Football Daily

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The 1920s were a period of innovation and upheaval in professional football. While the established National Football League (NFL) was still in its formative stages, a unique challenger emerged—C.C. Pyle's New York Yankees. This essay explores Pyle's audacious attempt to establish a rival football team in New York City, a story marked by ambition, controversy, and a lasting impact on the sport.

The Birth of a Renegade Franchise

A flamboyant entrepreneur, C.C. Pyle wasn't new to shaking things up. He had already revolutionized professional basketball with the American Basketball League. In 1926, he set his sights on professional football, capitalizing on the immense popularity of college star Red Grange. Recognizing Grange's potential to elevate the sport, Pyle convinced him to join a new league – the American Football League (AFL) – with a single franchise: the New York Yankees.

Grangemania in the Big Apple

The arrival of Red Grange in New York ignited a media frenzy. Nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost," his electrifying talent and iconic status as a college legend attracted massive crowds. The Yankees, despite playing in a fledgling league with a questionable schedule, filled stadiums across the country, showcasing Grange's immense drawing power.

A Clash of Titans

However, the Yankees' existence was a thorn in the side of the established NFL. The league saw Pyle and Grange as interlopers, and a fierce rivalry ensued. Legal battles and scheduling conflicts plagued the AFL's short lifespan. While the Yankees enjoyed some success, including a victory over the NFL's Chicago Bears, the lack of a cohesive league structure and the financial strain of competing with the well-established NFL ultimately proved impossible.

A Legacy of Change

Though the New York Yankees only lasted three seasons, their impact is undeniable. The AFL's competition forced the NFL to adapt, improve its organization, and expand its reach to compete with the excitement surrounding Grange and the Renegade League. The Yankees paved the way for future rival leagues like the American Football Conference (AFC), which eventually merged with the NFL, creating the powerhouse league we know today.

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Dr. Harry March, nicknamed "The Father of Professional Football," was a multifaceted individual who left a lasting mark on the evolution of the sport. His story intertwines with the early years of professional football, highlighting his contributions as a physician, promoter, and organizer.

Harry March was pivotal in early pro football, especially in founding the New York Giants NFL Franchise. His Great-Grandson Alan March joined us back in 2021, and in this segment from that interview, Alan reveals Dr. March's part in the founding of the Giants.

Early Life and Connection to the Game:

Born in 1875, March received his medical degree and worked as a doctor. However, his love for football blossomed at a young age, as he played for his college team and later covered the sport as a journalist.

Shaping the Early Pro Landscape:

March's involvement in the early days of professional football was multifaceted. He served as the team physician for the Canton Bulldogs, one of the first professional teams. His medical expertise helped ensure the well-being of players as the sport evolved.

Beyond his medical role, March recognized the potential of professional football. He became a promoter and organizer, advocating for establishing professional leagues and fostering collaboration between different teams. He played a pivotal role in the origin of the New York Football Giants by introducing franchise founder Tim Mara to NFL President Joe Carr. A few handshakes and $500 later, the Giants represented the NFL brand in the Big Apple.

Dr. March's contributions extended beyond the early years of the NFL. He wrote the first book on professional football history and was president of the rival American Football League. Despite some controversies, his dedication to the sport and his efforts in shaping its early years solidified his place as a founding father of professional football.

This is Part 1 of our year-long celebration of the 100th New York Football Giants season in 2024.

I appreciate Alan March for sharing his time and knowledge and the great image of Dr. March.

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Jack McBride's football career, spanning the late 1920s and early 1930s, embodied the versatility that defined the early years of the NFL. He excelled at multiple positions, showcasing his athleticism and adaptability throughout his ten seasons in the league.

Born in 1901, McBride's collegiate career at Syracuse University established him as a scoring machine. During his senior year, he scored second in the nation, displaying his prowess as a runner, passer, and kicker. This versatility caught the attention of the New York Giants, who inked him just before the 1925 season.

McBride quickly became a fan favorite in New York. His ability to play halfback, fullback, and even quarterback gave the Giants offensive flexibility. He led the team in scoring in each of his first three seasons. McBride's play was integral in the Giants' 1927 title run. Our friend Michael Moram writes that the city newspapers crowned McBride the MVP of the League.

After playing again for New York in 1928, Jack signed on with the Providence Steamroller in 1929. A year later, he suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers Football team and remained with that franchise for three seasons before returning to the Giants late to help them win the 1934 NFL Championship in the "Sneaker game."

After his playing days were done, McBride went into coaching, serving as the head man for the New York Yankees Football franchise in both the second and third editions of the American Football League. In 1940, the Yankees fired them just before their owner got into conflict with the league. A new owner took over the AFL teams, rebranded the squad as the New York Americans, and rehired McBride as the coach in 1941.

Jack McBride's legacy is that he remains a significant figure in Giants' history, one of the first players to showcase the versatility that would become crucial in the evolving game of football.

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The New York Giants boast a rich history filled with legendary players. Yet few stories are as captivating or as untold as that of Joseph "Doc" Alexander. This legend was successful at almost anything he put his mind to.

This wasn't your typical football hero. Doc Alexander was a brilliant scholar, a dedicated medical professional, and, against all odds, a dominant force on the gridiron.

Dive into the remarkable journey of Doc Alexander:

-Star football and lacrosse player at Syracuse University.

-Two-time captain of the 'Cuse gridiron squad 1919 & 1920

-In 1918, against Rutgers, he picked up a loose ball and ran 75 yards for a touchdown. Doc starred in a 1919 defeat of Pittsburgh, the Panthers' first loss in four years.

-Played in the early NFL for the Rochester Jeffersons (1921, 22,24) part-time while practicing medicine

-First player signed to the roster of the New York Giants franchise in 1925

-The Giant's first coach was successful college coach Bob Folwell. In 1926, Folwell left to coach the Philadelphia Quakers of the first AFL, and Doc Alexander assumed the player/head coach role, taking the team to an 8-4-1 record.

-Due to an increased demand for his medical services, he relinquished his head coach role and became an assistant player/coach at Earl Potteiger. The Giants won the NFL Title that year.

-Now having a successful lung practice in NYC, Alexander retired from football after the title win.

-Honored in both the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame

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The New York Giants were on shaky ground financially as was most of the rest of the National Football League in 1925. A bright star would arise to help save the League from going under.

As part of our celebration of the 100th season of the New York Football Giants, we present Part 3 of the NYG-100 series.

When Football Was Football host Joe Ziemba is our guest from an appearance he made back in 2021 on the Pigskin Dispatch Podcast NFL Jersey #77 episode.