Football History

---

Original APFA franchise, NFL founding franchise, Original APFA team

Significant Daily Events in Football History on the 23rd of December - This Day in History

The Auburn Tigers football program roars with a history as vibrant as its burnt orange and navy blue stripes. Here’s a glimpse into their journey:

Football History | The History of Football Rules on Pass Interference

Football History Rewind: A glance at how football developed in stages especially in post Civil War America

Here is a Pigskin Dispatch video on the namesake of the Outland Trophy, John Outland.

Author Rich Shmelter reveals how the history of the City of Angels and the gridiron grew up and matured together.

---

Jeremy McFarlin, Football is Family, Bert Bell, John Eisenberg, Tim Mara, Art Rooney, George Halas, George Marshall, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles. Learn how they built the 1970s Steeler dynasty.

The rivalry between Appalachian State and Wake Forest football is a relatively young one, but it has quickly grown to be one of the most heated in the state of North Carolina. Here's a brief history of the series:

Early Years (1941-1997):

The two teams first met in 1941, with Wake Forest winning 35-0.
The series was sporadic in the early years, with only five games played between 1941 and 1997.
Wake Forest dominated the early encounters, winning all five games by an average margin of 22 points.
Appalachian State's Rise and Rivalry Grows (1998-2013):

The rivalry began to heat up in the late 1990s as Appalachian State, then an FCS powerhouse, challenged Wake Forest to closer games.
In 1998, Appalachian State pulled off a stunning 24-21 upset victory, marking their first win over the Demon Deacons.
The series became more frequent after Appalachian State's victory, with the two teams playing seven times between 1998 and 2013.
The Mountaineers continued to compete well, winning three of those games and keeping the rivalry competitive.
FBS Era and Increased Competition (2014-Present):

Since Appalachian State's transition to the FBS in 2014, the rivalry has taken on a new level of significance.
Both teams have been competing for Sun Belt Conference championships, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup.
The series has been tightly contested during this era, with Wake Forest holding a slight 3-2 edge.
The most recent encounter in 2022 saw Wake Forest win a close 34-31 battle, highlighting the continued competitiveness of the rivalry.

---

Talking Denver Broncos History with Guest Thomas Hall of the Mile High Insiders. The Denver Broncos, currently soaring high in the orange and blue, haven't always been football royalty. Their journey began in 1960 as part of the upstart American Football League (AFL), nicknamed the "Mile High Misfits" for their early struggles. Despite boasting the first-ever AFL win, their first decade was marked by losing seasons and struggles to find their footing.

The merger with the NFL in 1970 brought new hope. While success was still elusive, the "Orange Crush" defense of the mid-70s, led by legends like Randy Gradishar and Tom Jackson, sparked excitement. Their first playoff appearance in 1977, culminating in a Super Bowl XII loss, marked a turning point.

John Elway's arrival in 1983 ushered in a golden era. Known for his gunslinger mentality and clutch throws, Elway led the Broncos to five Super Bowls, winning two (Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII) and cementing his place as a franchise legend. The victories showcased not only Elway's brilliance but also the talents of Terrell Davis, Rod Smith, and Shannon Sharpe, solidifying Denver's status as a powerhouse.

However, following Elway's retirement in 1999, the Broncos entered a period of turmoil. Despite glimpses of greatness with players like Jake Plummer and Peyton Hillis, sustained success remained elusive.

The arrival of Peyton Manning in 2012 marked a second renaissance. His veteran leadership and pinpoint passing revitalized the franchise. Coupled with a dominant defense led by Von Miller, the Broncos returned to the Super Bowl stage, ultimately winning Super Bowl 50 in 2016.