When someone in the NFL was described as a “bad actor” by racist white men in the 1930s, I assumed I would like that person – I was not wrong. In honor of African American History Month, the NFL’s first (not) bad actor will be acknowledged for his important contribution to the League. I was curious about what could make someone a “bad actor” in the NFL, the League where no one is held accountable, and women don’t matter (whose line is it anyway, anyone?). Did he break the law? Was he doing rum runs with Scarface, or was he…
Author: Julie Miller
Julie Miller
Julie Miller has been a writer at Gridiron Heroics since July of 2022. She is an Epidemiologist with a focus on the intersection between sports and science. In result, Julie writes about sports injuries. She also enjoys writing about the history of football, and football affiliated true crime.
The New Orleans Breakers have searched high and low for exceptional talent to add to the team, and they found that in two pro wide receivers in Canada. Sorry, not sorry, CFL. Hergy Mayala Hergy Mayala is a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo and was raised in Canada. Hergy attended high school in New York, and college at UConn, before returning to Canada to play in the CFL. Mayala was drafted in the first round of the CFL draft, eighth overall. He played for the Calgary Stampeders in 2019 and 2021 (the 2020 season was canceled due to…
The man heralded as “Pro Football’s Dirtiest Player” has died at 72. Conrad Dobler was often described with words like “filthy,” “mean,” and, of course, “dirty.” Conrad was a household name in the 70s. My father, who saw the man destroy people on the field himself, told me about Dobler’s passing. Thanks, dad! Dobler is one giant dichotomy, with a bit of hypocrisy and a solid commitment to his honor code. Conrad has a reputation that is a little exaggerated and mostly earned. The media is often good at creating a narrative or character for a person but usually doesn’t…
In honor of the Super Bowl, we will acknowledge a QB who played in the Super Bowl and can’t watch the Super Bowl in this week’s edition of Homicide Brides. Steve McNair was in my recent piece about African American QBs making history. Steve was the second black QB to play in the Super Bowl in 1999. Unfortunately, his athletic prowess couldn’t save him from the wrath of a woman scorned. Last week’s Homicide Brides article focused on Jovan Belcher taking the life of his significant other and then his own. McNair found himself in a similar, but opposite, situation.…
The Pittsburg Maulers 2023 USFL schedule was dropped Tuesday, February 7th. If you want a general look at all team schedules, you can find that here, but for deets on the Maulers, keep reading. Pittsburg Maulers USFL 2023 schedule: The Pittsburg Mauler’s home stadium, the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, is in Canton, Ohio, this year. This seems like the best location for the team – hopefully, they will get some of that HOF energy going into the 2023 season. Week 1: April 16th, 6:30 PM EST in Birmingham, AL – New Orleans Breakers The New Orleans Breakers may…
The 2023 USFL schedule for the Houston Gamblers was released on February 7th. If you want a general look at all team schedules, you can find that here, but all things Gamblers is below. Houston Gamblers USFL 2023 schedule: The Houston Gamblers’ home turf will be in Memphis, TN, at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Week 1: April 16th, 12 PM EST in Memphis, TN and on NBC – Michigan Panthers Last year, the Houston Gamblers played against the Michigan Panthers week 1, last year. The Gamblers won that game, and there’s no reason to believe this year will be…
The New Orleans Breakers 2023 USFL 2023 schedule was dropped on February 7th at 2 PM EST. On Tuesday, the best team was saved next to last in the League’s staggered release schedule. If you want a general look at all teams, you can find that here, but if you want to hear about the Breakers specifically, keep reading! New Orleans Breakers’ 2023 schedule The Breakers’ home stadium will remain the Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama. Week 1: April 16th, 6:30 PM EST in Birmingham, AL – Pittsburg Maulers Home-field advantage will give the New Orleans Breakers’ a leg up.…
The second article for African American History Month discusses the significance of Hurts and Mahomes facing off in Super Bowl LVII. First things first – if you find yourself saying color doesn’t matter, why do we need to point out the race of Hurts and Mahomes? Remember, not everyone has the luxury to ignore race and racism or suggest it doesn’t matter. Hurts and Mahomes – trailblazers Two of the most arguably talented quarterbacks in the League, Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes, will face off on February 12th for the 2023 Super Bowl. This will be the first time ever…
In this edition of Homicide Brides, we will discuss not just one tragic loss but two – the death of Ms. Kasandra Perkins at the hands of her partner Jovan Belcher and then Jovan taking his own life. The Greatest Loss of All It feels important to honor baby Zoey – the lone survivor who has experienced the greatest loss. Zoey will only experience the love of her parents through photos and stories. Baby Zoey was only three months old when she lost both parents in one day, on December 1st of 2012. Custody battle arguments over Zoey will not…
We are beginning African American History Month with an important article asking: where are all the black head coaches? Specifically, where are they in the NFL? If you read this title and you say, why does color matter (or something similar)? Count yourself lucky if you can go through life without thinking about race – a luxury that people in the BIPOC community do not have. If you read this title and think maybe it’s just coincidence or the most qualified people are in those positions, I would encourage you to ponder a few things. Why do so many coaches…
