The primary focus of this podcast episode is to delve into the illustrious history of the 1918 Naval Station Great Lakes Blue Jackets football team and its significant impact on the early development of professional football in the United States. As the backdrop of World War I unfolded, military bases across the nation began cultivating sports teams, with the Great Lakes Naval Station emerging as a particularly noteworthy example. Our guest, Dan Charesta, elucidates the compelling narrative surrounding this team, highlighting its connections to iconic figures such as George Halas and its role in the formation of the National Football League. Through a series of insightful discussions, we explore the intricate interplay between military service and sports, revealing how the fervor of service football helped galvanize a national passion for the game. We invite you to join us as we uncover the historical significance of this team and the legacy it left on American football.

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

This episode delves into the profound impact that pivotal mistakes in American football can have on players' lives, both on and off the field. We examine several notable blunders throughout history, including a heartbreaking moment involving the Baltimore Ravens' rookie kicker, whose misstep in a critical playoff game underscores the immense pressure faced by athletes. The narrative extends to a historical account from 1905, where a young player, Denny Clark, suffered devastating consequences after a game-changing error that ultimately led to his tragic demise decades later. Through this exploration, we seek to illuminate the psychological ramifications of such high-stakes moments and the importance of support systems for athletes navigating these challenges. We aim to foster a deeper understanding of the human element within the realm of competitive sports, emphasizing that while the stakes are high, the players are ultimately human and deserving of compassion and encouragement.

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

Darin and Ed closed out the regular season with a dramatic Week 18 and are now diving into their picks for the six matchups of Super Wild Card Weekend! But first let's look at the teams not in the playoffs...

The NFL playoffs are finally here! Wild Card Weekend is set, and while the excitement builds for the teams competing, our hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese took one final look back at the regular season to assess the teams that didn't make the cut.

In a spirited segment on the Pig Pen, Ed unveiled his Reverse Power Rankings—a prediction of the 18 non-playoff teams ranked by their likelihood of making the postseason by 2026.

Here’s a breakdown of the teams most likely to bounce back... and the ones that might be grounded for a while.

Ed’s rankings are not about the next five years; they are solely focused on the immediate future: How confident are we that this team can be in the playoffs by the 2026 season? (Note: Ed used 2026, which in the context of the transcript meant "next year" or "in two years").

Starting at the bottom, the future looks bleakest for a few franchises:

1. #18 New York Jets: Darin noted this Jet has been "grounded for a while." Ed sees a mess on the field, especially given the coaching issues, making them the least likely to turn things around quickly.
2. #17 Arizona Cardinals & #16 Tennessee Titans: Both teams face massive organizational turnover (coaching and likely quarterback changes), tough divisions, and a lack of strong roster depth.

This group is filled with teams that could just as easily be 6-11 as 9-8:

1. #15 Cleveland Browns: Despite a strong defense, their offensive uncertainty (due to the Deshaun Watson contract situation) keeps them firmly in the middle. Ed summed it up: "They're the Browns."
2. #14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: This window feels like it's closing. Ed noted that after an early MVP conversation, Baker Mayfield settled back into his "average" cycle, and the overall roster talent isn't inspiring.
3. #12 Las Vegas Raiders: Surprisingly high on Ed’s list, he cited the addition of the first overall draft pick and the "ultimate winner" presence of the Tom Brady connection. Darin immediately disagreed, arguing they should be much lower, believing one player won't fix the underlying issues.
4. #11 Atlanta Falcons: The definition of "No Man's Land." The firing of Raheem Morris was shocking, especially since they were close to winning the division. However, Ed defended the move, citing poor clock management and a tendency to lose close games.

These teams have the foundational pieces—whether it’s a coach, a quarterback, or cap space—to compete immediately.

1. #10 New Orleans Saints: They finished the year strong, and with a first-year coach and a defense that improved, the foundation is set for a rise.
2. #9 Indianapolis Colts:...