Football History

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Episode 59 of the American Football comic strip 🏈 Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers! 🏈

That's right our boys are sportin' some new duds. Check out their opinion of it, and please give us yours!

Join our lovable benchwarmers as they tackle life off the field with humor and heart! Each quick clip delivers a punchline before you can say "touchdown!"

Perfect for a quick laugh when you need it most! 😂 #CleteMarx #SidelineLaughs

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The Clete Marx Comics characters are back with their perspective on football homecoming games. Episode 63 brings you the gridiron grins you've come to expect from our naive friends on the bench.

Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers! 🏈 Join our lovable benchwarmers as they tackle life off the field with humor and heart! Each quick clip delivers a punchline before you can say "touchdown!"

Perfect for a quick laugh when you need it most! 😂 #CleteMarx #SidelineLaughs

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The College GPA is a serious matter for student-athletes, but sometimes one has to find the lighter side of life.

Take a moment to put on that gridiron Grin as our boys from the bench in Clete Marx Comics put a smile on your hectic day in fifteen seconds or less.

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Sit back and enjoy some light humor in this 15-second comic strip dedicated to American football.

Football is a game that should be relaxing and entertaining, but sometimes players have a bit of anxiety from the unknown. We look at t the lighter side of the game to bring a moment of lightheartedness to a stressful world.

Our Clete Marx Comics "The Bench Warmers" should be just the medicine to bring on that gridiron grin.

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Born May 19, 1967, in Missoula, Montana, was John Friesz the signal caller of the University of Idaho from 1986 through the 1989. The National Football Foundation shares that John in the summer before his senior season he attended the Idaho Vandal football camp and was noticed by then head coach Dennis Erickson.  “Erickson saw some potential in me,” said Friesz. “He was willing to take a chance on me.”

The 6ft-4in, 214 QB never got the chance to play for the future national championship coach at Erickson, as the coach left after John’s red shirt freshman season for the Miami Hurricanes vacated position. John became the starter as a sophomore leading the Vandals to the first of three consecutive Big Sky conference titles. was named a Division I-AA second team All-America as he threw 28 touchdown passes.

The following year he became a consensus first team choice as Idaho reached the I-AA semi-finals. In his senior year John became the first quarterback to win the Walter Payton Award as the outstanding player in I-AA football. That season he threw for 4,041 yards and 31 touchdowns. He averaged an outstanding 367.4 yards per game and broke the 300-yard barrier in ten consecutive games.  

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of John Friesz into their legendary museum in 2006. Friesz was taken in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers and passed for 8,633 yards and 45 touchdowns in his eight-year NFL career.

Born April, 22, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the Washington and Lee fullback from 1921 to 1924, Eddie Cameron. Cameron was the spark plug of his team. The FootballFoundation.org shares a story of the 1923 between the W&L Generals and arch rival Virginia.

Eddie was not present at kick off due to attending his mother’s funeral back in Pennsylvania.  The two teams slugged it out to a halftime scoreless tie. The home crowd went wild when Cameron came racing out to the field before the second half kickoff. The guy travelled by train throughout the night and while an awaiting car sped him from the station to the field he was throwing on his football uniform in a car!. On a fourth quarter series, Cameron carried the ball on 10 of 11 General plays, bucking for short yardage which netted the only score of the game as W&L won, 7-0.

General coach Jimmie DeHart called it the greatest performance by a fullback he had ever seen, and it was typical of Cameron's career. The next season in 1924 he ended up in a tie for the national scoring title. The National Football Foundation selected Eddie Cameron for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. After school was completed Cameron became the backfield coach at Duke University.  Later on he then became the head coach of the Blue Devils and posted 25 victories in 36 games before becoming the Athletic Director at Duke University.

Dan Dierdorf was a cornerstone of the offensive lines he played on, a wall protecting quarterbacks and creating running lanes for the St. Louis Cardinals for 13 seasons (1971-1983). His career, culminating in enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, stands as a testament to dominance and consistency.

Dierdorf's path to greatness began at the University of Michigan, where he earned consensus All-American honors in 1970. Drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 1971 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a force. His size, speed, and intelligence were a perfect blend for an offensive tackle.

Throughout his career, Dierdorf garnered numerous accolades. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and a five-time First-Team All-Pro selection. The National Football League Players Association recognized him as the Offensive Lineman of the Year for three consecutive seasons (1976-1978). His contributions were instrumental in the Cardinals allowing the fewest quarterback sacks in the NFL on multiple occasions.

Dierdorf's impact went beyond individual accolades. He was a leader on the offensive line, anchoring a unit that paved the way for a successful Cardinals offense. His consistency and dedication earned him the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents alike. He was a key figure in the team's rise to prominence within the league.

Dierdorf's legacy extends beyond the playing field. His intelligence and understanding of the game made him a natural transition to the broadcast booth after his retirement. For many years, he entertained and educated fans with his insightful commentary.

In conclusion, Dan Dierdorf's football career is a story of dominance and dedication. As a player, he was a cornerstone for the St. Louis Cardinals, a perennial All-Pro, and a leader on the offensive line. His enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a well-deserved recognition of his achievements. From the fields of the NFL to the broadcast booth, Dan Dierdorf's influence on the game of football continues to be felt.

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The Heart of the Secondary: Why Mike Wagner Was Just as Important as Greene and Ham to the Steel Curtain's Success.

Mike Wagner wasn't the biggest player on the Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, but his impact was undeniable. This essay explores Wagner's remarkable career, highlighting his exceptional ball-hawking skills, his leadership within the secondary, and his lasting contribution to the Steelers' dynasty of the 1970s.

-A Natural Ballhawk: From College Star to NFL Safety (Early 1970s)

Born June 22, 1949, Mike Wagner displayed a knack for interceptions from a young age. He starred as a safety at Western Illinois University, terrorizing opposing quarterbacks with his instincts and ability to read plays. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971, Wagner landed in a perfect situation. Head Coach Chuck Noll, a defensive mastermind, was building a unit that emphasized speed and aggression in the secondary. Wagner, with his relentless pursuit of the ball, fit seamlessly into this philosophy.

-The Quarterback's Nightmare: A Master of Interceptions (1971-1980)

Wagner quickly established himself as the heart of the Steel Curtain secondary. His exceptional range and anticipation skills made him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. Throughout his career, Wagner amassed an impressive 41 interceptions, a franchise record that stood for decades. His ability to read offenses and break on throws created countless turnovers, turning the tide of games in the Steelers' favor. His defensive prowess wasn't limited to interceptions; Wagner was a tenacious tackler, shutting down running backs in the open field and contributing to the overall stinginess of the Steel Curtain defense.

-Leadership Beyond Stats: A Vocal Leader and Team Player (1971-1980)

Wagner's leadership extended beyond his impressive statistics. He was a vocal leader in the secondary, directing his teammates and ensuring proper coverage schemes were executed. His experience and knowledge of the game were invaluable assets, allowing the entire defense to function at a peak level. Wagner wasn't just about individual accolades; he was a team player, dedicated to the Steelers' overall success. His work ethic and positive attitude earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

-A Champion's Legacy (1971-1980, Present Day)

Mike Wagner's career culminated with four Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a testament to the dominance of the Steel Curtain defense. Following his retirement in 1980, he transitioned into his post-football life, working in financial services and banking realm. Wagner's legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements. He is remembered as a ball-hawking safety who epitomized the aggressive style of the Steel Curtain. His leadership and contributions to the Steelers' defensive dominance remain etched in the franchise's history. Mike Wagner's story is an inspiration to defensive backs, reminding us that a combination of talent, instincts, and unwavering passion can turn a player into a champion.

Lydell Mitchell wasn't your average running back. He carved his name in football history not just with his punishing runs, but with his surprising agility and knack for catching passes. This essay explores the remarkable career of Mitchell, a college standout who became a versatile weapon in the NFL.

Mitchell's journey began at Penn State University. There, he established himself as a dominant force. He shattered school rushing records, amassing nearly 3,000 yards and a staggering 38 touchdowns. His explosiveness on the field earned him All-American honors and a coveted fifth-place finish in the 1971 Heisman Trophy race.

Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1972, Mitchell's professional career spanned nine seasons. He donned the jerseys of the Colts, San Diego Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams, proving his adaptability across different systems. While his rushing prowess remained undeniable, Mitchell surprised many with his receiving skills. Twice, he led the entire NFL in receptions, a feat unheard of for a running back at the time. This versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, unsure whether to brace for a run or a pass.

Mitchell's impact went beyond raw statistics. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods, a testament to his consistent excellence. He finished his career with over 6,500 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his place as a ground-and-pound threat. But his 376 receptions for over 3,200 yards showcased his ability to be a receiving weapon as well.

Lydell Mitchell's legacy extends beyond the stat sheet. He helped redefine the role of the running back in the NFL. No longer were they just one-dimensional rushers. Mitchell proved that backs could be threats in the passing game, adding a new layer of complexity to offensive schemes. His success paved the way for future dual-threat running backs like Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey.

Today, Lydell Mitchell stands enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. His impact on the game continues to resonate, a testament to a career that blended power with finesse, forever etching his name among the NFL's greatest running backs.

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Historian Jim Johnson sat with us in 2021 to share some thoughts on the Washington Redskins teams of the 1960s.

Here is a clip about Hall of Famer Charley Taylor and a couple e other developing stars from D.C.