CLASSIC: Teddy Roosevelt May Just Have Saved Modern (American) Football
Ridiculous History
iHeartPodcasts
4.2 • 4.7K Ratings
🗓️ 17 April 2026
⏱️ 25 minutes
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Summary
In recent years the public has become increasingly aware of the long-term dangers posed by sports injuries -- but at the turn of the 20th century this wasn't the case. Football players didn't wear protective gear, and in 1905 alone more than 15 players died from game-related injuries. Universities were on the verge of banning football entirely. President Roosevelt, himself a life-long fan of the sport, knew something must be done. Listen in to learn how the 26th President of the US may just have saved modern football.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | And we have returned, fellow ridiculous historians with a classic episode for you this week. |
| 0:06.6 | This comes with a very special shoutout to one of our number one guys, Noel, our super producer, Mr. Max Williams, who will always know more about sports than either you or me. |
| 0:21.0 | Agreed. |
| 0:21.5 | It's like a superpower. |
| 0:24.0 | Max, do you, now, I don't know. |
| 0:27.3 | You hadn't quite joined the show yet, but you're familiar with the idea of football, right? |
| 0:32.7 | I've watched a game or thousands of them. |
| 0:35.7 | I've seen a game or two in my day. |
| 0:38.9 | I know. |
| 0:39.7 | I got to stop sounding like an alien impersonated humans. |
| 0:42.6 | I've thrown a football before and caught one. |
| 0:45.5 | And he even kicked it once. |
| 0:46.9 | You've touched some pig skin. |
| 0:49.1 | Right. |
| 0:49.2 | Did Lucy pull it out right of the last minute? |
| 0:53.6 | No, it was Johnston. |
| 0:54.5 | The football. |
| 0:55.6 | Yeah, it's such a strict thing. |
| 0:56.9 | I just kicked the bald head instead. |
| 0:58.4 | Yeah, kick him in the bald head. |
| 0:59.9 | No, no, too far. |
| 1:01.5 | Oh, rude. |
... |
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