The Origins of Football's Infamous 'Doink': A Historical Exploration

The term "doink," a phrase synonymous with the disheartening sound produced when a football strikes the goal post, has a rich historical lineage that we meticulously explore in this episode. Our esteemed guest, Timothy B. Brown of footballarchaeology.com, delineates the etymology of "doink," tracing its usage back to a pivotal John Madden broadcast during the 1986 playoffs. We delve into the evolution of this term, which originated from the 1870s when hitting the goal post resulted in a missed opportunity, referred to as a "poster." Through an engaging dialogue, we analyze the cultural and historical significance of this term, alongside the unpredictable nature of football, which is rife with chance occurrences and missed opportunities. Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey through the annals of football history, illuminating the profound impact of a seemingly simple word on the game we cherish.Don't forget to check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel for additional content and the regular Football History Minute Shorts.Miss our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't, because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. Do you want more football history? Test your Gridiron Knowledge, we feed you Daily with our new FREE activity, The Pigskin Trivia Drive.Grab a copy of our latest book, "Marooned," on the 1925 Pottsville Maroons NFL franchise saga.*OR* Grab a copy of our book on Western Pennsylvania football history, "World's Greatest Gridiron Team" on the 1903 Franklin All-StarsDrop us a line at PigskinDispatch@gmail .com and check out and subscribe to the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube channel.Contact us directly at [email protected] our football by the day of the year podcasts, well, don't because they can still be found at the Pigskin Dispatch website. The episode presents a captivating exploration of the term 'doink,' an expression that resonates deeply within the football community, particularly when a kick meets the unforgiving goal post. Timothy B. Brown, a dedicated researcher from footballarchaeology.com, joins us to shed light on the historical trajectory of this term. The journey begins with the legendary John Madden, whose colorful commentary during a 1986 playoff game popularized the term as it is understood today. Mr. Brown recounts how prior to this, the word appeared sporadically, often as typographical errors in newspapers, and was not widely recognized in relation to football.Through meticulous research, Mr. Brown reveals that 'doink' was not merely a spontaneous invention of Madden, but rather a term that gained traction in popular culture through various mediums, including cartoons and other forms of entertainment. The discussion further examines the historical significance of the term, linking it back to the early days of football when the act of hitting the goal post was known as a 'poster.' This episode not only serves to entertain but also educates the audience on the rich tapestry of football terminology, reflecting on how language evolves alongside cultural practices within the sport. By the conclusion, listeners are left with a renewed appreciation for the nuances of football commentary and the language that surrounds this beloved sport.