Shows
Pigskin DispatchThe Legacy of Johnny Poe: A Football PioneerThe 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 podc...
2026-01-2713 min
Pigskin DispatchAFC and NFC Championship: Predictions and InsightsThe 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...
2026-01-2348 min
Pigskin DispatchUnraveling the Evolution of Football Safety EquipmentHead, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: The "Laissez-Faire" History of Football SafetyFootball is the ultimate collision sport, a game of high-speed impacts and physical prowess. But if you were to travel back to the early days of the gridiron, you might be shocked to find that for the first century of the game, the NCAA’s approach to safety was almost laughable.In a recent episode of the Pigpen podcast, host Darin Hayes sat down with Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology to discuss the surprisingly slow evolution of football equipment. From the days of "gutta pe...
2026-01-2016 min
Pigskin DispatchNFL Playoff Analysis: Insights and Predictions for Divisional RoundThe Finality of the Field: Navigating the NFL Divisional RoundThere are just eight teams left standing. As we enter the divisional round of the 2025 National Football League playoffs, the stakes have never been higher, and the margin for error has never been thinner.On the latest episode of the Pig Pen, Darin Hayes was joined by Ed Kleese to break down a wild Wild Card weekend and look ahead to the battles to come. But before diving into the X’s and O’s, the conversation struck a chord that every football fan—and player...
2026-01-151h 09
Pigskin DispatchThe Evolution of Football: A Historical Examination of Inflation TechniquesThe Evolution of the "Pigskin": From Animal Bladders to Modern ValvesIn the modern era of American football, we rarely give a second thought to the ball itself. We grab it, check the grip, and if it feels a little soft, we insert a needle for a quick five-second fix. However, as Darin Hayes and Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology recently discussed, the simple act of keeping air inside a football was once one of the sport's most significant technical hurdles.Tim illuminates the intricate innovations that have transpired over the decades, culminating in the sophisticated mechanisms we observe today. He elaborates on the concept of the "adjacent poss...
2026-01-1313 min
Pigskin DispatchUnveiling the NFL Playoffs: Predictions and Insights for Wild Card WeekendWild Card Weekend: Picks, Predictions, and The Final TallyDarin 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...NFL Reverse Power Rankings: Who Will Bounce Back by 2026?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...
2026-01-0751 min
Pigskin DispatchNavigating the NFL’s Historical Landscape: A Week 18 PreviewWeek 18 Showdown: A Season of Parity, Ending in a Deadlock!Darin Hayes welcomed listeners back to the "Pig Pen" at Pigskin Dispatch, the official portal for football history, to set the stage for the final week of the National Football League season. Joined by co-host Ed Kleese, the episode focused on the tradition of their weekly "big bowl predictions" and a look back at a truly bizarre NFL season. After a quick check-in on the weather (Darin is facing a blizzard in the Great Lakes; Ed is enjoying an overcast but warm location), the hosts dove into...
2025-12-3146 min
Pigskin DispatchGridiron Grit: Insights and Predictions for NFL Week 17Week 16 Recap: Darin's Hot Hand and Ed's Christmas ConundrumThe NFL season is winding down, and the stakes for the "Big Bold Predictions" segment are higher than ever. Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese met to review a highly dramatic Week 16, which featured incredible comebacks, upsets, and holiday chaos, before gearing up for Week 17.Week 16: Darin's Strong ShowingDarin had a strong performance, netting 5 points, primarily due to correctly calling the close, high-stakes victory for the Seahawks over the Rams and, more impressively, the Bears upsetting the Packers. Darin earned high praise for predicting...
2025-12-2451 min
Pigskin DispatchFrom the Gridiron: Key Predictions for Week 16 of the NFLIn our latest installment of the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch, we embark on a compelling journey through the current NFL landscape, contemplating the implications of Week 16 predictions as the season approaches its conclusion. Early Observations After NFL Week 15 (2025 Season)Based on the discussion between Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese, the primary observations after Week 15 revolved around two main themes: the plight of the Washington Commanders and the volatility of the league standings.The Washington Commanders' Annual December MiseryEd Kleese, a Commanders fan, detailed his team's historically difficult relationship with the...
2025-12-1749 min
Pigskin DispatchDeciphering Week 15: Bold Predictions for the NFLAs the NFL season approaches its climax, the fervor of competition intensifies, revealing the crux of team dynamics and performance metrics. The discussion centers on the pivotal Week 15 games, particularly reflecting on the outcomes of Week 14, with a focus on the Detroit Lions' surprising dominance over the Dallas Cowboys. The hosts, Darren Hayes and Ed Cleese, unravel their predictions and analyses, dissecting prior performances while forecasting future matchups. The conversation is rich in detail, as they delve into the implications of each game on playoff standings, emphasizing the importance of strategy and execution in critical moments. The hosts emphasize...
2025-12-1048 min
Pigskin DispatchBold Predictions for Week 14: Surprising Scores and InsightsThe Great Divide: NFL Week 13 Ends Hope and Sets Up a 60-60 ShowdownThe calendar turning from Thanksgiving signaled more than just the start of December; it marked the official dividing line for the 2025 NFL season. As Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese settled in for their weekly breakdown, the mood was a mix of holiday hangover, relief over fantastic games, and sober reflection on the 12 teams (a full third of the league) that, according to Ed, are now "officially done."This sentiment—that the excitement for a third of the league's fan bases fades as th...
2025-12-0348 min
Pigskin DispatchA Glimpse into the 1923 Football Conditioning ParadigmSweating it Out: The Shocking Conditioning Secrets of 1923 FootballWe often think of football conditioning as a precise science of hydration, nutrition, and tailored strength programs. But a century ago, the rules of getting in shape were dramatically different. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch recently dove into the past with Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology to explore an article from the 1923 season, revealing the bizarre, and sometimes dangerous, training philosophies that shaped early gridiron stars.The episode stems from one of Tim's Tidbits titled: How Conditioning took place in 1923.The primary source for...
2025-12-0215 min
Pigskin DispatchThanksgiving Week: Unveiling NFL Week 13 PredictionsA Silent Thanksgiving and the Power of Nostalgia: Week 13 NFL PicksWelcome to the Pig Pen for our special Thanksgiving week edition of Big, Bold Predictions! The NFL schedule is bursting at the seams this week with games spread across four days—Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday—meaning no bye weeks and a full slate of football to digest alongside your holiday feast.Hosts Darin Hayes and Ed Kleese checked in to review the tumultuous results of Week 12 and lay out their choices for Week 13, including the highly anticipated Thanksgiving MVP bonus picks. Before diving into...
2025-11-2649 min
Pigskin DispatchThanksgiving Week Football: Celebrating a Century of Gridiron LegacyGridiron Time Travel: Red Grange, Ivy League Chaos, and Heisman HistoryThe week leading up to Thanksgiving 2025 was a wild blend of honoring football’s past and watching history unfold in the present. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch dives into the biggest stories from the weekend, from a 100-year-old anniversary to the emergence of a new Heisman frontrunner.Here is a look at the history that was made, and the history that keeps on giving.🏈 100 Years Ago: The Power of the College GameThis weekend marked a significant anniversary: 100 years since the l...
2025-11-2415 min
Pigskin DispatchInside the NFL: Analyzing Week 12 Matchups and OutcomesChiefs in Trouble? Week 11 Reflections & Week 12 Bold PredictionsThe 2025 NFL season is flying by! Week 11 is wrapped, leaving the AFC playoff picture in chaos, and Week 12 is upon us. Darin Hayes of Pigskin Dispatch and analyst Ed Kleese returned to the Pig Pen to discuss the Chiefs’ unexpected struggles and lay down their biggest Bold Predictions for the coming slate of games.📉 Ed's Take: The Chiefs’ Nine-Year Dynasty is EndingThe most significant takeaway from Week 11, according to Ed Kleese, was the Denver Broncos’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs.Ed asse...
2025-11-1946 min
Pigskin DispatchTim Brown on the Art of Ball Recovery in FootballThe episode presents a thorough examination of the evolution of defensive strategies in American football, with a particular focus on the tactics employed for fumble recovery. Speaker A, in conversation with Timothy P. Brown, articulates the fundamental premise of modern defensive play: to neutralize offensive threats by regaining possession of the football. The dialogue illuminates the historical context of fumble recoveries, tracing back to the early days of football when defenses had the opportunity to advance recoveries, a practice rooted in the sport's rugby ancestry.A salient point of discussion is the pivotal rule instituted in 1929 that...
2025-11-1815 min
Pigskin DispatchUnveiling the Truth Behind 'Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust'The focal point of today's discussion revolves around the phrase "three yards and a cloud of dust," a term deeply entrenched in the lexicon of American football. We are privileged to host Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology, who elucidates the historical origins of this expression, which is often erroneously attributed to the renowned coach Woody Hayes. Brown reveals that the phrase's inception can be traced back to various regional contexts, with its earliest documented usage occurring in 1957. The evolution of the term, as articulated by Brown, underscores a fascinating narrative that intertwines the changing dynamics of football strategy...
2025-10-0714 min
Pigskin DispatchWeek 1 NFL Insights: Bold Predictions UnleashedThis podcast episode presents an engaging discourse centered around our audacious predictions for the inaugural week of the NFL season by Host Darin Hayes and Guest Ed Kleese. We delve into a series of bold forecasts, each reflecting our insights and analyses of upcoming games and player performances. We explore the prospects of various teams and players, offering predictions that range from individual achievements to team outcomes, all with the intent of stimulating thoughtful dialogue among our listeners. As we embark on this season-long journey of predictions, we invite you to join us in evaluating the unfolding...
2025-09-0320 min
Pigskin DispatchThe Intersection of Legacy and Modern FootballThe 2025 football season is rapidly approaching, and this episode delves into significant historical moments currently unfolding in the realm of American football. We explore the exhilarating events surrounding cut-down day, wherein NFL teams reduced their rosters from 90 players to the mandated 53. Noteworthy among these developments is the reunion of star wide receiver Amari Cooper with the Las Vegas Raiders, a move that could profoundly impact the team's offensive strategy under the guidance of Coach Pete Carroll. Furthermore, we discuss the construction of a new state-of-the-art stadium for the Buffalo Bills, spearheaded by former All-Pro Thurman Thomas, who is playing...
2025-08-2812 min
Pigskin DispatchUnveiling the 1945 NFL Championship: A Historical PerspectiveToday, we delve into the captivating narrative of the 1945 NFL season, a period marked by significant transitions and the emergence of remarkable teams. The episode features a distinguished guest historian, Joe Squires, who elucidates the historical context surrounding the Cleveland Rams' championship victory, a triumph achieved amidst the backdrop of World War II's conclusion. As we explore the complexities of that season, we uncover fascinating details, such as the impact of player drafts, including the notable selections of future Hall of Famers Elroy Hirsch and Tom Fears, who, despite not participating in the championship run, would later join the...
2025-04-1734 minPigskin DispatchWabash College and the Evolution of the Forward Pass: An In-Depth AnalysisThe focal point of this episode is the intriguing history of the forward pass in American football, as elucidated by our esteemed guest, Timothy P. Brown from footballarchaeology.com. This information comes from his original post titled: Wabash and Kent Lambert's Forward Pass Innovations For the written post of this story check out pigskindispatch.com/RorZWe delve into the significant contributions of Wabash College and its quarterback, Kent Lambert, who innovatively navigated the complexities of early football rules to enhance the strategic use of the forward pass. Lambert's ingenious tactics included what...
2025-04-1515 min
Pigskin DispatchWhen Football Officials Wore White: A Colorful HistoryThe podcast delves into the fascinating evolution of officiating uniforms in American football, particularly focusing on the historical transition from white shirts to the now-iconic black and white striped uniforms. Darren Hayes, the host, engages with Timothy Brown, a football historian, to explore how the visual identity of referees has changed over the decades. They discuss how, in the early 20th century, officials often wore white shirts, which sometimes caused confusion on the field as teams began to adopt white jerseys. This led to a pivotal moment in football history when Lloyd Olds, a professor and track coach, designed...
2025-01-2820 min
Pigskin DispatchThe Evolution of the Football Helmet: From Safety to IconThe podcast delves into the intricate history and cultural significance of the football helmet, a central icon in American football. Host Darin Hayes engages with experts Noah Cohan and Timothy Brown, who share their insights on how the evolution of the helmet has paralleled changes in the game itself. The discussion covers the helmet's transition from rudimentary leather models to modern plastic designs, emphasizing safety innovations and the impact of branding and aesthetics in the sport. The guests highlight the importance of the helmet not only as protective gear but as a symbol that connects fans to their teams...
2025-01-271h 04
Pigskin DispatchArmed and Dangerous: Exploring NFL's Most Iconic Player NicknamesThis podcast delves into the fascinating world of NFL player nicknames, particularly focusing on those that evoke themes of weaponry and artillery, aptly titled "Armed and Dangerous." Host Darin Hayes explores the rich history behind these colorful monikers, highlighting legendary players like Reggie White, known as the "Minister of Defense," and Peyton Manning, affectionately referred to as "the Sheriff." The episode not only profiles these iconic athletes but also shares intriguing stories about how they earned their distinctive names. Listeners will discover the impressive careers of players like Fred "the Hammer" Williamson and Jim "the Machine Gun" Kelly, along...
2025-01-2420 min
Pigskin DispatchFootball's Forgotten Words: A Journey Through HistoryThis podcast delves into the fascinating evolution of language within the context of American football, highlighting how certain terms have shifted in meaning over the years. Timothy Brown from FootballArchaeology.com shares intriguing tidbits from historical articles, showcasing how phrases that once seemed commonplace can now carry different connotations. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a humorous account of a football game in a prison setting and quotes from players that reflect the game's rough nature. The discussion also touches on how language changes, with examples of archaic terms that have fallen...
2025-01-2112 min
Pigskin DispatchThe Tonawanda Kardex: A Forgotten Chapter in NFL HistoryThe Tonawanda Kardex, a team with the shortest franchise history in professional football, is the focal point of this podcast episode. Originating from the All Tonawanda Lumberjacks in the early 1900s, they played only one game in the 1921 season before fading into obscurity. Host Darin Hayes invites historian Ken Crippen to share insights about this little-known team and its connection to the early days of the NFL from a recording made in 2021. The discussion delves into the challenges faced by the Kardex, including financial struggles and competition from stronger teams like the Buffalo All-Americans. Listeners will also learn about...
2025-01-1612 min
Pigskin Dispatch1905: The Year That Changed Football - What If the Forward Pass Was Never Legalized?What if the forward pass in American football had never been legalized? This episode delves into the pivotal changes brought about in 1906 that allowed the forward pass to transform the game from a brutal, ground-and-pound style to the dynamic, high-scoring spectacle we know today. Host Darin Hayes explores the historical context surrounding the introduction of this rule, including the safety concerns that prompted significant reforms in college football. He discusses how the forward pass not only reshaped gameplay but also played a critical role in ensuring the survival and popularity of football as a major American sport. With fascinating...
2025-01-1511 min
Pigskin DispatchDiscovering Football's Roots: Kickoff Techniques from 1923Darin Hayes and Timothy B. Brown embark on a historical journey exploring the fundamentals of kicking in football as they existed in 1923. This enlightening episode provides a detailed examination of the era's kicking techniques, equipment, and the overall strategy involved in the kicking game. Tim shares intriguing anecdotes from a rare publication by Wilson Athletic, which sought to rival the established Spalding brand in sports literature. The pamphlet reveals that drop kicks were the norm for field goals and extra points, highlighting the skill and precision required by kickers of that time. This information comes from his...
2025-01-1416 min
Pigskin DispatchUnveiling the Champions: Who Rules College Football History?The excitement surrounding the first-ever college football playoff is palpable as two iconic teams, Ohio State and Notre Dame, vie for the championship title. This special edition of the Pigskin Daily History Dispatch delves into the historical significance of these teams and their impressive records in college football history. Host Darin Hayes takes listeners on a journey through the annals of college football, discussing the rich tapestry of national championships and how the current playoff format has brought new energy to the sport. The episode highlights the remarkable achievements of powerhouse programs like the University of Minnesota, Oklahoma, Harvard...
2025-01-1311 min
Pigskin DispatchThe 1936 NFL Championship: A Look Back at Neutral Site GamesListeners are invited into a heartfelt discussion as Darin Hayes opens the podcast with a tribute to the victims of the devastating wildfires in California. The emotional weight of his words resonates deeply as he reflects on his own experiences with loss, reminding us of the fragility of life and the strength of community in the face of disaster. This segment not only serves as a poignant reminder of the human impact of such crises but also sets the stage for a broader conversation about how these disasters can disrupt the fabric of everyday life, including the world of...
2025-01-1109 min
Pigskin DispatchTouchdowns and Traditions: How Frank Hering Became the Father of Mother's DayThis podcast episode unveils the fascinating story of Frank Hering, a pioneering figure in the development of the overhand spiral pass in football and an unexpected contributor to the establishment of Mother's Day. Host Darin Hayes engages with Tim Brown from footballarchaeology.com, who shares insights into Herring's remarkable journey from the University of Chicago to coaching at Notre Dame and Bucknell University. The discussion highlights Herring's innovative play style that revolutionized the passing game during the 1890s and the unique connection between his legacy and the creation of a day honoring mothers. As they explore Herring's life and...
2025-01-0714 min
Pigskin DispatchUpsets and Rankings: Analyzing the 2024 College Football SemifinalsThe inaugural College Football Playoff has sparked significant debate regarding the rankings and structure of the tournament. Despite being favored, the top-seeded teams were unexpectedly eliminated in the quarterfinals, leading host Darin Hayes to question whether the rankings accurately reflected the best teams in college football. As the playoffs progress, Hayes discusses the intriguing matchups between Penn State and Notre Dame, as well as Texas and Ohio State, emphasizing the exceptional talent and performance of the quarterbacks involved. He argues that the current system may need re-evaluation, suggesting that automatic seeding based on conference championships may not always yield...
2025-01-0613 min
Pigskin DispatchExploring the Akron Pros' Legendary 1920 Season & What If ScenarioDelving into the origins of professional football, the podcast explores the first season of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which would eventually evolve into the National Football League (NFL). Darin Hayes provides an engaging narrative on how the league was formed in 1920, marking a significant moment in sports history. With only 14 teams, the APFA faced numerous challenges, including a disorganized scheduling system where games were arranged on a whim. The Akron Pros, crowned the APFA champions with an impressive record of 8 wins, 0 losses, and 3 ties, emerged from this tumultuous backdrop. Their journey, filled with hurdles such as player...
2025-01-0214 min
Pigskin DispatchUncovering Football's Past: The Legacy of Walter EckersallTimothy P. Brown joins Darin Hayes to delve into the fascinating history of Walter Eckersall, a significant yet often overlooked figure in early American football. As the last great pre-forward pass quarterback, Eckersall made his mark in a time when the game was vastly different, showcasing his talents as a smart strategist and outstanding athlete. The discussion highlights Eckersol's contributions not only as a player but also as a sports writer and referee, illustrating the unique blend of roles he occupied in the sport's early days. Listeners will learn about his pivotal moments, such as the 1905 Chicago-Michigan game that...
2024-12-3115 min