Steagles
Encyclopedia
The Steagles is the popular nickname for the team created by the temporary merger of two National Football League
(NFL) teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers
and the Philadelphia Eagles
, during the 1943 season
. The teams were forced to merge because both had lost many players to military service during World War II.
Officially the team was known simply as the Eagles without any city designation. The merged team was referred to at the time as the Eagles-Steelers, Steelers-Eagles, Phil-Pitt or as the Pennsylvania combine. The league's official record book refers to the team as "Phil-Pitt Combine". But the unofficial "Steagles", despite never being registered by the NFL, has become the most enduring moniker.
were a team that was proposed in 1939, conceived with the intention of the Steelers and Eagles owners buying into one of the two teams, then spinning the other off to an ownership group in Boston, Massachusetts. League officials rejected the plan, though it resulted in a convoluted ownership "two-step" that left Eagles owner Bert Bell
with a share in the Steelers franchise.
America entered World War II on December 7, 1941 with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
. Most of the young men who were of the age to play professional football were also of the age to fight for their country. 600 NFL players joined the armed forces.
Feeling that country at war still needed entertainment and sports were a much-needed diversion, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
issued an inspirational message focused on the importance of Major League Baseball
to Americans' morale. He made no mention of football, during that address, as baseball far surpassed football in popularity at the time. However at its 1943 annual spring meeting, the NFL decided to follow baseball's lead and continue play. Other football leagues, such as the 1940–41 American Football League
, Dixie League
and the American Association
, decided to suspend operations instead, leaving the NFL and its West Coast counterpart, the Pacific Coast Professional Football League
, as the only leagues playing professional football at the time.
, Bill Hewitt, quit in the middle of the season. He couldn't take the ridicule and subsequent guilt feelings anymore. Hewitt was good enough to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. However the players weren't making the decisions on who could or couldn't fight. Men with flat feet weren't drafted. They could lead normal lives and even play football, but the Army deemed that flat feet was not conducive to marching long distances. Similar reasons existed for other 4-F deferments. But numerous NFL players in 1943 had medical problems that kept them out of the military. Tony Bova
, the Steagles' leading receiver with 17 receptions, was blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. Steagles guard Ed Michaels
was nearly deaf and center Ray Graves
was deaf in one ear. One starting defensive end was blind in one eye and nearly legally blind in the other. The Steagles tailback John Butler
made his first start one day after being ruled 4-F by his draft board for poor eyesight and bad knees.
suspended operations and the Pittsburgh Steelers had only six men left under contract while the Philadelphia Eagles had only sixteen. The 1943 NFL Draft
didn't help much. Most players drafted went off to the war instead of joining NFL teams. The league nearly ceased operations before the 1943 season, but it continued.
Steelers' owner Art Rooney
knew that the league needed at least eight teams to survive. Rooney's idea was to merge the Steelers with the Eagles. This idea came quickly to him since two years earlier he thought about combining the two teams into the Pennsylvania Keystoners
. Eagles' owner Alexis Thompson
, who was serving in the US Army as a corporal
, was not as keen on the plan since he at least had 16 players under contract. However Thompson remembered how Rooney in 1941 swapped cities
with him, allowing him to keep the Eagles in Philadelphia, close to his New York City home. This led to an agreement on combining the teams.
The league approved the merger by a vote of 5–4. However, several owners expressed fears that the merger would produce a team with an unfair advantage. The merger had a slight lean in favor of Philadelphia based on stipulations imposed by Thompson. The team would be known as the Philadelphia Eagles and be based in Philadelphia. Rooney had very little leverage, bringing only six players to the table. However he was successful in landing two home games in Pittsburgh, while Philadelphia would host four. The team was also to wear the Eagles' green and white colors instead of Pittsburgh's black and gold. This event officially marked the only time in the Steelers history that the team colors were something other than black and gold. The league also stated that helmets were mandated for the first time and that the league would expand in 1944, with the Boston Yanks
paying $50,000 for entry into the league.
would be co-head coaches because each coach refused to be demoted. This led to several problems. The first being that the two men hated each other. Secondly even Kiesling's own players didn't like him so asking the Eagles players to like him was too much to ask. However Neale took advantage when Kiesling was delayed en route to camp, which was held at St. Joseph's College
in Philadelphia. By the time Keisling arrived, Neale already had the offense learning the T-formation, which was all the rage in those days because of its success in college football by Frank Leahy
at Notre Dame
and for Red Blaik at Army
. This conflict led to Neale serving as the team's offensive coordinator
while Kiesling served as the defensive coordinator
. They would then split head coaching duties. According to defensive back
Ernie Steele
, the situation between the two coaches got so bad that Kiesling and Neale walked off the field after a heated argument in practice the Friday before a game. They returned for the game, but the players were nonetheless stunned. However after the Steagles' in 1943 & Card-Pitt
in 1944, Pittsburgh reverted to using the single-wing formation through 1952, becoming the last NFL team to ever use it as its primary offensive set.
Another difficult issue that at the time, was that the Steelers and Eagles were bitter interstate rivals, much like the NHL's
Pittsburgh Penguins
-Philadelphia Flyers
rivalry of today, and usually ended up at near the bottom of standings each year. The Steagles were the only professional sports team where all the players held full-time war jobs, as it was a requirement of the team. Playing football was seen as an extracurricular activity. All of the 25 players on the roster kept full-time jobs in defense plants. One of Pittsburgh's players, Ted Doyle
, worked at Westinghouse Electric
and figured out later that his work assisted the Manhattan Project
, which was America's effort to build the first atomic bomb, according to Matthew Algeo's book Last Team Standing.
As the season got underway, fans and newspapers began calling the team the Steagles, a combination of Steelers and Eagles. It had a nice ring to it and was fair to both cities. Steagles eventually became the common name used for the team throughout most of the country, except in Philadelphia, where the writers and even the team insisted on being called the Philadelphia Eagles. Chet Smith, the sports editor of the Pittsburgh Press
, was initially the one who wrote in a column the moniker Steagles, for the merged team.(and according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Slowly, the team began to come together, united by hard work, shared sacrifice, and teamwork. The Steagles jumped out to a 2–0 start after defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers
and New York Giants
at Shibe Park. During the New York game the Steagles fumbled the ball a record 10 times, but managed to win 28–14. The Steagles record of 10 fumbles in game by 1 team is still in existence today. The squad of outcasts and misfits then banded together and managed to shockingly tie the defending champion Washington Redskins
in their first meeting, and even defeated the 'Skins in their second meeting. The team stumbled on the road and after seven games was 3–3–1. However the team regrouped during two games at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field
, which were wins over the Chicago Cardinals on Halloween Night
and over the Detroit Lions
on Nov. 21. The team's final game was played in front of 35,000 fans at Shibe Park against Don Hutson
and the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay would go on to win the game 38–28.
The next season, 1944, the NFL was back on solid footing. The Army had declared that it had enough soldiers and men over 26 years of age would not be drafted, though the league had another problem. With the Cleveland Rams
back in operation, the expansion Boston Yanks
team in the fold and the Eagles and Steelers back in their separate ways, the NFL had 11 teams, which created a nightmare with divisions and scheduling. NFL Commissioner Elmer Layden
begged for two teams to combine again in 1944. Ten teams made for a perfect league and eleven seemed impossible. The Steelers were still short of players due to the war. Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney
was so unhappy with the "Phil-Pitt" arrangement that he merged with the Chicago Cardinals for the 1944 season, creating a team known as Card-Pitt
(derisively called "carpet" due to going winless, and the commentary that "every team walked all over them"). The war ended by the time the 1945 NFL season
started, and with the Brooklyn Tigers
and the aforementioned Boston franchising permanently merging, there was an even number of ten teams to the delight of owners.
The Eagles, now having enough players back from the war, resumed their traditional operation and continued under Neale, who would take home back-to-back coach of the year awards as Philadelphia won consecutive NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.
Individually, the Steagles' Jack Hinkle
ended the season with 571 rushing yards. He lost the rushing title to New York's Bill Paschal
by one yard. Against those very Giants Hinkle was not given credit for a 37-yard run (they gave it to John Butler). Hinkle did not complain about not winning the NFL rushing crown. He figured with a war going on there were better things to cry about. Tony Bova, a half-blind 4-F, led the team in receiving with 417 yards.
takes its name from the Steagles football team. In the opening scene, the protagonist of the film, a bookish college professor, explains the history and meaning of the term to a pair of loudly arguing sports fans on a commuter train, and draws an admiring look from an attractive Asian woman who is a fellow passenger. The film concerns the personality change which overcomes the protagonist during the Cuban Missile Crisis
of 1962, and the film's title impliedly references the transient nature of the Steagles team, existing for only one brief season during a national crisis.
.
Six of the nine surviving members of that team were honored at halftime. Those members were quarterback Allie Sherman
, running back and defensive back Ernie Steele
, center Ray Graves
, and tackles Al Wistert
, Vic Sears
, and Bucko Kilroy. End Tom Miller, tackle Ted Doyle
and halfback John Hinkle were unable to attend. Graves, Wistert and Sherman are the only three players from the 1943 squad still alive as of June 2011. All three of the surviving players belonged to the Eagles. Ted Doyle, who died in 2006, was the last surviving Steeler player from the team.
In addition the Steelers recreated the Steagles era in their "Turn Back the Clock" ceremonies, including broadcasting in black and white on the Jumbotron
and airing World War II footage during the national anthem
. All live entertainment reflected the 1940s. During the festivities the Steelers gave each of the six members a replica Steagles jersey to wear. The jerseys worn by honorees were later given back to the Steelers and sold to help benefit a local charity. The Steelers also painted the south end zone in plain diagonal white lines, a common practice in the NFL until the 1960s. The Steelers later kept the "plain" design in the south end zone permanently. The Eagles won the game 21–16.
Not shown are acquired picks that were traded away.
Exhibitions
The Steagles held the Dodgers to minus 33 rushing yards; this was the second lowest rushing total posted by a single team in an NFL game to that point. It currently ranks as the third-lowest rushing output in league history.
Despite setting a league record by fumbling the ball ten times, the Steagles overcame the Giants on the strength of three fourth-quarter touchdowns. The mark of ten fumbles in a game by one team has since been matched three times, but it has never been topped.
The 1942 NFL Champion Washington Redskins come to Philadelphia with a 13 regular season game winning streak, and for 1943 scoring an avg of 30 points per game and allowing on 6 a game.
Roster
Sources
Further reading
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
(NFL) teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers are a professional football team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The team currently belongs to the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Founded in , the Steelers are the oldest franchise in the AFC...
and the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
, during the 1943 season
1943 NFL season
The 1943 NFL season was the 24th regular season of the National Football League. As more players left to serve in World War II, three teams were affected by the depleted rosters. The Cleveland Rams were granted permission to suspend operations for this season. The Philadelphia Eagles and the...
. The teams were forced to merge because both had lost many players to military service during World War II.
Officially the team was known simply as the Eagles without any city designation. The merged team was referred to at the time as the Eagles-Steelers, Steelers-Eagles, Phil-Pitt or as the Pennsylvania combine. The league's official record book refers to the team as "Phil-Pitt Combine". But the unofficial "Steagles", despite never being registered by the NFL, has become the most enduring moniker.
History
The prospect of a unified Pittsburgh-Philadelphia team actually predated World War II by several years. The Pennsylvania KeystonersPennsylvania Keystoners
The Pennsylvania Keystoners was the idea for an American football team thought up by then-Pittsburgh Pirates owner, Art Rooney, in 1939 to have a single National Football League franchise based in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The team would play half of its home games in each location...
were a team that was proposed in 1939, conceived with the intention of the Steelers and Eagles owners buying into one of the two teams, then spinning the other off to an ownership group in Boston, Massachusetts. League officials rejected the plan, though it resulted in a convoluted ownership "two-step" that left Eagles owner Bert Bell
Bert Bell
De Benneville "Bert" Bell was the National Football League commissioner from 1946 until his death in 1959. As commissioner, he helped chart a path for the NFL to facilitate its rise in becoming the most popular sports attraction in the United States...
with a share in the Steelers franchise.
America entered World War II on December 7, 1941 with the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The attack on Pearl Harbor was a surprise military strike conducted by the Imperial Japanese Navy against the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on the morning of December 7, 1941...
. Most of the young men who were of the age to play professional football were also of the age to fight for their country. 600 NFL players joined the armed forces.
Feeling that country at war still needed entertainment and sports were a much-needed diversion, President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
issued an inspirational message focused on the importance of Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball
Major League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
to Americans' morale. He made no mention of football, during that address, as baseball far surpassed football in popularity at the time. However at its 1943 annual spring meeting, the NFL decided to follow baseball's lead and continue play. Other football leagues, such as the 1940–41 American Football League
American Football League (1940)
American Football League, also known as the AFL III to distinguish it from earlier organizations of that name, was a major professional American football league that operated from 1940-1941...
, Dixie League
Dixie League (football)
The Dixie League was a professional American football league founded in 1936 as the South Atlantic Football Association, with six charter member teams in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D. C.. Like the American Association , its popularity rivaled that of the established National Football League...
and the American Association
American Association (football)
The American Association was a professional American football league based in New York City. Founded in 1936 as a minor league with teams in New York and New Jersey, the AA extended its reach to Providence, Rhode Island prior to the onset of World War II...
, decided to suspend operations instead, leaving the NFL and its West Coast counterpart, the Pacific Coast Professional Football League
Pacific Coast Professional Football League
The Pacific Coast Professional Football League , also known as the Pacific Coast Football League and Pacific Coast League was a professional American football league based in California, USA, and competed from 1940 through 1948 in sports...
, as the only leagues playing professional football at the time.
Draft deferments
The young men who remained in the States to play football were deferred from the draft. The Steagles players were either unfit for military service for physical reasons or age, or active servicemen who had obtained leave to play. Three types of deferments defined 1943 NFL players. The first group was called 3-As. If a man was supporting a family the draft board would not make him a priority. The government defined a 3-A as a father whose child/children was born or conceived prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. The cutoff date for birth was September 15, 1942, precisely nine months and one week after Pearl Harbor. The second group consisted of those men who worked in the war industry, producing and preparing ammunition, weapons and materials. The third group (4-F'S) were those deemed physically unfit due to ailments such as ulcers, flat feet and even partial blindness. Most NFL football players wanted to join the war. In the early 1940s it was considered a patriotic duty to serve and fight for the country. Being classified as a 4-F was an embarrassment. Playing football and being ridiculed was added embarrassment. However there was a feeling that if guys could play football they could fight in the war. One Steagle and future Hall of FamerPro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of professional football in the United States with an emphasis on the National Football League . It opened in Canton, Ohio, on September 7, 1963, with 17 charter inductees...
, Bill Hewitt, quit in the middle of the season. He couldn't take the ridicule and subsequent guilt feelings anymore. Hewitt was good enough to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. However the players weren't making the decisions on who could or couldn't fight. Men with flat feet weren't drafted. They could lead normal lives and even play football, but the Army deemed that flat feet was not conducive to marching long distances. Similar reasons existed for other 4-F deferments. But numerous NFL players in 1943 had medical problems that kept them out of the military. Tony Bova
Tony Bova
Anthony J. Bova was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1940s. He graduated from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1943...
, the Steagles' leading receiver with 17 receptions, was blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. Steagles guard Ed Michaels
Ed Michaels
Edward Joseph Michaels was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears, the Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Michaels also played on the "Steagles", a merged team consisting of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943...
was nearly deaf and center Ray Graves
Ray Graves
Samuel Ray Graves is a former American college and professional football player and former college football coach. He is a native of Tennessee and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, where he played college football...
was deaf in one ear. One starting defensive end was blind in one eye and nearly legally blind in the other. The Steagles tailback John Butler
John Butler (running back)
John William Butler was a professional football player in the National Football League drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1942. He would go on to play for both Steelers merged teams . In 1943 Butler was drafted into the military due to World War II, however he was physically disqualified for duty...
made his first start one day after being ruled 4-F by his draft board for poor eyesight and bad knees.
1943 NFL Spring Meetings
Even with these deferments, NFL rosters were hurting. The Cleveland RamsSt. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
suspended operations and the Pittsburgh Steelers had only six men left under contract while the Philadelphia Eagles had only sixteen. The 1943 NFL Draft
1943 NFL Draft
The 1943 National Football League Draft was held on April 8, 1943.This draft is the first and oldest NFL Draft not to produce a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.-Round one:-Round two:-Round three:-Round four:-Round five:-Round six:...
didn't help much. Most players drafted went off to the war instead of joining NFL teams. The league nearly ceased operations before the 1943 season, but it continued.
Steelers' owner Art Rooney
Art Rooney
Arthur Joseph "Art" Rooney, Sr. , often referred to as "The Chief", was the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football franchise in the National Football League.-Family history:...
knew that the league needed at least eight teams to survive. Rooney's idea was to merge the Steelers with the Eagles. This idea came quickly to him since two years earlier he thought about combining the two teams into the Pennsylvania Keystoners
Pennsylvania Keystoners
The Pennsylvania Keystoners was the idea for an American football team thought up by then-Pittsburgh Pirates owner, Art Rooney, in 1939 to have a single National Football League franchise based in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The team would play half of its home games in each location...
. Eagles' owner Alexis Thompson
Alexis Thompson (football owner)
Alexis "Lex" Thompson was an owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles. Thompson was a graduate of Yale University, was the heir to a six million fortune in steel stocks, a U.S. Army corporal, and an Entrepreneur who made millions selling eye care...
, who was serving in the US Army as a corporal
Corporal
Corporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
, was not as keen on the plan since he at least had 16 players under contract. However Thompson remembered how Rooney in 1941 swapped cities
Pennsylvania Keystoners
The Pennsylvania Keystoners was the idea for an American football team thought up by then-Pittsburgh Pirates owner, Art Rooney, in 1939 to have a single National Football League franchise based in both Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. The team would play half of its home games in each location...
with him, allowing him to keep the Eagles in Philadelphia, close to his New York City home. This led to an agreement on combining the teams.
The league approved the merger by a vote of 5–4. However, several owners expressed fears that the merger would produce a team with an unfair advantage. The merger had a slight lean in favor of Philadelphia based on stipulations imposed by Thompson. The team would be known as the Philadelphia Eagles and be based in Philadelphia. Rooney had very little leverage, bringing only six players to the table. However he was successful in landing two home games in Pittsburgh, while Philadelphia would host four. The team was also to wear the Eagles' green and white colors instead of Pittsburgh's black and gold. This event officially marked the only time in the Steelers history that the team colors were something other than black and gold. The league also stated that helmets were mandated for the first time and that the league would expand in 1944, with the Boston Yanks
Boston Yanks
The Boston Yanks were a National Football League team based in Boston, Massachusetts that played from 1944 to 1948. The team played its home games at Fenway Park. Games that conflicted with the Boston Red Sox schedule were held at the Manning Bowl in Lynn, Massachusetts...
paying $50,000 for entry into the league.
1943 season
Philadelphia's Greasy Neale and Pittsburgh's Walt KieslingWalt Kiesling
Walter Andrew Kiesling was an American football player and coach.-Playing career:A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Kiesling played both offensive and defensive line at the University of St. Thomas...
would be co-head coaches because each coach refused to be demoted. This led to several problems. The first being that the two men hated each other. Secondly even Kiesling's own players didn't like him so asking the Eagles players to like him was too much to ask. However Neale took advantage when Kiesling was delayed en route to camp, which was held at St. Joseph's College
Saint Joseph's University
Saint Joseph's University is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic Jesuit university located partially in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and partially in Lower Merion Township and located in the Pennsylvania Main Line, Pennsylvania, United States.The school was founded in 1851 as Saint...
in Philadelphia. By the time Keisling arrived, Neale already had the offense learning the T-formation, which was all the rage in those days because of its success in college football by Frank Leahy
Frank Leahy
Francis William Leahy was an American football player, coach, college athletics administrator, and professional sports executive...
at Notre Dame
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame du Lac is a Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, an unincorporated community north of the city of South Bend, in St. Joseph County, Indiana, United States...
and for Red Blaik at Army
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
. This conflict led to Neale serving as the team's offensive coordinator
Offensive coordinator
An offensive coordinator is a member of the coaching staff of a gridiron football team who is in charge of the offense. Generally, along with his defensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
while Kiesling served as the defensive coordinator
Defensive coordinator
A defensive coordinator typically refers to a coach on a gridiron football team who is in charge of the defense. Generally, along with his offensive counterpart, he represents the second level of command structure after the head coach...
. They would then split head coaching duties. According to defensive back
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
Ernie Steele
Ernie Steele
Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943...
, the situation between the two coaches got so bad that Kiesling and Neale walked off the field after a heated argument in practice the Friday before a game. They returned for the game, but the players were nonetheless stunned. However after the Steagles' in 1943 & Card-Pitt
Card-Pitt
Card-Pitt was the name for the team created by the temporary merger of two National Football League teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cardinals, during the 1944 season. The teams were forced to merge, because both had lost many players to World War II military service...
in 1944, Pittsburgh reverted to using the single-wing formation through 1952, becoming the last NFL team to ever use it as its primary offensive set.
Another difficult issue that at the time, was that the Steelers and Eagles were bitter interstate rivals, much like the NHL's
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
-Philadelphia Flyers
Philadelphia Flyers
The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
rivalry of today, and usually ended up at near the bottom of standings each year. The Steagles were the only professional sports team where all the players held full-time war jobs, as it was a requirement of the team. Playing football was seen as an extracurricular activity. All of the 25 players on the roster kept full-time jobs in defense plants. One of Pittsburgh's players, Ted Doyle
Ted Doyle
Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the...
, worked at Westinghouse Electric
Westinghouse Electric (1886)
Westinghouse Electric was an American manufacturing company. It was founded in 1886 as Westinghouse Electric Company and later renamed Westinghouse Electric Corporation by George Westinghouse. The company purchased CBS in 1995 and became CBS Corporation in 1997...
and figured out later that his work assisted the Manhattan Project
Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project was a research and development program, led by the United States with participation from the United Kingdom and Canada, that produced the first atomic bomb during World War II. From 1942 to 1946, the project was under the direction of Major General Leslie Groves of the US Army...
, which was America's effort to build the first atomic bomb, according to Matthew Algeo's book Last Team Standing.
As the season got underway, fans and newspapers began calling the team the Steagles, a combination of Steelers and Eagles. It had a nice ring to it and was fair to both cities. Steagles eventually became the common name used for the team throughout most of the country, except in Philadelphia, where the writers and even the team insisted on being called the Philadelphia Eagles. Chet Smith, the sports editor of the Pittsburgh Press
Pittsburgh Press
The Pittsburgh Press is an online newspaper in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, currently owned and operated by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Historically, it was a major afternoon paper...
, was initially the one who wrote in a column the moniker Steagles, for the merged team.(and according to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette)
Slowly, the team began to come together, united by hard work, shared sacrifice, and teamwork. The Steagles jumped out to a 2–0 start after defeating the Brooklyn Dodgers
Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL)
The Brooklyn Dodgers were an American football team that played in the National Football League from 1930 to 1943, and in 1944 as the Brooklyn Tigers. The team played its home games at Ebbets Field. In 1945, because of financial difficulties, the team was merged with the Boston Yanks...
and New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
at Shibe Park. During the New York game the Steagles fumbled the ball a record 10 times, but managed to win 28–14. The Steagles record of 10 fumbles in game by 1 team is still in existence today. The squad of outcasts and misfits then banded together and managed to shockingly tie the defending champion Washington Redskins
Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,...
in their first meeting, and even defeated the 'Skins in their second meeting. The team stumbled on the road and after seven games was 3–3–1. However the team regrouped during two games at Pittsburgh's Forbes Field
Forbes Field
Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise...
, which were wins over the Chicago Cardinals on Halloween Night
Halloween
Hallowe'en , also known as Halloween or All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the night before All Saints' Day...
and over the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are a professional American football team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League , and play their home games at Ford Field in Downtown Detroit.Originally based in Portsmouth, Ohio and...
on Nov. 21. The team's final game was played in front of 35,000 fans at Shibe Park against Don Hutson
Don Hutson
Donald Montgomery Hutson was the first star wide receiver in National Football League history. He is considered by many to have been the first modern receiver....
and the Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are an American football team based in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Packers are the current NFL champions...
Green Bay would go on to win the game 38–28.
Legacy
The Steagles 1943 season was the Philadelphia franchise's first winning season in its history and the second for Pittsburgh's.The next season, 1944, the NFL was back on solid footing. The Army had declared that it had enough soldiers and men over 26 years of age would not be drafted, though the league had another problem. With the Cleveland Rams
St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
back in operation, the expansion Boston Yanks
Boston Yanks
The Boston Yanks were a National Football League team based in Boston, Massachusetts that played from 1944 to 1948. The team played its home games at Fenway Park. Games that conflicted with the Boston Red Sox schedule were held at the Manning Bowl in Lynn, Massachusetts...
team in the fold and the Eagles and Steelers back in their separate ways, the NFL had 11 teams, which created a nightmare with divisions and scheduling. NFL Commissioner Elmer Layden
Elmer Layden
Elmer Francis Layden was an American football player, coach, college athletics administrator, and professional sports executive. He played college football at the University of Notre Dame where he starred at fullback as a member of the legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield...
begged for two teams to combine again in 1944. Ten teams made for a perfect league and eleven seemed impossible. The Steelers were still short of players due to the war. Pittsburgh owner Art Rooney
Art Rooney
Arthur Joseph "Art" Rooney, Sr. , often referred to as "The Chief", was the founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers American football franchise in the National Football League.-Family history:...
was so unhappy with the "Phil-Pitt" arrangement that he merged with the Chicago Cardinals for the 1944 season, creating a team known as Card-Pitt
Card-Pitt
Card-Pitt was the name for the team created by the temporary merger of two National Football League teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cardinals, during the 1944 season. The teams were forced to merge, because both had lost many players to World War II military service...
(derisively called "carpet" due to going winless, and the commentary that "every team walked all over them"). The war ended by the time the 1945 NFL season
1945 NFL season
The 1945 NFL season was the 26th regular season of the National Football League. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cardinals resumed their traditional operations....
started, and with the Brooklyn Tigers
Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL)
The Brooklyn Dodgers were an American football team that played in the National Football League from 1930 to 1943, and in 1944 as the Brooklyn Tigers. The team played its home games at Ebbets Field. In 1945, because of financial difficulties, the team was merged with the Boston Yanks...
and the aforementioned Boston franchising permanently merging, there was an even number of ten teams to the delight of owners.
The Eagles, now having enough players back from the war, resumed their traditional operation and continued under Neale, who would take home back-to-back coach of the year awards as Philadelphia won consecutive NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.
Individually, the Steagles' Jack Hinkle
Jack Hinkle
John M. Hinkle was a professional football in the National Football League. During his career, he played for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and the "Steagles".-Pro career:...
ended the season with 571 rushing yards. He lost the rushing title to New York's Bill Paschal
Bill Paschal
William Avner Paschal, Jr. was an American football running back in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Boston Yanks.-Early life:...
by one yard. Against those very Giants Hinkle was not given credit for a 37-yard run (they gave it to John Butler). Hinkle did not complain about not winning the NFL rushing crown. He figured with a war going on there were better things to cry about. Tony Bova, a half-blind 4-F, led the team in receiving with 417 yards.
Popular culture
The 1971 film "The Steagle" starring Richard BenjaminRichard Benjamin
Richard Benjamin is an American actor and film director. He has starred in a number of productions, including Goodbye, Columbus , based on the novella by Philip Roth, and Westworld .-Life and career:...
takes its name from the Steagles football team. In the opening scene, the protagonist of the film, a bookish college professor, explains the history and meaning of the term to a pair of loudly arguing sports fans on a commuter train, and draws an admiring look from an attractive Asian woman who is a fellow passenger. The film concerns the personality change which overcomes the protagonist during the Cuban Missile Crisis
Cuban Missile Crisis
The Cuban Missile Crisis was a confrontation among the Soviet Union, Cuba and the United States in October 1962, during the Cold War...
of 1962, and the film's title impliedly references the transient nature of the Steagles team, existing for only one brief season during a national crisis.
60th anniversary
The Steelers celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Steagles on August 17, 2003 during the pregame and halftime ceremonies at Heinz FieldHeinz Field
Heinz Field is a stadium located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It primarily serves as the home to the Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pittsburgh Panthers American football teams, members of the National Football League and National Collegiate Athletic Association respectively...
.
Six of the nine surviving members of that team were honored at halftime. Those members were quarterback Allie Sherman
Allie Sherman
Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach....
, running back and defensive back Ernie Steele
Ernie Steele
Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943...
, center Ray Graves
Ray Graves
Samuel Ray Graves is a former American college and professional football player and former college football coach. He is a native of Tennessee and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, where he played college football...
, and tackles Al Wistert
Al Wistert
Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle...
, Vic Sears
Vic Sears
Victor Wilson Sears was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Oregon State University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1941 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sears is a member of the NFL's...
, and Bucko Kilroy. End Tom Miller, tackle Ted Doyle
Ted Doyle
Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the...
and halfback John Hinkle were unable to attend. Graves, Wistert and Sherman are the only three players from the 1943 squad still alive as of June 2011. All three of the surviving players belonged to the Eagles. Ted Doyle, who died in 2006, was the last surviving Steeler player from the team.
In addition the Steelers recreated the Steagles era in their "Turn Back the Clock" ceremonies, including broadcasting in black and white on the Jumbotron
Jumbotron
A JumboTron is a large-screen television using technology developed by Sony, typically used in sports stadiums and concert venues to show close-up shots of the event. Although JumboTron is a registered trademark owned by the Sony Corporation, the word jumbotron is often used by the public as a...
and airing World War II footage during the national anthem
National anthem
A national anthem is a generally patriotic musical composition that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions and struggles of its people, recognized either by a nation's government as the official national song, or by convention through use by the people.- History :Anthems rose to prominence...
. All live entertainment reflected the 1940s. During the festivities the Steelers gave each of the six members a replica Steagles jersey to wear. The jerseys worn by honorees were later given back to the Steelers and sold to help benefit a local charity. The Steelers also painted the south end zone in plain diagonal white lines, a common practice in the NFL until the 1960s. The Steelers later kept the "plain" design in the south end zone permanently. The Eagles won the game 21–16.
Player Selections
The table shows the Eagles selections and the Steelers selections and what picks they had that were traded away and the team that ended up with that pick. It is possible the their pick ended up with this team via another team that they made a trade with.Not shown are acquired picks that were traded away.
| Philadelphia Eagles | Pittsburgh Steelers | |||||||||
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | School | Round | Pick | Player | Position | School | |
| 1 | 2 | Joe Muha Joe Muha Joseph George "Joe" Muha was a professional American football fullback and linebacker in the National Football League. He played 5 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and was their starting fullback four of those years. He was a two-time All-Pro selection.He served as a second lieutenant in the... |
Fullback | VMI | 1 | 7 | Bill Daley Bill Daley (American football) William Edward "Bullet" Daley was an All-American fullback who played for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1940–1942 and for the University of Michigan Wolverines in 1943. The Gophers were National Champions in his freshman and sophomore years... |
Fullback | Minnesota | |
| 2 | 12 | Lamar "Racehorse" Davis | Back | Georgia | 2 | no pick | ||||
| 3 | 17 | Roy "Monk" Gafford | Back | Auburn | 3 | 22 | Jack Russell | End | Baylor | |
| 4 | 27 | Bob Kennedy | Back | Washington State | 4 | no pick | ||||
| 5 | 32 | Al "Ox" Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... |
Tackle | Michigan University of Michigan The University of Michigan is a public research university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan in the United States. It is the state's oldest university and the flagship campus of the University of Michigan... |
5 | 37 | Harry Connolly | Back | Boston College Boston College Boston College is a private Jesuit research university located in the village of Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA. The main campus is bisected by the border between the cities of Boston and Newton. It has 9,200 full-time undergraduates and 4,000 graduate students. Its name reflects its early... |
|
| 6 | 42 | Bruno Banducci Bruno Banducci Bruno Banducci was an Italian, American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and the San Francisco 49ers. He was selected to play in six Pro Bowls . Banducci played college football at Stanford University and was drafted in the sixth round of the... |
Guard | Stanford | 6 | 47 | Lou Sossamon | Center | South Carolina | |
| 7 | 52 | Walt Harrison | Center | Washington | 7 | 57 | Al Ratto | Center | St. Mary's (CA) | |
| 8 | 62 | Bruce Alford | End | Texas Christian | 8 | 67 | Ray Curry | End | St. Mary's (CA) | |
| 9 | 72 | Rocco Canale Rocco Canale Rocco Peter Canale was a professional football player in the National Football League. During his pro career, he split time between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Yanks... |
Guard | Boston College | 9 | 77 | Ed Murphy | End | Holy Cross | |
| 10 | 82 | Bill Conoly | Tackle | Texas | 10 | 87 | Dick Dwelle | Back | Rice | |
| 11 | 92 | John Billman | Guard | Minnesota | 11 | 97 | Al Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... |
Center | Duquesne | |
| 12 | 102 | Jack Donaldson | Tackle | Pennsylvania | 12 | 107 | Joe Repko | Tackle | Boston College | |
| 13 | 112 | Bill Erickson | Center | Georgetown (DC) | 13 | 117 | Pete Boltrek | Tackle | North Carolina State | |
| 14 | 122 | George Weeks | End | Alabama | 14 | 127 | Mort Shiekman | Guard | Pennsylvania | |
| 15 | 132 | Russ Craft Russ Craft William Russell Craft was an American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played college football at the University of Alabama and was drafted in the fifteenth round of the 1943 NFL Draft... |
Back | Alabama | 15 | 137 | Milt Crain | Back | Baylor | |
| 16 | 142 | Paul Darling | Back | Iowa State | 16 | 147 | Max Kielbasa Max Kielbasa Maxmillan Kielbasa was a professional football player for the National Football League's Pittsburgh Steelers in 1946. He was drafted by the Philadelphia-Pittsburgh "Steagles" in the 16th round of the 1943 NFL Draft. Prior to joining the Steelers, Max played college football at Duquesne University... |
Back | Duquesne | |
| 17 | 152 | Walt Gorinski Walt Gorinski Walter A. Gorinski was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers. After attending Hurst High School, located in Norvelt, Pennsylvania, Gorinski attended and played college football at Louisiana State University. Gorinski made his professional debut... |
Back | Louisiana State | 17 | 157 | Nick Skorich Nick Skorich Nicholas Leonard Skorich was an American football offensive lineman and coach.Skorich played guard at Bellaire High School and the University of Cincinnati before joining the Navy in 1943. After the end of World War II, he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who had drafted him in 1943... |
Guard | Cincinnati | |
| 18 | 162 | Bob Friedman | Tackle | Washington | 18 | 167 | Jackie Field | Back | Texas | |
| 19 | 172 | Johnny Bezemes | Back | Holy Cross | 19 | 177 | Felix Bucek | Guard | Texas A&M | |
| 20 | 182 | Chet Mutryn Chet Mutryn Chester A. Mutryn was a professional American football halfback and defensive back in the All-America Football Conference and the National Football League.... |
Back | Xavier | 20 | 187 | Johnny Welsh | Back | Pennsylvania | |
| 21 | 192 | Baptiste Manzini Baptiste Manzini Baptiste John "Bap" Manzini was a professional American football offensive lineman and high school football coach.... |
Center | St. Vincent's | 21 | 197 | Tony Compagno | Back | St. Mary's (CA) | |
| 22 | 202 | Bernie Gillespie | End | Scranton | 22 | 207 | Willie Zapalac Willie Zapalac Willie Frank Zapalac was the eighth head college football coach for the University of Texas at Arlington Mavericks located in Arlington, Texas, and he held that position for the 1952 season. His career coaching record at UT Arlington was 8 wins, 1 losses, and 1 ties... |
Back | Texas A&M | |
| 23 | 212 | Jay "Mule" Lawhon | Tackle | Arkansas | 23 | 217 | George Bain | Tackle | Oregon State | |
| 24 | 222 | Vince Zachem | Center | Morehead State | 24 | 227 | Harry Wynne | Tackle | Arkansas | |
| 25 | 232 | Joe Schwarting | End | Texas | 25 | 237 | Joe Cibulas Joe Cibulas Joseph James Cibulas was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1945 season. Cibulas was born near Norvelt, Pennsylvania, located between Greensburg and Latrobe. He attended Hurst High School located in Norvelt,... |
Tackle | Duquesne | |
| 26 | 242 | Bob Neff | Tackle | Notre Dame | 26 | 247 | Bill Yambrick | Center | Western Michigan | |
| 27 | 252 | Art Macioszczyk Art Macioszczyk Arthur A. Macioszczyk was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins. He played college football at Western Michigan University and was drafted in the 27th round of the 1943 NFL Draft by the Steagles.... |
Back | Western Michigan | 27 | 257 | Jack Freeman | Guard | Texas | |
| 28 | 262 | Jim Arata | Tackle | Xavier | 28 | 267 | Joe Goode | Back | Duquesne | |
| 29 | 272 | Wally Scott | End | Texas | 29 | 277 | Jack Durishan | Tackle | Pittsburgh | |
| 30 | 282 | Stan Jaworowski | Tackle | Georgetown (DC) | 30 | 287 | Fritz Lobpries | Guard | Texas | |
| 31 | no pick | 31 | 292 | Art Jones | Back | Haverford | ||||
| 31 | no pick | 32 | 297 | Bob Ruman | Back | Arizona | ||||
Exhibitions
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Record | Game Site | Attendance | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturday, September 11, 1943 | night | Green Bay Packers 1943 Green Bay Packers season The 1943 Green Bay Packers season was their 25th overall, and 23rd season in the National Football League. The club posted a 7-2-1 record under coach Curly Lambeau, earning a second-place finish in the Western Conference.-NFL Draft:... |
L 28–10 | 0–1 | Forbes Field Forbes Field Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise... |
18,000 | |
| 2 | Thursday, September 16, 1943 | night | Chicago Bears 1943 Chicago Bears season The 1943 Chicago Bears season was their 24th regular season and 8th postseason completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 8-1-1 record under temporary co-coaches Hunk Anderson and Luke Johnsos... |
L 20–7 | 0–2 | Shibe Park | 30,000 |
Schedule
| Week | Date | Time | Opponent | Result | Record | Game Site | Attendance | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saturday, October 2, 1943 | night | Brooklyn Dodgers 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL) season The 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers season was their 14th season in the league and their final season before becoming the Brooklyn Tigers. The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 3-8, winning only two games. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season and... |
W 17–10 | 1–0 | Shibe Park | 11,131 | |
| 2 | Saturday, October 9, 1943 | night | New York Giants 1943 New York Giants season The 1943 New York Giants season was the 19th season for the club in the National Football League.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:-See also:*List of New York Giants seasons... |
W 28–14 | 2–0 | Shibe Park | 15,340 | |
| 3 | Sunday, October 17, 1943 | day | Chicago Bears 1943 Chicago Bears season The 1943 Chicago Bears season was their 24th regular season and 8th postseason completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 8-1-1 record under temporary co-coaches Hunk Anderson and Luke Johnsos... |
L 48–21 | 2–1 | Wrigley Field Wrigley Field Wrigley Field is a baseball stadium in Chicago, Illinois, United States that has served as the home ballpark of the Chicago Cubs since 1916. It was built in 1914 as Weeghman Park for the Chicago Federal League baseball team, the Chicago Whales... |
21,744 | |
| 4 | Sunday, October 24, 1943 | 2:30 pm EDT | New York Giants 1943 New York Giants season The 1943 New York Giants season was the 19th season for the club in the National Football League.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:-See also:*List of New York Giants seasons... |
L 42–14 | 2–2 | Polo Grounds Polo Grounds The Polo Grounds was the name given to four different stadiums in Upper Manhattan, New York City, used by many professional teams in both baseball and American football from 1880 until 1963... |
42,681 | |
| 5 | Sunday, October 31, 1943 | day | Chicago Cardinals 1943 Chicago Cardinals season The 1943 Chicago Cardinals season was the 24th season the team was in the league. The team failed to improve on their previous output of 3-8, losing all ten games. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the 18th consecutive season.-Schedule:-Standings:... |
W 34–13 | 3–2 | Forbes Field Forbes Field Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise... |
16,351 | |
| 6 | Sunday, November 7, 1943 | day | Washington Redskins 1943 Washington Redskins season The 1943 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-1 record from 1942. They would end the season by losing the NFL Championship to the Chicago Bears, 41-21.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:... |
T 14–14 | 3–2–1 | Shibe Park | 32,694 | |
| 7 | Sunday, November 14, 1943 | day | Brooklyn Dodgers 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL) season The 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers season was their 14th season in the league and their final season before becoming the Brooklyn Tigers. The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 3-8, winning only two games. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season and... |
L 13–7 | 3–3–1 | Ebbets Field Ebbets Field Ebbets Field was a Major League Baseball park located in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York, USA, on a city block which is now considered to be part of the Crown Heights neighborhood. It was the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the National League. It was also a venue for professional football... |
7,613 | |
| 8 | Sunday, November 21, 1943 | 2:30 pm EDT | Detroit Lions 1943 Detroit Lions season The 1943 Detroit Lions season was their 14th in the league. The team improved on their previous season's output of 0-11, winning three games. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.-Schedule:-Standings:-References:... |
W 35–34 | 4–3–1 | Forbes Field Forbes Field Forbes Field was a baseball park in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 1909 to 1971. It was the third home of the Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball team, and the first home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the city's National Football League franchise... |
23,338 | |
| 9 | Sunday, November 28, 1943 | day | Washington Redskins 1943 Washington Redskins season The 1943 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-1 record from 1942. They would end the season by losing the NFL Championship to the Chicago Bears, 41-21.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:... |
W 27–14 | 5–3–1 | Griffith Stadium Griffith Stadium Griffith Stadium was a sports stadium that stood in Washington, D.C. from 1911 to 1965, between Georgia Avenue and 5th Street, and between W Street and Florida Avenue, NW. An earlier wooden baseball park had been built on the same site in 1891... |
35,540 | |
| 10 | Sunday, December 5, 1943 | day | Green Bay Packers 1943 Green Bay Packers season The 1943 Green Bay Packers season was their 25th overall, and 23rd season in the National Football League. The club posted a 7-2-1 record under coach Curly Lambeau, earning a second-place finish in the Western Conference.-NFL Draft:... |
L 38–28 | 5–4–1 | Shibe Park | 34,294 |
Final standings
| NFL Eastern Conference | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | T | PCT | PF | PA | STK | |
| Washington Redskins 1943 Washington Redskins season The 1943 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-1 record from 1942. They would end the season by losing the NFL Championship to the Chicago Bears, 41-21.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:... |
6 | 3 | 1 | .667 | 229 | 137 | L-3 |
| New York Giants 1943 New York Giants season The 1943 New York Giants season was the 19th season for the club in the National Football League.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:-See also:*List of New York Giants seasons... |
6 | 3 | 1 | .667 | 197 | 170 | W-4 |
| Phil-Pitt | 5 | 4 | 1 | .556 | 225 | 230 | L-1 |
| Brooklyn Dodgers 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL) season The 1943 Brooklyn Dodgers season was their 14th season in the league and their final season before becoming the Brooklyn Tigers. The team failed to improve on their previous season's output of 3-8, winning only two games. They failed to qualify for the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season and... |
2 | 8 | 0 | .200 | 65 | 234 | L-2 |
Week 1: vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Steagles substitutions: Bova Tony Bova Anthony J. Bova was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1940s. He graduated from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1943... , Miller, Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... , Kilroy, Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Frank Joe Frank (American football) Joseph C. Frank was a professional American football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning... , Graves Ray Graves Samuel Ray Graves is a former American college and professional football player and former college football coach. He is a native of Tennessee and an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, where he played college football... , Masters Bob Masters Bob Masters is a former professional American football player who played running back for six seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears... , Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , McCullough Hugh McCullough Hugh Warner McCullough was an American football player who played 5 seasons in the National Football League. During his time in the NFL, McCullough played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cardinals, Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles and the Boston Yanks.... and Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... . Dodgers substitutions: Kowalski, Webb, Sergienko, Davis, Mooney, Grandinette, Owens, Gutknecht, Svendsen, Martin, McAdams, Bill Brown and Marek. |
The Steagles held the Dodgers to minus 33 rushing yards; this was the second lowest rushing total posted by a single team in an NFL game to that point. It currently ranks as the third-lowest rushing output in league history.
| Scoring Drives and Statistics: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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EWLINE
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Week 2: vs. New York Giants
Steagles substitutions: Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Frank Joe Frank (American football) Joseph C. Frank was a professional American football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning... , Miller, Bova Tony Bova Anthony J. Bova was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1940s. He graduated from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1943... , Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... and Masters Bob Masters Bob Masters is a former professional American football player who played running back for six seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears... . Giants substitutions: Dubzinski, Hein Mel Hein Melvin Jack Hein was an American Professional Football player for the New York Giants. Hein played fifteen seasons for the Giants and never missed a down due to injury... , Marone, Leemans, Roberts, Carroll Vic Carroll Victor Eugene Carroll was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Boston/Washington Redskins and the New York Giants. He played college football at the University of Nevada-Reno.... , Pritko Steve Pritko Stephen Pritko is a former American football end in the National Football League who played eight seasons. He was born in Northampton, Pennsylvania.-References:*... , Brown, Karcis John Karcis John "Bull" Karcis was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Giants. Karcis was also the head coach for the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Carnegie Tech.Karcis was inducted into the Beaver County... , Kinscherf and Liebel Frank Liebel Frank Edward Liebel was a professional American football end/defensive back in the National Football League. He played seven seasons for the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears . He led the league in 1945 in yard per reception and receiving touchdowns... . |
Despite setting a league record by fumbling the ball ten times, the Steagles overcame the Giants on the strength of three fourth-quarter touchdowns. The mark of ten fumbles in a game by one team has since been matched three times, but it has never been topped.
| Scoring Drives and Statistics: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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EWLINE
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Week 3: at Chicago Bears
Steagles substitutions: Bova Tony Bova Anthony J. Bova was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1940s. He graduated from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1943... , Miller, Reutt Ray Reutt Raymond Francis Reutt was a professional football player for one season, 1943, in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on... , Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... , Kilroy, Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... , Masters Bob Masters Bob Masters is a former professional American football player who played running back for six seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears... , Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Hinkle Jack Hinkle John M. Hinkle was a professional football in the National Football League. During his career, he played for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and the "Steagles".-Pro career:... and Laux Ted Laux Theodore Laux was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought... . Bears substitutions: Berry Connie Mack Berry Connie Mack Berry was an American who played professional football, baseball, and basketball.... , Pool, Sigillo, Babartsky Al Babartsky Albert John Babartsky was a professional American football offensive tackle who played in the National Football League for six seasons for the Chicago Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. He was a member of the Seven Blocks of Granite at Fordham University-External links:... , Digris Bernie Digris Bernard John Digris, , was an American football offensive tackle/guard for the Chicago Bears and was a member of their 1943 NFL Championship team... , Logan, Ippolito, Matuza Al Matuza Albert Charles "Al" Matuza was a professional American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. He played three seasons for the Chicago Bears .... , Mundee, Famighetti Gary Famiglietti Gary Famiglietti was a professional American football player who played running back for nine seasons for the Chicago Bears and Boston Yanks. He was born in Medford, Massachusetts and attended college at Boston University. He was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1938 NFL Draft.Famiglietti's most... , Nolting Ray Nolting Raymond A. Nolting was an American football running back for the Chicago Bears, as well as a college football coach. He played college football at Cincinnati, before spending 6 seasons with the Bears. He rushed for over 2,000 yards, and had over 500 receiving yards before retiring in 1943... , McEnulty, Vodicka, Luckman Sid Luckman Sidney Luckman, known as Sid Luckman, was an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League from 1939 to 1950... and McLean Ray McLean Ray "Scooter" McLean was a football player and coach at both the collegiate and professional levels, but may be best remembered for preceding Vince Lombardi as head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 1958.... . |
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Week 4: at New York Giants
Steagles substitutions: Bova Tony Bova Anthony J. Bova was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1940s. He graduated from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1943... , Miller, Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... , Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Michaels Ed Michaels Edward Joseph Michaels was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears, the Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Michaels also played on the "Steagles", a merged team consisting of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Canale Rocco Canale Rocco Peter Canale was a professional football player in the National Football League. During his pro career, he split time between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Yanks... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Kish Ben Kish Benjamin Ernest Kish was a former professional American football safety in the National Football League for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Eagles... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... , Sader Steve Sader Stephen J.J. Sader was a professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in... and Laux Ted Laux Theodore Laux was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought... . Giants substitutions: Pritko Steve Pritko Stephen Pritko is a former American football end in the National Football League who played eight seasons. He was born in Northampton, Pennsylvania.-References:*... , Liebel Frank Liebel Frank Edward Liebel was a professional American football end/defensive back in the National Football League. He played seven seasons for the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears . He led the league in 1945 in yard per reception and receiving touchdowns... , V. Adams, Carroll Vic Carroll Victor Eugene Carroll was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Boston/Washington Redskins and the New York Giants. He played college football at the University of Nevada-Reno.... , Visnick, Marone, Roberts, Dubzinski, Hein Mel Hein Melvin Jack Hein was an American Professional Football player for the New York Giants. Hein played fifteen seasons for the Giants and never missed a down due to injury... , Leemans, Brown, Trocolor Bob Trocolor -Basketball head coach:Trocolor was chosen as the 12th head coach in Stetson University's men's basketball program history. Similar to his brief stint as a college football coach, he only stayed for one year—the 1949–50 season—before moving on. In his lone season as the Hatters' head coach he... , Kinscherf, Sulaitis Joe Sulaitis Joseph Sulaitis is a former American football running back for the New York Giants of the NFL from 1943 to 1953.... , Barker Hub Barker Hub Barker was a professional American football player who played linebacker for four seasons for the New York Giants.-References:... and Karcis John Karcis John "Bull" Karcis was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and New York Giants. Karcis was also the head coach for the Detroit Lions. He played college football at Carnegie Tech.Karcis was inducted into the Beaver County... . |
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Week 5: vs. Chicago Cardinals
Steagles substitutions: Hewitt, Cabrelli Larry Cabrelli Lawrence Andrew Cabrelli was a professional football player and assistant coach in the National Football League. He began his pro career in 1941, after his graduation from Colgate University, where he also played college football. In the NFL, Cabrelli played for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Bucko Kilroy, Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Canale Rocco Canale Rocco Peter Canale was a professional football player in the National Football League. During his pro career, he split time between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Yanks... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... , Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... , Laux Ted Laux Theodore Laux was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought... and Sader Steve Sader Stephen J.J. Sader was a professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in... . Cardinals substitutions: Wager Clint Wager Clinton Belmar Wager was a professional football and basketball player. He played in the National Football League from 1942-1945 for the Chicago Bears, Chicago Cardinals and the Cardinals-Pittsburgh Steelers merged team, "Card-Pitt". However he also played in the National Basketball Association in... , Rexer, Robnett Marshall Robnett Marshall Foch Robnett was a professional football player in the National Football League. He played professionally from 1943 until 1945 for the Chicago Cardinals and was included on their merged team with the Pittsburgh Steelers, known as "Card-Pitt", in 1944.... , Albrecht Art Albrecht Arthur Walter Albrecht was a former professional American football offensive lineman and linebacker in the National Football League.-External links:*... , Clarence Booth Clarence Booth Clarence E. Booth is a former American football player in the National Football League.-Career:... , Ghersanich, Cahill Ronnie Cahill Ronald Maurice Cahill is a former American football quarterback for the Chicago Cardinals.He was signed by the Cardinals as a replacement for Bud Schwenk, who had joined the armed forces... , Stokes, Puplis Andy Puplis Andrew Joseph Puplis was an American football player and coach.As a quarterback at Harrison Tech High School, Puplis twice received all-state honors, and won a Chicago city championship, compiling a 12-0 record in 1931. At Notre Dame, he joined the football team as both a kicker and a kick and... , Morrow Bob Morrow (American football) Bob Morrow is a former fullback in the National Football League. Morrow was drafted in the twelfth round of the 1941 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and would play that season with the Chicago Cardinals. He played two more seasons with the team before spending a year away from the NFL. During the... , Smith, Martin Johnny Martin (American football) John Jay Martin was a professional football player in the He played in the league from 1941-1945. Martin played for the Chicago Cardinals, Boston Yanks and "Card-Pitt", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Chicago Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The teams merger was... . |
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Week 6: vs. Washington Redskins
Steagles substitutions: Hewitt, Miller, Kilroy, Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Canale Rocco Canale Rocco Peter Canale was a professional football player in the National Football League. During his pro career, he split time between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Yanks... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... and Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... . Redskins substitutions: Lapka Ted Lapka Theodore Aloysius Lapka is a former American football end in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He was born in Hawthorne, Illinois. He attended DePaul University and St. Ambrose University. He had one receiving touchdown, and missed the 1945 season while fighting in World... , Zeno Joe Zeno Joseph H. Zeno was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Boston Yanks.-Early life:... , Pasqua Joe Pasqua Joseph Bernard Pasqua was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Cleveland Rams, the Washington Redskins, and the Los Angeles Rams. He attended Southern Methodist University.... , Shugart Clyde Shugart Clyde Earl Shugart was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Iowa State University and was drafted in the fifteenth round of the 1939 NFL Draft.-Early life:Shugart was born in Ames, Iowa and attended Ames High School... , Fiorentino Al Fiorentino Albert M. Fiorentino was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Boston Yanks. He played college football at Boston College.... , Leon, Hayden Ken Hayden Kenneth Mack Hayden was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Arkansas.... , Seno Frank Seno Frank Seno was an American football running back and defensive back in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, the Chicago Cardinals, and the Boston Yanks. He attended George Washington University.... , Dunn Coye Dunn Coye Elvis Dunn was an American football defensive back in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Southern California.... and Farkas Andy Farkas Andrew Geza Farkas was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Detroit Lions.-Early life:Farkas was born in Clay Center, Ohio of Hungarian origins, and attended St... . |
The 1942 NFL Champion Washington Redskins come to Philadelphia with a 13 regular season game winning streak, and for 1943 scoring an avg of 30 points per game and allowing on 6 a game.
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Week 7: at Brooklyn Dodgers
Steagles substitutions: Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Miller, Kilroy, Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Schultz Elbie Schultz Eberle H. Schultz was a former football player in the National Football League from 1940 to 1947. Over the course of his career, Schultz played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Rams and the Los Angeles Rams... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Zimmerman Roy Zimmerman (American football) Henry LeRoy Zimmerman Jr. was an American football player who played running back and quarterback in the National Football League from 1940 to 1948.-Early life:... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... and Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... . Dodgers substitutions: Ranspot Keith Ranspot Keith Ranspot is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for five seasons for the Chicago Cardinals, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, Brooklyn Dodgers, and Boston Yanks.-References:... , Webb, Davis, Matisi, Grandinette, Martin, Setcavage, McAdams and Sachse. |
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Week 8: vs. Detroit Lions
Steagles substitutions: Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Miller, Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... , Gordon Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... , Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... and Laux Ted Laux Theodore Laux was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought... . Lions substitutions: Kuczynski Bert Kuczynski Bernard Carl "Bert" Kuczynski was a pitcher for the Philadelphia Athletics of the MLB and an American football tight end in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles. He attended the University of Pennsylvania... , Wickett Lloyd Wickett Lloyd Meldrum Wickett is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League.... , Batinski Stan Batinski Stanley Batinski was an American football offensive lineman who played eight years in the NFL.... , Rockenbach, Lio Augie Lio Agostine "Augie" Salvatore Lio was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Boston Yanks, and the Philadelphia Eagles. He also played in the All-America Football Conference for the Baltimore Colts... , Evans, Hackney Elmer Hackney Elmer Loyd Hackney ) was a professional American football running back in the National Football League. Hackney was an 11th round selection by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1940 NFL Draft out of Kansas State University. Hackney played seven seasons for the Eagles , the Pittsburgh Steelers , and... , Mathews Ned Mathews Ned Alfred Mathews was a professional American football player who played running back for four seasons for the Detroit Lions and Boston Yanks-References:... , Keene and Fenenbock Chuck Fenenbock Chuck Fenenbock was an American football player who starred in college at UCLA, and professionally in the Pacific Coast Professional Football League , the National Football League , the All America Football Conference , and the Canadian Football League... . |
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Week 9: at Washington Redskins
Steagles substitutions: Miller, Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Canale Rocco Canale Rocco Peter Canale was a professional football player in the National Football League. During his pro career, he split time between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Yanks... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... and Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... . Redskins substitutions: Piasecky Al Piasecky Alexander Piasecky was an American football end in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Duke University.... , Wilkin Willie Wilkin Wilbur B. Wilkin was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. Wilkin also played in the All-America Football Conference for the Chicago Rockets. He attended St. Mary's College of California.... , Fiorentino Al Fiorentino Albert M. Fiorentino was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Boston Yanks. He played college football at Boston College.... , Zeno Joe Zeno Joseph H. Zeno was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Boston Yanks.-Early life:... , Ribar Frank Ribar Frank Andrew Ribar was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins... , Leon, Conkright Bill Conkright William Franklin Conkright was an American football center in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears, the Washington Redskins, the Cleveland Rams, and the Brooklyn Dodgers. He played college football at the University of Oklahoma and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1937 NFL Draft.... , Seno Frank Seno Frank Seno was an American football running back and defensive back in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins, the Chicago Cardinals, and the Boston Yanks. He attended George Washington University.... , Cafego George Cafego George Cafego was a college, and professional American football player and coach. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.-High school and collegiate career:... and Farkas Andy Farkas Andrew Geza Farkas was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins and the Detroit Lions.-Early life:Farkas was born in Clay Center, Ohio of Hungarian origins, and attended St... . |
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Week 10: vs. Green Bay Packers
Steagles substitutions: Miller, Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... , Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... , Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... , Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... , Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... , Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... , Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... , Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... , Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... and Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... . Packers substitutions: Mason Joel Mason Joel Gregory Mason was a player in the National Football League.-Career:Mason played with the Chicago Cardinals during the 1939 NFL season. After two seasons away from the NFL, he would play four seasons with the Green Bay Packers... , Evans Dick Evans (American football) Dick Evans is a former player in the National Football League.-Career:Evans played with the Green Bay Packers during the 1940 NFL season and the 1943 NFL season. During the two season in between, he played with the Chicago Cardinals.... , Berezney Paul Berezney Paul Berezney was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League. He played 31 games for the Green Bay Packers between 1942 and 1944, starting in 23. Berezney was the starting right tackle for the Packers in the 1944 NFL Championship Game... , Goldenberg Charles Goldenberg Charles R. "Buckets" Goldenberg was an American football player. He is often credited as the originator of the draw play.... , Flowers Bob Flowers Robert C. Flowers was an American football player who played eight seasons for the Green Bay Packers.... , Falkenstein Tony Falkenstein Anthony Joseph "Tony" Falkenstein was a fullback and quarterback in the National Football League.-Career:... , Laws Joe Laws Joe Laws was an American football player. He played his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, winning three World Championships, and was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1972. Prior to joining the Packers, Laws attended the University of Iowa where he was a member of the... , Starret Ben Starret Benjamin L. Starret was an American football back in the National Football League who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers. Starret played collegiate ball for Saint Mary's College of California and played professionally in the NFL for 5 seasons. He retired in... , Uram Andy Uram Andy Uram is a former running back and defensive back in the National Football League who played for the Green Bay Packers. Uram played collegiate ball for the University of Minnesota before being drafted by the Packers in the 6th round of the 1938 NFL Draft. He played professionally for 6... , Lankas Jim Lankas James Jarrett "Jim" Lankas was a player in the National Football League.-Career:Lankas was a member of the Philadelphia Eagles during the 1942 NFL season. The following season he played with the Green Bay Packers.... , Kahler Bob Kahler Robert William Kahler is a former American football player and coach. He played defensive back and halfback in the National Football League for the Green Bay Packers from 1942 to 1944. Kahler played college football at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and professionally in the NFL for three... and Comp Irv Comp Irving Henry Comp, Jr. was an American football player. He played his entire seven year career with the Green Bay Packers and was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1986.... . |
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| — | Greasy Neale | co-HC (offense) | 53 | 3rd | West Virginia Wesleyan | ||||||
| — | Walt Kiesling Walt Kiesling Walter Andrew Kiesling was an American football player and coach.-Playing career:A native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Kiesling played both offensive and defensive line at the University of St. Thomas... |
co-HC (defense) | 40 | 5th | St. Thomas (MN) | ||||||
| 85 | Tony Bova Tony Bova Anthony J. Bova was a professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1940s. He graduated from Saint Francis University, located in Loretto, Pennsylvania in 1943... |
/ | 10 | 6 | 6–1 | 190 | 26 | 1 | St. Francis (PA) Saint Francis University Saint Francis University is a four-year, coeducational Catholic liberal arts university in Loretto, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1847 and conducted under the tradition of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular... |
4-F (eyesight) | |
| 27 | John Butler John Butler (running back) John William Butler was a professional football player in the National Football League drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1942. He would go on to play for both Steelers merged teams . In 1943 Butler was drafted into the military due to World War II, however he was physically disqualified for duty... |
/ | 10 | 10 | 5–10 | 185 | 25 | Tennessee Tennessee Volunteers football The Tennessee Volunteers football team are an American college football team at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville . The NCAA Division I team is also a member of the Southeastern Conference .... |
4-F (eyesight, knees) | ||
| 84 | Larry Cabrelli Larry Cabrelli Lawrence Andrew Cabrelli was a professional football player and assistant coach in the National Football League. He began his pro career in 1941, after his graduation from Colgate University, where he also played college football. In the NFL, Cabrelli played for the Philadelphia Eagles... |
/ | 10 | 9 | 5–11 | 194 | 26 | 2 | Colgate Colgate Raiders football The Colgate Raiders football team represents Colgate University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision college football competition as a member of the Patriot League.-History:... |
4-F (knee) | |
| 75 | Rocco Canale Rocco Canale Rocco Peter Canale was a professional football player in the National Football League. During his pro career, he split time between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Yanks... |
/ | 4 | 0 | 5–11 | 240 | 26 | Boston College Boston College Eagles football The Boston College Eagles football team is the collegiate football program of Boston College. The team is a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference, a Division I Bowl Subdivision league governed by the NCAA. Within the ACC, the Eagles are one of six teams in the Atlantic Division... |
1-A (active duty Army) | ||
| 67 | Enio "Ed" Conti Enio Conti Enio Edward Conti was a professional American football guard in the National Football League for five seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles... |
10 | 1 | 5–11 | 204 | 30 | 2 | Arkansas Arkansas Razorbacks football The Arkansas Razorbacks football program is a college football team that represents the University of Arkansas. The team is a member of the Southeastern Conference's Western Division, which is in Division I's Football Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... / Bucknell Bucknell Bison football The Bucknell Bison football team represents Bucknell University in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision level. Bucknell is a member of the Patriot League... |
3-A (father) | ||
| 72 | Ted Doyle Ted Doyle Theodore Dennison Doyle was a professional football player who played in the National Football League from 1938 until 1945. He is best known for playing guard for the Pittsburgh Pirates and as they would later be known as, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Doyle also played for both of the merger teams the... |
/ | 10 | 4 | 6–2 | 224 | 29 | 5 | Nebraska Nebraska Cornhuskers football The Nebraska Cornhuskers represent the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in college football. The program has established itself as a traditional powerhouse, and has the fourth-most all-time victories of any NCAA Division I-A team. Nebraska is one of only six football programs in NCAA Division I-A... |
3-A (father) | |
| 61 | Joe Frank Joe Frank (American football) Joseph C. Frank was a professional American football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning... |
2 | 0 | 217 | 6–1 | 28 | 2 | Georgetown (DC) Georgetown Hoyas football The Georgetown Hoyas football team represents Georgetown University in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision level of college football. Like other sports teams from Georgetown, the team is named the Hoyas, which derives from the chant, Hoya Saxa... |
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| 32 | Charlie Gauer Charlie Gauer Charles Edward Gauer was a professional football player, and a world reknown bank robber, for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to... |
/ | 9 | 1 | 6–2 | 213 | 22 | Colgate Colgate Raiders football The Colgate Raiders football team represents Colgate University in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Football Championship Subdivision college football competition as a member of the Patriot League.-History:... |
4-F (ulcers, knee) | ||
| 52 | |||||||||||
| 10 | 9 | 6–1 | 205 | 25 | 1 | ||||||
| 4-F (hearing) | |||||||||||
| 82 | Bill Hewitt | / | 6 | 4 | 190 | 6–4 | 34 | 1 | Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
4-F (perforated eardrum) | |
| 43 | Jack Hinkle Jack Hinkle John M. Hinkle was a professional football in the National Football League. During his career, he played for the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and the "Steagles".-Pro career:... |
10 | 9 | 5–9 | 190 | 26 | 11 | Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
4-F (ulcers) | ||
| 76 | Frank "Bucko" Kilroy | / / / | 9 | 4 | 6–2 | 243 | 22 | Notre Dame Notre Dame Fighting Irish football Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team is the football team of the University of Notre Dame. The team is currently coached by Brian Kelly.Notre Dame competes as an Independent at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision level, and is a founding member of the Bowl Championship Series coalition. It is an... / Temple Temple Owls football The Temple Owls football team participates in the NCAA's Division I Football Bowl Subdivision as a member of the East Division of the Mid-American Conference... |
1-A (active duty Merchant Marine) | ||
| 44 | Ben Kish Ben Kish Benjamin Ernest Kish was a former professional American football safety in the National Football League for the Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Eagles... |
10 | 9 | 6–0 | 207 | 26 | 3 | Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers football Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football... |
4-F (head injury) | ||
| 15 | Ted Laux Ted Laux Theodore Laux was a professional football player in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought... |
/ | 4 | 0 | 5–10 | 185 | 25 | St. Joseph's (PA) Saint Joseph's University Saint Joseph's University is a private, coeducational Roman Catholic Jesuit university located partially in the Wynnefield section of Philadelphia and partially in Lower Merion Township and located in the Pennsylvania Main Line, Pennsylvania, United States.The school was founded in 1851 as Saint... |
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| 31 | Bob Masters Bob Masters Bob Masters is a former professional American football player who played running back for six seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears... |
/ | 3 | 0 | 5–11 | 200 | 32 | 6 | Baylor Baylor Bears football The Baylor Bears football team represents Baylor University in Division I FBS college football. They are a member of the Big 12 Conference. The team plays its home games at Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas.-History:... |
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| 25 | Hugh McCullough Hugh McCullough Hugh Warner McCullough was an American football player who played 5 seasons in the National Football League. During his time in the NFL, McCullough played for the Pittsburgh Pirates , Chicago Cardinals, Philadelphia-Pittsburgh Steagles and the Boston Yanks.... |
/ | 1 | 0 | 6–0 | 185 | 27 | 4 | Oklahoma Oklahoma Sooners football The Oklahoma Sooners football program is a college football team that represents the University of Oklahoma . The team is currently a member of the Big 12 Conference, which is a Division I Bowl Subdivision of the National Collegiate Athletic Association... |
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| 60 | Ed Michaels Ed Michaels Edward Joseph Michaels was an American football guard in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears, the Washington Redskins, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Michaels also played on the "Steagles", a merged team consisting of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... |
10 | 9 | 5–11 | 205 | 29 | Villanova Villanova Wildcats football The Villanova Wildcats football program represents Villanova University in the Division I Football Championship Subdivision . The Wildcats play at Villanova Stadium with capacity of 12,500.-History:... |
4-F (hearing) | |||
| 89 | Tom Miller | / | 10 | 1 | 6–2 | 202 | 25 | Hampden-Sydney | 4-F (hearing) | ||
| 61 | Gordon Paschka Gordon Paschka Gordon F. Paschka was an American football fullback in the National Football League for the New York Giants and the Phil/Pitt "Steagles", a merger of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943 due to players serving in World War II... |
/ | 10 | 1 | 6–0 | 220 | 23 | Minnesota Minnesota Golden Gophers football The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers are one of the oldest programs in college football history. They compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and the Big Ten Conference. The Golden Gophers have claimed six national championships and have an all time record of 646–481–44 as... |
3-A (father) | ||
| ? | Ray Reutt Ray Reutt Raymond Francis Reutt was a professional football player for one season, 1943, in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on... |
1 | 0 | 6–0 | 195 | 26 | VMI VMI Keydets football The VMI Keydets football team represents the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. The Keydets compete in the Big South Conference of the NCAA Division I FCS, and are currently coached by Sparky Woods, now in his 4th year... |
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| 33 | Steve Sader Steve Sader Stephen J.J. Sader was a professional football player for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. However he was also a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in... |
2 | 0 | 5–11 | 180 | 26 | none | ||||
| 71 | Eberle "Elbie" Schultz Elbie Schultz Eberle H. Schultz was a former football player in the National Football League from 1940 to 1947. Over the course of his career, Schultz played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Rams and the Los Angeles Rams... |
/ | 10 | 9 | 6–4 | 252 | 26 | 3 | Oregon State Oregon State Beavers football The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive... |
3-A (father) | |
| 79 | Vic Sears Vic Sears Victor Wilson Sears was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played college football at Oregon State University and was drafted in the fifth round of the 1941 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sears is a member of the NFL's... |
/ | 10 | 10 | 6–3 | 223 | 26 | 2 | Oregon State Oregon State Beavers football The Oregon State Beavers football team represents Oregon State University in NCAA Division I-A college football. The team first fielded an organized football team in 1893 and is currently a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The head coach is Mike Riley, with Danny Langsdorf as the offensive... |
4-F (ulcers) | |
| 10 | Allie Sherman Allie Sherman Alexander "Allie" Sherman is a retired American football National Football League running back and head coach.... |
8 | 0 | 5–11 | 170 | 25 | Brooklyn Brooklyn College Brooklyn College is a senior college of the City University of New York, located in Brooklyn, New York, United States.Established in 1930 by the New York City Board of Higher Education, the College had its beginnings as the Downtown Brooklyn branches of Hunter College and the City College of New... |
4-F (perforated eardrums) | |||
| 37 | Ernie Steele Ernie Steele Ernest Raymond Steele was an American football running back in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, and the "Steagles", a team that resulted in the temporary merger of the Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943... |
/ | 10 | 1 | 6–0 | 187 | 26 | 1 | Washington Washington Huskies football College football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by... |
3-A (father) | |
| 36 | Dean Steward Dean Steward Harold Dean Steward Jr. was a professional football player in the National Football League. He was a member of the "Steagles", a team that was the result of a temporary merger between the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers due to the league-wide manning shortages in 1943 brought on by... |
6 | 0 | 6–0 | 210 | 20 | Ursinus | 1-A (drafted in 1944) | |||
| 49 | Bob Thurbon Bob Thurbon Robert William "Bob" Thurbon was a professional American football halfback in the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference . He was born in Erie, Pennsylvania. He played one season each for the NFL's Steagles and Card-Pitt and the AAFC's Buffalo Bisons.... |
9 | 1 | 5–10 | 176 | 25 | Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Panthers football Pittsburgh Panthers football is the intercollegiate football team of the University of Pittsburgh, often referred to as "Pitt", located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Traditionally the most popular sport at the university, Pitt football has played at the highest level of American college football... |
4-F (reason unknown) | |||
| 70 | Al Wistert Al Wistert Albert Alexander "Ox" Wistert is a former All-Pro American football offensive tackle in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his entire nine-year NFL career for the Eagles and became their team captain. He was named to play in the NFL's first Pro Bowl as an Eagle... |
/ / | 9 | 2 | 6–1 | 214 | 23 | Michigan Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football program represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage in college football history... |
4-F (osteomyelitis) | ||
| 50 | Al Wukits Al Wukits Albert Robert Wukits was a professional football player in both the National Football League and the All-America Football Conference... |
/ / | 10 | 1 | 6–3 | 218 | 26 | Duquesne | 4-F (hernia) | ||
| 7 | Roy Zimmerman Roy Zimmerman (American football) Henry LeRoy Zimmerman Jr. was an American football player who played running back and quarterback in the National Football League from 1940 to 1948.-Early life:... |
/ / | 10 | 9 | 6–2 | 201 | 25 | 3 | San Jose State San José State Spartans Football The San Jose State Spartans represent San Jose State University and the Silicon Valley in NCAA Division I FBS college football. The Spartans play all home games in Spartan Stadium, which offers a seating capacity of over 30,000... |
3-C (father, farmer) |
Sources
- Algeo, Matthew (2006), Last Team Standing: How the Steelers and the Eagles—"The Steagles"—Saved Pro Football During World War II. Philadelphia: Da Capo Press. ISBNInternational Standard Book NumberThe International Standard Book Number is a unique numeric commercial book identifier based upon the 9-digit Standard Book Numbering code created by Gordon Foster, Emeritus Professor of Statistics at Trinity College, Dublin, for the booksellers and stationers W.H...
ISBN 978-0-306-81472-3
Further reading
International Standard Book Number
The International Standard Book Number is a unique numeric commercial book identifier based upon the 9-digit Standard Book Numbering code created by Gordon Foster, Emeritus Professor of Statistics at Trinity College, Dublin, for the booksellers and stationers W.H...
ISBN 978-0-306-81472-3
- Coenen, Craig R. (2005), From sandlots to the Super Bowl: the National Football League, 1920–1967. Knoxville, TN: The University of Tennessee Press. ISBN 1-57233-447-9
- DeVito, Carlo (2006). Wellington: the Maras, the Giants, and the City of New York. Chicago: Triumph Books. ISBN 978-1-57243-872-9
- Didinger, Ray; with Lyons, Robert S. (2005), The Eagles Encyclopedia. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. ISBN 1-59213-449-1* Hession, Joseph (1987). The Rams : Five Decades of Football. San Francisco: Foghorn Press.
- Layden, Elmer; with Snyder, Ed (1969). It Was a Different Game: The Elmer Layden Story. Englewood Cliffs, NJ:Prentice-Hall, Inc.
- Lyons, Robert S. (2010). On Any Given Sunday, A Life of Bert Bell. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. ISBN 978-1-59213-731-2
- MacCambridge, Michael (2005), America's Game. New York: Anchor Books ISBN 978-0-307-48143-6
- Rooney, Dan; with Halaas, David F. and Masich, Andrew E. (2007). My 75 Years with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL. Cambridge, MA: Da Capo Press. ISBN 978-0-786-72603-5
- Ruck, Rob; with Paterson, Maggie Jones and Weber, Michael P. (2010) Rooney: A Sporting Life. Lincoln, NB: University of Nebraska Press. ISBN 978-0-8032-2283-0
- Steagles: When the Steelers and Eagles were One in the Same
- Steagles to be Honored
- Blood Brothers: The 1943 Steagles became an unlikely product of the war years
- The 'Steagles,' a ragtag NFL team that involved Greasy Neale
- World War II Steagles to be honored at tonight's game
- Fox Sports on MSN: Amazing Sports Stories
- The Steagles: Hybrid Team Zany Moment in Steelers' Past