THIS WAS THEN: The Charlotte Hornets — North Carolina’s First Pro Football Team

The Forgotten History of the Charlotte Hornets Football TeamIn this episode of 'This Was Then,' Tim Peeler and Todd McGee sit down with former World Football League players Ray Parson and Darrell Bunge (both former Minnesota Golden Gophers) to delve into the history of North Carolina's first professional football team, the Charlotte Hornets. The discussion covers the players' personal experiences, the challenges of playing in different cities, the cultural shifts between New York and Charlotte, and the struggles faced by the league. The episode provides a comprehensive look at the landscape of professional football in the 1970s and the legacy left behind by a team that helped pave the way for the NFL's Carolina Panthers.00:00 Introductions and Backgrounds02:32 Podcast Overview and Objectives05:56 Historical Context of Charlotte Hornets08:37 Experiences in New York and Relocation to Charlotte14:49 Challenges and Adaptations in Charlotte24:27 Familiar Faces and Early Challenges26:12 Financial Struggles and Uniform Woes29:00 Memorable Road Trips and Training Anecdotes30:41 The Rise and Fall of the WFL33:12 Game Day Experiences and Personal Reflections36:02 The League's Collapse and Aftermath40:37 Final Thoughts and LegacyWelcome to the North Carolina Sports Network!Your home for all things sports in the Bold North State — from the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS, PGA TOUR, and NASCAR to the heart of ACC and college athletics.🎥 Stories. 🎙️ Podcasts. 📊 Analysis.Covering the legends, the rising stars, and everything in between.👇 Subscribe & follow:🌐 ncsportsnetwork.com🎧 Podcasts: Spotify, Apple & more📲 @TheNCSportsNet on all platforms#NCsports #BoldNorthState