Our program today has Ed Kleese joining to go over the Seattle vs New England matchup in the Big Game to hand out the Lombardi

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

The conversation centers on perhaps the most accomplished roster of talent ever assembled on one football team. Could Yale's 1901 Bicentennial Team be deemed the most accomplished ensemble ever? I am joined by Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com, who elucidates the remarkable achievements of this team during Yale's 200th anniversary. The conversation delves into the extraordinary caliber of players associated with this team, noting the presence of numerous All-Americans and Hall of Famers, which underscores their significant legacy in the annals of football history. As we unravel the narrative of this historical team, we invite listeners to contemplate the criteria by which greatness is assessed in the realm of sports, particularly in the context of evolving standards over time. I encourage our audience to engage with us by sharing their thoughts on this compelling subject matter.

This comes from Tim Brown's recent Tibit titled: Yale's 1901 Bicentennial Team, The Most Accomplished Team Ever? - https://www.footballarchaeology.com/p/yales-1901-bicentennial-team-the .

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Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the initiation of football card collecting, aimed particularly at newcomers who may find the landscape daunting and opaque. We delve into the myriad motivations behind collecting, emphasizing the necessity of defining one's personal objectives prior to financial investment. Our discussion encompasses various collecting strategies, such as player collecting, team collecting, set building, and investment-oriented approaches, each presenting unique advantages and challenges. Furthermore, we elucidate the distinctions among modern card products, highlighting the recent shifts in brand ownership and the implications for collectors. Ultimately, we advocate for a personalized and enjoyable approach to collecting, ensuring that individuals engage with the hobby in a manner that resonates with their passions and financial realities.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sports History Theme Song

This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz

The culmination of the NFL playoffs has led us to a momentous juncture, as we now witness the final two teams poised to compete in the Super Bowl. Our discourse delves into the dynamics of the recently concluded championship games, where we will meticulously evaluate the performance of the teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. We will also engage in a comprehensive analysis of the pivotal matches that transpired over the weekend, providing insights into the implications these outcomes hold for the impending Super Bowl match-up. Furthermore, we shall explore the trajectories of the teams moving forward, considering their prospects for future success. Through this episode, we aim to furnish our audience with a profound understanding of the current state of the league as it transitions toward the pinnacle of its season.

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Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

This episode introduces an innovative application that enhances one's football knowledge through a daily trivia game focused on historical NFL events. We chat with Morgan Kenyon, the creator of GridironGuru.app, who explains the app's mechanics: it challenges users to arrange facts on a timeline, thereby deepening their understanding of the sport. Kenyon's motivation stems from a desire to create a casual yet engaging platform for fans to connect over football trivia, fostering conversations and camaraderie among users. The discourse further explores the app's potential for future features, including competitive elements that could enhance user engagement. As we navigate the conversation, it becomes evident that the intersection of technology and sports history offers an enriching experience for game enthusiasts.

A compelling conversation unfolds as we engage with Morgan Kenyon, the visionary behind the Gridiron Guru app, which transforms the way fans interact with football history through daily trivia challenges. The episode delves into the motivations that inspired Kenyon to create a platform that not only entertains but also educates football enthusiasts. By presenting users with a series of events to sequence on a timeline, the app offers a unique opportunity for fans to test their knowledge of NFL history in an engaging way, making it a perfect fit for those who wish to showcase their expertise in a brief yet impactful way. Throughout our discussion, we explore the app's features and the rationale behind its design. Kenyon articulates how the trivia format encourages casual interaction among friends, allowing users to connect over their shared love for football. He underscores the app's accessibility, making it possible for anyone to participate without dedicating extensive amounts of time. This emphasis on brevity and engagement is crucial in a world where fans often have limited opportunities to indulge in their passion for the sport. As the conversation progresses, we examine the role of trivia in fostering a sense of community among fans, as individuals can share their scores and challenge one another, thus enhancing their collective experience of football culture. The episode also offers reflections on the historical context of the NFL, with both hosts reminiscing about their own journeys as fans. Kenyon discusses the significance of specific eras, particularly the Super Bowl era, in shaping his understanding and appreciation of football. The dialogue emphasizes how shared knowledge and historical narratives serve to connect fans across generations, reinforcing the idea that football is more than just a game; it is a vital part of personal and communal identity. This episode not only showcases the innovative aspects of the Gridiron Guru app but also highlights the enduring power of football to bring people together, fostering connections that transcend time and space.

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Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

In the middle of a major winter storm, with classes canceled and the wind howling outside, it’s easy to find your mind wandering toward the macabre—perhaps to a certain Edgar Allan Poe story like The Cask of Amontillado. But while most of us associate the name Poe with gothic poetry and raven-themed football teams, there is a far more "rough and tumble" legacy attached to the family name.

On a recent episode of the Pig Pen podcast, Darin Hayes sat down with Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology to discuss a man who was a second cousin twice removed from the famous poet: the legendary Johnny Poe.

Johnnie Poe was the third of six brothers who played for Princeton University between 1882 and 1901. In an era where the Ivy League was the epicenter of the sport, the Poes were football royalty. Johnny himself was a standout during the 1891 and 1892 seasons, consistently ranking as one of the team's top scorers.

However, Johnnie Poe wasn't your typical Ivy League student. He wasn't destined for the quiet life of a district attorney or a businessman like his brothers. He was a man who marched to the beat of a much louder, more dangerous drum.

After dropping out of Princeton following his sophomore year, Johnnie’s life read like an adventure novel. He spent time:

1. Coaching: Leading the teams at the University of Virginia and Navy.
2. Laboring: Mining for gold in the Yukon and working as a cowboy in New Mexico.
3. Soldiering: Seeking action wherever he could find it.

Johnnie’s thirst for combat was legendary. He joined the Maryland militia for the Spanish-American War (but saw no action), joined the Army to fight in the Philippines (still no action), and even joined the Marines during the Panamanian Revolution. He finally "found his calling" fighting in the Honduran Army, where he finally saw the direct combat he craved.

When World War I broke out, Johnnie didn't wait for the United States to enter the fray. He traveled to Europe and joined the British Army. Unsatisfied with being an artilleryman behind the lines, he transferred to the Black Watch, the famous Scottish Highlander regiment.

In 1915, during a fierce battle near Ypres in Flanders, Johnnie Poe was killed in action. He was shot in the stomach, and due to the chaotic nature of the conflict, his body was never recovered. He remains "out there" somewhere in the fields of France or Belgium—a fittingly mysterious end for a relative of Edgar Allan Poe.

Johnnie Poe’s impact on Princeton football didn’t end with his death. Even before the U.S. officially joined WWI, Princeton established the John Poe Award for the team's top player. Today, after being combined with another legend’s name, it is known as the Poe-Kazmaier Trophy.

It’s a remarkable testament to a man who was respected by everyone from common soldiers to future presidents (he once spent an hour talking football on the practice field with then-Princeton President Woodrow Wilson).

Whether you find him brave, reckless, or a bit of both, Johnny Poe remains one of the most fascinating figures in the intersection of sports and military history.

For more deep dives into the forgotten stories of the gridiron, visit FootballArchaeology.com or find Timothy Brown’s books on Amazon.

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

For college football fans, the early 2000s in Los Angeles weren't just about a team—it was a cultural phenomenon. Recently on Pigskin Dispatch, I had the pleasure of sitting down with award-winning author Monte Burke to discuss his latest book, Men of Troy: The Epic Afternoons, Wild Nights and Enduring Legacy of Pete Carroll's USC Trojans.

If you lived through that era, you remember the energy. But as Monte and I discussed, the story behind the dynasty is even more fascinating than the highlights we saw on TV.

Before Pete Carroll arrived, USC was a storied program that had drifted into two decades of national irrelevance. When Carroll was hired, the reaction from boosters and the LA media was almost universally negative. He had been fired twice in the NFL and hadn’t coached in college for 15 years.

"People went berserk," Monte noted during our chat. "They wondered why they hired a guy on his third strike."

But Carroll brought something unique: an unorthodox, psychology-driven approach. Influenced by the "Summer of Love" and a study of Zen-like focus, he turned the Trojans into a "players-first" program where the primary rule was simply to have fun.

One of the most captivating parts of Monte’s research is the "Hollywood" atmosphere that surrounded the team. With no NFL teams in LA at the time, USC became the city's pro team.

Practices were completely open, leading to surreal scenes where legends like Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, and Arnold Schwarzenegger would mingle with players on the sidelines. Monte shared a brilliant anecdote where a student approached quarterback Matt Leinart for an autograph while ignoring Will Ferrell, who was sitting right next to him. That was the level of stardom these "Men of Troy" achieved.

We spent some time revisiting the 2006 National Championship game against Texas—often cited as the greatest game ever played. As Monte describes it, USC was "six inches away" from winning three consecutive national titles, a feat never accomplished in the modern era.

The book dives deep into the human side of that loss, from Reggie Bush’s ill-fated lateral to the "Bush Push" and the missed fourth down by Lendale White. Speaking with the players years later, Monte found that these moments still haunt and define many of them today.

The rise of Pete Carroll didn't just help USC; it lifted the entire conference. The dominance of the Trojans forced rivals like Stanford and Oregon to "get their act together," leading to the hiring of Jim Harbaugh and Chip Kelly. Conversely, Monte argues that when the NCAA sanctions hit and USC "sunk," it acted as an anchor that eventually dragged down the relevance of the entire PAC-12 conference.

Whether you’re a die-hard Trojan or a fan of football history, Men of Troy is a must-read. It’s a story of redemption, ego, celebrity, and the razor-thin margin between immortality and "what could have been."

Listen to the full interview with Monte Burke on the Pigskin Dispatch Podcast and grab your copy of Men of Troy at your local bookstore or on Amazon!

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

The NFL Divisional Round is behind us, and if there’s one thing we learned from the "Pig Pen" this week, it’s that the gap between a "Super Bowl favorite" and "watching from the couch" is razor-thin.

Hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese sat down to recap a weekend defined by emotional endings, coaching carousel chaos, and the polarizing performances of the league’s top young quarterbacks. Here’s the breakdown of the action.

The most debated game of the weekend took place in Denver. While the Bills are heading home, Ed Cleese offered a staunch defense of Josh Allen. The narrative? The Bills have failed to give Allen a margin for error.

"It’s very difficult in the NFL to always operate with zero margin for error," Ed noted. While Allen made mistakes—including a costly fumble before the half—he is often required to play "Superman" just to keep Buffalo in the game. When other quarterbacks like Sam Darnold or Drake May advanced this weekend, they did so despite average performances because their teams stepped up. For Allen, perfection is the requirement, and that's a heavy burden to carry.

The game ended in typical Bills fashion: controversy. The James Cook play sparked a massive debate on social media. Was it a catch? Was it an interception?

Despite rooting for the Bills, Darin and Ed put on their "officiating hats" and agreed that the refs actually got it right. Under the NFL’s "surviving the ground" rule, Cook never established himself before the ball popped out into the defender's hands. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Western New York, but a consistent application of a confusing rule.

Perhaps the most disappointing story was Houston. After a stellar season, CJ Stroud struggled immensely in Foxborough. While the Patriots' defense deserves credit for smelling blood in the water, Stroud looked rattled and "in his own head."

Darin raised a tough question for Texans fans: Do we have the right guy? While Ed isn't ready to move on after only three years, the "playoff choker" label is starting to stick. In the NFL, you’re only as good as your last game, and Stroud’s last two outings were, in Ed’s words, "an absolute F."

The weekend closed with a snowy, frigid battle between the Rams and the Bears. Despite the Rams gutting out a win, all anyone could talk about was Caleb Williams' late-game heroics.

Watching a quarterback run 40 yards backward only to heave a dime into the end zone is the "Caleb Williams Experience" in a nutshell. It was incredibly lucky, slightly ridiculous, and purely athletic. While the Bears fell short, the explosive potential of their young QB was the talk of the night.

The snowy battle between the Rams and the Bears left everyone talking about one man: Caleb Williams. Watching him run 40 yards backward only to heave a dime into the end zone was the highlight of the weekend.

"He’s a physical marvel," Ed noted. While there’s luck involved in those playground-style plays, it takes elite arm talent to throw a "rope" with that kind of velocity after escaping pressure. Darin even suggested Williams might be the next "Captain Comeback" in the vein of Roger Staubach. However, the "Experience" isn't all highlights—his overtime interception reminded everyone that he still struggles with pocket consistency. Despite the loss, the Bears fandom is officially alive.

With the field narrowed to the final four, Darin and Ed are deadlocked at 96 points each. To break the tie, they’re doubling the points for Championship Sunday. Here is how they see the title games shaking out:

The big story here is Bo Nix's health. With the rookie out due to a surprise ankle injury, the Broncos turn to Jarrett Stidham.

1. Darin’s Take:He’s sticking with thePatriots. While he respects Stidham’s "glass slipper" potential under Sean Payton’s tutelage, he believes Mike Vrabel has the Patriots on too much of an emotional high to falter now.
2. Bold Picks:Stidham over 225 yards; Touchdown pass to Courtland Sutton.
3. Ed’s Take:Upset Alert!Ed is picking theBroncos. He believes the 5-point spread is an overreaction to the QB change. He expects the Denver defense to stifle Drake May while Stidham plays "competent" football.
4. Bold Picks:Stidham accounts for 2 TDs and ≤1 turnover; Denver defense records 5+ combined sacks/turnovers.

This is the rubber match. These divisional rivals split their regular-season games, and both won at home on the final play.

1. Darin’s Take:He’s going with theRams. In better weather (mid-40s and sunny), Darin expects the Los Angeles offense to be more explosive than it was in the Chicago freeze.
2. Bold Picks:Sam Darnold commits 2 costly turnovers; Matthew Stafford throws 2+ TDs.
3. Ed’s Take:He’s also siding with theRams, but he’s nervous. "I’m picking against my eyeballs and the analytics," Ed admitted. While Seattle ranks as a historic "DVOA juggernaut," Ed is falling back on the "Hall of Fame coach and Hall of Fame QB" combo of McVay and Stafford.
4. Bold Picks:Sam Darnold commits 2+ turnovers; Puka Nacua makes multiple game-winning plays in the 4th quarter.

It’s the #1 defense (Seattle) vs. the most explosive offense (Rams). It’s a backup quarterback (Stidham) trying to outmaneuver a defensive mastermind (Vrabel).

As the hosts buckle up for a weekend of zero-degree temperatures and single-digit wind chills by the Great Lakes, the rest of the country will be glued to their TVs to see who punches their ticket to Super Bowl 60.

Who are you taking in the title games? Can Jarrett Stidham actually lead Denver to the Super Bowl? Drop your predictions below!

As we head into AFC and NFC Championship weekends, Darin and Ed find themselves deadlocked at 96 points each in their season-long prediction challenge.

With only three games left, the stakes couldn't be higher. Will the seasoned veterans find a way to win, or will we see more "boneheaded" mistakes decide who goes to the Super Bowl?

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

In the cathedral of college football, certain numbers carry a weight that transcends the fabric they’re stitched onto. But while the "No. 1" is often a self-proclaimed title and "No. 7" belongs to the gunslingers, the Number 5 has always hit differently. It is the digit of the ultimate "X-factor"—the jersey worn by the players who didn't just break tackles, they broke the spirit of opposing fanbases.

From the breathtaking North-South lightning of Reggie Bush in the Coliseum to the dual-threat dominance of Vince Young on the fast tracks of the Big 12, wearing the number five has historically been a signal that something impossible was about to happen. It represents a specific lineage of speed, swagger, and "Heisman moments."

But when you look back at the decades of highlight reels and championship rings, who truly wore it best? We are diving into the archives to rank the legends who transformed a simple single digit into a symbol of collegiate immortality.

A pioneer of the spread option offense, White became the first quarterback in college football history to start and win four consecutive bowl games. His incredible rushing ability transformed West Virginia into a national powerhouse and set the blueprint for the modern dual-threat quarterback.

McCaffrey shattered Barry Sanders' single-season all-purpose yards record in 2015, proving that a running back could be just as dangerous as a receiver and return specialist. His versatility at Stanford forced a re-evaluation of how Heisman-caliber players are measured across multiple phases of the game.

Te'o was the emotional and defensive heartbeat of Notre Dame’s 2012 undefeated regular season, becoming one of the most decorated defensive players in history by sweeping nearly every major award. He remains a symbol of the "linebacker as a superstar," finishing as a rare Heisman Trophy runner-up from the defensive side of the ball.

Larry Johnson (Penn State) Larry Johnson delivered one of the most dominant single seasons in college history in 2002, becoming only the ninth player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a regular season. His explosive senior year earned him the Maxwell and Doak Walker Awards, cementing his legacy as one of the premier power backs in Big Ten history.

• Paul Hornung (Notre Dame)Known as "The Golden Boy," Hornung holds the unique distinction of being the only player to win the Heisman Trophy while playing for a losing team (2-8 in 1956). He was a versatile "triple-threat" who led his team in passing, rushing, scoring, and kickoff returns.
• Reggie Bush (USC)One of the most electric playmakers in history, Bush was the centerpiece of the mid-2000s USC dynasty, combining elite speed and agility to redefine the "all-purpose" back. His 2005 season remains legendary for its highlight-reel runs and its role in keeping USC at the pinnacle of the sport during the BCS era.
• Jayden Daniels (LSU/Arizona State)A dual-threat sensation, Jayden Daniels became the first player in FBS history to pass for 12,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards in a career. His 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning season at LSU was statistically historic, as he led the nation in total offense and set the record for the highest passer rating in a single season.
• Jameis Winston (Florida State)Jameis Winston made history in 2013 as the youngest player ever to win the Heisman Trophy while leading Florida State to an undefeated season and a BCS National Championship. During his two years as a starter, he lost only one game and restored the Seminoles to a position of national dominance through his elite arm talent and leadership.

• Kevin Butler (Georgia)A legendary kicker for the Bulldogs, Butler was the first person at his position inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. He famously kicked a 60-yard field goal to beat Clemson in 1984 and finished his career as the SEC's all-time leading scorer.
• Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)The only two-time winner of the Fred Biletnikoff Award, Crabtree had perhaps the greatest freshman season in history, catching 134 passes for 1,962 yards and 22 touchdowns. He is best remembered for his iconic last-second touchdown catch to upset #1 Texas in 2008.
• Kenny Easley (UCLA)A rare three-time consensus All-American, Easley was a defensive powerhouse who finished his career with a school-record 19 interceptions. His jersey was retired by UCLA, and he is widely considered one of the greatest safeties to ever play the college game.
• Terry Hanratty (Notre Dame)A consensus All-American quarterback, Hanratty led the Fighting Irish to a national championship in 1966. He combined with wide receiver Jim Seymour to form one of the most prolific passing duos of the era, finishing in the top ten of Heisman voting three times.
• Paul Hornung (Notre Dame)
• Elmer Layden (Notre Dame)Layden gained immortality as the fullback of the "Four Horsemen," the legendary backfield of the 1920s coached by Knute Rockne. He capped his college career by scoring three touchdowns in the 1925 Rose Bowl, leading the Irish to a national title.
• Darren McFadden (Arkansas)One of the most dynamic runners in SEC history, McFadden is a two-time Heisman runner-up and two-time Doak Walker Award winner. He famously spearheaded the "Wildcat" formation, amassing over 4,500 rushing yards in just three seasons.
• George Savitsky (Pennsylvania)A dominant offensive tackle, Savitsky is the only player in the history of college football to be named a First-Team All-American in four consecutive years (1944–1947). He was a cornerstone of the Penn "Quakers" during their era as a national powerhouse.
• Murray Shelton (Cornell)An end for Cornell in the mid-1910s, Shelton was a key figure on the undefeated 1915 national championship team. He was a versatile athlete and a consensus All-American who helped define the "Big Red" as a dominant force in early college football.
• LaDainian Tomlinson (TCU)Before his NFL stardom, Tomlinson led the NCAA in rushing for two consecutive years, including a 2,158-yard season in 2000. He once held the NCAA single-game rushing record with 406 yards against UTEP, effectively putting TCU back on the national football map.

1) Reggie Bush

2) LaDainian Tomlinson

3) Paul Hornung

4) Christian McCaffrey

5) Jameis Winston

Whether it was the triple-threat versatility of Paul Hornung in the 1950s or the modern-day dual-threat wizardry of Jayden Daniels, the number 5 has served as a continuous thread through the tapestry of college football history. It is a jersey that demands a certain level of performance—a "High Five" to the fans and a warning to the defense.

While the names on the back of the jerseys change—Tomlinson, McFadden, Crabtree, and White—the legacy of the digit remains the same. To wear the 5 is to step into a lineage of players who didn't just play the game; they electrified it. From the muddy trenches of the early 20th century to the high-flying spread offenses of today, these athletes transformed a simple single digit into a badge of honor, proving that in the cathedral of college football, few things shine brighter than a "5" under the Saturday night lights.

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Football is the ultimate collision sport, a game of high-speed impacts and physical prowess. But if you were to travel back to the early days of the gridiron, you might be shocked to find that for the first century of the game, the NCAA’s approach to safety was almost laughable.

In a recent episode of the Pigpen podcast, host Darin Hayes sat down with Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology to discuss the surprisingly slow evolution of football equipment. From the days of "gutta percha" to the highly engineered helmets of 2025, the story of how we protect players is a journey from antiquity to high-tech armor. This epsiode is based on one of Tim's recent articles titled: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: Football Equipment Safety Standards.

The first American football rules were developed in 1876, largely adapted from the laws of Rugby. Surprisingly, the earliest equipment rules weren't designed to keep the wearer safe—they were designed to protect the other guy.

Rule #58 of the original handbook barred players from wearing iron or gutta percha (a rigid, tree-sap-based pseudo-plastic) on their boots. "The whole thing was that they banned certain materials to ensure the safety of the other players," Tim Brown explains.

By 1900, this logic extended to "sticky or slippery substances." If a team greased their jerseys to make themselves harder to tackle, it was seen as an unfair advantage rather than a safety hazard. Even the first rules regarding cleats—which were originally just triangular leather nubs tacked onto the shoe by a cobbler—focused on preventing players from spiking their opponents.

One of the most startling revelations from Brown’s research is how long the NCAA resisted mandating essential gear. Take shoulder pads, for example. By the mid-1920s, shoulder pads were becoming harder, utilizing fiber and sole leather. The rulemakers required these to be padded on the exterior so they wouldn't bruise an opponent, yet they didn't actually require players to wear them at all.

This "laissez-faire" attitude peaked in 1970. The NCAA’s "Read-Easy" version of the rulebook actually noted that while shoulder pads weren't required, "only fools" would play without them. Despite this smart-aleck commentary, the NCAA didn't officially mandate shoulder pads until 1974.

The shift from "recommended" to "required" happened in fits and starts, often with high schools leading the charge and the NFL trailing behind:

1. Helmets:High schools mandated them in 1935, the NCAA in 1939, and the NFL finally in 1943.
2. Knee Pads:Mandated by the NCAA in 1932—again, primarily to protect the head of a tackler from a hard bony knee rather than to protect the runner.
3. Face Masks:The NFL required them in 1957, but the NCAA didn’t officially make them mandatory until 1993, largely because they assumed everyone was already wearing them.
4. Mouth Guards:These became standard in high schools in 1962 and colleges in 1972.

Before 1978, there was no universal quality standard for football helmets. You could essentially wear any "head covering" and call it a day. In 1978, the introduction of NOCSAE certification changed the landscape.

This requirement for standardized testing decimated the market. "We went from having like 22 helmet manufacturers in the U.S. to three within just a handful of years," Brown noted. This era paved the way for the dominance of brands like Riddell and the high-tech, position-specific helmets we see players like Aaron Rodgers sporting today.

As we look at the 2025 rulebook, the focus has shifted. Today, technology is doing the heavy lifting, but the rules have become increasingly focused on aesthetics. While the quality of equipment is higher than ever, Darin Hayes and Tim Brown noted a curious trend: many modern players, particularly at the elite levels, are wearing smaller, thinner pads—or skipping thigh and hip pads altogether—to gain speed, relying on the softer artificial turf of modern stadiums.

However, the "Wayback Machine" reminds us that safety wasn't always a given. We’ve moved from a game where you could go out with bare heads and greased-up jerseys to a world where "targeting" and "spearing" are major penalties backed by video review.

The gear may be better, but as both Darin and Tim agree, the biggest impact on player safety has been the shift in coaching and rules—teaching players to keep their heads up and "see what they hit."

To dive deeper into the history of the game, visit FootballArchaeology.com and subscribe to Tim Brown’s daily tidbits for more stories from the gridiron's past.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news!

Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.