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

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.