When Football Was Football

Back in 1920, center, George Trafton of the Decatur Staleys was so despised, that the fans of the Rock Island Independents nearly caused a riot trying to crucify him after one game. The reason? Trafton had merely knocked three of the Rock Island players out of the game, cleverly rearranging the betting chances of those … Read more

In professional sports, there have been numerous examples of brothers leading their teams to distinction and success. And while these siblings may not always be representing the same team, the mere fact that multiple players from the same family reached the highest level of athletics is indeed impressive. In baseball, we have seen the DiMaggio … Read more

This episode of “When Football Was Football” is indeed a special one. Although it is hard to believe, “When Football Was Football” emerged nearly two years ago on the Sports History Network. As such, the program that you are about to hear is the 50th edition in our efforts to share some unusual stories about … Read more

No one…absolutely no one thought he was a professional football player. In fact, the owner of his team took a first look at rookie Billy Cross and asked: “Who is that little fellow—the mascot?” Billy Cross had heard it all before—that he was too short, too light, and not tough enough for football. Yet he … Read more