Football History

July 27, 1929 the Orange/Newark Tornadoes franchise joins the NFL and is a League member from 1929 through the 1930 season. The Orange Tornadoes, a name synonymous with early NFL struggles.

However, their roots stretch back far beyond this date. The team's lineage can be traced to the Orange Athletic Club, an amateur outfit formed in 1887. Over the decades, they transitioned to semi-professional status before establishing themselves as an independent professional team in the 1920s.  

The Tornadoes' entry into the NFL was a result of a franchise sale. Ole Haugsrud, owner of the struggling Duluth Eskimos, sold his NFL rights to Piggy Simandl, a New Jersey businessman. Simandl relocated the team to Orange and rebranded them the Tornadoes.  

The Tornadoes' NFL tenure was short-lived and marked by adversity. The team struggled on the field, facing challenges both in terms of talent and financial stability. After a dismal 1930 season, the franchise was relocated to Newark and ultimately folded. While the Orange Tornadoes left a small footprint in NFL history, their story serves as a reminder of the league's formative years and the challenges faced by early teams.  

One of the all-time modern football themed comedies is Adam Sandler's The Waterboy.

This clip has the focused Bobby Boucher taking out Meanie after some built up frustrations are released along with some help from Captain Insano!

The Oorang Indians, a truly unique phenomenon in NFL history, existed for just two seasons (1922-23) in La Rue, Ohio. The NFL granted owner Walter Lingo a franchise on June 24, 1922, to promote his Airedale terrier kennels. The team, a rarity in its time, consisted entirely of Native American players, including the legendary Jim Thorpe as player-coach. Despite the star power, their overall record was poor, with only four wins in twenty League games .

The "Indians" moniker, considered insensitive today, reflected the era's stereotypes. Lingo prioritized publicity over location. La Rue, Ohio, is the smallest community ever to have sponsored a National Football League franchise, making them a traveling team as they have yet to play a single game in La Rue.

The Oorang Indians' novelty drew crowds, but their limited practice time posed a significant challenge. Victories were hard to come by. However, in a short time, they left an indelible mark. They were pioneers, introducing training camps with shared player-staff duties and showcasing the exceptional athleticism of Native American players on a national stage, inspiring future generations of players and teams.

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Wouldn't it be nice to give our players a piece of equipment that will make play be a bit more safe while increasing their comfort? How about if it could improve their athletic performance as well? Dr. Michael Hutcison has the item in his PowerPlus Mouthguard.

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On September 24, 1972, at Baltimore's Memorial Stadium, the New York Jets and the Baltimore Colts engaged in an epic shootout that would be remembered as one of the greatest games in NFL history. The duel between legendary quarterbacks Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas was a spectacle of offensive fireworks, a clash of two distinct styles of play.

Namath, the brash and charismatic young quarterback of the Jets, was rapidly establishing himself as one of the NFL's premier passers. Unitas, the aging but still brilliant signal-caller of the Colts, was a revered figure in the league, known for his clutch performances and leadership. The matchup between these two quarterbacks promised to be a classic.

The game did not disappoint. Namath and Unitas traded touchdown passes throughout the afternoon, showcasing their exceptional skills and the talent of their respective receiving corps. Namath, in particular, was on fire, throwing for 496 yards and six touchdowns. Unitas, not to be outdone, responded with a solid performance of his own, passing for 376 yards and two touchdowns.

The Jets ultimately emerged victorious, defeating the Colts by a score of 44-34. Namath's six touchdown passes set a new NFL record for a single game, a record that would stand for over a decade. The game was a testament to the enduring greatness of both Namath and Unitas, two quarterbacks who would forever be linked in the annals of NFL history.

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On September 24, 1989, the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles clashed in a thrilling matchup that showcased the brilliance of Joe Montana and the high-powered offenses of both teams. The game, played at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia, was a classic shootout that would be remembered for years to come.

The Eagles struck first, taking an early lead on the strength of their running game. However, Montana and the 49ers offense were not to be denied. The legendary quarterback calmly dissected the Eagles defense, throwing five touchdown passes and leading his team to a come-from-behind victory.

The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with both teams combining for over 800 yards of total offense. Montana's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he completed 23 of 32 passes for 357 yards and the five touchdowns. His ability to read defenses and deliver pinpoint passes was on full display.

The 49ers' victory was a significant boost to their hopes of repeating as Super Bowl champions. It also solidified Montana's status as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. The game between the 49ers and Eagles will be remembered as one of the most exciting and memorable matchups in NFL history.

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On October 5, 2002, the Arkansas Razorbacks ventured to Knoxville to face off against the highly ranked Tennessee Volunteers in a crucial SEC matchup. The Volunteers, ranked 10th in the nation, were expected to dominate the game, but the Razorbacks had other plans.

What ensued was a nail-biting contest that would keep fans on the edge of their seats for hours. Both teams traded blows throughout the game, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. The score remained close, and as the fourth quarter drew to a close, it was clear that this game would likely require overtime to determine a winner.

The extra periods were just as exciting as the regulation play. Both teams continued to score touchdowns, and the lead changed hands several times. The tension was palpable as each overtime session ended in a tie.

Finally, in the sixth overtime, Tennessee was able to break through. Jason Witen's touchdown catch gave the Volunteers the decisive points, securing a thrilling 41-38 victory over Arkansas. The game will be remembered as one of the most exciting and memorable contests in SEC history.

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The Forgotten Heroes in this episode of the podcast classic are the Franklin, Pennsylvania, Players of the 1903 team.

Warren Rogan, host of the Sports Forgotten Heroes Podcast, interviews Author Darin Hayes about his book The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team: The 1903 Franklin All-Stars.

Emlen Tunnell's legacy in football transcends his impressive statistics. He was a pioneer, a force on the field, and a symbol of perseverance. This essay explores Tunnell's journey, from his unconventional college career to his dominance in the professional ranks, highlighting the impact he left on the game.

-College Career

Tunnell's path to gridiron glory wasn't a traditional one. He began at the University of Toledo in 1942, but his education was interrupted by World War II. Serving in the Coast Guard, Tunnell displayed his bravery by jumping into frigid waters to save a fellow sailor, a testament to his character and selflessness. Upon returning to his studies, he transferred to Iowa, showcasing his athletic prowess in both football and basketball.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite his talent, Tunnell went undrafted in 1948, a common occurrence for African American players at the time. However, a chance encounter with a friendly truck driver led him to a tryout with the New York Giants. He impressed the coaches with his raw talent and determination, becoming the first African American player for the franchise.

Tunnell's impact on the Giants was immediate. He played defensive back and safety, a position he redefined with his aggressive style. Nicknamed "The Gremlin" for his ability to snatch interceptions, he led the NFL in interceptions twice during his career. His defensive prowess extended beyond takeaways. Tunnell was a punishing tackler and a shutdown corner, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and four invitations to the All-Pro team. He won an NFL Championship with the Giants in 1956.

Beyond his defensive dominance, Tunnell was a skilled return specialist. He led the league in punt return yards twice and holds the Giants' franchise record for career punt return touchdowns. His offensive contributions added another dimension to his skillset.

Soon after playing in the Greatest Game Ever Played," the 1958 NFL Championship against the Baltimore Colts, Tunnell left the NY Giants fold to play for the Green Bay Packers for three seasons under Vince Lombardi. He won a second NFL Title in 1961 as a Packer.

-Football Legacy

Tunnell's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a trailblazer for African American players in the NFL. His success on the field paved the way for future generations and helped dismantle racial barriers in professional sports.

In 1959, after a stellar career with the Giants, Tunnell moved on to play two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He retired in 1961, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Tunnell's impact on the game was recognized in 1967 when he became the first African American player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Rocky Bleier's story is more than just a football career; it's a testament to human resilience and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.

A Late Draft Pick and Drafted Again:

Bleier, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft, was a late bloomer who faced initial skepticism due to his size and perceived lack of speed. However, his competitive spirit and dedication soon caught the eye of coaches.

The Vietnam War Interrupts a Promising Career:

Just as his football career was beginning to take shape, Bleier's life took an unexpected turn. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he was deployed to Vietnam and severely wounded by shrapnel in both legs during combat. Doctors initially feared he might never walk again.

Unwavering Determination and a Miraculous Recovery:

Despite overwhelming odds, Bleier embarked on a grueling rehabilitation process. Fueled by an unwavering determination and fueled by a desire to return to football, he defied doctor's expectations and slowly regained his ability to walk, then run.

A Second Chance and Super Bowl Glory:

Bleier's return to the Steelers was nothing short of remarkable. His perseverance and work ethic paid off, eventually earning him a starting spot as a fullback. He became a key contributor to the Steelers' dominant teams of the 1970s, known as the "Steel Curtain," playing in four Super Bowls and winning four championship rings.

From Hero to Inspiration:

Bleier's story transcended the world of sports. He became an inspiration to millions, showcasing the power of human spirit and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.