Football History

Uncover the hidden stories of April 13th in football history! From the opening of iconic gridiron venues in Philadelphia to the unbelievable tales of early college stars, this date holds surprising moments. Explore legendary players and the raw, intense beginnings of the game.

Delve into April 13th's gridiron past, revealing the debut of a significant Philadelphia stadium and the captivating story of a Hall of Famer with a unique physical challenge. Discover the legacy of a legendary early player and the almost unbelievable intensity of college football's formative years.

Philadelphia football history ignites! Today, April 13th, marks the grand opening of Shibe Park as a premier gridiron venue. Witness the dawn of a new era as the Philadelphia Eagles prepare to take the field in this iconic stadium. Experience the electrifying atmosphere and be part of the legacy. Get your tickets now!

Shibe Park, renowned for its baseball heritage, now proudly opens its gates as a state-of-the-art football stadium. This momentous EventDay sees the Philadelphia Eagles usher in a thrilling chapter in their history. Fans can anticipate an unparalleled game-day experience with modern amenities while steeped in the rich tradition of this Philadelphia landmark. Don't miss the inaugural season at Shibe Park!

-Significant History from a Football Point of View

April 13, 1908 - Groundbreaking on Philadelphia's Shibe Park home of A's & Phillies as well as the Eagles and Steagles too! Shibe Park is also often referred to as Connie Mack Stadium, named after the legendary player /manager of the Philadelphia Athletics from 1901 to 1950.

From 1940 through 1948 according to an article on Philly.curbed.com, the Eagles called Shibe Park, a steel and concrete stadium that sat 40,000 people home. The French Renaissance-style stadium was the venue in 1948 of the NFL Championship during a blizzard where the Eagles hosted and defeated the Chicago Cardinals to claim the League title.

The transformation of Shibe Park into a dynamic gridiron venue underscores Philadelphia's unwavering passion for football. As the home of the Philadelphia Eagles, this stadium promises to be the epicenter of thrilling matchups and unforgettable moments. Secure your place in history as Shibe Park opens its doors to a new generation of football fans. Experience the roar of the crowd and the excitement of Eagles football!

-Famous Football Games Played at Shibe Park

One gridiron contest that is near and dear to our hearts is the tragic game in December 1925 when the Pottsville Maroons, sitting in first place with two weeks remaining in the NFL season and fresh off a victory over the high-flying Chicago Cardinals, played the Notre Dame All-Stars. The Maroons won the game over the All-Stars, primarily comprised of former 1924 Notre Dame Fighting Irish team members that won the 1925 Rose Bowl and were crowned the 1924 National Champions by many. But by halftime, telegrams reached the Pottsville ownership, informing them that their franchise was suspended due to their failure to heed warnings not to play this game in the territory of another league franchise, the Franford Yellow Jackets. It has gone down in history as the 1925 Pottsville Maroons lost championship. A story that we cover in detail in a book titled Marooned (Available April 2025).

The most famous American football game played at Shibe Park was the 1948 NFL Championship Game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Chicago Cardinals. In a blizzard, the Eagles won their first NFL title with a 7-0 victory. Check out our video and podcast on the 1948 NFL Championship due out in late April 2025.

Quickly and easily listen to Pigskin Dispatch for free!

Born on April 13, 1897, in Collierville, Virginia, James "Jimmy" Edward Leech left an indelible mark on the early landscape of college football through his remarkable career as a halfback at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). His time at VMI spanned 1917, 1919, and 1920, interrupted by a year of service in the Marines during World War I in 1918, showcasing his commitment both on and off the field.  

-College Career

Leech's return to VMI in 1919 and 1920 saw him reach the zenith of his collegiate career. The 1920 season was particularly spectacular, as Leech amassed an astounding 26 touchdowns. His versatility extended beyond rushing, as he also drop-kicked extra points and field goals, contributing significantly to his national-leading 210 points. Under his leadership and offensive prowess, VMI achieved a perfect 9-0 record, dominating prominent opponents such as Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, and North Carolina State by significant margins. The team's overwhelming dominance was evident in their staggering 431-20 scoring differential across the season.  

-Football Legacy

Jimmy Leech's impact on VMI football and the sport in its early years was profound. His exceptional scoring ability and leadership were instrumental in VMI's undefeated 1920 season, a feat that resonated across the nation. His versatility in scoring through both rushing and kicking highlighted his exceptional athleticism and value to his team. Leech's remarkable achievements and the dominant success of his VMI teams cemented his status as a legendary figure in the annals of college football. His contributions to the game were rightfully recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956, ensuring his legacy would endure for generations of football enthusiasts.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Led the Nation in Scoring (210 points, 1920)  

-26 Touchdowns (1920)  

-Perfect Season Record (9-0, VMI, 1920)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1956)  

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The roar of the crowd was a familiar symphony to Pug Lund. But this season, the pounding in his chest wasn't the electric rhythm of the fans – it was a dull ache, a constant reminder of the ailing finger threatening to derail his senior season. Doctors advised surgery, a lengthy recovery that would sideline him for the championship run. But Pug had another option, a radical one whispered in hushed tones by a team doctor pushing the boundaries of ethics and ambition. Would the star halfback choose the knife over his dreams? This is the story of a young athlete who rolled the dice on a desperate gamble, blurring the lines between dedication and devotion on the path to gridiron glory.

-Introduction

1930s University of Minnesota halfback Pug Lund may have been one of the toughest players in college football history. He was an efficient runner and willing to serve out crushing blocks to keep defenders away from offensive teammates, too. Pug once had a body part chopped off to improve his ability to help his team! His story is truly unique.

Francis "Pug" Lund was born on April 13, 1918, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The star halfback played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1932 to 1934.

Francis' imposing stature and aggressive playing style contradicted his formal first name. During a post-game interview, a reporter couldn't help but quip, "Francis? That's a heck of a name for a football player! Don't you have a nickname?" A voice boomed from the back of the locker room, "Call him Pug!" The next day, the newspaper headline blazoned "Pug Lund" next to a photo of Francis, forever etching his new moniker in sports history.

Pug was a tough guy, too. In 1933, against Pitt, he hurt his pinky finger, and because he kept playing, the injury didn't heal correctly; just before the beginning of the 1934 season, Lund had the finger amputated to prevent him from slowing down.

-Adjustment After Injury

During an early season game against the Nebraska Corn Huskers, Pug had the lowest moment of his career when he fumbled seven times as he tried to get used to holding a ball with four fingers on his left hand. Losing the finger worked out, though, as he was the hero of the 1934 rematch against Pitt, where he had one of the shining moments of his collegiate career.

- Gophers versus Panthers 1934

The two teams met that day, each carrying the moniker of being undefeated for the season. The Gophers trailed the Panthers team by six as the clock was winding down on the game. Minnesota had managed to move the ball down the field in one last-gasp attempt to obtain at least a tie. But they faced a fourth and four deep in Pittsburgh territory at the 17-yard line. It all came down to this play. Lund took the pitch and surveyed the field, looking for a glimpse of daylight to escape through. At the last moment, he spotted end Bob Tenner in the open field, fired a strike to the rangy receiver, and Minnesota suddenly had the touchdown, which beat Pitt 13-7, and ignited a Gopher charge to a perfect eight-game record and the National Championship. Pug was a crucial player in this run, averaging about 6 yards per carry and throwing some very accurate passes that kept defensive opponents at bay.

-Legendary Coaches' Endorsement

Minnesota coach Bernie Bierman stated that Lund was also a true Ironman of the game. "He was our spark plug," Bierman said. "He was battered and broken up, teeth knocked out, finger amputated, thumb broken, and through all that, he carried on. Our opponents might break him in two, but they couldn't stop him." The Gophers coach would say Pug was the most outstanding player he had ever witnessed on the field. Lund was versatile as he handled the punting, passing, rushing, and blocking. Pug's career total of 2098 rushing yards is twice as many as his next most prolific rusher. Add to that some pretty good passing stats for the era: 85 attempts, 29 completions, and ten interceptions. The National Football Foundation selected Pug Lund for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1958.