Sports History Network

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.

In 1971, Maryland beat #2 South Carolina in a slow down game.

In 1972, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Los Angeles Lakers to end their 33-game winning streak. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar outdueled Wilt Chamberlain.

In 1963, Cleveland Browns head coach Paul Brown was fired by owner Art Modell. Brown was a true innovator in the game and went on to start up and coach the Cincinnati Bengals.

In 2005, Minnesota's Randy Moss caught a touchdown pass and then fake mooned the fans at Lambeau field.

If you are a football fan, this weekend is one of the most important weekends of the year.

Along with the College Football semifinals taking place, there is also the Wildcard matchups in the NFL postseason.

Unlike in previous seasons, there is no clear cut favorite to reach Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX.

Yet what's really cool about this weekend in the NFL, the Playoff games are rematches of past postseason matchups. Some determined who reached the Super Bowl. We had one that was talked about for a week, not for this teams performance, but the peculiar absence of a certain star quarterback.

There is one matchup this weekend that is a rematch of one of the few postseason games in NFL history that went to double overtime. There is also a rematch of a championship game from the American Football League and a game between two football rabid fanbases whose team's matchup in the late 1970s brought about instant replay.

To contact the show, email us at [email protected].

In 2011, Seattle's Marshawn Lynch broke 8 tackles on his way to a touchdown. The roar from the crowd registered as a tremor on local seismic devices.

In 2000, the Tennessee Titans used the 'Home Run Throw Back' to pull off the Music City Miracle agains the Buffalo Bills.

In 2012, Tim Tebow hit Demaryius Thomas for the game winner against Pittsburgh on the first play of OT.

In 1955, Georgia Tech shocked the Kentucky Wildcats and snapped their 129 home winning streak.

In 1972, the NCAA ruled that freshmen could play basketball and football.

In 1984, the NCAA expanded the post-season basketball tournament to 64 teams.

In 1977, American Roscoe Tanner won his first and only tennis major, beating Argentina's Guillermo Vilas in straight sets in the finals of the Australian Open.

In 2017, the Nevada Wolfpack trailed by 19 with 4 1/2 to play, were down 14 with 1:04 left to tie it up and send it to OT and then win it 105-104.

In 2007, second ranked LSU beat #1 Ohio State 38-24 to win the National Championship. It was first time that a team with two losses won a title since 1960.

In 1980, the Philadelphia Flyers lost. It was their first loss since Oct. 13th. Between, the Flyers went 35 games without losing (25 wins, 10 ties).

In 1927, the Harlem Globetrotters played their first game.

In 1954, Fort Wayne Piston Jack Molinas played his final game. He was suspended and then banned for betting on basketball games, including games he played.

Darin and Ed closed out the regular season with a dramatic Week 18 and are now diving into their picks for the six matchups of Super Wild Card Weekend! But first let's look at the teams not in the playoffs...

The NFL playoffs are finally here! Wild Card Weekend is set, and while the excitement builds for the teams competing, our hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese took one final look back at the regular season to assess the teams that didn't make the cut.

In a spirited segment on the Pig Pen, Ed unveiled his Reverse Power Rankings—a prediction of the 18 non-playoff teams ranked by their likelihood of making the postseason by 2026.

Here’s a breakdown of the teams most likely to bounce back... and the ones that might be grounded for a while.

Ed’s rankings are not about the next five years; they are solely focused on the immediate future: How confident are we that this team can be in the playoffs by the 2026 season? (Note: Ed used 2026, which in the context of the transcript meant "next year" or "in two years").

Starting at the bottom, the future looks bleakest for a few franchises:

1. #18 New York Jets:Darin noted this Jet has been "grounded for a while." Ed sees a mess on the field, especially given the coaching issues, making them the least likely to turn things around quickly.
2. #17 Arizona Cardinals & #16 Tennessee Titans:Both teams face massive organizational turnover (coaching and likely quarterback changes), tough divisions, and a lack of strong roster depth.

This group is filled with teams that could just as easily be 6-11 as 9-8:

1. #15 Cleveland Browns:Despite a strong defense, their offensive uncertainty (due to the Deshaun Watson contract situation) keeps them firmly in the middle. Ed summed it up: "They're the Browns."
2. #14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers:This window feels like it's closing. Ed noted that after an early MVP conversation, Baker Mayfield settled back into his "average" cycle, and the overall roster talent isn't inspiring.
3. #12 Las Vegas Raiders:Surprisingly high on Ed’s list, he cited the addition of the first overall draft pick and the "ultimate winner" presence of the Tom Brady connection. Darin immediately disagreed, arguing they should be much lower, believing one player won't fix the underlying issues.
4. #11 Atlanta Falcons:The definition of "No Man's Land." The firing of Raheem Morris was shocking, especially since they were close to winning the division. However, Ed defended the move, citing poor clock management and a tendency to lose close games.

These teams have the foundational pieces—whether it’s a coach, a quarterback, or cap space—to compete immediately.

1. #10 New Orleans Saints:They finished the year strong, and with a first-year coach and a defense that improved, the foundation is set for a rise.
2. #9 Indianapolis Colts:Their season ended disappointingly, and the question marks surrounding Daniel Jones' Achilles injury dampen their outlook, forcing them to find another starting quarterback (likely Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard) for the start of the next season.
3. #8 Baltimore Ravens & #7 Cincinnati Bengals:The AFC North is complicated. Ed believes the Ravens are heading for a shake-up after moving on from Harbaugh, potentially leading to a "player dumping" and rebuild. The Bengals, despite their trenches being "in shambles," have the offensive core in Joe Burrow to bounce back quickly if the front office invests wisely.

The top tier includes the teams with the highest potential for a dramatic turnaround, proving that dropping out of the playoffs sometimes just means you were unlucky.

Rank

Team

Rationale

Darin/Ed Insight

#6

New York Giants

Ed predicts a potential "Patriot-like turnaround." Despite a 4-13 finish, they blew several winnable games. With a top-five pick and young talent like Malik Neighbors, they have the prestige and structure to attract a great new coach.

Darin wants Kevin Stefanski for his ability to handle young QBs and strong coordinator picks.

#5

Washington Commanders

Their ranking is based on the strong quarterback/offensive line situation. If Jayden Daniels can stay healthy, and if the new regime (like Dan Quinn) shifts to a slightly more traditional offense to protect him, they could easily jump back into the 9-11 win range.

Darin fears the dreaded "RG3 syndrome" due to Daniels' running style and injury risk.

#4

Dallas Cowboys

"This is just where they always are." The floor is high. Barring massive catastrophe, they are guaranteed to be in the mix for 8 to 10 wins, making them a perennial Wild Card contender.

Darin worries about their salary cap situation, with so much invested in a few players and looming contracts (like CD Lamb/George Pickens).

#3

Detroit Lions

They need better health luck (especially in the secondary and on the offensive line). The talent remains, and quarterback Jared Goff is a solid signal-caller. A few smart moves on defense and the O-line will put them right back in the thick of things.

They need to address their defensive and offensive line "shambles" to protect Goff and free up the running game.

#2

Kansas City Chiefs

A classic case of deferring to greatness. As long as Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are there, they have a chance. Ed assumes the organization will make the necessary personnel changes to help Mahomes, chalking this season up as a transition year.

Darin is skeptical, citing the AFC West's rising competitiveness (Denver, LA) which could make their path back difficult.

#1

Minnesota Vikings

Ed's Strongest Prediction: Ed believes Minnesota was the best team in the NFL this year that didn’t make the playoffs. Their defense was arguably the best in the league by the end of the year, but the quarterback situation was a "nightmare." With Kevin O'Connell as a great coach, Ed confidently stated: "Minnesota Vikings will be in the playoffs in 2026."

Finally, after a roller-coaster season that saw the lead change multiple times, Darin clinched the regular-season pick title by a hair!

Final Regular Season Score:

1. Darin Hayes: 85
2. Ed Kleese: 84

With the regular season settled, the attention now turns to the Wild Card matchups! Be sure to tune in for our full breakdown and predictions for the NFL Playoffs!

Jets fans, maybe fast forward to 2027... or 2047.

For the playoffs, each host picks the winner of the game (1 point) and offers one bold prediction (1 point). A maximum of 2 points is available per person per game, totaling 12 potential points for the week.

Matchup

Pick

Host

Bold Prediction

Rams at Panthers (Sat PM)

Rams

Ed

Rams win by 13 or more. (Total Chalk)

Rams

Darin

LA is going +2 in the turnover department.

Packers at Bears (Sat Night)

Packers (Upset)

Ed

Packers hit a field goal with 60 seconds or less or overtime to win.

Bears

Darin

Caleb to Roma Duzay connection results in two touchdowns.

Matchup

Pick

Host

Bold Prediction

Bills at Jaguars (Sun Early)

Bills

Ed

Josh Allen magic with four or more combined touchdowns.

Bills

Darin

Both Trevor Lawrence and Josh Allen will score at least one rushing and one passing touchdown.

49ers at Eagles (Sun Mid)

49ers (Upset)

Ed

Christian McCaffrey to have 125 or more combined yards.

49ers

Darin

Purdy will finish the game with a 100+ QBR.

Chargers at Patriots (Sun Night)

Chargers (Upset)

Ed

Justin Herbert wins it for the Chargers by outplaying May.

Patriots

Darin

Drake May for four scores in this game.

Matchup

Pick

Host

Bold Prediction

Steelers at Texans (Mon Night)

Texans

Ed

Texans defense holds the Steelers to 17 or fewer points.

Steelers (Homer Pick)

Darin

A Boswell kick is going to make the difference in this game.

Darin survived a "heart attack" watching the end of the Ravens game and is looking forward to the eight games on tap this weekend. Ed wishes the Steelers luck, despite picking against them!

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 Sky Hook is arguably the most famous shot in NBA history. But how did Kareem Abdul-Jabber learn it in the first place? That is our story for today.

CREDITS

Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice

Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher

MUSIC

"Funky Retro Funk [Funk Music]" by Mokka Music

"Horizons" by Roa

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BUSINESS CONTACT

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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

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)

In 1950, Ben Hogan played his first competitive round after his near fatal car crash 11-months prior.

In 1961, Arnold Palmer carded a 12 on a par 4.

In 2014, Florida State erased an 18-point deficit to beat Auburn and win the BCS Championship.

In 2018, Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariotta caught his own pass and scored a touchdown to help beat the Kansas City Chiefs.

In 1991, Nancy Kerrigan was assaulted by Shane Stant as she completed a practice session in Detroit ahead of the US Championships.

In 1951, the Indianapolis Olympians and the Rochester Royals played 6 overtime periods before a winner could be determined. It was the longest game in NBA history. Final score 75-73.

Tim's original Tidbit was the basis of this discussion titled: Before Uniforms Were Uniform - https://www.footballarchaeology.com/p/todays-tidbit-before-uniforms-were

When you watch a football game today, one of the first things that captures your attention is the perfect, spectacular array of colors and matching uniforms. Every player is perfectly dressed to script, creating an immediate visual identity for the team. But travel back a century, before the roar of World War I, and this uniformity simply didn't exist.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with football historian Timothy P. Brown of footballarchaeology.com to explore this forgotten chapter of the game, which he calls the era “Before Uniforms Were Uniform.”

Brown highlights that the contrast between then and now largely boils down to socio-economic circumstances. A hundred years ago, wealth and possessions were scarce. Many people owned one nice suit and a set of work clothes. This financial reality transferred directly onto the gridiron. While elite programs like Harvard and Yale could afford to outfit their players in matching red or blue stocking caps and hose, the reality for the majority of teams was drastically different.

Especially in small towns, the high school team was often just a group of kids coached by a faculty member. The school itself provided no equipment or uniforms. Instead, players were responsible for supplying their own gear—if you brought your own pencil to school, you brought your own jersey to the game.

The resulting team photos from this era are a historian’s delight. They show players wearing a disparate collection of hand-me-down pants, mismatched sweaters, borrowed nose guards, and even crude, homemade shoulder pads sewn right onto the exterior of a jersey. If the school color was red, a player might borrow a brother’s red sweater, but the goal of uniformity was often an impossible standard to meet.

This lack of standardization wasn't limited to small-town football. Even major programs struggled. Brown cites a 1916 Ohio State team photo where some players wore the "cool new" friction-strip jerseys, while second and third-stringers sported the old, non-matching gear. Budgets simply didn't allow for an entire inventory replacement all at once.

This extended to early professional football as well. It was common for players on teams like the Franklin All-Stars to simply wear their college sweaters—adorned with the logos of their alma maters—to professional games. The idea of distinct home and away jerseys also didn't take hold until the 1950s, when the rise of black-and-white television forced teams to adopt contrasting colors so viewers could tell them apart.

Today, we take perfectly matched uniforms for granted, but reflecting on this era offers a profound appreciation for the players of yesteryear. They were a generation that played hard with the little they had, demonstrating grit that truly cemented their place in football history.

To explore more fascinating tidbits and forgotten history of the gridiron, visit Timothy P. Brown’s work at footballarchaeology.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.