Sports History Network

The discourse herein elucidates a fascinating historical evolution within the realm of football, particularly emphasizing the substantial size of footballs in the sport's nascent stages. Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology provides an in-depth exploration of the transition from the original 30-inch circumference balls to their modern counterparts, underscoring how the sport's early practitioners grappled with the challenges posed by such unwieldy equipment. As we delve into the intricacies of this subject, we uncover not only the practical implications of ball size on gameplay but also the broader historical context that facilitated the sport's evolution. Throughout this episode, we further investigate the interplay between football and rugby, illuminating how the American version of the game emerged and adapted over time. We invite our listeners to join us in this comprehensive examination of football's storied past, as we reflect on the remarkable journey that has led to the contemporary understanding of the game.

Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology joins us for the reasons and the history of the size changes based on his recent Tidbit titled: When Football Had Bigger Balls

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.

Historically Speaking Sports co hosts Dana Auguster and Charles Combs are both natives of Louisiana and also the southern part of the United States where college football is more than just a sport. On Saturdays in the fall it is the south's secular religion.

In this edition of this podcast, Dana and Charles highlight teams they they consider the best college football teams they had ever seen.

The teams that are highlighted are some of the best college football teams ever. Most won championships. Some came close to winning. A couple won despite of on and off the field controversy. One team made the list that had two losses on the season but in the process had a Heisman Trophy winner and rewrote the NCAA offensive record books.

Later in the show we will send a Shout Out to pair of coaches that were major parts of the college football landscape and had some of the best players and some championship season but for whatever reason, they both had fallen through the cracks of sports history.

We have all that and more coming up on this all new edition of the Historically Speaking Sports Podcast.

To contact the show you could drop us an e-mail at [email protected].

In 1968, Dick Fosbury revolutionized high jumping when he introduced his new technique to the world.

In 1992, it was a triple play that wasn't in a World Series game.

In 2002, Jeff Wilkins kicked the last point as a barefoot kicker ... or did he?

Pat Summerall and John Madden revolutionized the broadcasting of NFL games, creating a partnership that transformed the viewer experience and brought a renewed joy to watching football. In this episode, we engage in a profound discussion with author Rich Podolsky, who has penned a compelling book detailing the remarkable journey of this iconic duo. Podolsky shares insights into their dynamic collaboration, which spanned over two decades, and highlights the profound impact they had on the landscape of sports broadcasting. As we delve into the intricacies of their professional relationship, we explore how their contrasting styles complemented one another, resulting in an unparalleled synergy that captivated audiences. We invite you to join us as we reflect on the legacies of Madden and Summerall, and the enduring influence they continue to exert on the world of sports commentary.

Author Rich Podolsky, a former CBS Exec, joins us to tell the tale in his new book: Madden & Summerall: How They Revolutionized NFL Broadcasting. Check out our post on this at: Boom: Madden and Summerall

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 1935, Alabama's Bear Bryant played against the Tennessee Vols with a broken leg. He caught four passes for 87 yards.

In 1987, George Steinbrenner hired Billy Martin to manage the Yankees for the fifth time.

In 2006, the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets played a memorable NLCS game 7.

In 1981, the LA Dodgers beat the Montreal Expos to advance to the World Series.

In 1972, the first esports tournament was held.

Under the Radar is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

UNDER THE RADAR BACKGROUND

Under the Radar: Olympic Athletes Ya Gotta Meet is a podcast dedicated to highlighting the stories of unsung Olympic athletes past and future who are little-known and yet well worth getting to know. True to the Olympic spirit, these athletes have either demonstrated their heroism in past Games or have a chance to shine in future ones. Your host is Doug Levy, a retired sportswriter, reporter, lobbyist, and business owner who brings his love for all things Olympic Games to each podcast.

Every month, Doug will help you learn about athletes who competed just outside the limelight – or have yet to bask in the media spotlight. Each episode will feature an interview with athletes about the Olympic Games journey they took or the Olympic Games story they hope to write. So, sit back and learn about some competitors that NBC-TV and the mainstream media either never really discovered -- or have yet to uncover.

HOST - DOUG LEVY

Doug Levy is a lover of all things sports with a special affinity for the magic that comes come with every rendition of Summer and Winter Olympic Games. A 1984 University of Oregon graduate, he began his career as a sportswriter and columnist, news reporter, and political reporter for two daily newspapers in Washington State. He then spent 35 years in government affairs and politics, including 25 years owning/operating his lobbying business.

After retiring from lobbying at the end of 2022, Doug returned to his roots and spent two years of research, interviews, and writing for his first book, “Hero Redefined: Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar.” The book was published in late January 2025 and has earned words of praise from Olympic athletes and sports luminaries such as Sebastian Coe, Frank Shorter, Mac Wilkins, Mitch Gaylord, Willie Banks, and the President of the Golden State Warriors, Brandon Schneider. Doug lives just outside of Seattle, Wash., with his wife of nearly 40 years, Teri, and their dog Riley. They have two sons, Zach, 33, and Cody, 30. To learn more about Doug, visit www.authordouglevy.com

HERO REDEFINED: PROFILES OF OLYMPIC ATHLETES UNDER THE RADAR (Amazon link)

In 1924, Red Grange scored four touchdowns in the first 12 minutes of a game against Michigan. He ended up with 400+ all-purpose yards, 5 TDs himself and he also threw one.

Doug Villhard, the author of 'The Golden Age of Red: A Novel of Red Grange, the Galloping Ghost' joins me for a longer discussion about Red's amazing accomplishments.

In 1974, Nate Thurmond became the first NBA player to record a triple-double.

And in 1977, it was the birth of Mr. October as Reggie Jackson hit three homeruns in the decisive game of the '77 World Series.

In 1987, the Auburn Tigers scored twice in a span of 24 seconds to stun Georgia Tech.

In 2015, Michigan State recovered a muffed punt and ran it in for touchdown to quiet the Big House.

In 1998, the decimated Temple Owls shocked the Virginia Tech Hokies.

In 1989, prior to game three of the World Series between Oakland and San Francisco, the earth shook.

In 1968, Sweden’s Hans Gunnar Liljenwall became the first athlete to ever be disqualified from the Olympics for doping.

Mentioned in this episode:

Stirling Roastery - This DiSH

Football Is Family is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Your Favorite Sports' Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Today talk to author Ken Belson about his book Every Day is Sunday. Ken is very knowledgeable about the topic of the business of sports, and it is very obvious in our discussion and in his book. I hope you enjoy this interview as much as I did.

Amazon.com : ken belson

ABOUT FOOTBALL IS FAMILY

Do you bleed your favorite football team’s colors each weekend? Does the difference of a W or L in the box score dictate how you respond for the rest of the week? Or do most of your conversations with your family and friends revolve around your favorite football team?

If you answered yes to any (or maybe all) of these questions, then you are in the right place. The host of this podcast truly believes that “Football Is Family” and he is on a mission to share the stories of other fans out there sharing how they have been touched by the greatest sport on Earth. Listen below to the trailer and learn more about the host and show.

HOST - JEREMY MCFARLIN

Growing up in Middle Tennessee, I didn’t have a pro football team that was close enough to me to feel a part of. My first memory of pro football was Super Bowl 22. I picked the Broncos to win, and, even though they didn’t win, I followed them from that point on.

John Elway was (and is) my favorite player. I have played as the Broncos on Tecmo Bowl, Tecmo Bowl Super Bowl, Madden, and 2K Sports. I fondly remember the moments when the Broncos won Super Bowls 32 and 33.

Around this time, the Oilers came to Tennessee. I was hooked. I finally had a team just down the road from my hometown of Bon Aqua. Oiler (and later Titans) mania hit this area. Jerseys, hats, footballs, merchandise, and several autographs later, I’m a Titans fan through and through.

It’s the dedication, the love, and the passion for football that helps me realize that football is family. Each fan base has a story, a history, and a love for their team. That’s what I want to talk about each and every podcast.

You can follow me @jeremy_mcfarlin. Message me if you want to share your reasons why your football team is family.

In 2006, Chicago mounted a comeback against Arizona despite six turnovers and zero offensive touchdowns.

In 1969, the New York Mets won the World Series.

In 1968, Tommie Smith and John Carlos stood atop the medal podium with an iconic show of defiance.

In 1976, Abilene Christian’s Ove Johansson kicked the longest field goal in college football history.

In 1964, the Boston Patriots and the Oakland Raiders played to a 43-43 tie at Fenway Park. That's the highest scoring tie in NFL history.