The Game Before the Money: Oral History of Pro and College Football

George Toma has been the groundskeeper for every single Super Bowl, from Super Bowl I through Super Bowl LV. He shares stories about preparing the field for Super Bowls and the 1966 NFL Championship Game, his work with the AFL, as well as his early life in Pennsylvania’s coal country.

Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Encore presentation about the best NFL Week 1 games in pro football history.

The program highlights Norm Van Brocklin's 554 passing yards, the first-ever AFL game, the first-ever Minnesota Vikings game, and Dan Marino's return after a career-threatening injury.

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Al Denson shares memories about his career with the Denver Broncos and playing for legendary Florida A&M coach Jake Gaither.

Denson led the American Football League in TD catches in 1967.

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Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel shares insights about the signature game of his career – leading Texas A&M to a victory at Alabama in 2012. Host Jackson Michael guides listeners through key moments of the game.

Hear more from Johnny Manziel on his Ball Don't Lie podcast featuring Johnny Manziel and recording artist Mike. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com  

Willie Roaf shares memories of growing up in Arkansas, his college career at Louisiana Tech, and his Hall of Fame NFL career with the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs. Roaf stands as one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history. 

This is Episode 50 of The Game Before the Money Podcast. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Dick Vermeil shares memories of coaching the Eagles, Rams, and Chiefs. He also discusses winning the Rose Bowl at UCLA, growing up in California, and his friendship with Bill Walsh. Coach Vermeil was an NFL head coach in the 1970s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.

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Baltimore Colts Director of Player Personnel Upton Bell takes us behind the scenes of Super Bowl 3 between the Colts and the New York Jets. We all know about Joe Namath and the story of the Jets playing for the pride of the entire AFL that day, now hear inside stories about Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom's planned victory party, what was discussed on the Colts bus going to the game, and how Super Bowl 3 was the precursor to modern Super Bowls.

This episode is Part 3 of a three-part series called, "Three Games that Changed the NFL" with Upton Bell. Learn more at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Lionel Taylor, Charlie Davis, and Vito Stellino discuss the 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Draft class that produced 4 Pro Football Hall of Fame members: Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth, and Mike Webster. Pittsburgh also signed future Hall of Famer Donnie Shell as part of their 1974 rookie class.

Taylor, a former Denver Broncos star, was the receivers coach for the Steelers. He shares his scouting reports of Lynn Swann and John Stallworth. Davis was the Steelers 9th round pick and shares his experience of making the team and winning Super Bowl 9. Stellino covered the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette and tells us what team ALMOST got Lynn Swann.

Episodes of The Game before the Money Podcast are released every other week, except for certain episodes that may take longer to create. The show is produced and hosted by Jackson Michael, author of The Game before the Money: Voices of the Men Who Built the NFL, published by the University of Nebraska Press. Many episodes feature interviews with pro and college football legends. Learn more at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

You can donate to support the podcast at FootballHistory (buymeacoffee.com)

Upton Bell’s father Bert Bell was NFL Commissioner when the Baltimore Colts defeated the New York Giants in overtime to claim the 1958 NFL Championship Game. The game is often called “The Greatest Game Ever Played.” Hear Upton share his memories of attending the game and how Johnny Unitas’ leadership and poise still inspire him decades later. The episode also recaps the game by recalling lost moments and illustrates how the drama of the 1958 NFL Championship permanently lofted the NFL to new heights and sent the league on its way to becoming the most popular sports league in U.S. history.

This episode is Part 2 of a three-part series, "Three Games that Changed the NFL, featuring guest Upton Bell." Part 1 is Episode 40 of The Game Before the Money Podcast -- "1948 NFL Championship -- The Cornerstone of Super Bowl Sunday." Part 3 will focus on Super Bowl 3.

Episodes of The Game before the Money Podcast are released every other week, except for certain episodes that may take longer to create. The show is produced and hosted by Jackson Michael, author of The Game before the Money: Voices of the Men Who Built the NFL, published by the University of Nebraska Press. Many episodes feature interviews with pro and college football legends. Learn more at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Sound effects and original music produced and composed by 11 Productions.

Hall of Famer Hugh “The King” McElhenny shared stories via email for this episode of The Game Before the Money Podcast. McElhenny is best known for his years with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s and his ability to turn running plays and screen passes into huge plays and long touchdowns. He also still holds school records at the University of Washington over 70 years after his NCAA football career ended.

Learn how Hugh McElhenny got his nickname, “The King,” and about his incredible college career that made him a first-round pick in the 1952 NFL Draft. McElhenny also played for the Minnesota Vikings in their first two seasons and for the New York Giants in the 1963 NFL Championship Game. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.

Episodes of The Game before the Money Podcast are released every other week, except for certain episodes that may take longer to create. The show is produced and hosted by Jackson Michael, author of The Game before the Money: Voices of the Men Who Built the NFL, published by the University of Nebraska Press. Many episodes feature interviews with pro and college football legends. Learn more at https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.