I recount Terry Hanratty's remarkable career path from Notre Dame national champion to a Steelers backup who earned two Super Bowl rings and then to an expansion Tampa Bay team that lost every game. I speak with Terry about the highs and the lows of that journey. We discuss the 1966 Notre Dame team, the Michigan State game, and his early years as a college starter. I ask about his time in Pittsburgh, the arrival of Terry Bradshaw, and the contrast between championship teams and struggling clubs. We also cover his recent diagnosis of stage four small cell lung cancer, his treatment at leading cancer centers, and his outlook. I thank Terry for his time and urge listeners to follow Hanratty's Huddle for further reflections.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sportshistorynetwork.com
• sportsfh.infomail.com
• sportsfh.info

The NFL in 1943 was in an unusual spot. The Cleveland Rams- yes, the Rams played in Cleveland and won an NFL Championship before journeying west to Los Angeles - asked to pause operations for a year. The team's two owners, Dan Reeves and Frederick Levy, Jr., both were heading overseas to serve in the Armed Forces in World War II. That left the NFL with an uneven number of teams: nine. That doesn't make for an easy schedule. Each week, one team would be idle. The Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers each had trouble filling out their rosters, as so many of their players were also serving. There were discussions about shutting down the NFL for the season, but that could have proved to be catastrophic, and the league might never have recovered from doing so. So, with commissioner Elmer Layden behind the move, the Eagles and Steelers merged operations for the 1943 season and became Phil-Pitt. However, they were also nicknamed the "Steagles," and that name stuck. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Matthew Algeo, who wrote the book "Last Team Standing," joins the show to talk about the Steagles and the 1943 season. All of the machinations behind the merger, the challenges the NFL faced, the challenges the players faced, and just how well (or not) Eagles owner Lex Thompson got along with Steelers owners Bert Bell and Art Rooney. The Eagles had never finished a season with a record of at least .500, and the Steelers reached .500 just once. Yet, this amalgamation of a team nearly pulled off the impossible, finishing just one game off the pace of Washington and New York. Had the Steagles won just one more game, they would have ended the season in a three-way tie with the Redskins and Giants, and a wild postseason would have ensued. Check out this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes for a look back at this incredible season and the 'Steagles."

This episode meticulously delves into the often-overlooked narratives surrounding prominent figures in the realm of football, specifically focusing on the stories of Andrew Luck, Tom Brady, and YA Tittle. It is imperative to acknowledge that while these athletes are not forgotten in the conventional sense, the complexities of their journeys and the intricacies that define their legacies are frequently overshadowed by their accomplishments. Through a compelling discussion with sports writer Seth Wickersham, we shall explore the profound questions of identity and legacy, particularly in the context of Luck's abrupt retirement and the relentless pursuit of greatness exhibited by Brady. Furthermore, we shall examine the indelible impact of Tittle, a Hall of Fame quarterback, whose image has become a poignant symbol of the game's brutality, yet belies his true essence as a fighter. This episode serves as a solemn reminder that behind every celebrated athlete lies a multifaceted story that warrants recognition and reflection.

Seth Wickersham, a terrific sportswriter for ESPN, shares stories from his new book, "Be On That Hill." These are not just your typical stories re-hashed for a book. These are unique stories from some of the sports' greatest. A deep dive into Andrew Luck's retirement. Tom Brady's desire to be the greatest quarterback ever. The genius behind Bill Walsh and his insatiable desire to walk the sidelines. And there's more. We talk about Y.A. Tittle and the famous photograph of him bloodied and kneeling, Rolando McClain stepping away from football at such a young age. We remember the stars, but not necessarily the stories behind what made them tick and the choices they made that shaped who they ultimately became.

The podcast delves into the multifaceted narratives surrounding revered quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Andrew Luck, and YA Tittle, revealing lesser-known aspects of their careers and personal lives. Contrary to the common perception that these athletes are solely defined by their accolades, the discussion prompts us to explore the complexities of their identities beyond the football field. The conversation highlights Andrew Luck's unexpected retirement at the age of 29, a decision influenced by both physical injuries and a profound introspection regarding his identity as a player. This segment underscores the notion that an athlete's journey is not merely a chronicle of triumphs but also a reflection on personal growth and the quest for fulfillment in a life that transcends the confines of sports. Furthermore, the episode examines Tom Brady's relentless pursuit of excellence, which, while celebrated, reveals a deeper narrative of solitude and the sacrifices he made for his craft, juxtaposed against the communal experiences of his teammates. Through these stories, the podcast illuminates the essential question of how we remember and define athletes, urging listeners to reconsider the legacies they leave behind.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sports History Network
• sportshistorynetwork.com
• Tom Brady
• Andrew Luck
• YA Tittle
• Seth Wickersham
• Bill Walsh
• Rolando McLean
• Scott McLuhan
• Frank Reich
• Peyton Manning
• Michael Jordan
• Jerry Seinfeld
• Bruce Springsteen
• Roger Craig
• Russell Wilson
• Adam Timmerman