Sports History Network

The episode elucidates the evolution of American football from a perilous spectacle marked by violence to a more regulated and strategic sport. At the turn of the 20th century, the game was characterized by brutal tactics, including the infamous flying wedge and deceptive plays such as the hidden ball trick, which contributed to a staggering number of injuries and fatalities. In 1905, this alarming trend prompted intervention from President Theodore Roosevelt, who insisted on reforms to enhance player safety and preserve the sport's viability. The ensuing changes, including the legalization of the forward pass and the establishment of a neutral zone, fundamentally transformed the game, reducing its inherent dangers. As we explore these historical developments, we reflect on how the legacy of that tumultuous era continues to shape the modern game, reminding us of the delicate balance between athleticism and safety.

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American football, a sport often romanticized for its athleticism and camaraderie, has undergone profound transformations since its inception. At the turn of the 20th century, however, the game was characterized by an alarming level of brutality that led to widespread fatalities and injuries. In a vivid exploration, the discussion delves into the harrowing realities of American football circa 1905, where players faced grave risks on the field. The episode highlights how the sport's violent nature drew comparisons to bullfighting and prize fighting, with coaches encouraging dangerous tactics even in the face of established safety protocols. The historical context is set against the backdrop of a national outcry that ultimately caught the attention of President Theodore Roosevelt, who, recognizing the sport's perilous trajectory, called for reform to safeguard players and preserve the game itself.

A pivotal moment in the narrative is the introduction of now-banned plays such as the infamous flying wedge and the hidden ball trick, which epitomized the perilous blend of deception and brute force that defined the era. The flying wedge, conceived as a military maneuver, resulted in devastating collisions that left numerous players injured. This discussion not only examines these treacherous tactics but also provides insight into the evolution of football rules and the cultural implications of a sport that teetered on the brink of extinction. By recounting the events that led to significant reforms, including the legalization of the forward pass, the conversation underscores the delicate balance between the sport's inherent violence and the necessity for player safety, culminating in a more strategic and less hazardous game.

In 1935, Notre Dame scored twice in the final two minutes to beat Ohio State 18-13.

In 2016, the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.

In 1990, Golden State and Denver combined to score 320 points. It's the most in an NBA game that ended in regulation.

In 2002, Manchester United's Diego Forlan scored and then ripped his shirt off to celebrate. he had trouble re-dressing and it led to FIFA ruling that shirtless celebrations henceforth would result in a yellow card.

In 1988, a San Francisco radio station reported the boxer Mike Tyson had been killed in a car accident. It was a Mexican version of an April Fool's Day joke.

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In Part 2 of our episode on 1975 in sports we talk about football, basketball, and hockey. Roger Staubach, Mean Joe Greene, Bobby Clarke, Rick Barry, Bob McAdoo, John Wooden, and many more!

Loose Balls: The Short, Wild, Life of the American Basketball Association

Dynasty Restored: How Larry Bird and the 1984 Celtics Conquered the NBA and Changed Basketball

The Champions of Philadelphia: The Greatest Eagles, Phillies, Sixers, and Flyers Teams

Hell with the Lid Off: Inside the Fierce Rivalry between the 1970s Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers

Vikings in the Playoffs: The Golden Era Under Bud Grant, 1968-1977

Madness: The Ten Most Memorable NCAA Basketball Finals

The Last Headbangers: NFL Football in the Rowdy, Reckless '70s

The Ones Who Hit the Hardest: The Steelers, the Cowboys, the '70s, and the Fight for America's Soul

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

Pro Football in the 1970s is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sport's Yesteryear.

JOE ZAGORSKI'S BOOKS ON AMAZON

From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: The Football Journey of Hall of Famer Larry Little

Free Spirit at Free Safety: The Incredible (But True!) Football Journey of Bill Bradley

The 2,003-Yard Odyssey: The Juice, The Electric Company, and an Epic Run For A Record

America's Trailblazing Middle Linebacker: The Story of NFL Hall of Famer Willie Lanier

The Year the Packers Came Back: The 1972 Resurgence

The NFL in the 1970s: Pro Football's Most Important Decade

EPISODE SUMMARY

CHECK OUT THE NFL IN THE 1970S FACEBOOK PAGE

CHECK OUT JOE'S WEBSITE - JOE ZAGORSKI WRITER

As many of you may know, I recently wrote a book about Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame offensive guard Larry Little.  In today’s podcast episode, we will take a brief look at his pro football career.  My book is entitled From the Outhouse to the Penthouse: The Football Journey of Hall of Famer Larry Little.  It’s an aptly titled book, because when he first began playing organized football, practically nobody would have expected him to make it as far as he did in the annals of the sport......

Read the entire episode blog post and check out some other cool info regarding this episode here.

PRO FOOTBALL IN THE 1970S BACKGROUND

Reliving Gridiron Glory: Pro Football in the 1970s with Joe Zagorski

Professional football is one of the most exciting spectator sports in America. The decade of the 1970s saw the sport grow by leaps and bounds, thanks mostly to exciting players who quickly became icons.  NFL players such as Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, O.J.Simpson, Terry Bradshaw, “Mean” Joe Greene and Fran Tarkenton are still considered household names today.

During the 1970s, the growing millions of pro football fans also witnessed numerous exciting games and plays, many of which are still remembered and discussed today.  Plays like Franco Harris’ Immaculate Reception in 1972, or the original Hail Mary Pass in 1975, or the Sea of Hands game in 1974, or the Ghost to the Post game in 1977…so many memories, and all during one of the greatest decades in NFL history.

Joe Zagorski’s Pro Football in the 1970s podcast explores all the great memories that occurred in the NFL during that memorable decade.  Each segment will tackle a specific event or player in the NFL during the 1970s.  Each episode will also include a trivia question from some aspect of that particular episode’s theme or topic. 

Joe Zagorski’s Pro Football in the 1970s podcast takes listeners back to a time of old school pro football, where the game might have been simpler in the form of strategy, but it was also more pure and more robust than it had ever been before.  Practically everything that happened during that decade on pro gridirons gets attention in this podcast. 

In 2012, former MLB pitcher Pascual Perez was found dead after a home invasion.

In 2005, the New Orleans Hornets opened their season in Oklahoma City. What happened on this day and the next two years led to the move of the Sonics to OKC.

In 2015, Drew Brees threw for an NFL record tying 7 TDs while Eli Manning threw 6 TDs, 0 Ints.

In 1964, George Blanda set an AFL record with 68 pass attempts.

In 1924, the Lafayette Leopards became the first team to ever use a huddle to call plays in a football game.

In 1938, Seabiscuit beat War Admiral to win the most famous Match Race.

This episode’s special guest is one of the greatest returners in NFL history: Rick Upchurch. Drafted by the Denver Broncos in the fourth round of the 1975 NFL Draft, he is one of the few people who have been named to TWO all-decade teams. He led the league three times in punt yards per return AND in punt returns for touchdowns. He was named to four Pro Bowls, has been inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame and was named to the Denver Broncos 50th Anniversary team. He is currently ranked 11th all-time in punt return yards for a career. When he retired, he was first all-time ahead of Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.

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

In 1987, the Indianapolis Colts pulled off a 3 team, 10 player trade to land Eric Dickerson.

In 1959, LSU's Billy Cannon returned a punt 89-yards for a touchdown that turned out to be the game winner in a 7-3 win over Ole Miss.

In 1950, Earl ‘Big Cat’ Lloyd became the first black player to play in an NBA game.

In 1993, Greg Norman coughed up a lead on the back nine on Sunday at the PGA Tour Championship to gift Jim Gallagher his third win of the year.

In 1994, Serena Williams made her professional tennis debut.

In or around this day in 1935, Montreal Maroons player Herb Cain was nearly killed during a practice.

In 1897, University of Georgia football player Richard von Gammon died after suffering an injury during a game. It nearly led to college football being outlawed.

In 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fought for the Heavyweight title in Kinshasa, Zaire in 'The Rumble in the Jungle.'

In 1954, , the NBA used a 24 second shot clock for the first time and the first game that used it featured the Boston Celtics playing the Rochester Royals.

In 1963, a fight during an NHL game led to a needed change.

In 2013, the Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosted the Re/Max Long Drive Championship in a winner-take-all event.

Week eight of the National Football League has concluded, and as we approach week nine, our focus sharpens on the forthcoming matchups and the implications they carry. This episode features the esteemed Ed Cleese, who joins us to engage in the formulation of our audacious predictions for the impending week. Our discourse encompasses a range of topics, including reflections on the peculiarities of week eight, where most contests were characterized by significant score differentials, thus prompting a deeper analysis of team performances and coaching strategies. We delve into the various narratives shaping the league, from the alarming state of certain franchises to the potential resurgence of others, all while maintaining a serious tone devoid of levity. Join us as we navigate through the complexities of the NFL landscape, offering insights and forecasts that aim to elucidate the trajectory of the season ahead.

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 1985, Chicago's Michael Jordan injured his left foot.

In 1999, it was a somber day on the PGA tour. This was the first round after Payne Stewart's plane crash on Monday.

In 2023, Christian McCaffrey scored a touchdown for the 17th consecutive game. That tied him with Hall of Famer Lenny Moore.

In 1921, tiny Centre College beat Harvard 6-0 in one of the all-time great college football upsets.