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 …

Intentional Grounding is not something you see every game, especially in the NFL, where once a QB leaves the pocket, the foul becomes non-existent. The history of the foul is almost as old as the forward pas itself, and our Guest Timothy Brown has written about this football no-no in a recent Tibit titled: How Intentional Grounding Came to Pass Joi…

We have spoken about the history of early NFL Quarterback Benny Friedman and his impact on the Giants in the past. Today, we amp this up as Larry Schmitt shares the history of this player, his impact on the NFL, and the offensive style we see in the modern game. New York Giants historian. Writes/ research for Big Blue Interactive as well as the Gri…

1930s University of Minnesota halfback Pug Lund may have been one of the toughest players in college football history. He was an efficient runner and willing to serve out crushing blocks to keep defenders away from offensive teammates, too. Pug once had a body part chopped off to improve his ability to help his team! His story is truly unique. Join…

This episode delves into the strategic history of trading out of the number 1 NFL Draft pick. From the early days of the draft to the present, teams have used calculated trades to build their rosters and secure future success. Join us as we unravel this practice's evolution and profound impact on the league. Whether you're a die-hard football fan o…

The football helmet symbolizes resilience and power and has radically transformed throughout history. Initially conceived as a rudimentary leather cap, it has become sophisticated protective equipment. But the quest for player safety in this high-impact sport continues. In this episode, Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology explores the evolution o…

Only one athlete has played on a team that won the World Series and the NFL championship. The legendary Hinkey Haines is a talented athlete who contributed significantly to both pro sports titles. 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 hea…

Our latest installment of the ongoing Football History Rewind season-by-season segments. This edition discusses the pro football season of 1941, which will be remembered as a marker of the game's significant changes. There were obvious changes due to world events, but the NFL and the style of play were about to undergo one of the most revolutionary…

Are today's offenses more productive than those of forty years ago? Is this the past? The study examines the evolution of NFL offenses by comparing the 1983 season to the 2023 season. It focuses on offensive philosophies, leading passers and rushers from each era, and highlights the dramatic shift towards a more pass-oriented game. Join us at the P…

Former NFL Lineman Steve Wright's memoir, Aggressively Human: Discovering Humanity In The NFL, Reality Television, And Life, delves into his journey navigating the often contradictory worlds of professional athletics and personal growth. Mr. Wright is our guest on this edition of the Pigskin Dispatch Podcast, the author shares many life lessons fro…

Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology.com joins us to explain the history and scoring of the ROuge and the two-point conversions of North American football. This discussion is based on Tim's post from over a year ago titled: Rouge and Two Point Conversion . Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even more Posi…

For decades, player numbers on football helmets were as iconic as the sport itself. However, their use has steadily declined in recent years. Let's delve into the history of this practice and the few remaining teams that cling to it. Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology joins us to discuss a recent Tidbit of his titled The Rise and Fall of Helmet …

In a dramatic March makeover, the Pittsburgh Steelers revamped their quarterback situation. They dealt away their 2022 first-round pick, Kenny Pickett, to the Philadelphia Eagles, signaling a change in direction. To fill the void, the Steelers made a splash by signing veteran quarterback Russell Wilson, a proven winner with exceptional talent. This…

The 1941 college football season unfolded under a dark cloud. While teams across the nation battled for gridiron glory, the world was on the precipice of war. This essay delves into a season marked by exceptional players, thrilling matchups, and an uncertain future. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website and the Sports Jersey Dispatch to see even …

Benny Friedman, born March 18, 1905, wasn't your typical football player. In an era dominated by ground-and-pound offenses, Friedman emerged as a passing prodigy, forever changing the game's landscape. This essay explores his remarkable career, highlighting his impact on the sport and his legacy as a true gridiron innovator. We continue with the st…

Let's face it: we, as football fans, were subjected to a lot of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce during the 2023 FOotball season and postseason. This is not a new thing though as celebrity treatment inundating our favorite sports has gone on for over a century. Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology shares with us his original Tidbit Post of Travis, Ta…