By Darin SEO Intro / Hook
From the “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust” trenches of Columbus to the high-octane “K-Gun” offense of Buffalo, February 14th is a date defined by pure gridiron passion. This Valentine’s Day, we skip the chocolates and celebrate the birth of three football titans: the fiery Woody Hayes, the resilient George Kerr, and the legendary Jim Kelly. Whether it’s five national titles, a record-breaking USFL tenure, or leading a franchise to four consecutive Super Bowls, these legends proved that on the field, love for the game is the ultimate motivator. Join us as we look back at the birthdays of the men who shaped the history of the Buckeyes, the Eagles, and the Bills.
Football Bio
Ohio State University (Photographer not identified)
February 14, 1913 – Clifton, Ohio – The Ohio State University coaching legend Wayne Woodrow Hayes was born. We know him better as Woody Hayes, the Buckeyes front man from 1951 through 1978. Woody was a large personality and he commanded attention. The Buckeyes led the nation in home attendance in 21 of Woody’s 28 years at OSU. Hayes’ offensive football strategy was the old “Three Yards and a Cloud of Dust;” in fact, the National Football Foundation suggests that Hayes may have created the phrase. The NFF bio goes on to say how Hayes’ coaching produced three Heisman Trophy winners and 51 first-team All-America selections. The Buckeyes under Woody Hayes took the National Championship title in 1954, 1957, 1961, 1968, and 1970. He majored in English in college and always emphasized educational values in talks with players. He wasn’t without controversy, however; as an SI.com article points out, Hayes had a well-earned reputation for losing his temper. There was the time he shoved a cameraman at the Rose Bowl, and the time he destroyed the sideline markers near the end of a loss to Michigan. But his biggest tirade, and unfortunately his last impression on the football world, was his infamous punching of a Clemson player in the Gator Bowl on Dec. 29, 1978—an action that ended Hayes’ long-tenured coaching career. Woody was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
February 14, 1919 – Brookline, Massachusetts – Boston College’s legendary Guard, George Kerr was born. Kerr played on the Eagles gridiron from 1938 through the 1940 season per the National Football Foundation’s online bio. The “Righteous Reject,” as he was called at Boston College, reported to his coach the first time wearing multiple layers of sweaters and jackets to boost his weight some 25 pounds heavier than he actually was to give him the appearance of a larger stature. What the coach saw, though, was his big heart and desire to succeed at football. Through his hard work and dedication, Kerr went from the sixth team to receiving All-American mention. Kerr helped post a 26-3-2 record in three seasons, and his outstanding Sugar Bowl performance against Tennessee earned him a place on the All-Time Sugar Bowl team. George Kerr received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
February 14, 1960 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – The outstanding quarterback from the Miami Hurricanes’ program, Jim Kelly, was born. The Buffalo Bills selected Kelly in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, but the signal-caller decided to sign with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers franchise instead. The 6’-4”, 225-pound quarterback spent two seasons with the Gamblers and threw for 9,842 yards and a whopping 83 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website. When the USFL folded, Jim signed on with the NFL team that originally drafted him, the Bills, in 1986. It was a perfect fit for both parties as Kelly ran the famed “no-huddle” fast-paced offense of Coach Marv Levy to a tee. Having offensive weapons like running back Thurman Thomas and receivers Andre Reed and James Lofton didn’t hurt either. The Bills played in four straight Super Bowls in the 1990s led by Kelly’s arm. In Jim’s 11 seasons with the Bills, he led them to the AFC playoffs eight times. In those 17 playoff appearances, including four Super Bowls, Kelly tossed the ball for 3,863 yards and 21 touchdowns. Jim Kelly was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.
Conclusion
February 14th is more than just a holiday for romantics; it’s a milestone on the football calendar. The legacies of Woody Hayes, George Kerr, and Jim Kelly illustrate the diverse paths to greatness—from coaching dominance and gritty interior play to revolutionary offensive leadership. They brought championships to Ohio State, heart to Boston College, and excitement to the Buffalo Bills, cementing their places in the Hall of Fame and the memories of fans everywhere. Their stories remind us that whether you are a “Righteous Reject” or the pilot of the “K-Gun,” the gridiron rewards those with the most heart.
