THE COFFIN CORNER - VOLUME 46 - 2024
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These issues are only available in the Members Only section.
Number 1:
PFRA-ternizing Executive Director Lee Elder presents the annual “State of the PFRA” report to members and discusses the growth of the organization with an increase in paid memberships, the addition of new regional chapters, the success of the PFRA’s research and education initiatives and the many books on pro football history published by our members. He also highlights the official podcast with 12 episodes now produced and the PFRA’s continued growth in social media. There is also a call for assistance in the various departments of the Coffin Corner by the editor-in-chief.
2023 PFRA Awards The official announcement of the Ralph Hay Award for lifetime achievement in pro football research and historiography, the Nelson Ross Award for recent achievement in pro football history, the Bob Carroll Memorial Writing Award for the best Coffin Corner article, and the Jack Clary Award for service to the organization.
The Hall of Very Good Class of 2023 by Matt Keddie, Andy Piascik, Jay Thomas, and John Turney. Career highlights of last year's class are included for Coy Bacon, Ray Childress, John David Crow, Earl Faison, Leon Gray, Nick Lowery, Michael Dean Perry, Buck Shaw, and Jeff Van Note.
Michael Dean Perry: Twenty Questions with the Newly Inducted Hall of Very Good Member by Barry Shuck. An interview with the former Cleveland Browns defensive tackle and a discussion of his career at Clemson and in the NFL, and his accomplishments, including the rare (or medium-well) honor of having a McDonald’s sandwich being named after him.
Catching the Buzz! An Electric Game of Our Own by Chris LeMay. An entertaining history of Electric Football, a tabletop game invented in 1948 by Norman Sas of Tudor Games that received an NFL license in 1967 and exploded in popularity among the Baby Boomer generation in the late Sixties and early Seventies. Other manufacturers and competitors in the market are covered, as is the continued following the game has among enthusiasts today.
Number 2:
PFRA-ternizing An announcement of Minneapolis–Saint Paul as the location for the 2025 PFRA Convention, information about a new episode of The Official PFRA Podcast featuring Ernie Accorsi, the former general manager of the Colts, Browns and Eagles, and an update on the delivery date of the 1964 Buffalo Bills Great Teams book to the publisher.
The AFL’s First Marquee Villain by Jim Marino. Ben Davidson was one of the great antagonists of the AFL, especially after he landed with the villainous Raiders. Known for his distinctive mustache, his antics captivated fans and the media, helping to boost the new league's popularity. Despite all the theatrics though, he was a formidable defender and a dominant defensive end in the mid- to late-60s.
Bob Mann, Val Jansante and the Blacklist by Ralph Hickok. A personal recounting of two players blackballed by NFL teams in the Fifties. Mann was a receiver and let go by the Lions after he disagreed with team demands for a pay cut. Traded to and cut by the New York Yanks, he sat out a year, until finally he was signed by Green Bay and became the first known African American player to play for that storied franchise. Jansante, also a receiver, faced increasing fan hostility in Pittsburgh for some unknown reason. He was unable to bear the continued harassment and was waived by the Steelers and also blacklisted—for two days—until he was picked up by the very same Packers.
“Blood” McNally in Buffalo by Joe Marren. A modest proposal to add a 14th member to the exclusive club of Pro Football Hall of Famers who have played in Buffalo—all to avoid unlucky “13.” McNally played one game in Buffalo with the ’41 Tigers of AFL III. Unfortunately, it was at the end of his career and turned out to be a lackluster finish for the great Johnny “Blood,” who would retire in 1941. The Tigers proved to be made of paper and would fold after the season. Okay, maybe not such a good idea after all.
Remembering When: Dick Butkus Wins Game for Bears on Extra Point Conversion by Jeff Curts. A recollection of the linebacking great, who won a game against Washington with an unexpected—and incredible—catch on a broken extra point attempt in the fourth quarter that provided the winning margin in a Chicago victory. Butkus passed away in October of last year.
2023 Player Deaths A list of the pro football players who died last year, including information on the team(s) and league(s) they played for, the date and location of their death (if known) and their age when they passed away.
Number 3:
PFRA-ternizing Executive Director Lee Elder updates with news about the production of The Coffin Corner. President George Bozeka discusses the history of the PFRA and a new drive to reach 1,000 members before the Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
Pro Football's Biggest Upset of 1968? Think the 1968 Jets were involved in pro football’s greatest upset? You might be right, but it is probably not the game you’re thinking of. Budd Bailey investigates some of the greatest upsets, starting with the 1968 regular season game between the Jets and Bills.
How Canada Nearly Passed on the Forward Pass McGill University coach Frank ‘Shag’ Shaughnessy played a leading role in bringing the forward of pass to Canadian football. The idea had important opponents. Ryan C. Christiansen examines the eventual adoption of the controversial idea.
The Early History of the Touchdown Touchdown’s distant ancestor is the Maul in Goal. Ben Carpenter details the path one took to become the other. And if that isn’t enough, Carpenter then details football’s strangest play, the safety.
Jumping Fences: A Brief Story of the Colts To everyone’s misfortune, temporary editor Lee Elder had a page to fill. His brief history of the Colts franchises compares the team to the legendary Triple Crown winning horse Whirlaway and commits other acts of literary heresy.
Number 4:
PFRA-ternizing PFRA President George Bozeka updates the membership with PFRA news, including updates on our regional chapters.
Pro Football’s Rocky Road: The Game’s Tough Path in Public Perception Darin Hayes looks at pro football’s slow rise in public appreciation. The professionals had to overcome a sporting world where collegiate football was more popular by far.
Merger Victims: NFL Records Changed Forever After 1970 Kenn Tomasch lists records which were eliminated by the merger between the National Football League and the American Football League.
Kicking in the Door: When Bum Phillips’ Oilers Almost Struck Gold Jimmy Grant details the rise of the Houston Oilers under Bum Phillips.
Taking the Lions’ Share: How Lem Barney’s First NFL Game Stunned the Packers Richard Bak discusses the sudden emergence of Detroit defensive back Lem Barney. Barney’s first showcase came at the expense of Bart Starr and the Packers.
Eye Candy: How a Celebrity Sighting Helped Win a Super Bowl Tommy Phillips tells the story of Joe Montana, John Candy and the Super Bowl.
Number 5:
PFRA-ternizing Details of the 2025 PFRA Convention in Minnesota are announced along with a special rate for attendees at the host hotel, the Drury Plaza in Downtown St. Paul. Speakers at the convention are also disclosed including former Minnesota Vikings wide receiver and executive Leo Lewis, author Chuck Frederick, and museum director Ashley LaVigne.
Hall to Hall: Gradishar Inducted into the Hall of Fame by The Coffin Corner Staff. A tribute to Randy Gradishar, the 33rd member of the PFRA’s Hall of Very Good to eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as recognition of his 2024 classmates.
Official Hall of Very Good Ballot. NOTE: The deadline for voting is December 1, 2024.
The History of the Hall of Very Good by Andy Piascik. This article by the longtime committee chairman recounts the HOVG since its inception in 2002, describing the election procedures, and its evolution over time with changes to class sizes, voting rules, and nominating criteria.
First Time at The ’Stick: Remembering the First NFL Playoff Game at Candlestick Park by Joe Zagorski. A nostalgic look back at the 1971 playoff game held at the newly renovated San Francisco stadium. The 49ers mounted a thrilling comeback despite trailing at halftime, winning and advancing to the NFC Championship, marking their first playoff victory at Candlestick Park, a feat that wouldn't be repeated there until 1981.
Hall of Fame Duel: Franco Harris vs. O. J. Simpson by Steve Massey. A recollection of the 1972 matchup between the Steelers and Bills and their Hall of Fame running backs at different stages in their careers, with Harris in his rookie year and Simpson right before his record-breaking 1973 season.
Ten Things You Probably Don’t Know About the Chicago Bears by Jeff Curts. Think you know all there is to know about the Monsters of the Midway? Do you know how they became known as the “Monsters of the Midway?” Or about the inauspicious debut of Walter Payton? Or how a young George Halas escaped near-certain death early in his life? No? Then read on!