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EPISODE SUMMARY

Step back in time to an era of leather helmets and legendary grit as Mark chronicles the 1940s Chicago Bears, the original "Monsters of the Midway." This decade marked a period of unparalleled dominance where George Halas built a juggernaut that defined professional football. From the historic 73-0 dismantling of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 Championship to the innovative T-formation that revolutionized the game, Mark explores how the Bears captured four NFL titles and appeared in five championship games, cementing their status as the league's premier dynasty.

We dive deep into the storied careers of Hall of Famers like Sid Luckman, the quarterback who transformed the passing game, and the versatile George McAfee, whose explosive speed made him a threat every time he touched the ball. Listen as Mark recounts the "Golden Era" stars—from the bruising Bronko Nagurski to the ball-hawking Bulldog Turner—and examine how the team navigated the challenges of World War II, including the emotional backdrop of the Pearl Harbor attack and the player shortages that forced legends out of retirement.

This 3-part series is a nostalgic journey through a decade where the Bears averaged nearly nine wins a season and turned Wrigley Field into a fortress of football excellence. Whether it’s the fierce rivalry with the Green Bay Packers or the heartbreaking season finales against the cross-town Cardinals, we bring the 1940s back to life with vivid detail. Relive the stats, the stories, and the sheer dominance of a team that ended the decade with a staggering 86-23-3 record, proving they were truly the kings of the gridiron.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

LISTEN TO THE NY GIANTS: A TEAM WITHOUT A HOME

In the conclusion of this special two-part series, Joe Santos (creator of The NY Giants: A Team Without a Home) returns to join Mark Morthier and Dave DePaola for a nostalgic look at the end of the Giants' "exile" and the birth of a new era. While Part 1 focused on the splinters of the Yale Bowl, Part 2 brings the story back to New Jersey.

The guys share personal memories of watching Giants Stadium rise from the swamps of East Rutherford—a sight that defined the childhood of many local fans. From the urban legends of Jimmy Hoffa buried under the end zone to the logistical "leverage" plays used by modern owners, this episode bridges the gap between the struggling 70s squad and the powerhouse franchise the Giants would eventually become.

The conversation shifts from the field to the stands, exploring the unique culture of NFL fandom in the 70s and 80s. You’ll hear about the days when a Giants season ticket was a family heirloom, passed down through generations like a deed to property. The trio reminisces about the evolution of the "fan experience"—comparing the non-existent tailgating of the Bronx to the legendary parking lot parties in the Meadowlands.

They also take a deep dive into the "Style of the Game," discussing the iconic (and sometimes controversial) logo changes, from the "Disco NY" of 1975 to the classic lowercase "ny" that fans still crave today.

To wrap up, the hosts exchange "I was there" stories involving some of the biggest names in sports history. Relive the halftime ceremony where a "high as a kite" Lawrence Taylor caught passes from Phil Simms in dress shoes, and hear a classic anecdote about Otis Anderson’s superstitious refusal to wash his lucky practice pants after the Super Bowl.

Whether it’s the booming voices of Pat Summerall and Tom Brookshire or the accuracy of Sonny Jurgensen, this episode is a celebration of the characters, the quirks, and the deep-seated loyalty that define the New York Giants' legacy.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGE

EPISODE SUMMARY

LISTEN TO THE NY GIANTS: A TEAM WITHOUT A HOME

Relive the "forgotten years" of Big Blue in this deep dive into one of the most tumultuous eras in New York Giants history. Joe Santos, creator of the documentary podcast The NY Giants: A Team Without a Home, joins Mark Morthier and Dave DePaola to recount the bizarre saga of 1973 through 1975.

From being "evicted" by Mayor John Lindsay to playing home games 80 miles away at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, the guys explore how a promising 1972 squad collapsed into a 2-11-1 disaster. You’ll hear about the logistical nightmares of practicing in Jersey City while playing in Connecticut, and the political friction that left the Giants feeling like second-class citizens in their own backyard.

The conversation is packed with "I was there" nostalgia, covering the infamous 1974 regular-season overtime loss to Joe Namath and the Jets, where Broadway Joe famously "walked" into the end zone. The trio reminisces about the rugged conditions of the Yale Bowl—from the splinter-filled wooden benches and the absence of stadium lights to the tiny "snow fence" that served as the only barrier between fans and the gridiron.

They also break down the personnel moves that defined the era, including the ill-fated Fran Tarkenton trade, the decline of workhorse Ron Johnson, and the defensive core of Brad Van Pelt and Jack Gregory that tried to hold it all together during the lean years before the Ray Perkins/George Young revolution.

Beyond the stats, this episode captures the unique fan experience of the 1970s—the all-day bus and train pilgrimages to New Haven, the freezing rain of the 1974 finale against the Vikings, and the eventual move to Shea Stadium in 1975.

Whether you remember shivering in the Yale Bowl stands or watching the highlights on NFL Game of the Week, this trip down memory lane explores the grit, the frustration, and the enduring loyalty of Giants fans during a decade of displacement. Stick around for part two as the guys continue to unravel the history of the team that eventually found its soul (and its trophies) in the Meadowlands.

YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUND

Host Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.

No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited Time

Running Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)