This Week in NDN All-Stars History: September 13–19

NDN All-Stars is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.

EPISODE SUMMARY

This episode highlights memorable moments in Native sports history that occurred between September 13 and September 19.

Jack Dempsey survives being knocked out of the ring before defeating Luis Ángel Firpo in one of boxing’s most famous championship fights. Jim Thorpe becomes the first president of the American Professional Football Association, which later becomes the NFL. Sonny Sixkiller breaks Washington’s single-game total-offense record in his first varsity start, then delivers another remarkable performance against Purdue one year later.

The episode also features Aidan Thomas winning the New Mexico Open in his professional golf debut, Johnny Bench hitting the final home run of his Major League career, Willie Stargell beginning his Hall of Fame journey, and victories by Henry Armstrong, Joe Louis, Hunter Azure, Sam Bradford, Jim Plunkett, and Tommy Morrison.

TOPICS COVERED

• Henry Armstrong’s victories over Max Tarley, Alton Black, Leo Rodak, Aldo Spoldi, and Johnny DeFoe
• Early Wynn’s Major League debut with the Washington Senators
• Angel Goodrich’s first career WNBA double-double
• Jack Dempsey’s legendary heavyweight title defense against Luis Ángel Firpo
• Orville Moody winning the inaugural Korean Open
• Chuck Norris at the inaugural World Professional Karate Championships
• Hunter Azure’s successful UFC debut
• Willie Stargell’s Major League debut
• Jim Thorpe becoming the first president of the APFA
• Joe Guyon’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Johnny Bench’s final career home run and Cincinnati Reds statue
• Aidan Thomas winning the New Mexico Open in his professional debut
• Joe Louis knocking out Tami Mauriello
• Sonny Sixkiller’s record-setting Washington performances
• Sam Bradford’s Minnesota Vikings debut
• Roy Tyner competing in NASCAR’s Grand National Series
• Jim Plunkett’s NFL debut and upset victory over Oakland
• Tommy Morrison’s thirty-seven-second knockout of David Jaco

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NDN ALL-STARS BACKGROUND

Hey there—I'm Bill Black, and welcome to the NDN All-Stars Podcast. If this is your first time hearing about us, let me tell you what we’re all about.

This podcast is where Native sports history comes alive. Each episode shines a spotlight on the great Native American athletes you should know—past and present. From Hall of Famers to hometown heroes, we tell the stories of Native athletes who made their mark—on the field, on the court, and in history.

We keep it real. No sugar-coating. No museum talk. Just straight-up stories told with pride and purpose—because representation matters, and these All-Stars deserve to be remembered right.

Some episodes are deep dives into a single athlete’s life. Others bring on guests—historians, authors, even the athletes themselves—who help us connect the dots between culture, identity, and achievement.

Whether you’re Native, a sports fan, a history buff, or just curious—this podcast will give you a new perspective on what greatness really looks like.

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