4 The Unique Alliance Of The Steelers And Eagles
In a little-known chapter of NFL history, the wartime scarcity of the early 1940s gave rise to a unique gridiron alliance—the “Steagles.” A portmanteau that rolls off the tongue more easily than their official moniker, the “Phil-Pitt Combine,” the “Steagles” were a one-season wonder born of necessity. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles, having seen their rosters decimated by the military draft amid World War II, merged to field a joint team for the 1943 season.
Though the name “Steagles” might not ring a bell in the annals of sports legends, it’s a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the game—and its fans—during one of the most turbulent times in modern history.
Despite the global conflict raging beyond American shores, President Franklin D. Roosevelt championed the continuation of professional sports, recognizing their power to uplift spirits and provide a welcome respite for a nation under duress. The Steagles may have been a fleeting wartime experiment, but they remain a symbol of a country’s determination to find unity and solace in the tradition of the game..