COFFIN CORNER VOLUME 46 NUMBER 5 IS NOW AVAILABLE IN MEMBERS ONLY. THE ISSUE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
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!