Sports History Network

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

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

The San Francisco 49ers franchise began in 1946 in the All-American Football Conference. The team posted a winning record in all four seasons of the league's existence and had an impressive 12–2 mark in 1948. But they were in the same division as the Cleveland Browns, the league's best team. With the league struggling to survive, down to one division and only seven teams remaining, the 49ers finally got their chance to face the Browns in the 1949 Championship game, but lost 21–7.

The league folded, and the 49ers joined the NFL in 1950. From 1950 to 1959, their record was 63-54–3. Their only postseason appearance came in 1957, when they blew a 27–7 lead to the Lions.

From 1960 to 1969, the 49ers' record was 57–74–7, and they never made the postseason. After a 4–8–2 record in 1969, there was no reason to expect the 1970s to be any different. But the 49ers surprised everyone by going 10–3–1 in 1970 and then upsetting the heavily favored Vikings in the playoffs. They lost to the Cowboys in the NFC Championship game, but returned to the title game the following season, where they lost to the Cowboys again.

In 1972, they lost to the Cowboys again, this time blowing a 21–3 lead in the divisional playoff game. They never recovered, and from 1973 to 1980, the 49ers' record was a dismal 39–79. But the 49ers were about to shock the football world in 1981.

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)

Gridiron Greats Magazine podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Part 2 With Football Library Collector and Football Author Ben Carpenter

GRIDIRON GREATS MAGAZINE BACKGROUND

Gridiron Greats covers 150+ years of North American football history and memorabilia. It was founded in 2002 and published by Franklin Rose who then turned over to Bob Swick and Swick Enterprises starting with Issue 23.

Editor and publisher, Bob Swick has been collecting football cards since 1965. He has written about football cards and memorabilia since 1990 for several major sports collecting publications including Sports Collectors Digest and had his own column, Turning The Pages.

He self-published Bob Swick’s Football Times in the 1990s; he has been interviewed in Tuff Stuff, the Giants Report, the Packers Report, and the Beckett Football Monthly magazine. He has also been a contributor to the Beckett Annual Football Price Guide. Bob also collects programs, yearbooks, media guides, ticket stubs, pocket schedules, and team photos of the Green Bay Packers, of which he is a shareholder.

He is also a member of The Professional Football Researchers Association. Bob brings his expertise to the magazine in the form of his love of all things football-related. His BA in journalism and MS in Economics brings a unique focus to the niche of football memorabilia and history.

We want to thank everyone who takes the time to subscribe to and support Gridiron Greats Magazine. Besides our knowledgeable, generous contributors and most talented illustrator, Jared Kraus, all administrative activities are performed by Bob Swick and his wife, Brenda. Thank you all for your support. We are ever so grateful.

See our Contributors page for a bio on some of our fantastic writers. Without them, this magazine would not exist. We are grateful for their continuing support.

If you would like to be a contributing writer, or subscriber or want to advertise in Gridiron Greats, please contact the Publisher via the information above. Portions of the material presented are the opinion of the contributing writers and not necessarily those of Swick Enterprises, LLC.

CONTACT US If you are interested in any particular football topic that you would like to either see featured in Gridiron Greats or would like to write about, and if you have a Super Collection you want to be considered for an upcoming publication please feel free to contact Bob via email.

In 1991, Bo Jackson injured his hip and ended his football career.

In 1999, Michael Jordan retired for the second time.

In 1968, Minnesota North Star Bill Masterton was knocked out on the ice and never regained consciousness. He died on the 15th.

In 1974, the Miami Dolphins beat Minnesota to win their second consecutive Super Bowl.

In 2009, the Dallas Covenant girls basketball team from Dallas beat the Dallas Academy Girls 100-0. It led to the firing of Covenant's coach who was unapologetic about the win.

In the modern era of American football, we rarely give a second thought to the ball itself. We grab it, check the grip, and if it feels a little soft, we insert a needle for a quick five-second fix. However, as Darin Hayes and Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology recently discussed, the simple act of keeping air inside a football was once one of the sport's most significant technical hurdles.

Tim illuminates the intricate innovations that have transpired over the decades, culminating in the sophisticated mechanisms we observe today. He elaborates on the concept of the "adjacent possible," which underscores the incremental advancements that characterize technological progress in our sport. Through this exploration, we gain profound insights into the seemingly simple act of inflating a football, revealing a rich tapestry of innovation and adaptation inherent in the sport's history. The conversation is based on Mr Brown's recent Tidbit titled: Inflating Footballs, the Adjacent Possible, and Progress , complete with some excellent imagery.

In the earliest days of the game, the term "pigskin" was literal. The internal bladder of a football was often an actual animal bladder—from a pig or a sheep. To inflate these primitive balls, someone had to quite literally blow into a stem, much like inflating a balloon, before folding the nozzle over and tying it off.

This method was as dangerous as it was unhygienic. As Timothy Brown noted, legend has it that the wife of the man who invented the vulcanized rubber bladder actually died from the bacteria or strain involved in blowing up animal bladders. This grim reality spurred the first major innovation: the move toward rubberized bladders and manual pumps that resembled old-fashioned insecticide sprayers.

Brown highlights a concept from evolutionary biology called the "adjacent possible." This theory suggests that innovation rarely happens in giant leaps; instead, it moves in small, iterative steps. We see this clearly in the mid-1920s.

For decades, even after rubber bladders became standard, the process was cumbersome. To inflate a ball, you had to completely unlace the leather housing, pull out the bladder, connect a pump to a long "Schrader valve" (similar to a bicycle tire), pump it up, and then lace the ball back together.

In 1924, Spalding invented a flatter valve that sat flush against the bladder. Curiously, even with this new tech, it took another two years before someone realized they could simply punch a hole through the leather to reach the valve. Up until 1926, players were still unlacing the ball every time it lost pressure, simply because the "obvious" next step—the needle-and-button system we use today—wasn't yet part of the "adjacent possible."

The transition was slow. During the 1920s, a football wasn't something you just took out of a box. Every game required a fresh assembly. Equipment managers would have to manually insert the bladder, carefully align the nozzle, and sew the laces by hand.

Even as late as the 1930s, footballs often featured a small screw-on cap over the nozzle—much like a car tire—to keep dirt and water out of the valve. It’s a far cry from today’s high-tech, ready-to-play equipment, reminding us that the "good old days" of football required as much work off the field as they did on it.

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. 

In 1969, the New York Jets shocked the Baltimore Colts and the world, winning Super Bowl III.

In 2013, Joe Flacco hit Jacoby Jones for a 70-yard TD pass to tie up an NFL playoff game and then they won in it 2OT.

In 1992, Division II's Troy State beat NAIA opponent DeVry 258 -141 for the highest scoring college basketball game.

In the brutal, high-stakes world of college football, a jersey number is more than just an identifier—it’s a symbol. Some numbers are synonymous with brute force; others, with sheer speed. But the number 4? Among all numbers, it stands out for being worn by elite difference-makers. This article will rank the top four most legendary college football players to ever wear number 4, examining how they rose above fierce competition to set the standard for greatness. Prepare to explore the storied careers of the gridiron giants who made this simple digit a symbol of college football royalty.

• Champ Baileywas a rare two-way superstar at the University of Georgia, excelling as a cornerback and wide receiver and even playing on special teams. He was recognized as a consensus All-American in 1998 and earned the Bronko Nagurski Trophy as the nation's best defensive player before becoming a top-ten NFL Draft pick.
• Steve Walsh was one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in University of Miami history during the late 1980s. As the Hurricanes’ starter in 1988, he led the team to an undefeated season and a national championship, earning consensus All-American honors in the process. Walsh also finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year and was a finalist for the Maxwell and Davey O’Brien Awards, cementing his legacy as an elite college football player.
• QuarterbackJim Harbaugh starred for Michigan, finishing third in 1986 Heisman voting and setting the school's passing efficiency record while wearing No. 4.
• Terence Newman -As a dominant cornerback for Kansas State, Terence Newman was recognized as the nation's top defensive back, earning the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award and unanimous first-team All-American honors in 2002.

Russell White’s three-season stretch at UC Berkeley from 1990 to 1992 remains one of the most prolific eras in Cal football history as a jersey 4 wearer. After arriving with massive expectations as a high school phenom, White immediately lived up to the hype, becoming the centerpiece of a Golden Bears resurgence that included a dominant 1991 season and a Citrus Bowl victory. A three-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection, White was a master of the "big play," utilizing elite vision and explosive speed to become Cal’s all-time leading rusher with 3,360 yards—a record that stood for 15 years. His 1991 campaign was particularly legendary, as he racked up over 1,100 yards and earned second-team All-America honors, cementing his legacy as arguably the greatest pure runner to ever wear the blue and gold. (Big thanks to this suggestion by YouTube viewer @pallen1065)

• Deshaun Watson (Clemson): Wearing jersey 4 was a special honor, as former Tiger legend Steve Fuller allowed Clemson to un-retire the number specifically for Watson. Watson became a Clemson icon by leading the Tigers to their first national championship since 1981, capping his career with a dramatic victory over Alabama in 2017. During his prolific tenure, he achieved a stunning 32-3 record as a starter while accumulating over 10,000 passing yards and 161 total touchdowns.
• Dalvin Cook (Florida State):An electrifying running back who wore #4 despite it often being a QB number, breaking records for the Seminoles. Cook was one of the most accomplished running backs inFlorida State Seminoles history. During his collegiate career, he earned consensus All-American honors and was a Heisman Trophy finalist in 2016 after leading the nation in yards from scrimmage. Cook also won the Jim Brown Award as the nation’s top running back and set multiple school records, including career rushing yards and touchdowns, cementing his legacy as one of Florida State’s all-time greats.
• Jeremiyah Lovewas a running back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He had a stellar junior season in 2025, culminating in several major accolades. Love was named theDoak Walker Award Winneras the nation's top running back, becoming the first player in Notre Dame program history to receive the honor. In 2025, he was also recognized as aUnanimous All-Americanand aConsensus All-Americanand was aHeisman Finalist. That year, he set a program record for total touchdowns in a season with 21 and tied the program record for rushing touchdowns with 18. He finished the season with 1,372 rushing yards on 199 carries and 27 receptions for 280 receiving yards, totaling 1,652 yards from scrimmage.
• Brett Favre (Southern Miss):The Hall of Famer started his college career wearing #4, a number he stuck with in the NFL. Favre played quarterback at Southern Miss from 1987 to 1990, capping his collegiate career with a senior-year completion percentage of 54.5% before being selected in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. Though an NFL legend, he narrowly misses the elite college #4 list due to competition at the position.
• Plaxico Burress (Michigan State):A standout receiver who had dominant seasons as #4 with the Spartans.
• David Anderson (Colorado State):A record-setting receiver, ranking second in CSU history for career receptions and yards.

• Steve Fullerwas a legendary Clemson quarterback, earning consensus All-American honors in 1978 and becoming the first Clemson player to win ACC Player of the Year honors twice (1977 and 1978), helping re-establish the Tigers as a national power. As mentioned earlier, Clemson also holds Deshaun Watson’s career in high regard for the number 4.

• Derek Carrset school and conference passing records at Fresno State. In his senior season, he won the Sammy Baugh Trophy and was named Mountain West Offensive Player of the Year.

• Charles Alexander:LSU running back, consensus All-American in 1977 and 1978, and fifth in 1978 Heisman voting. Later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
• Vic Hansonwas a phenomenal college athlete at Syracuse University in the 1920s, earning 9 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. As a basketball player, he was a three-time All-American (1925, 1926, and 1927) and was named theHelms Foundation Player of the Yearfor his senior season in 1927. He led the Syracuse basketball team to a 48-7 record over three varsity seasons, highlighted by the1925-26 team, which went 19-1 and was recognized as national championsby the Helms Foundation.
• Hanson holds the unique distinction of being the only person to be inducted into both theNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame(1960) and theCollege Football Hall of Fame(1973).
• Jason Hanson:Kicker and punter for Washington State, named a consensus All-American four times (1988–1991), considered one of the NCAA's most accurate kickers.
• Bert Metzger:Bertram "Bert" Metzger was a notable guard for theUniversity of Notre Dame Fighting Irish football teamfrom 1928 to 1930 under legendary coach Knute Rockne. Despite his relatively small stature, which earned him the nickname the "watch-charm guard," Metzger was an aggressive and highly effective player. His final two seasons, 1929 and 1930, saw the Fighting Irish achieve undefeated records and capturetwo recognized National Championships(1929 and 1930). Metzger's collegiate accolades include being named aFirst-team All-American in 1930, and his career was later honored with an induction into theCollege Football Hall of Fame in 1982.
• Ed Tryon:Versatile Colgate running back and quarterback, consensus All-American in 1925, and one of the school's most decorated players.
• Adam Walsh:Walsh was anAll-Americancenter and thecaptainof the 1924 University of Notre Dame football team under coach Knute Rockne. He anchored the offensive line, known as the "Seven Mules," who blocked for the legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield. The 1924 team completed an undefeated season, securing aNational Championshipwith a victory in the Rose Bowl. For his distinguished playing career, Walsh was laterinducted into the College Football Hall of Famein 1968 and was also named to the All-time Notre Dame Team.

Despite these legendary players, no Heisman winner has worn number 4.

• Jerry Jeudy(WR): A phenomenal wide receiver, National Champion, and first-round NFL draft pick who made big plays in #4.
• Jalen Milroe (Alabama):A recent standout QB who picked #4 for personal reasons (his birthday) and led Alabama to success.
• Eddie Jackson(S): A key defensive leader and playmaker during the championship era, earning All-American honors in #4.
• Mark Barron(S): A highly decorated safety and multiple national champion, also wore #4 during his impactful career.
• T.J. Yeldon- a solid running back who helped the Tide Roll to the 2012 National Championship.
• Brian Robinson Jr. (RB): Wore #4 during the 2021 season, a crucial year where he had a breakout year, rushing for nearly 900 yards.

So we have mentioned a couple of Fighting Irish legends who sported the number 4 on their jerseys in College Hall of Famers Bert Metzger and Adam Walsh, and recent stud Jeremiyah Love. Here is a short list of other outstanding Notre Dame alums who proudly wore the 4.

• Lee Becton- RB - 1991-94
• Kory Minor- LB - 1995-98
• Ryan Grant- RB - 2001-04

• Kirk Herbstreit(QB, 1990-93):A team MVP and captain, Herbstreit led the Buckeyes as starting QB in 1992 and became a prominent ESPN analyst.
• Kurt Coleman(S, 2006-09): An All-American, Big Ten First Team selection, and team captain, Coleman capped his career with a Rose Bowl win.
• Curtis Samuel(RB/WR, 2014-16): An All-American and All-Big Ten performer known for his versatility and big-play ability.
• Jeremiah Smith(WR, 2024-2025): A highly touted young receiver building a strong legacy early in his career.
• Jordan Fuller(S, 2016-18): A key defensive player, Fuller earned All-Big Ten honors and captained the team.
• Santonio Holmes(WR, 2003-05): A first-round NFL Draft pick who wore #4 during his impactful Buckeyes career.

In addition to the aforementioned Steve Walsh, here are some other Jersey number 4 Canes’ standouts.

• Devin Hesterwas a dynamic all-purpose player who earnedFirst-team All-Americanhonors in 2004 as a kick returner. He set a school record for return touchdowns in a season (4) and was namedFirst-team All-ACCas a kick returner in 2004.
• Earl Littlewas a safety for the Hurricanes who was signed as an undrafted free agent in 1997. Specific national or conference-wide college accolades are not widely listed for him; however, he was a defensive back for the program. (Note: His son, Earl Little Jr., played for Alabama and FSU.
• Rodney Bellingerwas a defensive back who was a key member of the Hurricanes' firstNational Championshipteam in 1983. He also earnedSecond-team All-South Independenthonors in 1983.
• Phillip Dorsettwas a speedy wide receiver who was namedSecond-team All-ACCin 2014 after recording 36 receptions for 871 yards (a remarkable 24.2 yards per reception average) and 10 touchdowns in his senior season. He finished his career with 2,132 receiving yards.
• Najeh Davenportwas a versatile running back and offensive captain who was a member of the2001 BCS National Championshipteam. He rushed for 830 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career and won the team's Unsung Hero Award in 2001 for his dedication.

1. Deshaun Watson (Clemson):Widely considered the best #4 ever, he led the Tigers to a National Championship with incredible stats and clutch performances.
2. Jeremiyah Loveof Notre Dame is a close second. Love collected plenty of hardware, including the Doak Walker Award and All-American accolades, and helped the Irish reach the National Championship game in the 2024 season, where they fell to Ohio State.
3. Terrence Newman’s dominance and accolades in the backend of the Kansas State secondary earn him the second spot among all-time number 4s.
4. Dalvin Cookedges out others for this spot due to his record-breaking performances and game-changing ability.
5. Champ Baileyclaimed his place among the top 4 through his versatility and impact on both sides of the ball.

Whether delivering a game-winning pass, breaking tackles on a run, or shutting down an opposing receiver, the top four—Deshaun Watson, Terence Newman, Dalvin Cook, and Champ Bailey—demonstrated why the number 4 holds such weight in college football lore. Their impact went beyond statistics—they were cultural icons, record-breakers, and pillars of championship teams. As new players step onto the field, only time will tell who is worthy to join this elite group, but the standard set by these athletes remains the benchmark for greatness.

Special thanks to the following sources: Sports-reference.com, Fox-Sports.com, NCAA.com, State of the U, One Foot Down, Tide1009.com

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.

In 1956, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Ken Venturi, and Harvie Ward played a memorable match that nearly nobody saw.

In 1987, John Elway engineered the 'Drive' on the road at Cleveland to advance to the Super Bowl.

In 1983, Edmonton’s Pat Hughes scored two short-handed goals in a span of 25 seconds, breaking a record set by Wayne Gretzky.

And in 1953, J. Edgar Hoover turned down a $100,000 offer to take over as chairman of the board of the International Boxing Club.

In 1980, newly hired LSU football coach Bo Rein died in a plane accident.

In 1982, San Francisco's Joe Montana found Dwight Clark in the back of the endzone for the winning touchdown to beat the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship.

In 1982, Cincinnati beat the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship game. The temperature at game time was minus 9 but with a sustained wind of 27 miles per hour, it made it feel like -59. It became known as the Freezer Bowl.

In 2004, Carolina Panthers QB Jake Delhomme found Steve Smith for the game winning touchdown against the St. Louis Rams.

In 1982, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors nearly came to blows in their tennis match.

In 1989, Wayne Gretzky assisted four goals as his LA Kings beat his former team, the Edmonton Oilers 5-4, and in the process, passed Gordie Howe on the NHL’s all-time points list.

This episode delves into the profound impact that pivotal mistakes in American football can have on players' lives, both on and off the field. We examine several notable blunders throughout history, including a heartbreaking moment involving the Baltimore Ravens' rookie kicker, whose misstep in a critical playoff game underscores the immense pressure faced by athletes. The narrative extends to a historical account from 1905, where a young player, Denny Clark, suffered devastating consequences after a game-changing error that ultimately led to his tragic demise decades later. Through this exploration, we seek to illuminate the psychological ramifications of such high-stakes moments and the importance of support systems for athletes navigating these challenges. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of the human element within the realm of competitive sports, emphasizing that while the stakes are high, the players are ultimately human and deserving of compassion and encouragement.

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.

The primary focus of this podcast episode is to delve into the illustrious history of the 1918 Naval Station Great Lakes Blue Jackets football team and its significant impact on the early development of professional football in the United States. As the backdrop of World War I unfolded, military bases across the nation began cultivating sports teams, with the Great Lakes Naval Station emerging as a particularly noteworthy example. Our guest, Dan Charesta, elucidates the compelling narrative surrounding this team, highlighting its connections to iconic figures such as George Halas and its role in the formation of the National Football League. Through a series of insightful discussions, we explore the intricate interplay between military service and sports, revealing how the fervor of service football helped galvanize a national passion for the game. We invite you to join us as we uncover the historical significance of this team and the legacy it left on American football.

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.