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

Former NFL executive Upton Bell shares memories of his father, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, creating the NFL Draft and early draft memories as well as his time drafting players for Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Plus, who is the top player in the 2025 NFL Draft and fantastic firsthand accounts of Jackie Robinson as a football player and how he might have fared in the NFL.

The Game Before the Money is a 501 c 3 nonprofit founded by host Michael Jackson. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Upton Bell gives his insights about the NFL dynasties he's witnessed since the 1940s, when he father Bert Bell was NFL Commissioner. He also previews Super Bowl 59 with host Michael Jackson.

The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Learn more  and donate at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

 

Upton Bell previews the 2024 NFL Playoffs and remembers the NFL's greatest running backs and their performances. 

The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. Host Michael Jackson (aka Jackson Michael) produces this podcast. 

Super Bowl 30 MVP Larry Brown of the Cowboys, two-time Super Bowl winner Dan Neil of the Broncos, and Colts executive Upton Bell share their Super Bowl memories and insight into this year’s game. Upton’s father founded the Philadelphia Eagles, and adds a special touch to the show. The three guests have a combined seven Super Bowl's worth of experience.

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

Former Colts and Patriots executive Upton Bell shares the history of Thanksgiving NFL games. He discusses his favorite moments, how NFL Thanksgiving games have changed, and the first televised NFL Thanksgiving game -- a broadcast set up by his father, NFL commissioner Bert Bell.

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

 

 

Upton Bell, son of NFL commissioner Bert Bell who invented the draft, tells the real history of the NFL Draft. Upton also shares his drafting experience as an executive with the Colts and Patriots. 

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

#NFLDraft #NFLHistory #BertBell

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

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.

Bert Bell founded the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933. In 1946, he took over as NFL Commissioner. His innovations provide a backbone for the modern game and pro sports in general. A few of his innovations include: the player draft, overtime, and the weekly injury report. He also vaulted the NFL into the age of television. Learn the backstories to these innovations -- as well as Bell's role in the foundation of the American Football League -- from Bell's son, Upton Bell, in this episode of The Game before the Money Podcast. 

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