Pyle then successfully joined the NFL for the 1927 season, bringing aboard the popular Grange as a player and part owner of the team.

In an effort to bolster the star-power of his team, in July he added a star passer to the roster, All-American University of Montana tailback Wild Bill Kelly.

[18] That proved insufficient however, as in the third quarter a 77-yard punt return down the sideline[5] by Yankee back Bullet Baker, who was pulled down on the 2-yard line, set up a series ending in a touchdown plunge by fullback Wes Fry.

The meeting of legendary Illinois runner Red Grange and Michigan passing marvel Benny Friedman — future NFL Hall of Famers both — was eagerly anticipated as the New York Yankees traveled to Detroit to take on the Cleveland Bulldogs.

[8] Cleveland answered as the second half opened, with Benny Friedman grabbing an interception of a long pass before connecting four times for 40 yards as part of the ensuing touchdown drive.