By Darin Championships, Comebacks, and the Birthdays of Football Legends
January 8 stands out in football history for its remarkable events. These include NCAA rule changes, thrilling AFC and NFC Championship Games, and legendary Super Bowl comebacks led by freshman quarterbacks. On this single date, Hall of Famers like George Taliaferro and Mark Hermann emerged. Monumental coaching changes occurred, and memorable playoff upsets took place, including Tim Tebow’s dramatic 80-yard overtime touchdown. Explore the timeline below to revisit each unforgettable moment that makes January 8th a milestone in football history.
January 8 Football Image of the Day
Though the game was on November 15, we chose this image for its curious, almost Rockwellian artwork depicting the gridiron. It sure makes football fun and colorful.
January 8 Football History Timeline
- On January 8, 1972, the NCAA announced that freshmen could play on teams starting in the fall sports season, according to the Chicago Tribune.
- January 8, 1984 – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Seattle Seahawks, 30-14, to win the AFC Championship and capture the Lamar Hunt Trophy to represent the Conference in the Super Bowl.
- January 8, 1984 – RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C. – At the NFC Championship game, the Washington Redskins outlasted the San Francisco 49ers, 24-21. WashingtonFootball.com notes the Niners were down by 21 points in the fourth but staged a comeback. Two questionable penalties and a field goal ended their run as Washington advanced to their second consecutive Super Bowl.
- January 8, 1989 – Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati – The AFC Championship had Boomer Esiason leading the Cincinnati Bengals, knocking off the Buffalo Bills, 21-10, for the right to play in the Super Bowl.
- January 8, 1989 – Soldier Field, Chicago – At the NFC Championship, it was the San Francisco 49ers taking care of business as they defeated the Chicago Bears, 28-3.
- On January 8, 1998, the General Manager of the New York Football Giants, George Young, resigned to accept a position with the League.
- On January 8, 2007, the BCS National Championship once again featured the top two teams in the polls squaring off to determine a champion. This year, Ohio State held the top spot, and its opponents were the Florida Gators. Sports-Reference.com shows how the game was a rout as #2 Florida demolished #1 Ohio State, 41-14.
- On January 8, 2008, Joe Gibbs retired, for the second time, as head coach of the Washington Redskins. Gibbs held the same position with the club from 1981 through the 1992 season. During that span, he led the Redskins to eight playoff appearances, four NFC Championship titles, and three Super Bowl titles. He did it with three different starting quarterbacks! The second tenure lasted three solid years but did not reach the heights of the first.
- January 8, 2009 – Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens – Number 2 Florida and top-ranked Oklahoma met in the 11th BCS National Championship. The Sooners started Heisman-winning quarterback Sam Bradford. Florida fielded its 2007 Heisman winner, Tim Tebow. ESPN.com reported that Tebow passed for 2 TDs, and Percy Harvin rushed for 121 yards, leading Florida over Oklahoma, 24-14.
- January 8, 2012. Speaking of Tim Tebow… At the AFC Wild Card Playoff, the heavily favored Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the underdog Denver Broncos, 29–2. The game went into overtime. On the first play of the extra session, Tim Tebow found receiver Demaryius Thomas on an 80-yard touchdown pass.
To give Denver the upset. - January 8, 2018 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – The College Football National Championship hosted two strong SEC foes. #4 Alabama faced #3 Georgia for all of the marbles. The website CollegeFootballPlayoff.com covers all the action. The Bulldogs dominated play in the first half and led 13-0 at the break. Tide Coach Nick Saban, though, had a secret weapon. Saban turned the game over to his backup true freshman quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Tua was remarkable as he steered the offense and led the team on a 20-point comeback over two quarters to force overtime. The freshman QB became the game’s MVP, tossing three touchdowns, including the game-winning pass to freshman wide receiver DeVonta Smith. Alabama rolled over Georgia, 26-23, to claim their 5th title in 9 years.
January 8 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Steve Suhey
- George Taliaferro
- Mark Herrmann
Conclusion
The history books confirm that January 8th is far more than just another day on the calendar; it’s a pivotal marker in the football year. It marks the shift of NCAA eligibility rules, determines conference champions on the road to the Super Bowl, and hosts thrilling BCS and CFP title games where dynasties are cemented and stars like Tua Tagovailoa are born. Coupled with the birthdays of icons like Steve Suhey and the retirement of coaching giants like Joe Gibbs, January 8th truly captures the depth and drama of the sport across every era.
Thank you to our sources above, including Pro-Football-reference.com
