Football Daily

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This a great article on the legendary Anthracite League and Pottsville Maroons Runningback Tony Latone. The post gives support on why Tony Latone should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Charlie Berry was a great athlete. He played MLB baseball as a catcher and umpire in Major League Baseball and as an end and official in the National Football League. He also played on the famous Pottsville Maroons NFL teams of 1925 and 1926. He was the Captain of the Lafayette football team and eventually was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Berry is the only man to have officiated the World Series, the NFL Championship and the College All-Star game during the same year!

Before Daniel Jones’ touchdown-less run, there was Hap Moran’s 91-yard run for the Giants.Francis Dale "Hap" Moran wasn't just a football player; he was a chameleon, adeptly switching positions and leagues while leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron. Though his name might not be as prominent as others, his 12-year career (1924-1933) was filled with versatility, leadership, and record-breaking feats.

Moran started his college career at Carnegie Tech before transferring to Grinnell, showcasing his athletic prowess in both basketball and football. He entered the NFL in 1924 with the Frankford Yellow Jackets, transitioning from halfback to quarterback and leading them to their first-ever championship in 1926.

His journey continued with stints in Chicago, Pottsville, and finally, the New York Giants. Throughout his career, he seamlessly switched between halfback, tailback, wingback, quarterback, blocking back, defensive back, and linebacker, a testament to his adaptability and talent.

In 1930, while with the Giants, Moran etched his name in history with a 91-yard run, a record that stood for 75 years and solidified his nickname "the Greyhound." He was also the Giants' leading scorer in 1931 and an All-Pro selection.

Beyond statistics, Moran's leadership qualities were undeniable. He captained teams and inspired teammates with his work ethic and competitive spirit. His quiet strength and humble demeanor resonated with fans, making him a role model beyond the field.

While his career ended prematurely due to injuries, Moran's legacy transcends his stats. He embodied versatility, leadership, and adaptability, paving the way for future multi-dimensional players. He wasn't just a number on a jersey; he was a testament to the spirit of hard work and resilience, leaving his mark on a golden age of football.

John McNally Jr., better known by his colorful nickname "Johnny Blood," wasn't your typical Hall of Fame football player. He wasn't a bruising fullback or a record-breaking passer. Instead, McNally carved out a unique legacy as a versatile backfield threat, a journeyman with a knack for finding the end zone, and a personality as vibrant as his nickname. This essay explores the career of Johnny Blood McNally, examining his nomadic journey through the early years of the NFL and his lasting impact on the game.

-Early Days and a Basketball Buzzer Beater (Early 1920s)

Born in 1895, McNally's athletic journey began on the basketball court. Playing for Saint John's University in Minnesota, he earned a reputation for clutch plays, famously sinking a game-winning shot at the buzzer. However, football beckoned, and McNally's speed and elusive running style attracted the attention of the Pottsville Maroons of the fledgling NFL.

-A Nomadic Star in the Early NFL (1925-1928)

McNally's professional career was a whirlwind of movement. He played for four different teams in his first four seasons, including the Pottsville Maroons, the Chicago Cardinals, the New York Giants, and finally, the Philadelphia Quakers (later renamed the Eagles). Despite the constant change of scenery, McNally consistently impressed. He could run, throw, and catch with exceptional skill, becoming a fan favorite for his on-field theatrics and infectious personality.

-Championship Glory with the Green Bay Packers (1929-1933, 1935-1936)

McNally finally found a semblance of stability in 1929 when he joined the Green Bay Packers. Here, his versatility found a perfect fit within Coach Curly Lambeau's innovative offense. McNally's contributions were crucial as the Packers captured three consecutive NFL championships from 1929 to 1931. He formed a formidable backfield duo with Don Hutson, another future Hall of Famer.

-A Winding Road and a Coaching Stint (1937-1941)

McNally's later career saw him bounce between teams once again, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (later Steelers) and even returning briefly to the Buffalo Tigers in a minor league. He eventually retired as player-coach for the Kenosha Cardinals in a minor league. McNally's coaching stint was short-lived, but it cemented his dedication to the game.

-A Legacy of Versatility and Entertainment

Johnny Blood McNally's legacy goes beyond statistics. He was a true "iron man" of the early NFL, playing in an era before the luxuries of modern equipment and training methods. His versatility on the field and his larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the rise of professional football's popularity in the early 20th century. While his career was defined by nomadic stints with various teams, his impact on the game, particularly his role in the Green Bay Packers' championship runs, is undeniable.

The National Football League (NFL) of today, awash in billion-dollar franchises and national attention, bears little resemblance to its humble beginnings. In the early decades of the 20th century, the league was a ragtag collection of teams, some based in small towns with quirky nicknames like the Providence Steamrollers and the Pottsville Maroons. This essay explores how the NFL moved on from these early franchises, transforming itself into the sports juggernaut it is today.

According to the report read by President Joe Carr at the annual league meeting, held at Cleveland's Statler Hotel on February 11 and 12, 1928, the previous season had been the greatest in attendance in league history, but you couldn't prove it in Cleveland, Buffalo or Pottsville.

Growing Pains and Unsustainable Models:

Many of the early NFL teams, like the Steamrollers and Maroons, struggled financially. Small-town markets couldn't support the growing costs of professional football. Limited infrastructure, lower attendance figures, and difficulty attracting top-tier talent hampered their ability to compete. These factors, coupled with the lack of a centralized television deal, meant that financial stability was a constant struggle.

A Vision for Expansion and Consolidation:

Forward-thinking commissioners like Joseph Carr in the 1960s recognized the limitations of the small-town model. They envisioned an NFL with franchises in major metropolitan areas boasting established media markets, robust infrastructure, and a wider potential fanbase. This strategic shift aimed to increase revenue, attract bigger name players, and ultimately, propel the NFL to national prominence.

The path from small towns to big cities wasn't smooth. Expansion meant competition for existing franchises, and consolidation became a key theme. Weaker teams were forced to leave. This process, though painful for fans of these early teams, was a necessary step towards financial stability and a more competitive league.

The National Football League isn't welcome in Pottsville, Pennsylvania. Not unless it sends back that championship it stole from the little coal city's beloved Maroons more than 60 years ago. Pottsville is not completely alone in its outrage. Every couple of years -- just when the rest of the football world is about to forget -- somebody writes an article called "The Stolen Championship" or "The Tragedy of Pottsville" or "The Anthracite Antic", and the whole story -- or rather, Pottsville's version of it -- returns like those onions you had for lunch.