Sports History Network

In 1953, a first half injury to Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham led to the first face mask being added to a helmet at halftime so he could play the second half.

In 1992, Alan Kulwicki nursed his car around Atlanta Motor Speedway to win the points championship by the slimmest of margins.

In 1960, Elgin Baylor scored 71 in the nightcap of an NBA doubleheader at Madison Square Garden.

In 1991, PGA Tour player Andy Bean holed his third shot on a 653 yard, par 6 for the longest ever double eagle in a PGA Tour event.

In 2009, LPGA Tour player Michelle Wie won her first tournament.

In 2004, Monday Night Football got off to a steamy start when Philadelphia Eagles star Terrell Owens and 'Desperate Housewives' actress Nicole Sheridan met in a steamy locker room scene.

In 1970, the plane carrying Marshall's football crashed short of the runway, killing all 75 aboard.

In 1988, the plane carrying Davis Love, Jr, and three others crashed short of the Jacksonville, FL airport, killing all aboard.

In 1899, the Sewanee football team completed a tour of playing five games in six days. They won all of them and did not allow a single point to be scored on them.

In 2012, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit an unreal bicycle kick in a international friendly between his Swedish National Team and England.

Here's the video of Zlatan's goal if you'd like to watch:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RM_5tJncHww

The Pigskin Daily History Dispatch embarks on an exploration of the illustrious Pigskin Parade, a celebrated series that first graced the pages of local newspapers in 1939, chronicling the rich tapestry of American football history. We delve into the origins of football, tracing its roots back to the 19th century when the game began to flourish in the United States, notably marked by the inaugural intercollegiate game between Princeton and Rutgers on November 6, 1869. Through a meticulous examination of the early rules and the evolution of gameplay, we uncover how the sport transitioned from its rudimentary beginnings to the structured game we appreciate today. This episode pays homage to the artistry and scholarship behind the Pigskin Parade, aiming to reinvigorate its legacy while enriching our understanding of football's historical context. Join us as we celebrate the game we cherish, illuminating its past with both reverence and insight.

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 1994, Michael Schumacher beat Damon Hill by one point to win the Formula One.

In 1977, Houston Oilers Head Coach Bum Phillips said Oakland's Ray Guy had to be puttiing helium in the football.

In 1967, Indiana Pacer Jerry Harkness hit the longest shot in professional basketball history.

In 1947, Wataru Misaka became the first person of color to play professional basketball.

In 1979, Daryl Dawkins broke his first backboard.

As we navigate the eleventh week of the 2025 NFL season, our discourse centers on the myriad complexities inherent in the league's performance dynamics. Ed Kleese joins me to impart our audacious predictions, an endeavor that seeks to elucidate the evolving narratives of the teams vying for playoff contention. Throughout our dialogue, we examine the often underestimated tenacity of struggling teams, highlighting their potential to disrupt expectations even in adversity. This episode of the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch serves as a repository of football insights, intertwining historical contexts with contemporary analysis, as we reflect on the intricate tapestry of American football. Join us in our exploration of these themes, as we endeavor to offer a deeper understanding of the sport we hold dear.

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.

Takeaways:

• In the midst of the 2025 NFL season, our discussions focus on predicting key outcomes, especially leading into Week 11.
• We emphasize the relentless nature of professional football players, who continue to strive for excellence despite challenging seasons.
• The dynamics of team morale and performance are examined, particularly when addressing teams that appear to have little to play for.
• We find that the competitive spirit remains alive within every player, motivating them to perform regardless of their team's standings.

The Milwaukee Bucks joined the NBA in 1968, and three years later they were the world champions. Led by Head Coach Larry Costello, the team featured two of the sport's all time greats in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson

Author Jordan Treske joins the podcast to discuss his book on the team: Building the Milwaukee Bucks: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson and the Rapid Rise of an NBA Franchise, 1968-1975.

Hello Old Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear. Contact the show at [email protected] and find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HelloOldSports

In 2016, Pitt beat #2 Clemson in Death Valley, coming up with a goal line interception, stopping them on a late 4th and 1, and getting a game winning 48-yard FG.

In 1892, Pudge Heffelfinger became the first professional football player.

In 1990, Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Buddy Ryan promised to put Washington Redskins in body bags in their MNF matchup. Nine Washington players were injured in a 28-14 win.

In 1988, Esa Tikkanen scored two short-handed goals 12 seconds apart, the fastest two such goals were scored in NHL history.

In 1920, Major League Baseball owners named Kenessaw Mountain Landis as commissioner.

The Official PFRA Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

LINKS

The Official PFRA Podcast Website

The Professional Football Researchers Association Website

EPISODE SUMMARY

Author of "Green Gridirons" Philip J. Lowry joins the podcast.

THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST BACKGROUND

The Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) was founded in Canton, Ohio in 1979 to foster the study of professional football as a significant and athletic institution; to establish an accurate historical account of professional football; and to disseminate research information. In each episode of The Official PFRA Podcast, co-hosts George Bozeka and Jon Bozeka will discuss the storied history of pro football, including interviews with prominent pro football historians and authors, and former players.

Born in Canton within walking distance of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, George is the current President of the PFRA. He has had a number of articles published in the PFRA’s official magazine The Coffin Corner and he is the lead editor for the PFRA’s Great Teams in Pro Football History book series.

Jon has been a radio broadcaster in the Canton area since 2014. He has been involved in every facet of radio sports coverage including play-by-play and color commentary for local high school and college football broadcasts. He is also a stringer for CBS Radio’s Eye on Sports show covering all Cleveland Browns Sunday home games.

The Official PFRA Podcast is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

LINKS

The Official PFRA Podcast Website

The Professional Football Researchers Association Website

EPISODE SUMMARY

Chris joins the Pod to discuss his book "The Man Who Built the National Football League: Joe F. Carr" - Listen to his discussion with Jon & George here.

THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST BACKGROUND

The Professional Football Researchers Association (PFRA) was founded in Canton, Ohio in 1979 to foster the study of professional football as a significant and athletic institution; to establish an accurate historical account of professional football; and to disseminate research information. In each episode of The Official PFRA Podcast, co-hosts George Bozeka and Jon Bozeka will discuss the storied history of pro football, including interviews with prominent pro football historians and authors, and former players.

Born in Canton within walking distance of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, George is the current President of the PFRA. He has had a number of articles published in the PFRA’s official magazine The Coffin Corner and he is the lead editor for the PFRA’s Great Teams in Pro Football History book series.

Jon has been a radio broadcaster in the Canton area since 2014. He has been involved in every facet of radio sports coverage including play-by-play and color commentary for local high school and college football broadcasts. He is also a stringer for CBS Radio’s Eye on Sports show covering all Cleveland Browns Sunday home games.

November 12th holds a significant place in the annals of professional football history, particularly within the context of Pittsburgh's rich football heritage. On this day, we commemorate the inception of professional football, marked by the remarkable achievement of William "Pudge" Heffelfinger, who became the first paid professional football player in 1892. Additionally, we reflect on the birthdays of notable figures such as Jack Butler, a Hall of Fame defensive back for the Steelers, born on this date in 1927, whose legacy continues to influence the game. Moreover, we explore the inaugural home game of the Steelers in 1933, which coincided with the repeal of the blue laws, a pivotal moment that allowed the NFL to flourish on Sundays. Join us as we delve into these historical milestones, celebrating the profound impact of November 12th on the fabric of Pittsburgh football and the broader landscape of the sport.

Pittsburgh Steelers Historian and Collector Ryan Minnigh of the 304 Collectors Corner Substack joins us to tell the story. Find more of Ryan's work and collection at: r or on X.com as  ⁨@304collectorcorner3⁩ 

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.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pigskindispatch.com
• 304collectorscorner.com