RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Hank Stram's journey in professional football is marked by innovation and leadership. Born on January 3, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, Stram's early life hinted at a future in sports. He attended Purdue University, where he played both football and baseball, laying the groundwork for his understanding of the game. His coaching career began in the college ranks,
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1978 Baltimore Colts vs Dallas Cowboys - Radio Broadcast
The September 4, 1978, matchup between the Baltimore Colts and Dallas Cowboys pitted two teams in very different situations at the start of the NFL season. Baltimore, led by coach Ted Marchibroda, was coming off a disappointing 1977 season and began this game with Mike Kirkland starting at quarterback. Meanwhile, the defending Super Bowl champion Dallas Cowboys, under the legendary Tom Landry, had Roger Staubach leading the charge. This early-season game had the Cowboys looking to assert dominance in the NFC East and defend their title, while the Colts were searching for improvement after a rocky 1977 campaign. Dallas entered the game with high expectations, thanks to stars like Tony Dorsett and Drew Pearson, while the Colts were seeking stability in the AFC East.
The game quickly turned into a one-sided affair as Dallas took control in the second quarter. Staubach was sensational, throwing for four touchdowns, including a 91-yard pass to Dorsett, and spreading the ball to multiple receivers like Drew Pearson and Billy Joe DuPree. Dallas’s offensive line protected Staubach well, preventing any sacks, while Baltimore struggled on both sides of the ball. The Colts' offense, led by Kirkland, managed only 116 passing yards and was sacked five times. Baltimore’s defense couldn’t contain Dallas's high-powered offense, as the Cowboys amassed 583 total yards, with Dorsett running for 147 yards on the ground. By the fourth quarter, the Cowboys added a field goal to seal the victory, while the Colts failed to put up any points.
The Cowboys' 38-0 win marked an emphatic start to their season, improving to 1-0, and set the tone for what would become another strong year, eventually leading them deep into the playoffs. For Baltimore, the defeat underscored the challenges they faced as they dropped to 0-1, needing significant improvements in both offense and defense to compete in their division.
Hall of Fame announcer Al Michaels joins Rich Eisen in-studio where he reveals what it...
Al Michaels talks his career in broadcasting the NFL and MLB / Hall of Fame announcer Al Michaels joins Rich Eisen in-studio where he reveals what it was like meeting John Madden for the first time, being in the same broadcast booth as fiery Orioles manager Earl Weaver and the opinionated Howard Cosell, why the Steelers are lucky to have Mike Tomlin as their head coach, his high praise for Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers, and Rams HC Sean McVay, if we’ll see a Chiefs vs Eagles Super Bowl rematch, and more.
On December 22, 1980, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw and coached by...
1980 NFL Week 16 • Pittsburgh Steelers vs San Diego Chargers - Radio Broadcast / On December 22, 1980, the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by quarterback Terry Bradshaw and coached by Chuck Noll, faced the San Diego Chargers, directed by coach Don Coryell with quarterback Dan Fouts at the helm. The game took place at Jack Murphy Stadium as part of the NFL's regular season schedule. Coming into this game, both teams were already shaping their seasons, with the Steelers looking to maintain competitiveness despite challenges and the Chargers seeking to assert their dominance in the AFC. This season was particularly notable for the implementation of the "Air Coryell" offense, which had begun to revolutionize passing strategies in the NFL.
During the game, the Steelers and Chargers both demonstrated strategic plays with San Diego gradually building a lead. Key performances included Rolf Benirschke’s consistent field goals contributing significantly to the Chargers' score. For Pittsburgh, Sidney Thornton and Bennie Cunningham provided crucial touchdowns that kept the Steelers in contention. Dan Fouts for the Chargers and Terry Bradshaw for the Steelers showcased their prowess, with Fouts throwing for over 300 yards and Bradshaw connecting critical passes, including a touchdown.
Ultimately, the Chargers outlasted the Steelers with a final score of 26-17, which shaped the postseason narratives for both teams. The Chargers improved their record to reflect a strong finish in the regular season, heading into the playoffs with momentum, while the Steelers adjusted to a season that did not meet their historical championship calibers.
