Football History

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Cleveland Tigers, Cleveland Indians

The history of the Santa Clara Broncos football program and its stars including Nello Falaschi

The historical examination of the NFL's championships from 1920 to 1965, explicitly emphasizing the 1927 season, elucidates the profound transformations that characterized the league during its formative years. The decision to reduce the number of teams from 22 to 12 was not merely a financial necessity; it represented a critical juncture in the NFL's quest for legitimacy and stability. This consolidation reflected the league's ambition to cultivate a more competitive environment by focusing on significant markets where financial viability was assured. The strategic discussions in Cleveland, spearheaded by Commissioner Joe Carr, laid the groundwork for a single-tier league that would distinguish the NFL from its predecessors.

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

The 1926 professional football season was a wild ride, as we learned from a couple of episodes ago in part 59 of this series. Red Grange and C C Pyles's original American Football League had gone by the previous year's end. The death knell of the AFL was that group’s champion Philadelphia Quakers, getting beaten fairly badly in an exhibition game by a somewhat pedestrian NFL team from 1926, the New York Giants. Right before the 1927 season, the league eliminated the financially weaker, generally smaller market teams. The results were quite evident when you look at the NFL standings from 1926 versus those of 1927. from 22 to 12 teams. The National Football League absorbed many players and a defunct American Football League franchise. That team is Grange’s New York Yankees.

-Eliminated of NFL franchises in 1927:

-Kansas City Cowboys

-Los Angeles Buccaneers

-Detroit Panthers

-Louisville Colonels

-Racine Tornadoes

-Hartford Blues

-Brooklyn Lions

-Canton Bulldogs

-Milwaukee Badgers

-Akron Indians

-Columbus Tigers

-Hammond Pros

The Canton, Columbus, and Hammond franchises were original teams that helped organize the League in 1920. The Rochester Jeffersons were not one of the official cuts, but they had a second consecutive season with their position listed as an inactive franchise.

Also missing from the playing fields of NFL football were African-American roster members. In 1926, there were still a few black men, such as Fritz Pollard, donning pads, but in 1927, the awful decision to have a backroom agreement not to allow non-whites on rosters was quite evident. It was an ugly era of American football that lasted until the 1940s.

Some teams, like the Buffalo Bisons, only made it through five games before suspending operations through the remainder of the year.

The NFL championship title was claimed by one of the prominent market teams that the NFL coveted, the New York Giants. New York took the title based on having the best league record of 11-1-1.

The story of this Giants team is quite remarkable. The Giants registered ten shutouts in the 13 games they played and outscored the opposition by the margin of 197-20. That means, as a team, they allowed only three touchdowns! The only setbacks they suffered were against the 8-4-2 Cleveland Bulldogs eleven.

To have success on the field, you have to have some good players. The Giants had a handful, including Guard Steve Owens and End Cal Hubbard. These men played on both sides of the ball and seldom left the field. The offensive production was mainly due to the skill of tailback Hinkey Haines and wingback Mule Wilson, who each scored six rushing touchdowns during the 1927 campaign. Fullback Jack McBride was the leading scorer on the squad, though, as he also had six TDs but added a couple of field goals and fifteen points after kicks for a total of 57 points on the season. You also need good coaching to win; headman Earl Potteiger provided that.

-New York Giants Rise

Central to the 1927 narrative is the New York Giants, whose ascent to prominence is chronicled with great detail. The episode meticulously outlines the factors that contributed to the Giants' success, including their adept management of player acquisitions and the tactical acumen of coach Earl Pottinger. The Giants' ability to integrate talent, such as the dynamic duo of Jack McBride and Hinky Haynes, into a cohesive unit underscored their versatility and effectiveness on both sides of the ball. Moreover, the defensive prowess displayed throughout the season was equally remarkable, as the Giants led the league in points allowed, showcasing a commitment to discipline and teamwork that became their hallmark.

Ultimately, the 1927 season not only marked the Giants' first championship victory but also signified the emergence of a formidable franchise capable of withstanding the challenges posed by a rapidly evolving league. The legacy of this season continues to resonate within the annals of NFL history, serving as an enduring testament to the foundational principles of teamwork, strategy, and excellence that define the sport.

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Akron Pros, Arnie Chapman, Buffalo All-Americans, Canton Bulldogs, Chicago Cardinals, Chicago Tigers, Cleveland Tigers, Columbus Panhandles, Dayton Triangles, Decatur Staleys, Detroit Heralds, Hammond Pros, Muncie Flyers, Rochester Jeffersons, Rock Island Independents

Football enthusiasts rejoice! The Packaged Tourist Podcast welcomes renowned author Darin Hayes, chronicler of forgotten gridiron heroes, for a deep dive into his latest book, "The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team." Join host Matthew DiBiase as they dissect the remarkable story of the 1903 Franklin All-Stars, a team shrouded in myth and deemed by Hayes as arguably the best ever.

Prepare to be transported back to a time when professional football was in its infancy. Hayes, armed with meticulous research and captivating storytelling, delves into the All-Stars' meteoric rise. Get ready to:

Meet the players: Hayes paints vivid portraits of legends like Tackle Blondy Wallace, the elusive halfback Teck Matthews, and the enigmatic quarterback Jack Hayden, bringing their forgotten achievements to life.
Witness their dominance: Uncover the All-Stars' revolutionary tactics and explosive plays that left opponents aghast and redefined the game.
Relive their controversial season: Dive into the heated debates surrounding the All-Stars' legitimacy and tumultuous journey through a fractured football landscape.
Hayes and DiBiase promise a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and rewrites forgotten chapters of football history. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply fascinated by the evolution of the sport, this episode is guaranteed to ignite your passion.

2021 2021 Game 10 vs UAB Helmet honors the 75 people who died in the 1970 plane crash 1st Photo

​ 2021 2021 Game 9 vs Coastal Carolina Right Side

2021 2021 Game 4 vs UMass ​1st Photo

2021 2021 Game 9 vs Georgia State Right Side

2021 2021 Games 2 and 7