From T-Formation Hero to NFL Star
Johnny Lujack's football career was a brilliance symphony played out on the college and professional stages. He was a quarterback who mastered the T-formation, led teams to championships and left an indelible mark on the game. Here's a closer look at his impressive achievements:
College Stardom:
-Notre Dame Glory: Lujack took over as Notre Dame's quarterback in 1943, guiding them to three national championships during his tenure. He threw for over 777 yards and rushed for 139 in his senior season, earning the Heisman Trophy and Associated Press Athlete of the Year honors.
-T-Formation Master: Lujack's exceptional understanding of the T-formation offense made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His precise passing and deceptive running combined to be an unstoppable force, rewriting the playbook for future quarterbacks.
NFL Journey:
-Drafted High: The Chicago Bears recognized Lujack's talent and drafted him fourth overall in the 1946 NFL Draft. He lived up to expectations, leading the team in scoring each year of his four-season career.
-Passing Prowess: Despite playing in a run-heavy era, Lujack set an NFL record with 468 passing yards in a single game in 1949. He also finished his career with 11 rushing touchdowns, another noteworthy feat for a quarterback of his time.
-Early Retirement: Lujack's NFL career was cut short due to injuries and military service. He retired in 1951 at age 26, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation.
Beyond the Numbers:
-Lujack's impact extended beyond statistics. He was a charismatic leader, respected by teammates and coaches alike. His influence on the development of the quarterback position, particularly within the T-formation, is undeniable.
-His legacy lives on in various Halls of Fame, including the College Football and National Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame. He remains a revered figure in Notre Dame and Bears history, a constant reminder of the heights an exceptional quarterback can reach.
In conclusion, Johnny Lujack's football career was a leadership, talent, and adaptation masterclass. He left his mark on college and professional football, etching his name in the annals of gridiron history.
College Stardom:
-Notre Dame Glory: Lujack took over as Notre Dame's quarterback in 1943, guiding them to three national championships during his tenure. He threw for over 777 yards and rushed for 139 in his senior season, earning the Heisman Trophy and Associated Press Athlete of the Year honors.
-T-Formation Master: Lujack's exceptional understanding of the T-formation offense made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His precise passing and deceptive running combined to be an unstoppable force, rewriting the playbook for future quarterbacks.
NFL Journey:
-Drafted High: The Chicago Bears recognized Lujack's talent and drafted him fourth overall in the 1946 NFL Draft. He lived up to expectations, leading the team in scoring each year of his four-season career.
-Passing Prowess: Despite playing in a run-heavy era, Lujack set an NFL record with 468 passing yards in a single game in 1949. He also finished his career with 11 rushing touchdowns, another noteworthy feat for a quarterback of his time.
-Early Retirement: Lujack's NFL career was cut short due to injuries and military service. He retired in 1951 at age 26, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation.
Beyond the Numbers:
-Lujack's impact extended beyond statistics. He was a charismatic leader, respected by teammates and coaches alike. His influence on the development of the quarterback position, particularly within the T-formation, is undeniable.
-His legacy lives on in various Halls of Fame, including the College Football and National Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame. He remains a revered figure in Notre Dame and Bears history, a constant reminder of the heights an exceptional quarterback can reach.
In conclusion, Johnny Lujack's football career was a leadership, talent, and adaptation masterclass. He left his mark on college and professional football, etching his name in the annals of gridiron history.
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Hunk Anderson Football Hall of Fame Center
Hunk Anderson, a name that may not be as readily recognized as other gridiron legends, nevertheless carved out a respectable career in the National Football League (NFL) built on grit, determination, and a knack for finding the end zone. This essay explores Anderson's football journey, examining his rise from small-town beginnings to his impactful seasons with the Chicago Bears.
-Small-Town Roots and a Natural Talent (1910s)
Born in tiny Brady, Nebraska in 1907, Hunk Anderson's football journey began on the dusty fields of his hometown. Despite limited resources and competition, his natural talent shone through. He excelled at the University of Nebraska, earning All-American honors in 1931. Anderson's powerful running style and knack for finding the open field quickly garnered attention from NFL scouts.
-Double Duty: Notre Dame and Canton (1918-1921)
A unique twist marked Hunk Anderson's early football career. While suiting up as a guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish under the legendary Knute Rockne from 1918 to 1921, Anderson also reportedly played for the Canton Bulldogs during the 1920 and 1921 seasons. However, Anderson later claimed that his appearances with the Bulldogs were limited to exhibition games, not official league contests. This discrepancy remains a topic of discussion for football historians.
-Finding a Home in Chicago (1932-1939)
In 1932, Anderson was signed by the Chicago Bears, a team already boasting a strong offensive line and a reputation for a smash-mouth style of play. This environment perfectly suited Anderson's skillset. He quickly emerged as a key contributor, forming a formidable blocking scheme for the legendary halfback Bronko Nagurski. Anderson's interference complemented Nagurski's speed and elusive ability, creating a nightmare for opposing defenses.
-[b]A Career Highlighted by Consistency (1922-1925)
While Anderson never achieved the individual accolades of some of his contemporaries, his career was marked by consistent excellence. He was a reliable rusher, a punishing blocker, and a dangerous receiving threat out of the backfield. His versatility and toughness made him a valuable asset to the Bears throughout the 1920s.
-A Legacy of Determination
Hunk Anderson retired from professional football in 1925. While his career lacked the individual statistics of some Hall of Famers, his impact on the Chicago Bears' success in the 1920s is undeniable. He epitomized the toughness and determination that defined the era, leaving a lasting impression on the team and the league.
In 1939 Hunk returned to the NFL gridiron, acting as an Assistant Coach to Gus Henderson with the Detroit Lions.
He followed this up playing an integral coaching role with the Chicago Bears in the early 1940s.
-A Forgotten Hero?
Today, Hunk Anderson's name may not be at the forefront of football discussions. However, his story serves as a reminder that professional football excellence can take many forms. His career embodies the value of hard work, resilience, and the ability to contribute to a winning team within a specific role. Hunk Anderson's legacy is a testament to the fact that greatness in football can extend beyond individual stardom and statistical dominance.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish center was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He later went on to play in the NFL for the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Bears and allegedly earlier with the Canton Bulldogs. He also was a college Coach at Notre Dame, the University of St Louis, and North Carolina before leading the Chicago Bears to the 1943 NFL Championship Title.
-Small-Town Roots and a Natural Talent (1910s)
Born in tiny Brady, Nebraska in 1907, Hunk Anderson's football journey began on the dusty fields of his hometown. Despite limited resources and competition, his natural talent shone through. He excelled at the University of Nebraska, earning All-American honors in 1931. Anderson's powerful running style and knack for finding the open field quickly garnered attention from NFL scouts.
-Double Duty: Notre Dame and Canton (1918-1921)
A unique twist marked Hunk Anderson's early football career. While suiting up as a guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish under the legendary Knute Rockne from 1918 to 1921, Anderson also reportedly played for the Canton Bulldogs during the 1920 and 1921 seasons. However, Anderson later claimed that his appearances with the Bulldogs were limited to exhibition games, not official league contests. This discrepancy remains a topic of discussion for football historians.
-Finding a Home in Chicago (1932-1939)
In 1932, Anderson was signed by the Chicago Bears, a team already boasting a strong offensive line and a reputation for a smash-mouth style of play. This environment perfectly suited Anderson's skillset. He quickly emerged as a key contributor, forming a formidable blocking scheme for the legendary halfback Bronko Nagurski. Anderson's interference complemented Nagurski's speed and elusive ability, creating a nightmare for opposing defenses.
-[b]A Career Highlighted by Consistency (1922-1925)
While Anderson never achieved the individual accolades of some of his contemporaries, his career was marked by consistent excellence. He was a reliable rusher, a punishing blocker, and a dangerous receiving threat out of the backfield. His versatility and toughness made him a valuable asset to the Bears throughout the 1920s.
-A Legacy of Determination
Hunk Anderson retired from professional football in 1925. While his career lacked the individual statistics of some Hall of Famers, his impact on the Chicago Bears' success in the 1920s is undeniable. He epitomized the toughness and determination that defined the era, leaving a lasting impression on the team and the league.
In 1939 Hunk returned to the NFL gridiron, acting as an Assistant Coach to Gus Henderson with the Detroit Lions.
He followed this up playing an integral coaching role with the Chicago Bears in the early 1940s.
-A Forgotten Hero?
Today, Hunk Anderson's name may not be at the forefront of football discussions. However, his story serves as a reminder that professional football excellence can take many forms. His career embodies the value of hard work, resilience, and the ability to contribute to a winning team within a specific role. Hunk Anderson's legacy is a testament to the fact that greatness in football can extend beyond individual stardom and statistical dominance.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish center was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He later went on to play in the NFL for the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Bears and allegedly earlier with the Canton Bulldogs. He also was a college Coach at Notre Dame, the University of St Louis, and North Carolina before leading the Chicago Bears to the 1943 NFL Championship Title.
Bulldog Turner and his life bio
This Pro Football Hall of Fame player was as intense a competitor as they come, according to multiple accounts. A career-long stint with the Chicago Bears made for a legendary career.
Chicago Bears NFL Franchise History
The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most iconic franchises, boast a rich history with surprising beginnings. Contrary to their fierce mascot, the Bears' origin stemmed not from gridiron dominance, but from an unlikely source: a laundry products company team.
In 1919, a young George Halas and a group of friends, were employed at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The manufacturer sponsored a baseball and later a football team to not only market the brand but to keep their employees in good shape of body and mind. This led to the venture into the burgeoning sport of professional football. With a mere $5,000 investment, they formed the Decatur Staleys, named after A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, which sponsored the team.
The Staleys played their first game on September 19, 1920, against the Rock Island Independents. Despite losing 6-10, the game marked the launch of an extraordinary journey.
In 1921, the team relocated to Chicago, kept the Staleys name for another year per an agreement with he manufacturer as Halas would assume ownership, and in honor of the nickname "Cubs," the city's beloved baseball team chose a suitable moniker to match. Inspired by the powerful and athletic grizzly bears roaming the Midwest, Halas opted for the iconic "Bears" nickname in 1922, solidifying their identity.
The following years saw the Bears navigate financial struggles and player turnover. Yet, under Halas's steady leadership, the team gradually gained traction. In 1925, they achieved their first winning season and earned their first NFL Championship title in 1940.
From humble beginnings as a wrestling promoter's side project, the Chicago Bears emerged as a powerhouse of professional football. Their journey, fueled by perseverance and a fierce mascot, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the "Monsters of the Midway."
In 1919, a young George Halas and a group of friends, were employed at the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company. The manufacturer sponsored a baseball and later a football team to not only market the brand but to keep their employees in good shape of body and mind. This led to the venture into the burgeoning sport of professional football. With a mere $5,000 investment, they formed the Decatur Staleys, named after A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company, which sponsored the team.
The Staleys played their first game on September 19, 1920, against the Rock Island Independents. Despite losing 6-10, the game marked the launch of an extraordinary journey.
In 1921, the team relocated to Chicago, kept the Staleys name for another year per an agreement with he manufacturer as Halas would assume ownership, and in honor of the nickname "Cubs," the city's beloved baseball team chose a suitable moniker to match. Inspired by the powerful and athletic grizzly bears roaming the Midwest, Halas opted for the iconic "Bears" nickname in 1922, solidifying their identity.
The following years saw the Bears navigate financial struggles and player turnover. Yet, under Halas's steady leadership, the team gradually gained traction. In 1925, they achieved their first winning season and earned their first NFL Championship title in 1940.
From humble beginnings as a wrestling promoter's side project, the Chicago Bears emerged as a powerhouse of professional football. Their journey, fueled by perseverance and a fierce mascot, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the "Monsters of the Midway."
Paddy Driscoll Early NFL Superstar back
Born January 11, 1895, in Evanston, Illinois, was College and Pro Football Hall of Fame back, Paddy Driscoll. This amazing athlete played college football as a quarterback and halfback for the Northwestern football team in 1915 and 1916. In 1917, he played Major League Baseball as an infielder for the Chicago Cubs.
He joined the United States Navy during World War I and played for the undefeated 1918 Great Lakes Navy football team that won the 1919 Rose Bowl. A triple-threat man in football, he was regarded as the best drop kicker and one of the best overall players in the early years of the National Football League. Driscoll was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Paddy was on the Pro Football rosters of for the Hammond All-Stars (1917), Hammond Pros (1919), Racine/Chicago Cardinals (1920–1925), and Chicago Bears (1926–1929).
NFL Jersey 20. NFL Jersey 1. NFL Jersey 2.
He joined the United States Navy during World War I and played for the undefeated 1918 Great Lakes Navy football team that won the 1919 Rose Bowl. A triple-threat man in football, he was regarded as the best drop kicker and one of the best overall players in the early years of the National Football League. Driscoll was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Paddy was on the Pro Football rosters of for the Hammond All-Stars (1917), Hammond Pros (1919), Racine/Chicago Cardinals (1920–1925), and Chicago Bears (1926–1929).
NFL Jersey 20. NFL Jersey 1. NFL Jersey 2.
Cranking Out Passing Yards Sid Luckman's Gridiron Revolution
Sid Luckman wasn't born into football royalty. He emerged from the gritty streets of Brooklyn, his youth shadowed by the rumble of flour trucks and the whispers of the infamous Murder Inc. Yet, on the gridiron, he morphed into an aerial assassin, rewriting the game's playbook and carving his name as one of the most influential quarterbacks ever.
Luckman's rise was anything but conventional. He embraced the nascent T-formation, a complex offensive system dismissed by many as a passing fad. But in Sid's hands, the T's intricate geometry became a ballet of leather and sweat. His lightning-fast release and pinpoint accuracy shredded defenses, making him the first quarterback to eclipse 28 touchdowns in a season. He was a magician behind center, conjuring touchdowns from thin air with audacious throws and uncanny anticipation.
His impact transcended personal glory. Luckman's success with the T-formation ignited a league-wide revolution. Teams scrambled to adopt the system, turning the once-ground-bound NFL into a showcase of aerial acrobatics. Sid wasn't just racking up yardage; he was redefining the sport, paving the way for future legends like Sammy Baugh and revolutionizing the quarterback position.
Beyond stats and wins, Luckman exuded charisma. His sharp wit and unwavering confidence earned him the nickname "The Playmaker." He possessed the swagger of a gunslinger, a gunslinger who knew exactly when to draw and when to bluff. He inspired his teammates, instilled fear in opponents, and captivated audiences with his audacity and showmanship.
Sid's career, however, wasn't without hiccups. Injuries and a tense relationship with Bears management marred his later years, leading to his departure to the New York Yankees. His post-Chicago stint lacked the same luster, but his footprint on the game remained unshakeable.
When Luckman finally hung up his cleats, he left behind a legacy unlike any other. He wasn't just a champion; he was a pioneer, a magician with a slingshot, a man who rewrote the rules of football and forever etched his name in the pantheon of gridiron greats.
Luckman's rise was anything but conventional. He embraced the nascent T-formation, a complex offensive system dismissed by many as a passing fad. But in Sid's hands, the T's intricate geometry became a ballet of leather and sweat. His lightning-fast release and pinpoint accuracy shredded defenses, making him the first quarterback to eclipse 28 touchdowns in a season. He was a magician behind center, conjuring touchdowns from thin air with audacious throws and uncanny anticipation.
His impact transcended personal glory. Luckman's success with the T-formation ignited a league-wide revolution. Teams scrambled to adopt the system, turning the once-ground-bound NFL into a showcase of aerial acrobatics. Sid wasn't just racking up yardage; he was redefining the sport, paving the way for future legends like Sammy Baugh and revolutionizing the quarterback position.
Beyond stats and wins, Luckman exuded charisma. His sharp wit and unwavering confidence earned him the nickname "The Playmaker." He possessed the swagger of a gunslinger, a gunslinger who knew exactly when to draw and when to bluff. He inspired his teammates, instilled fear in opponents, and captivated audiences with his audacity and showmanship.
Sid's career, however, wasn't without hiccups. Injuries and a tense relationship with Bears management marred his later years, leading to his departure to the New York Yankees. His post-Chicago stint lacked the same luster, but his footprint on the game remained unshakeable.
When Luckman finally hung up his cleats, he left behind a legacy unlike any other. He wasn't just a champion; he was a pioneer, a magician with a slingshot, a man who rewrote the rules of football and forever etched his name in the pantheon of gridiron greats.
Chicago Plays First Game as the Bears
On this date (Jan. 28) in 1922, the Decatur Staleys relocated to Chicago and took on the name that they still have today, the Chicago Bears. Their original name, Staleys, came from the food starch … — bearswire.usatoday.com
October 1, 1922 - The former team known as the Chicago Staleys (Decatur Staleys) suits up under the banner of the Chicago Bears and faces a new NFL franchise, the Racine Legion. This battle ended up in a Bears 6-0 victory.
The Bears, who had started as the Decatur Staleys, home of their sponsor, the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co., moved to the Windy City in 1921 and played as the Chicago Staleys until this day, which set the standard for a new Moniker.
The Bears story begins in 1920, when, fresh out of college, he organized a football team for his then employer, A.E> Staley, in Decatur, Illinois, the Decatur Staleys. He served as both player and coach, showcasing his early leadership and passion for the game. However, the Staleys faced financial difficulties, prompting Halas to seek greener pastures.
In 1921, Halas saw an opportunity in Chicago. Partnering with Dutch Sternaman, he secured the rights to move the Staleys to Chicago and rename them the Chicago Staleys. This move was a gamble, but Halas's entrepreneurial spirit shone through. He saw the potential for a strong fan base in the Windy City. A year later, they rebranded as the Bears.
The early years in Chicago were a constant battle for financial stability. Halas wore many hats, managing the team's finances, scouting players, and selling tickets. However, his dedication and tireless work ethic started to pay off. The Bears achieved early success, winning the NFL championship in 1921.
Halas was pivotal in establishing the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, serving as an owner advisor and shaping its rules and structure. He was a shrewd businessman, securing television deals and driving the league's financial growth.
Walter Payton Hall of Fame Sweetness
Born July 25, 1954 - Columbia, Mississippi - Walter Payton Pro Football Hall of Fame running back of the Chicago Bears was born. The Jackson State product was also enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in the 1999 class.
Walter ran on the Jackson State gridiron from the 1971 season through 1974 and was the key cog in the offense. According to the FootballFoundation.org, Sweetness finished his career at Jackson State with 464 points and 3,563 yards rushing. The point total was a modern record for college football. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry for four years.
Walter is remembered at the collegiate level still to this day as he was honored in 1987 with the founding of the Walter Payton Award, given each year to the leading player in 1-AA football. Payton was a great player who worked hard and was known for his outstanding runs during his career. He even was the NFL's all-time leading rusher until Emmitt Smith surpassed him. In just 13 seasons, Payton rushed for 16, 726 yards, hauled in 492 passes and scored 125 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website.
We honor this great player and human who had an untimely death in 1999 at the age 45 due to a rare disease. Please see our story on "Sweetness" here Walter Payton.
Walter ran on the Jackson State gridiron from the 1971 season through 1974 and was the key cog in the offense. According to the FootballFoundation.org, Sweetness finished his career at Jackson State with 464 points and 3,563 yards rushing. The point total was a modern record for college football. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry for four years.
Walter is remembered at the collegiate level still to this day as he was honored in 1987 with the founding of the Walter Payton Award, given each year to the leading player in 1-AA football. Payton was a great player who worked hard and was known for his outstanding runs during his career. He even was the NFL's all-time leading rusher until Emmitt Smith surpassed him. In just 13 seasons, Payton rushed for 16, 726 yards, hauled in 492 passes and scored 125 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website.
We honor this great player and human who had an untimely death in 1999 at the age 45 due to a rare disease. Please see our story on "Sweetness" here Walter Payton.
Gale Sayers
May 30, 1943 - Wichita, Kansas - Gale Sayers the top notch Kansas Halfback, also known as the “Kansas Comet” was born. Gale is one of the most talented backs to have ever graced the gridiron.
The FootballFoundation.org lists that Mr. Sayers was a two-time First Team All-America selection for the Jayhawks, and when he concluded his KU career he had 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. The Kansas Comet led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he wore the Jayhawk colors. Gale also led the team in receiving and punt returns in his final two years with the program. Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season.
One of Sayers top collegiate moments on the gridiron has to be the 96-yard kickoff return that aided a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma in his senior season. The University retired his number 48 jersey soon after he wore it last. Gale Sayers’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1977.
The Chicago Bears drafted Sayers in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft and he had an almost immediate impact on the entire League! The Pro Football Hall of Fame says right out of the chute Gale in a pre-season game raced 77 yards on a punt return, 93 yards on a kickoff return, and then startled everyone with a 25-yard scoring pass against the Los Angeles Rams. During the regular games he kept it going, as this standout player set a rookie record that season of 22 touchdowns and 132 points! The Comet scored four touchdowns, including a 96-yard game breaking kickoff return, against the Minnesota Vikings. But that was not the rookie’s grand finale. No, not even close to it. In the second to the last game of the year, playing on a muddy field that would have stalled most rushing attempts, Gale scored a record-tying six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Included in his sensational spree were an 80-yard pass-run play, a 50-yard rush and a 65-yard punt return. Sayers went on to have a short but brilliant career with 9435 combined yards in his career, 4956 yards from running.
Gale still is the all-time leader in NFL kick returns as he was also an All-NFL selection in five straight seasons and the player of the game in three different Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Gale Sayers with enshrinement in 1977 to become one of a very few that entered both Football Hall of Fame's in the same year.
The FootballFoundation.org lists that Mr. Sayers was a two-time First Team All-America selection for the Jayhawks, and when he concluded his KU career he had 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. The Kansas Comet led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he wore the Jayhawk colors. Gale also led the team in receiving and punt returns in his final two years with the program. Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season.
One of Sayers top collegiate moments on the gridiron has to be the 96-yard kickoff return that aided a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma in his senior season. The University retired his number 48 jersey soon after he wore it last. Gale Sayers’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1977.
The Chicago Bears drafted Sayers in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft and he had an almost immediate impact on the entire League! The Pro Football Hall of Fame says right out of the chute Gale in a pre-season game raced 77 yards on a punt return, 93 yards on a kickoff return, and then startled everyone with a 25-yard scoring pass against the Los Angeles Rams. During the regular games he kept it going, as this standout player set a rookie record that season of 22 touchdowns and 132 points! The Comet scored four touchdowns, including a 96-yard game breaking kickoff return, against the Minnesota Vikings. But that was not the rookie’s grand finale. No, not even close to it. In the second to the last game of the year, playing on a muddy field that would have stalled most rushing attempts, Gale scored a record-tying six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Included in his sensational spree were an 80-yard pass-run play, a 50-yard rush and a 65-yard punt return. Sayers went on to have a short but brilliant career with 9435 combined yards in his career, 4956 yards from running.
Gale still is the all-time leader in NFL kick returns as he was also an All-NFL selection in five straight seasons and the player of the game in three different Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Gale Sayers with enshrinement in 1977 to become one of a very few that entered both Football Hall of Fame's in the same year.
Bronko Nagurski and Chris Willis' book on the legend
Hailing from Canada, Bronko Nagurski carved his name in football history with raw power and fierce determination. At the University of Minnesota, he dominated both sides of the field, earning All-American honors and solidifying his legend. Joining the Chicago Bears in 1930, he became a symbol of their "Monsters of the Midway" era.
Bronko Nagurski's legendary football story is told by NFL Films' Chris Willis. Nagurski bio.
Standing at 6'2" and 235 lbs, Nagurski was a force to be reckoned with. He excelled as a fullback, powering through defenses with unmatched ferocity. His rushing yards remain impressive even by today's standards, and his blocking skills paved the way for teammates' success. But Nagurski wasn't just an offensive weapon. As a defensive tackle, he was equally imposing, shutting down plays with relentless aggression.
His impact went beyond individual stats. Nagurski helped the Bears win two NFL championships and played a key role in their four World Championship appearances. His influence was so profound that some credit him with inspiring the team's iconic nickname. His career wasn't without interruptions, however. Salary disputes and a successful professional wrestling stint led to temporary retirements, but Nagurski always returned to the gridiron, proving his enduring passion for the game.
By the time he finally hung up his cleats in 1943, Nagurski had cemented his place among the game's greats. He became an inaugural inductee into both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
-Transcribed Conversation with [b]Chris Willis: on Bronko Nagursk[/b]
Darin Hayes:
Hello, my football friends. This is Darin Hayes: of pigskindispatch.com. Welcome once again to the Pigpen, your portal to positive football history. And we have a great interview lined up today. We're gonna talk to one of our friends, Chris Willis:, who is the head of the NFL Films Library and an author of multiple books. We've had him on here a bunch of times on the program, talking about some of his other books, the book on Joe Carr and the book on Red Grange. He's helped us out with our football numbers before. And he's got a new book out that we're gonna talk about. And I'll let him introduce it to you here in just a moment as we bring in Chris Willis. Welcome back to the Pigpen.
Chris Willis:
Thanks for having me. It's always a pleasure to be on.
Darin Hayes:
Now, Chris, this is, uh, we were talking a little bit before we came on. This is an extremely busy time of the year for anybody involved in football. But for you particularly, this is, you've got a bunch of things going on. And I don't know if you wanted to say some of those on air to give them a little bit of pub or.
Chris Willis:
Sure. And I mean, if you're a football fan, like I said, you're licking your chops now, you know, college football started this weekend. And like I said, we've been working on Hard Knocks, and we've got one more show and two more shows with Hard Knocks.
Darin Hayes:
It was another outstanding season. You guys hit it out of the park again.
Chris Willis:
And then, you know, the kickoff games, you know, preseason, you know, is wrapping up now. Then we got the kickoff game on September 8th, and then a full week in a football, you know, coming up. So, yeah, so if you're a football fan, you know, it's like I always say, it's good, busy. You know, it's not bad, busy. It's all good, busy, you know, to be involved. So, but now we're, yeah, we're getting close to real games, especially in the NFL. Thanks for watching!
Darin Hayes:
And just when you thought Chris was busy with all that he just mentioned, he's also got a book that just came out. And Chris, if you could give us the title of the book and where folks can get it from, we'll talk about it again later in the program as well.
Chris Willis:
Sure. Yeah, it's a biography. It's a book on Bronko Nagursky, the Bears, the Hall of Fame, and a fullback. So it's called Bronko, the legendary story of the NFL's greatest two-way fullback. And it just was out in the middle of July. So, it's starting to make its rounds. You can get it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And then our publisher is Rowan in Littlefield. So if you go on ROWMAN .com, you can pick it up there too. But it was just released last month or so. So.
Darin Hayes:
So yeah, I'm sure your email inbox and telephones are ringing, and everything's extremely busy for you this time of year. So, we really appreciate you coming on and spending a few moments with us to talk about this book.
Chris Willis:
Sure.
Darin Hayes:
Thank you. You know, as one thing I really enjoy about your books and those of the listeners that have read Chris's work is how he goes into the detail in the roots of the subjects that he's talking about. And he does the same in this book and Bronko book, and maybe you could just give us a little bit of background on where Bronko came from I guess first of all let's start off what his, his proper name is his God given name is.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, he was; he was actually born in Canada, just over the Canadian border, you know, in Ontario. So, Bronislaw Nagursky was his full name. But that name was a very difficult to pronounce, you know, as he was growing up, the family early on around, I think it was around five, six years old, he moved from Ontario to International Falls, you know, his father moved the family to International Falls. And so the kids, you know, started playing with him, but they had a hard time pronouncing his name. And so Bronko was a logical sort of Ukrainian nickname that they gave him, and, you know, he actually kept it for the rest of his life. He pretty much went by Bronko. You know, as I said, he sort of stayed in International Falls, even when he became, you know, a great player with the Bears; he became a World Championship wrestler too, in the 30s, he always came back to International Falls and sort of lived pretty much his entire life there, until he passed away in 1990, in that area. So, so that's kind of where he was from, you know, sort of northern Minnesota, you know, up there, you know, near the Canadian border, you know, which was like a sort of tough lifestyle, you know, you know, have like, what, I think Bronko used to say, quote, something like they had, you know, eight months of winter and three months of bad snow or bad sledding, you know, for the rest of the year. So, so he loved it up there, you know, he loved the lake, and he loved being a part of that area, and that sort of, you know, and he got that reputation of being like a pole bunionist, you know, player or personality because of where he was from in International Falls and stuff. So, that's where he sort of got his persona.
Darin Hayes:
Well, it's interesting. You said the Paul Bunyan thing because there's at least one story I've heard about, and I think I've even, uh, said it on, on one of my programs that I, I said, though, I scratched my head. It's a little bit hard to believe. I'm sure there are other ones too about him because he almost is personified as Paul Bunyan, at least in this one story of how he and his, uh, coach at Minnesota, Doc Spears, met now you say a much different way, which I think sounds more like that's probably the truth. Uh, but, uh, have you heard some of these tales?
Chris Willis:
Yeah. I mean, the tale of Spears sort of driving through that area and seeing Bronko plowing the farm field with no horse and then asking for directions and lifting the plow. But that was definitely a story. I mean, I wrote about that in the book where, because of several interviews, Nagersky says, yeah, that was sort of made up, and it was sort of a good banquet story. I mean, he would go with it a little bit and get the chuckle and stuff. But definitely, like I said, part of that sort of Paul Bunyan -esque sort of persona that he got the reputation of.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, that was the only thing missing from that story. It was the giant blue ox in the back, you know, I think. So, let's talk a little bit more about him growing up at International Falls from the book because I think it really establishes who Bronko is. And, you know, the family sort of goes through some turmoil and some life-changing moments when he's a child in International Falls. Maybe you could describe that a little bit.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, obviously, this is, you know, early 1900s. So you know, you know, especially in that area, you know, they had some fires, like his father, you know, started out working in the mills, there's some, you know, paper mills and some, you know, mills there in the area, and they had some fires. And so he had to kind of adjust. And then when they moved to International Falls, you know, he sort of started his own business, you know, he had a sort of like a grocery store there that became, you know, had a, you know, housing and stuff like that. So, it was a little bit of a struggle. I mean, I mean, he was never homeless, but yeah, you know, like I said, but that's all he knew, you know, he learned hard work from his dad, you know, at the store, there are several quotes from Nagurski that I found, you know, it's like, you know, he would, you know, he would go to school and then come back and work at the store, he'd make deliveries and the family wagon, you know, you know, you know, to whoever needs it, whether it was food or grain, you know, sugar or whatever, you know, that they had, and things like that. So it was, it was definitely, you know, a country as sort of lifestyle that sort of, you know, that they just made the best of what they did, you know, he had a brother and two other sisters, you know, you know, that he helped take care of too, you know, so he. So he learned, as I said, I think the most important thing he's learned sort of how to how to be a hard worker, and, especially the times on the farm and, and in the mills and things like that, he even did something like he built his body up to be, you know, I mean, he was six to, you know, 235 pounds, like just this chiseled, you know, you know, sort of greed God, you know, you know, and that's how you know, as athlete stuff. So, all that came from this sort of hard-working background with his family.
Darin Hayes:
OK. Yeah, I got that. I mean, if there's an underlying theme to the whole book, it's, you know, the Nagurski family and Bronko emulating that for his whole life. You know, like you said, that hard work and putting in all the effort to get the job done and doing a little bit more. It shows in his football prowess and wrestling, as well, as you define well in the book. It's some great examples of that. So, there are some things I look forward to for the listeners when they pick up the book to read. Now he, you have him playing high school a little bit in international falls. And then, his senior season, he's in high school. He makes a little bit of a change to who he's playing for.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, it's, it's one of those sorts of, you know, era things, you know, those sort of vagabond type of things, like they weren't quite as many, you know, hardcore rules, although the Minneapolis high school athletics was, was there or so. But International Falls was definitely a super small town. So they didn't have a lot of boys playing on the team. So they weren't that competitive. They actually didn't really win football games when Bronko was there for a couple of years. And then, before his senior year, there was a team. Most of the teams were like, you know, an hour away because they're so spread out. It was Bemidji was a very good football team. The year before Bronko's junior year, I think they beat international falls like 48 to nothing. Although they could see that Bronko might have been the best player on the field, he just didn't have anything surrounding it, you know. So they sort of kind of recruited was like, hey, if you come to play for us, you could play on the football team and the basketball team. And you'll get, you know, a little more publicity, and you might be able to go play in college, you know, the coach there, you know, kind of promised him that if you want to go play in college, I might be able to get you into college. So he, he asked his parents, and so since his parents weren't gonna, you know, have to pay for anything, he would stay there, he actually, they were gonna get him a job, and he was actually gonna live in the janitor's room, there was gonna be a cat for him in the janitor's room. So he so he goes down there. But International Falls, the athletic director and head coach, really disliked it. So, they actually asked the athletic association to look into this. And it turned out that because he was a transfer, he would actually have to sit out a semester. You know, he did not live in Bemidji. So it turns out that during his senior year, he still went because he said they still needed him for basketball. But all he did was practice, and he did not play in the games. So he didn't actually play in any varsity games during his senior year, and then he ended up playing basketball season; he's graduated from Bemiji, not International Falls High School. So he spent one year there. And then, you know, he sort of graduated, and then he came back to International Falls.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, I thought that was an interesting story, but he didn't play, as you said, he practiced, and you pointed out in your story that some of the things that he, the benefits he got of practicing with a bigger school that was a little bit more established, a coach was a little bit, had a little bit more wherewithal, probably a little bit better program that he learned a lot of things that he probably wouldn't have learned if he stayed at the international falls teams. Is that a true statement?
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I think so. I mean, the media was one of the better programs, especially in that area in the state of Minnesota. So he, he had one quote that I found in one of his interviews, like he mentioned, Oh, at that point, I thought I could play in college because I was, I was just as good as some of the players are even better than the players that were on the team. I just didn't get to play, you know, in the games. And so they gave him confidence. Hey, if I do go, you know, to God's, and of course, yeah, he went to the University of Minnesota. He thought he could be competitive and play because of the fall that he spent practicing against a very good team that had some pretty quality players.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, so OK, so you stayed somewhat local and went to the University of Minnesota place for Doc Spears, as we alluded to earlier. And you, by the way, I think you did a magnificent job. I learned a lot about Doc Spears because, just like you did with Bronko, you went back and told the backstory of Doc Spears, where he grew up, and everything. And I'll let the listeners get a copy of the book and do that. We won't spoil it. But it's a fantastic biography of Doc Spears, too. I just wanted to point out.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, he's an interesting guy, you know, you played a little pro football too, you know, with the Campbell, like he was a very good pro player before the NFL got established. So, yeah, so that was Yeah, so there's a lot of his backstory, you know, and then obviously coach Bronko, you know, at the University of Minnesota.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, it's in Minnesota; it's really interesting. I didn't realize that this was an issue until you pointed it out in a book. It's something I learned from the book that, you know, he was, uh, you know, you're the title, you have, you know, being a two-way player at fullback. Well, his problem or not a problem, I guess it's a good problem to have because he was so good at a couple of different positions on offense in college that Doc Spears had a decision to make, and maybe if you could chat a little bit about that.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, he was, I mean, as big as he was, you think, oh, he's going to be a line, but he was so athletic, and he was so, not only was he big and strong, but he was so athletic and so gifted, you know, you know, you know, catching the ball, running the ball. Like, you know, he started out really as an end, you know, in his early varsity career, and then he played tackle, and then he has moved the fullback, you know, so he could play a variety of positions, you know, although he was 6 '2", you know, 225, maybe at the time. He was very athletic and very gifted. You know, with the way he could run, you know, he was just not a big lumbering guy. So, so Doc had a little bit, you know, he, pretty much up to, you know, I think his sophomore year, Bronko, like he had Herb Josting there, who was a very good fullback who did play the NFL. So, he was a senior. So he actually got a lot of the playing time early, and that's why he needed to find a different position. He played him an end, played him a tackle, but once Josting left, you know, Bronko was the logical choice to play fullback, and, you know, he didn't look back from there. He was one of the best fullbacks in the country and, obviously, in the NFL. So, but very versatile, you know, Bronko, you could have played, you know, tackle or end in the NFL too and probably would have been, you know, all pro.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, it's extremely something, like I said. It's something I wasn't aware of in college, and he excelled at both. So, you know, the other thing I thought was really interesting that sort of along that same line is his senior year, you know, there's maybe you could just talk about he played one of those positions a little bit more than the other. And what happened with the All-American honors?
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, his senior year, he pretty much is starting full back. But because the most important games were the conference games, it was a West Conference, but it was what would be the Big 10. So, so early on, Doc had a little bit of injuries and some inexperience on the line. So he actually played Bronko in some of those nonconference games at tackle, but not a lot. He did not play tackle very much. But once the conference game started, he back at fullback, he played fullback, you know, it was great at fullback. And so, most of the newspapers and immediate outlets at the time were putting Bronko at fullback as an all-American. But there were a few, and I believe New York's son was the big one who actually put him at tackle. So he actually, although he did not play tackle very much during the season, they're like, he was so good, let's name him All-American as a tackle. So he actually played, and he was named for two different positions in one season. So very unique, even at that time.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, that's really unique. And that just tells you the talent level that the man had, you know, at both positions to be that well respected across the country. So very interesting indeed. OK, so what happened? He plays in his final game, which is sort of a meeting of different things in his life. It's sort of a pinnacle moment that the final game, I believe it was against Wisconsin, if I'm not mistaken, at when he played at Minnesota. And he had, you know, some things going on. Maybe you could just talk about that a bit.
Chris Willis:
Uh, you're talking about plane-wise or, well, his.
Darin Hayes:
Uh, I believe that was the only game his parents saw or the first game his parents played.
Chris Willis:
what was the game before? OK, OK, I'm sorry. Yeah, his senior year. He played. Minnesota played Michigan, and his parents had never seen them play. And it was. So they came down from international fall, the whole family, and they saw him play against Michigan. He ended up losing, you know, a tough game. So Bronko wasn't in a great mood. But because the whole town wasn't just a family. It was like, I think, well over 200 people from International Falls came down to see this game because it was going to be his last home game. And so they had a banquet at the local hotel there. And one of his sisters brought a friend who was actually three years younger than her, you know, but they were pretty good friends. It turns out to be Eileen Cain, who ends up being the woman who marries Bronko, the girl. So that's where they first meet. And Bronko, you know, you know, is infatuated with her. And then obviously, you know, over the next, you know, five or six years, you know, they act across paths because of the international falls, and they end up getting married. So. So that's, yeah, a very fun weekend for him, even though he lost his loss. And then the following week against Wisconsin, like you mentioned, that was his last game, and he wasn't going to lose that game. And so he went out, and then he actually single-handedly helped defeat, you know, the Badgers, and he went out sort of as a winner in his last game. So, but that sort of homecoming sort of family thing, it definitely at the University of Minnesota was a huge weekend for him.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, that has a great story, you know, the irony of, you know, the sour defeat and, you know, it sounded like he took it hard, but then, you know, seeing his family and friends there to support him and then meeting his future wife. That's a spectacular ending to what started off not so good for him earlier in the day. So tremendous. So, how did it happen with Bronko after he graduated from Minnesota?
Chris Willis:
Well, he didn't actually graduate. So, he was still taking classes. But at the end of his senior season, he actually was invited to play in a prestigious all-star game that was just getting started on the West Coast. It's the old east-west shrine game that I believe was still around; you know, it bounced around on the West Coast and was mainly played in San Francisco. Well, at the time, this was starting to become one of the better, more key games, especially football games, so they invited seniors to play. And he made the Eastern team to play in that game, you know, and then Bob Tanner was another teammate of his, you know, also played in that game. So, so this is where he sort of gets the, you know, the itch to play pro ball, you know, he's like, OK, I think I can compete, I think, you know, I think I can play. So the east team actually practices for two or three days in Chicago first, before they go out to San Francisco, you know, well, at this time, this is January or end of December 1929. Well, of course, this is George Halas' territory. So Hallis, you know, lights that these this team are practicing there. So he gets, you know, the inside scoop, and he goes and sees the team practices. Obviously, he's very infatuated with Bronko, his running style, and his physicality. And he's like, so he talks to them, say, hey, if you're willing to play, like when you get back from the all-star game, let's talk and, you know, we'll talk salary or, you know, because I want you for the bears. So, you know, Bronkos intrigued, like, OK, you know, you know, I think there's a few other teams that are, you know, writing to them. But so he goes out and plays in San Francisco, and it turns out to be a really good game for him. He's probably the best player in the field, you know, even with Dutch Clark. Dutch Clark also played in that same game. So, so then when he comes back, obviously, you know, Hallis makes the big push. And, you know, Nagurski, you know, likes what he sees. And he ends up signing with the Bears.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, interesting. You mentioned Dutch Clark; of course, if you look on Amazon and your publisher, you have a book out on Dutch Clark as well that you wrote a few years back. So just want to mention that, which is also very interesting. OK, so he eventually signs on with Halas and plays in a couple of really interesting games during his career. And maybe if you could just highlight a couple of those that, you know, I know we've talked about, but they're so interesting. He's an integral part of them.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, he's right at that pivotal point where, you know, the NFL, although it's the depression, the 1930s, his rookie year, you know, the NFL is starting to grow, they're starting to think, you know, we need to be in the big cities, and we need to be thinking as a business. So he comes along at the right time when the NFL is sort of on the rise. And some of these games are very important, you know, and even now, you know, you know, you know, 95 years late, like, these are some of the most important games in the NFL history. The first one was mainly in 1932 when the Bears and the Spartans tied. The Port Spartans are now the Detroit Lions, but they were a small-town team in Ohio at the time, and they tied for the title, or they tied for first place, but there's, you know, there's no championship game in the NFL, you know, it's a team with the best record. So they decide to play a playoff game, but then there's a snowstorm in Chicago the week of the game. And it's just a massive snowstorm. So they move the game indoors to Chicago Stadium, but it's a small field, you know, so Bronko plays, he actually throws the only touchdown, he throws a touchdown pass to Red Grange for the only touchdown, and the Bears win nine to nothing. But it opened the eyes of the NFL like, hey, we need to have hash marks, we need to throw from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage, which you had to be five yards behind the line of scrimmage; it was a rule at the time college football made these rules. So they're like, no, let's separate from college football. So Bronko was part of that game, and that sort of separated, and then they split the NFL into two divisions and created the NFL championship game, kind of like the World Series with the American and National League in 1933. So, the Bears win the Western division in that first championship season, and they play the Giants in Wrigley Field, and Bronko has another great game. He throws two jump pass touchdowns, including the game-winner in the last couple of minutes, and they win 23 -21. So, like I said, and then the next year, in 1934, they won the division again, they played in New York, and this was the famous sneaker game. He actually plays really well, but you know, the Giants put the sneakers on in the second half, and they actually won. So there's three consecutive years he plays in, like you said, three of the most important, uh, you know, games in the NFL history, the indoor game, the first NFL championship game, and then the sneaker game, uh, all in a row. And you know, so he's, uh, and there's more of that in the book, you know, but you know, these sorts of games and what went on and stuff. So, he definitely was a big part of the early history of the NFL.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, and well, the first and the last of those teams you talked about had quite a bit of controversy surrounding him, too, where the team on the losing end wasn't so happy about a few things. But can you cover those in the book? And that's an interesting story, which is all to themselves. But he thought he ended up only playing had a short NFL career due to some circumstances that he had another career move. And maybe you could speak about that just a bit.
Chris Willis:
Sure. You know, I mean, he actually did play eight years or the first eight years of his career. So, it is actually a decent-sized career at the time. But in 1937, I mean, he was still playing really well in the NFL, but he had picked up professional wrestling a couple of years earlier. And, you know, although he had not known quite much about wrestling, but had a name, you know, he had the physicality, you know, he's a big guy that fit wrestling. And he didn't necessarily have the best, you know, the greatest personality, you know, he was a quiet guy and stuff. So maybe the flair of it, you know, he had to be taught a little bit more. But he became a very good championship wrestler, a caliber wrestler. He was making more money wrestling than he did with the Bears. You know, obviously, as I said, this was still the depression, and the house is still trying to manage, you know, the team, keep this team together, and try to pay him as much as he could. However, he was making more money than by 1937, the spring of 37. He's sort of at the top of the list of challengers for the heavyweight, you know, championship in wrestling. And he wins it in the summer of 37. And then if you're the if you're the actually the world championship wrestler of the world, you have a commitment to a schedule. So it's very unique. And like I said, the book goes into detail about this; I call it the double duty where the spring and summer he's wrestling all over the place, you know, you know, two or three times a week, he's defending this title, he's making, you know, a decent amount of money more than you would, you know, with the Bears, you know, like, you know, two or three times more than he would for the Bears. So he's keeping on the schedule. But, you know, his wrestling manager knew he wanted to play football in 37. So, in the fall of 37, he does something that I think is just so incredible. He's wrestling, sometimes during the week, and then he's playing football on Sundays. You know, he did that early in the season. And then he kind of scaled-down, you know, at the end of October or November, and then he just played football because that was the meat of the NFL schedule, and he housed one of the folks on football. But he's doing this double duty. And like I said, there were some times where he would wrestle, you know, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and travel back to Chicago on Saturday, and they play on Sunday, and then be back out on the road wrestling, you know, and so just a tremendous athletic event to be able to do both. And then unfortunately, as I said, after the 37 seasons, he decides, like, if the house can't meet his salary demands, which wasn't very much, I think he's making like, he's back up to 5000 a year, and he just wanted six or 7000. And house wanted to stay at, and he's just so I'm gonna go wrestle, and then he ended up his first retirement, he did come back in 1943 when the war was going on, but he had missed six years, and he just played tackle. He had some injuries, but he did help the Bears win a title in 43. During the war, but so those first eight years, and then that was his ninth year in 1943. But like I said, that 37 season was just a tremendous achievement.
Darin Hayes:
Those are some pretty demanding jobs when you're moonlighting as a football player, especially during the rough-and-tumble era that he played in. And you're also doing some pro wrestling, which is pretty physically grueling, too. And you're doing those multiple evenings a week. And wow, that's a pretty tremendous athlete. Did he suffer any injuries during that earlier time? I know you said in 43; he did when he came back.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, no, I mean, he had, I think in 35, a back injury that kept him out a lot. Like he had, obviously, when you're playing football and you're playing wrestling, you're going to come across things. And, and it did affect him a little bit later with some arthritis and some joint injuries, you know, later in his life. But I think it was more like that: just wear and tear your professional athlete, you're doing football, and you're doing wrestling, and you're going to have some bumps and bruises along the way.
Darin Hayes:
That's amazing to have the fortitude to be able to do that. I just can't imagine that. That's pretty tremendous. Well, Chris, we appreciate you coming on here and talking about Bronko. And maybe if you could again, maybe if you want to share some of your social media and again, let us know where folks can get the book and the title of the book again.
Chris Willis:
Sure. Yeah. I mean, it's Bronko, the legendary story of the NFL's greatest two-way fullback. You can get it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, like I said, where Rowan and Littlefield are the publishers, so you can go to Rowan.com and pick it up there, too. And there are reviews and features on the publisher's website. So, if you want to check out a little bit more about the book, it's there. So, like I said, it's an entertaining story about a guy who, you know, like I said, has a big personality and a tremendous athletic career.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah. Folks, it is a fantastic book. Make sure you get a copy of it. And did you want to share your social media as well?
Chris Willis:
Yeah, it's CDWillis83 on Twitter, so there's more stuff on Bronko, you know, that post, and a lot about early NFL history, too. So
Darin Hayes:
Well, Chris Willis:, we appreciate you and appreciate everything you're doing during your day job too, as well as what you're doing here with these fantastic books and we're hoping you're going to write some more about this great era because you were, you have some great ones out so far. So folks, make sure you go to Amazon and just look up Chris Willis:'s name and you'll see the big rundown of all these great historical football books.
Chris Willis:
Oh, no, I appreciate it, Darin. And it's always nice to be on the show and talk a little football history.
Transcribed by Notta.AI
Bronko Nagurski's legendary football story is told by NFL Films' Chris Willis. Nagurski bio.
Standing at 6'2" and 235 lbs, Nagurski was a force to be reckoned with. He excelled as a fullback, powering through defenses with unmatched ferocity. His rushing yards remain impressive even by today's standards, and his blocking skills paved the way for teammates' success. But Nagurski wasn't just an offensive weapon. As a defensive tackle, he was equally imposing, shutting down plays with relentless aggression.
His impact went beyond individual stats. Nagurski helped the Bears win two NFL championships and played a key role in their four World Championship appearances. His influence was so profound that some credit him with inspiring the team's iconic nickname. His career wasn't without interruptions, however. Salary disputes and a successful professional wrestling stint led to temporary retirements, but Nagurski always returned to the gridiron, proving his enduring passion for the game.
By the time he finally hung up his cleats in 1943, Nagurski had cemented his place among the game's greats. He became an inaugural inductee into both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
-Transcribed Conversation with [b]Chris Willis: on Bronko Nagursk[/b]
Darin Hayes:
Hello, my football friends. This is Darin Hayes: of pigskindispatch.com. Welcome once again to the Pigpen, your portal to positive football history. And we have a great interview lined up today. We're gonna talk to one of our friends, Chris Willis:, who is the head of the NFL Films Library and an author of multiple books. We've had him on here a bunch of times on the program, talking about some of his other books, the book on Joe Carr and the book on Red Grange. He's helped us out with our football numbers before. And he's got a new book out that we're gonna talk about. And I'll let him introduce it to you here in just a moment as we bring in Chris Willis. Welcome back to the Pigpen.
Chris Willis:
Thanks for having me. It's always a pleasure to be on.
Darin Hayes:
Now, Chris, this is, uh, we were talking a little bit before we came on. This is an extremely busy time of the year for anybody involved in football. But for you particularly, this is, you've got a bunch of things going on. And I don't know if you wanted to say some of those on air to give them a little bit of pub or.
Chris Willis:
Sure. And I mean, if you're a football fan, like I said, you're licking your chops now, you know, college football started this weekend. And like I said, we've been working on Hard Knocks, and we've got one more show and two more shows with Hard Knocks.
Darin Hayes:
It was another outstanding season. You guys hit it out of the park again.
Chris Willis:
And then, you know, the kickoff games, you know, preseason, you know, is wrapping up now. Then we got the kickoff game on September 8th, and then a full week in a football, you know, coming up. So, yeah, so if you're a football fan, you know, it's like I always say, it's good, busy. You know, it's not bad, busy. It's all good, busy, you know, to be involved. So, but now we're, yeah, we're getting close to real games, especially in the NFL. Thanks for watching!
Darin Hayes:
And just when you thought Chris was busy with all that he just mentioned, he's also got a book that just came out. And Chris, if you could give us the title of the book and where folks can get it from, we'll talk about it again later in the program as well.
Chris Willis:
Sure. Yeah, it's a biography. It's a book on Bronko Nagursky, the Bears, the Hall of Fame, and a fullback. So it's called Bronko, the legendary story of the NFL's greatest two-way fullback. And it just was out in the middle of July. So, it's starting to make its rounds. You can get it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. And then our publisher is Rowan in Littlefield. So if you go on ROWMAN .com, you can pick it up there too. But it was just released last month or so. So.
Darin Hayes:
So yeah, I'm sure your email inbox and telephones are ringing, and everything's extremely busy for you this time of year. So, we really appreciate you coming on and spending a few moments with us to talk about this book.
Chris Willis:
Sure.
Darin Hayes:
Thank you. You know, as one thing I really enjoy about your books and those of the listeners that have read Chris's work is how he goes into the detail in the roots of the subjects that he's talking about. And he does the same in this book and Bronko book, and maybe you could just give us a little bit of background on where Bronko came from I guess first of all let's start off what his, his proper name is his God given name is.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, he was; he was actually born in Canada, just over the Canadian border, you know, in Ontario. So, Bronislaw Nagursky was his full name. But that name was a very difficult to pronounce, you know, as he was growing up, the family early on around, I think it was around five, six years old, he moved from Ontario to International Falls, you know, his father moved the family to International Falls. And so the kids, you know, started playing with him, but they had a hard time pronouncing his name. And so Bronko was a logical sort of Ukrainian nickname that they gave him, and, you know, he actually kept it for the rest of his life. He pretty much went by Bronko. You know, as I said, he sort of stayed in International Falls, even when he became, you know, a great player with the Bears; he became a World Championship wrestler too, in the 30s, he always came back to International Falls and sort of lived pretty much his entire life there, until he passed away in 1990, in that area. So, so that's kind of where he was from, you know, sort of northern Minnesota, you know, up there, you know, near the Canadian border, you know, which was like a sort of tough lifestyle, you know, you know, have like, what, I think Bronko used to say, quote, something like they had, you know, eight months of winter and three months of bad snow or bad sledding, you know, for the rest of the year. So, so he loved it up there, you know, he loved the lake, and he loved being a part of that area, and that sort of, you know, and he got that reputation of being like a pole bunionist, you know, player or personality because of where he was from in International Falls and stuff. So, that's where he sort of got his persona.
Darin Hayes:
Well, it's interesting. You said the Paul Bunyan thing because there's at least one story I've heard about, and I think I've even, uh, said it on, on one of my programs that I, I said, though, I scratched my head. It's a little bit hard to believe. I'm sure there are other ones too about him because he almost is personified as Paul Bunyan, at least in this one story of how he and his, uh, coach at Minnesota, Doc Spears, met now you say a much different way, which I think sounds more like that's probably the truth. Uh, but, uh, have you heard some of these tales?
Chris Willis:
Yeah. I mean, the tale of Spears sort of driving through that area and seeing Bronko plowing the farm field with no horse and then asking for directions and lifting the plow. But that was definitely a story. I mean, I wrote about that in the book where, because of several interviews, Nagersky says, yeah, that was sort of made up, and it was sort of a good banquet story. I mean, he would go with it a little bit and get the chuckle and stuff. But definitely, like I said, part of that sort of Paul Bunyan -esque sort of persona that he got the reputation of.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, that was the only thing missing from that story. It was the giant blue ox in the back, you know, I think. So, let's talk a little bit more about him growing up at International Falls from the book because I think it really establishes who Bronko is. And, you know, the family sort of goes through some turmoil and some life-changing moments when he's a child in International Falls. Maybe you could describe that a little bit.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, obviously, this is, you know, early 1900s. So you know, you know, especially in that area, you know, they had some fires, like his father, you know, started out working in the mills, there's some, you know, paper mills and some, you know, mills there in the area, and they had some fires. And so he had to kind of adjust. And then when they moved to International Falls, you know, he sort of started his own business, you know, he had a sort of like a grocery store there that became, you know, had a, you know, housing and stuff like that. So, it was a little bit of a struggle. I mean, I mean, he was never homeless, but yeah, you know, like I said, but that's all he knew, you know, he learned hard work from his dad, you know, at the store, there are several quotes from Nagurski that I found, you know, it's like, you know, he would, you know, he would go to school and then come back and work at the store, he'd make deliveries and the family wagon, you know, you know, you know, to whoever needs it, whether it was food or grain, you know, sugar or whatever, you know, that they had, and things like that. So it was, it was definitely, you know, a country as sort of lifestyle that sort of, you know, that they just made the best of what they did, you know, he had a brother and two other sisters, you know, you know, that he helped take care of too, you know, so he. So he learned, as I said, I think the most important thing he's learned sort of how to how to be a hard worker, and, especially the times on the farm and, and in the mills and things like that, he even did something like he built his body up to be, you know, I mean, he was six to, you know, 235 pounds, like just this chiseled, you know, you know, sort of greed God, you know, you know, and that's how you know, as athlete stuff. So, all that came from this sort of hard-working background with his family.
Darin Hayes:
OK. Yeah, I got that. I mean, if there's an underlying theme to the whole book, it's, you know, the Nagurski family and Bronko emulating that for his whole life. You know, like you said, that hard work and putting in all the effort to get the job done and doing a little bit more. It shows in his football prowess and wrestling, as well, as you define well in the book. It's some great examples of that. So, there are some things I look forward to for the listeners when they pick up the book to read. Now he, you have him playing high school a little bit in international falls. And then, his senior season, he's in high school. He makes a little bit of a change to who he's playing for.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, it's, it's one of those sorts of, you know, era things, you know, those sort of vagabond type of things, like they weren't quite as many, you know, hardcore rules, although the Minneapolis high school athletics was, was there or so. But International Falls was definitely a super small town. So they didn't have a lot of boys playing on the team. So they weren't that competitive. They actually didn't really win football games when Bronko was there for a couple of years. And then, before his senior year, there was a team. Most of the teams were like, you know, an hour away because they're so spread out. It was Bemidji was a very good football team. The year before Bronko's junior year, I think they beat international falls like 48 to nothing. Although they could see that Bronko might have been the best player on the field, he just didn't have anything surrounding it, you know. So they sort of kind of recruited was like, hey, if you come to play for us, you could play on the football team and the basketball team. And you'll get, you know, a little more publicity, and you might be able to go play in college, you know, the coach there, you know, kind of promised him that if you want to go play in college, I might be able to get you into college. So he, he asked his parents, and so since his parents weren't gonna, you know, have to pay for anything, he would stay there, he actually, they were gonna get him a job, and he was actually gonna live in the janitor's room, there was gonna be a cat for him in the janitor's room. So he so he goes down there. But International Falls, the athletic director and head coach, really disliked it. So, they actually asked the athletic association to look into this. And it turned out that because he was a transfer, he would actually have to sit out a semester. You know, he did not live in Bemidji. So it turns out that during his senior year, he still went because he said they still needed him for basketball. But all he did was practice, and he did not play in the games. So he didn't actually play in any varsity games during his senior year, and then he ended up playing basketball season; he's graduated from Bemiji, not International Falls High School. So he spent one year there. And then, you know, he sort of graduated, and then he came back to International Falls.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, I thought that was an interesting story, but he didn't play, as you said, he practiced, and you pointed out in your story that some of the things that he, the benefits he got of practicing with a bigger school that was a little bit more established, a coach was a little bit, had a little bit more wherewithal, probably a little bit better program that he learned a lot of things that he probably wouldn't have learned if he stayed at the international falls teams. Is that a true statement?
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I think so. I mean, the media was one of the better programs, especially in that area in the state of Minnesota. So he, he had one quote that I found in one of his interviews, like he mentioned, Oh, at that point, I thought I could play in college because I was, I was just as good as some of the players are even better than the players that were on the team. I just didn't get to play, you know, in the games. And so they gave him confidence. Hey, if I do go, you know, to God's, and of course, yeah, he went to the University of Minnesota. He thought he could be competitive and play because of the fall that he spent practicing against a very good team that had some pretty quality players.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, so OK, so you stayed somewhat local and went to the University of Minnesota place for Doc Spears, as we alluded to earlier. And you, by the way, I think you did a magnificent job. I learned a lot about Doc Spears because, just like you did with Bronko, you went back and told the backstory of Doc Spears, where he grew up, and everything. And I'll let the listeners get a copy of the book and do that. We won't spoil it. But it's a fantastic biography of Doc Spears, too. I just wanted to point out.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, he's an interesting guy, you know, you played a little pro football too, you know, with the Campbell, like he was a very good pro player before the NFL got established. So, yeah, so that was Yeah, so there's a lot of his backstory, you know, and then obviously coach Bronko, you know, at the University of Minnesota.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, it's in Minnesota; it's really interesting. I didn't realize that this was an issue until you pointed it out in a book. It's something I learned from the book that, you know, he was, uh, you know, you're the title, you have, you know, being a two-way player at fullback. Well, his problem or not a problem, I guess it's a good problem to have because he was so good at a couple of different positions on offense in college that Doc Spears had a decision to make, and maybe if you could chat a little bit about that.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, he was, I mean, as big as he was, you think, oh, he's going to be a line, but he was so athletic, and he was so, not only was he big and strong, but he was so athletic and so gifted, you know, you know, you know, catching the ball, running the ball. Like, you know, he started out really as an end, you know, in his early varsity career, and then he played tackle, and then he has moved the fullback, you know, so he could play a variety of positions, you know, although he was 6 '2", you know, 225, maybe at the time. He was very athletic and very gifted. You know, with the way he could run, you know, he was just not a big lumbering guy. So, so Doc had a little bit, you know, he, pretty much up to, you know, I think his sophomore year, Bronko, like he had Herb Josting there, who was a very good fullback who did play the NFL. So, he was a senior. So he actually got a lot of the playing time early, and that's why he needed to find a different position. He played him an end, played him a tackle, but once Josting left, you know, Bronko was the logical choice to play fullback, and, you know, he didn't look back from there. He was one of the best fullbacks in the country and, obviously, in the NFL. So, but very versatile, you know, Bronko, you could have played, you know, tackle or end in the NFL too and probably would have been, you know, all pro.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, it's extremely something, like I said. It's something I wasn't aware of in college, and he excelled at both. So, you know, the other thing I thought was really interesting that sort of along that same line is his senior year, you know, there's maybe you could just talk about he played one of those positions a little bit more than the other. And what happened with the All-American honors?
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, his senior year, he pretty much is starting full back. But because the most important games were the conference games, it was a West Conference, but it was what would be the Big 10. So, so early on, Doc had a little bit of injuries and some inexperience on the line. So he actually played Bronko in some of those nonconference games at tackle, but not a lot. He did not play tackle very much. But once the conference game started, he back at fullback, he played fullback, you know, it was great at fullback. And so, most of the newspapers and immediate outlets at the time were putting Bronko at fullback as an all-American. But there were a few, and I believe New York's son was the big one who actually put him at tackle. So he actually, although he did not play tackle very much during the season, they're like, he was so good, let's name him All-American as a tackle. So he actually played, and he was named for two different positions in one season. So very unique, even at that time.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, that's really unique. And that just tells you the talent level that the man had, you know, at both positions to be that well respected across the country. So very interesting indeed. OK, so what happened? He plays in his final game, which is sort of a meeting of different things in his life. It's sort of a pinnacle moment that the final game, I believe it was against Wisconsin, if I'm not mistaken, at when he played at Minnesota. And he had, you know, some things going on. Maybe you could just talk about that a bit.
Chris Willis:
Uh, you're talking about plane-wise or, well, his.
Darin Hayes:
Uh, I believe that was the only game his parents saw or the first game his parents played.
Chris Willis:
what was the game before? OK, OK, I'm sorry. Yeah, his senior year. He played. Minnesota played Michigan, and his parents had never seen them play. And it was. So they came down from international fall, the whole family, and they saw him play against Michigan. He ended up losing, you know, a tough game. So Bronko wasn't in a great mood. But because the whole town wasn't just a family. It was like, I think, well over 200 people from International Falls came down to see this game because it was going to be his last home game. And so they had a banquet at the local hotel there. And one of his sisters brought a friend who was actually three years younger than her, you know, but they were pretty good friends. It turns out to be Eileen Cain, who ends up being the woman who marries Bronko, the girl. So that's where they first meet. And Bronko, you know, you know, is infatuated with her. And then obviously, you know, over the next, you know, five or six years, you know, they act across paths because of the international falls, and they end up getting married. So. So that's, yeah, a very fun weekend for him, even though he lost his loss. And then the following week against Wisconsin, like you mentioned, that was his last game, and he wasn't going to lose that game. And so he went out, and then he actually single-handedly helped defeat, you know, the Badgers, and he went out sort of as a winner in his last game. So, but that sort of homecoming sort of family thing, it definitely at the University of Minnesota was a huge weekend for him.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, that has a great story, you know, the irony of, you know, the sour defeat and, you know, it sounded like he took it hard, but then, you know, seeing his family and friends there to support him and then meeting his future wife. That's a spectacular ending to what started off not so good for him earlier in the day. So tremendous. So, how did it happen with Bronko after he graduated from Minnesota?
Chris Willis:
Well, he didn't actually graduate. So, he was still taking classes. But at the end of his senior season, he actually was invited to play in a prestigious all-star game that was just getting started on the West Coast. It's the old east-west shrine game that I believe was still around; you know, it bounced around on the West Coast and was mainly played in San Francisco. Well, at the time, this was starting to become one of the better, more key games, especially football games, so they invited seniors to play. And he made the Eastern team to play in that game, you know, and then Bob Tanner was another teammate of his, you know, also played in that game. So, so this is where he sort of gets the, you know, the itch to play pro ball, you know, he's like, OK, I think I can compete, I think, you know, I think I can play. So the east team actually practices for two or three days in Chicago first, before they go out to San Francisco, you know, well, at this time, this is January or end of December 1929. Well, of course, this is George Halas' territory. So Hallis, you know, lights that these this team are practicing there. So he gets, you know, the inside scoop, and he goes and sees the team practices. Obviously, he's very infatuated with Bronko, his running style, and his physicality. And he's like, so he talks to them, say, hey, if you're willing to play, like when you get back from the all-star game, let's talk and, you know, we'll talk salary or, you know, because I want you for the bears. So, you know, Bronkos intrigued, like, OK, you know, you know, I think there's a few other teams that are, you know, writing to them. But so he goes out and plays in San Francisco, and it turns out to be a really good game for him. He's probably the best player in the field, you know, even with Dutch Clark. Dutch Clark also played in that same game. So, so then when he comes back, obviously, you know, Hallis makes the big push. And, you know, Nagurski, you know, likes what he sees. And he ends up signing with the Bears.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, interesting. You mentioned Dutch Clark; of course, if you look on Amazon and your publisher, you have a book out on Dutch Clark as well that you wrote a few years back. So just want to mention that, which is also very interesting. OK, so he eventually signs on with Halas and plays in a couple of really interesting games during his career. And maybe if you could just highlight a couple of those that, you know, I know we've talked about, but they're so interesting. He's an integral part of them.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, I mean, he's right at that pivotal point where, you know, the NFL, although it's the depression, the 1930s, his rookie year, you know, the NFL is starting to grow, they're starting to think, you know, we need to be in the big cities, and we need to be thinking as a business. So he comes along at the right time when the NFL is sort of on the rise. And some of these games are very important, you know, and even now, you know, you know, you know, 95 years late, like, these are some of the most important games in the NFL history. The first one was mainly in 1932 when the Bears and the Spartans tied. The Port Spartans are now the Detroit Lions, but they were a small-town team in Ohio at the time, and they tied for the title, or they tied for first place, but there's, you know, there's no championship game in the NFL, you know, it's a team with the best record. So they decide to play a playoff game, but then there's a snowstorm in Chicago the week of the game. And it's just a massive snowstorm. So they move the game indoors to Chicago Stadium, but it's a small field, you know, so Bronko plays, he actually throws the only touchdown, he throws a touchdown pass to Red Grange for the only touchdown, and the Bears win nine to nothing. But it opened the eyes of the NFL like, hey, we need to have hash marks, we need to throw from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage, which you had to be five yards behind the line of scrimmage; it was a rule at the time college football made these rules. So they're like, no, let's separate from college football. So Bronko was part of that game, and that sort of separated, and then they split the NFL into two divisions and created the NFL championship game, kind of like the World Series with the American and National League in 1933. So, the Bears win the Western division in that first championship season, and they play the Giants in Wrigley Field, and Bronko has another great game. He throws two jump pass touchdowns, including the game-winner in the last couple of minutes, and they win 23 -21. So, like I said, and then the next year, in 1934, they won the division again, they played in New York, and this was the famous sneaker game. He actually plays really well, but you know, the Giants put the sneakers on in the second half, and they actually won. So there's three consecutive years he plays in, like you said, three of the most important, uh, you know, games in the NFL history, the indoor game, the first NFL championship game, and then the sneaker game, uh, all in a row. And you know, so he's, uh, and there's more of that in the book, you know, but you know, these sorts of games and what went on and stuff. So, he definitely was a big part of the early history of the NFL.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah, and well, the first and the last of those teams you talked about had quite a bit of controversy surrounding him, too, where the team on the losing end wasn't so happy about a few things. But can you cover those in the book? And that's an interesting story, which is all to themselves. But he thought he ended up only playing had a short NFL career due to some circumstances that he had another career move. And maybe you could speak about that just a bit.
Chris Willis:
Sure. You know, I mean, he actually did play eight years or the first eight years of his career. So, it is actually a decent-sized career at the time. But in 1937, I mean, he was still playing really well in the NFL, but he had picked up professional wrestling a couple of years earlier. And, you know, although he had not known quite much about wrestling, but had a name, you know, he had the physicality, you know, he's a big guy that fit wrestling. And he didn't necessarily have the best, you know, the greatest personality, you know, he was a quiet guy and stuff. So maybe the flair of it, you know, he had to be taught a little bit more. But he became a very good championship wrestler, a caliber wrestler. He was making more money wrestling than he did with the Bears. You know, obviously, as I said, this was still the depression, and the house is still trying to manage, you know, the team, keep this team together, and try to pay him as much as he could. However, he was making more money than by 1937, the spring of 37. He's sort of at the top of the list of challengers for the heavyweight, you know, championship in wrestling. And he wins it in the summer of 37. And then if you're the if you're the actually the world championship wrestler of the world, you have a commitment to a schedule. So it's very unique. And like I said, the book goes into detail about this; I call it the double duty where the spring and summer he's wrestling all over the place, you know, you know, two or three times a week, he's defending this title, he's making, you know, a decent amount of money more than you would, you know, with the Bears, you know, like, you know, two or three times more than he would for the Bears. So he's keeping on the schedule. But, you know, his wrestling manager knew he wanted to play football in 37. So, in the fall of 37, he does something that I think is just so incredible. He's wrestling, sometimes during the week, and then he's playing football on Sundays. You know, he did that early in the season. And then he kind of scaled-down, you know, at the end of October or November, and then he just played football because that was the meat of the NFL schedule, and he housed one of the folks on football. But he's doing this double duty. And like I said, there were some times where he would wrestle, you know, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and travel back to Chicago on Saturday, and they play on Sunday, and then be back out on the road wrestling, you know, and so just a tremendous athletic event to be able to do both. And then unfortunately, as I said, after the 37 seasons, he decides, like, if the house can't meet his salary demands, which wasn't very much, I think he's making like, he's back up to 5000 a year, and he just wanted six or 7000. And house wanted to stay at, and he's just so I'm gonna go wrestle, and then he ended up his first retirement, he did come back in 1943 when the war was going on, but he had missed six years, and he just played tackle. He had some injuries, but he did help the Bears win a title in 43. During the war, but so those first eight years, and then that was his ninth year in 1943. But like I said, that 37 season was just a tremendous achievement.
Darin Hayes:
Those are some pretty demanding jobs when you're moonlighting as a football player, especially during the rough-and-tumble era that he played in. And you're also doing some pro wrestling, which is pretty physically grueling, too. And you're doing those multiple evenings a week. And wow, that's a pretty tremendous athlete. Did he suffer any injuries during that earlier time? I know you said in 43; he did when he came back.
Chris Willis:
Yeah, no, I mean, he had, I think in 35, a back injury that kept him out a lot. Like he had, obviously, when you're playing football and you're playing wrestling, you're going to come across things. And, and it did affect him a little bit later with some arthritis and some joint injuries, you know, later in his life. But I think it was more like that: just wear and tear your professional athlete, you're doing football, and you're doing wrestling, and you're going to have some bumps and bruises along the way.
Darin Hayes:
That's amazing to have the fortitude to be able to do that. I just can't imagine that. That's pretty tremendous. Well, Chris, we appreciate you coming on here and talking about Bronko. And maybe if you could again, maybe if you want to share some of your social media and again, let us know where folks can get the book and the title of the book again.
Chris Willis:
Sure. Yeah. I mean, it's Bronko, the legendary story of the NFL's greatest two-way fullback. You can get it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, like I said, where Rowan and Littlefield are the publishers, so you can go to Rowan.com and pick it up there, too. And there are reviews and features on the publisher's website. So, if you want to check out a little bit more about the book, it's there. So, like I said, it's an entertaining story about a guy who, you know, like I said, has a big personality and a tremendous athletic career.
Darin Hayes:
Yeah. Folks, it is a fantastic book. Make sure you get a copy of it. And did you want to share your social media as well?
Chris Willis:
Yeah, it's CDWillis83 on Twitter, so there's more stuff on Bronko, you know, that post, and a lot about early NFL history, too. So
Darin Hayes:
Well, Chris Willis:, we appreciate you and appreciate everything you're doing during your day job too, as well as what you're doing here with these fantastic books and we're hoping you're going to write some more about this great era because you were, you have some great ones out so far. So folks, make sure you go to Amazon and just look up Chris Willis:'s name and you'll see the big rundown of all these great historical football books.
Chris Willis:
Oh, no, I appreciate it, Darin. And it's always nice to be on the show and talk a little football history.
Transcribed by Notta.AI
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