Tackling Truth

Far Middle episode 179 honors the one and only Chuck Bednarik. Not only does Bednarik join a long list of football legends celebrated on the Far Middle, but he joins a distinguished class of Far Middle sports legends who also served in our military, such as Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, and Pat Tillman. Nick looks back on “Concrete Charlie’s” Depression-era childhood in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, his service as a B-24 bomber gunner in World War II, and his subsequent rise as a dual-threat college football player at the University of Pennsylvania. Bednarik was selected first overall in the 1949 NFL Draft by the Eagles and became known for his fierce defensive play, contributing to two NFL championships. Nick highlights Bednarik's infamous moments on the field, including his iconic tackle of Frank Gifford that left Gifford unconscious and led to lasting notoriety. Describing Bednarik as versatile and outspoken, Nick transitions from sports to literature to highlight the versatile and outspoken writer George Orwell, “one of my top three favorite writers of all time.” Nick delves into Orwell's non-fiction political essays, examining how they contrast democracy with fascism and totalitarianism. Topics include media control, the manipulation of truth, and the dangers of totalitarian regimes. Nick links these ideas to contemporary political and societal issues. As evidence of the media’s impact on public perception, Nick explores Orwell's analysis of the panic caused by Orson Welles' "War of the Worlds" broadcast. It’s another one-of-a-kind Far Middle as Nick tackles truth and the hard-hitting pair of Chuck Bednarik and George Orwell.