November 19, 2024
A new episode of The Official PFRA podcast is now available. Jon and George speak with former Cleveland Brown Joe Righetti. Joe is also the author of a book about his life entitled Fourteen Mile Orange which can be ordered on Amazon. The new episode is streaming at Official PFRA Podcast: Former Cleveland Brown Joe Righetti
November 13, 2024
We are pleased to announce that five additional speakers have confirmed for the 2025 PFRA Convention. They are:
Former Minnesota Golden Gophers and Green Bay Packers running back Darrell Thompson, who has agreed to join Leo E. Lewis III on our player panel,
Charles Billington, author of The 1963 Chicago Bears: George Halas and the Road to the NFL Championship,
Tommy Phillips, author, PFRA Member, and Packers fan from Pittsburgh, who will speak about his upcoming book The Perfect Packers about the 1929 Packers,
Rick Bowman, author and Vikings fan, who will speak about his upcoming book on the Vikings playoff years under Bud Grant,
and Chris Willis, Head of the Research Library at NFL Films.
The 2025 PFRA Convention will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN from July 10-13, 2025. Click on the link below for Convention details and registration information.
2025 PFRA Convention Info
The 2025 PFRA Convention will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN from July 10-13, 2025. Click on the link for registration information.
October 17, 2024
Added: Bernie Buzyniski and Jim Crotty biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 7, 2024
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 46, Number 5
Available to Members Only
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!
September 30, 2024
Added news from the DC/Baltimore Chapter about a meeting they had on September 28 to the Chapters page.
September 29, 2024
Added: Charlie Leo biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 21, 2024
Tickets are now available for the 2025 PFRA Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul. Speakers confirmed so far are: Chuck Frederick, Ashley LaVigne, Terry McConnell, and Leo Lewis. Click on the link for Convention details and registration information.
2025 PFRA Convention Info
The 2025 PFRA Convention will be held in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN from July 10-13, 2025.
September 17, 2024
Added: Pro Football Retired Players Association to Our Colleagues page. Our Colleagues
September 1, 2024
Added: Leo Nomellini biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
August 26, 2024
Added: Cedrick Hardman and Charlie Krueger biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
August 19, 2024
Added news from the Great Plains Chapter, along with a notification of an upcoming event for the DC/Baltimore Chapter to the Chapters page.
August 18, 2024
A new episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon and George are joined by Chris Willis. Chris is the head archivist at NFL Films, a former PFRA Board member, and the recipient of the Ralph Hay Award in 2012 for lifetime achievement in pro football research and historiography. Chris discusses his new book The NFL’s 60-Minute Men: All-Time Greats of the Two-Way Player Era, 1920-1945. The new episode is streaming at Author & Head Archivist and Producer at NFL Films Chris Willis
July 18, 2024
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 46, Number 4
Available to Members Only
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.
July 18, 2024
Added news from the Great Plains Chapter to the Chapters page.
July 18, 2024
Added 2023 Gamebooks
Members Only
June 25, 2024
We have a new page on the website, where we are posting news about the various PFRA chapters. Click here to go to the new page.
June 14, 2024
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 46, Number 3
Available to Members Only
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.
June 11, 2024
Added: Frankie Albert biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 8, 2024
Two new episodes of The Official PFRA Podcast are available. The Official PFRA Podcast is now a Top 25 Sports History Network Podcast on Feedspot.
Joseph Agbasi is the Executive Director of the Pro Football Retired Players Association (PFRPA). He joins Jon & George on the Pod, they talk about the PFRPA and their goals as an organization. Listen here: The Official PFRA Podcast - Joseph Agbasi - Pro Football Retired Players Association
Jon & George chat with Darrell Thompson, a former running back with the Green Bay Packers, who is the Chair of the Pro Football Retired Players Association Board of Directors. Listen here:The Official PFRA Podcast - Darrell Thompson - Chair for Pro Football Retired Players Association Board of Directors
June 5, 2024
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 46, Number 2
Available to Members Only
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.
May 13, 2024
Added: Bill Dudley biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
May 1, 2024
Added: The latest class of the Hall of Very Good: Coy Bacon, Ray Childress, John David Crow, Earl Faison, Leon Gray, Nick Lowery, Michael Dean Perry, Buck Shaw, and Jeff Van Note.
April 24, 2024
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 46, Number 1
Available to Members Only
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.
April 20, 2024
A NEW EPISODE OF THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST IS NOW AVAILABLE. JON AND GEORGE CHAT WITH FORMER COLTS, BROWNS, AND GIANTS GENERAL MANAGER ERNIE ACCORSI ABOUT HIS STORIED CAREER IN PRO FOOTBALL. ALL EPISODES OF THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST CAN BE HEARD AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: The Official PFRA Podcast - Part of the Sports History Network
March 6, 2024
Added 2023 Linescores
Members Only
March 5, 2024
Added: Dan Colchcico and Johnny Strzykalski biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 1, 2024
After a brief holiday hiatus, a new episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon and George chat with former Ohio State, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns defensive back Ray Ellis. In a wide ranging interview, Ray discusses growing up in Canton, Ohio, his high school, college and pro playing careers, his life after football, and the legendary coaches he played for including Woody Hayes, Dick Vermeil, and Pete Carroll. Please listen here The Official PFRA Podcast - Part of the Sports History Network
February 29, 2024
Added: Forrest Blue, Len Hauss, and Ollie Matson biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
February 12, 2024
Added: Documents listing Players who died in 2023, and so far in 2024 to the Members-Only page.
Members Only
February 12, 2024
Added: Carey Henley biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
January 28, 2024
Added Coffin Corner articles index through 2023
Members Only
January 17, 2024
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 45, Number 6
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing There are several updates on the local and regional chapters of the organization. We hear from the Michigan, D.C./Baltimore, the brand new Great Plains, and Philly chapters. The Western New York Chapter also announces that their Eighth Annual Conference will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Springville, New York.
The Immaculate Reception That Nearly Wasn’t by Neal Golden. The miraculous catch-and-run off a deflected pass by Franco Harris in the 1972 playoff game between the Raiders and the Steelers has been called the greatest single play in the history of the NFL—if not the most controversial. But for it to happen, all the stars had to be aligned. This is a look at the factors involved that led up to this extraordinary touchdown.
1953 NFL Season in Review by Andy Piascik. A report on the 34th season of the league, including the role of television in growing the popularity of the game, and the outstanding players of the year. Short rundowns of the marquee games in 1953 are listed, as well as a recap of the game of the year—the championship match between Detroit and Cleveland, with the Lions winnning a second consecutive NFL title over the Browns.
Ten Things You Probably Don’t Know About the Philadelphia Eagles by Jimmy Grant. A Top 10 list of trivia about the team affectionately known as the Birds, and a follow-up to Randy Snow’s article about the Detroit Lions (Vol. 43, No. 3). Did you know that President Kennedy and his brothers considered buying the franchise? That John Madden’s injury in Eagles training camp ended his playing days but helped launch a Hall of Fame coaching career? The real story behind the booing of Santa Claus? No? Well, read on!
January 10, 2024
Added: MC Reynolds and Perry Richards biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
December 26, 2023
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 45, Number 5
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing The 2023 results for the PFRA’s elective offices are reported with all the incumbents winning reelection, the inductees into this year’s Hall of Very Good’s Class are also announced, an update on the 1964 Buffalo Bills book, and the news of the latest episode of the Official PFRA Podcast showcasing two authors with football biographies on Hall of Fame coach George Allen.
Hammond’s $20,000 Football Team: The 1919 All-Stars by Chris Serb. The story of the Northwest Indiana pro football team a year before the founding of the NFL and their financially troubled owner Paul Parduhn, along with the famous players they employed including Bert Baston, Paul Des Jardien, Paddy Driscoll, and, most famously, a young George Halas, who got his start in professional football with the All-Stars, that played their home games in Weeghman Park, later known as Wrigley Field, in nearby Chicago.
Setting the Bar: Interim Head Coaches Who Took Their Teams to the Playoffs by Ben Carpenter. Since the advent of pro football’s postseason in 1933, only four teams have made the playoffs with different head coaches than those that started the season. All four are highlighted here—the 1942 Chicago Bears, who were led by co-head coaches Hunk Anderson and Luke Johnsos after George Halas was called to duty in World War II; the 1952 Los Angeles Rams, led by Hamp Pool; the 1961 Houston Oilers, who won an AFL championship with interim coach Wally Lemm; and the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders, coached by Rich Bisaccia after Jon Gruden was fired.
2023 PFRA Bookshelf by John Maxymuk. The annual bibliography of pro football books published this year, including those by PFRA members Lee Elder, Gregg Ficery, Dan Pompei, Tommy Phillips, Mike Richman, Mike Sando, and Greg Tranter.
December 14, 2023
Added: Alyn Beals biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
December 10, 2023
The latest episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. It's an all-Coach George Allen podcast as Jon and George chat with Lee Elder and Mike Richman about their recent books on the former Rams and Washington head coach and Hall of Famer. You can listen to the George Allen episode and all previous episodes of The Official PFRA Podcast at https://theofficialpfrapodcast.sportshistorynetwork.com/
October 23, 2023
Added: Warren Lahr, Frank Ryan, and Doak Walker biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 17, 2023
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 45, Number 4
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing PFRA President George Bozeka recaps the recent national convention in Pittsburgh, two new committees are discussed in addition to regional chapters, and a notice on the membership drive being extended until the end of the year.
Official PFRA Elections Ballot Note that the deadline for voting is December 1, 2023.
Wally Yonamine: The Trailblazing Two-Sport Athlete by Joe Hession. A short biography of the native Hawaiian and Japanese American who broke new ground in pro football as a player for the San Francisco 49ers, and as a player and manager in major league baseball in Japan.
"Downright Hatred” The Jets’ Final Step to Super Bowl III by Jim Marino. A detailed account of the 1968 AFL Championship Game that pitted the Oakland Raiders against New York in a Heidi Game rematch that propelled the Jets on to Super Bowl III and Joe Namath’s “guarantee.”
Underrated: Quarterback Joe Ferguson by Evan Grip. An exploration of the life and playing career of the QB they called “Fergy,” who was drafted out of Arkansas, went on to be a 12-season starter for the Buffalo Bills, and became a beloved figure by their fans.
Motley’s Crew: Pioneers of Women’s Professional Football by Bill Johnson. The story of Marion Motley who, in his search to battle racism in the football coaching ranks, ended up landing a blow against sexism in the sport as the first coach of the Cleveland Daredevils in the Women’s Professional Football League.
October 10, 2023
Added: Emerson Boozer biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 24, 2023
Episode Ten of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available on The Sports History Network. Podcast Hosts Jon Bozeka and George Bozeka chat with Scott Ferguson Greene, the Associate Producer of the upcoming documentary film Triangle Park. Triangle Park tells the story of the first NFL game that was played in Dayton, Ohio. The link to the episode is here
September 5, 2023
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 45, Number 3
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing The deadline for nominations to the PFRA elective offices—President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer—is announced as September 15, 2023. Also, two new episodes of the Official PFRA Podcast are now available to stream featuring Bills defensive back Jeff Nixon, and Vikings and Chargers offensive lineman Ed White.
Official 2023 Hall of Very Good Ballot Twenty candidates are listed, and each ballot must include 10 votes. Note that the deadline for submitting your ballot is October 31, 2023.
The Class of 2023 by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Career capsules, highlights, statistics, and awards from this year’s Hall of Fame class: Rondé Barber, Don Coryell (coach/contributor), Chuck Howley (senior), Joe Klecko (senior), Darrelle Revis, Ken Riley (senior), Joe Thomas, Zach Thomas, and DeMarcus Ware.
Making Headlines: Identifying Pro Football’s Earliest Stars (1890–1903) by John Wilke. The author scoured almost 600 game accounts in contemporary newspapers to develop a methodology for rating pro football players at the turn of the 19th century, with a mind towards developing an All-Era Team with 11 starters and three honorable mentions.
September 3, 2023
Added: Jeff Garcia, Charley Trippi, and Craig Wolfley biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 3, 2023
Added: Pigskin Dispatch Podcast to Our Colleagues page. Our Colleagues
August 19, 2023
Added: Bruno Banducci, Jimmy Johnson, Frank Sinkwich, and Abe Woodson biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
August 16, 2023
Added 2022 Gamebooks
Members Only
August 16, 2023
Presentations from the 2023 PFRA convention have been added to the Members Only page.
Available to Members Only
August 14, 2023
Pictures from the 2023 PFRA convention have been added to the Members Only page.
Available to Members Only
August 3, 2023
Two new episodes of The Official PFRA Podcast have been added to the Sports History Network PFRA Podcast page. The first is with former Bills Defensive Back Jeff Nixon and the second is with former Vikings and Chargers Offensive Lineman Ed White. Please listen here.
August 2, 2023
A few 2023 Convention T-Shirts are still available. The price is $27 (includes shipping). Click the Convention logo to order.
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July 27, 2023
Added: Lee Artoe and Dick "Night Train" Lane biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 21, 2023
Reservations for the 2023 PFRA Convention are now CLOSED. The Final Revised Itinerary for the 2023 Convention has been added to the website Convention page. View the Itinerary here.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
July 15, 2023
Added: John McMullan biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 8, 2023
Added: Jim Harbaugh, Edward Sternaman, and Bob Talamini biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 5, 2023
Added: Ray Wietecha biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 1, 2023
2023 PFRA Convention Update. The Itinerary for the 2023 Convention has been added to the website Convention page. There is still plenty of time to make reservations for the 2023 Convention and add on activities. View the Itinerary here and make your reservations here.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
June 19, 2023
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 45, Number 2
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing An update on another speaker and two players added to the 2023 PFRA Convention in Pittsburgh, and a full rundown of the speakers, activities and accommodations. In addition, there's a complete listing of the seven episodes available to stream now of the Official PFRA Podcast.
They Put the “Foot” in Football: Hall of Fame Position Players Who Punted or Kicked or Did Both by Alan Ross. A comprehensive look at the 54 Hall of Famers who, in addition to excelling at their regular position, also aided their team by placekicking and/or punting, including some who were the best to ever perform at this type of special teams. They're all here from Jim Thorpe to John Lynch. Yes, Lynch kicked off twice in one game, on an emergency basis, and never again.
Indoor Cats: The Detroit Lions Move to the Silverdome by Thomas E. Hall. An exploration of the reasons behind the Lions’ move to Pontiac, Michigan in 1975, and an analysis of the resulting detrimental effect it had on the team’s road winning percentage while calling their last two indoor stadiums—the Silverdome and Ford Field—home.
Canada vs. the United States (in Football) by Gary Cobb. A short history of the exhibition contests between Canadian and American teams from various leagues starting in 1923—from the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU), an early version of the AFL, the AAFC, and all the way up to the last AFL, and the CFL and NFL—the rules they played under, and why this unrelated series of games ended in 1961.
2022 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.
June 19, 2023
Added: The latest class of the Hall of Very Good: Mark Bavaro, Matt Blair, Mark Gastineau, Keith Jackson, Bucko Kilroy, Bert Jones, Clay Matthews, and Lionel Taylor.
June 1, 2023
Episode Seven of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available on The Sports History Network. Podcast Hosts Jon Bozeka and George Bozeka chat with former Detroit Lions Head Coach Wayne Fontes. Wayne covers his entire football career from high school to college to the NFL including entertaining discussions about John McVay, John McKay, Barry Sanders, and Chris Spielman. The link to the Podcast is here
May 22, 2023
The Official 2023 PFRA Convention T-shirt is now available for purchase. Cost for the t-shirt is $22 for domestic orders (or in person), $27 for Canadian orders and $32 for International orders. T-shirts are available in Medium, Large, XL, 2X, 3X, and 4X. The deadline for ordering the T-shirts is July 1. T-shirts will be delivered at the Convention or will be shipped if you do not attend. Please place your order and designate your size by clicking on the T-shirt image below and using the PayPal link on the Convention page. If you have any questions, please contact George Bozeka at sundaygolfer48@aol.com.
May 7, 2023
Further details on the speakers' presentations are now available. Click on the Convention logo to go to the convention page.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
April 16, 2023
We are pleased to announce that three additional speakers have confirmed for the 2023 PFRA Convention. They are: Jon Kolb, former player for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dan Darragh, former player for the Buffalo Bills, and Erin Grayson Sapp, sports historian and author. The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for detailed registration information.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
April 16, 2023
Added Coffin Corner articles index through 2022
Members Only
April 12, 2023
Added 2022 Linescores
Members Only
April 12, 2023
The sixth episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon and George Bozeka are joined by Jon Kendle, Vice President of Archives, Education and Football Information at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Please listen here.
April 4, 2023
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 45, Number 1
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing Executive Director Lee Elder presents the annual “State of the PFRA” report to members and discusses the increase in both membership and social media followers; the sales figures for the line of PFRA books, which total four titles in print now; and the promotion of Greg Tranter to managing editor of the Coffin Corner. There is also additional information on the co-head coaches of the Pittsburgh Passion added as speakers to the 2023 PFRA Convention in Pittsburgh.
The Hall of Very Good Class of 2022 by Matt Keddie, Andy Piascik, Jay Thomas, and John Turney. Career highlights of last year's class are included for Mark Bavaro, Matt Blair, Mark Gastineau, Keith Jackson, Bert Jones, Bucko Kilroy, Clay Matthews Jr., and Lionel Taylor.
2022 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.
Four Longhorns Help Upstart Jets Win Super Bowl III by Patrick Gallivan. The 1965 Orange Bowl was the first college football game to be televised live in prime time and pitted top-ranked Alabama, led by quarterback Joe Namath, against the University of Texas. Four key members of that Longhorn squad would later team up with Broadway Joe and the AFL Jets to take on the mighty Baltimore Colts of the NFL on that very same field in Super Bowl III. This is the story of those Texas players and their part in an upset for the ages.
The PFRA Biography Project: Sid Youngelman by Budd Bailey. An account of a Russian-Jewish immigrant’s son who received a scholarship offer to play basketball at Alabama in 1950, but an incident during his freshman year changed the trajectory of his life—he switched sports to football, and that led him to a nine-year career in the NFL.
March 26, 2023
Added: John Michelosen biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 24, 2023
Added: Jerry Stovall biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 7, 2023
Added: Gridiron Greats Magazine to Our Colleagues page. Our Colleagues
March 6, 2023
The fifth episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon and George Bozeka chat with former NFL offensive lineman Blake Moore about his career with the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers. In an entertaining interview, Blake shares stories about Paul Brown, Forrest Gregg, Anthony Munoz, Ken Riley and Super Bowl XVI. Please listen here.
February 26, 2023
Additional information on Speakers Teresa Conn and Lisa Horton has been added to the Convention information page.
The Heinz History Center was recently named the second best history museum in the country by a USA Today reader's choice poll. The Heinz History Center is the site of our Thursday add-on activity.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
February 25, 2023
Added: Len Rohde and Buck Shaw biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
February 22, 2023
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 44, Number 6
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing An announcement on three speakers added to the 2023 Pittsburgh convention and an update on the Official PFRA Podcast.
The Trade That Kept On Giving: Tarkenton to Giants Built a Powerhouse by Stew Thornley. The Viking odyssey of Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton, who was selected by Minnesota in 1961 in its inaugural NFL season, traded away to New York in 1967, only to return to Minneapolis in 1972 to find a much better team than the one he left. The reason they were much improved? The two trades of Tarkenton himself.
1972 Through the Eyes of This Week in Pro Football by Jeff Eby. A week-by-week chronology of the 1972 NFL regular season as witnessed by TWIPF co-hosts Tom Brookshier and Pat Summerall, TV viewers from fifty years ago, and our very own time-traveling author, who covers the historical, the trivial and other random moments from that year.
Warren Heller and the Reading Keystones by Gordon Dedman. Warren Heller was a unanimous All-American halfback at the University of Pittsburgh who held all the Panthers rushing records until Tony Dorsett came along. Heller would eventually go on to play for the NFL’s Pirates (as the Steelers were known as then) for three mostly uneventful seasons. Between those two stints, he would star for the Reading (PA) Keystones of the Interstate League.
No Bark and No Bite: The 1949 New York Bulldogs by Matthew Keddie. New York City. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere, or so they say. If you can’t, well, you may be the Bulldogs, quite possibly the worst pro football team to call the Big Apple home. This is the story of their ignoble 1949 season, after they were the Boston Yanks, and before they became the New York Yanks, where they managed a 1–10–1 record, worst in the NFL.
February 17, 2023
The fourth episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon & George chat with Scot Maynard, the son of Jets HOF WR Don Maynard about Scot’s career in football and the career of his father. Please listen here.
February 1, 2023
The third episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon & George Bozeka chat with Gregg Ficery, author of Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football’s Missing Origin Story. Gregg is the great-grandson of Bob Shiring, the captain of the 1906 Professional Football World Champion Massillon Tigers. Listen in as Gregg shares this story with the guys. Please listen here.
January 30, 2023
Added: Buckets Goldenberg biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
January 17, 2023
The second episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available. Jon and George Bozeka chat with historian Denis Crawford about the death of former Detroit Lions receiver Chuck Hughes and the impact his death had on NFL medicine. Hughes is the only NFL player to die during a game. This podcast also addresses the historic significance of the recent events surrounding Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. Please listen here.
January 11, 2023
Added: Steve Furness and Frank Tripucka biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
December 28, 2022
The first episode of The Official PFRA Podcast is now available on the Sports History Network. Co-hosts Jon and George Bozeka interview former Cleveland Browns QB Mark Miller. Please listen here.
December 20, 2022
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 44, Number 5
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing An announcement on three speakers added to the 2023 Pittsburgh convention, an update on the Official PFRA Podcast and a call for volunteers to join the editorial staff of the Coffin Corner.
Pushing the Pigskin Envelope: Reexamining the 1974 NFL Players Association Strike by Joe Zagorski. A detailed history of the NFLPA strike that took place during the preseason nearly 50 years ago, a look at the causes that led up to it and firsthand interviews with those who did—and didn't—participate in the work stoppage, including Jim Cheyunski, Joe DeLamielleure, Terry Hanratty, Mercury Morris and Phil Villapiano.
A Home Away from Home: The Green Bay Packers in Milwaukee by Scott Melesky. The Green and Gold have not always played their home games in Green Bay. This is a review of some of the more memorable contests of the 167 total that the Pack played in Milwaukee from 1933 through 1994, including the 1967 Western Conference Championship, which was the only NFL playoff game ever at Milwaukee County Stadium—home field for the Packers 126 times—and the game before the Ice Bowl.
2022 PFRA Bookshelf by John Maxymuk. The annual bibliography of pro football books published this year, including those by PFRA members Tom Benjey, George Bozeka, Lee Elder, Michael Jacquart, William H. Johnson, David Kaiser, Greg Tranter, Chris Willis and Joe Ziemba.
December 17, 2022
We are pleased to announce that three additional speakers have confirmed for the 2023 PFRA Convention: Greg Tranter and Teresa Conn and Lisa Horton of the Pittsburgh Passion Women's pro football team. The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for Convention details and registration information.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
December 9, 2022
Added: Sports History Network to Our Colleagues page. Our Colleagues
November 28, 2022
We are pleased to announce that three additional speakers have confirmed for the 2023 PFRA Convention: Chris Willis, Joshua Milton Anderson, and Ryan Christiansen. Click on the logo for Convention details and registration information.
The 2023 PFRA Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, Pa. from July 27-30, 2023. Click on the Convention logo for registration information.
November 20, 2022
THE OFFICIAL PFRA PODCAST
The PFRA has launched the trailer for The Official PFRA Podcast on the Sports History Network. The first episode of The Official PFRA Podcast will launch in December.
In each episode of The Official PFRA Podcast, co-hosts George Bozeka and Jon Bozeka will discuss the storied history of pro football, including interviews with prominent pro football historians and authors, and former players.
George is the current President of the PFRA. Jon has been a radio broadcaster in the Canton area since 2014. He has been involved in every facet of radio sports coverage including play-by-play and color commentary for local high school and college football broadcasts. He is also a stringer for CBS Radio’s Eye on Sports show covering all Cleveland Browns Sunday home games.
To listen to the trailer and all episodes (as they are posted) Click here.
November 1, 2022
Added: Goose Gonsoulin biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 17, 2022
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 44, Number 4
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing An announcement on the launch of the The Official PFRA Podcast this month (which will be available at the Sports History Network website: https://sportshistorynetwork.com, and an update on the 2023 PFRA Convention to be held in Pittsburgh next year.
The Class of 2021 by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Career capsules, highlights, statistics, and awards from this year’s Hall of Fame class: Tony Boselli, Cliff Branch, LeRoy Butler, Art McNally, Sam Mills, Richard Seymour, Dick Vermeil, and Bryant Young.
Eagles All-Time “Best Buddy”: Head Coach Buddy Ryan by Mark A. Sullivan. A short biography of James David "Buddy" Ryan, the architect of the 46 defense and the pugnacious defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears—dominant winners of Super Bowl XX—who went on to become a beloved (if not entirely successful) head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.
American Football in Japan by Tommy Phillips. A brief history of the gridiron game in Japan beginning with the first game in 1934, a hiatus during World War II, followed by the start of a Japanese college football championship game in 1947, and an American college all-star game known as the Japan Bowl from 1976 to 1993. There is also a discussion of NFL preseason games and a history of Japan's X-League, the highest level of football in the island nation.
October 17, 2022
Added: Houston Antwine, Craig Heyward, and Paul Martha biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 16, 2022
Added: James Harrison and Jack Youngblood biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 16, 2022
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 44, Number 3
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing PFRA President George Bozeka has the details about the 2023 PFRA Convention in Pittsburgh. Registration methods are listed. The hotel accommodations and convention location are listed and the extra activities are included, along with the costs. The current list of speakers is outlined, along with the schedule of events.
Hall of Very Good Ballot The annual Hall of Very Good ballot has twenty candidates. Each ballot must include 10 votes. The methods of vote casting are included on the ballot.
The 1947 Season in Review Andy Piascik’s review of the 1947 NFL season examines more than just the biggest games and eventual champion. The season’s role in the game’s progression is examined, too. Single platoon football was ending, which gave a start to the rise of specialists we have today. The top players and personalities of the era, plus some questionable awards voting, are all spelled out.
December 15, 1963: Showdown in the Bronx Jim Marino examines a little-known classic confrontation between the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers in New York on December 15, 1963. The winner would be crowned champion of the NFL’s Eastern Conference champion and go on to play the Chicago Bears for the championship. The game was near the end of some Hall of Fame careers. It was also the final major victory for a great era of Giants teams.
Hugh McElhenny Was the 49ers Franchise Savior Martin Jacobs argues that Hall of Fame running back Hugh McElhenny saved the San Francisco franchise. Attendance was small and ticket prices were low, so the franchise was in trouble. McElhenny’s impact is examined.
August 15, 2022
Added: John Brodie and Ken Riley biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 17, 2022
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 44, Number 2
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing An update on the recently passed amendments to the PFRA Bylaws, listings of the newly adopted PFRA Forum Code of Conduct and the PFRA Code of Behavior, and a welcome to our new webmaster and board member, Clay Acord.
Direct from Deutschland: NFL Players’ Links to Germany by Peter F. Bonert. A short history of German-born players in the National Football League is presented, from the early days of the APFA and teams such as the Columbus Panhandles that featured the Nesser brothers, to the only Pro Football Hall of Famer born in Germany, Ernie Stautner, all the way up to the present day. A chronological career list of all 86 NFL players from Germany is included.
The Norwegian Connection: Football Pros From a Land Far, Far Away by Jarle Magnus Henriksen. Norway may seem an unlikely place for American football, but players from the Northern Europe country were playing the game even before the birth of the NFL. From Knute Rockne, who played professionally for Peggy Parratt's Akron Indians, to the first footballer from Norway to play in both the AFL and the NFL, Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud, are all covered here, as well as today's current players in both the NFL and the Canadian Football League.
Oh, the Places They'll Go! Changes in NFL Team Names and Locations by Lee Elder. And finally, staying with the travel theme, here's a whimsical tale of the various franchise moves and nickname changes that have taken place throughout the league over the years. It's enough to make your head spin, so don't forget to pack the Dramamine®!
2021 Player Deaths A list of the pro football players who died last year, including information on the team(s) they played for, the date and location of their death (if known) and their age when they passed away.
July 7, 2022
Added: Billy Cannon, Tony Dorsett, Dave Duerson and Walt Sweeney biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 8, 2022
Added 2021 Gamebooks
Members Only
June 6, 2022
Added: Larry Grantham and Ricky Watters biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 5, 2022
The PFRA Code of Behavior and PFRA Forum Code of Conduct have been adopted and uploaded to the Members Only Page.
Members Only
May 25, 2022
Added: Bill Stanfill and Bob Baumhower biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
May 2, 2022
Added: The latest class of the Hall of Very Good: Grady Alderman, Russ Francis, Mike Kenn, Tony Latone, Stanley Morgan, John Niland, Clark Shaughnessy, Bill Stanfill, Bob Vogel, and Abe Woodson.
May 1, 2022
Added: Bert Jones and Neil Lomax biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
April 26, 2022
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 44, Number 1
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing Executive Director Lee Elder presents the annual “State of the PFRA” report to members and discusses the increase in membership; the issues faced by the organization as the pandemic continued; the upcoming 2022 budget; the PFRA bylaws vote; the new “Great Teams” book; an updated Coffin Corner schedule for the year; a listing of the various committees and chairs, and the announcement of the host city for next year’s convention.
The Hall of Very Good Class of 2021 by Matt Keddie, Andy Piascik, Matt Reaser, Jay Thomas, John Turney and John Wilke. Career highlights of last year's class are included for Grady Alderman, Russ Francis, Mike Kenn, Tony Latone, Stanley Morgan, John Niland, Clark Shaughnessy, Bill Stanfill, Bob Vogel, and Abe Woodson.
2021 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 NFL Playoff Bowl: A Bittersweet Trip in the 1960s by Don Shipley. A short history of the postseason matchup every year between second place teams for third place in the NFL—famously called "hinky-dinky" by Vince Lombardi—complete with summaries for each game ending with the merger with the AFL in 1970.
The Packers in Hawaii by Herb Gould. The story of Green Bay’s barnstorming trip to the sunny and warm Pacific isles and West Coast in the winter of 1932–33, organized by Johnny “Blood” McNally after the team was denied a chance at a fourth straight NFL championship.
April 3, 2022
Added: Tommy Hughitt, Bobby Marshall, and Sam Salemi biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 23, 2022
Added: Ockie Anderson, Ken Kavanaugh, and Luke Urban biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 9, 2022
Added: Gene Washington, Billy Wilson, and Bryant Young biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 6, 2022
Added: John Hadl and Tommy Nobis biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 6, 2022
Added 2021 Linescores
Members Only
March 5, 2022
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 43, Number 6
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing The results of the 2021 PFRA election are officially announced, an update on the upcoming book in the PFRA Great Teams series, and a fond farewell to Ken Crippen and Mark Ford, the dynamic duo of the PFRA management team, as they wind up their terms.
Otis Armstrong: A Season to Savor by Joe Zagorski. A game-by-game recounting of the unexpected 1974 season from the diminutive Denver Broncos running back who stole the league rushing title that year from the dominant days of the Buffalo Bills' O. J. Simpson.
1951 NFL Season in Review by Andy Piascik. A look back at the incredible NFL season 70 years ago as twelve teams battled for the title. Four teams from the National Conference (the Rams, Bears, Lions and 49ers) fought until the final day of the regular season for the top spot, and a new rivalry emerged between the Browns and the Giants in the American Conference. At the end of the year the Rams met the Browns in the first NFL Championship Game to be nationally televised. Top games and individual performances are also highlighted.
Buck Shaw’s San Francisco 49ers by John Collins. The tenure of the Niners head coach for nine years is discussed and reevaluated as Shaw guided the franchise throughout their time in the AAFC and into their early years of the NFL, fielding competitive teams but always falling short, including six second place finishes.
December 24, 2021
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 43, Number 5
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing The Board of Directors submits bylaw amendments for approval to the PFRA membership. A ballot is included with a deadline of May 1, 2022, for voting.
Uncommon Valor on Iwo Jima: Lieutenants Chevigny, Johnson, and Lummus by Richard Bak. The story of three Marines with NFL ties who lost their lives at the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II—former Notre Dame player and Chicago Cardinals coach Jack Chevigny, ex-Green Bay Packer guard/linebacker Howard “Smiley” Johnson, and Medal of Honor recipient and former New York Giant end Jack Lummus.
The Death of Chuck Hughes and Its Impact on NFL Medicine by Denis M. Crawford. A remembrance of the Detroit Lions receiver on the fiftieth anniversary of his death during a game and the changes this medical emergency brought about to not just the NFL, but to competitive sports at large.
Garo Yepremian Kicks Off Miami’s AFC Three-peat by Robert Stevenson. The undersized Cypriot kicker who never played college football before he tried out for the NFL may best be remembered for his errant pass that led to the lone Washington touchdown in Super Bowl VII, but he was a key cog in the Miami machine that won three AFC titles and two Super Bowls in the Seventies, as this short (no pun intended) biography shows.
2021 PFRA Bookshelf by John Maxymuk. The annual bibliography of pro football books published this year, including those by PFRA members Denis Crawford, Jeff Miller and Greg Tranter, and the late Rupert Patrick.
December 19, 2021
Added: Rod Smith biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
December 7, 2021
Added: Rickey Jackson and Mark May biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
November 11, 2021
Added: Edgar Chandler biography to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 31, 2021
Added: Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Bill Nunn, Drew Pearson, Warren Sapp, Junior Seau, Shannon Sharpe, Donnie Shell, Will Shields, Duke Slater, Emmitt Smith, Ken Stabler, Dick Stanfel, Harold "Hayseed" Stephens, John Stofa, Michael Strahan, Paul Tagliabue, Jason Taylor, Mick Tingelhoff, Gus Tinsley, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Urlacher, Steve Van Buren, Paul Warfield, Kurt Warner, Tom Watkins, Aeneas Williams, Ron Wolf, Charles Woodson and George Young biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 24, 2021
Added: David Treadwell, Wally Triplett, Charley Trippi, Emlen Tunnell, Norm Van Brocklin, Frank Varrichione, Doak Walker, Herschel Walker, Bill Wals, Don Warren, Mike Webster, Herman Wedemeyer, Roger Wehrli, Arnie Weinmeister, Byron "Whizzer" White, Reggie White, Dave Wilcox, Bill Willis, Ralph C. Wilson, Kellen Winslow, Al Wistert biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 16, 2021
Added: Dick Stanfel, Jan Stenerud, Dwight Stephenson, Bob Steuber, Don Stonesifer, Hank Stram, Ken Strong, Pat Studstill, Leo Sugar, Jock Sutherland, Lynn Swann, Charley Taylor, Hugh "Bones" Taylor, Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Thomas, Emmitt Thomas, Thurman Thomas, Tommy Thompson, Willie Thrower, Andre Tippett, Mario Tonelli and George Trafton biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
October 9, 2021
Added: Fritz Pollard, Glenn Presnell, Bosh Pritchard, Greg Pruitt, Warren Rabb, Sonny Randle, Clare Randolph, Hugh "Shorty" Ray, Mel Renfro, Ray Renfro, John Riggins, Jim Ringo, Andy Robustelli, Dan Rooney, Tobin Rote, George Roudebush, Lou Rymkus, Barry Sanders, Charlie Sanders, Spec Sanders, Dick Schafrath, Joe Schmidt, Tex Schramm, Lee Roy Selmon, Frank Seno, Tom Sestak, Art Shell, Clyde Shugart, Don Shula, Mike Singletary, Johnny Sisk, Jackie Slater, Dwight "Paddlefoot" Sloan, Bruce Smith, Ernie Smith, Jackie Smith, Jim Ray Smith, Dave Smukler, Bob Snyder, Gordie Soltau, Mac Speedie, Chris Spielman, Ed Sprinkle, Bob St. Clair and John Stallworth biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 29, 2021
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 43, Number 4
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing by George Bozeka. The organizer for the 2021 convention recalls the highlights of the weekend in Canton, Ohio and at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The theme of the convention, which was rescheduled from 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, was the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NFL.
Official PFRA Elections Ballot. Note that the deadline for voting is December 1, 2021.
The Class of 2021 by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Career capsules, highlights, statistics, and awards from this year’s Hall of Fame class: Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Bill Nunn, Drew Pearson, and Charles Woodson.
More Than Just a Prayer by Perry Mastrocola. A look back at the 1975 playoff game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Minnesota Vikings that was more than just the Hail Mary pass from Roger Staubach to Drew Pearson at old Metropolitan Stadium.
Brownie the Elf: Where Did It Come From and Is It Still Relevant? by Barry Shuck. What's a brownie? What's an elf? And what's the difference? Take a deep dive into the history of the Cleveland Browns original mascot, its roots in Old World folklore, its use in representing the team in both the AAFC and the NFL, its demise, and its comeback.
September 26, 2021
Added: Ty Law, Dick LeBeau, Ray Lewis, Floyd Little, Paul Maguire, Curtis Martin, Kevin Mawae, Hugh McElhenny, Gerald McNeil, Randy Moss, Clem Neacy, Ray Nitschke, Dick Nolan, Chuck Noll, Tom Nowatzke, Davey O'Brien, Jonathan Ogden, Neil Olkewicz, Jim Otto, Steve Owen, R.C. Owens, Terrell Owens, Orlando Pace, Derrell Palmer, Jack Pardee, Jim Parker, Dave Parks, Bill Parcells, Walter Payton, Joe Perry, "Bum" Phillips, Elijah Pitts, Milt Plum, Troy Polamalu, Bill Polian, "Bucky" Pope, John Randle, Andre Reed, Ed Reed, Pete Retzlaff, Les Richter, Jerry Rice, Willie Roaf, Paul Robeson, Dave Robinson, Johnny Robinson, Ed Sabol, Steve Sabol, George Saimes and Deion Sanders biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
September 11, 2021
Added: Bobby Herbert, Joe Lillard, Pete Liske, Larry Little, James Lofton, Howie Long, Ronnie Lott, Jack Lummus, Tom Mack, John Madden, Al Mahrt, Archie Manning, Tim Mara, Wellington Mara, Gino Marchetti, George Preston Marshall, Dan Marino, Bruce Matthews, Don Maynard, George McAfee, Randall McDaniel, Tommy McDonald, Hugh McElhenny, Dale Memmelaar, Fred Miller, Bert Milling, Wayne Millner, Dick Modzelewski, Art Monk, Joe Montana, Warren Moon, Lenny Moore, Hap Moran, Earl Morrall, John Morrow, Marion Motley, Joe Muha, Mike Munchak, Anthony Munoz, Jim Musick, George Musso, Bronco Nagurski, Bill Nelsen, Ernie Nevers and Ozzie Newsome biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
August 26, 2021
Added: Tony Gonzalez, Kevin Greene, Russ Grimm, Ray Guy, Charles Haley, Chris Hanburger, Cliff Harris, Marvin Harrison, Winston Hill, Claude Humphrey, Steve Hutchinson, Rickey Jackson, Edgerrin James, Jimmy Johnson, Jerry Jones, Walter Jones, Alex Karras, Cortez Kennedy, Walt Koppisch, Eddie Kotal, Jerry Kramer, Bob Kuechenberg and Gary Larsen biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
Added: Gamebooks for 12-19-93 (Atlanta vs Washington), 12-26-93 (Atlanta vs Cincinnati) and 09-25-94 (Atlanta vs Washington)
Members Only
August 22, 2021
Added: Billy Kilmer, Bucko Kilroy, Bruiser Kinard, Don Kindt, Joe Kopcha, Walt Koppisch, Walt Kowalczyk, Ron Kramer, Paul Krause, Joe Krol, Curley Lambeau, Steve Largent, Yale Lary, Tony Latone, Dante Lavelli, Bobby Layne, Eddie LeBaron, Tuffy Leemans, Marv Levy and Verne Lewellen biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
Added: Gamebook for November 28, 1897 Greensburg vs. Latrobe
Members Only
August 14, 2021
Added: Gamebooks for December 4, 1898 Duquesne A.C. vs. All-Stars and December 4, 1921 Buffalo vs. Chicago
Members Only
August 13, 2021
Added: Harlon Hill, Jack Hinckle, Bob Hoernschemeyer, Mike Holovak, Chuck Howley, Bill Howton, George Hughes, Don Hutson, Cecil Isbell, Michael Irvin, Jimmy Johnson, Charlie Joiner, Don Jonas, Stan Jones, Henry Jordan, Karl Karilivach, Ken Kavanaugh, Jim Kelly, Leroy Kelly, Ray Kemp, Jim Kendrick, Ed Khayat, Violet Bidwell Wolfner, Rod Woodson, Rayfield Wright, Ron Yary, Buddy Young, Steve Young, Jack Youngblood, Swede Youngstrom and Gary Zimmerman biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
August 6, 2021
Added: Charles "Buckets" Goldenberg, Otto Graham, Bud Grant, Darrell Green, Jack Gregory, Roosevelt Grier, Jerry Groom, Lou Groza, Herman Gundlach, Ace Gutkowsky, Hinkey Haines, Carl Hairston, Dan Hampton, John Hannah, Pat Harder, Ralph Hay, Bob Hayes, Mike Haynes, Mel Hein, Wilbur "Fats" Henry, Arnie Herber, Bill Hewitt and Gene Hickerson biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
August 1, 2021
Added: Andy Farkas, Tom Fears, Jack Ferrante, Jim Finks, Galen Fiss, Ray Flaherty, Ed Flanagan, Len Ford, Dan Fouts, Sam Francis, Benny Friedman, Roman Gabriel, Bob Gain, Hugh Gallarneau, Frank Gatski, Dennis Gaubatz, Mario Giannelli, Jim Gibbons, Joe Gibbs, Cookie Gilchrist and Sid Gillman biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 24, 2021
Added: Matt Cavanaugh, Willie Davis, Fred Dean, Joe DeLamielleure, Al DeMao, Darrell Dess, Eric Dickerson, Dan Dierdorf, Doug Dieken, William "Lone Star" Dietz, Lavvie Dilweg, Hanford Dixon, Glenn Dobbs, Jack Dolbin, Art Donovan, Al Dorow, Bill Dudley, Turk Edwards, Carl Eller, John Elway, Ox Emerson biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
Added: 2020 Gamebooks
Members Only
July 18, 2021
Added: Larry Allen, Morten Anderson, Steve Atwater, Champ Bailey, Bobby Beathard, Chuck Bednarik, Jerome Bettis, Pat Bowlen, Gil Brandt, Robert Brazile, Derrick Brooks, Tim Brown, Isaac Bruce, Jack Butler, Harold Charmichael, Jim "King" Corcoran, Jimbo Covert, Bill Cower, Curley Culp, Terrell Davis, Brian Dawkins and Dermontti Dawson biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
July 9, 2021
Added: Chuck Bednarik, Russell "Bull" Behman, Bert Bell, Ricky Bell, Phil Bengtson, Elvin Bethea, Fred Beletnikoff, Johnny Blood, Mel Blount, Al Blozis, Arda Bowser, Ben Lee Boynton, Terry Bradshaw, Brian Brennan, Paul Briggs, Gene Brito, Bob Brown, Roosevelt Brown, Timmy Brown, Carl Brumbaugh, Howard "Cub" Buck, Nick Buoniconti, Don Burroughs, Earl Campbell, Gino Cappelletti, Joe Carr, Harry Carson, Cris Carter, Jim Carter, Dave Casper, Lynn Chandnois, Jack Christiansen, August "Gus" Cifelli, Monte Clark, Potsy Clark, Gail Cogdill, Charlie Conerly, Jim Conzelman, Lou Creekmur and Roy Curry biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 30, 2021
Added: 2021 PFRA Convention Presentations
Members Only
June 24, 2021
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 43, Number 3
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing The cover for The 1951 Los Angeles Rams: Profiles of the NFL’s First West Coast Champions, the third in the Great Teams in Pro Football History series, is unveiled, as is a pre-order discount for the book to be released later this year. Also, there's a special "thank you" to PFRA member Richard Bak, who compiled a complete article index of the entire run of the Coffin Corner, from 1979 to 2021, alphabetized by author.
Official 2021 Hall of Very Good Ballot. NOTE: The deadline for submitting your ballot is October 31, 2021.
The Chicago Bears’ 1965 Draft: Sayers and Butkus Enter the NFL by Bryan Dietzler. There are those who say that the greatest draft the Bears ever had was in 1983, a draft that produced seven starters on the 1985 Super Bowl champions. That may be, but it's hard to beat the back-to-back picks Chicago made in Round 1 of the 1965 draft—two Hall of Famers that could be considered the best to ever play their positions.
Ten Things You Probably Don’t Know About the Detroit Lions by Randy Snow. A Top 10 list of trivia about the team formerly known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Lions may not have won a Super Bowl, but how many franchises can boast an astronaut, two backup singers on a gold record hit and seven Heisman winners as former players? "I'll take 'Motor City Minutiae' for $200, Alex.”
Three Former Stars Remember the World Football League by Kenn Tomasch. Gary Danielson, John Dockery, and Bob Gladieux reminisce about their playing days for the New York Stars/Charlotte Hornets of the wild and wooly WFL in this question-and-answer piece. If there's a lesson to be learned in this, it's probably best if you know the chain of custody of your chewing tobacco.
June 20, 2021
Added: Frankie Albert, John ALexander, George Allen, Jimmy Allen, Lance Alworth, "Hunk" Anderson, Elmer Angsman, Doug Atkins, Red Badgro, John Baker, Terry Baker, Vince Banonis, Billy Ray Barnes, Lem Barney, Cliff Battles, and Sammy Baugh biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 14, 2021
Added: Added Herb Adderley, Tony Adamle, Dick Afflis, Troy Aikman and Jim Ailinger biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 13, 2021
Added: Added High Green and Harry A. March biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
June 5, 2021
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has agreed to increase the number of attendees we are permitted to have for the 2021 PFRA Convention from 48 to 64, so we are reopening the reservation link for the new slots. Some spaces are also still available for the Thursday Paul Brown Museum Tour add on and the Friday Bender's Luncheon/Tour add on. The Sunday Behind the Scenes Tour add on is sold out. Reservations for the Convention and Friday luncheon can be made on the Convention page. Please contact George Bozeka at sundaygolfer48@aol.com to make reservations for the Thursday add on or for any questions.
2021 PFRA Convention Update
June 2, 2021
Added: Added Dick Brubaker, Wayne Frazier and Dewey Bohling biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
May 29, 2021
The official 2021 PFRA Convention T-shirt is now available for purchase. Cost for the t-shirt is $20 for domestic orders (or in person), $25 for Canadian orders and $30 for International orders. T-shirts are available in Medium, Large, XL, 2X, 3X, and 4X. Please place your order and designate your size using the Paypal link on this page. The deadline for ordering the t-shirt is June 15. T-shirts will be delivered at the Convention or will be shipped if you do not attend. If you have any questions, please contact George Bozeka at sundaygolfer48@aol.com.
2021 PFRA Convention T-Shirts
May 23, 2021
CONVENTION SOLD OUT!! We have reached maximum capacity based on current state COVID guidelines. If this changes, we will open up more slots for attendees. You can still sign up for the luncheon.
2021 PFRA Convention Update
May 19, 2021
Added September 22, 1974 Gamebook for Chargers-Bengals. Updated "The Best of Each Season" All-Pros Document with new 1933 All-Pro Team.
Members Only
May 18, 2021
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 43, Number 2
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing Executive Director Mark L. Ford presents his annual “State of the PFRA” report to members and discusses the issues faced by the organization during the pandemic; the increase in membership, social media presence and revenue; and the upcoming convention at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A detailed itinerary for the 2021 convention is also included.
2020 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 inaugural Jack Clary Award for service to the organization.
Par for the Course: Quantifying the AFL/NFL Drafts from 1960–66 by Kent Stephens. An analysis of the seven competitive player drafts between the rival leagues before the common draft era and the author's method of evaluating the success of the upstart AFL in signing the top talent out of college.
Eddie Kotal: The Experiences that Shaped the First Full-Time NFL Scout by Ryan C. Christiansen. A short biography of the pioneering scout for the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, whose career as a player and coach influenced the methods he developed to find and evaluate college players in the days before BLESTO and the NFL Scouting Combine.
2020 Player Deaths. A list of the pro football players who died last year, including information on the team(s) they played for, the date and location of their death (if known) and their age when they passed away.
May 4, 2021
Added new speakers, events and the itinerary.
2021 PFRA Convention Update
April 14, 2021
Added: Added Marshall Goldberg, Floyd Hudlow and Bill Shockley biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
March 30, 2021
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 43, Number 1
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing The 2021 convention at the Pro Football Hall of Fame is on for June 24–27 this year and organizer George Bozeka gives us an update on the hotel, speakers and activities planned. Announcements are also made on the next book in the PFRA’s Great Teams series and the promotion of Denis Crawford to managing editor of the Coffin Corner.
The Hall of Very Good Class of 2020 by Matt Keddie, Jeff Miller, Andy Piascik and Jay Thomas, with illustrations by John Richards. Career highlights of last year's class are included for Ottis Anderson, Jay Hilgenberg, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Ron McDole, Karl Mecklenburg, Richie Petitbon, Sterling Sharpe, and Buddy Young.
Tom Watkins: From College All-American to Stellar NFL Halfback by Jim Sargent. A short biography of the Iowa State great—and member of the famed 1959 ‘Dirty Thirty’ Cyclones team—who went on to pro football, playing for the Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He also starred as a return specialist, leading the NFL in punt returns and yardage in 1963.
A Case of Identity Theft, WFL-Style by Mark Speck. The curious case of George Myers (a.k.a. John Meeger), a linebacker/con artist who fast-talked his way onto the roster of the Word Football League’s San Antonio Wings, was then fired, and drove out of town in a vehicle fraudulently purchased from a car dealer. After trying the same trick with the NFL's Falcons, Broncos, and 49ers, he was finally tracked down in Atlanta by the FBI.
The Last Ride of the 1970s Super Steelers by Jimmy Grant. A recounting of the 1982 Pittsburgh team that played strong in a strike-shortened season, entered the so-called Super Bowl Tournament with high hopes, only to lose in the first round against the San Diego Chargers, unofficially marking the end of their Seventies dynasty.
March 25, 2021
2021 PFRA Convention Update
March 13, 2021
Added 2020 Linescores
Members Only
March 6, 2021
Added: Added Jerry DeLucca, Sam Palumbo and Bo Roberson biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
February 3, 2021
Added: Added Joe Cannavino, Dave Behrman, Richie Lucas and Paul Guidry biographies to Biography Committee.
Biography Committee
February 2, 2021
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 42, Number 6
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing PFRA wraps up 2020 with a record number of members, going over 400 for the first time.
The 1920 Akron Pros by C.C. Staph. A review of the first league champions, from their early days as an independent team through the end of their lone championship season.
The American Professional Football Association Season in Review, 1920 by M. Booth Lowrey. How the first season was viewed by the few pro football writers of 100 years ago, from the Akron Beacon-Journal to the Washington Herald.
December 23, 2020
Added: Added Don Healy and Billy Kinard biographies to Biography Committee. Updated O.J. Simpson biography.
Biography Committee
December 18, 2020
2021 PFRA Convention Update
December 15, 2020
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 42, Number 5
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. News about the 8 inductees to the HOVG class of 2021, and details about the rescheduled Canton convention on June 25-26.
Two Stars Are Born: The First Football Game at Three Rivers Stadium by William J. Ryczek. It was a preseason game on August 28, 1970 , between the Steelers and the visiting Giants, with a lot of firsts. Although it was on a Friday, the TV broadcast was also the pilot for the MNF team of Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell and Dandy Don Meredith, and the national TV debut of Terry Bradshaw and Bob Tucker.
Fists Flew When the 49ers Faced the Eagles by Joe Hession. A classic from the NFL's "Black Hat" era, September 25, 1953 at Kezar, with plenty of on field brawling interrupted frequently by an NFL game. The 49ers had future heavyweight boxer Charlie Powell, veteran pro wrestler Leo Nomellini, and Hardy Brown, "the meanest man in football". The Eagles had Pete Pihos and Al Pollard. Even the marching band and the San Francisco police got involved in the fighting.
"They Were Really Good!" The 1975-77 Baltimore Colts by Jimmy Grant. One of the greatest comeback stories of the 70s NFL, as Joe Thomas and Ted Marchibroda turned a 2-12-0 Colts team into the AFC East Division winner three years in a row.
Northern Migration by Ryan C. Christiansen. Looking back at 1953, when Bud Grant and Mac Speedie bolted the NFL for higher salaries in Canada.
2019 PFRA Bookshelf by John Maxymuk. The annual bibliography of pro football books written in 2019 and published in 2020, including those by PFRA members Richard Bak, Patrick Gallivan, Martin S. Jacobs, Tommy A. Phillips, Joe Zagorski and the late Rupert Patrick.
December 6, 2020
Added: Added Charley Bivins, Marlin Briscoe, Charlie Brown, Bill Laskey (second bio), Marion Motley, Ken Rice and LaVerne Torczon biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
November 14, 2020
The latest class of the Hall of Very Good: Ottis Anderson, Jay Hilgenberg, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Ron McDole, Karl Mecklenburg, Richie Petitbon, Sterling Sharpe and Buddy Young
October 12, 2020
Added: Added Rupert Patrick's Gamebooks (1933-34, 1937-42, 1944-45), Added AFL Championship Gamebooks, Updated Game Officials List
Members Only
October 4, 2020
Added: Added Bill Laskey, Bob Petrich, John Prchlik and Tom Saidock biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
October 3, 2020
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 42, Number 4
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. News on Rupert Patrick's final work, the new Jack Clary Award for service to the PFRA, and the Covid-19 pandemic that's changed the normal routine; as well as a PFRA member survey.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's 2020 Centennial Class by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Profiles and stats of the Modern Era inductees from this year's inductees—Steve Atwater, Isaac Bruce, Bill Cowher, Steve Hutchinson, Edgerrin James, Jimmy Johnson, Troy Polamalu, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue, and George Young.
1950s NFL Tidbits by Andy Piascik. A look at the NFL's most stable era of the 20th century, the 12-team league with the 12-game season, Saturday night games on the DuMont Network, the two Cleveland Browns' teams ('51 and '53) with 11 Canton-bound players and coaches, and much more.
September 12, 2020
Added: Wayne Crow, Dick Cunningham, Ralph Felton, Jack Johnson, Howard Kindig, Charlie King, Tony King, Henry Schmidt and Donnie Stone biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
August 22, 2020
Added: Lawsuit document Chester v. WFL
Members Only
August 21, 2020
Added: Bill Atkins, Linda Bogdan, Dan Darragh, Billy Joe, Bob Kalsu, Chick Maggioli, Bob Schmidt, Marty Schottenheimer and Jack Spikes biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
August 7, 2020
Added: Max Anderson, Bill Fralic, Booth Lusteg, Mike McBath, Gary McDermott, Tom O'Connell, Art Powell and Willie West biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
July 27, 2020
Added: Willie Grate, John Green, Ben Gregory, Tom Janik, Billy Masters, Preston Ridlehuber, Kay Stephenson and Jim Wagstaff biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
July 16, 2020
Added: Nate Borden, Hezekiah Braxton, Bob Brodhead, Dave Costa, Chuck DeVleigher, Lou Feist, Angelo Loukas, Leroy Moore, Bob Pifferini, Tom Sherman and O.J. Simpson biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
July 14, 2020
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 42, Number 3
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. The PFRA's Biography Project has been launched. Also, an announcement on the passing of long-time PFRA president Jack Clary.
Official 2020 Hall of Very Good Ballot. The deadline for submitting your ballot is October 31, 2020.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Centennial Class of 2020: Seniors. by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Profiles of the 10 seniors inducted to Canton, Harold Carmichael, Jimbo Covert, Bobby Dillon, Cliff Harris, Winston Hill, Alex Karras, Donnie Shell, Duke Slater, Mac Speedie and Ed Sprinkle.
The NFL's Space Ship Division by Richard Bak. The first NFL try at radios in the helmets, the 1956 experiment by the Lions when radios weren't that compact.
Repus Bowl I: November 27, 1983 by Denis M. Crawford. When 1-11 Tampa Bay and 1-11 Houston played the game billed as the opposite of the Super Bowl, deciding which team was the worst in the league.
July 1, 2020
Added: Gary Bugenhagen, Marv Hubbard, Robert James, Mike Mercer, Tom Rychlec and Sid Youngelman biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
June 25, 2020
Added: Bobby Burnett, Don Chelf, Tom Flores, Art Laster, Jim Otto, Art Shell and Ken Stabler biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
June 15, 2020
Added: Art Baker, Doug Goodwin, Lester Hayes, Mike Haynes, Ted Hendricks and John Matuszak biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
June 8, 2020
Added: Marcus Allen, Lyle Alzado, Benny Russell and Manch Wheeler biographies to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
June 2, 2020
Added: George Ratterman Biography to Biography Committee
Biography Committee
May 13, 2020
Added: Biography Committee
Biography Committee
May 6, 2020
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 42, Number 2
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. The PFRA Convention has been postponed to June 24-27, 2021. Details on hotel reservations are included.
The Saints of Old Tulane by Joe Zagorski. A season-by-season look at the years that the Saints played in Tulane Stadium (1967-1974).
When the Eagles Took Flight by Jimmy Grant. A look at the Philadelphia Eagles’ 1980 championship run and what led up to that season.
2019 Player Deaths. A listing of the players who passed away in 2019.
A Critique of the Official 1960s All-Decade Team by Andy Piascik. The author takes a look at the official all-decade team of the 1960s and proposes an alternative version.
April 25, 2020
Added: Arena Football Leage Resources, Players who Played in the NFL and CFL, 2020 XFL Media Guide and Rules, Interview with Upton Bell.
Members Only
April 19, 2020
2020 PFRA Convention Is Rescheduled!!
March 22, 2020
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 42, Number 1
Available to Members Only
State of the PFRA. Executive Director Mark L. Ford discusses election results, the PFRA website, and the 2020 PFRA Convention.
2019 PFRA Awards. The announcement of the Ralph Hay Award for lifetime achievement in pro football research and historiography, Nelson Ross Award for recent achievement in pro football history and the Bob Carroll Memorial Writing Award for the best "The Coffin Corner" article of the year.
Hall of Very Good Class of 2019. Biographies of the Class of 2019, written by Andy Piascik (Ed White), Matt Reaser (Everson Walls), Jeff Miller (Art Powell), Jay Thomas (Abner Haynes & Roger Craig), Matthew Keddie (Joe Jacoby & Deron Cherry), and John Turney (Joey Browner).
A Critique of the Official 1950s All-Decade Team by Andy Piascik. Piascik goes into detail on each selection of the 1950s All-Decade team as determined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee. Were these the best players of the decade? Were there better choices? An alternative team is proposed by the author.
The First Pro Pass, Revisited...Again by Gregg Ficery. Additional research by the author has discovered an earlier date to the first pro pass. Who was the passer and who caught the pass? The article details that game.
Detroit's Bid to Land Pro Football's Shrine by Richard Bak. A detailed account of Detroit's bid for the Pro Football Hall of Fame to be located in the motor city, instead of Canton.
March 14, 2020
2020 PFRA Convention Updates
PFRA Awards for 2019
Gamebooks (Members Only)
March 1, 2020
2020 PFRA Convention
The bi-annual PFRA meeting will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, June 18-21.
New speakers added. Also add-on activities for Thursday, Friday and Sunday.
February 6, 2020
Members Only
Added 2019 Gamebooks, Added 2019 Linescores, Added Annual Report-FY2019
January 17, 2020
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 41, Number 6
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. An update from George Bozeka on the 2020 PFRA Convention at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio from June 18–21 next year that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NFL, including information on the special hotel discount and a list of events and speakers. Also PFRA election results.
The Unlikely Rivalry: Ken O'Brien vs. Dan Marino by Jon Taub. A look at the two of the quarterbacks from the famed draft class of 1983: Ken O'Brien and Dan Marino. How did their careers turn out and how did they fair against similar competition?
Immaculate Saturday: One Glorious Day, Two Magnificent Games by Brad Schultz. Everyone remembers the Immaculate Reception. Do you remember the Dallas-San Francisco game from the same day? The one where Dallas rallied for 17 points to beat the 49ers to advance to the NFC Championship Game? This article is an analysis of why one was revered and one is all but forgotten.
Cleveland's Dawg Pound by Roger Gordon. A look at the history of Cleveland's Dawg pound and how it got its name.
The First Pro Pass, Revisited by Ken Crippen. In 1979, Bob Carroll wrote an article on the first documented forward pass. A group of researchers have found two additional passes that occurred prior to Bob's documented pass.
January 17, 2020
Hall of Very Good Class of 2019
The PFRA's Hall of Very Good Class of 2019 has been announced.
January 6, 2020
WFL Clippings and Information
Newspaper clippings and other information from the World Football League.
November 8, 2019
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 41, Number 5
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. An update from George Bozeka on the 2020 PFRA Convention at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio from June 18–21 next year that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the NFL, including information on the special hotel discount and a list of events and speakers.
Before the Bears, Before Halas: The Decatur Staleys by Chris Serb. A history of the early years of the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Company’s industrial team that was founded in 1919 and would become the Chicago Bears, including the firm’s fortuitous hiring of George Halas as an employee and player-coach in 1920.
Un-Bear-ably Close: Chicago’s Many Near Misses of the Post-War Era by Andy Piascik. The Bears—along with the rival Packers—dominated the early years of the NFL, winning seven NFL titles in the 25 years since their first championship in 1921. But they would not win another league title until 1963. This is a recounting of the close calls and agonizing finishes of the club after World War II.
2019 PFRA Bookshelf by John Maxymuk. A bibliography of books on professional football (with a few notable exceptions) published or scheduled to be published in 2019, with highlighted titles by PFRA members.
October 9, 2019
2020 PFRA Convention
The bi-annual PFRA meeting will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, June 18-21.
New panel of speakers added.
September 23, 2019
2020 PFRA Convention
The bi-annual PFRA meeting will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, June 18-21.
Additional speaker added.
September 10, 2019
2020 PFRA Convention
The bi-annual PFRA meeting will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, June 18-21.
Additional details released, as well as PayPal registration and payment.
August 31, 2019
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 41, Number 4
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. The candidates for the office of President of the PFRA release their statements on their vision of the future of the organization.
Official PFRA Elections Ballot. Note that the deadline for voting is October 31, 2019.
The Class of 2019 by the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Career capsules, highlights, statistics and awards from this year’s Hall of Fame class: Champ Bailey, Pat Bowlen, Gil Brandt, Tony Gonzalez, Ty Law, Kevin Mawae, Ed Reed and Johnny Robinson.
The NFL’s Greatest Backup Quarterback by Mark A. Sullivan. A biography and career overview of Earl Morrall, who played in the league for 21 years, won an NFL title, an MVP award and was a member of three Super Bowl champion teams.
Quick Hits with Al Carapella by John Vorperian. A freewheeling interview with the former Pro Bowler and San Francisco 49er from the Fifties that includes biographical details of the 90-plus-year-old ex-player.
August 31, 2019
2018 Linescores
The 2018 linescores have been added.
This is available to Members Only.
August 3, 2019
AAFC Scoresheets
PFRA is happy to announce that we have added the All-America Football Conference's offical scoresheets to our collection of historical documents. Included in these files is the scoresheet for every game from the 1946, 1947 and 1949 seasons.
This unqiue collection is available to Members Only.
July 25, 2019
NFL Gamebooks
We have added a significant number of new gamebooks to our collection of NFL gamebooks.
Our holdings are now complete back to the 1996 season and we now have 12134 of the 12847 regular season and playoffs games played by the NFL and the AFL since 1960.
This amazing treasure trove of NFL history is available to Members Only.
July 18, 2019
United Football League
Gamebooks for the 2009-12 United Football Football League.
Available to Members Only
July 16, 2019
2020 PFRA Convention
The bi-annual PFRA meeting will be held at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, June 18-21.
Additional details about hotel accomodations and speakers to come in the following weeks.
July 14, 2019
World Football League
Game summaries, milestones and transactions for the World Football League.
Available to Members Only
July 5, 2019
Player Profile: Ox Emerson
The third in a series of articles profiling players throughout NFL history.
July 4, 2019
Player Profile: Al Wistert
The second in a series of articles profiling players throughout NFL history.
June 30, 2019
Player Profile: Lavvie Dilweg
The first in a series of articles profiling players throughout NFL history.
June 25, 2019
The new issue of The Coffin Corner
Volume 41, Number 3
Available to Members Only
PFRA-ternizing. An update on the candidates and deadlines for PFRA elective offices in 2019, the official announcement of the weekend of June 18–21, 2020 for the PFRA Convention in Canton next year and birthday wishes for the PFRA at 40.
Official 2019 Hall of the Very Good Ballot. Note that the deadline for voting is October 31, 2019.
Present at the Creation: An Interview with Joe Horrigan on the Founding of the PFRA by Ken Crippen. The retiring executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame speaks on the founding of the organization and his memories of those early days of the PFRA and those who were at that first meeting in Canton, Ohio.
The Battle of the Decade: The 40th Anniversary of Super Bowl XIII by J. Brian Ross. A look back at the 1979 Cowboys vs. Steelers rematch of Super Bowl X that would become the most-watched sporting event in television history at the time and a key moment in deciding the NFL team of the Seventies.
The Modern Stadium Explosion: From the 1960s to the Present by Patrick Gallivan. A brief history of the era of multi-purpose and football stadium construction that began with the Houston Astrodome in 1965 and including the NFL stadiums that opened in the 1960s.
April 27, 2019
The First Issue of The Coffin Corner
In celebrating the 40th anniversary of the founding of PFRA, we take a look back at the first issue of "The Coffin Corner."
Full Issue