Sports History Network

Week 8 of the NFL season is upon us and it is time for us to revisit and relive some of the greatest and most memorable games in the history of the National Football League

Dana Auguster, the host of the Historically Speaking Sports Podcast is back once again for the Historically Speaking NFL Matchups, where he is back to highlight the best of Pro football from back in the day.

In this mini-episode, we examine a few games that are on the NFL Schedule that are rematches of famous games from years past. This is our way of getting you ready for NFL action for the weekend.

Now if there is a theme for the games this weekend, it would be rivalry week and these four games could be considered rivalry games in one form or fashion.

Two of them are long standing rivalries that are part of the firmament of the History of the league. The first that were are going to talk about is the feud between the Cowboys and 49ers now everyone knows "The Catch" and the many instances in the 1990’s they met for the NFC title.

But the game that will be highlighted is a playoff game from the early 1970s that saw the Cowboys erase a 17-point deficit by a "back-up" quarterback to hand the Niners another postseason defeat.

The second is a rivalry that started in the American Football League and it was appropriate that these two teams would meet in the very last AFL Championship game before the AFL and NFL would merge in 1970.

About a week before the final AFL title game there was a NFL playoff game that started one of the great postseason rivalries that dominated the decade of the 1970’s in the NFC.

And finally, one of the oldest games that we will talk about, and it is still considered one of the biggest blow outs in NFL History.

To contact the show, you could e-mail us at [email protected]

When Football Is Football is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Since the Arizona Cardinals are the NFL’s oldest team, with roots extending back to 1899, there are many examples of unusual plays, strange accomplishments, and perhaps odd statistics! Most of this stuff has been relegated to history, and remains hidden on yellowed newspapers or dusty microfilm. In other words, once the game or experience is over, we’re likely never to hear about these occurrences again.

As the months and years pass, the information becomes buried, if not simply forgotten. And many of these brief situations that were once in the spotlight soon completely fade, and probably deserve that fate!

Read the entire episode blog post and check out some other cool info regarding this episode here.

WHEN FOOTBALL WAS FOOTBALL BACKGROUND

Each episode takes the listener back to the very early days of the National Football League. Author Joe Ziemba will share a forgotten or lost story from one of the NFL’s two oldest teams: The Bears and the Cardinals. Team championships, individual exploits, or long-buried items of interest from the earliest years of the NFL will be dusted off and resurrected for the listener.

Not for the football faint-of-heart since these programs will document when the struggling Bears nearly went out of business or when Cardinals’ players earned $15 a game and were proud of it! It’s NFL history—with a twist!. See Joe's books below.

Cadets, Canons, and Legends: The Football History of Morgan Park Military Academy

When Football Was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL

Music for the episode - https://www.purple-planet.com/

Join Darin Hayes as he welcomes author Doug Vilhard to discuss his captivating new book, "The Golden Age of Red," which shines a light on the legendary football player Red Grange and his impact on the sport. Set in the 1920s, the conversation explores Grange's journey from a humble college athlete to a national sensation, revealing the complexities of fame and the pressures that came with it. The episode delves into the intriguing relationship between Grange and his groundbreaking sports agent, C.C. Pyle, who played a pivotal role in reshaping the business of football. Listeners will also discover how Grange's story parallels contemporary discussions around athlete compensation and the evolving landscape of college sports. With rich historical context and engaging anecdotes, this episode offers a unique perspective on the origins of professional football and the enduring legacy of its early stars.

Professor Doug Villhard puts the story of Red Grange and his eccentric manager, C.C. Pyle front and center in his amazing book, The Golden Age of Red. It is an amazing ride with some new twists on a well-known story based on real history.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

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.

The podcast delves into the remarkable career of Mel Hein, a legendary figure in NFL history known for his exceptional skills as both a center and a linebacker. Celebrated as one of the greatest centers of all time, Hein is the only offensive lineman to ever win the NFL MVP award, a testament to his extraordinary impact on the game. He played 15 years with the New York Giants, earning accolades such as being named to multiple All-Pro teams and being part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's inaugural class. The discussion highlights Hein's athleticism, football IQ, and leadership qualities, which set him apart from his peers. Listeners will also learn about his unique journey, including how he transitioned from a player to a respected coach and official, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.

When you think of NFL MVP's, you think of guys like Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, great quarterbacks, great running backs and, every once in a while, a great defensive player. But, an offensive lineman? They're never part of such conversations. Well, in 1938, center Mel Hein of the New York Giants was named as the league's MVP. He was that good! Hein joined the Giants after a terrific career at Washington State. From 1931 through 1945, Hein played center for the Giants and linebacker as well. In fact, not only was Hein a great center, Bronko Nagurski said Hein was the best linebacker he ever faced. Hein's game set the standard. Other centers, future Hall of Fame players, watched and learned from Hein. As early as his childhood, Hein was working on his craft, snapping the ball to his older brothers. Little did Hein know it would lead to a Hall of Fame career. Hein was part of the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 1963, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954, he was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team; and is listed as the Giants 3rd Greatest player on their 100th Anniversary Team. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, author Chris Willis, Archivist at NFL Films, is back for a wonderful and fun discussion of one of football's forgotten - but - all-time greats, Mel Hein.

The NBA would be what it is if the early professional leagues had not proved that basketball was entertaining enough to sell tickets. These early leagues were the toddler phase of pro basketball development. Most of these leagues were each based in one city and the play style was closer to pro wrestling.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Philip Sousa

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

FACEBOOK

m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

BUSINESS CONTACT

[email protected]

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Today we’re going to step back in time to the year 1969.

On January 12, 1969, the New York Jets defeated the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl lll. It’s still one of the biggest upsets in NFL history.

In April 1969, the number of American troops in Vietnam reached its highest point, at approximately 543,400.

On July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin became the first men to walk on the moon.

On August 15, 1969 hundreds of thousands of people flocked to Woodstock, New York for a three-day music festival.

While all this was happening, the Baltimore Orioles were having one of the best seasons in MLB history.

You can read the full blog post here.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology joins us to discuss a unique training method Pop Warner used on his players in preparing to play Dartmouth one year.

This story of course, comes from one of Tim's famous Tidbit Factoid Feasts

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

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.

Learn about how the legendary Vince Lombardi helped the NY Giants win an NFL Title.

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

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.

Myron Cope, the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers broadcaster, in this revealing interview with co-author Dan Joseph. Delve into the world of football media and learn about the colorful career of this iconic color analyst. #PittsburghSteelers

Dan Joseph and Elizabeth Cope's book on Myron is titled: "Beyond the Yoi"

The book: amazon.com/Behind-Yoi-Legendary-Pittsburgh-Broadcaster

The YouTube page: youtube.com/@officialmyroncope

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber

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.

Lew Alcindor was one of the most hyped high school players of all time. He was nationally famous at the age of 15. If social media and ESPN existed back in his day he would have his highlights all over the place. Even Wilt Chamberlain predicted greatness for Alcindor. Of course, Alcindor is known today at Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, one of the greatest players of all time.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"A Slow Day" by Chiro

"Horizons" by Roa

SPORTS HISTORY NETWORK

sportshistorynetwork.com

sportshistorynetwork.com/podcasts/basketball-history-101/

FACEBOOK

m.facebook.com/Basketball-History-101-103801581493027/

BUSINESS CONTACT

[email protected]