United States History and the Baltimore Colts

The words
"Baltimore Colts"
evokes memories
of childhoods past.

What I love about football history is the history is also a history of America and the world in which we, as well as the players and coaches live. Which is exactly why I love with Jack Gilden's "Collision of Wills," and after the From the 55 Yardline podcast began I knew we needed to interview Mr. Gilden, for the city of Baltimore is where NFL, CFL and USFL champions have called home in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s. No other American city can lay such a claim, and with that the history of the football is also a reflection of American history. As has also been demonstrated by Michael Olesker's "The Colts' Baltimore" and William Gildea's "When the Colts Belonged to Baltimore." and "Sundays at 2:00 With the Baltimore Colts" by Vince Bagli and Norman Macht, to name just a few.

In reading Jack Gilden's great book, I found myself absorbed not just with the story of Shula and Unitas, but even more so how their conflict mirrored the times they lived and worked in as coach and player.  "Collision of Wills" is one of the best history books written in my opinion. Not just sports history, but American history.  Don't believe me, then read the book review and author interview conducted by the Shane Richmond over at Pigskin Books, which is an invaluable website for armchair professional football historians, like myself. After you read Shane's book review and his interview with Jack Gilden, then give one of the earliest episodes of From the 55 Yardline on Gridiron America Radio a listen. We thank you in advance!

Review: Collision of Wills, Jack Gilden by Shane Richmond at Pigskin Books

Jack Gilden: ‘I was surprised how much the Colts revered Unitas’  by Shane Richmond at Pigskin Books