By Darin The Catch, The Freezer Bowl, and Hall of Famers: Iconic Moments in January 10th NFL History
January 10 is a date etched into football history, marked by some of the sport’s most dramatic moments. From the freezing intensity of the ‘Freezer Bowl’ to “The Catch” that launched an NFL dynasty, this single day delivered legendary Pro Bowls, coaching changes, and thrilling BCS National Championships. Dive into history to explore the gridiron giants and pivotal games of January 10th.
January 10 Gridiron Image of the Day
Front row: William Clark, Alfred Barlow, Paul Magoffin
Middle row: Keene Fitzpatrick, Harry Hammond, Tom Hammond, Frank Longman, Fred Norcross, Ted Stuart, John Garrels, Charles A. Baird
Back row: Walter Becker, Walter Rheinschild, Walter Graham, Germany Schulz, Fielding H. Yost, Henry Schulte, John Curtis, Harry Patrick
1905 was the last of the Michigan Pint-a-Minute teams of Coach Fielding Yost. The 1905 Michigan Wolverines initially upheld their high-scoring reputation by sweeping their first 12 games, with a combined score of 495 to 0. This dominant run, however, came to a sudden and historic end in the season’s final contest. Facing Amos Alonzo Stagg’s rival Chicago Maroons, Michigan suffered a jarring 2–0 defeat. This monumental loss snapped the Wolverines’ 56-game unbeaten streak and definitively marked the conclusion of the program’s famous “Point-a-Minute” era.
January 10 Football History Timeline
- January 10, 1953 – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The third NFL Pro Bowl brought together a remarkable array of talent. According to Pro-Football-Reference, quarterbacks Y.A. Tittle, Norm Van Brocklin, Bobby Layne, and Otto Graham led the action. Running backs included Frank Gifford and Doak Walker, while defensive icons like Ernie Stautner and Chuck Bednarik fortified each side. The National Conference prevailed over the American Conference, 27-7. Don Doll, the Detroit Lions defensive back, was named Most Valuable Player.
- January 10, 1965 – Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The 1964 NFL Pro Bowl featured the Eastern Conference, coached by Don Shula of the Baltimore Colts, facing the Western Conference, led by Cleveland Browns coach Brant Collier. Sportshistorycollectibles.com reports that the West’s 411 yards more than doubled the East’s 187, resulting in a 34-14 Western Conference win. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton of the Minnesota Vikings and defensive back Terry Barr of the Detroit Lions earned Most Valuable Player honors.
- January 10, 1982 – Candlestick Park, San Francisco – The NFC Championship Game produced an iconic NFL moment. With 58 seconds left, quarterback Joe Montana, under heavy pressure, launched a high pass that appeared destined for out of bounds. Instead, Dwight Clark made a leaping fingertip catch for a touchdown, marking the sixth lead change of the day as the 49ers went ahead. The Cowboys responded with a 31-yard completion from Danny White to Drew Pearson, reaching the San Francisco 44-yard line. After a timeout, White was strip-sacked on the next play, and the 49ers held on for a 28-27 victory.
- January 10, 1982 – Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati – The San Diego Chargers traveled to face the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship Game. FullPressCoverage.com notes that game-time temperatures were -9°F, with persistent 27 MPH winds creating a wind chill of -59°F. Compared to the 1967 ‘Ice Bowl’ at -13°F, the ‘Freezer Bowl’ is recognized as the coldest NFL game by wind chill. The Chargers, who were less accustomed to such conditions, struggled, while Bengals head coach Forrest Gregg, who previously played in the Ice Bowl, prepared his team well. Leveraging home-field advantage, the Bengals defeated the Chargers, 27-7.
- On January 10, 1990, the NCAA approved random drug testing for college football players.
- On January 10, 1996, the Miami Dolphins announced that they had hired former Dallas Cowboys coach Jimmy Johnson as their next head coach. Johnson, who had big shoes in Big D by winning two Super Bowls with the “Boys,” was filling some even bigger shoes of the now-retired Don Shula, who spent 26 seasons as the Miami field boss. We discussed Shula’s legacy and his retirement in the January 5 post.
- January 10, 2004 – The NFC Divisional Playoff had a thriller when the Rams and Panthers tangled.
- January 10, 2010 – NFL Playoff records were shattered when the Arizona Cardinals andthe Green Bay Packers met. Future Hall of Fame quarterbacks were at the helm for each team, Aaron Rodgers against Kurt Warner in a barnburner. Details below in this “wildest” of Wildcard games.
- January 10, 2011 – University of Phoenix Stadium – The 13th BCS National Championship pitted Auburn, led by Heisman-winning quarterback Cam Newton, against Oregon for all the marbles. ESPN.com has the story of how Michael Dyer, a standout Auburn running back, ran a few yards before being spun down by a would-be tackler. Everyone on the field stopped, including Dyer, for a moment, but then, after hearing his sideline yelling to keep going, he completed a 37-yard run to drive the ball deep into Oregon territory with about two minutes left to play. Michael had landed on top of the tackler for a moment, but his body never hit the ground, and he sprang back up so quickly that his progress was not judged to be stopped. The Tigers methodically advanced the ball and milked the clock. Finally, Dyer took off on another burst to the Ducks’ one-yard line. That is when kicker Wes Byrum, widely recognized for his composure, nailed the nineteen-yard field goal to break the tie and give Auburn the national title. #1 Auburn outlasted #2 Oregon, 22-19.
January 10 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Conclusion
From star-studded Pro Bowls to the bone-chilling ‘Freezer Bowl’ and the iconic ‘Catch,’ January 10th stands as a legendary football date. It embodies what makes the sport great: playoff drama, historic records, and legendary players and coaches, ensuring this day remains unforgettable for fans.
