The Stroud Rule: How the NFL’s Tallest Player Forced a Rule Change

Intro Hook: Imagine a defender so tall he didn't need to rush the kicker—he simply stood under the crossbar and swatted field goals away like a basketball center. In the late 1960s, Morris Stroud turned the NFL into a game of "grass-court" goaltending, forcing the league to rewrite its laws to stop one of the most creative "cheats" in sports history.

In the late 1960s, the NFL was an arms race. Coaches were looking for any edge—any loophole—to snatch a victory. But while most teams were looking at the playbook, the Kansas City Chiefs were looking at the rafters.

Meet Morris Stroud. At 6'10", he remains one of the tallest players to ever lace up a pair of cleats. Nominally a tight end, Stroud was a physical anomaly in an era of smaller, scrappier players.

But Head Coach Hank Stram didn't just want Stroud to catch passes. He had a vision that felt more like a heist than a strategy.

The logic was deviously simple: why let the ball go through the uprights when you have a man tall enough to reach them?

During field goal attempts, Stroud wouldn't rush the kicker. He wouldn't try to penetrate the line. Instead, he would retreat. He’d stand directly under the crossbar, wait for the ball to reach its apex, and simply... jump.

• The Tactic: Stroud would swat away kicks that were clearly on a scoring trajectory.
• The Result: It turned the "automatic" three points into a game of basketball played on grass.

"It was the ultimate defensive cheat code. You didn't need to block the kick at the line; you just needed a giant to play goalie at the rim."

The NFL offices in New York weren't amused. This wasn't "football"—it was an existential threat to the scoring system. If every team found a seven-footer to camp out under the posts, the field goal would become extinct.

In 1970, the league lowered the boom.

The "Stroud Rule"

The NFL officially amended the rulebook to preserve the integrity of the kicking game. The new regulation stated:

The Rule: The Penalty. It is illegal to touch or deflect a ball that is above the crossbar and between the uprights.Goal-tending: The field goal is ruled successful, and 3 points are awarded.

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The evolution of yardage markers and field numbers, a topic of significant historical resonance, is thoroughly examined in our discourse today. As we delve into the annals of football history with esteemed historian Timothy Brown, we uncover the chaotic beginnings of the football field, where the lack of standardized markings often left players, officials, and spectators disoriented. Brown elucidates how the early experimentation with field geometry has ultimately led to the clarity and uniformity we now take for granted, characterized by the crisp white numbers and directional arrows that adorn modern fields. This narrative serves not only to highlight the evolution of the game but also to emphasize the necessity of standardization in facilitating both gameplay and viewer comprehension. Join us as we explore this fascinating transformation, revealing how a seemingly simple aspect of the sport has profound implications for its structure and appreciation.

This episode stems from Tim's recent post titled: The Evolution of Yardage Markers and Field Numbers - https://www.footballarchaeology.com/p/todays-tidbit-yardage-markers-and

⏰ Timecodes ⏰

00:10 The Evolution of the Football Field

01:10 The Evolution of Football Field Markings

04:18 The Evolution of Goal Line Markings

09:30 Reflections on Officiating

10:17 Nostalgic Memories of Old Ed

11:53 Exploring Football History

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Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

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The primary focus of today's discourse revolves around the transformative impact of Deacon Jones's infamous head slap maneuver in American football, a technique so formidable that it compelled the National Football League to amend its rulebook in order to mitigate the associated dangers. I, Darren Hayes, welcome you once again to the Pig Pen, a haven dedicated to illuminating the rich tapestry of football history, where we endeavor to recount the remarkable exploits of players, teams, and pivotal moments that have shaped this beloved sport. Through our exploration, we shall also delve into the iconic 1911 match between the Harvard Crimson and the Carlisle Indian School, showcasing the unparalleled prowess of Jim Thorpe and the strategic ingenuity of Coach Pop Warner. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of football's storied past by highlighting extraordinary narratives that continue to resonate within the fabric of the game. Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey through the annals of gridiron history.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at PigskinDispatch@Gmail.com

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

This episode intricately weaves together tales of football lore, articulating the essence of competition and innovation that characterizes the sport. The narrative transitions to a significant historical upset, recounting a match on November 11, 1911, between Harvard and the Carlisle Indian School, led by the remarkable Jim Thorpe. Harvard's decision to rest its starters backfired spectacularly, as the underdog Carlisle team, employing the single wing offense and driven by Thorpe's exceptional talent, executed a stunning victory. This match not only exemplifies the unpredictability of sports but also highlights the tactical acumen of less heralded teams. The episode emphasizes the importance of adaptability and innovation in football, showcasing how strategy and sheer willpower can triumph over established superiority in the gridiron arena.

This podcast episode delves into the fascinating narrative of the Memphis Showboats, a team from the United States Football League (USFL) that made significant strides in the realm of professional football during the 1980s. Our guest, Keith Wood, has meticulously chronicled the Showboats' journey in his recently published book, which highlights not only the team's on-field exploits but also the broader implications of Memphis's pursuit of major league status. The conversation elucidates the remarkable talents that graced the Showboats, including the legendary Reggie White, who left an indelible mark on the sport. As we explore the origins of the USFL and its ambitious attempts to rival the NFL, we uncover the complexities and challenges that ultimately led to the league's demise. Join us as we traverse through this rich tapestry of football history, revealing the triumphs and tribulations of a team that sought to carve its niche in the annals of American sports.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at PigskinDispatch@Gmail.com

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

Takeaways:

• The USFL, established in the early 1980s, captured significant attention by attracting notable players such as Reggie White and Doug Flutie.
• Keith Wood's book delves into the Memphis Showboats' journey and the broader narrative of Memphis seeking major league status.
• The USFL implemented innovations like instant replay, which have since become integral to modern football broadcasting and officiating.
• The Memphis Showboats experienced a quarterback controversy that reflected the competitive nature of the league during its brief existence.
• The financial backing and strategic decisions behind the Memphis Showboats were crucial for their initial success in the USFL.
• The USFL's attempt to compete directly with the NFL ultimately led to its downfall, highlighting challenges faced by emerging sports leagues.

Links referenced in this episode:

• pigskindispatch.com
• keithbwoodauthor.com
• facebook.com/keithbwoodwrites
• mcfarland.com
• amazon.com
• sportshistorynetwork.com

The paramount focus of this discourse revolves around the intricate dynamics associated with being the number one pick in the NFL draft, a selection that bears the weight of immense expectations and the potential to shape the destiny of franchises. Throughout this episode, we delve into the historical ramifications of such pivotal choices, illustrating how they can either culminate in the establishment of dynasties, akin to the formidable Steelers of the 1970s led by Terry Bradshaw, or result in cautionary tales that haunt organizations for years. We engage in a thorough examination of notable figures who have occupied this illustrious position, assessing their contributions, successes, and failures within the league. In doing so, we illuminate the profound pressures that accompany the role of being the face of not only a franchise but also the broader league itself. Join us as we reflect on these narratives, including the recent analysis of the impending draft selections and their potential to alter the course of their respective teams.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at PigskinDispatch@Gmail.com

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.

This podcast episode delves into the remarkable achievements of Gene Roberts, a football player whose career is often overlooked yet exemplifies extraordinary talent across multiple leagues. We explore the serendipitous nature of his journey, from his early days in Kansas City to leading in scoring at both the collegiate and professional levels, including the NFL and Canadian football leagues. Roberts' story serves as a testament to the unpredictability of success within the sport, where a single individual can achieve the rare feat of being the highest scorer in three different football domains. We emphasize the significance of recognizing such historical figures, who, despite their obscurity, have contributed immensely to the fabric of football history. Join us as we unfold this compelling narrative, shedding light on the intricacies of football and the indelible marks left by its unsung heroes.

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.

Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.

Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.

*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-Stars

Drop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.

Contact us directly at PigskinDispatch@Gmail.com

Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website.