untitled. I can't wait for that one! As far as the Badgers and their lack of success though, it was not for lack for talent, as their roster featured three future hall of famers in Jimmy Conzelman, Johnny “Blood” McNally, and Fritz Pollard. They were open to anyone with skills, and employed one of the largest contingencies of black players in the league. For whatever reason, they simply just didn’t put it all together with "W's."