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60 Minute Man

bronko nagurski 7

A 60 Minute Man went both ways.

Known to many as “The Greatest Football Player Who Ever Lived,” Bronislau “Bronko” Nagurski is perhaps most famous for playing for the Chicago Bears in the 1930’s (1930-37, and 1943). Born in Canada, he moved to International Falls, Minnesota, and gained fame on the gridiron while attending the University of Minnesota, where he played on both sides of the ball. Nagurski played fullback on offense and tackle on defense.

When Nagurski joined the NFL, he still played both sides of the ball. Even back in the 1930’s Nagurski was a monster, standing 6’2’’ and weighing 235 pounds, easily the largest running back of his time. A formidable presence in any era, he starred not only at fullback, but also defensive tackle. In addition, he also played offensive tackle, making him the only player in history to make All Pro in three non-kicking positions. In 633 attempts, he rushed for 2778 yards (a 4.4 average), while scoring 18 touchdowns. He also caught 11 passes for 134 yards. Nagurski helped the Bears capture several division titles and two Championships (1932 & 1933). So awesome was his defensive presence in both college and the pros, the “Bronko Nagurski Trophy” is awarded to the best defensive player in College Football. He was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 as a charter member. He exemplified the Bears and their monicker, “Monsters of the Midway.”

When Bronko Nagurski died in January 1990, the people of International Falls were asked how they would like to honor their favorite citizen, so they decided to build him a museum, which opened in June of 1993. The Bronko Nagurski Museum is the first museum dedicated to an individual football player.

One would be remiss in discussing Nagurski’s career without pointing out that, in addition to all of his football feats, he was also a professional wrestler. During his football career, he became a three-time world heavyweight champion. After his football career ended, he continued wrestling for decades.

The uniforms Nagurski wore occurred during a decade of big changes in the Bears’ attire. In the 1920’s, the Bears threads were mostly simple wool sweaters with strips of material sewn onto them, and canvas pants. By 1932 numbers are added to the front of the jersey. As early as 1933, the team wore this orange jersey decked out with navy numerals, and black arm stripes. According to one source, in 1934, the team wore white helmets. However, in the famous “sneaker game,” it was the New York Football Giants who wore white lids (Nagurski is shown being gang tackled in that photo as well as this one). In 1936, the team debuted this awesome uniform described years later by an NFL publication as “an early version of psychodelia.” The Bears wore a dark helmet with three orange stripes from front to back, a white jersey with 14 navy and orange alternating stripes on the sleeves and shoulders, and some of the greatest socks. Ever.

Although photographs (particularly color ones) in this era are extremely rare, what struck me most was how visually imposing Nagurski was in the 1936 jersey. Even today, the uni is instantly recognizable as “Da Bears.” Nothing to me says more about “old time football” than this portrait. Truly a “60 Minute Man.”

Nobody who ever gave his best regretted it. — GSH

Notes & Quotes: • Still time to submit a pic for the “worst uni matchup” of the week. Send it to me [phecken (at) yahoo.com]. Worst uni matchup pics will run tomorrow •• Upset alert: Iron Eagle? ••• Lots of good football today…the Beavs look make their Run for the Roses (they haven’t been since 1964) in the Civil War in Corvallis — always a potential uni-disaster ”” Phil

 
  
 
Comments (71)

    [quote]As early as 1933, the team wore this link decked out with navy numerals, and black arm stripes.[/quote]
    I love this bit about that jersey on the link:
    The jersey was so “loud” that stories are told about crowds in New York booing the jersey.

    I’ve always wondered if the stripes were actually black, though. If so, why? Especially if the numbers were navy.

    There a story about Nagurski when he played for the Gophers that is probably more legend than fact, but fun nevertheless.

    Supposedly near the goal line 10 opposing players were hanging onto Nagurski and when the 11th hit the pile he finally went down. After the game reporters asked him about the play, and Bronco said, “The first ten weren’t bad, but that 11th guy hit me good.”

    Also it’s said that once, at the bottom of a pile, he bit himself on the forearm til it bled, jumped up and extended his ravaged arm for officals to see, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the other team.

    (Civil War is on Versus tonight, btw)

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”302552″]There a story about Nagurski when he played for the Gophers that is probably more legend than fact, but fun nevertheless.

    Supposedly near the goal line 10 opposing players were hanging onto Nagurski and when the 11th hit the pile he finally went down. After the game reporters asked him about the play, and Bronco said, “The first ten weren’t bad, but that 11th guy hit me good.”

    Also it’s said that once, at the bottom of a pile, he bit himself on the forearm til it bled, jumped up and extended his ravaged arm for officals to see, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the other team.

    (Civil War is on Versus tonight, btw)

    —Ricko[/quote]

    yeah…in researching this story, there were actually a couple of “11th guy” rumors…this one, or variations on it, was the most common:

    [quote]In the huddle Nagurski reportedly said: “This is my fault. Give me the ball!” He then bulldozed his way through several defenders. Crossing the goal line with the game-winning touchdown, he never slowed until slamming into a concrete wall. Legend has it that Nagurski said: “That last guy hit me awfully hard.”[/quote]

    having read many of his quotes, i bet he prolly did say it, but who knows to what it was in reference

    Ah, yes, the “wall” version. Heard that, too, but had forgotten about it.

    Whichever we chose to remember, the guy is kinda the “Paul Bunyan” of football. For those who like Robert Riger art, there are two gorgeous illustrations of his, of Nagurski, in THE PROS. That book also has Riger artwork of Grange, Thorpe, Lambeau, Waterfield and others. Just a magnificent book…even though all photos are B&W.

    —Ricko

    Speaking of Riger and football legends…and because we’re coming up on the 50th anniversary of the Sudden Death game…check out the story starting on page 66 in this issue of SI. When Paul visited me and we were looking through my files, I found this complete magazine in my Colts file. Had totally forgotten I had it.

    link

    [quote comment=”302555″][quote comment=”302552″]There a story about Nagurski when he played for the Gophers that is probably more legend than fact, but fun nevertheless.

    Supposedly near the goal line 10 opposing players were hanging onto Nagurski and when the 11th hit the pile he finally went down. After the game reporters asked him about the play, and Bronco said, “The first ten weren’t bad, but that 11th guy hit me good.”

    Also it’s said that once, at the bottom of a pile, he bit himself on the forearm til it bled, jumped up and extended his ravaged arm for officals to see, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the other team.

    (Civil War is on Versus tonight, btw)

    —Ricko[/quote]

    yeah…in researching this story, there were actually a couple of “11th guy” rumors…this one, or variations on it, was the most common:

    [quote]In the huddle Nagurski reportedly said: “This is my fault. Give me the ball!” He then bulldozed his way through several defenders. Crossing the goal line with the game-winning touchdown, he never slowed until slamming into a concrete wall. Legend has it that Nagurski said: “That last guy hit me awfully hard.”[/quote]

    having read many of his quotes, i bet he prolly did say it, but who knows to what it was in reference[/quote]

    Those stories were the forerunners of the Bill Brasky and Chuck Norris anecdotes, my favorite of which is “Bill Brasky had a four day heart attack…a day for each chamber. At the autopsy, they said his heart looked like a basketball filled with riccotta cheese.”

    I was watching the Missouri Class 3 football championship yesterday between Cassville and Cardinal Ritter College Prep. Cardinal Ritter was wearing all-white helmets with different colors of tape on the front. Each piece of tape represented a team that they defeated in district and state tournament play.

    link

    You didn’t mention that his high school is also called the “Broncos” in his honor. And they had some sweet hockey jerseys:

    link

    The Wisconsin hockey team broke out their third jersey last night for the first game of the “College Hockey Showcase”. IMO, it has a Russian Red Army feel to it. What do you think?

    Here’s a link to the story.

    link

    looking at some pix of the Bruins uni’s from yesterday – their new pants things have the little yellow spoked B (ala the 80s)on the left leg.

    when they switched B’s a few years ago they ditched the gold B on the Road jerseys, but it returns on the 3rd jersey pants!

    [quote comment=”302564″]The Wisconsin hockey team broke out their third jersey last night for the first game of the “College Hockey Showcase”. IMO, it has a Russian Red Army feel to it. What do you think?

    Here’s a link to the story.

    link

    I posted these pictures of the jerseys last night in the comments, but since they got uploaded so late, I’m sure not too many people saw them:

    Front: link

    Back: link

    They were pretty sharp, and I really liked the subtle black drop shadow on the numbers. They felt pretty plain to me though, and needed some striping on the sleeves. The paw prints around the bottom are a neat idea, but I’m not sure how well they work. I didn’t completely hate them though.

    This will always be my favorite Badgers alternate though:

    link

    Did anyone ele see that UAB’s mens basketball team had to play in last year’s unis Friday because their current kits got stolen? Had to have the old ones FedExed up to NYC.

    link

    (It’s on the second page)

    plaxico will do anything to get out of practice…now he’ll do anything to get out of war a game

    i’d give him the douchebag of the week award, but stephon already has that one locked up

    [quote comment=”302568″]Missouri going with the gold jerseys today against Kansas.

    link

    Lou Holtz at half time of the UVA VT game in regards to the gold uniforms: “the NCAA ought to have a dress code”

    In the 80s, Bears jerseys had three biceps stripes like the BN picture, but not shoulder stripes. Now they have three shoulder stripes, but no biceps stripes. The 30s jersey incorporates both looks (and a couple extra stripes).

    [quote comment=”302565″]looking at some pix of the Bruins uni’s from yesterday – their new pants things have the little yellow spoked B (ala the 80s)on the left leg.

    when they switched B’s a few years ago they ditched the gold B on the Road jerseys, but it returns on the 3rd jersey pants![/quote]

    Actually, they’ve had the spoked B on the pants all year. The new jerseys did take the Spoked B though, and put it on the shoulder as an alternate logo. As a B’s fan, I was less disappointed after seeing them in action than I was when they revealed them.

    I lived outside International Falls and Rainy River for years and had no idea Nagurski was a local. In fact, I had no idea he was Canadian.

    Thanks for a very informative post.

    Pair of interesting HS football helmets

    Cardinal Ritter, St. Louis, MO: Plain white helmet with some blotches of colored tape on the front, looks like something’s written on them.

    link

    Centreville, Ohio: Black Helmet with yellow Bears-style “C” logo, they put stripes of yellow tape across the front, “hitter stripes”, give one out for big plays, etc, so they fan out from the front of the helmet.

    link

    Man, those Missouri uniforms are hideous. Kansas, looking good as always, is playing big right now . . . big like their coach!!! (Too easy).

    I thought for sure that the Bayou Classic would be the “worst of the week” as far as unis go, but both teams look pretty good. Although the numbers on the Southern jerseys (navy blue numerals on powder blue jerseys) are probably a little tough to read for those folks sitting in the upper, upper, upper mezzanine (to quote the Simpsons)

    I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???

    [quote comment=”302579″]Man, those Missouri uniforms are hideous. Kansas, looking good as always, is playing big right now . . . big like their coach!!! (Too easy).

    I thought for sure that the Bayou Classic would be the “worst of the week” as far as unis go, but both teams look pretty good. Although the numbers on the Southern jerseys (navy blue numerals on powder blue jerseys) are probably a little tough to read for those folks sitting in the upper, upper, upper mezzanine (to quote the Simpsons)[/quote]

    “Could be worse. Could be raining.”
    Ooops, it is.
    And they could be in monochrome gold.

    Speaking of rain, looks like Tennessee game is gonna be a hoot. Likewise Florida, apparently.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    Did not the Bears “adopt” (steal?) it from the University of Chicago back when?

    Would the heavens — or at least the Sears Tower — fall if the Bears did a throwback to that Nagurski-era multi-striped uniform?

    [quote comment=”302582″][quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    Did not the Bears “adopt” (steal?) it from the University of Chicago back when?[/quote]

    My quick “google” reasearch said the bears adopted it in 1962, the reds had it in 1938 for sure, maybe sooner…

    [quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    According to Okkonen/DressedToNines, Indians introduced red wisbhone “C” on navy hat for their 1932 home unis.

    However, Cincinnati Reds had it on Navy road hats, as well as both home and road jerseys, as far back as 1913. It remained on the jerseys, but that was its only year on the hats until it returned in a two-tone version for 1934.

    Also, the Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues apparently had a kind of rounded wishbone “C” entwined with an “A” as far back as 1920.

    (That’s after a quick look through the book and at this website…)
    link

    As to where it might have appeared before that, I supposd there are minor league teams or colleges (Clemson?, Columbia?) who might have used it on letter jackets or some such.

    —Ricko

    Given the disappearance of sleeves from NFL jerseys the Bears could very well end up putting the three stripes on the shoulder like in the ’36 uniforms.

    [quote comment=”302573″]In the 80s, Bears jerseys had three biceps stripes like the BN picture, but not shoulder stripes. Now they have three shoulder stripes, but no biceps stripes. The 30s jersey incorporates both looks (and a couple extra stripes).[/quote]

    Bears had those sleeve stripes as far back as 1940.
    link

    My understanding is that the Bears “borrowed” their wishbone C logo from link (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though

    [quote comment=”302587″] Now they have three shoulder stripes, but no biceps stripes.[/quote]
    Wait. What?

    Is that a sarcastic observation on the state of the incredible shrinking NFL jersey sleeve?

    Cuz, the stripes really are link (occasionally).

    [quote comment=”302588″]My understanding is that the Bears “borrowed” their wishbone C logo from link (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    [quote comment=\”302588\”]My understanding is that the Bears \”borrowed\” their wishbone C logo from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    Thats interesting, I went to a school (St. Norbert) that played them and I always assumed they stole the logo!
    We usually see high school/college programs take logo\’s from the pros, I wonder if their are many examples of the reverse?

    [quote comment=”302591″]By the way, it’s really fun to do an image search on Kyle Orton.[/quote]
    How many other QB’s out there must you wonder, “Which one?” if Thomas Jackson were to exclaim, “He got JACKED UP!”

    I wish I could find a photo of Southern University. They’re playing Grambling on NBC, and look great in powder blue jerseys.

    [quote comment=”302592″][quote comment=”302591″]By the way, it’s really fun to do an image search on Kyle Orton.[/quote]
    How many other QB’s out there must you wonder, “Which one?” if Thomas Jackson were to exclaim, “He got JACKED UP!”[/quote]
    I’m not sure link. I, uh, just meant, umm… he wears actual sleeves on his jerseys and that’s fun to see.

    [quote comment=”302595″][quote comment=”302592″][quote comment=”302591″]By the way, it’s really fun to do an image search on Kyle Orton.[/quote]
    How many other QB’s out there must you wonder, “Which one?” if Thomas Jackson were to exclaim, “He got JACKED UP!”[/quote]
    I’m not sure link. I, uh, just meant, umm… he wears actual sleeves on his jerseys and that’s fun to see.[/quote]

    i love the timestamp in the last pic of that montage…jack & coke @ 11 am…nice

    [quote comment=”302593″]I wish I could find a photo of Southern University. They’re playing Grambling on NBC, and look great in powder blue jerseys.[/quote]

    here ya go

    [quote comment=”302596″][quote comment=”302595″][quote comment=”302592″][quote comment=”302591″]By the way, it’s really fun to do an image search on Kyle Orton.[/quote]
    How many other QB’s out there must you wonder, “Which one?” if Thomas Jackson were to exclaim, “He got JACKED UP!”[/quote]
    I’m not sure link. I, uh, just meant, umm… he wears actual sleeves on his jerseys and that’s fun to see.[/quote]

    i love the timestamp in the last pic of that montage…jack & coke @ 11 am…nice[/quote]

    If you’re gonna be a bear be a grizzly. Right?

    [quote comment=”302590″][quote comment=”302588″]My understanding is that the Bears “borrowed” their wishbone C logo from link (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    [quote comment=\”302588\”]My understanding is that the Bears \”borrowed\” their wishbone C logo from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    Thats interesting, I went to a school (St. Norbert) that played them and I always assumed they stole the logo!
    We usually see high school/college programs take logo\’s from the pros, I wonder if their are many examples of the reverse?[/quote]

    Dan,
    You went to SNC? I graduated from St. Norbert in ’06, when did you go there? What a small world.
    Do you like their new look:
    New:
    link
    Old:
    link

    [quote comment=”302562″]You didn’t mention that his high school is also called the “Broncos” in his honor. And they had some sweet hockey jerseys:

    link

    That’s one of the coolest jerseys i have ever seen

    [quote comment=”302597″][quote comment=”302593″]I wish I could find a photo of Southern University. They’re playing Grambling on NBC, and look great in powder blue jerseys.[/quote]

    link[/quote]

    The powder blue jersey is great but navy letter with lemon yellow drop shadowing? If the navy numbers had a yellow border instead of shadowing it would look pretty cool.

    Kansas broke out white pants today, instead of the silvers they’ve been wearing for the last couple of years.

    Obviously, white pants>>>>nasty gold jerseys.

    Rock Chalk!

    [quote comment=”302572″][quote comment=”302568″]Missouri going with the gold jerseys today against Kansas.

    link

    Lou Holtz at half time of the UVA VT game in regards to the gold uniforms: “the NCAA ought to have a dress code”[/quote]

    …the yellow Mizzou jerseys are pretty loud. Although, the field muck getting stuck to them over the course of the game did soften their appearance.

    Two other items – anyone see the Grambling/Southern U game? Southern has some great unis…
    link

    Also, what was the diamond patch A&M was wearing last night against Texas? It looked kind of like four arrows pointing outward…thoughts?

    [quote comment=”302603″][quote comment=”302572″][quote comment=”302568″]Missouri going with the gold jerseys today against Kansas.

    link

    Lou Holtz at half time of the UVA VT game in regards to the gold uniforms: “the NCAA ought to have a dress code”[/quote]

    …the yellow Mizzou jerseys are pretty loud. Although, the field muck getting stuck to them over the course of the game did soften their appearance.

    Two other items – anyone see the Grambling/Southern U game? Southern has some great unis…
    link

    Also, what was the diamond patch A&M was wearing last night against Texas? It looked kind of like four arrows pointing outward…thoughts?[/quote]

    One of the studio analyst said that the good thing about the Mizzu jerseys they wore today was that the players could ride their bikes home in the dark and people could see them.

    [quote comment=”302603″][quote comment=”302572″][quote comment=”302568″]Missouri going with the gold jerseys today against Kansas.

    link

    Lou Holtz at half time of the UVA VT game in regards to the gold uniforms: “the NCAA ought to have a dress code”[/quote]

    …the yellow Mizzou jerseys are pretty loud. Although, the field muck getting stuck to them over the course of the game did soften their appearance.

    Two other items – anyone see the Grambling/Southern U game? Southern has some great unis…
    link

    Also, what was the diamond patch A&M was wearing last night against Texas? It looked kind of like four arrows pointing outward…thoughts?[/quote]

    The patch on the A&M uniforms is the shoulder patch of the 4th Infantry Division. The 1st Brigade is based at nearby Ft. Hood.

    link

    About an hour before Bedlam…looks like Oklahoma State is going all pumpkin against the Sooners.

    Note that there are going to be about 15,000 empty seats for the game. Back story is OSU will only cell tix to the game if you buy season tix…um it’s November! Good job OSU.

    [quote comment=”302606″]About an hour before Bedlam…looks like Oklahoma State is going all pumpkin against the Sooners.

    Note that there are going to be about 15,000 empty seats for the game. Back story is OSU will only cell tix to the game if you buy season tix…um it’s November! Good job OSU.[/quote]
    *** IGNORANCE ALERT ***
    Why is the series called “Bedlam”? Where does it originate? And, yes….I could very easily look it up. I’m too busy mulling the Sooners -9 1/2….

    civil war not nearly the uni-disaster it could be…ducks in all white w/green lids…they look better than the beavs…black helmets, orange jerseys & black trou

    ducks looking to rain on the rose parade for OSU

    [quote comment=”302607″][quote comment=”302606″]About an hour before Bedlam…looks like Oklahoma State is going all pumpkin against the Sooners.

    Note that there are going to be about 15,000 empty seats for the game. Back story is OSU will only cell tix to the game if you buy season tix…um it’s November! Good job OSU.[/quote]
    *** IGNORANCE ALERT ***
    Why is the series called “Bedlam”? Where does it originate? And, yes….I could very easily look it up. I’m too busy mulling the Sooners -9 1/2….[/quote]

    It was termed years ago (50?) by a writer after an OU/State game…As a Sooner fan, I have to admit I’m lame because I’m not sure who, when, or what sport (football, hoops, baseball, etc.) he was referencing, although I assume it was after a football game.

    [quote comment=”302609″][quote comment=”302607″][quote comment=”302606″]About an hour before Bedlam…looks like Oklahoma State is going all pumpkin against the Sooners.

    Note that there are going to be about 15,000 empty seats for the game. Back story is OSU will only cell tix to the game if you buy season tix…um it’s November! Good job OSU.[/quote]
    *** IGNORANCE ALERT ***
    Why is the series called “Bedlam”? Where does it originate? And, yes….I could very easily look it up. I’m too busy mulling the Sooners -9 1/2….[/quote]

    It was termed years ago (50?) by a writer after an OU/State game…As a Sooner fan, I have to admit I’m lame because I’m not sure who, when, or what sport (football, hoops, baseball, etc.) he was referencing, although I assume it was after a football game.[/quote]
    I think I’m going to steal the term and label the Thanksgiving family trip Bedlam — 12 hour drive, 2 kids (one 5 months old) and the boss. Pure bedlam…

    [quote comment=”302608″]civil war not nearly the uni-disaster it could be…ducks in all white w/green lids…they look better than the beavs…black helmets, orange jerseys & black trou

    ducks looking to rain on the rose parade for OSU[/quote]

    yea i was expecting maybe the ducks to get the black helmets out again…but one of their better away combos for sure

    [quote comment=”302582″][quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    Did not the Bears “adopt” (steal?) it from the University of Chicago back when?[/quote]

    Here’s a photo of the U. of Chicago Maroons playing Indiana from the 20s — Note the wishbone C with the unusual placement on the back of the helmet!!

    link

    link

    will lead you to…

    link

    which will lead you to…

    Originally named after the atmosphere during a heated wrestling dual between the two schools (a newspaper writer emerged from Gallagher Hall exclaiming “It’s bedlam in there!”), the Oklahoma State team holds a large advantage in the series.

    [quote comment=”302585″][quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    According to Okkonen/DressedToNines, Indians introduced red wisbhone “C” on navy hat for their 1932 home unis.

    However, Cincinnati Reds had it on Navy road hats, as well as both home and road jerseys, as far back as 1913. It remained on the jerseys, but that was its only year on the hats until it returned in a two-tone version for 1934.

    Also, the Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues apparently had a kind of rounded wishbone “C” entwined with an “A” as far back as 1920.

    (That’s after a quick look through the book and at this website…)
    link

    As to where it might have appeared before that, I supposd there are minor league teams or colleges (Clemson?, Columbia?) who might have used it on letter jackets or some such.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    according to ‘Dressed to the Nines’ site, it looks like the Reds started wearing a version of the wishbone C in 1905. The wishbone c that looks pretty close to the Reds and Bears version appears in 1914.

    watching ou-ok state… ok state qb, zac robinson just had his under armour shirt sleeve ripped, so they cut away one arm… now he’s looking like a buffoon with only one long sleeve

    [quote comment=”302617″][quote comment=”302585″][quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    According to Okkonen/DressedToNines, Indians introduced red wisbhone “C” on navy hat for their 1932 home unis.

    However, Cincinnati Reds had it on Navy road hats, as well as both home and road jerseys, as far back as 1913. It remained on the jerseys, but that was its only year on the hats until it returned in a two-tone version for 1934.

    Also, the Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues apparently had a kind of rounded wishbone “C” entwined with an “A” as far back as 1920.

    (That’s after a quick look through the book and at this website…)
    link

    As to where it might have appeared before that, I supposd there are minor league teams or colleges (Clemson?, Columbia?) who might have used it on letter jackets or some such.

    —Ricko[/quote]
    according to ‘Dressed to the Nines’ site, it looks like the Reds started wearing a version of the wishbone C in 1905. The wishbone c that looks pretty close to the Reds and Bears version appears in 1914.[/quote]

    Glad you went to the website. I used the orginal book so I could search quickly, but a) the images are smaller and b) the website is updated all the time.

    The point is, we’re figuring it out.

    —Ricko

    [quote comment=”302618″]watching ou-ok state… ok state qb, zac robinson just had his under armour shirt sleeve ripped, so they cut away one arm… now he’s looking like a buffoon with only one long sleeve[/quote]

    Cough–Matthew Stafford–Cough…

    Looks like he added a Nike bicep band to his “bare” arm just before halftime…

    i think zac robinson’s RIGHT sleeve was the one that was ripped and subsequently cut off. he now is wearing a one-sleeved get up with his LEFT arm exposed… very confused… am i right?

    UAB’s center had “68 Hollifield” written on his wrist tape, presumably for injured fellow lineman Adam Hollifield.

    Is it just me, or is it every time Mizzou breaks out gold tops in big games, they get beat?

    I seem to remember them breaking out the all gold for the kU game in men’s basketball and losing, although I could be smashing events together in my head.

    [quote comment=”302606″]About an hour before Bedlam…looks like Oklahoma State is going all pumpkin against the Sooners.

    Note that there are going to be about 15,000 empty seats for the game. Back story is OSU will only cell tix to the game if you buy season tix…um it’s November! Good job OSU.[/quote]

    15,000 empty seats? uhhh did you actually watch the game. Where were all those empties at?

    Back story really is that OSU had the policy in place ALL year, so it doesn’t matter that its November.

    [quote comment=”302566″][quote comment=”302564″]The Wisconsin hockey team broke out their third jersey last night for the first game of the “College Hockey Showcase”. IMO, it has a Russian Red Army feel to it. What do you think?

    Here’s a link to the story.

    link

    I posted these pictures of the jerseys last night in the comments, but since they got uploaded so late, I’m sure not too many people saw them:

    Front: link

    Back: link

    They were pretty sharp, and I really liked the subtle black drop shadow on the numbers. They felt pretty plain to me though, and needed some striping on the sleeves. The paw prints around the bottom are a neat idea, but I’m not sure how well they work. I didn’t completely hate them though.

    This will always be my favorite Badgers alternate though:

    link

    I just think these new alternates look a little cartoonish – the numbers and badger font looked HUGE on the stream I was watching.

    [quote comment=”302585″][quote comment=”302580″]I was arguing with my brother as to the first team to wear the wishbone c, aka the bears logo. I’m pretty sure thereds were wearing it around the turn of the century but did they get it from somebody???[/quote]

    According to Okkonen/DressedToNines, Indians introduced red wisbhone “C” on navy hat for their 1932 home unis.

    However, Cincinnati Reds had it on Navy road hats, as well as both home and road jerseys, as far back as 1913. It remained on the jerseys, but that was its only year on the hats until it returned in a two-tone version for 1934.

    Also, the Chicago American Giants of the Negro Leagues apparently had a kind of rounded wishbone “C” entwined with an “A” as far back as 1920.

    (That’s after a quick look through the book and at this website…)
    link

    As to where it might have appeared before that, I supposd there are minor league teams or colleges (Clemson?, Columbia?) who might have used it on letter jackets or some such.

    —Ricko[/quote]

    Pretty certain that the University of Chicago used the wishbone “C” prior to the Bears. In the past I have seen some very old pics with that type “C” used by them.

    OSU did have empty seats at the top of the far side nearly all of the seats were empty and Zac did change shirts at half. His first shirt was just a loose long sleeve tshirt which was ripped. He then wore a single tight left sleeve shirt.

    [quote comment=\”302599\”][quote comment=\”302590\”][quote comment=\”302588\”]My understanding is that the Bears \”borrowed\” their wishbone C logo from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    [quote comment=\\\”302588\\\”]My understanding is that the Bears \\\”borrowed\\\” their wishbone C logo from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    Thats interesting, I went to a school (St. Norbert) that played them and I always assumed they stole the logo!
    We usually see high school/college programs take logo\\\’s from the pros, I wonder if their are many examples of the reverse?[/quote]

    Dan,
    You went to SNC? I graduated from St. Norbert in \’06, when did you go there? What a small world.
    Do you like their new look:
    New:
    link
    Old:
    link
    Johnny,

    I greaduated in \’06 as well…I\’m sure I know you!I love the new updates as well as the Fleur de Elise (SP) on the football helmuts.

    As far the Southern U unis go, very close and significantly better than the all yellow monstrocities that grambing wore a few years back.

    [quote comment=”302638″][quote comment=\”302599\”][quote comment=\”302590\”][quote comment=\”302588\”]My understanding is that the Bears \”borrowed\” their wishbone C logo from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    [quote comment=\\\”302588\\\”]My understanding is that the Bears \\\”borrowed\\\” their wishbone C logo from Carroll College (Waukesha, WI).

    But by the time they officially adopted the logo, there were enough examples (many of which have been pointed out here) of it already being in use that they could have been inspired by any or all of them. The Carroll colors certainly fit, though[/quote]

    Thats interesting, I went to a school (St. Norbert) that played them and I always assumed they stole the logo!
    We usually see high school/college programs take logo\\\’s from the pros, I wonder if their are many examples of the reverse?[/quote]

    Dan,
    You went to SNC? I graduated from St. Norbert in \’06, when did you go there? What a small world.
    Do you like their new look:
    New:
    link
    Old:
    link
    Johnny,

    I greaduated in \’06 as well…I\’m sure I know you!I love the new updates as well as the Fleur de Elise (SP) on the football helmuts.

    As far the Southern U unis go, very close and significantly better than the all yellow monstrocities that grambing wore a few years back.[/quote]

    Whoah nelly! What a coincidence! Well, my last name is Okray and I was a history major with a theater/commm minor. My fiancee, Amber Wene, also graduated from SNC in ’06. Just look me up on Facebook. Also, why don’t the Green Knights have either the fleur de lis or the new logo on their hockey unis?

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