Sports History Network

We present the 1976 Pittsburgh Panthers as national champions and a remarkable, rapid rebuild under coach Johnny Majors, led by Heisman winner Tony Dorsett. I speak with author David Finoli about his book, 1976 National Champion Pitt Panthers: Miracle on Cardiac Hill. We recount the team’s rise from a one‑win program to national prominence and the key games that secured the title. I describe the team’s balanced strengths, including a dominant rushing attack, fast and cohesive defense, and resilient coaching. We reflect on the season’s lasting impact on Pittsburgh and college football. I direct listeners to the show notes for links to the book and additional resources.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

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

I recount the arc of the 1976 Pitt Panthers as a deliberate and methodical recovery from institutional neglect to national acclaim. I describe how John Majors arrived to a moribund program and set the cultural and structural groundwork that permitted dramatic recruitment and development. I emphasize Tony Dorsett’s prodigious rushing, the adaptive quarterbacking from Matt Kavanaugh to walk‑on Tommy Usick, and a defense led by Al Romano, Bob Jury and others that neutralized elite opponents. I trace the season through signature victories at Notre Dame and Penn State and conclude with the decisive Sugar Bowl performance against Georgia. I underscore that the championship was not the consequence of transient stars alone but of coaching, institutional investment, local talent cultivation, and sustained discipline. I also note the wider social resonance in Pittsburgh and how the team reanimated local fandom and produced a persistent legacy for the program.

In 2008, unranked Oregon State upset #1 USC.

In 1971, Marshall beat Xavier in their first home game after the plane crash 10 months earlier, killing 75 players, coaches, staff and fans.

In 1962, Sonny Liston beat Floyd Patterson to win the heavyweight title.

Join us as Scott Perry returns to the podcast for a deep dive into the fascinating history of the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans. Scott argues that despite the move from Texas to Tennessee, the franchise possesses an unbroken identity that shapes everything we see on the field today. Scott frames the conversation around his book, NFL Since 1970, which provides a visual record of franchise standings.

We trace the journey from the pre-merger roots and early AFL glory days—including the costly release of George Blanda—through the turbulent post-merger decades. From the agonizing late-70s playoff battles against Pittsburgh and the high-flying Warren Moon era to the devastating 1993 Buffalo comeback and the magical run to Super Bowl XXXIV, every era has left its mark.

The conversation also covers modern milestones, such as the 2019 playoff upset in Foxborough that signaled the end of Tom Brady's Patriots career, alongside the ongoing evolution of team culture, coaching, and aesthetics (including the beloved "Love You Blue" throwbacks).

• Franchise Continuity: Why the Oilers and Titans story is one continuous, connected narrative.
• Historical Turning Points: Examining the impact of pivotal personnel choices like letting George Blanda go.
• Heartbreak and Triumph: Revisiting the highs of the Warren Moon years and Super Bowl XXXIV alongside the lows of the 1993 Buffalo collapse.
• Modern Eras: Breaking down the 2019 New England playoff stunner and recent shifts in team identity.
• Aesthetic Heritage: How modern uniform updates and helmet designs reconnect fans to the "Love You Blue" era.
• Featured Book: Scott introduces his comprehensive compendium, NFL Since 1970, which contextualizes these moments within the wider post-merger landscape.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

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 1994, the Washington Huskies beat the Miami Hurricanes 38-24, snapping Miami's 58 game home winning streak.

In 1950, Chicago Cardinals QB Jim Hardy threw 8 interceptions in a 45-7 loss to Philadelphia, setting a record in futility that still stands.

In 1994, the Colorado Buffalos beat Michigan on a Hail Mary.

In 1972, Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath launched an aerial battle over Baltimore with 872 yards passing and 8 TDs.

StatMan and Robin is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

StatMan and Robin finish their review of great clutch moments in Baltimore Sports with two unforgettable games, The Ravens' Mile High Miracle and the clutch hit that propelled the 2014 Orioles to the ALCS.

Jacoby Jones TD catch

Delmon Young's hit

STATMAN AND ROBIN BACKGROUND

The city of Baltimore has a rich sports history dating back to the “Hit ‘em where they ain’t” Orioles of the 1890’s. Since then, the Colts, Orioles, Ravens and nearby Maryland Terrapins have provided fans with thrilling victories and crushing defeats, and we’ve been there for them all going back to the 1966 World Series champion Orioles.

We’ll bring you the stories of our teams through the years featuring not just the action on the field, but memories of the players, coaches, executives and the city itself. From the champs to the bad teams that make us appreciate the good ones even more, there are stories we want to share for posterity. We hope the younger fans learn, and older fans relive those memories and perhaps learn something they didn’t know.

We’ll also occasionally add stories of some lesser-known Baltimore teams, in sports like indoor soccer, lacrosse, and even Canadian football. Also, don’t forget the Baltimore Bullets.

We hope you will enjoy our bi-weekly shows as much as we will enjoy reliving these great times of our lives.

HOSTS - JIM JOHNSON & ROBIN HAINES

Jim Johnson bio:

I’m Jim Johson (aka StatMan), one of the co-hosts of Baltimore Sports History. I escaped the doldrums of Washington, DC sports in the 1960s when I moved to the Baltimore area during the 1970 World Series, which the Orioles won, and met Robin Haines. We quickly bonded over sports, a bond that lasted past school years through families and careers.

I have written about sports for various websites over the years. I did “The Courtmaster” column covering ACC and Maryland Terps men’s basketball (and a National Championship) in the early 2000’s. I also wrote about college football in the mid 2000’s. More recently, I wrote about Baltimore football history and the AFC North for Baltimore Sports and Life from 2021-2023. Now happily retired, I enjoy going back to the history of my favorite teams and sharing it with Robin, and you.

Robin Haines bio:

I'm Robin Haines, a retired R.N. and lifelong Baltimore area resident who grew up hearing my dad talk about the pre-1954 minor league Orioles. The seed was planted for my growth into a die-hard Baltimore sports follower (and when you're named after a baseball Hall of Famer-well, there's a story there).

I met Jim Johnson when we were both around 12 years old, and we have shared the ups and downs (and many quirks) of the Baltimore sports scene for most of our lives. You know how a sports story or event you share with someone can instantly take you back to an earlier version of yourselves? That's how it is with Jim and me, and I hope to share that connection on this podcast.

Ed Kleese joins us once again as we present predictions for Week 3 of the 2026 NFL season and provide picks both straight up and against the point spread. I am 21- 11 straight up, and Ed leads 18- 14 against the spread. We proceed game by game and discuss our differing views on several key matchups. Notable disagreements include Bills versus Chargers and Rams versus Broncos. We favor teams such as the 49ers, Chiefs, Saints, and Vikings to cover their spreads. Visit pigskindispatch.com and the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for the full discussion and our detailed picks.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

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

Gridiron America is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dave is back from sick leave, while Mike is on assignment, as he sits with Greg to play catch up on what teams in the CFL are out and on the bubble in the playoff race. They also go full nerd and talk NFL and CFL fantasy football, after which they turn their attention to the latest black eye for American football in Japan, as reported by former Gridiron Japan cohost John Gunning in The Japan Times, this month. They then talk UFL expansion plans.

For more about the latest X League scandal, check out John Gunning's article in The Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/09/14/more-sports/x-league-ghost-pro-scandal/

GRIDIRON AMERICA BACKGROUND

Gridiron America (formerly, the From the 55 Yardline podcast), is anchored by former sports executive David Cieslinski, former international professional football player Mike Tackett, and football nerd Greg St. James.

All three are avid armchair sports historians and sports simulation enthusiasts, who, despite the vastness of geography, have found a way to leverage technology to help keep the games they love truly alive, both on the screen or tabletop.

Gridiron America Radio is dedicated to both current and historical American football talk, including the “what if” questions that all sports fans ask and try to answer with the help of statistics, math and computer modeling provided by SportsMaster Simulation Games www.SportsMaster-Simulation.games. In addition to the gridiron game, the team will on occasion look at other sports through the same eyes of that of grown men who still remember their childhood and the thrill of rolling the dice or picking up a joystick.

The show was previously co-hosted by retired sports journalist Scott Adamson, whose sports writing can be found at www.Adamsonmedia.com.

David, Mike and Greg, can be contacted directly via the podcast’s website at www.GridironAmerica.net, as well as:

On X at https://x.com/GridironAMRadio

On Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GridironAmerica/

On Threads at https://www.threads.com/@gridironamerica

On Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/gridironamerica

In this episode, our special guest is Blaine Bishop, who played for the Houston/Tennessee Oilers/Titans from 1993 through 2001, then spent 2002 with the Philadelphia Eagles. Blaine just released a book titled, “Counted Out: A Story of Redemption in the NFL.” In this episode, we talk about his new book, his football career, and much more!

Football Learning Academy Website:

To learn more about the FLA, go to: https://www.football-learning-academy.com

Social Media:

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootballLearn1

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/footballlearningacademy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@footballlearningacademy

Music By:

Jeff Nixon, Safety for the Buffalo Bills from 1979-82.

Week two of the 2026 NFL season was manifestly momentous and historically significant, and we convey that central observation without equivocation. I was joined by Ed Kleese as we cataloged an array of notable milestones, among them Devin Lloyd’s exceedingly rare single-game compilation of a sack, multiple interceptions, and a touchdown; Patrick Mahomes’ ascension to an 8–0 mark in regular-season overtime contests, thereby establishing a new NFL benchmark; and the fact that no new Scorigami was recorded this week, with 41–31 (Buffalo over Detroit) registering as the rarest final score.

The origin of the "Scoregasm" comes to life here, in a story from Ed you don't want to miss!

We examined franchise-specific anomalies and streaks, including the Panthers’ defensive resurgence, the Steelers’ prolonged difficulties in Foxborough since the Brady era, Dak Prescott’s record-tying dominance in AT&T Stadium against NFC East opponents, and the Browns’ emerging rookie Denzel Boston entering the record books with successive long touchdown receptions. We further observed that the Packers–Jets 20–17 result remains the most prevalent final score in league annals, now occurring for the 303rd time, and that our week-two Scorigami ME index registered a 73.18. I invite the audience to regard these developments as substantive contributions to the evolving ledger of football history, and we will continue to preserve and expound upon such records in subsequent discussions.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at [email protected]

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 meticulously delves into the often-overlooked narratives surrounding prominent figures in the realm of football, specifically focusing on the stories of Andrew Luck, Tom Brady, and YA Tittle. It is imperative to acknowledge that while these athletes are not forgotten in the conventional sense, the complexities of their journeys and the intricacies that define their legacies are frequently overshadowed by their accomplishments. Through a compelling discussion with sports writer Seth Wickersham, we shall explore the profound questions of identity and legacy, particularly in the context of Luck's abrupt retirement and the relentless pursuit of greatness exhibited by Brady. Furthermore, we shall examine the indelible impact of Tittle, a Hall of Fame quarterback, whose image has become a poignant symbol of the game's brutality, yet belies his true essence as a fighter. This episode serves as a solemn reminder that behind every celebrated athlete lies a multifaceted story that warrants recognition and reflection.

Seth Wickersham, a terrific sportswriter for ESPN, shares stories from his new book, "Be On That Hill." These are not just your typical stories re-hashed for a book. These are unique stories from some of the sports' greatest. A deep dive into Andrew Luck's retirement. Tom Brady's desire to be the greatest quarterback ever. The genius behind Bill Walsh and his insatiable desire to walk the sidelines. And there's more. We talk about Y.A. Tittle and the famous photograph of him bloodied and kneeling, Rolando McClain stepping away from football at such a young age. We remember the stars, but not necessarily the stories behind what made them tick and the choices they made that shaped who they ultimately became.

The podcast delves into the multifaceted narratives surrounding revered quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, and YA Tittle, revealing lesser-known aspects of their careers and personal lives. Contrary to the common perception that these athletes are solely defined by their accolades, the discussion prompts us to explore the complexities of their identities beyond the football field. The conversation highlights Andrew Luck's unexpected retirement at the age of 29, a decision influenced by both physical injuries and a profound introspection regarding his identity as a player. This segment underscores the notion that an athlete's journey is not merely a chronicle of triumphs but also a reflection on personal growth and the quest for fulfillment in a life that transcends the confines of sports. Furthermore, the episode examines Tom Brady's relentless pursuit of excellence, which, while celebrated, reveals a deeper narrative of solitude and the sacrifices he made for his craft, juxtaposed against the communal experiences of his teammates. Through these stories, the podcast illuminates the essential question of how we remember and define athletes, urging listeners to reconsider the legacies they leave behind.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sports History Network
• sportshistorynetwork.com
• Tom Brady
• Andrew Luck
• YA Tittle
• Seth Wickersham
• Bill Walsh
• Rolando McLean
• Scott McLuhan
• Frank Reich
• Peyton Manning
• Michael Jordan
• Jerry Seinfeld
• Bruce Springsteen
• Roger Craig
• Russell Wilson
• Adam Timmerman