July 9, 1933 - The Frankford Yellow Jackets are sold and renamed the Eagles as the franchise is moved to Philadelphia. According to our interview with the legendary Upton Bell on our February 25 bonus podcast in tribute to his father former NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, Upton shared that his father and mother, Broadway starlet Francis Upton, walked into a Philadelphia bankruptcy court room and walked out owning the Yellow Jackets. Upton told us that since his father lost most of his own wealth in the 1929 stock market crash, his new bride provided the funds to purchase the newly named team in the City of Brotherly Love. During a walk shortly there after they went past a sign advertising the purchase of U.S. Liberty Bonds which was a adorned with America's national bird. Bert Bell then looked at his new bride and said something to the effect, that is it! Our new team will be called the Eagles! The Bells owned the Eagles until 1940 when the famous "Pennsylvania Polka" occurred where Bert Bell and Steelers owner Art Rooney did a series of transactions where in the end Rooney and Bell were co-owners of the Steelers and the Eagles were purchased by Alexis Thompson.
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Phil-Pitt Steagles Football
Football Daily | The 1943 Combined Squads of the Two Pennsylvania NFL Franchises Proved for an Interesting Season — pigskindispatch.com
The Phil-Pitt Steagles, a unique chapter in NFL history, weren't a permanent team but a temporary wartime merger in 1943. Facing a player shortage due to World War II, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles were forced to combine rosters. The official league record refers to them as the "Phil-Pitt Combine," but the unofficial and more enduring nickname, "Steagles," captured the public's imagination.
Despite the unusual circumstances, the Steagles, co-coached by Steelers' Walt Kiesling and Eagles' Greasy Neale, found success. Led by Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Bruce Smith of Minnesota (drafted by the Eagles), the Steagles finished the season with a winning record (5-4-1) and secured a third-place finish in the NFL's Eastern Division.
While the Steagles disbanded after just one season, their story serves as a reminder of American resilience during wartime. It's a testament to the power of competition and the ability of professional sports to bring communities together, even in the face of adversity. The Steagles' legacy lives on as a symbol of football's adaptability and the enduring spirit of competition.
Bill Romanowski Four-Time Super Bowl Champ
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.
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.
1943 Phil-Pitt Steagles- an unforgettable season
The World War II merger of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles was out of personnel shortage necessity. it made for an interesting year with two head coaches and duel host cities, A sample of the early Pittsburgh Steelers history.
1943 wasn't your typical year for American football. World War II raged on, depleting rosters across the league and forcing some teams to make unthinkable decisions. Enter the "Steagles," the unlikely merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, a temporary union born out of necessity that would become one of the most unique chapters in NFL history.
The concept was simple: combine the remaining players from both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh into a single team, allowing both franchises to survive the wartime talent drain. While the official name remained "Phil-Pitt Combine," the moniker "Steagles" quickly took hold, capturing the imagination of fans and media alike.
Head coach Greasy Neale and Walt Kiesling from the Eagles and Steelers, respectively, faced the daunting task of blending two distinct playing styles and rivalries. But the "Steagles" defied expectations. Led by quarterback Tommy Thompson, halfback Steve Van Buren, and a gritty defense, they played with the swagger of seasoned veterans, despite many players lacing up their cleats for the first time.
Despite a bumpy start, the Steagles found their rhythm. They upset established teams like the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, proving their mettle against the league's best. Their hard-nosed, run-heavy offense and stingy defense became their trademarks, earning them the respect of their opponents and the admiration of fans across the country.
The 1943 season culminated in a 5-4-1 record, a respectable feat considering the circumstances. Though they missed the playoffs, the Steagles achieved something far greater: they kept professional football alive in two cities, providing a much-needed escape and fostering a sense of resilience during a tumultuous time.
The merger had its challenges. Rivalries simmered beneath the surface, and disagreements arose between coaching staffs. But ultimately, the camaraderie and shared purpose of playing for their respective cities and for the sport itself cemented the bond between the players and coaches.
The Steagles disbanded at the end of the 1943 season, returning to their separate identities as the Eagles and Steelers. However, their legacy endures. They serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration, resourcefulness, and the unwavering spirit of the game itself. The "Steagles" may have been a one-season wonder, but their story continues to inspire, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of football can find a way to triumph.
1943 wasn't your typical year for American football. World War II raged on, depleting rosters across the league and forcing some teams to make unthinkable decisions. Enter the "Steagles," the unlikely merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, a temporary union born out of necessity that would become one of the most unique chapters in NFL history.
The concept was simple: combine the remaining players from both Philadelphia and Pittsburgh into a single team, allowing both franchises to survive the wartime talent drain. While the official name remained "Phil-Pitt Combine," the moniker "Steagles" quickly took hold, capturing the imagination of fans and media alike.
Head coach Greasy Neale and Walt Kiesling from the Eagles and Steelers, respectively, faced the daunting task of blending two distinct playing styles and rivalries. But the "Steagles" defied expectations. Led by quarterback Tommy Thompson, halfback Steve Van Buren, and a gritty defense, they played with the swagger of seasoned veterans, despite many players lacing up their cleats for the first time.
Despite a bumpy start, the Steagles found their rhythm. They upset established teams like the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, proving their mettle against the league's best. Their hard-nosed, run-heavy offense and stingy defense became their trademarks, earning them the respect of their opponents and the admiration of fans across the country.
The 1943 season culminated in a 5-4-1 record, a respectable feat considering the circumstances. Though they missed the playoffs, the Steagles achieved something far greater: they kept professional football alive in two cities, providing a much-needed escape and fostering a sense of resilience during a tumultuous time.
The merger had its challenges. Rivalries simmered beneath the surface, and disagreements arose between coaching staffs. But ultimately, the camaraderie and shared purpose of playing for their respective cities and for the sport itself cemented the bond between the players and coaches.
The Steagles disbanded at the end of the 1943 season, returning to their separate identities as the Eagles and Steelers. However, their legacy endures. They serve as a reminder of the power of collaboration, resourcefulness, and the unwavering spirit of the game itself. The "Steagles" may have been a one-season wonder, but their story continues to inspire, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of football can find a way to triumph.
COLLEGE HOF | ‣
Buck Shaw
Pro Football Hall of Fame Bio- Norm Van Brocklin
Dutch Treat , Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site provides a look at one of Norm Van Brocklin's top games.
Maxie Baughan
Born August 3, 1938, in Forkland, Alabama, was Maxie Baughan former center from Georgia Tech was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1988 per his NFF bio. When he went into the NFL he switched sides of the ball and played linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles, LA Rams and Washington Redskins. His pro career combined for 11 seasons where he made the Pro Bowl 9 times and was voted as an All Pro 2 times. He was on the Eagles 1960 NFL Championship team.
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Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
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