Sports History Network

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...

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 PFR...

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 C...

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 birthd...

 The American Basketball League (ABL) was the first major pro basketball league starting in 1925. They paid their players enough money that the players did not need another job. It was the first league of its kind and set the blueprint for future leagues like the NBA. CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher   MUSIC "A Slow Day" by...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY From 1957 to 1971, the Baltimore Colts never experienced a losing season. They played in four NFL Championship games, winning three of them. They also appeared in two AFC Championship games, winning one, and played in two Super Bowls, winning one.  But by 1972, age had caught up...

In 1911, Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School upset powerhouse Harvard 18-15. In 1985, Philadelphia Flyers goalie Pelle Lindbergh died after being involved in a car accident on the 10th. In 1990, Kansas City's Derrick Thomas sacked Seattle QB Dave Kreig seven times to set an NFL record that still stands. In 1961, a University of South Carolina fraternity pulled a pre-game prank against rival...

This podcast episode commemorates Veterans Day on November 11, 2025, by delving into the rich tapestry of football history through the lens of a remarkable figure, Bib Graves. Graves, a notable athlete, played an instrumental role in the formative years of both Alabama and Texas football, thereby establishing an enduring legacy within the sport. Our esteemed guest, Timothy P. Brown, elucidates Gra...

In 1928, Knute Rockne delivered his 'Win one for the Gipper' speech to fire up his Notre Dame team to go beat Army. In 1984, Maryland erased a 31-point halftime deficit against Miami to win 42-40. In 2018, Davidson rushed for 789 yards in a 56-52 loss to San Diego. In 1957, Charlie Sifford became the first black player to win a professional golf tournament. In 1985, Ron Jaworski hit receiver Mike...

The preservation of football history owes a significant debt to the pioneering figures of the sport, and today, we delve into the life of one such luminary, Walter Eckersall. In our discussion with author Chris Serb, we explore the profound impact Eckersal had on Chicago sports and American football at large. Through his remarkable achievements as a three-sport athlete and his subsequent role as a...

In 1974, Michigan State upset #1 Ohio State. The Buckeyes final TD was denied. It took 45 minutes for game officials and the Big Ten commissioner to determine who actually won it. In 1984, Julius Erving and Larry Bird got in a fight in the Boston Garden. In 1946, in a game between #2 Notre Dame and top-ranked Army that was billed as the Greatest Offensive Battle in the History of College Football’...

In 1958, Ohio State's Jim Marshall returned a blocked punt for a touchdown and followed that up later with an interception return for a touchdown. The guy who became known for going the wrong way on a fumble recovery in the NFL in 1964, actually knew how to get to the right endzone. In 1997, the Nebraska Cornhuskers benefitted from a missed call to score a touchdown with no time left in regulation...

In 1896, students at Auburn played one of the greatest pranks on the Georgia Tech football team. In 2015,. Nebraska benefitted from a controversial call and referee review to beat undefeated Michigan State. In 1925, Northwestern kicker Tiny Lewis kicked a field goal on the way to handing Michigan a 3-2 loss. In 1991, Magic Johnson announced he had HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and retired from b...

The primary focus of this podcast episode is the exploration of the various manifestations of football across the globe, particularly emphasizing the distinctions and connections between American football and its international counterparts. We delve into the historical underpinnings that link football to rugby and soccer, while also examining the unique variations that have emerged in different cu...

In 1993, it was the REPEAT or REVENGE fight outside at Las Vegas’ Caesars Palace between Evander Holyfield and Riddick Bowe. The fight became known for 'Fan Man' crashing into the ringside ropes and lights. In 1869, Rutgers and the school that would soon become known as Princeton played what is considered to be the first college football game. In 1995, Cleveland Browns owner Art Modell announced t...

In 1989, Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Jerry Burns went on a post-game rant defending his Offensive Coordinator Bob Schnelker. In 1994, 45-year old George Foreman shocked the boxing world, knocking out Michael Moorer in the 10th round to win the Heavyweight title. In 2000, Tiger Woods coughed up his 54-hole lead for just the second time in his career. Phil Mickelson started the day a shot behind an...

The Pro Football Time Machine is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY As a quarterback in the early 1950s, Jim Finks was never able to lift the Pittsburgh Steelers to a winning record. As a general manager though, Finks' eye for talent and team building philosophy transformed four losing teams into playoff powerhouses. THE PRO FOOTBALL TIME...

As we find ourselves at the midpoint of the 2025 NFL season, there remains ample opportunity for teams to turn their fortunes around. In this discourse, we delve into the ramifications of the recent trade deadline, assessing teams that may find themselves languishing in mediocrity. With a keen focus on Week 10, we offer audacious predictions that could potentially alter the trajectory of several f...

When John Wooden retired from coaching UCLA, the big question was how do you replace John Wooden? Gene Bartow was hired away from Memphis State to take over UCLA. It was a no-win situation. This is that story. But that should not take away from the fact that Bartow was a great coach.  CREDITS Rick Loayza: Head researcher, writer, and voice Jacob Loayza: Editor, producer, and publisher   MUSI...

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear . EPISODE SUMMARY From 1957 to 1971, the Baltimore Colts never experienced a losing season. They played in four NFL Championship games, winning three of them. They also appeared in two AFC Championship games, winning one, and played in two Super Bowls, winning one.  But by 1972, age had caught up...

In 1951, golfer Skip Alexander won 8 and 7 in his singles Ryder Cup match. The amazing thing is that he was even on the golf course after being the sole survivor of a plane crash 14-months prior. In 1977, Los Angeles High School WR Steve Martinez caught 19 passes for 312 yards and five TDs in one half. He would have had more but the other team hopped on the bus and left. In 2001, the Chicago Bears...

This podcast episode delves into the historical implications of incomplete passes within the realm of American football, particularly during the formative years of the forward pass. We engage with Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com, who elucidates the punitive measures that accompanied early forward passing, revealing how such restrictions shaped the evolution of the game. As we traverse thr...

The year was 2002. The price of gas was roughly a $1.19 a gallon, a dozen of eggs were under a dollar and the biggest hits in Hip Hop was "Getting Hot in Here" by Nelly and the song from the movie Eight Mile "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. In the world of college football, the Miami Hurricanes were coming off of a national championship run and were looking to continue their 22-game winning streak, a st...

In 1979, retired Dallas Cowboy Defensive End, Ed 'Too Tall' Jones stepped into the boxing ring for the first time. In 1962, a meeting between Oakland Raider team officials and a reporter led to what we know today as Fantasy Football. In 1990, the 16th ranked Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets beat #1 Virginia. In 1990, Houston and TCU engaged in an aerial battle over the state of Texas. In 2012, the Broo...

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 alarmin...