Unknown Song #23 (POINTS WAR!!!!) - Theighs Mon

Song - Theighs Mon

Artist(s) - John Colby

Released - N.A.

Primetime Usage - 1991-05
Contained on - N.A.

Featured Highlight - Points War, 1999 (Cardinals @ Packers/Saints @ Panthers)


*SONG IDENTIFIED* - 6/12/20

So it's come to this:  the holy grail of NFL Primetime music.  International Statement is the most famous Primetime track, but it was identified long ago (well before I started this project).  Unknown Song #23 is, instead, the piece I've received by far the most requests to ID.  I'm also pretty sure it's Primetime's most often used song that hasn't been identified—it was used quite regularly for the last 15 years of the show.  I wouldn't say it's my favorite Primetime piece, but its strong hard-rock edge makes its appeal obvious for football highlights.

I don't have much idea where to look for US #23.  The only clue was when some follower on youtube sent me a message that he had contacted John Colby and that Colby replied that he thinks he did it but he's not sure and doesn't know the name.  Maybe it's in that mythical place that also contains the full-length versions of Gothic, Terminator, and Gelman.  Regardless, it's not on Colby's website.

Accompanying this holy grail of NFL Primetime music is what may be the most well-known highlight in the history of the show.  In 1999, a murky tiebreaker scenario emerged during the final week of the season involving 4 teams fighting for one 8-8 playoff spot (the Lions also finished 8-8, but had already clinched a berth).  The Cowboys just needed to beat the Giants, the Giants were basically screwed (barring, like, a 100-point win or something), and the Panthers & Packers had to win the scoring-margin tiebreaker in order to break a 3-way tie with the Giants should the Giants beat Dallas.  This points war didn't ultimately matter since the Cowboys won, but it was still—as Chris Berman says—"unbelievable football."

Since the NFL season is about to end, my updates will be less frequent for a while.  I plan on being a little more active than the last couple offseasons, though—probably 2 posts a month.  There are still quite a few unidentified tracks left to post.  Thanks for reading/watching!

The Lesser-Known John Colby Trilogy - Part II

Song - Gelman

Artist(s) - John Colby

Released - N.A.

Primetime Usage - 1991-95

Contained on - N.A. (Sound Clip)

Featured Highlight - Raiders @ Broncos, 1994


The second entry in the obscure John Colby trilogy, "Gelman," is the most somber & tragic sounding of his NFL Primetime contributions.  I also think it's the weakest of the six, though it still sounds pretty good.  As for the name…  I have absolutely no idea what "Gelman" means.  I mean, I really have no clue.  I don't know of any sports figure or even any famous figure in any vocation with that name.


Gelman's included highlight involves the long-standing rivalry between the Broncos & Raiders.  The game itself wasn't notable, but it does exemplify something else of interest.  1994 was the NFL's 75th. anniversary year, and most every team in the league wore some sort of (often bastardized) throwback uniform at some point during the season.  This began the throwback-jersey obsession that has exploded over the last decade.  On that note, pay particular attention to the comically childish logo on Denver's helmets.


*EDIT* - It was used at least once in 1995 (Week 2 - NO/STL; first Rams game in St. Louis)