Gridiron America Radio
363 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★ - 7 ratingsGridiron America Radio is where football is celebrated through game replays, old radio shows, and documentaries in the public domain that cover the history, remembrances, culture, lore, and legends of pro football in Canada, America and around the world. Additionally, you can also find replays of the "From the 55 Yard Line" podcast on The Sports History Network, as well as simulcasts of Gridiron Japan Radio, and replays of USFL America Radio, and Gridiron America FM Radio public domain game broadcasts.
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Episodes
The 1994 NFL Draft
August 30, 2021 17:00 - 45 minutes - 42.4 MBAgainst the backdrop of highly-touted quarterbacks Trent Dilfer and Heath Shuler jockeying for position, a verbal on-air spat between ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Jr. and Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Tobin, and the NFL becoming a year-round sport, the NFL Draft becomes the must-see event it is today. Additionally, players such as Kurt Warner, Rod Smith, Jeff Garcia and D’Marco Farr go undrafted. Features interviews with Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Bill Tobin, Trent Dilfer, Mel Kiper, Jr., P...
The 1985 NFL Draft
August 29, 2021 17:00 - 45 minutes - 42.5 MBBill Walsh trades up with the New England Patriots and lands wide receiver Jerry Rice. But was that the original plan? For the first time, former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Sam Wyche reveals Walsh’s frantic efforts to trade for the top-billed receiver in the draft, Eddie Brown, while Bernie Kosar stuns the world by entering the supplemental draft and landing in Cleveland. Features interviews with Jerry Rice, Bruce Smith, Randall Cunningham, Doug Flutie, Herschel Walker, Ernie Accorsi and ...
The 1984 NFL Draft
August 28, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 42.6 MBEngaged in a bidding war with the USFL, the 1984 NFL Draft takes place in one marathon day after the USFL Draft had concluded. Future Hall of Famers Reggie White and Steve Young signed with the USFL, while Boomer Esiason fell to the second round of the NFL Draft after saying he did not want to play in the USFL. Additionally, the first overall pick is traded twice and NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper, Jr. makes his ESPN debut. Features interviews with Boomer Esiason, Steve Young, Irving Fryar, Pet...
The 1975 NFL Draft
August 27, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 43.3 MBIn a draft that would be remembered for Walter Payton, top pick Steve Bartkowski sets the NFL world afire by asking his college dorm-mate Leigh Steinberg to negotiate his contract. Features interviews with Leigh Steinberg, Gil Brandt, Hollywood Henderson, Dan Fouts, Steve Bartkowski, Robert Brazile and more.
The 1974 NFL Draft
August 26, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBThe Pittsburgh Steelers change the way organizations view the NFL Draft by adopting a philosophy of building a championship team through the draft and selecting four future Hall of Famers in Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth and Mike Webster. Features interviews with the first ‘draftnik’ Pete Marasco, Lynn Swann, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, and more.
The 1965 NFL Draft
August 25, 2021 15:00 - 45 minutes - 42.4 MBThe 1965 Draft was the most fiercely fought event between the rival National and American Football Leagues. It was a fierce battle for such future Hall of Fame greats Joe Namath, Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. The two arch-enemies competed for the top college talent by breaking gentlemen agreements, testing limits of NCAA boundaries, and even sabotaging each other with “dirty tricks” and deceptions that mirrored the real-world Cold War and the spy movies and TV shows of the era. Features i...
The 1964 NFL Draft
August 24, 2021 17:00 - 45 minutes - 42.3 MBIn a draft that included 11 Hall of Famers – more than any other draft in NFL history – the Dallas Cowboys revolutionize the scarcely covered player selection meeting and plant the seeds for a national phenomenon with the selections of Roger Staubach, Bob Hayes and Mel Renfro. Additionally, the New York Jets lay the foundation for their Super Bowl III championship with the selection of six eventual starters, and number one overall pick Dave Parks later makes history by being the first mar...
From the 55 Yard Line- Bryant Turner, Jr., True Blue Bomber
August 24, 2021 02:43 - 52 minutes - 40.1 MBScott and Greg are joined by former CFL All-Star Bryant Turner, Jr., who talks about his love for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, his best memories from his playing days and how important fan/player relationships are in professional football. From 2011 through 2015 Bryant spent five seasons in blue and gold, followed by two seasons in with the British Columbia Lions. During his time in Winnipeg, as a defensive tackle, he appeared and started in 71 games, in which he recorded 26 sacks, five force...
Larger Than Life- The Red Grange Story
August 23, 2021 14:00 - 45 minutes - 42.5 MBHow do you turn two tons of copper into a statue? Illinois alumnus George Lundeen has been doing this for more than 30 years. Lundeen creates realistic portrayals of athletes, presidents and animals in his Colorado studio. Now, Lundeen has been given the honor of creating a 12-foot replica of one of the University's most famous alumni, Harold "Red" Grange. As an artist, Lundeen is faced with the task of creating a piece encompassing the persona of an individual whose very name is synony...
The 1985 Chicago Bears
August 22, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 95.8 MBIn 1985 the Chicago Bears dominated the game and embodied everything that encapsulated that memorable decade: flash, chaos and a get-out-of-my-way attitude. Their Super Bowl winning season had it all - the birth of Buddy Ryan's 46 Defense, the loss to the Dolphins that ruined their perfect season, the "Super Bowl Shuffle" and a colorful group of misfits who became the toast of football.
An Unauthorized History of the NFL
August 21, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBHosted by Jessica Savitch, "An Unauthorized History of the NFL" was the first episode of the long running Frontline. It took a look at the secret connections of the NFL and the world of sports gambling and organized crime.
League of Denial
August 20, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe National Football League, a multibillion-dollar commercial juggernaut, presides over America’s indisputable national pastime. But the NFL is under assault: thousands of former players have claimed the league tried to cover up how football inflicted long-term brain injuries on many players. What did the NFL know, and when did it know it?
The Replacements
August 19, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 75.4 MBTwo weeks into the 1987 season, the NFL's players went on strike. As the strike fanned fires across the country, no one felt the heat more than the 1,500 replacement players, who were caught in the crosshairs of media fueled controversy between owners, players and fans alike.
The Autumn Wind Against the World
August 18, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBAn intimate look inside one of the great rivalries in the history of the National Football League - Raiders legend Al Davis and former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle. Their battle grew so intense that players, owners, franchises - even the League itself - became characters in a three-decade long Shakespearean feud that changed football forever. As the Raiders play their inaugural season in Las Vegas with a brand-new stadium, something Al Davis often dreamed of building himself, it's time to e...
The American Game- The Heisman
August 17, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBThe Heisman Trophy, named for famed college football coach, John Heisman, was first awarded in 1935. The coveted award, revered in the world of sports, is given to the most "outstanding player in college football" annually.
From the 55 Yard Line- African Americans in the CFL
August 17, 2021 03:54 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBScott and Greg are joined by fellow Sports History Network member, Dana Auguster, of the Historically Speaking Sports podcast to talk about the important role African Americans have played in Canada, both on the field, as well as in the front office. Beginning with Robert "Stonewall" Jackson and continuing to the present with Clarence "Pinball" Clemons, the three talk about their contributions and look back at the greatest players many Americans may never have heard of or seen play.
The American Game- College vs Pro
August 16, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBCollege football and professional football have not always co-existed peacefully. The college game was the country's introduction to the game, so when pro football came along, it was first viewed as not only inferior but as intrusive.
The American Game- Bowls, Polls and Champions
August 15, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBDetermining the best college football team each season has always been a controversial discussion. Bowl games and the various polls have played major roles over the decades, and today it has evolved into the College Football Playoff.
The American Game- Games of the Century
August 14, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBWhat defines a "Game of the Century"? What are the necessary criteria? Some of the games highlighted are 1935 Notre Dame-Ohio State, 1966 Notre Dame-Michigan State, and 2006 USC-Texas.
The American Game- Rivalries
August 13, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBSome of the greatest rivalries in college football are highlighted: Harvard-Yale, Lehigh-Lafayette, Auburn-Alabama, Ohio State-Michigan, USC-UCLA, Florida-Florida State, Iowa-Iowa State, Army-Navy, Texas-Oklahoma, Southern-Grambling
The American Game- Notre Dame
August 12, 2021 18:00 - 49 minutes - 46 MBLove them or hate them, Notre Dame set the gold standard for college football in the 1920's, and they remain relevant today because college football fans want them either to win or lose, there's no in between with the Fighting Irish.
From the 55 Yard Line- Lamar's Gamble With Billy O'Connor and Frank Pace
August 12, 2021 02:35 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBScott and Greg are joined by retired New York firefighter and Vietnam veteran Billy O'Connor, and television producer (four time Emmy nominee) Frank Pace, co-hosts of the A Mick A Mook and a Mic podcast to talk about their new book, "Lamar's Gamble: A Tale of the AFL-NFL Merger." The authors discuss, in addition to their book and podcast, their thoughts and perspectives on the NFL of today vs. the time period in which their book is based. They also leave room for a discussion with Scott and...
The American Game- Television
August 11, 2021 18:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBThe role of television in the growth of college football cannot be underestimated. From hand-held cameras to instant replay to ESPN and voices like Keith Jackson, all played a role in taking the game from a regional to a national game.
The American Game- Recruiting
August 10, 2021 17:00 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBAs far back as the 1880's coaches figured out they needed the best players in order to win games. From the "ringers" of the early days to the 24/7, day to day grind of the 21st century, recruiting is essential to the college game.
The American Game- Integration
August 09, 2021 15:00 - 49 minutes - 45.9 MBIntegration in college football, though slow in its infusion through the '60s and '70s, not only changed the game itself in many ways, more importantly, it allowed many of the game's biggest stars to emerge.
The American Game- Evolution
August 08, 2021 15:00 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBInnovations in the game of college football include better equipment, evolving offensive strategies, defenses trying to keep step with the offensive mindset, strategies of physical conditioning, nutrition and injury recovery.
The American Game- The Culture
August 07, 2021 14:02 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBCollege football is more than just a sport -- it's a cultural phenomenon. To understand the game, you have to understand how much everything around it matters, too -- from the team colors to the uniforms to the bands, the mascots and more.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 8: SEC, SEC, SEC! 2010-Present
August 06, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74 MBThe SEC has a run of seven straight national titles, and nine in 12 years. Expansion in 2012 gives the conference 14 schools. Meanwhile, Nick Saban arguably becomes the greatest coach in the history of college football.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 7: Faith, Family & Football 2000-2009
August 05, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBNick Saban comes to LSU in 2000 and eventually wins the Tigers' first national championship since 1958 - a feat matched by Les Miles. At Florida, Tim Tebow becomes a cult hero and wins two national titles with Urban Meyer's Gators.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 6: Revolution 1990-1999
August 04, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBThe 1990s bring change, with expansion and the sport's first-ever conference championship game. Florida's Steve Spurrier fashions an era of high-octane offense, and his Gators form a rivalry with Tennessee and QB Peyton Manning.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 5: Star Power 1980-1989
August 03, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBThe 1980s begin with Herschel Walker leading Georgia to a national title as a freshman. After Bear Bryant retires in 1982 and passes away four weeks later, control of the SEC is eventually transferred to Pat Dye and Bo Jackson at Auburn.
From the 55 Yard Line- Chicago, America's Pro Football Capital With Joe Ziemba
August 03, 2021 02:54 - 1 hour - 78.6 MBScott and Greg discuss with Joe Ziemba, noted author of When Football Was Football: The Chicago Cardinals and the Birth of the NFL and Cadets, Cannons and Legends: The Football History of Morgan Park Military Academy, the impact of Chicago in the formation of American professional football, and how it was the Cardinals and not the Bears who were the city's original entry into the NFL. We then follow the story of the Cardinals from their birth on the South Side to their eventual departure fro...
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 4: The Best Years of Their Lives 1969-1979
August 02, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBAs a new decade dawns, quarterbacks Archie Manning, Bert Jones and Condredge Holloway build memorable legacies. Bear Bryant begins a new run of dominance at Alabama, and the rise of television sports transforms the SEC.
From the 55 Yard Line- Going Deep With Matt Dunigan
August 01, 2021 19:10 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBOn the cusp of the long awaited 2021 CFL season, Scott and Greg sit down for a lengthy conversation with Canadian football legend, two time Grey Cup champion, author, hall of famer and all around great guy, Matt Dunigan. We talk about his long and storied career, his first years in Edmonton, his time in Toronto, and the challenges facing the league. Additionally, he regaled us with his story of the fajita incident with Bruce McNall.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 3: The Third Rail 1960-1970
August 01, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74.3 MBIn the 1960s, as Georgia Tech leaves the conference and the Civil Rights Movement becomes embedded in the history and image of the region, Bear Bryant, hired in 1958, becomes the face of Alabama - and SEC football.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 2: A Call to Duty 1933-1959
July 31, 2021 16:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBMultiple SEC schools claim national titles from the 1930s through the '50s, including LSU with star running back Billy Cannon in 1958, prior to Cannon's epic game-winning punt return against powerhouse Ole Miss a year later.
Saturdays in the South, A History of SEC Football, Part 1: Beginnings 1869-1932
July 30, 2021 17:00 - 1 hour - 74.4 MBIn the aftermath of the Civil War, America's South is looking to put the past behind it, and finds one path in a growing cultural passion of the North - football. In December 1932, the Southeastern Conference is officially formed.
2010-2019 | Eye on the Prize, The History of The Green Bay Packers
July 29, 2021 15:00 - 52 minutes - 48.6 MB"We need to exemplify the history and tradition…making sure we're leaving this a better place, for the next generation." - Mike McCarthy. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
2000-2009 | At the Door, a History of The Green Bay Packers
July 28, 2021 17:00 - 57 minutes - 53.3 MB"Thank goodness I got to live out my dream…because I don't know if I would've done very well at anything else." - Brett Favre. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
From the 55 Yard Line- Football Canada With Jim Mullin
July 28, 2021 00:49 - 54 minutes - 45.8 MBOn what is our tenth interview show (remember, the first 55 Yard Line show was just Scott & Greg, so that doesn't count) on the Sports History Network and CFL America Radio, from Vancouver, Jim Mullin, the president of Football Canada, host of Gridiron Nation on TSN, and member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame selection committee, joins us to talk not only about the upcoming season, but also Canadian football, CFL and British Columbia Lions history. As to what we learned, among the man...
1990-1999 | Return to Glory of The Green Bay Packers
July 27, 2021 18:00 - 1 hour - 61.3 MB"It's one of the greatest turnarounds in league history." - Bob Harlan. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
1980-1989 | Down But Not Out, The History of the Green Bay Packers
July 26, 2021 17:00 - 48 minutes - 45.3 MB"They had one good season in 1989, and that turned out to be a fluke!" - Cliff Christl. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
1970-1979 | Great Losses of The Green Bay Packers
July 25, 2021 15:00 - 54 minutes - 50.7 MB"The glory years had ended and Green Bay was still Green Bay." - Larry McCarren. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
1960-1969 | Lombardi Reigns
July 24, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 77.7 MB"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing." - Vince Lombardi. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
1950-1959 | Two Extremes of The Green Bay Packers
July 23, 2021 19:00 - 47 minutes - 44.3 MB"I can say to you sincerely…the best way for you to guarantee the current and future success of the Green Bay Packers is to build a new stadium." - George Halas, Chicago Bears Founder. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
From the 55 Yard Line- Symbiosis of Football Literature and Film With Chris Willis
July 23, 2021 02:17 - 1 hour - 72 MBFor those of us over a certain age, who have loved professional football, be it in Canada or America, we have come to it through two primary means- books and film. For those of who truly love books we have gained a deeper understanding of the game through the words and literary artistry of writers like Chris Willis, who is the resident historian at NFL Films, where he oversees all aspects of research for the company and their producers. In 2002 he was nominated for an Emmy for his work on t...
1940-1949 | Last Hurrah of The Green Bay Packers
July 22, 2021 19:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MB"You have to give credit to Lambeau, to the people running the ball club…and of course, the fans!" - Charley Brock. Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
1930-1939 | Picking Up the Pieces, The History of the Green Bay Packers
July 21, 2021 19:00 - 41 minutes - 38.7 MB"I was intrigued that a little town like Green Bay could play in the National Football League and hold their own." - Clark Hinkle Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
1919-1929 | Humble Beginnings of The Green Bay Packers
July 20, 2021 19:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MB"The Packers' improbable, unprecedented success is living proof that truth is stranger than fiction." - David Maraniss Legacy: 100 Seasons of the Green Bay Packers tells the remarkable story of the Packers, from the team's humble beginnings to its centennial season.
From the 55 Yard Line- Third and One From the Gun With Dave Naylor
July 20, 2021 03:25 - 1 hour - 61.7 MBAs the 2021 CFL season approaches, Dave Naylor of Canada's TSN takes time with us to talk about where the league is headed using history as a guide. In particular we talk in-depth about the American expansion of the 1990s when the CFL first sought to expand its reach south.