By Darin Hayes 
Uncover the Gridiron Glory: American Football History on October 4th
Did you know October 4th is etched in American football history with unforgettable milestones? From legendary player records to pivotal moments that changed the NFL and college game forever, this date has seen it all.
Discover the day Tom Brady threw his 500th career touchdown pass, the controversial first-ever “Scab Sunday” during the NFLPA strike, and when college icon Archie Manning delivered a performance for the ages. Dive into the archives to relive these thrilling, significant, and sometimes divisive moments that shaped the sport we love! Get ready for a deep dive into football’s most memorable October 4ths.
October 4 Football History Headlines
October 4, 1873 – The Argonaut Rowing Club’s rugby-football squad forms. The significance lies in the fact that they eventually became the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts Football Club and are listed as the oldest professional team in North America still using the same name. According to argoalumni.com, the rowing club sported a rugby team, which morphed over a decade until about 1886, when the team adopted rules similar to those of their counterparts in Northeastern US colleges, using a line of scrimmage and eventually downs. The team played in more minor leagues until 1958, when the CFL was formed by merging the Interprovincial Rugby Football Union, also known as the “Big Four” (founded in 1907), and the Western Interprovincial Football Union (founded in 1936). The Argos have won the coveted Grey Cup a record 17 times, 10 of those before the creation of the Canadian Football League.
October 4, 1947 – The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame shake off a tough start in the early stages of the game at Pittsburgh, when Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Lujack began to throw deep passes, leading to a stunning 40-6 Irish victory.
October 4, 1959 – Cleveland Browns running back, the legendary Jim Brown, sets a team high single game record for rushing attempts with 37 as the Browns dropped the Chicago Cardinals 34-7. According to NFL.com, Jim Brown played for nine seasons, totaling 118 games, and averaged 5.2 yards per carry on 2,359 career rushing attempts. Brown scored 106 touchdowns, which averages just under one TD per game played. If fantasy football existed in that era, it would have made for some interesting draft parties!
October 4, 1969 – Number 20 Ole Miss at #15 Alabama
October 4, 1987 – Anthony Allen has one of the greatest receiving days in Washington history, hauling in 7 catches for 255 yards and three TDs in a 28-21 win over the Cardinals at RFK. Courtesy Ed Kleese -Washington Football Memories.
On this day 38 years ago (Oct 4th, 1987) Anthony Allen has one of the greatest receiving days in Washington history hauling in 7 catches for 255 yards and three TDs in a 28-21 win over the Cardinals at RFK. QB Ed Rubbert also has a huge day. Who are these guys you ask? Well, this… pic.twitter.com/JD2zLm66ln
— Washington Football Memories (@skinsmemories77) October 4, 2025
October 4, 2003 – Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback B.J. Symons set a Big 12 Conference record with eight touchdown passes, leading Texas Tech to a dominating 59-28 victory over rival Texas A&M.
October 4, 2018 – New England Patriots signal caller, Tom Brady, tosses his 500th scoring pass to receiver Josh Gordon to become only the third quarterback in NFL history to reach the 500 career TD plateau. In the game at the friendly confines of Foxborough Stadium, Brady and the Pats knocked off a strong Indianapolis Colts team 38-24.
October 4 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Here are a couple of significant people in the Football Hall of Fame who were born on October 4.
- Bowden Wyatt
- Sam Huff
Conclusion
To cap off our historical journey, it’s clear that October 4th is far more than just another day on the calendar—it’s a vibrant thread in the tapestry of American football. From witnessing Tom Brady’s record-breaking passing prowess to the dramatic, culture-shifting introduction of “scab” players during a league strike, this date encapsulates the sport’s highest achievements and its complex labor history. These are the NFL milestones and college heroics that continue to define legacies and spark debate. As you reflect on these pivotal October 4th moments, you gain a deeper appreciation for the constant evolution of the game, proving that every day holds a legendary story on the gridiron.