Historian and Author Keith B. Wood joins Rob Fredette to discuss his new book " The Memphis Showboats, The USFL Team and the City's Fight for Major League Status", exploring the USFL team's impact on the city, memorable players and coaches, and Memphis's long-running bid for major-league football.

They cover the research and interviews behind the book, the Liberty Bowl crowds, the USFL vs. NFL conflict, and the lasting nostalgia and legacy of the Showboats in Memphis sports history.

The 5th Quarter Podcast is a groundbreaking podcast that delves into the lives of former athletes as they navigate the uncharted waters of retirement.

Host, Sandy Adams, brings forth captivating interviews, sharing the stories of retired athletes who transitioned into new endeavors and discovered their purpose beyond sports.

The road for many of these former athletes was not always easy or straightforward.  Each episode sheds light on the physical, emotional, and mental challenges athletes face during this critical phase, and beyond, offering valuable insights and practical advice to empower listeners in their own post-athletic journey.

This podcast is not only for athletes, but for anyone looking to transition into a new phase of life

Darin Haynes

• 
  Welcome! You’ve found the Pigskin Dispatch podcast, your portal to positive football history!

We’re dedicated to bringing you the anniversaries, facts, and forgotten legends of the gridiron, one day and one story at a time. Whether you’re interested in the evolution of the game’s rules, the careers of College Football Hall of Famers, or the unique stories connecting football to global history, you’ll find it all here.

When the USFL arrived in 1984, the Memphis Showboats became far more than a spring football franchise. For one unforgettable moment, they embodied a city's belief that it belonged on the biggest stage in professional sports.

Memphis sports historian and author Keith Wood returns to the show — this time to explore the remarkable story behind his new book "The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team & the City's Fight for Major League Status." Together, we trace the city's decades-long pursuit of professional football—from the World Football League's Memphis Southmen to the arrival of the USFL — and examine why the Showboats resonated so deeply with fans despite surviving only two unforgettable seasons.

Along the way, we revisit the vision of David Dixon, the influence of John Bassett, the recruiting coup that landed Reggie White, the innovative football mind of Pepper Rodgers, the overlooked brilliance of quarterback Walter Lewis, and the leadership of Steve Ehrhart that transformed the Showboats into legitimate championship contenders.

The Showboats lasted just two seasons. Their legend has lasted four decades. Join us as we celebrate one of the USFL's most beloved franchises — and the city that embraced it.

Bob SwickGridiron Greats covers 140+ years of North American football history and memorabilia. It was founded in 2002 and published by Franklin Rose who then turned over to Bob Swick and Swick Enterprises starting with Issue 23.