The game of American football is filled with strategy, legendary figures, great teams, and amazing events that have created euphoria in fandom. We celebrate the game and its people. Here are some items of interest that capture the spirit of the gridiron.
NFL Commish Socks it to
Football History | NFL Commish Socks it to
The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach
Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team
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NFL Commish Socks it to 'em
Sock it to 'em, NFL style! Uncover the surprising history behind the NFL's long-standing rule mandating players wear high socks. It's not just about fashion; discover the real reasons behind this unique uniform regulation and how it shapes the look of the game today.
On April 9th, 1945, the NFL officially mandated that all players must wear long stockings covering their lower legs. This decision, spearheaded by Commissioner Elmer Layden, aimed to create a more uniform and professional aesthetic across the league. While seemingly a minor detail, this rule has persisted for decades, directly influencing the visual presentation of NFL players on the field every Sunday.
This "sock up" mandate, established on April 9th, distinguishes the NFL's uniform policy from many college football programs where bare legs are still common. The enforcement of this rule, often resulting in fines for violations, underscores the league's commitment to a consistent and polished appearance. It's a subtle yet defining characteristic of the NFL's iconic visual identity, a tradition upheld for over three-quarters of a century.
On April 9th, 1945, the NFL officially mandated that all players must wear long stockings covering their lower legs. This decision, spearheaded by Commissioner Elmer Layden, aimed to create a more uniform and professional aesthetic across the league. While seemingly a minor detail, this rule has persisted for decades, directly influencing the visual presentation of NFL players on the field every Sunday.
This "sock up" mandate, established on April 9th, distinguishes the NFL's uniform policy from many college football programs where bare legs are still common. The enforcement of this rule, often resulting in fines for violations, underscores the league's commitment to a consistent and polished appearance. It's a subtle yet defining characteristic of the NFL's iconic visual identity, a tradition upheld for over three-quarters of a century.
Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle funThe Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search
Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
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Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
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Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN.
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Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
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