Football History

Red Grange was football's first superstar. The former Illinois Illini product took the NFL by storm with he Chicago Bears in 1925, then took his fame and created the Original AFL also known as the Red Grange League. The crowds he drew saved the NFL from financial hardship.

Harold "Red" Grange wasn't just a football player; he was a cultural phenomenon. His electrifying career, albeit brief, reshaped professional football and etched his name permanently in sports history.

Grange's college exploits at the University of Illinois were legendary. Nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost" for his elusive running style, he led the Illini to national prominence. His dazzling performances, including a four-touchdown first quarter against Michigan in 1924, captivated audiences across the country. College football wasn't yet a professionalized sport, but Grange's immense popularity became a catalyst for change.

In 1925, Grange defied the norm by signing with the fledgling National Football League. His arrival drew massive crowds, exceeding stadium capacities and generating unprecedented media attention.

Grange's time in the NFL was relatively short due to injuries and contractual disputes. However, his influence extended beyond statistics. He helped popularize professional football, attracting fans and investors with his exciting style of play. His drawing power filled stadiums, boosting the league's financial viability and paving the way for its future growth.

Red Grange's legacy transcends his on-field achievements. He was a pioneer who helped professional football emerge from the shadows and become a national obsession. His electrifying play, combined with his celebrity status, forever altered the sports landscape, leaving an enduring mark on the game he loved.

September 4, 1927 - The New York Yankees football franchise of Red Grange that played in the original American Football League (or Red grange League) in 1926.

The Yankees were a short-lived professional American football team that existed from 1926 to 1929. The team was founded by Red Grange's agent, C. C. Pyle, as a rival to the National Football League (NFL). Grange, who was known as the "Galloping Ghost", was the star of the team and helped to draw large crowds to their games.

The Yankees played their home games at Yankee Stadium, and they also played some games on the road. They were a member of the first American Football League (AFL) in 1926, but the league folded after one season. The Yankees then joined the NFL in 1927, and they played in the league for two more seasons.

In 1927, Grange suffered a serious knee injury that limited his playing time. The Yankees finished the season with a record of 5-5-2, and they missed the playoffs. The team folded after the 1929 season, and Grange returned to the NFL to play for the Chicago Bears.

The New York Yankees were a popular team during their brief existence, and they helped to popularize professional football in the United States. They were also one of the first teams to feature African American players, with Fritz Pollard playing for them in 1926.

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We have discussed it in other parts of this series on this series, but 1926 and the formation of the 1st American Football League, or Red Grange League as it is remembered, had a tremendous impact on so many levels of the pro game.

Hiistorian Larry Schmitt has recently released a article on Big Blue Interactive to get into more detail that any one has in almost a century. You can find the post in its entirety here: The Giants, New York and the Pro Football War of 1926.

We had a great discussion with Larry on the story that you can enjoy in the video above once you have read the article.

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Set your TV calendar because when the University of Illinois hosts the University of Michigan on Saturday, October 19, 2024, it will look much like 1924 on campus. The Illini will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their most famous gridiron alum, Red Grange, of the day the stalwart crossed the Wolverine goal line six times.

On October 18, 1924, Red tore it up early. In the opening quarter, he showcased his explosiveness, returning a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and ripping off three additional rushing scores of 66, 55, and 40 yards.

To commemorate the event, the Illini are getting all "dudded-up" in retro-looking uniforms resembling what Red and the boys wore a century ago. A special jersey with colors and even vertical stripes to simulate the friction strips worn in the era, along with hand-painted modern helmets that make them look like the rawhide leather caps the gridders wore then,

That 1924 game against Michigan so inspired Grantland Rice to give Grange his nickname of the Galloping Ghost when he wrote these famous lines of prose:

A streak of fire, a breath of flame
Eluding all who reach and clutch;
A gray ghost thrown into the game
That rival hands may never touch;
A rubber bounding, blasting soul
Whose destination is the goal.

Illinois has been waiting 100 years for this celebration, and it comes against Michigan as the reigning national champion. It should be a special, memorable day indeed.

The Fighting Illini football program boasts a rich history of sending talented players to the NFL, leaving their mark on the professional gridiron. Here's a glimpse at some of the best:

-Offensive Icons:

-Red Grange (RB, 1923-25): "The Galloping Ghost" redefined the running back position with his electrifying speed and dazzling moves. Grange's impact transcended the field, ushering in the golden age of professional football.

-Jeff George (QB, 1987-89): "The Cannon" possessed a rocket arm and audacious talent, becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1990. While inconsistent at times, his raw ability and charisma cemented his place among Illini greats.

-Defensive Dominators:

-Ray Nitschke (LB, 1956-57): Nitschke brought relentless pursuit and ferocious tackling to the Green Bay Packers, anchoring their championship defenses of the 1960s. His seven Pro Bowls and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame solidify his legacy.

-Dick Butkus (LB, 1964-65): Arguably the greatest linebacker of all time, Butkus was a tackling machine, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. His intensity and leadership left an indelible mark on the game.

-Whitney Mercilus (DE, 2009-12): Mercilus terrorized quarterbacks with his speed and relentless pass rush, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. His 39 career sacks rank second in program history, and his presence solidified the Illini defense.

-Bobby Mitchell (WR/RB, 1958-61): A two-way threat, Mitchell excelled as both a receiver and running back, paving the way for future generations of African American players in the NFL. His induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his talent and pioneering spirit.

These are just a few of the many Illini who have carved their names into NFL history.

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We welcome author Doug Vilhard to the Pigpen to discuss his captivating new book, "The Golden Age of Red," which shines a light on the legendary football player Red Grange and his impact on the sport. Set in the 1920s, the conversation explores Grange's journey from a humble college athlete to a national sensation, revealing the complexities of fame and the pressures that came with it. The episode delves into the intriguing relationship between Grange and his groundbreaking sports agent, C.C. Pyle, who played a pivotal role in reshaping the business of football.

Takeaways
-Darin Hayes introduces Doug Vilhard and discusses his book about Red Grange, 'The Golden Age of Red'.

-The podcast explores the impact of Red Grange on American football and his legendary status.

-Doug shares insights about CC Pyle, America's first sports agent, and their partnership.

-The narrative highlights the historical context of football during the roaring twenties, focusing on key figures and events.

-Listeners learn about the challenges Red Grange faced, including injuries and the expectations of fame.

-The episode emphasizes the evolution of college football and the relationship between athletics and business.

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College football jerseys are more than just fabric; they symbolize school pride, individual achievement, and moments etched in memory. But did you know some jerseys transcend even that, becoming so iconic they're permanently retired, hanging, and preserved for all to honor, forever out of reach?

Join us in this visit with FootballArchaeology.com's Timothy Brown as we delve into the fascinating stories behind the first three college football jerseys ever retired, uncovering the legends who wore them, the moments they immortalized, and the legacy they left behind.

Prepare to be transported back to a time when gridiron giants walked the Earth, their jerseys becoming more than just numbers but testaments to their enduring impact on the game we love. Buckle up, college football fans, and let's embark on a journey through history, one retired jersey at a time!

-Transcribed Conversation with Timothy Brown on the 1st 3 retired jersey numbers

Hello, my football friends; this is Darin Hayes of PigskinDispatch.com. Welcome again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. And welcome to Tuesday. And it's FootballArcheology.com day with Timothy P. Brown, the founder and host of that website.

Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen.

Hey, Darin. Good to see you.

I was trying to adjust my little white light here. I've tried a bunch of things to brighten up this room, but I'm down in, you know, I've got a basement office, and it's always kind of yellow. But you're not here to look at me.

You're here to listen to that. That's right. And nobody wants to look at me either.

And I have too much light, and it washes me out. And I look like I'm, you know, a marshmallow man or something. So, hey, that's the way it goes.

But, you know, we're not technology people. We're football people. And we're here to talk a little bit about football and some football of ancient times here for at least, you know, a while back.

And you have a really interesting tidbit I'd love to discuss today. You talk about the first three retired jersey numbers in a recent tidbit. And gosh, that piques the interest.

Just hearing that. Maybe you could tell us about that story, who these three jerseys were, and who wore them. Yeah, so, you know, so first of all, before numbers could get retired, people had to wear numbers and, you know, when football was first when numbers were first being used to identify players, it they were like on the scorecards.

The players didn't wear them, but they wouldn't wear a number necessarily. But the school would publish a scorecard that, if somebody did a certain thing, they made a tackle, scored a touchdown, or came into the game as a substitute, they would post that player's number on the scoreboard in a particular spot. And then that is what, you know, you'd have to OK, number five.

And then that was, you'd find the corresponding number on the scorecard. So then, you know who the player was. But that was kind of a thing people don't realize, and it is a goofy little thing that occurred.

But one of the other things when that process was going on was that, you know, the numbers could change from week to week. I mean, normally, it came up with one order at the beginning of the year, and then they just numbered the guys one through twenty-five. Right?

And then whoever the visiting team was, they'd number them to, you know, assign them a number. So, you know, the numbers didn't mean it to the players. But then they, you know, so starting 1905 is the first time, numbers were in a football game.

But it didn't really until mid-teens when, you know, a lot more teams started wearing them. And so it wasn't until, you know, 1925, there's this fellow named Red Grange, who turned out to be a pretty good running back at Illinois. And he happened to wear number 77, you know, not a number we associate with running backs nowadays, but, you know, that's what he wore.

And he had such a fabulous career that Illinois decided, you know, once he, you know, played his last game, that they would never allow anyone else to wear number 77 for the Illinois football team. So he became the first player to have a number retired, as far as I know, that's across all sports. And so, so, you know, range number 77, boom.

So he's the first guy. Then the next guy was a similarly talented running back out at Stanford, Ernie Nevers. And so the funny thing about his story is that he wore number one.

And when they retired, you know, this at the time, on the Pacific Coast, a lot of the student organizations kind of ran sports much more than they, I mean, eventually that got professionalized. But the student organization voted and said, we won't allow anybody else to wear number one at Stanford. And so, somehow, they slipped up in the next year, and a running back got issued the number one for one of the games.

And what's just kind of kind of cool about it? It's just that, you know, it was kind of a big thing. It got caught, you know, in the newspapers and everything.

But then there's a picture in Stanford yearbook for that year that shows this guy wearing number one in a game, you know, and, you know, it's just at that time, they didn't have a lot of pictures in the yearbook. But anyway, that's what, and then I've got that in the tidbit that we're talking about, you know. Nevers was probably a little bit ticked.

He was playing pro ball next year for the Duluth program. I'm assuming that point, but he's probably, hey, I thought you retired my number. Why is this guy wearing it? What the hell? Yeah, well, I tell you, he wasn't and didn't see it on TV.

So he wouldn't have seen it at the time. But yeah, it's kind of a story. And then, you know, they stopped it after that first time.

So then the third guy should have his number retired. That came in 1927, so two years later. And it's a guy that kind of everybody, you know, it's like today, you know, there's certain players that everybody knows.

And so, at the time, he would have been, you know, certainly known by anybody on the West Coast, probably, you know, other parts of the country because he was all American. But he was the captain of St. Mary's football team in 1927, named Larry Betancourt. And unlike the first two guys who were running backs, Betancourt was a center.

So, you know, apparently he was talented enough and just an honorable guy, all that kind of stuff. So then they ended up retiring his name. And then he ended up instead of signing with the.

He signed a major league contract with the NFL and played for three years with the St. Louis Browns, the same organization Ernie Nevers played baseball for. He played for parts of three seasons in the majors and then retired at age 32.

And then he played for the Packers in 1933. So, six years after getting out of college, he went and picked up one season anyway with the Packers. So anyway, Larry Betancourt.

Interesting trivia answer to a trivia question for you. Yeah, it is. Now, Tim, maybe you can answer this question.

Now we know today, when players' numbers get retired, you know, it is definitely in a professional sport. Even college football is usually like at their final home game. I've seen it happen many times, or they'll say, hey, this is the last time this number will be worn on a field.

So people appreciate that player a little bit more. In the 1920s, when Grange and Betancourt and Ernie Nevers were together, was it the same kind of thing at their last game, or did they have a separate photo shoot or ceremony or something? Yeah, I don't think it was all that formalized. To my knowledge, certainly, nothing occurred at a game.

So, like Illinois, a picture was taken at the time with Grange holding his jersey and his hands after a game. So, I mean, it was it was a staged photo. So, you know, they knew they were doing this, but to my knowledge, I don't think they did any kind of ceremony, you know, as part of his last game.

And then, you know, the others, Nevers and Betancourt, I think with Nevers, they kind of heard, hey, this is what happened with Grange, we should do the same thing with Nevers. So, I think that came a little bit after the fact. And then Betancourt, too, I mean, as far as I could tell, you know, looking at their yearbooks and things like that, I didn't see anything about this happening to him during the time he was, you know, still playing for them.

And then, you know, he played baseball for them the following spring, too. I'm trying to think that was Nevers, like a year ahead of Grange, because I know Nevers played, and Stanford played Notre Dame in that 1925 Rose Bowl. And Grange, I think, was a junior in the 1925 or 1924 season.

So 1925 would have been his final season with Thanksgiving. I think they were both seniors in their 25s. OK, OK.

If I'm not mistaken, Nevers was a junior when he played in that Rose Bowl. OK, that's why I was a little bit confused.

And I thought the Rose Bowl was his last game. OK, that makes sense. Yeah.

So yeah, anyway, I mean, it's just one of those things that we take for granted now, but, you know, it's like everything else. Somebody had to think this up. Right.

Somebody thought, hey, we're going to not let anybody else wear Red Green's number. I think it's lost the time, you know, who that was. But it's, yeah, it's just one of those things.

Somebody made it up, and now it's a tradition and a tremendous honor, regardless of sport and whether it's your high school or anything. You must have done some pretty good things if they return your number. Right.

It's also caused some interesting situations. I said to him that a couple of years ago when J.J. Watt went to the Cardinals, he wanted to wear 99 like he wore at Houston. But that was Marshall Goldberg's number for the Chicago Cardinals.

He also had to ask permission from the Marshall Goldberg family. They, of course, allowed it. I think about Joe Montana, you know, when he was 16 with the 49ers, when he went to the Chiefs, of course, 16 was retired from Len Dawson.

So he had ended up wearing, I think, 15 when he was with the Chiefs. But just some interesting things with these legends going to another team. And, hey, you can't have your old team number because we have our own legend here by that number.

It's kind of a neat thing there, too. Well, and it's just, you know, like at the professional level, you get into merchandising and all that kind of stuff. But it's just kind of funny how attached people become to a number, you know, that is often just randomly assigned somewhere along the line.

They got that number, and then, you know, it becomes part of their identity. And so, anyway, I think the whole thing is amusing in some respects. Yeah, it is.

And it's amazing how we do become attached to the numbers. I know I was a being a Steelers fan even to this day. When I think of number 10, I think of Roy Jarella, the kicker from the 70s, because that's who I grew up number 10.

And, you know, you have Santonio Holmes catching, you know, Super Bowl-winning catches wearing that number. And you've had many other players wearing that number 10, not Roy Jarella, the kicker. They're much more athletic and doing some better things than kick and field goals and things like that, too.

It's just amazing how we associate that. It was a good chat and a great discussion. You point out some really cool aspects of football that are sometimes so obvious and staring us right in the face.

But you bring up some history and some stories to it. Maybe you could share with the listeners how they can read you. Yeah.

So, the best way is to just go to football archaeology dot com and subscribe. It's free. And otherwise, if you don't want to do that, then you can follow me on Twitter on threads or subscribe to the Substack app, and you can follow me there and not necessarily get emails, you know, kind of whatever works for you.

Yeah, most definitely. And Tim, we appreciate you coming on here, folks. The link to the tidbit Tim spoke about today is in the podcast show notes.

It'll also take you to football archaeology dot com. Once you're there, you can check out some of these great tidbits he has there. And, you know, hit him up on Twitter and some of these other social media as he's on and message him on threads.

I or on Substack, I'm sorry, as I quite often do reading these and putting my two cents worth. We have a little banter a couple of times a week on this, along with some others. And it's good, good fun reading a tidbit.

The comments section is good fun, too. So, Tim, we appreciate you. We would love to talk to you again next week about some more great football.

Very good. I'm sure we'll find something to chat about.

Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai.

Love the football jersey designs and evolution wait till you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are a mix of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such asspandex, for more check out our in-depth study ofThe Make up and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What are some of the unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were some what of fad once upon a time. Check this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

Red Grange, the greatest name in football, was everyone's hero. Lindberg had not yet flown to Paris; only Babe Ruth ranked higher as a sports personality. Grange on a gridiron guaranteed a huge crowd. His endorsement sold pencils, cigarettes, cereal, typewriters, etc.

He made a movie, One Minute to Play; the critics liked it, and the public made it a winner. Red's advice was asked, though not followed, by politicians. Every football-loving boy in America wanted to be Red Grange. Every man who ever played the game or dreamed of it wanted to be his buddy.

Every woman with a yen for muscles fantasized about him as her lover. 1925 was Grange's year; the same could be said for 1926, though differently. The NFL's '25 messiah became its '26 adversary.

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1926 was pivotal for professional football, particularly in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Two titans, fueled by ambition and a desire for dominance, clashed in what became known as the "Grange War." This post delves into how Red Grange, a charismatic college superstar, his manager C.C. Pyle, and the established New York Giants, led by owner Tim Mara, became locked in a battle for control of the New York pro football market.

-The "Galloping Ghost" and a Lucrative Proposition

Red Grange, nicknamed the "Galloping Ghost," was a college sensation at the University of Illinois. His electrifying runs captured the nation's attention, making him a media darling and a potential goldmine for professional football. C.C. Pyle, Grange's shrewd manager, smelled the opportunity, and the collegiate star signed a three-year contract with Pyle and two other managers to help nurture and guide Grange's professional football career. The Chicago Bears were the first stop on the career path of Red in 1925, as he became a showcase talent that drew crowds for the NFL franchise in what was left of the regular season and a nationwide barnstorming tour during the winter months.

Pyle envisioned more money for his client and tried to use it to gain an ownership stake in the Bears for him and Red, but George Halas refused to yield.

Plan B for Pyle was to secure a five-year contract with Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and petition for a new NFL franchise in New York City.

-Mara's Turf, Mara's Rules

Tim Mara, owner of the fledgling New York Football Giants, refuted the petition, which would have invaded his franchise's territorial rights.

Tim Mara was a shrewd businessman who established the New York Giants as a new endeavour in the NFL. Within the League, he had exclusive rights to New York City. When Pyle approached him about a new franchise at Yankee Stadium, Mara vehemently opposed the idea. He saw Grange and a competing team as threats to his dominance and the NFL's budding success.

NFL President Joe Carr backed the blockade of another NY team, so Pyle went to plan C.

-A New League, a New York Franchise

"Cash and Carry" Pyle envisioned a professional league separate from the existing National Football League (NFL), with Grange as the star attraction. The first American Football League, or "Grange League," was formed, and the New York Yankees football team starring Red Grange was established along with other franchises across the country to compete with the NFL and Tim Mara's Giants.

Pyle proposed a lucrative offer to Grange, promising a cut of the profits from a new professional league. He then set his sights on New York City, a lucrative market with a passionate sports fanbase. However, a significant obstacle stood in his way – the New York Giants, led by owner Tim Mara.

-A Media Frenzy and Unfulfilled Promises

The "Grange War" became a national spectacle, splashed across newspapers and fueling public interest in professional football. Pyle, unable to secure a New York franchise within the existing NFL, formed a rival league – the American Football League (AFL). The AFL planned to expand across the country, showcasing Grange's talent and take pro football to new venues. However, the league proved short-lived, plagued by financial difficulties and a lack of established franchises.

-An Uneasy Truce and Lasting Impact

In the end, Red Grange did play professional football in New York City. After just one season, financial hardships forced the AFL to fold, and Pyle was able to take the Yankees club and merge them into the NFL in 1927. That franchise, too, floundered after injuries hampered their star player. Grange eventually signed with the Chicago Bears of the NFL. While the "Grange War" did deliver a new league and a New York City showdown, its impact made the NY Football Giants get stronger and grow a wider fanbase.

-The Legacy of a Football Feud

The "Grange War" highlighted the growing popularity of professional football and the scramble for dominance among owners and players. It also exposed the existing weaknesses of the NFL structure, leading to future expansion and rule changes. Though Red Grange didn't play in New York for very long, his presence and the "Grange War" fueled public interest in the sport, ultimately paving the way for a unified professional football landscape that would one day include a strong presence in the Big Apple.