Football Daily

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The story of jack butler and his rise to stardom for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A sample of the early Pittsburgh Steelers history.

Author Steve Massey joins us to discuss his book "Starless Steelers" and the story of Bullet Bill Dudley, Jock Sutherland, and the rest of the 1947 Pittsburgh Steelers.

They were the only Steelers team to have a postseason game in the first three decades of the team's existence. A sample of the early Pittsburgh Steelers history.

A great website dedicated to Steelers history is found that covers the Art Rooney connection to Pittsburgh sports and football long before the NFL franchise was born.

From the Hope Harvey team, the squad that bore is politician brothers moniker Art Rooney Sr was a football man through in thorough. The connections to the sport of boxing and a bit of betting on the ponies were all part of the story.

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The World War II depletion of able-bodied young men to play football forced NFL teams to compromise and even merge franchises temporarily. In 1944 the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cardinals merged and had a horrific experience of competition. A sample of the early Pittsburgh Steelers history.

The 1944 Card-Pitt season etched itself in NFL history, not for its triumphs, but for its unique circumstances and struggles. This temporary merger of the Chicago Cardinals and Pittsburgh Steelers, born out of World War II player shortages, became a fascinating, albeit winless, chapter in both teams' legacies.

A Patchwork Team:

With numerous players enlisted in the military, both the Cardinals and Steelers faced an uncertain future in 1944. To keep football alive, the league sanctioned temporary mergers, and thus, Card-Pitt was born. The hastily assembled roster reflected the realities of war, with players of varying ages and experiences thrown together with minimal time to gel.

Challenges from the Start:

Card-Pitt opened their season with high hopes, facing off against the Cleveland Rams at Forbes Field. Despite a valiant comeback that almost snatched victory, they ultimately fell short. This pattern would become a recurring theme, as despite showing flashes of offensive prowess and defensive grit, the team lacked the cohesion and consistency needed for sustained success.

Record-Breaking Inefficiency:

The statistics paint a bleak picture. Card-Pitt managed a pitiful 0-10 record, scoring a league-worst eight touchdowns and accumulating an NFL-record 41 interceptions. Their punting average, a measly 32.7 yards, continues to stand as a testament to their struggles.

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Super Bowl IX featured the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the Minnesota Vikings. it would be the first NFL Championship for the Steelers franchise. It was a rising-from-the-ashes moment for the Pittsburgh franchise.

Part of the success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers is captured in this recount of the game that gave Art Rooney Sr. his first Lombardi Trophy. Podcaster Tommy Phillips gives the recount of the contest.

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The foundational building of the 1970s Steelers dynasty was done at the 1969 NFL Draft with key players being added to the line of both offense and defense by Chuck Noll and company.. Learn how they built the 1970s Steeler dynasty.

The Baltimore Colts legendary Hall of Fame QB Johnny Unitas was once a Pittsburgh Steeler.. A sample of the early Pittsburgh Steelers history.

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Yesterday's Sports podcast on the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Oakland Raiders rivalry of the 1970s. Part of the success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

The rivalry with the Oakland Raiders was an iron-sharpens-iron experience for both franchises as it took each of them to new heights, allowing half of the Super Bowls played in the decade of the 1970s to be won by these two teams.

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Super Bowl X, held on January 18, 1976, pitted the Pittsburgh Steelers, defending champions, against the Dallas Cowboys, the league's most popular team and wild-card underdogs. This clash of styles and contrasting narratives set the stage for a thrilling showdown in Miami.

Steely Defense vs. Glittering Offense:

The Steelers, nicknamed for their "Steel Curtain" defense, boasted a league-best record and relied on a powerful running game and smothering defense. The Cowboys, known for their flashy "flex" defense and high-powered offense led by Roger Staubach, sought to overcome their underdog status.

A Tale of Two Halves:

The first half belonged to the Steelers. Terry Bradshaw connected with Lynn Swann for a 64-yard touchdown, showcasing offensive prowess to complement their dominant defense. Rocky Bleier's touchdown run further extended their lead.

But the Cowboys stormed back in the second half. Preston Pearson found the end zone, and a late scramble by Staubach set up a touchdown pass to Percy Howard, bringing them within two points.

A Final Play for the Ages:

With five seconds remaining and the Cowboys on the Steelers' 38-yard line, Staubach launched a desperation pass. The stadium held its breath as the ball soared towards the end zone. Steelers safety Glen Edwards leaped and intercepted the pass, securing a 21-17 victory and etching his name in Super Bowl history.

Legacy of a Classic:

Super Bowl X is remembered for its nail-biting finish, contrasting playing styles, and the iconic image of Swann's diving touchdown catch. It solidified the Steelers' dynasty and further cemented their rivalry with the Cowboys. It reminded fans that in football, even the smallest edge can make the difference between glory and heartbreak..

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A great write up with images of the 1944 merged team of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cardinals