Sports History Network

The 27th pick in the NFL draft, often perceived as a mere afterthought, possesses a remarkable history that warrants our attention. This episode delves into the significance of this draft position, highlighting its potential to yield both hall-of-fame talent and underwhelming selections. We meticulously examine the top five players selected at number 27, featuring iconic figures such as Dan Marino, a quarterback whose legacy resonates deeply within the annals of football history. Additionally, we discuss contemporary players, including DeAndre Hopkins and Devin McCourty, whose contributions have shaped their respective franchises. Join us as we explore the intriguing narratives surrounding these athletes and consider whether the forthcoming draft will produce a future star or a disappointing outcome for the team selecting at this pivotal position.

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The discussion centers around the significance of the 26th pick in the NFL Draft, a position that often serves as a pivotal moment for teams seeking to augment their rosters with key contributors. We delve into the historical context of this draft slot, highlighting the dichotomy between Hall of Fame talent and the plethora of players who have underperformed and become footnotes in gridiron history. As we traverse the legacy of this often-overlooked position, we scrutinize both celebrated successes and disheartening failures. Our exploration includes prominent examples, such as Ray Lewis and Alan Faneca, who exemplify the potential of this draft position, contrasted with notable busts that emphasize the risks inherent in the selection process. Additionally, we welcome historian Ed Cleese to provide further insights into the implications of draft strategy and player development within the broader narrative of the NFL.

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 1977, Marquette's Jerome Whitehead scored the game winner in the National Semifinal game to beat Cornbread Maxwell and the UNC Charlotte 49ers.

In 2005, Illinois erased a 15 point second deficit to beat Arizona.

In 2009, Villanova's Scottie Reynolds dribbled length of the court to hit the game winner.

In 1983, NC State beat Virginia for the second time in 2 weeks to advance to the Final Four.

In 1973, UCLA's Bill Walton scored an NCAA Finals record with 44 points against Memphis.

In 1979, Indiana State's Larry Bird went head to head with Michigan State's Magic Johnson in the highest rated college basketball game of all-time.

In 1945, Depaul with George Mikan beat Bowling Green to win the NIT.

Draft slot 28 has been a subject of intense scrutiny, prompting the question of whether it serves as a veritable gold mine or a dismal graveyard. As we approach the NFL draft, we delve into this contentious topic, examining the remarkable players and notable busts that have emerged from this particular position throughout its storied history. The episode highlights the paradox of slot 28, which has yielded both legendary Hall of Famers and players whose careers have been described as disappointments. Among the distinguished individuals discussed is Daryl Green, a name synonymous with excellence, whose lengthy and illustrious career offers a compelling narrative of success. Ultimately, we endeavor to determine the legacy of draft slot 28, weighing the evidence of its historical significance against the backdrop of recent underwhelming selections.

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 1967, Evel Knievel made his debut on Wide World of Sports, nine months before his attempt over the Caesar's Palace Fountains.

In 1961, the Cincinnati Bearcats beat Ohio State to win the NCAA title.

In 1961, in the third place game, St. Joe's beat Utah but that win was later vacated due the 1961 point shaving scandal.

In 1979, the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Nets replayed the final 17 minutes of a game that started in November 1978. A few of the players had been traded since the first game and Eric Money became the first NBA player to score for both teams.

In 1990, golfer Robert Gamez holed out from the 18th fairway for Eagle to beat Greg Norman by a stroke at the Bay Hill Invitational.

The 29th pick of the NFL draft presents a fascinating historical overview that reveals its significance and the varying fortunes of players selected in this position over the years. As we delve into the annals of the NFL draft, we explore a multitude of players, scrutinizing their careers and contributions to the game, while also noting the peculiar absence of quarterbacks drafted at this location in recent decades. The discussion highlights a consensus that, in comparison to other draft positions examined thus far, the 29th pick has yielded a somewhat lackluster group of players, with only a few achieving notable success. Among the names mentioned, players such as David Njoku and Cordero Patterson emerge, yet the overall quality of talent appears to be less impressive. The episode culminates in a reflection on the challenges general managers face in making their selections, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the draft and the legacy of those chosen at this pivotal juncture.

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 podcast episode delves into the historical intersection of football and transportation technology, particularly focusing on a significant game between Colgate University and the University of Illinois in 1916. We explore how the evolution of travel impacted the frequency and nature of intersectional matchups, illuminating the rarity of such encounters in that era. Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology provides insights into the competitive landscape of college football at the time, highlighting the relative strengths of both institutions and the dynamics of their respective programs. We further discuss the implications of contemporary changes in college athletics, particularly regarding the influence of financial backing on smaller institutions. This examination not only enriches our understanding of football history but also underscores the ongoing evolution of the sport in response to societal shifts.

Tim Brown started the conversation with a recent Tidbit titled: 1916 Intersectionality: Colgate @ Illinois.

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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 1984 Olympic Team played eight exhibition games against a team of NBA All-Stars to prepare for the LA Olympics. The Olympic team, made up of college amateurs, won all eight games. The NBA All-Star team included players like Magic, Isiah, Bird, and McHale.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Take Care" by Julian Avila

"Horizons" by Roa

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

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

In the conclusion of our deep dive into the Ali-Norton trilogy, Mark and Dave head to the newly refurbished Yankee Stadium in September 1976. This 15-round championship battle took place against the backdrop of a "burning" Bronx, where the atmosphere outside the ring was as volatile as the action inside.

They discuss the controversial unanimous decision that went Ali’s way—a result that left Norton visibly devastated and many ringside observers, including the hosts, convinced that the challenger had been robbed of the heavyweight crown. They analyze the scoring round-by-round, exploring how Ali’s "mystique" and his ability to dance on his toes might have influenced the judges even when he wasn't landing the more effective punches.

The episode then expands into a broader reflection on the heavyweight division's golden era and the technical mastery of Ken Norton. They compare the Ali-Norton rivalry to the Ali-Frazier wars, noting that while Frazier was a straightforward physical force, Norton’s unorthodox style remained a puzzle Ali never truly solved.

They also touch on the heartbreaking later years of Norton's life, clarifying the misconceptions regarding his health and the 1986 car accident that affected his speech. The discussion honors Norton not just as a "sparring partner," but as a highly intelligent, college-educated athlete who Larry Holmes later cited as the toughest opponent of his own legendary career.

They wrap up this trip down memory lane by wandering into the "yesteryear" of legendary stadiums and the NFL of the late 70s. From the nostalgia of watching Tony Dorsett’s debut in the crisp 1977 footage of Metropolitan Stadium to the "primitive" charm of Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, we evoke the sights and sounds of a bygone era.

They trade stories about the Giants at Yankee Stadium, the golden voice of John Facenda, and the era of "no fat Dallas Cowboys." It’s a heartfelt tribute to the sports heroes and hallowed grounds that shaped our youth, reminding listeners why these stories still resonate so strongly today.

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)

In 2001, Arizona Diamondback Randy Johnson obliterated a bird on a pitch to the plate in a spring training game.

In 2001, Tiger Woods hit a slippery 60-foot triple breaker putt to make birdie at the 17th island green of TPC Sawgrass. CBS announcer Gary Koch called it 'Better than Most.'

In 2007, Anthony Atkinson scored 10 points in the final 45 seconds to lift Barton from certain defeat to a D-2 National Championship.

In 1990, Duke's Christian Laettner hit the game winner in an Elite Eight game against UConn.

In 1962, St. John's Head Coach Joe Lapchick's 'Lucky Shirt' ran out of luck on this day in the NIT Final.

In 1975, Muhammad Ali beat Chuck Wepner in the 15th round. Wepner became an inspiration for Sylvester Stallone. He wrote the screenplay for 'Rocky' after watching the fight.

In 1957, future mystery writer Dick Francis looked to be the sure winner in the Grand National Steeplechase race but an unexplainable belly flop after clearing the final jump in the lead left him watching the leaders stream past.