Football History

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.

Bill Romanowski's football career was a paradox – a story of undeniable talent and championship pedigree intertwined with controversy and a reputation for dirty play. This summary delves into his achievements and the shadows that followed him throughout his 16-year NFL journey.

A Dominant Linebacker

Romanowski wasn't just a linebacker but a force to be reckoned with. He possessed exceptional speed and strength, making him a tackling machine. His dedication to training and work ethic were undeniable. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, showcasing his on-field dominance.

Championship Legacy

Beyond individual accolades, Romanowski was a winner. He played in five Super Bowls with three different teams—the San Francisco 49ers, the Denver Broncos and the Oakland Raiders—and won four championships. His presence on the field instilled a sense of determination and toughness in his teammates.

A Legacy of Mixed Emotions

Bill Romanowski's impact on football is complex. He was a champion, a dominant player, and a controversial figure. While his achievements cannot be denied, his legacy is forever tied to his aggressive tactics, which left a mark on the sport.

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We may have all wondered in the past how players like Deacon Jones, Joe Greene, and countless others compared in the realm of tackles for loss and QB sacks with modern players. Our Guest Nick Webster did not only wonder, but did something about it along with cohort John Turney, as they brought to us the sacks and tackles prior to 1982.

Nick Webster, John Turney, and others over at the Pro Football Journal have painstakingly helped us know how players prior to the NFL officially adopting some statistics fared in comparison to today's athletes on the gridiron. Nick joins us in this episode to tell us how they did it and bring some good old-time football memories back to our modern times.

In the interview, Webster discusses the challenges of finding data on sacks from before 1982, when the NFL began tracking them officially. He explains that he and Turney used a variety of sources, including play-by-play accounts, newspaper articles, and coaches' accounts.

Webster also discusses the reasons why sacks were not an official statistic before 1982. He says that the nature of football makes it more difficult to track sacks than other statistics, such as interceptions or fumbles. Additionally, he says there was no focus on defense in the early days of football, so there was no incentive to track sacks.

The interview concludes with Webster discussing his ongoing work to collect data on sacks from before 1982. He says that he is still looking for play-by-play accounts and film footage from the 1950s and 1960s.

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The boys of the bench area in Clete Marx Comics are at it again to give you your daily gridiron grin. This time they check out the new training facility at the school.

Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers Episode 66! 🏈 Dive into a world where the sidelines are just as wild! Watch our benchwarmers turn everyday football moments into laugh-out-loud scenarios. Get your giggle fix in under 15 seconds—who knew warming the bench could be this entertaining?

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American football is made for the entertainment of the fans. Since it is fun we need to have fun with the game and its elements. Today, we look at the pass rush in the gridiron grin.

Ever wondered what life's like on the bench? Join us for a hilarious peek behind the scenes with Clete Marx Comics, the Bench Warmers.

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Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers!

Ready for a hilarious ride on the sidelines? Our benchwarmers bring the laughs with their quick-witted antics and football fun!

Tune in for a chuckle in less than 15 seconds—because every player deserves a laugh!

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What are your thoughts on the transfer portal?

Dive into a world where the sidelines are just as wild! Watch our benchwarmers turn everyday football moments into laugh-out-loud scenarios.

Get your giggle fix in under 10 seconds—who knew warming the bench could be this entertaining?

Check out more of our Clete Marx Comics antics at pigskindispatch.com/home/Clete-Marx-Comics or here on the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube Channel

Erny Pinkert's college football career at USC was a masterclass in offensive versatility and dominance.

Here's a breakdown of his achievements:

-Dual-Threat Superstar: Pinkert wasn't just a gifted runner, but also a skilled passer and defensive back. He excelled as a halfback, showcasing impressive speed, agility, and elusiveness. His passing prowess added another dimension to the USC offense, making him a true offensive weapon.

-Record-Breaking Accolades: Pinkert's impact is undeniable. He was a consensus All-American selection in 1930, a prestigious honor recognizing the best players in the nation. He contributed significantly to USC's success, helping them secure Rose Bowl victories in 1928 and 1932.

-Legacy as an Innovator: Pinkert's talent inspired coaches to develop innovative offensive plays to utilize his diverse skillset. His success as a dual-threat back helped redefine the role of the halfback position in college football.

-A Hall of Fame Career: Pinkert's dominance was recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957.

Erny Pinkert's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades. He was a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of versatile offensive players. His impact on the USC Trojans program and the evolution of the halfback position makes him a true college football legend.

USC honors Erny Pinkert as one of their greatest players that have worn the number 17 jersey on the gridiron.

Get into the minds of college athletes as they try to figure out when they may take the field. We look at the lighter side of football and try to put a smile on your face.

Need a quick laugh? Check out Clete Marx Comics, the Bench Warmers, for football-themed humor in under 10 seconds.

Clete Marx Comics your football funny pages!

Born May 2, 1887, in St. Louis, Missouri, was the halfback from Texas A&M from 1905 to 1907 Joe Utay. The FootballFoundation.org shares that in the three seasons that Utay played with the Aggies the school had a 19-4-1 record.

What Utay did for the gridiron after his playing days were over was truly remarkable. Utay graduated in 1908, went to law school, and was a practicing attorney in Dallas for 55 years. He returned to Texas A&M in 1912 and served one year as freshman football coach and director of athletics.

That same year he founded the Texas Officials Association, and he was its president 1912-36. In 1914 he helped found the Southwest Conference. Still seemingly finding some times on his hands Joe wrote the Southwest review of each football season in the NCAA Guide for 25 years. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Joe Utay into their legendary museum in 1974.