NFL Mash Up Teams

[Go Big D!]

I was watching tv as I was dozing off so I'm not sure where I saw this. Most likely NFL Network.

They were saying something about teams combining during WWII to keep the sport alive.
They referred to one of the teams being the Steagles - the Steelers & Eagles ( uke: ).

Wikipedia states the teams were made up of flat footed, deaf and blind draft rejects and that one of the Stagles even quit during the season due to embarrassment. Though, personally, I'd find it more embarrassing to belong to a team comprised of both the eagles and the steelers

I've been trying to find some information on these teams. The only other one I was able to find was that the following year the Steelers combined with the Cardinals and became the Card-Pitts. AKA carpet.

I find this to be rather interesting. Where there any more teams besides these two? Anyone have any info to share or a link where I can read more on it?

Thanks

 

[Phoenix]

I knew of those two involving the Steelers, but I don't know of any others, either.

 

[Go Big D!]

I knew of those two involving the Steelers, but I don't know of any others, either.

I still haven't found anything else on it either.

I'm surprised nobody has any info to add. There are usually a couple of posters, here at CZ, that seem exceptionally versed in NFL history.

Anyone have any info to share?

 

[THUMPER]

It was during WWII when many players were called up for active duty in the military and teams were short of players. The Stealers were particularly hard hit and merged one season (1943) with the Eagles and another season (1944) with the Chicago Cardinals. The Boston Yanks and Brooklyn Tigers merged in 1945 as well for the same reason.

Most teams just filled the gaps with whatever they could find. Bronko Nagurski came out of retirement at 35 and played for the Bears during this time as did many other players that were too old for military service.

A total of 995 NFL players saw active service during WWII. 21 lost their lives (plus 2 other NFL personnel). When you consider that the average roster was 30 players and there were only 12 teams, that is a HUGE percentage of players called up.

http://www.coldhardfootballfacts.com/Article.php?Page=824

http://www.profootballhof.com/history/story.aspx?story_id=88