By Darin What do an undefeated Harvard Rose Bowl victory, the “Golden Palomino” of West Texas, and the unsung anchor of the NFL’s only perfect season have in common? They all share the date of May 16th. This single day in gridiron history celebrates the birth of legends who defined their eras—from Eddie Casey’s scrappy leadership at Harvard to Jim Langer’s relentless 1972 campaign where he played every single snap. It’s also the day we celebrate the arrival of Hall of Fame icons like Thurman Thomas and Donny Anderson. Dive into the archives to see how these titans transformed the game from the leather-helmet era to the Super Bowl stage.
Football Bio
May 16, 1894 – Natick, Massachusetts – The football world welcomed Eddie Casey, the ferocious Harvard halfback. Known as “Natick Eddie,” Casey was as famous for his boyish grin as he was for his devastating tackles. A true sportsman, he once famously joked with a Yale rival that he’d take his steak “run in here” as a steer so he could take a swipe at it. Casey’s agility made him a standout, leading the Crimson to a perfect 10-0 season and a 7-6 Rose Bowl victory over Oregon in 1919 after returning from Navy service in WWI.
After his playing days, “Natick Eddie” returned home to coach the Crimson in 1930, sporting a 20-11-1 record over four seasons. He also guided the NFL’s Boston Redskins in 1935 and the Boston Bears of the AFL in 1940. For his incredible contribution to the sport, Eddie Casey received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.
May 16, 1943 – Borger, Texas – Donny Anderson, the man they called “The Golden Palomino,” was born. A two-time All-American at Texas Tech, Anderson was a walking highlight reel, once recording a 100-yard kickoff return and 17 touchdowns in a single season (1965). His 5,111 all-purpose yards remain a legendary mark in Lubbock. Anderson took his talents to the NFL, where he won two Super Bowls with the Green Bay Packers under Vince Lombardi before finishing his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. The National Football Foundation selected Donny Anderson for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
May 16, 1948 – Little Falls, Minnesota – Birth of Jim Langer, the legendary South Dakota State center. Langer is the ultimate “walk-on” success story, joining the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 1970. He became the pivot of the 1972 “Perfect Season,” incredibly playing every single offensive snap—all 500 of them—that year. A six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, Jim Langer had his body of NFL work enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
May 16, 1966 – Houston, Texas – The prolific Thurman Thomas arrived into the world. At Oklahoma State, Thomas amassed 4,847 rushing yards, a mark that still stands as one of the best in conference history. He was a First Team All-America pick in 1985 and a consensus choice in 1987. Drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1988, he became the engine of the “K-Gun” offense, appearing in four consecutive Super Bowls. The 1991 NFL MVP, Thomas recorded eight straight 1,000-yard seasons. Thurman Thomas’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 2008, while the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined his brilliant NFL career in 2007.
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Conclusion
May 16th stands as a testament to the diverse paths to greatness. Whether it was Eddie Casey balancing Navy service and Crimson glory, Jim Langer proving that undrafted free agents can achieve perfection, or Thurman Thomas and Donny Anderson providing the explosive spark for legendary dynasties, this date reminds us that football history is built on durability and heart. From the frozen fields of Natick to the “Perfect” Miami sun, these legends ensure that May 16th is forever etched in the spirit of the gridiron.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
Eddie Casey
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1968.
- 1919 Rose Bowl Champion: Led Harvard to a 7-6 win over Oregon.
- All-American: Selected in 1919.
- Head Coach: Harvard, Mount Union, Tufts, and the NFL’s Boston Redskins.
Donny Anderson
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1989.
- Two-Time Super Bowl Champion: Green Bay Packers (I, II).
- 1965 Player of the Year: Named co-winner by The Sporting News.
- Texas Tech Record: 5,111 career all-purpose yards.
Jim Langer
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1987.
- 1972 Perfect Season: Played every offensive snap of the Dolphins’ 17-0 season.
- Pro Bowl Selections: 6-time Pro Bowler.
- All-Pro Honors: 4-time First-Team All-Pro.
Thurman Thomas
- Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2007.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2008.
- 1991 NFL MVP: Named league’s Most Valuable Player.
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team: Member.
- Buffalo Bills Legend: 12,074 career rushing yards and 4,458 receiving yards.
