Footballs come in all shapes and sizes, but are you aware that at one point, they made unique balls for passers who were either left- or right-handed? Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology visits us in this episode to share the story of the righty and southpaw editions of the pigskin. If you love the football talk on history and evolution, then …

The Giants entered the 1941 season with high expectations and the war drums sounded in the distance. A seasoned crew of Big Blue assembled for one last run together in the hopes of bringing another NFL title to the Big Apple. The season was memorable for many reasons and we preserve it here. We dedicate this episode, part 29 of our NYG-100 celebrat…

The Giants entered the 1939 season with high expectations. The team was led by the innovative coaching of Steve Owen, who was known for his strategic defensive schemes. The roster featured several key players, including Tuffy Leemans, a dynamic running back whose versatility and skill were pivotal to the team’s success. The season was memorable for…

Today, we're taking you on a journey back in time to the hallowed ground of American football. Imagine a field where the echoes of legendary plays still linger in the air, where the grass has witnessed the birth of gridiron strategies, and where the very soul of the game seems to permeate the soil. Wesleyan's Andrus Field is the oldest football fie…

In the rich tapestry of American football, where strategy and athleticism intertwine, there are moments when innovation pushes the boundaries of the game. One such instance is the gadget play known as the "Helmet Toss," a daring maneuver that once captivated audiences with its audacious flair. Introduced in the early days of the college game, the p…

By Darin Hayes

In a time when football was a brutal, almost barbaric spectacle, a new era dawned. A place where the game would be redefined, where legends would be born. Harvard Stadium was constructed to last, and it changed the field venues and stadium designs that had been around prior. Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com joins us to share the history of …

In the annals of New York Giants football, few names command as much respect and admiration as Ward Cuff. A titan of his era, Cuff was more than just a player; he was a legend. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary life and career of this gridiron great. From his humble beginnings to his iconic moments on the field, we'll uncover the story of …

What if the biggest rivalry in college football wasn't Alabama vs. Ohio State? What if it was Yale vs. Georgia? Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology takes us back a century when these two programs were on par on the gridiron, and it was a Bulldog v. Bulldog matchup. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even…

Ed Danowski, a name often overlooked in the annals of football history, was pivotal in shaping the quarterback position. His tenure with the New York Giants during the 1930s was marked by exceptional skill and leadership that continues to inspire football enthusiasts. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see eve…

Calling all football fanatics! This episode tackles a fascinating topic: the history behind the referee's signal indicating a football is ready for play. We're thrilled to have Gridiron historian and Author Tim Brown join us as he shares his insights and experiences in the field. Together, we'll delve into the evolution of the "ready for play" sign…

Tuffy Leemans - sure, the name might conjure up images of a giant lineman, but this New York Giants legend packed a punch in a smaller package. Today on the podcast, we're going behind the helmet of Tuffy Leemans, exploring his rise from Nebraska to the NFL and his lasting impact on Big Blue. Forget the stereotypes; fullback Tuffy Leemans was a for…

Welcome to another exciting Tuesday where we get to go back in time and talk about an aspect of football history that may not be mainstream but is definitely worth the listen and education that we're going to get with Timothy Brown of FootballArcheology.com. This week, Tim tells us about the evolution of the sideline rules and of eligible receivers…

"The Sneakers game" is what this National Football League Championship game has been fondly branded as. This was a rematch of the two teams that played in the 1933 League Championship contest, the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Si…

Which NFL division boasts the most Lombardi trophies? We reveal the champions of the Super Bowl stage and dive into the fierce rivalries that forged this dynasty. From legendary quarterbacks to unforgettable playoff battles, this video explores the rich history and dominance of the division that's consistently sent teams to the big game. Who are th…

Former Lions legend and Steelers Coaching icon Dick LeBeau joins us for a one-on-one interview in the PigPen! This isn't just any conversation - Coach LeBeau dives deep into his incredible career, from his days as a shutdown cornerback to his legendary coaching tenure, including his two Super Bowl victories with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Coach is pr…

Have you ever stopped to think about the iconic flip-down markers used to signal first downs in football? Today on the podcast, we delve into the fascinating history of this sideline staple with special guest historian Timothy Brown! Tim's original Tidbit that is the center of this discussion can be found at: Col. Roy C. Baker And The Flip-Style Do…

Jump back in time with us and relive the exciting New York Giants' 1933 season! This year was a pivotal point for both the Giants and the NFL. We'll delve into: The key acquisitions that fueled the Giants' turnaround, including quarterback Harry Newman's record-breaking performance. The team's dominant run, including a record-setting blowout victor…

The 1st 25 years of the #nfl were filled with single-platoon football, where players played on both sides of the ball, seldom, if ever, leaving the game. Historian Chris Willis has written a book ranking the top 100 of the stars from this almost forgotten era of the pro gridiron and joins us to talk about "The NFL's 60-Minute Men." You can order a …

Ever wondered when paper cups became a staple on the sidelines of American football games? The answer, like most things in football history, is far more interesting than you might think. Today, we're joined by Timothy Brown, the Indiana Jones of pigskin history, to explore the forgotten tale of paper cups on the gridiron. We'll delve into their sur…

Red Badgro's career, though short-lived, left an undeniable mark on the NFL. He was a dominant two-way player, a champion, and a pioneer in the league's early years. While his name may not resonate with contemporary fans, his story serves as a reminder of the incredible athletes who paved the way for the sport's modern era. His legacy lies in his v…

When Football Is Football is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear. HIGHLIGHTED SHOW: THIS DAY IN SPORTS HISTORY Relive the greatest moments in sports every day of the year. From the triumphs to the tragedies, the first to do it to the last time it happened, the unbelievable to the strange, This Day in Sports H…

Ken Crippen, the founder and director of the Football Learning Academy, joins us to tell of a new project of preserving bios and stats of legendary players and how he helps the former players in doing so. Ken Crippen joins us to tell of a just launched a new class at the Football Learning Academy: Historical Scouting Reports. This class has: -Video…

Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your email inbox @ Email-subscriber Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. …

One name synonymous with the early NFL's success is Ray Flaherty. Ray was a great player, innovator, and eventually a Championship Coach who left his mark on the game. We are proud to celebrate Mr Flaherty and his football legacy as part of our NY Giants 100th Anniversary season. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatc…

Historian Joe Ziemba joined the program a couple of years ago to share some stories of the greatness of Pro Football Hall of Fame Receiver Don Hutson, including a story of some early motivation by an opposing NFL coach. Historian, author, podcaster...you get it he is the Superman of Football history! Chicago sports is his main area of expertise, es…

Who was Walter Steffen? And what did he contribute to football history? Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology joins us to answer these questions about this gridiron legend in this episode of football preservation at its finest. The discussion is based on one of Tim's Tidbit posts titled: Judging Walter Steffen's Coaching Career I appreciate Timothy…

Discover the untold story of Mel Hein, the legendary player from the New York Giants who revolutionized the game of football. From his exceptional skills on the field to his lasting impact on the sport, this video delves into the life and career of the player you never knew you needed to know about. Join us as we uncover the legacy of Mel Hein and …

Discover the fascinating history of the carioca drill in football and its surprising origin as an exercise and conditioning drill for the gridiron. This video takes an in-depth look at how this unique drill has transitioned from a far-off place to the football practice field, showcasing its evolution and impact on the game. Join us as we unveil the…

Think shovel passes are just for checkdowns? Think again! This episode explodes common misconceptions about the shovel pass and reveals its potential as a weapon against a fierce defensive pass rush. You can find Tim's original Tidbit on this subject complete with images, at Slowing The Pass Rush With A Shovel Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch websit…

Ken Strong's career was a spectacle of unparalleled versatility and dominance, spanning college and professional leagues. His record-breaking college days and championship performance with the New York Giants left an indelible mark on the game, earning him a place in both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame. His journey wasn't just about foo…

In the modern world of sports, controversy always seems to be brewing. Professional football has its share. Some arguments over 100 years old in the NFL are still debated today! Do you know what happened in the NFL's first considerable controversy? Stay tuned, and we will fill you in. Special Thanks to Ken Crippen and Greg Tranter for sharing their…

Welcome back to Gridiron Ghosts! Today, we're turning the pages of college football history and heading back to a pivotal moment - the final game coached by the legendary Amos Alonzo Stagg at the helm of the University of Chicago Maroons. Stagg, a pioneer of the game, a man who literally wrote the rulebook, was at the reins for an incredible 41 sea…

Hap Moran was a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron. This video explores the life and career of the versatile halfback who left his mark on the New York Giants and the NFL. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Positive football news! Sign up to get daily football history headlines in your ema…

Welcome back, everyone, to another episode of Pigskin Dispatch! Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us. He's a former NFL running back, a motivational speaker, and a man who defied all odds. From facing a childhood where he was told he'd never walk again to overcoming that adversity and making it onto the professional football field, Ler…

The Draw Play in football is still used as an element of surprise at all levels of football. It is also quite a common play choice when a team is in the unenviable position of third and really long as a way to garner some cheap, safe, and easy field position to set up the punting unit, Timothy Brown joins us to talk about the origins and the purpos…

The Great Depression, a period of devastating economic hardship, began in the United States in 1929. Though its roots were complex, the stock market crash on Black Thursday (October 24, 1929) served as a grim trigger. This crash wiped out fortunes, leading to bank failures as people rushed to withdraw their savings. A silver lining came out of the …

The term "Tuck Rule games" evokes a singular moment in NFL history: the 2001 AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New England Patriots and the Oakland Raiders. A controversial officiating decision involving quarterback Tom Brady's Fumble, later known as the "Tuck Rule," significantly impacted the outcome, propelling the Patriots to victory and t…

Calling all gridiron gurus! Ever wonder how fans first paid a premium to watch football on TV? Today, we have historian Timothy Brown joining us to delve into the forgotten era of early pay-per-view for America's favorite sport. Buckle up and get ready for a touchdown worth of knowledge! Tim's original Tidbit that generated this discussion is: Foot…

The celebration of the New York Football Giants' 100th season rolls on. We are in for a special treat in this 15th part of our series. Collector and Historian Jeff Payne brings some of his favorite NYG pieces to share some awesome gridiron history. Just a guy who loves football Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch …

Ever wonder what it's like to be a champion? To have nerves of steel and a winning arm? Then buckle up, because we're diving into the incredible story of Otto Graham... not just as a football legend, but as a comic book hero! That's right! Today, we're tackling touchdowns and thought bubbles as we explore this rare piece of football history. Was Ot…

Fast forward to a time overshadowed by World War II, a time when the very soul of America was tested. Yet, amidst the chaos, an unlikely story unfolded on the gridiron – the 1942 college football season. This wasn't your typical year. Join us on this podcast adventure as we delve into a season unlike any other. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch websi…

Have you ever wondered what happened to NFL teams that seem to have disappeared from memory? Some NFL teams have faded into obscurity despite once being prominent in the league, while others never really made it, though they were there at the beginning of the League. Here a look and quick summary at some of the more famous teams in this category. J…

We travel back in time almost 120 years and revel in a phenomenal play that changed the course of history in the gridiron realm. Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology joins us to tell the saga of the 1905 Michigan Wolverines and Michigan's Goal Line Punt Return of 1905. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see e…

We are crossing the passion of loving football history with that of the desire to be in better shape, and voila, the inspiration of better health through using principles in football conditioning and the game's rich history. That is exactly what you will get some history behind conditioning of players from yesteryear and today and knowhow, and what…

The awarding of game balls to the best players after a contest is a practice that seems to be as old as the game itself. It is close, but it did have an origin after football was well established. Football Archaeology.com's Timothy Brown explains as he tells us about one of his recent Tidbits titled: A History of Game Balls Join us at the Pigskin D…

The New York Football Giants' historic first NFL championship will blow your mind - you won't believe how and when they did it! Witness the historic moment when New York secured its FIRST-ever NFL championship win! Join us as we relive the excitement and glory of this monumental achievement in American football. From the thrilling plays to the jubi…

The huddle, a ubiquitous feature of modern football, serves a crucial purpose: concealing play calls from the opposing team. But its origin story is far from today's high-tech headsets and complex plays. It's a tale of innovation born from necessity, showcasing the ingenuity of American football players in the early days. Timothy Brown of Football …

Steve Owen's career in professional football spanned nearly three decades, leaving an indelible mark on the New York Giants and the game itself. He carved out a successful path as a player before transitioning into a legendary coach, forever etching his name in Giants' lore. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to …

The Heisman Trophy recognizes the most outstanding college football player, while the NFL Draft's top overall pick signifies a team's belief in a player's future dominance. So, expectations soar when a Heisman winner becomes the number one pick. But does this translate to NFL greatness? Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey …