Football History

In the Big Apple, football fandom bleeds blue. For 100 seasons, the New York Giants have been a cornerstone of the NFL, captivating fans with thrilling victories, legendary players, and a never-say-die spirit. Whether you're a die-hard Giants fan or a curious newcomer to the gridiron, get ready to embark on a journey through time as we explore the rich history of this iconic franchise.

This series will be your one-stop shop for everything Giants football, spanning a century of triumphs and tribulations. We'll delve into the franchise's early days, from its founding in 1925 to its first NFL Championships in the golden era of the 1930s. We'll witness the emergence of legendary figures like Tuffy Leemans and Lawrence Taylor, players who redefined their positions and left an indelible mark on the game.

Prepare to relive the emotional rollercoaster of championship runs, heartbreaking defeats, and the electrifying moments that make sports captivating. We'll explore the iconic rivalries with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, matchups that have kept fans on the edge of their seats for generations.

This series won't just be about on-field glory. We'll go behind the scenes, exploring the evolution of coaching philosophies, the impact of franchise-altering drafts, and the passionate fanbase that has cheered the Giants on through thick and thin.

So, get ready to be transported through time, from the roar of the Polo Grounds to the modern marvel of MetLife Stadium. Whether you're a seasoned Giants fan yearning for a trip down memory lane or a new fan discovering the magic of Big Blue, this series has something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate 100 seasons of New York Giants football, a legacy woven with grit, determination, and the unwavering spirit of champions.

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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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Steve Owen's career in professional football spanned nearly three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the New York Giants and the game itself. He carved out a successful path as a player before transitioning into a legendary coach, forever etching his name in Giants' lore.

Steve Owen not only starred while playing the game, he absorbed the lessons he learned on the field, put them into practice, and even innovated concepts of the gridiron when he got into coaching.

Steve Owen, born on April 21, 1898, in Cleo Springs, Oklahoma, was ambitious and resilient. His journey to success was not without its challenges. After completing high school, he continued his education at Philips University in Enid, OK. He worked on a cattle ranch to support himself, demonstrating his determination and work ethic. However, his pursuit of higher learning was interrupted when he served in the US Army during World War I.

Steve Owen's journey in professional football began in the early 1920s when the game was still finding its shape. After the War, he signed on with the NFL's Kansas City Cowboys in 1924, who played all their games on the road. The lineman earned a salary of $50 per contest for his labor.

At a relatively short 5'10" for a lineman, Owen's exceptional strength, intelligence, and fierce competitive spirit compensated for his stature. These unique qualities and his leadership skills set him apart from his peers.

His journey took him to several teams. After finding being a full-time road warrior quite the grind, the 26-year-old spent the 1925 season with the Waterbury-Hartford Blues, an independent team in Connecticut. The Blues had ambitions to join the NFL, and after Steve helped the team achieve a record of 10-2, including two narrow victories over the NFL's Rochester Jeffersons, Hartford would earn a League franchise in 1926. Steve was also signed to play for the Cleveland Bulldogs for one game that season.

That solitary game with the struggling Bulldogs would be a springboard to his eventual pigskin roost. Steve played briefly with the Cleveland Bulldogs before being sold to the New York Giants in 1926 for $500. The legendary Dr. Harry March had seen Owen play a year earlier at a meager salary of $100 a game, which barely covered the expenses of barnstorming across Florida with the Cowboys. Yet, his exceptional defensive skills couldn't be ignored.

Owen truly blossomed with the Giants, becoming a key cog in their 1927 champ "on-ship run. His leadership on and off the field earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches.

By 1931, Owen had transitioned into a player-coach role with the Giants, marking the start of a coaching dynasty that would span over two decades. His approach to the game was characterized by a strong emphasis on defense and fundamental football, a stark contrast to the more flamboyant offensive schemes of the time. This defensive focus, known as "Stout Steve's System," shaped the Giants' play and left a lasting" impacSteve'se game i "self, revolutionizingGiants'y team approach to defense.

Despite initial skepticism, Owen's methods proved to be game-changers. He led the Giants to eight Eastern titles and two NFL championships (1934 and 1938). His innovative tactics, such as the A-formation that revolutionized running plays and the umbrella defense designed to counter emerging passing attacks, significantly impacted the game's evolution. Owen's ability to adapt and innovate, combined with his unwavering fundamentals, reshaped the game, leaving a lasting legacy.

Steve Owen's impact extended beyond his tactical brilliance. He fostered a culture of Owen's focus and teamwork within the Giants organization, a testament to his leadership and character. He was known for his loyalty to his players and staff, instilling a sense of family within the team. This loyalty extended beyond the playing field, as Owen famously coached with the Giants for 24 seasons on a handshake agreement – a testament to his mutual respect and the Mara family, who owned the team.

The innovator took chances, too, with little things he learned and quick decisions. In the 1934 championship game (now known as the "sneaker game"), he found himself on a frozen field. In a stroke of genius, the New York Giants switched to sneakers in the second half, gaining traction and defeating the Chicago Bears 30-13. This innovative move forever changed the game, as NFL teams always wear rubber-soled shoes on icy fields.

Under the leadership of Coach Owen, the Giants would also claim the NFL title in 1938.

As a coach, Owen had a career win/loss record of 155-108-17 as his teams won eight division titles and two NFL Championships. The G-men under his watch were in eight of the first 14 NFL Title games! Coach Owen's innovations to the game were outstanding, and he is credited with the A-foOwen'sn offense. The umbrella defense, where he dropped four defensive backs to cover the deep field partly to neutralize the powerful Cleveland Browns passing attack after they joined the NFL in the early 1950s. He even participated in implementing the two-platoon system of personnel with specialists in offense and defense. Steve Owen was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Steve Owen retired from coaching in 1953, leaving a legacy far beyond wins and championships. He was pivotal in establishing the New York Giants as a perennial contender, laying the foundation for future success. More importantly, Owen's dedication to defense, his emphasis on fundamentals, and his innovative Owen'ss significantly impacted the game's evolution. He is a testament that leadership, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the game can overcome physical limitations. Steve Owen, the "Rock of New York," remains a towering figure in the Giants' history and an innovator in "the annals of professional football Giants.'

Ken Strong's career was a spectacle of unparalleled versatility and dominance, spanning college and professional leagues. His record-breaking college days and championship performance with the New York Giants left an indelible mark on the game, earning him a place in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. His journey wasn't just about football; it was a testament to the power of human potential.

Born August 6, 1906, in West Haven, Connecticut, was Elmer Kenneth "Ken" Strong. His journey to greatness began in high school, where he shone brightly. His exceptional talent was evident with two All-Connecticut selections and his instrumental role in elevating West Haven High to prominence. This was just the start of a career that would leave an indelible mark on American football.

It is reported that his NYU coach Chic Meehan's idea of making games more entertaining for home fans somewhat backfired spectacularly due to Strong. The coach had planned a celebratory cannon blast for every score by his squad but hadn't anticipated the offensive juggernaut that was Ken Strong Jr. Strong, a tireless fullback, racked up points so quickly that the cannoneers struggled to keep up, their gunpowder reserves dwindling under the relentless barrage of touchdowns.

As a college fullback, Ken led the nation in scoring in 1928, amassing a staggering 162 points and over 2,000 rushing yards. His exploits earned him comparisons to the legendary "Red" Grange, a testament to his exceptional speed and power.

This dominance continued in the professional ranks. Many assumed that the NYU connection would place the youngster directly into the Giants fold, but instead, Strong signed with the Staten Island Stapletons in 1929 and played with that club for four seasons until they folded in 1932. Ironically, the Stapes got their NFL charter from Mara and then held the rights to the coveted Ken Strong for all four years of their NFL franchise existence wearing the Number 2 jersey. Tim Mara finally would get his man after financial woes shuttered the doors of the Staten Island squad.

1933, Ken moved across the boroughs to sign a contract with the New York Football Giants. It is as if Giant Strong made his biggest impact on NFL football. Eight of his thirteen seasons in pro ball were recorded with the G-men, helping the franchise secure an NFL title and individually appearing on three All-Pro rosters.

Ken Strong's talent was not confined to a single position. He was a master of versatility, excelling as a halfback, fullback, defensive back, and kicker. This was a rare feat in an era of more specialized roles, and it made him a formidable opponent. His kicking skills, in particular, were legendary. Red Cagle, a College Football Hall of Famer, praised Strong's all-around ability in 1937, saying, "Strong...can do everything. He's a great punter, placekicker, pass thrower, and how he could carry his 198 pounds!" This ability to excel in multiple positions made him a constant threat, keeping opposing teams on their toes.

Strong's accolades speak volumes. He was a four-time All-Pro selection, leading the NFL in scoring during the 1934 season. This year, he also etched his name in history. In the iconic 1934 NFL Championship Game, played on an ice-covered field, Strong's versatility proved pivotal. The iconic contest is remembered in NFL lore as the Sneaker Game because the Giants wore tennis shoes to get better footing on the ice-covered field at the Polo Grounds. Their opponents, the Chicago Bears of George Halas, were heavily favored. In a surprising upset against the undefeated Chicago Bears, the Giants relied on gym shoes and Strong's kicking prowess. He contributed a remarkable 17 points - two touchdowns, two extra points, and a field goal - a record that stood for nearly 30 years. This performance solidified his reputation as a clutch player who could rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.

In a surprise move, Strong jumped to the second edition of the American Football League in 1936 and played for the New York Yankees. When he returned to the Giants in 1939 (after a season of being banished to the Jersey City minor league Giants), he wore #30 instead of his usual #50. He was just a kicking specialist for the remainder of his career. 

Ken Strong's influence on the game extended far beyond his brilliance on the field. His success as a multi-talented player sparked a more flexible approach to player roles. In an era where specialization was becoming increasingly prominent, Strong's versatility was a beacon of innovation, inspiring coaches to consider players with diverse skill sets. His legacy is a powerful reminder of the role adaptability plays in shaping the future of football, a contribution that continues to be appreciated in the sport today.

Even injuries and a brief retirement couldn't keep Ken Strong away from the game he loved. The player shortages during World War II presented an opportunity for the Giants to entice him back in 1944, this time primarily as a kicking specialist. Strong's experience and reliability were invaluable, even at an advanced age for the sport. He continued to play until 1947, displaying remarkable longevity and dedication to the game. He retired from professional football after that '47 season at age 41, leaving a legacy that would endure.

Ken Strong's career transcended statistics and accolades. He embodied the spirit of a true competitor, showcasing dominance and adaptability. His versatility and impact on the game's strategic evolution solidify his place among football's all-time greats. Strong's legacy reminds us of the beauty of a multifaceted player who could change the course of a game with a powerful run, a clutch kick, or a well-timed tackle.

-Basic Bio of Ken Strong

Born August 6, 1906, in West Haven, Connecticut was Halfback/placekicker Elmer Kenneth "Ken" Strong. According to a Yahoo.com article Ken was an All-American at NYU from 1926 through the 1928 season and later was one of the NFL’s early stars. Strong once scored two touchdowns, two extra points, and a field goal in one game to lead the New York Giants to victory in the 1934 NFL Championship Game, remembered in NFL lore as the Sneaker Game because the Giants wore sneakers to get better footing on the ice-covered field at the Polo Grounds. Besides playing with the Giants from 1933 through 1935 and later in the 1940's per the article, Ken also signed with Staten Island Stapletons in 1929 through 1932, the AFL's New York Yankees for the seasons of 1936-37. Ken Strong was a five-time First-team All-Pro as well as a member of the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team. He is the second player in NFL history to devote an entire season to placekicking. Strong’s  jersey No. 50 was retired by the Giants in 1947. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967 and into the Giants Ring of Honor in 2010.

Our subject player in this edition is a Pro Football Hall of Fame multi-faceted talent of the New York Giants. Born Alphonse Emil Leemans on November 12, 1912, by his admission, he would have accepted any nickname to be recognized on the gridiron. The handle came about when Leemans was a kid, as he often played tackle football on the sandlots with older, bigger kids and was not afraid of the riggers of the more prominent, stronger players. You had to be tough to play with them as a little guy. Thus, Tuffy was an apt description of the ambitious youngster. The name "Tuffy" provided a more than adequate name for a football player and indicated the style Mr Leemans leaned toward. The Moniker was out of necessity to extend his college career into the pro ranks.

Leemans' journey to football stardom began in his hometown high school in Superior, Wisconsin. He then ventured West to play freshman ball in Oregon before deciding to complete his collegiate career at George Washington University. His time with the George Washington Colonials showcased his versatility, as he amassed 2,382 rushing yards, threw for 966 yards, and returned 84 punts for 984 yards, a total of 3142 total NFL yards of production. His ability to excel in multiple roles on the field was a testament to his adaptability and skill.

Thanks to a somewhat improbable course, Tuffy became a second-round pick in the first NFL Draft in 1936. The selection was based on a tip from Tim Marra's son Wellington, who saw Tuffy play at GW while vacationing as a high schooler. Wellington would later reminisce, "If I'm remembered for nothing else, I'd like to be remembered for discovering Tuffy Leemans." This is a pretty humble statement from the guy still referenced in every official NFL football statement, "The Duke." Wellington took it a step further when, as many draftees from the first NFL selection process decided against playing in the still somewhat fledgling League for better pay in other career fields, Mara talked Leemans into playing for the Giants.

Chicago Trib writer Vincent X. Flaherty helped get Tuffy from GW into the Chicago All-Star game in 1936, with some help from the hundreds of votes for the player from the Windy City Fish Wrap readers. It was also a brilliant selection from John Q. Public, the collective name for the average American, as Leemans became the 1936 College All-Star MVP, a testament to his growing popularity and influence in the sport.

The "Duke football's" namesake's suggestion to his father and the rest of the Giants brass proved fruitful. Tuffy Leemans' eight-year career with the New York Giants (1936-1943) was masterclasses in versatility, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A single position didn't define Leemans; he excelled as a running back, passer, receiver, and defender. This adaptability, coupled with his raw talent, made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

Leemans' impact was immediate. Drafted in the second round of the 1936 NFL Draft, he shattered rookie rushing records, leading the League with a staggering 830 yards. Not only was he the starting fullback as a rookie, but in the era of single-platoon football, he also patrolled the defensive backfield as a safety. He became a fixture on the All-Pro team, earning the distinction twice (1936 and 1939). A surprising passing prowess matched his ability to churn out yards on the ground. Leemans could dissect defenses with his arm, throwing for over 2,300 yards and 25 touchdowns throughout his career.

Leemans' impact on the New York Giants was profound. His two-way dominance, excelling on offense and defense, propelled the team to consistent championship contention. The fact that he was a fantastic defensive player was significant.

He was one of Head Coach Steve Owen's favorites and was a big part of why Owens was confident in implementing his two-platoon system—his A Team and B Team. The A team would play the first and third quarters, and the B team would play the second and fourth quarters. Leemans captained one team, while teammate Ward Cuff headed the alternate squad. What Owens trusted most about both players was their reliability in organizing the defenses properly.

The unselfish playing time may also indicate why Leemans only led the League in rushing his rookie season in 1936, as the talented back only played 30 minutes a game on this big substitution strategy. His stats would've been much higher had he played regularly.
 
Under his leadership, the Giants thrice reached the NFL title game, securing victory in 1938. His grit and determination were instrumental in these triumphs, making him a source of pride and inspiration for the team and its fans.

To further showcase his uncanny athleticism and versatility, the enterprising young man played professional basketball when, in the 1937 NFL off-season, he inked a contract with the Heurich Brewers of Washington, D.C.

Tuffy's versatility rose again when veteran Giants QB Ed Danowski retired and Leemans switched from RB to QB for his final two seasons. Tuffy wasn't a prolific passer by any means, but again, it was Owens's trust in Leemans to call the right plays and his leadership qualities. He was a player/coach in his final season in 1943 and a full-time assistant coach in 1944.

Leemans' career was tragically cut short by injuries. However, his impact transcended his playing days. He briefly coached for the Giants before returning to his alma mater, George Washington University, to coach high school football. His story with the Giants wasn't over, though, and came up again on one of the most infamous days in U.S. history. On December 7, 1941, the Giants celebrated "Tuffy Leemans Day." The franchise was all set to thank their former star with a gift of a silver tray and $1,500 in defense bonds. The War Bonds were quite a segue and a precognitive gift for what occurred during the ceremony. The game's radio broadcast was interrupted by an announcement of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and the in-stadium announcer was persuaded to call out on the Public Address system at the polo grounds, requesting military personnel to report to their Commanding Officers immediately.

Tuffy Leemans' legacy extends far beyond statistics. He was a true pioneer, demonstrating that a player's value wasn't confined to a single position. His enshrinement in the Hall of Fame in 1978 is a permanent reminder of his all-around brilliance and the indelible mark he left on the game. His pioneering spirit continues to inspire players and fans alike, showing that versatility and adaptability are crucial to success in football.

Tuffy Leemans was a standout player in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). Here's a summary of his career:

-College and Early Career: Leemans played college football for both Oregon and George Washington University. Drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1936 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a force on the field.

-Dominant All-Around Player: Leemans excelled on both offense and defense. He was a skilled runner, receiver, and passer, while also being a strong defensive player. This versatility made him a valuable asset to the Giants.

-League Leader and Champion: Leemans led the NFL in rushing yards (830) as a rookie, a remarkable feat, and was named a First-Team All-Pro in 1936 and 1939. He helped the Giants win the 1938 NFL Championship and played in the championship games of 1939 and 1941.

-Durability and Accolades: Leemans played eight seasons for the Giants, appearing in 80 games. He finished his career with over 3,100 rushing yards, 2,300 passing yards, and 33 total touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his career (1938, 1941) and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978.

-Legacy: Leemans' career embodied the early days of the NFL, where players were often expected to excel on both sides of the ball. His well-rounded skill set and leadership made him a key contributor to the Giants' success in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Leemans worked briefly as a backfield coach for the Giants and at his alma mater George Washington after his playing days were over.

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1941 was an unusual football season for most N.F.L. teams, especially the New York Giants, who had multiple intriguing stories throughout the season. The world was at war, but at the start of the season, the U.S. was not officially directly involved in the conflict, yet it set an overtone across the nation as to what would happen next and when or not the U.S. would become part of the conflict.

In Head Coach Steve Owen's 11th season at the helm, the Giants had convinced their all-star player Mel Hein to play one more season despite rumors of his retirement. They recalled Quarterback Ed Danowski from mothballs, yet the Giants fray for one more year after a brief retirement of his own. Other returning players were Tuffy Leemans and Ward Cuff, both in their late 20s, and some slightly younger vets in Jack Lummus, Jim Lee Howell, and Hank Soar. The group was getting a little long in the tooth, but they may have enough juice left for one more title run.

The New York Football Giants held an August training camp at Superior State Teachers College in Superior, Wisconsin. According to the site jacklummus.com, the team has an exhibition game with the Kenosha Cardinals at St. Thomas College field in St. Paul, Minnesota. This Cardinals team was an excellent independent pro squad housed in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and famously touted legendary players Paul Christman, Beattie Feathers, Jim Gillette, and Johnny Blood on its roster at one time or another during the Cardinals' peak seasons, 1940-
41, according to a PFRA Coffin Corner report.

In early September, after breaking camp, the team boarded a train headed East for a short layover to further prepare at the Blue Hill Country Club training camp at Pearl River, just outside N.Y.C. There, the Giants would practice until departing for the Polo Grounds to play the Eastern College All-Stars on Wednesday, September 3. The Giants prevailed in the preseason tilt over the Collegians 23-3 for the annual exhibition benefitting the New York Herald-Tribune's Fresh Air Fund.

On September 7, the Giants would board the rail system again to trek to the Windy City for a preseason finale against the reigning 1940 Champions, the Chicago Bears. This was a close, hard-fought contest at Wrigley Field, where the starter played quite a bit on both sides in the "meaningless game." The Home team scored a late fourth-quarter T.D. to break the 7-7 stalemate and win the game 14-7.

It wasn't a preseason schedule that our modern N.F.L. eyes would recognize, but the competition level was stout and prepared the Giants for the upcoming season. The experienced roster was ready as they won all their first five contests, blowing out Pittsburgh and Philadelphia twice each in home-and-home games and a week two 17-10 victory over rival Washington.

Weeks six and seven proved to be a bit of a rough patch for Steve Owen's warriors. The Giants first dropped a 7-13 heartbreaker across town at the hands of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the following week, they were overcome at home when the Chicago Cardinals walked away with a hard-fought 10-7 victory.

New York rebounded from the low point with the help of a string of home game victories over the Detroit Lions, the Cleveland Rams, and Washington. Now perched atop the N.F.L. Eastern Division with a solid 8-2 record, Big Blue looked to finish the season strong with a rematch at the Polo Grounds with the Dodgers, hoping to avenge the loss earlier in the year.

The December 7 game was celebrating their star runningback on Tuffy Leemans Day, which was underway before the news reached New York that the Japanese had attacked Pearl Harbor at 12:55 PM EST. During the contest, the P.A. announcer called for all servicemen to report to their commanding officers immediately, which may have been a little unsettling to those in attendance without fully realizing what had occurred thousands of miles away in the Pacific and its impact on World History with a Declaration of War announced by F.D.R. a short time later.

Brooklyn was loaded with talent. Legendary Head Coach Jock Sutherland paced the sidelines as stars such as Ace Parker, Pug Manders, Merl Condit, and Perry Schwartz dotted the impressive roster. Brooklyn has New York's number as the Dodgersig Blue two of its three regular-season losses. The two victories would not overcome surprising Didger losses earlier in the season to Washington and Pittsburgh, along with others at the hands of the Green Bay Packer and Cardinals, to finish at 7-4 and one game behind New York in the Eastern standings. This again set the stage for the Giants to represent the East against the defending N.F.L. Tilleholders, the Bears.

The Bears roared through the season with only one loss, a 14-16 setback at home against the Packers. Green Bay and Chicago had played earlier in the year, where the Bears had triumphed 25-17. The two rivals finished in a virtual tie in the West with identical 10-1 records and splitting the season head-to-head matchups. The tiebreaker came down to point differential in the head-to-head games, and this gave Chicago the nod to advance, making a one-loss Packers team perhaps one of the best teams in N.F.L. history not to make the N.F.L. postseason.

In the Championship game held at Wrigley on December 21, George Halas' team struck first with a 1st quarter 14-yard field goal, which was answered by the Giants when Tuffy Leemans tossed a 31-yard T.D. strike to an open George Franck. Before the half, though, Chicago would connect on two long field goals to take the lead at intermission 9-6.

Early in the third period, the Giants would knot the score at nine again when Ward Cuff booted the pigskin through the uprights from 16 yards out on a deep drive that stalled.

The momentum for the Giants ended soon afterward as Chicago scored four unanswered touchdowns, including a back-breaking scoop and score near the end of the contest to give the Bears a second consecutive N.F.L. Championship via the 37-9 win.

Emlen Tunnell left his mark on the sport of football. As one of the first African-American players to break the color barrier in the National Football League, Tunnell excelled on the field and paved the way for countless Black athletes to follow in his footsteps.

Born just West of Philadelphia in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, in 1926, Tunnell's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He was a great athlete as a youth and star of the Radnor High School eleven, where he played halfback in 1940 and 1941. Em went on to play college football for the Toledo Rockets in 1942, but WWII interrupted his playing career briefly as he honed his skills with the San Francisco Coast Guard Pilots in 1944.

Tunnell was a dedicated Coast Guard member and a hero. The youngster was decorated for bravery and camaraderie when he received the Silver Lifesaving Medal for rescuing a shipmate from a fire during an enemy torpedo attack in 1944 and rescuing another fellow crewman who fell into the ocean in 1946.

When his service to the country ended after the war, Tunnell resumed his studies and collegiate gridiron career with the Iowa Hawkeyes in 1946 and 1947. In '46, Emlen led the team in total offense and was second in rushing yards. The following season, he trumped that with a fantastic game in which the speedster registered an Iowa single-game record with 155 receiving yards and three touchdowns on six receptions.

Returning to the Garrett Hill neighborhood where his family lived after leaving school to earn money, Tunnell hitched a ride on a banana truck from his PA home to the Polo Grounds to try out for Jack Mara of the New York Football Giants.

On July 24, 1948, Emlen was signed by the New York Giants, becoming the first African-American to be on the franchise's roster.

Tunnell's rookie season with the Giants was a resounding success. In just three starts and ten appearances, he intercepted seven passes and returned one for a touchdown in ten games.

Throughout his career, Tunnell excelled on the field. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, named to the NFL's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team, and ranked 79th on the NFL's top 100 players in 2010. In addition to his defensive prowess, Tunnell made significant contributions as a punt and kickoff returner.

Tunnell's exceptional performance in 1951 earned him recognition as a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press (AP) and United Press (UP). His remarkable achievements that year included leading the NFL with a career-high 489 punt return yards and scoring four non-offensive touchdowns. One of those touchdowns came on a 100-yard kickoff return, showcasing his speed and agility.

Tunnell's total 716 kick and punt return yards ranked second-best in the NFL in 1951. His impressive average of 37.8 yards per kick return and three punt returns for touchdowns remain Giants franchise records. Additionally, his nine interceptions and an average of 14.4 yards per punt return ranked third in the NFL that season, further highlighting his defensive prowess.

In 1952, Number 45's exceptional performance earned him further recognition. He was again selected as a first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press (AP) and United Press (UP). His defensive prowess was displayed as he led the NFL with six fumble recoveries. Additionally, Tunnell showcased his versatility by leading the league in punt return yards with 411, averaging an impressive 13.7 yards per return. It was remarkable that he gained more yardage in his kick and interception returns than any Giants runningback rushing.

He played on the G-Men until 1958, when his defensive Coordinator, Vince Lombardi, left his position with the Giants to become the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Tunnell went with him to Green Bay. After retiring from playing, Tunnell would become one of the first black men to be a full-time NFL assistant coach.

His accomplishments and accolades testify to his uncanny ability to excel on the field.

-His 79 career interceptions were an NFL record and remain the second most in NFL history, having been surpassed in 1979 by fellow Iowa Hawkeye Paul Krause.

-His 1,282 interception return yards were an NFL record for four decades and ranked fifth in NFL history as of 2017.

-His 258 punt returns were an NFL record but rank 19th in league history as of 2017.

-His 2,209 punt return yards were an NFL record but ranked 30th as of 2017.

-He played in 158 consecutive games, which was also an NFL record when he retired.

-During his 14-year NFL career, Tunnell also totaled 16 fumble recoveries, 8.6 yards per punt return, and 1,215 yards on 46 kickoff returns (26.4 yards per return).

Tunnell's achievements were honored on numerous occasions:

-1st African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the first strictly defensive player to be inducted.

-All-Decade Team: In 1969, he was selected as a safety to the NFL's 1950s All-Decade Team, solidifying his status as one of the best players of that era.

-All-Pro Team: The same year, the Pro Football Hall of Fame named him to the all-time All-Pro team, further cementing his legendary status.

-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame: In 1975, Tunnell was inducted into the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the sport at the University of Iowa.

-The Sporting News: In 1999, he was ranked number 70 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, showcasing his enduring impact on the game.

-New York Giants Ring of Honor: In 2010, Tunnell was honored by the New York Giants by being included in the team's Ring of Honor at MetLife Stadium, a testament to his significant contributions to the franchise.

-NFL Network: That same year, the NFL Network ranked Tunnell 79th on its list of the 100 greatest players of all time, further highlighting his legacy.

-The 50 Greatest Players in New York Giants Football History: In 2014, he was ranked as the second most outstanding player in New York Giants history, a testament to his exceptional impact on the team.

-Statue: In 2018, a statue was erected in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, honoring Tunnell's legacy and commemorating his significant contributions to the sport.

One of the highest honors to his legacy occurred on October 15, 2021, when the US Coast Guard commissioned the USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), Patrol Forces Southwest Asia's fourth 154-foot Sentinel-class cutter, into service at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia.



Special thanks to NFL Films in their The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players (2010), Wikipedia, and Pro-Football-Reference.com.

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The celebration of the New York Football Giants' 100th season rolls on. We are in for a special treat in this 15th part of our series. Collector and Historian Jeff Payne brings some of his favorite NYG pieces to share some awesome gridiron history.

Part 15 of our celebration of the Giant's 100th season is underway, and what an awesome way to appreciate the early G-Men than to actually see some of the history. We also have the audio only available with the Giants Collectibles with Jeff Payne Podcast.

Darin Hayes: Hello, my football friends! This is Darin Hayes of pigskindispatch.com. Welcome once again to the pig pen, your portal of positive football history, and welcome to another edition of a collector's corner of sorts. We have our friend Jeffrey Payne with us from the vintage football community, and Jeff has some great things to share with us for our celebration of the New York Giants. One-hundredth season is coming up in and Jeff, welcome back to the pig pen.

Jeff Payne: It's great to be here, Darin, thanks for having me.

Darin Hayes: Yeah, Jeff, you shared an email with me. You knew we were celebrating a lot of Giants’ items and be a kind of a popular event for us, and you really have some neat things in your collection that really fall right in with what we've been talking about here the last to episodes on our NYG—series.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, that's totally cool. Yeah, we can start as early as you want to go. You tell me where you want to begin.

Darin Hayes: Well, you take us back as far as you can, and let's go. Let's go. We'll go chronologically. How does that sound?

Jeff Payne: That sounds cool. Yeah, I don't know how much you've talked about it already. But obviously, the New York Giants, in was actually not the first professional team in New York City.

Jeff Payne: and they weren't even the Per. The first Nfl team in New York City which a lot of people don't know.

Jeff Payne: There was an NFL team that was earlier than them. They actually were formed before the NFL. In
they went by the name the New York Brickley Giants. For reasons. One is the New York baseball Giants funded the team, and Charles Brickley, who was a time all American at Harvard in the mid-teens, very well known in the northeast. He was kind of the, you know the the person who put it all together and back. Then, of course, it was very common for teams to put this name of their star in their in their name, like Never's, you know, was often mentioned, for the Duluth Eskimos, and Thorp's name worked its way in a few times, and some of the teams, so it wasn't uncommon, for, you know, teams to try to use their star's name to you know, attract.

Darin Hayes: Red Grange, Yankees, and.

Jeff Payne: Exactly. Yeah. And so, you know, they called themselves the New York Brickley Giants. And actually, in they ended up not playing any games, because, you know, at the time that was back when there were the Blue Laws where you couldn't play and do things on Sunday. Well, in New York City passed a law that you were allowed to play baseball on Sunday. So the New York baseball giants were like, Oh, that's cool. Well, maybe we should like, you know create a football team and play football on Sundays after the baseball season ends, and that's how they kind of hooked up with Charles Brickley.

Jeff Payne: But unfortunately, New York City was like, no, no, no, we just met baseball. We didn't mean football, and they apparently got their whole team organized and structured and everything, and they were just about to play their first game, and and they found out they weren't allowed to play on Sundays. And that's just like they just said, forget it. We're disbanding. We're disbanding the team.

Jeff Payne: If that's the case. Cause we we want to play on Sunday when nobody's working. So yeah, so that that transpired. And then then they went dormant for a couple of years, and then in pop back up. It wasn't the New York baseball giants this time. It was his name Billy
Gibson. He was a boxing promoter in New York City, and he heard about the NFL. He thought, hey, there ought to be a team in New York City, and he and Charles Brickley again got together, and Billy Gibson funded it, and Brickley was the coach and the you know, player coach, and I think you own part of it, too, and they, you know, entered the NFL that season. They have the distinction of being that team that played the second least games in Nfl history. They only played NFL games. They lost them both and then they fold it, or they they dropped out of the League. They were still around as an independent team. For a while

Darin Hayes: Well, real quick. Do you know the name of the team that played the least amount.

Jeff Payne: Oh, sure tuna wanda.

Darin Hayes: Yeah, okay. The lumberjacks or the Cardacks.

Jeff Payne: Kardash, or whoever they went for. Yeah, they played one game and dropped out, and the brick and giants played. Yeah, I actually have a postcard of one of the Taj Wanda players. Yeah, I've been. I've been out gun several times when they've come up on ebay. You know there's there's probably I don't know a handful of people in the world that would. They see those things? They know what they are, but there's always one other person that knows it, too, and always seems to outgun me, but I finally got my hands on one, probably.

Darin Hayes: I know or Buffalo, New York, Western New York collectors are probably appraising some of the people you're bidding against.

Jeff Payne: Yes, yeah, I know where many of them live. Which is fine, you know. I just happened to finally get one. So I was pretty happy about that, because that's a cool story, too, that.

Darin Hayes: Yeah, we'll have to talk about that sometime, too.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, no, that's awesome. I do have a couple of of nice images of Charles Brinkley. If you want me to.

Darin Hayes[b]: You. You have the share screen capability. Please do.

[b]Jeff Payne: Let me do that. Let me see the easiest way to do that. I think I'll just share screen and just pop them up probably easiest here. Alright, should be coming up for for you.

Darin Hayes: I mean.

Darin Hayes: Hold on a second. Yep, there we go!

Jeff Payne: Yeah. So here's Charles Brickley. Yeah. And when he played for the Maslin Maslin tigers in Ohio, so after Harvard he played for Maslin for a few years.
and I. This is just a great shot of an early Nfl. Or sorry early professional player, who was very well known. This shows him obviously kicking, or maybe, you know, looks like maybe even a drop kick, because he's not lifting his leg very high. But Maslin tigers. Charlie.

Darin Hayes: Charles.

Jeff Payne: Correctly in action, right.

Darin Hayes: You can tell. He's a little older, and and these days.

Jeff Payne: Well, yeah, when you see him later, he's he gained some weight I was gonna like I had to like, look at. I was like is this even the same dude he looks like he bounced up and down to maybe lost his baby fat. He got a little little thinner, and then, now, later on, he kinda put some more weight on here.

Darin Hayes: Maybe he was on the some of the the diets that Oprah was how she was gaining weight and losing weight all the time. You know.

Jeff Payne: Now this you'll and you'll notice he's a little bit chunkier in this picture. This is from his high or his college days. So this is, when he was at Harvard.

Darin Hayes: Oh, yeah.

Jeff Payne: He looks bigger here to me spaces then, but you know. But.

Darin Hayes: Little thicker, maybe in the midsection. Yeah.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, that's his, his coach, Percy Houghton, who's a hall of Fame coach and coached at Harvard for many years. So this is a you know. great photo mid mid teams photo of him. And then I do have one actually, from when he was trying to get the the Giants off the ground. Unfortunately, since they didn't play, it's not of him with the Giants, but instead, it's with him. Showing Fordham University players how to how to kick.You'll notice that almost all of Brickley's photos are him kicking the ball. You know. That was, you know, obviously back then. Kicking was so important in the game of football, you know, particularly before passing was even allowed. But even in these days passing was not, you know, done frequently. It was more desperation, and the rules didn't really support it. So you know, teams were punting very frequently. You needed a good needed a good kicker. You need somebody who could PIN them down and make them go the distance, because that was almost impossible to do. And so, you know, players like Brickley. you know Thorpe was another one who were known for their kicking prowess. They also were both great. Drop kickers. You needed that kicker right? In fact, story about the team. You know, one of the Nfl teams that
the Brickley Giants did play was Thorpe's Cleveland team.
Sometimes they went by the Indian, sometimes they went by the tigers, sometimes they went by the thorps. I swear you know they used all

Darin Hayes: Was. Was it? Was it the the Oorang team, or was it the Cleveland.

Jeff Payne: Oorang was and This was.

Darin Hayes: Okay.

Jeff Payne: Cleveland Tigers, slash, Indian slash, whatever they seem to change their name E every so often. But they played one of the only Nfl games that the Bricklay giants played and they played the Polo Grounds. And the reason people know this game is because
Thorpe and Brickley put on a kicking exhibition.
And there's actually a photo out there. I don't own it. I know. There, if you Google it, it is out there you'll see it because it's posted a few places. It shows both of them kind of getting ready to punt. It was probably staged.
but they put on a kicking exhibition and apparently there's some controversy about who won that. Some accounts say, Brickley kicked. They were drop kicking and kicking field goals. Some say Brickley kicked the farthest one, and somebody else said, No, on this last try, for surpassed him and and won it.

You know, of course, back then it was anything to get a fan in the stadiums, and you know they were. They often did kicking exhibitions, and just a any kind of entertainment imaginable, right? Like, you know you mentioned that who rang Indians? They always used to bring their their dogs out from the kennel and have them do tricks and do other things. I even heard they like used to tree a bear. If there was a tree around they'd get a bear out there and sound kind of crazy to me. But
That's the kind of stuff they were they were doing back then for entertainment.

Darin Hayes: They had, to do something to compete against the the college game. So pulling out all the stops was one way to do it. So yeah, very interesting. Very cool pictures.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, fortunate. Unfortunately, they didn't make it. But as I'm sure you know, and people probably heard then, of course, in the actual New York giants came along that are not affiliated at all with the Brickley giants, so their their histories aren't aren't aligned.

Darin Hayes: There. There's a little bit of history, though, involved, cause we we've learned that, you know, from Alan March, who's the great grandson of Dr. Harry March, that and and it's also recorded in Dr. March's writings in his famous book on Early Football History, that Dr. March and Tim Mara, or before they approach Tim Mara.

Joe Carr and March went to Billy Gibson to try to get him to to fund the the New York team, and he didn't want. He had a bad taste in his mouse, I guess, from the previous experience, and stayed with boxing, and and Mara took the the chance on it, so.

Jeff Payne: Well, and I I feel kind of bad for Billy Gibson, because the reason he took the team in was because the NFL. Staged an exhibition game in late or, Sorry, wrong century in Between. I think it was the Canton Bulldogs, and oh, it was the Buffalo Americans, and so they were good teams in the League, and they had an exhibition game in New York City and they had people show up.

So you know, Joe Carr's like, Wow, you know, New York City. Biggest city in America. Right? We did a team here, and he, you know, Billy Gibson's like, Wow, boy, people really like football. I'm all in, and, you know, paid the money and then sunk like a rock. So you know. I I think. The the promise was there right? I mean, that game showed that if you had the right teams or right audience or right situation.

You know, people would show up in New York.

But I think Billy Gibson was like, you got me once on this, you know. I'm not doing it again. But to your point, of course, he introduced Joe Carr to Mara, and you know, as I understand it, you know Dr. March's grandson. Right grandson, is that one.

Darin Hayes: Great great grandson, I believe.

Jeff Payne: Grandson would know better than than I do, certainly, but my understanding was, Mira said. I don't know anything about football at all. Sounds cool. I'm a sportsman and he, you know, reached out to find out who could help him put together a team, and and who knew something about football to help him out, and he, you know, pulled in Dr. March, and who really orchestrated everything and got everything and got the players
did all the heavy lifting, because Miro is like I I don't know anything about the sport, you know.

Darin Hayes: I think the rest of his quote was because there's a $entrance fee. The yeah. The car was charging to get in, he said. God, anything's worth a bet on $you know. So so something that affect so.

Jeff Payne: Yup!

Darin Hayes: But that had to be a good chunk of change back in, you know, s.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, I heard that was it equates to like.
I just read it

Jeff Payne: somewhere between and maybe in today's dollars. So it wasn't huge amount of money. But still, you know, hey, you know, it's not something usually lying around. You're just like.

Darin Hayes: Right, right.

Jeff Payne: Thrown to the wind. But yeah, no merit merit did it. And here we are, right. A years later, and you know.

Darin Hayes: They've added quite a bit to football. That's for sure.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, no, the the giants are obviously an iconic franchise. It's so cool that we're starting to see year anniversaries for these teams. Now, right.

Darin Hayes: Easy.

Jeff Payne: You know. You know we're we got a some coming up in the early early thirties as well right.

Darin Hayes: Right, yeah.

Jeff Payne: Those are all coming up, and of course, this year is also the possible Maroons, one of my my loves, their hundredth year anniversary of their starting almost end in the Nfl.

Darin Hayes[b]: And I felt great. Yeah, very fearful.

[b]Jeff Payne: To see teams that are that

Jeff Payne: old

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah. Who'd who would have thought?

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, I know right? And and I love the story about the the grains game. Of course, that's pretty well published and and legendary of, you know, Grange coming into into New York City, and you know, playing against the Giants, and you know the numbers I saw, and you all might have covered. It was, I think, mirror was something like in the hole at the end of that first season, and they've had a good year. I think they lost their first games NFL games, and then they won like in a row. I mean they. They had a pretty stinking good year for their first year in the League, but they couldn't draw enough to break even and what I heard was, Mara was really on the fence about, how long am I gonna do this? You know, if it's gonna be a you know, year, you know investment every year. I can't do that very, very long you know, and you know everybody says that more or less range, and the bears coming into New York playing that infamous game they drew what close to fans they estimate.

Darin Hayes: Yeah, there's between and

Jeff Payne: Tender.

Darin Hayes: For reports, and you know the newspapers weren't super.

Jeff Payne: I think.

Darin Hayes: Yeah, hey? Sliding out of fingers.

Jeff Payne: Ooo! Ooo! Yeah, that kind of saved the save the year. Right? Save the franchise. Maybe it's possible that.

Darin Hayes: Save football in New York, you know. Sure.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, they would have had to gone back to Billy Gibson again, and.

Darin Hayes: See.

Jeff Payne: Yeah, he can wrestle up next right.

Darin Hayes: Yeah, exactly.

Jeff Payne: We do have a couple of of cool things from some of the players on that first team. Now, I don't have anything that shows Thorp on that team because he did play for them early on in the season. I think that was me's first attempted, hey? I'm gonna you know. I'm gonna bring in a name hopefully, a draw. And you know.
yeah, I don't remember what he was paying Thorp, but I'm sure it wasn't cheap, because Thorpe didn't play for cheap didn't matter how old he was. He wasn't play for cheap but he didn't play very much. He was just too old, just too injured, too broken down and I don't remember how many games he was involved. But Merra cut him loose at some point, and just they just agreed to part ways because he wasn't helping the team, and they were losing so much money that you know it just didn't make sense for him to stay engaged ironically. I have a photo of Dutch Hendrian, who is another player on the team. Old school pro I don't have it with me right now, but it's really skinny, tall and skinny, and I always wonder why it was cut like that. Well, it's actually a picture that has Thorpe in it, too. It's Henrieten and Thorpe, and, like one or other dudes in a row on the field, somebody cut it up sold it off. I'm sure they sold the thorp out from under it, so I can say I have part of a photo of Thorpe, but it doesn't show photo of Thorpe in it. You gotta like. Imagine he's next to him, you know, when you look at it.

Darin Hayes: And just have a make his hand or something.

Jeff Payne: Exactly just shows Dutch, Henry. But I've seen the full photo. I'm like, man. I wish I had that
that full photo, because that's that's pretty cool.
But players I'm sure you all have talked about which which I really admire, and they were definitely stars of that team were Hinky Hayes and Haynes, Hinky Haynes and Jack Mcbride.

Jeff Payne: Of course you and I be in Pennsylvania, boys. We love the fact. Both those boys grew up in Pennsylvania.

Jeff Payne: you know. So you know

Jeff Payne: Hanky Haynes was from, I think Red Lion's, where he grew up.

Darin Hayes[b]: I think so.

[b]Jeff Payne: I think that's it. I actually wrestled a kid from Red Lion College

Jeff Payne: never wrestled anybody from there in high school, but I wrestled him in college. I think he went to Lockhaven or Bloomsburg or somewhere, so I knew Red Lion. They have good wrestling programs, and

Jeff Payne: and Jack Mcbride was from closer to Philly, down by conscien, which is like between like Valley Forge and Philly ish sorta. So they're about Pennsylvania, boys, which go PA right, PA.

Darin Hayes[b]: Surprise the the answer Site League didn't like snatch them up. You know they were going.

[b]Jeff Payne: No? Right? Yeah. Well, well, I think like.

Jeff Payne: well, Haines played for one of the semi pro teams

Jeff Payne: earlier in the twenties, I'm gonna say, Philly team. Maybe, like the Quakers.

Jeff Payne: there was a there was a

Jeff Payne: independent team in Philly that was pretty big at that time.

Darin Hayes[b]: They had, like Union Club of Phoenixville.

[b]Jeff Payne: Like that. Yeah.

Darin Hayes[b]: For the month.

[b]Jeff Payne: Like that. Yeah.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, yeah.

[b]Jeff Payne: He played there.

Jeff Payne: but I don't think either of them played in the the answers Anthrax League.

Jeff Payne: Of course you know I love trivia right like the what team played the

Jeff Payne: you know. Fewest Nfl games. Of course, you know, Hinky Haynes claimed the famous.

Jeff Payne: I believe he's the only player that won a World series and an Nfl championship.

Darin Hayes[b]: It's right.

[b]Jeff Payne: Of course Dion Sanders made it to the World Series. He won several Nfl championships, you know. Super bowls didn't win the World Series, though, wasn't with the braves when they won, so he doesn't qualify. So yeah, Hanky Haynes is the only one great great trivia question for you all football

Jeff Payne: guys. And you know, there's not a lot of Hanky Hane stuff out there. I mean, I've seen some photos and stuff like that.

Jeff Payne: I have one thing from Hickie Haines, which is kind of cool. We

Jeff Payne: share my screen again real quick, and I'll bring it up.

Jeff Payne: And it's a baseball item. Actually, it's called mother's bread PIN

Jeff Payne: Haines with the Yankees in he only played one year in the major leagues, so he was fortunate enough to play with the Yanks and win the World Series.

Darin Hayes[b]: What? What does the F stand for like fielder or.

[b]Jeff Payne: No

Jeff Payne: Well, he was. He was a center fielder.

Jeff Payne: But his first name is

Jeff Payne: Frank or Fred. I don't know if that's the position or his first initial.

Darin Hayes[b]: Okay.

[b]Jeff Payne: No, because he was a center fielder. So I'm like, okay, does that mean they were designated? He was a fielder, or is that designated his first name was Whatever it is sorry with an FI know that.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, that it probably is.

[b]Jeff Payne: Wasn't.

Darin Hayes[b]: Color is his last name. It's probably his first initial. Yeah, that's good.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, I'd have to find another that they did a bunch of mother's bread. Did a bunch of pins that year

Jeff Payne: of players. So.

Jeff Payne: yeah, so you know, one of the things I collect is kind of a sub collection you and I may have talked about. It is, I call it footballers in other sports.

Jeff Payne: I have this huge checklist of every player that I've ever been able to find

Jeff Payne: that played professional football all the way back to the hundreds, but also has something from another sport. Lot of it's baseball, right? You know, you've got the, you know, Patty Driscoll's and the Ernie never's. And those guys who all played baseball, and they've got various cards. You know. But you know occasionally you find some kind of cool items like this as well. It's the only Hanky Haynes item that I've.

Darin Hayes[b]: How? How about one of my favorites, Jack Hayden, who'd have been turning the century, you know, played for the Franklin team I wrote about, and I think he played for Connie Mac and the Philadelphia Athletics and baseball.

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, yep.

[b]Jeff Payne: So that's my hinky hands. I have a couple of Jack Mcbride. He's the other the other guy. Of course he didn't stay in States hanky hands once Penn state, by the way, so he's a nitty lion hashtag, we are but he and he was a you know, baseball and football player

Jeff Payne: at Penn State did really well on that. But Mcbride left the State. He left the Philly area, went to Syracuse

Jeff Payne: and had a good, you know. Good

Jeff Payne: good good career up there in Syracuse before he drifted back.

Jeff Payne: you know, over to New York. I have a couple of things

Jeff Payne: from him that I.

Darin Hayes[b]: This was like in in Haines and Mcbride, in those first few giants teams that was their their rushing special. That was their backfield mates, too.

[b]Jeff Payne: They were. They were backfield mates, and also, you know, back in that day they both through a lot of passes, too, so you'll see them designated, as you know, you know.

Jeff Payne: quarterback, slash, halfback, or something, both of them. In fact, I think Hinky Haynes was designated as the Qb. The year they won the Nfl championship in

Jeff Payne: so he was considered their quarterback. But they both through the ball. This is the back of a giants program, and I always like this image of Jack Mcbride just looks so tough. There, you can tell. He was a brawler and a bruiser.

Jeff Payne: I always thought that was pretty cool.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, it looks like a hard asset, somebody you don't want to go outside with at the bar, and then.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, he he might have spent some time town downtown, Philly, getting into some fist fights when.

Darin Hayes[b]: Right.

[b]Jeff Payne: Young and spry, and then he has a

Jeff Payne: He! He has a matchbook as well from

Jeff Payne: which I think is cool.

Darin Hayes[b]: That's a Syracuse uniform. He is on.

[b]Jeff Payne: You know.

Jeff Payne: I mean, it's But who knows when that photo was taken.

Darin Hayes[b]: The first thing if I'm reading upside down

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: product of series.

[b]Jeff Payne: Product.

Darin Hayes[b]: University is. There's.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah.

Darin Hayes[b]: I would be, you know.

[b]Jeff Payne: Form is.

Jeff Payne: It's kind of a funky uniform. It does have a lot of orange in it. So.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah.

[b]Jeff Payne: Giants had some.

Jeff Payne: you know. Orange, too, right? For a while. Yeah, I think they they might have.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, yeah, could have.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yup, so that.

Jeff Payne: His match book, which I think was cool.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, if I'm reading right, they're advertising. You know. Size, what? foot, pounds, you know

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: today, that would be the the water boy. I think I know.

[b]Jeff Payne: Maybe ball boy. And then my big, my big piece from is the you know the program from the game.

Jeff Payne: So I've had a couple of these. Actually, they're not as hard to find as you might imagine, just because there were of them of them. Well, who knows how many people bought the program. But obviously there were a lot of these programs

Jeff Payne: purchased at that game. So you know, I I am working on a run of all of the barnstorming programs from the Red Grange barnstorming tour.

Jeff Payne: you know that started, you know, right after he graduated. Well, right after he finished his last college game up through

Jeff Payne: early you know,

Darin Hayes[b]: That's a lot of games. So we we had Chris Willis of Nfl. Films, wrote a good nice book on. We had him on and have his book, and you know great coverage of all those different stops in the Floridas and out West, and everywhere else, is pretty cool.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, and like.

Darin Hayes[b]: And a buckling with some items.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, no, that'd be a fun talk, too, is to talk that through that that thing I got I have quite a few things from that. I I don't have a massive amount of programs. I probably have or of them, and I think there was like or

Jeff Payne: or installing games, and I've missed on as well. You know, a long time, collector friend.

Jeff Payne: you know. I remember him telling a story about how he missed on something he really wanted, and he said, Oh, well, you know, I'll get it next time it rolls around. And then he he said it took years before he saw it again. And his his lesson was, if it's something that really really fits your collection you really really want. And you know, it's really really rare. You better freaking. Buy it.

Darin Hayes[b]: I gotta buy it when it's available.

[b]Jeff Payne: You may never see it again, and I violated that rule twice.

Jeff Payne: and I am still kicking myself because I have never seen either of those programs again. This one, you will see. I've had copies of this program.

Jeff Payne: I traded one few years ago for some other very early Nfl programs.

Jeff Payne: but just a

Jeff Payne: great image of Grange on the front, you know.

Darin Hayes[b]: But, Jeff, just just curious. So being going to your collector side when you have a paper products, you know that we're not meant to survive and be a hundred years old, like they are. How how do you care for those, or display them? Or you know they like, locked in way in darkness? Or do you have them

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: like Madden and frame? How how do you display that.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, I don't have any of my programs

Jeff Payne: matted and displayed.

Jeff Payne: I have some big cabinet photos matted and displayed. They're all

Jeff Payne: behind, you know, ultra UV

Jeff Payne: glass, you know, if if they're

Jeff Payne: I keep my programs and my other stuff for the most part in binders in the dark.

Jeff Payne: Never see the light of day other than if I pull it out and look at it.

Jeff Payne: But yeah, in in, you know, acid free, you know, holders and binder pages. You know you do need to be careful, because I mean right years old. This thing is years old.

Darin Hayes[b]: Alright!

[b]Jeff Payne: You know.

Jeff Payne: and you know you can see it's gone through. The war. Looks like somebody crumpled it up and stuck it wanted it in their coat pocket.

Darin Hayes[b]: Cup of coffee on it on the corner.

[b]Jeff Payne: No? Right? Yeah. Well, it's funny a lot of those old programs, you will see. And they will just have a crease right straight down the middle, because, of course, back. Then everybody dressed up to go out, and you can just envision somebody getting a program at the end of the game, fold it in half, stick it in their coat inside pocket. Right? I do that.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, really.

[b]Jeff Payne: Stuff all the time. If I have a suitcode on.

Darin Hayes[b]: And it's just.

[b]Jeff Payne: I I think it's kind of cool, right? You're like, oh, I know what happened to this program. I know exactly what this person did watch the game, and then folded it in half and stuck it in their coat pocket. And here it is today.

Jeff Payne: This one didn't do that, but it looks like they I don't know held it over their head to stop the rain, or I I don't know what they did with this thing, but it.

Jeff Payne: It got beat up.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, we'll have to look at. See what the weather report was. On December sixth, in New York.

[b]Jeff Payne: Oh, well, you know I don't know if you heard the story about that, but my understanding was that up that of course this is early December, so early December in New York. You could get anything right. I mean, that's like playing in Chicago any in December, and my understanding, from what I read is that the weather up

Jeff Payne: coming up to the game was not very good. I don't know if they had a lot of snow, but I know it was cold, and they had some precipitation. They had some rain, and what I've heard is that Mera was just nervous is all heck, you know. I mean he was betting a lot on this game. Of course he went out there to the Midwest to try to convince Grange to play for the giants that didn't work out too late.

Jeff Payne: but kudos to him, he immediately pivoted around, and he said, Well, next best thing is, get him to come to New York for a game, and

Jeff Payne: he got that commitment. And now

Jeff Payne: it's all dependent on the weather right? And what I heard is it? Up until the day before it was. It was not good weather, and sometime that night.

Jeff Payne: you know, that didn't. The night before the game

Jeff Payne: skies cleared up, things got nicer out still cold, obviously in New York. But

Jeff Payne: nice day.

Jeff Payne: least partly sunny.

Jeff Payne: And he woke up, and he was just like, Thank you. God, I need this, and I read that that the Giants made like a hundred $off that game something like that. Now, I don't know if that was the grand total, and then they split it, you know, with with Grange and the bears, or that was their take.

Jeff Payne: but regardless it more than pulled them out of the hole, and.

Jeff Payne: you know, gave them a cushion that they could use going forward, which you know.

Darin Hayes[b]: Great sign sign in some of these players that helped them win a championship. But you're coming up.

[b]Jeff Payne: Well, another another trivia. Another early trivia is at point Tim Mara owned at the same time Nfl franchises.

Darin Hayes[b]: Really.

[b]Jeff Payne: Cause. I know.

Darin Hayes[b]: I know about one other one other than the giants, but.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yes, he.

Jeff Payne: my understanding is, you know. Obviously he made the decision to buy the Detroit team because he wanted Benny Friedman. That was the only way I could he could get them was they were flailing. They belonged to Detroit.

Jeff Payne: He was worried. Somebody else was gonna buy him. I think he bought it for like grand.

Jeff Payne: So he bought the Detroit team and took their players

Jeff Payne: and so now he had

Jeff Payne: and I don't remember what he did with that one. I don't remember if he turned it back in the League eventually, but he had to.

Jeff Payne: and then the other one was. My understanding is

Jeff Payne: because of his arrangement with Grange

Jeff Payne: and

Jeff Payne: CC. Pyle when he allowed them to come into the Nfl

Jeff Payne: with the other New York team, the Yankees

Jeff Payne: if I'm remembering that right. That was the third one that he ended up with when Ccp.

Jeff Payne: Decided he didn't want to carry forward with the Nfl. Version of that team after a few years.

Jeff Payne: and he ended up with that one, too, and I believe that became the Staten Island. Stapleton's like he sold that to somebody else

Jeff Payne: to form the staple tins, because he still.

Darin Hayes[b]: Oh, okay.

[b]Jeff Payne: The rights in New York.

Jeff Payne: and he was only gonna sell it to somebody that you know. He kinda felt like he controlled or they weren't, you know, encroaching in territory, but he actually, I read. He had Nfl franchises at the same time.

Darin Hayes[b]: Taking a while. Guess I was thinking like, maybe the the horseman, the afl horseman team, because I know they merged with somebody, and I couldn't remember

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: if that was it. But so he had the the New York ranges. Ccp. Yankees in their Nfl year. Okay, after that.

[b]Jeff Payne: I believe that is yeah. So he owned at once, which is kind of freaking crazy. You think about it.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, it is.

[b]Jeff Payne: From not knowing anything about football to owning

Jeff Payne: basically franchises, of them defunct. Obviously they weren't playing.

Darin Hayes[b]: How many people can you can say that, you know, cause even like Burt Bell, only part of you know. He was ownership of different franchise. I can't think of anybody else that

[b]Jeff Payne: Honestly at the same time. Right you could think of like you know, Ollie Osg Group, if that's how you pronounce his name, who own the Eskimos, and then negotiated with the Nfl. A smart man to have the right to be part owner in a future team in the area, and man. That was a pretty cool move on his part.

Jeff Payne: I can't think of many.

Darin Hayes[b]: Unless you count like, you know, or or say trading the the you know, with the rams Colts thing. Yeah. And the the other party on that I forget their name. But the yeah, very cool.

[b]Jeff Payne: The other thing I thought you might like is, and you may have had somebody else show one of these. But

Jeff Payne: these were season passes.

Jeff Payne: They call them silver passes that the New York giants sold

Darin Hayes[b]: Never seen that before. That's cool.

[b]Jeff Payne: Well, I think they stole it from some of the New York baseball teams, because I've seen baseball ones. They're obviously not shaped like this, but they're baseball ones from the mid twenties to from New York, and I can't remember if they were Yankees or giants.

Jeff Payne: But same idea right? You know, a silver pass, you know.

Jeff Payne: with the team on the front

Jeff Payne: and then on the back, which I think is really cool.

Jeff Payne: is, you know, the name of the person

Jeff Payne: and and the number of the past. This is for the season.

Jeff Payne: Now I've made it a little hobby every time one of these comes up I go on newspaperscom to see if I can figure out who the heck. This person was right. I did track down Mr. Trumbull. As you would imagine if you were buying a season pass. You probably had some cash in So it wasn't actually that hard to find the ones that I've seen.

Jeff Payne: because they tend to be people who are at least somewhat well known or affiliated with sports in the New York area. Mr. Trumbull was a newspaper columnist for one of the papers. I've read some of his articles from back in It's clearly him.

Jeff Payne: Which is kinda cool.

Jeff Payne: you know. I think he was in Brooklyn. Is that where he was at? Yeah, I think it was Brooklyn. I've seen one for John Mcgraw, manager for the New York, you know, baseball team.

Darin Hayes[b]: Baseball. Giants. Yeah.

[b]Jeff Payne: Back in the day. I've seen one for him, so he was clearly a season ticket holder, and I've seen one for a judge.

Jeff Payne: So I tracked him down from some of the court cases. His name?

Jeff Payne: Yeah. So it's just a little kind of cool.

Darin Hayes[b]: Now, how how large is this? A, actually, is this like size of a coin? Or you know.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, it there it's I have it blown up here so you can see. I'd say it's about.

Jeff Payne: Oh, it's hard to tell on the screen. But yeah, like, you know how you

Jeff Payne: you put those coins in a machine and stretch them out. It's not that small. They're bigger than that.

Jeff Payne: but

Jeff Payne: you know they're probably

Jeff Payne: to inches long, one inch.

Jeff Payne: aye, maybe a little bigger than that nice size.

Darin Hayes[b]: And they're like pure silver. So, or is it just silver.

[b]Jeff Payne: I do not know what they're

Jeff Payne: well, there's a mark down there. I I don't know.

Jeff Payne: They call them silver passes. I do not know if they're actual silver or not

Jeff Payne: that yeah, that'd be hard.

Darin Hayes[b]: Pretty expensive token to be carrying to a football game. Say, okay, I'm here for my wanting to gate.

[b]Jeff Payne: But pretty expensive tickets to be,

Jeff Payne: you know, producing for your fans, too, you know.

Jeff Payne: There, these are hard to get, and they're hard to get, because when they do show up they go for some cash. And people, probably giants, fans really like these, and they do not show up. I've only seen like I said, a handful of them through the years.

Jeff Payne: and they're hard to get. I took or runs at them before I finally was able to get one.

Jeff Payne: I just think they're cool. It's like.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, that's really neat. I've never seen or heard of those before. That's really that is neat.

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: Yep, yeah, thank you for sharing that.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah.

Jeff Payne: So I think that's that's my stuff from the giants, early giants.

Jeff Payne: memorabilia. Wise. I I have later stuff some freedmen things and other things, of course, into the

Jeff Payne: s. But in terms of the first couple of years of the giants.

Darin Hayes[b]: Very very cool.

[b]Jeff Payne: Able to track down.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, those those are. I mean, that's great. I mean you. We've we've talked about some of these folks, but you you shared some different stories about them. Some, you know, we saw some different images of them from your collection. Learn some new things like the silver in the past that you had, and that's all great stuff in the match book. I've never seen seen that before. That's

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: that's some really neat stuff that they they used to make.

[b]Jeff Payne: Absolutely. Yeah. I love. I love trying to find images of pro players, you know, from the early days, because there weren't a lot of cards back. Then, you know, there weren't many card sets, so

Jeff Payne: you know, there's no tops. There's no bowman there. There's not none of that stuff out there. So you gotta kind of really dig

Jeff Payne: to find things, whether it's photos or match books or pins or

Jeff Payne: backs of programs, fronts of programs. There's just not that many images for a lot of these players, you know

Jeff Payne: it does in that era.

Darin Hayes[b]: It seems like advertisers love to use those their images, though, you know, like you had the mother's bread, and what was the matchbook of probably a cigarette company or something.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, I'm in diamond mash books. Yup.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, yeah.

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, real. Cool.

[b]Jeff Payne: And and I do have some. You know, when Grange came to New York City I know the story is, you know, one of the ways that mayor enticed

Jeff Payne: him and the bears and whatnot to come. Play that game was.

Jeff Payne: you know, he's like, Hey, you know, New York city advertising capital of the world. You can sign endorsement deals there, and and my my understanding is Grange and Pyle either came a day early or stayed a day later, and just basically set up in the hotel.

Jeff Payne: And we're like, just bring it whatever you want grains to endorse. You. Come and pitch it. We'll take the

Jeff Payne: the best deals, and apparently they they signed up a lot of endorsement deals. Well, they were in New York City.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah. I've already had.

[b]Jeff Payne: Hello! I heard.

Darin Hayes[b]: Andy bars. I think I've seen before.

[b]Jeff Payne: Shotwell. Yeah. The Shotwell candy bars which the movie came out of that the movie you know came out of that as well associated with the shot. Wells. I think that was actually a Kennedy production, right? Wasn't Joe Kennedy. I think Joe Kennedy produced the movie min

Jeff Payne: to play.

Jeff Payne: which was the the Grange movie. And

Jeff Payne: Shotwell was the sponsor for that movie. Because, you know, then they produce those great card sets

Jeff Payne: of Grange, the addbacks and the blank backs from the movie.

Jeff Payne: Yeah. So I I think I don't remember what I heard. Grange ended up with endorsement deal wise out of that New York City trip, but it was a lot.

Jeff Payne: He he raked it up, including the meatloaf story. I love the meatloaf. I've never seen anything with Grange's picture on a meatloaf before, so I kind of wonder how that all went down. But apparently that was one of the endorsement deals that.

Darin Hayes[b]: And what was it like.

[b]Jeff Payne: A meatloaf.

Darin Hayes[b]: And in the shape of his head, or.

[b]Jeff Payne: Don't know. I've never seen.

Darin Hayes[b]: Your meat loaf in it. You want your meat loaf to look like a football player. Here we go.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, I mean, the you know, Shotwell rappers are out there. The Shotwell cards are out there. There's movie placards. I have a big kind of broad board broad, you know, broadside advertisement for that movie hanging up in my my basement that I picked up somewhere. So you know a lot of those endorsement deals there's stuff out there to to grab. And I love. I love grabbing, you know, advertisement type stuff with football on it.

Jeff Payne: but I've never seen the meatloaf. I don't know what happened with that one, you know.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah, pro. Probably not any of them left. I'm probably got eaten or thrown away by now.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, I know. Right, you're gonna keep a meat loaf camp.

Darin Hayes[b]: I don't want to smell a hundred year old.

[b]Jeff Payne: That.

Darin Hayes[b]: I know.

[b]Jeff Payne: No, I have a couple of the Shotwell boxes

Jeff Payne: that the candy bars came in.

Darin Hayes[b]: Okay.

[b]Jeff Payne: As well. Yeah, those are floating around out there. You'll see them.

Darin Hayes[b]: They gotta be rare.

[b]Jeff Payne: They're pretty rare.

Jeff Payne: They're pretty rare. But they yeah. Once in a while one will pop up

Jeff Payne: ebay or at auction, or whatever more so than the rappers do the wrappers you never see.

Jeff Payne: They're really hard to find.

Jeff Payne: and there's different varieties. There's I think it's or different versions of the wrapper that are out there. I think I have or of them

Jeff Payne: never found them all

Jeff Payne: they're impossible to find. Always on the prow. One came up. Actually, I think it was on

Jeff Payne: ebay sometime in the last couple of months, but it was one I already had so.

Darin Hayes[b]: Who? Who would have thought when some kids eating a candy bar, and you know, tossing it away, that someday somebody would want that and have it as a piece of collection and pay big money, for that's, you know, something

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: one man's treasures, another man's trash, or however it goes.

[b]Jeff Payne: One cool thing that came out of that was, there's always been a debate about.

Jeff Payne: you know, which card is Red Grange's earliest card.

Jeff Payne: Is it the strip card that was produced? Is it the Shotwell sets that was produced? Is it the star player candy? Is it the Spalding Slash sports Company, America. All those were produced in the twenties at some point, obviously mid to late twenties.

Jeff Payne: but nobody knows for sure when those were actually produced.

Jeff Payne: and for a long time, you know, it was felt like

Jeff Payne: the star player candy which

Jeff Payne: one of the grading companies has. This One of them has this

Jeff Payne: it could be arranged, too, right? Nobody knows, because the problem is, the card says, you know, he's with Illinois on the card, so everybody's like, well, it ha! It can't be after

Jeff Payne:

Jeff Payne: but it wasn't uncommon, of course, back then, for

Jeff Payne: the makers of cards to put their college designations on players cards, because college was just so much more popular than the pros were.

Jeff Payne: And so I don't know if that necessarily means that cards from I know that some of the other players in the shot or in the star player candy set

Jeff Payne: a couple of the cards designate the player as captain, and that person wasn't captain until

Jeff Payne: for their team in college. So they at least went, they were at least produced until

Jeff Payne: And so, you know, one of the grading companies has is because of the Grange. Somebody else has a because some of the cards couldn't have been produced before then.

Jeff Payne: Who knows when? But there's always been this debate about when these cards were produced.

Jeff Payne: but one interesting thing is so. A lot of people say, well, the the star putter candy, because of the cards that are in there, you know. People tend to think maybe it was a little later, and they just put Grange is Illinois cause he was so well known for that.

Jeff Payne: But then you have the well, was it? When did the shot well, candy come out? Did it come out before the movie was produced because the movie came out in. I think it was the

Jeff Payne: fall of

Jeff Payne: was filmed during the summer.

Jeff Payne: If you heard that story like they need people in the stands, but it had to be cold. So they they paid people.

Jeff Payne: No, they even pay them. Ccp. I think, came up with the idea of. They told people they could come in and watch an exhibition of football if you wear a winter coat during the game, and it was in like La in the summer. And all these people showed up for free football, and they scrimmaged as part of this

Jeff Payne: this movie production. They got all these people to come for free and wear coats like it was cold out.

Darin Hayes[b]: In l-.

[b]Jeff Payne: Really

Jeff Payne: great idea. Right? So a lot of people are like, well, when did this come out? And and you know, could the Shotwells be the earliest but long story short, one of the wrappers I bought was taken it was removed from a scrapbook.

Jeff Payne: and on the back of the wrapper still attached

Jeff Payne: to the

Jeff Payne: to the the wrapper.

Jeff Payne: From the back side of the scrapbook was a piece of a box score from a baseball game.

Jeff Payne: Alright, and I was like, Okay.

Jeff Payne: I'm gonna figure out when this game was played.

Jeff Payne: Is this a game.

Jeff Payne: just a game.

Jeff Payne: What month, and then I'll be able to know at least right.

Jeff Payne: When did this? When was this candy bar purchased at least.

Jeff Payne: and I did track it down

Jeff Payne: through a lot of heavy lifting. It's actually a world. It was a world series game in So it was played in October of

Jeff Payne: so I at least know the candy bars, you know. You know. At least we're being produced during that timeframe.

Jeff Payne: You know, around October of which was right around when the movie came out. So they probably coincided.

Jeff Payne: You know, the relief.

Darin Hayes[b]: And it coincided with the the Afl

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: Yankees, red, green Yankees.

[b]Jeff Payne: Oh, yeah.

Darin Hayes[b]: Original, Afl.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yep.

Darin Hayes[b]: That's season.

[b]Jeff Payne: So yeah, that was kind of cool. So I kinda know when those were produced.

Jeff Payne: subsequently learned that you can tell based on some nuances of the strip cards that were produced.

Jeff Payne: which year they were produced, and the Grange one definitely was produced in So I kind of lean toward the

Jeff Payne: the Grange strip card.

Jeff Payne: black and white strip card that's out there that you see occasionally as being probably his oldest card.

Jeff Payne: but nobody's

Jeff Payne: certain on that.

Darin Hayes[b]: That's the fun part of collecting and like in history, when you have those controversies. And there's not really any answer that's definitive, that it makes for great debate and stories and and great listening for for people like myself and the listener. So that's cool stuff. It probably drives you crazy. But we, we love it.

[b]Jeff Payne: It's all. It's all good, you know. It's not life or death, right? I always say it's just. It's just collecting nothing to get worked up about. You know you have your opinion. I have mine. You have your facts. I have mine. We agree disagree, whatever. It's just a hobby. Just fun.

Jeff Payne: Yeah.

Darin Hayes[b]: So may maybe, with with that thought, let's segue in. You know you have run a a forum that has some some of the the best football minds and historians of our day. Because they mo many, most of them are collectors, and know, just like yourself, know a lot about the pieces they collect. So you know, when you're throwing down some some cash on some things, you want to have some back history on it. Once you share with folks that maybe they'd be interested in in joining, or, you know.

[b]Darin Hayes[b]: looking at some of the stuff, too, that's being shared on our collectors form.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah, sure. Yeah, thanks, Darren, yeah. So I run vintage football community.

Jeff Payne: It's a football only

Jeff Payne: community of I always say collectors and collectors, hobbyists, and researchers. Because

Jeff Payne: we have all sorts. You mentioned Chris Willis earlier, who's written a bunch of books. I love all his books on football

Jeff Payne: and he's a he's a member. He does some collecting, but he's more known for his research and his books and whatever. And

Jeff Payne: and if you're gonna

Jeff Payne: really understand some of these items and their context. You need people really know

Jeff Payne: football, you know Timothy Brown, who, you know, obviously, is another person that

Jeff Payne: sticks out to me as being somebody who just drills into subjects

Jeff Payne: and knows so much about so many things.

Jeff Payne: Then, having people like that around, you know. You know. I I the people on the on on our group always say not a week goes by that you don't see something in the hobby you've never seen before. It is so true true for me every week I'm like, Wow! I've never seen that before. I cannot believe that exists.

Jeff Payne: and you know it's great, because people will post something and say, Hey, I don't know what this is right. We have that one.

Jeff Payne: We've one thread that's the unsolved. We called unsolved mysteries.

Darin Hayes[b]: Has commented multiple times. That's his favourite thing.

[b]Jeff Payne: A.

Darin Hayes[b]: Loves, that when those come up and.

[b]Jeff Payne: And now gets.

Darin Hayes[b]: Digging. You know he loves that.

[b]Jeff Payne: Yeah. And there's lots of people that do a lot of digging right? I mean, they'll see something they'll be like, I I think I know where to look for this, and

Jeff Payne: within a couple of days often not always like some stuff you just you just can't find.

Jeff Payne: But people will dig in and find stuff and pop up

Jeff Payne: contacts for it.

Jeff Payne: You know what like. I was just doing some research on early black players pro players, and it reminded me that I had this photo of a you know, an all black team.

Jeff Payne: and the it had a banner, but it was really hard to read it, and I could not figure out what this team was, and finally I gave up and I posted it to.

Jeff Payne: You know. Vfc.

Jeff Payne: in that.

Jeff Payne: you know, in that channel, and within a day or

Jeff Payne: somebody had it right. They're like, Oh, this, that's here's what it is. And what what struck me was they mentioned in the article I was reading, that the first game

Jeff Payne: between

Jeff Payne: black teams, college teams, historically, Black Universities, was played between Biddle and Livingston University.

Darin Hayes[b]: Yeah.

[b]Jeff Payne: I think they were in North Carolina or somewhere in the South.

Jeff Payne: and

Jeff Payne: this is a photo not as old as that game.

Jeff Payne: Of Biddle.

Jeff Payne: they change their name so on the on the

Jeff Payne: the pennant that was really hard to read. It had their new, the new name of their college. But the ball

Jeff Payne: had Lc. For Livingston College, so they clearly had taken this after they'd beaten their arch rival, who they played the first game between historically black colleges.

Jeff Payne: you know. Here's a picture, you know. I think it was from the team. So.

Darin Hayes[b]: That's.

[b]Jeff Payne: You know, or so years after

Jeff Payne: the first time they played, but you know I was. I never would have known what that was if it wasn't for for vm.

Darin Hayes[b]: And see, and.

[b]Jeff Payne: We just, you know, it's also a place that collectors can share and

Jeff Payne: talk about stuff and enjoy each other people that appreciate your stuff right? You know I don't know about you, but most people I know they don't appreciate this stuff.

Darin Hayes[b]: No, yeah, right? It it.

[b]Jeff Payne: They they close up.

Darin Hayes[b]: So as so.

[b]Jeff Payne: Talking about. They start blazing over.

Darin Hayes[b]: Get in a group of football nerds like the Vfc. Is. That's that's our place, that with our safe place that we can all enjoy each other's company and collections, and the history so great. Great Forum, great place.

[b]Jeff Payne: Always looking for new members. It's free.

Jeff Payne: You know. Just drop me a line and

Jeff Payne: send it through, Darren. If anybody's interested. We're always looking for more people, the more the merrier you know, the more contacts, the more people showing different things. It's just a great place to enjoy the hobby kind of so.

Jeff Payne: and and we always do something. Anyone's going to the National this year.

Jeff Payne: You know, which is Mecca for me. I I went when it came to Baltimore, and like right around whenever it was in Baltimore, that was my first national. I was just getting back into the hobby.

Jeff Payne: and it was local. So I was like, I'll run up and I'll check this thing out. I've heard about, and I just fell in love with it. I've been there every year since other than obviously Covid year when they didn't have it.

Jeff Payne: And I've already said I'm gonna go there until they can't wheel me there anymore.

Jeff Payne: I just love it. And it's not even the content. There, I mean, you see, so much great stuff, but

Jeff Payne: it's just catching up with people and

Jeff Payne: seeing so many people and talking about so much stuff. And you know, it's just it's almost like a reunion at this point.

Jeff Payne: Anybody that's going to Cleveland this year definitely. Yeah, look me up. And if you're interested in VFC, let Darin know. I'd love to have you.

Darin Hayes[b]: Very cool, Jeff. We real, I mean, we appreciate you sharing these stories, the information you have. You're hoping to preserve the football history and and helping us celebrate this New York giants season as well. And we can't thank you enough. And appreciate your time.

[b]Jeff Payne: Thank you. Happy birthday giants. Fans.

Jeff Payne: It's a great, great accomplishment. A years.

---

The 1938 season marked a pinnacle in the New York Giants' history. Under the guidance of coach Steve Owen, the team clinched the NFL Eastern Division title and ultimately captured the NFL Championship, solidifying their status as a dominant force in professional football.

The Giants' regular season was marked by a balanced attack strategy, a testament to their versatility and adaptability. With a record of 8-2-1, they demonstrated their prowess on both sides of the ball. Their defense was a formidable obstacle for opponents, allowing the fewest points in the league. On offense, the team's balanced attack effectively moved the ball down the field and capitalized on scoring opportunities.

-The 1938 Season in NFL Eastern Division

The New York football club needed clear sailing through the season to represent the Eastern Division in the League finals. The Washington Redskins were the front runners of the East teams going into the pivotal games of week 10 of the '38 season. In their way were the defending NFL Champions, the Washington Redskins.

Washington lost to the Chicago Bears 31-7 in week 10, which allowed the Giants to take over the top spot as N.Y. blanked the Cleveland Rams 28-0. Less than a month later, the stage was set for the December 4 game at the Polo Grounds, where the G-Men would host their foes from the Nation's Capitol. This was, in essence, a game for the Eastern Title as the Giants sat at 7–2–1, and the Redskins were perched with a 6-2-2 record going into the contest. It was a win-and-in scenario for Washington, while the Giants could move on with a win or a tie. The game was a rematch from the 1937 season, which Washington won handily 49-14, propelling them to the NFL Championship game victory over the Bears 28-21.

On December 4, 1938, the largest NFL crowd of the season gathered at the Polo Grounds: 57,461 screaming fans, mainly from the Big Apple, witnessed the action.

The Skins were a talented bunch led by star Quarterback Slingin' Sammy Baugh, End Bob McChesney, Fullback Andy Farkas, and fellow fieldmates Ernie Pinkert, Max Krause, and Jay Turner.

The Giants countered with a star-studded roster featuring Quarterback Ed Danowski, backs Tuffy Leemans, Bull Karcis, Ward Cuff, Center Mel Hein, and End Jim Lee Howell.

Much of the stat line for the game was misleading, as Washington outgained New York 207 to 160 in total offensive yards, and the visitors tallied 13 first downs to the Giants 6 times of reaching the line to gain. This is very misleading, as all the other numbers in the game heavily leaned towards the home team.

The Giants' defense was outstanding, forcing seven D.C. fumbles that helped propel Big Blue to a 36-0 route. Four of the five New York TDs were set up on Redskin miscues. The scoring was led by Chuck Gelatka, who caught a Leeman's pass for a score and also took Baugh's interception to the house. Cuff completed a Pick-Six of his own, measuring 96 yards, and added more points off his toe in the kicking game.

-The 1938 Season NFL Championship Game

The Giants' successful season climaxed in the championship game against the Green Bay Packers, held on December 11 at the Polo Grounds. Over 48,000 spectators entered the New York City venue gates to root their teams on. The game was a thrilling contest that showcased both teams' talent and determination.

The Packers had won the Western Division with an 8-4 record, outlasting the challenges of the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, who were nipping at their heels much of the season. A couple of weeks earlier, a dramatic win by the Pack over the Lions 28-7 and a regular season-ending Eagles victory over Detroit sealed the Green Bay appearance in the Title game.

Under Head Coach Curly Lambeau, Green Bay featured quarterback Arnie Herber and his favorite target, Don Hutson. Other formidable gridiron legends, such as Cecil Isbell, Ed Jankowski, Andy Uram, and Clark Hinkle, were also on the Wisconsin team's roster.

On game day, just before the coin toss, Giant star Mel Hein was presented with a watch by NFL President Joe Carr. This watch signified him as the League's Most Outstanding Player for the season, as he was at the top of the News Pro All-America voting. This award matches the modern NFL Player of the Year honors.

The fans were in for a treat as the game lived up to the hype in one of the season's most exciting NFL contests. Staying true to form, the Giants took advantage of their opponent using opportunities made on defense, and maybe more accurately stated, special teams, and jumped out a nine-point lead in the first quarter on a Ward Cuff field goal set up after New York's Jim Lee Howell blocked a Packer punt the Giants recovered at the Green Bay seven. Three straight rushes were stymied by the Packers short-yardage defense, which set up Cuff's three-pointer.

A bit later, a second Cecil Isbell punt was blocked, this time by Jim Poole, with Howell diving on the ball at the Green Back 26. After a short pass gained ground, the Packers D was loosened up for the Tuffy Leemans show to commence. Leemans was handed the leather on multiple plays until he finally twisted and turned through a reported four would-be Packers tacklers for the Giant's first TD. John Gildea's extra point try missed the mark, but the first quarter ended with the Giants up 9-0.

The second stanza featured a flurry of points between the two teams. Green Bay got on the board when Arnie Herber scrambled and launched a 49-yard strike to Carl Mulleneaux, who stepped under the goal post and over the goal line to cut the New York lead to two.

The momentum was with the Packers, who held the Giants on the next series and got the ball back, moving it to midfield before they fumbled, and New York's future Hall of Famer Mel Hein came out of the pile with the pigskin. The Giants scored a TD of their own six plays later with a short pass from Danowski to Hap Barnard.

Coach Lambeau would later comment that the officials made a bad call on the pass play and claim that moving pictures would show Barnum losing control of the ball and flying out of bounds, making it not a catch but an incomplete pass, which would have nullified the score.

Isbell helped the Packers get back into the game just before the half, leading a drive with his legs and arms that culminated when Paul Miller plunged over the goal line behind the block of his right guard to make the score 16-14 Giants at the intermission.

-It Was a Crazy Half Time Session

Usually, Coach Lambeau would make some adjustments and possibly give a rousing speech in the locker room at the half, but this particular game, the legendary sideline chief was eerily absent.

The halftime session was filled with drama as Curly Lambeau needed clarification from the officials as they were walking off the field and in not following the rest of the team to the Polo Grounds Visitors locker room, Lambeau made a wrong turn and, by some bizarre circumstance, found himself outside of the stadium! When he tried to return, the gatekeepers did not recognize him and would not believe his story to let him reenter.

Eventually, the commotion of Lambeau's pleas was heard by sportswriters who confirmed his identity, and Ole Curly was allowed entrance just in time to go back to the field with the team. The team showed no effects from not having their field boss in the locker room.

-Thrilling Second Half

The second half started with excitement when Green Bay's Joe Law returned the kick-off to the Packers's 31, and a combination of long runs by Clark Hinkle and Bob Monnett moved the drive to the New York fourteen before a fourth and less than a half yard brought on a field goal try. The boot by Paul Engebretsen was true, and the visitors went up by one on the scoreboard. This lead would only be for three minutes.

New York took the ball after the kick and went on a long drive that ended with Giants back Hank Soar snatching an errant pass off Hinkle's fingertips and then tiptoeing across the goal line stripe to put Big Blue up 23-17.

The game had a controversial fourth-quarter play that Lambeau would later point to when an apparent long pass play from Herber to Gantenbein, which would have moved the sticks, was called back by officials who stated that the receiver was ineligible. The Giant's defense held on to the next play and gave New York the ball back. Their drive was stalled, and Green Bay would get the ball back with little time left.

The Packers were not done yet, though. In the last eleven seconds of regulation, the Green Bay offense moved forty yards.

Ultimately, the Giants emerged victorious with a score of 23-17, securing their place in NFL history as champions.  

The 1938 New York Giants were a team defined by their grit, skill, and, most importantly, their unwavering commitment to excellence and opportunistic defensive and special team play. This dedication and determination were critical factors in their championship triumph, a cherished chapter in the franchise's storied legacy.

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Lace up your cleats and step back in time to December 9th, 1934, for a championship game unlike any other. This isn't just about a battle between gridiron giants – the New York Giants and Chicago Bears. This is the story of ingenuity, adaptation, and a surprising footwear choice that changed the course of the game, earning it the unforgettable nickname: The Sneakers Game.

Get ready for a tale of frozen fields, underdog tactics, and a legendary fourth-quarter comeback fueled by...well, let's just say it wasn't your typical football gear. Join us as we delve into the history of this iconic game, exploring the strategies, the stars, and the unexpected twist that secured victory for one lucky team. So, grab some hot cocoa, because things are about to get interesting (and a little slippery) in the 1934 NFL Championship Game!

-The 1934 Season

The defending champion Chicago Bears, a team that had dominated the NFL in 1934 and went undefeated in the regular season, were the Giants' formidable opponents.

December 9, 1934 - Polo Grounds, New York City - "The Sneakers game" is what this National Football League Championship game has been fondly branded. This was a rematch of the two teams that played in the 1933 League Championship contest, the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. The Bears entered the game as the favorites; after all, they had not lost a game all season and had beaten the Giants twice earlier. The November 4 match-up of the two squads at Wrigley Field saw the home team dismantle New York 27-7. The two franchises met again two weeks later at the Polo Grounds, and the Bears won out again in a much closer decision, 10-9.

The Bears had a roster of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers. Experienced veterans like Red Grange, George Musso, Walt Keisling, Link Lyman, and Bronko Nagurski complemented the athleticism of Keith Molesworth, Rookie Beattie Feathers, Bill Karr, and Jack Manders. Yes, George Halass has put together an extremely talent-laden roster.

The Giants countered with a strong supporting cast of Red Badgro, Ray Flaherty, Mel Hein, Ed Danowski, and Ken Strong but ran the gambit with a disappointing 8-5 regular season mark. New York had suffered two season-opening losses, one to Green Bay and the other to Detroit, to back into the season 0-2 before rattling off four straight. The Giants did just enough to win the East outlasting the 6-6 Boston Redskins for the right to play in the NFL Championship game.

The Giants were quite confident entering the contest; though blown out in Chicago during the regular season, they played the Bears almost even on the Polo Grounds' home field. Coach Owen had to carefully search for an edge to give his team an advantage and a fighting chance against the undefeated Champs. Ultimately, this 'leg up' would reveal itself on game day.

The 1934 NFL Title Game

The game was played in New York as the NFL practiced an alternate rotation of East and West Conference's home-field advantage for the title game participants. You may remember from a previous discussion that the 1933 game was played at Wrigley when the two teams squared off. Weather in New York City in early December is always a factor to consider, and in this case, rain the night before froze as temperatures plummeted below 32 degrees to the teens, leaving the Polo Grounds turf and every other outdoor surface in the Big Apple more like a hockey rink that a gridiron battlefield. A sparse crowd of over 35,000 braved the elements to watch the contest in the frozen stands.

The early portion of the contest went as the oddsmakers calculated. Molesworth was a handful for the Giant's defenders as he and Nagurski slashed and pounded the football for chunks of yardage in the first half. Chicago's bright young star, Beattie Feathers, was injured and unavailable for this big game. Bronko eventually lumbered his way over the goal line, and Chicago jumped out to a 10-3 lead by the intermission.

A Change in Momentum

John Mara, the Giants treasurer, noticed that the turf of the Polo Grounds was practically a sheet of ice just hours before kick-off. Mara let the coaching staff, including team Captain Ray Flaherty, know about the field. Flaherty's thoughts returned to a game he remembered that he and his team at Gonzaga College had played with similar icy conditions where they took off their cleats and put on basketball shoes to try and gain better traction. Flaherty wanted the Giants to take the same action; however, since it was a Sunday, no sporting goods store was in the open area. That's when some networking and a true home-field advantage played out.

The Giants' equipment personnel hurried to Manhattan College to borrow their basketball teams' footwear. Both teams initially struggled with traction, but Head Coach Steve Owen's secret strategy and the Giants' determination turned the tide. At halftime, it was time for a footwear revision, and Owen's receivers and backs donned the limited number of sneakers they had on loan, gaining a significant advantage.

At the onset of the second half, things got worse for the Giants as the visitors padded the lead with a field goal that went up 13-3.

Ken Strong's talents were shown bright that day even though he had been banged up due to a rough injury-plagued season, and star end Red Badgro had suffered a season-ending wound in an earlier game, preventing him from playing in the title tilt. He was the Giants' weapon of choice for much of the game, but for the first three quarters, the Bears' defense limited his effectiveness. Strong and the Giants finally caught a break in the third, but it was almost heartbreaking. Ed Danowski stepped back to pass as the Giants drove deep into Chicago territory. The QB's toss seemed destined for glory until Chicago's Carl Brumbaugh stepped in front and appeared to intercept the ball. However, New York receiver Ike Frankian swiped the ball out of the Bears's defender's mits and strolled into the endzone to close the gap on the Chicago lead, avoiding the disaster and making it 13-10 early in the fourth quarter.

After a quarter, the Giants were literally and figuratively finding their footing as the rubber-soled footwear, with its suction cup design to grab a hold on the hardwoods, gave traction to the New York bunch that wore them. It was all Giants the rest of the way as Ken Strong crossed the stripe twice, the first one on a 41-yard scamper to paydirt, followed by another of his own and a Danowski TD run as an insurance policy.

The G-men scored four touchdowns in the final stanza, surprising the Chicago Bears with a 30-13 Giants comeback victory route.

For their efforts, the players on the Giants received a check of $621.03 each while the Bears players licked their wounds on the long train ride back to the Windy City, holding their pay receipts up to just over $400 each.

Little did anyone know that this game would go down in history, not just for the Giants' victory but also for the innovative strategy that changed the course of football.