Pigskin Dispatch

Darin Hayes

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AMERICAN FOOTBALL
UPDATED DAILY

Get a daily glimpse at the history of American football highlighting the events, people, teams, and anniversaries that took place on the calendar day, the year, or the story that the episode centers on. The show is in lock-step with our website PigskinDispatch.com to bring football fans of all ages a refreshing and fun gridiron experience!

22 HR AGO

NFL Title Game SB 60 Preview and Predictions

Our program today has Ed Kleese joining to go over the Seattle vs New England matchup in the Big Game to hand out the Lombardi Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Mentioned in this episode: Sports History Theme Song This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

47 min
2 DAYS AGO

In Search of the Greatest: Yale's 1901 Team Under Examination

The conversation centers on perhaps the most accomplished roster of talent ever assembled on one football team. Could Yale's 1901 Bicentennial Team be deemed the most accomplished ensemble ever? I am joined by Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com, who elucidates the remarkable achievements of this team during Yale's 200th anniversary. The conversation delves into the extraordinary caliber of players associated with this team, noting the presence of numerous All-Americans and Hall of Famers, which underscores their significant legacy in the annals of football history. As we unravel the narrative of this historical team, we invite listeners to contemplate the criteria by which greatness is assessed in the realm of sports, particularly in the context of evolving standards over time. I encourage our audience to engage with us by sharing their thoughts on this compelling subject matter. This comes from Tim Brown's recent Tibit titled: Yale's 1901 Bicentennial Team, The Most Accomplished Team Ever? - https://www.footballarchaeology.com/p/yales-1901-bicentennial-team-the . Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Mentioned in this episode: Sports History Theme Song This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

14 min
3 DAYS AGO

The Essential Guide to Football Card Acquisition

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the initiation of football card collecting, aimed particularly at newcomers who may find the landscape daunting and opaque. We delve into the myriad motivations behind collecting, emphasizing the necessity of defining one's personal objectives prior to financial investment. Our discussion encompasses various collecting strategies, such as player collecting, team collecting, set building, and investment-oriented approaches, each presenting unique advantages and challenges. Furthermore, we elucidate the distinctions among modern card products, highlighting the recent shifts in brand ownership and the implications for collectors. Ultimately, we advocate for a personalized and enjoyable approach to collecting, ensuring that individuals engage with the hobby in a manner that resonates with their passions and financial realities. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Mentioned in this episode: Sports History Theme Song This theme song was produced by Ron "Tyke" Oliver of Music Meets Sportz https://sites.google.com/view/sportsfanztastic/sports-history-network?authuser=0

20 min
6 DAYS AGO

From Fourteen to Two: The Journey to the Super Bowl

The culmination of the NFL playoffs has led us to a momentous juncture, as we now witness the final two teams poised to compete in the Super Bowl. Our discourse delves into the dynamics of the recently concluded championship games, where we will meticulously evaluate the performance of the teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. We will also engage in a comprehensive analysis of the pivotal matches that transpired over the weekend, providing insights into the implications these outcomes hold for the impending Super Bowl match-up. Furthermore, we shall explore the trajectories of the teams moving forward, considering their prospects for future success. Through this episode, we aim to furnish our audience with a profound understanding of the current state of the league as it transitions toward the pinnacle of its season. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

59 min
28 JAN

Transforming Football Knowledge: The Gridiron Guru Experience

This episode introduces an innovative application that enhances one's football knowledge through a daily trivia game focused on historical NFL events. We chat with Morgan Kenyon, the creator of GridironGuru.app, who explains the app's mechanics: it challenges users to arrange facts on a timeline, thereby deepening their understanding of the sport. Kenyon's motivation stems from a desire to create a casual yet engaging platform for fans to connect over football trivia, fostering conversations and camaraderie among users. The discourse further explores the app's potential for future features, including competitive elements that could enhance user engagement. As we navigate the conversation, it becomes evident that the intersection of technology and sports history offers an enriching experience for game enthusiasts. A compelling conversation unfolds as we engage with Morgan Kenyon, the visionary behind the Gridiron Guru app, which transforms the way fans interact with football history through daily trivia challenges. The episode delves into the motivations that inspired Kenyon to create a platform that not only entertains but also educates football enthusiasts. By presenting users with a series of events to sequence on a timeline, the app offers a unique opportunity for fans to test their knowledge of NFL history in an engaging way, making it a perfect fit for those who wish to showcase their expertise in a brief yet impactful way. Throughout our discussion, we explore the app's features and the rationale behind its design. Kenyon articulates how the trivia format encourages casual interaction among friends, allowing users to connect over their shared love for football. He underscores the app's accessibility, making it possible for anyone to participate without dedicating extensive amounts of time. This emphasis on brevity and engagement is crucial in a world where fans often have limited opportunities to indulge in their passion for the sport. As the conversation progresses, we examine the role of trivia in fostering a sense of community among fans, as individuals can share their scores and challenge one another, thus enhancing their collective experience of football culture. The episode also offers reflections on the historical context of the NFL, with both hosts reminiscing about their own journeys as fans. Kenyon discusses the significance of specific eras, particularly the Super Bowl era, in shaping his understanding and appreciation of football. The dialogue emphasizes how shared knowledge and historical narratives serve to connect fans across generations, reinforcing the idea that football is more than just a game; it is a vital part of personal and communal identity. This episode not only showcases the innovative aspects of the Gridiron Guru app but also highlights the enduring power of football to bring people together, fostering connections that transcend time and space. Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

25 min
27 JAN

The Legacy of Johnny Poe: A Football Pioneer

The Football Legend Who Traded the Ivy League for the Front Lines: The Story of Johnnie PoeIn the middle of a major winter storm, with classes canceled and the wind howling outside, it’s easy to find your mind wandering toward the macabre—perhaps to a certain Edgar Allan Poe story like The Cask of Amontillado. But while most of us associate the name Poe with gothic poetry and raven-themed football teams, there is a far more "rough and tumble" legacy attached to the family name. On a recent episode of the Pig Pen podcast, Darin Hayes sat down with Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology to discuss a man who was a second cousin twice removed from the famous poet: the legendary Johnny Poe. A Princeton DynastyJohnnie Poe was the third of six brothers who played for Princeton University between 1882 and 1901. In an era where the Ivy League was the epicenter of the sport, the Poes were football royalty. Johnny himself was a standout during the 1891 and 1892 seasons, consistently ranking as one of the team's top scorers. However, Johnnie Poe wasn't your typical Ivy League student. He wasn't destined for the quiet life of a district attorney or a businessman like his brothers. He was a man who marched to the beat of a much louder, more dangerous drum. The Wanderer and the WarriorAfter dropping out of Princeton following his sophomore year, Johnnie’s life read like an adventure novel. He spent time: Coaching: Leading the teams at the University of Virginia and Navy.Laboring: Mining for gold in the Yukon and working as a cowboy in New Mexico.Soldiering: Seeking action wherever he could find it. Johnnie’s thirst for combat was legendary. He joined the Maryland militia for the Spanish-American War (but saw no action), joined the Army to fight in the Philippines (still no action), and even joined the Marines during the Panamanian Revolution. He finally "found his calling" fighting in the Honduran Army, where he finally saw the direct combat he craved. A Hero’s End in the "Black Watch"When World War I broke out, Johnnie didn't wait for the United States to enter the fray. He traveled to Europe and joined the British Army. Unsatisfied with being an artilleryman behind the lines, he transferred to the Black Watch, the famous Scottish Highlander regiment. In 1915, during a fierce battle near Ypres in Flanders, Johnnie Poe was killed in action. He was shot in the stomach, and due to the chaotic nature of the conflict, his body was never recovered. He remains "out there" somewhere in the fields of France or Belgium—a fittingly mysterious end for a relative of Edgar Allan Poe. A Lasting LegacyJohnnie Poe’s impact on Princeton football didn’t end with his death. Even before the U.S. officially joined WWI, Princeton established the John Poe Award for the team's top player. Today, after being combined with another legend’s name, it is known as the Poe-Kazmaier Trophy. It’s a remarkable testament to a man who was respected by everyone from common soldiers to future presidents (he once spent an hour talking football on the practice field with then-Princeton President Woodrow Wilson). Whether you find him brave, reckless, or a bit of both, Johnny Poe remains one of the most fascinating figures in the intersection of sports and military history. For more deep dives into the forgotten stories of the gridiron, visit FootballArchaeology.com or find Timothy...

14 min
26 JAN

Unraveling the Legacy of Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans

Men of Troy: Inside the Wild Nights and Enduring Legacy of Pete Carroll’s USCFor college football fans, the early 2000s in Los Angeles weren't just about a team—it was a cultural phenomenon. Recently on Pigskin Dispatch, I had the pleasure of sitting down with award-winning author Monte Burke to discuss his latest book, Men of Troy: The Epic Afternoons, Wild Nights and Enduring Legacy of Pete Carroll's USC Trojans. If you lived through that era, you remember the energy. But as Monte and I discussed, the story behind the dynasty is even more fascinating than the highlights we saw on TV. The Resurrection of a Sleeping GiantBefore Pete Carroll arrived, USC was a storied program that had drifted into two decades of national irrelevance. When Carroll was hired, the reaction from boosters and the LA media was almost universally negative. He had been fired twice in the NFL and hadn’t coached in college for 15 years. "People went berserk," Monte noted during our chat. "They wondered why they hired a guy on his third strike." But Carroll brought something unique: an unorthodox, psychology-driven approach. Influenced by the "Summer of Love" and a study of Zen-like focus, he turned the Trojans into a "players-first" program where the primary rule was simply to have fun. When Hollywood Met the GridironOne of the most captivating parts of Monte’s research is the "Hollywood" atmosphere that surrounded the team. With no NFL teams in LA at the time, USC became the city's pro team. Practices were completely open, leading to surreal scenes where legends like Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell, and Arnold Schwarzenegger would mingle with players on the sidelines. Monte shared a brilliant anecdote where a student approached quarterback Matt Leinart for an autograph while ignoring Will Ferrell, who was sitting right next to him. That was the level of stardom these "Men of Troy" achieved. The "Six Inches" from ImmortalityWe spent some time revisiting the 2006 National Championship game against Texas—often cited as the greatest game ever played. As Monte describes it, USC was "six inches away" from winning three consecutive national titles, a feat never accomplished in the modern era. The book dives deep into the human side of that loss, from Reggie Bush’s ill-fated lateral to the "Bush Push" and the missed fourth down by Lendale White. Speaking with the players years later, Monte found that these moments still haunt and define many of them today. A Lasting Impact on the PAC-12The rise of Pete Carroll didn't just help USC; it lifted the entire conference. The dominance of the Trojans forced rivals like Stanford and Oregon to "get their act together," leading to the hiring of Jim Harbaugh and Chip Kelly. Conversely, Monte argues that when the NCAA sanctions hit and USC "sunk," it acted as an anchor that eventually dragged down the relevance of the entire PAC-12 conference. Get the Full StoryWhether you’re a die-hard Trojan or a fan of football history, Men of Troy is a must-read. It’s a story of redemption, ego, celebrity, and the razor-thin margin between immortality and "what could have been." Listen to the full interview with Monte Burke on the Pigskin Dispatch Podcast and grab your copy of Men of Troy at your local bookstore or on Amazon! Join us at the Pigskin Dispatch website to see even more Positive football news! Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts. Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well don't, because they can...

30 min
23 JAN

AFC and NFC Championship: Predictions and Insights

The Margin of Error: Reflections on a Wild Divisional WeekendThe NFL Divisional Round is behind us, and if there’s one thing we learned from the "Pig Pen" this week, it’s that the gap between a "Super Bowl favorite" and "watching from the couch" is razor-thin. Hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese sat down to recap a weekend defined by emotional endings, coaching carousel chaos, and the polarizing performances of the league’s top young quarterbacks. Here’s the breakdown of the action. The Josh Allen ParadoxThe most debated game of the weekend took place in Denver. While the Bills are heading home, Ed Cleese offered a staunch defense of Josh Allen. The narrative? The Bills have failed to give Allen a margin for error. "It’s very difficult in the NFL to always operate with zero margin for error," Ed noted. While Allen made mistakes—including a costly fumble before the half—he is often required to play "Superman" just to keep Buffalo in the game. When other quarterbacks like Sam Darnold or Drake May advanced this weekend, they did so despite average performances because their teams stepped up. For Allen, perfection is the requirement, and that's a heavy burden to carry. The "Buffalo Curse" and the Catch RuleThe game ended in typical Bills fashion: controversy. The James Cook play sparked a massive debate on social media. Was it a catch? Was it an interception? Despite rooting for the Bills, Darin and Ed put on their "officiating hats" and agreed that the refs actually got it right. Under the NFL’s "surviving the ground" rule, Cook never established himself before the ball popped out into the defender's hands. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Western New York, but a consistent application of a confusing rule. CJ Stroud’s Playoff "F"Perhaps the most disappointing story was Houston. After a stellar season, CJ Stroud struggled immensely in Foxborough. While the Patriots' defense deserves credit for smelling blood in the water, Stroud looked rattled and "in his own head." Darin raised a tough question for Texans fans: Do we have the right guy? While Ed isn't ready to move on after only three years, the "playoff choker" label is starting to stick. In the NFL, you’re only as good as your last game, and Stroud’s last two outings were, in Ed’s words, "an absolute F." Caleb Williams: The Human Highlight ReelThe weekend closed with a snowy, frigid battle between the Rams and the Bears. Despite the Rams gutting out a win, all anyone could talk about was Caleb Williams' late-game heroics. Watching a quarterback run 40 yards backward only to heave a dime into the end zone is the "Caleb Williams Experience" in a nutshell. It was incredibly lucky, slightly ridiculous, and purely athletic. While the Bears fell short, the explosive potential of their young QB was the talk of the night. The Caleb Williams Experience: Luck or Skill?The snowy battle between the Rams and the Bears left everyone talking about one man: Caleb Williams. Watching him run 40 yards backward only to heave a dime into the end zone was the highlight of the weekend. "He’s a physical marvel," Ed noted. While there’s luck involved in those playground-style plays, it takes elite arm talent to throw a "rope" with that kind of velocity after escaping pressure. Darin even suggested Williams might be the next "Captain Comeback" in the vein of Roger Staubach. However, the "Experience" isn't all highlights—his overtime interception reminded everyone that he still struggles with pocket consistency. Despite the loss, the Bears fandom is officially alive. Championship Weekend: Big Predictions, Bigger StakesWith the field narrowed to the final four, Darin and Ed are deadlocked at 96 points each. To break the tie, they’re doubling the points for Championship Sunday. Here is how they see the title games shaking...

48 min

Get a daily glimpse at the history of American football highlighting the events, people, teams, and anniversaries that took place on the calendar day, the year, or the story that the episode centers on. The show is in lock-step with our website PigskinDispatch.com to bring football fans of all ages a refreshing and fun gridiron experience!

Creator

Darin Hayes
Years Active

2020 - 2026
Episodes

300
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2026 Darin Hayes
Show Website

Pigskin Dispatch