By Darin February 24 marks a powerhouse date in gridiron history, bridging the gap between collegiate legends and professional milestones. From the birth of University of Michigan icons like Bennie Oosterbaan and Bob Chappuis to the defensive dominance of NFL Hall of Famer Fred Dean, this day is steeped in football excellence. Beyond the players, we revisit the transformative 1989 sale of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the conclusion of the very first WLAF draft. Dive into the archives as we celebrate the hall-of-fame legacies and league-altering events that define February 24 in football history.
How about today’s image has a bit of University of Michigan in its flavor…
It was published by the Board in Control of Physical Education at the University of Michigan. via Wikimedia Commons
February 24 American Football History Timeline
- February 24, 1989 – Harold E. Ballard sold the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats to David Braley per OnThisDay.com. Braley was the owner of three Canadian Football League teams over the years and was once the Canadian League’s interim commissioner. His other former teams were the B.C. Lions and the Toronto Argonauts. According to an ESPN.com article, “His teams won four CFL titles, among them Toronto’s championship in the 100th Grey Cup in 2012.”
- February 24, 1991, End of World League of American Football’s (WLAF) 1st draft. According to a web page titled World League of American Football, “The NY/NJ Knights make the first selection on the first day of the WLAF draft and choose 6-3, 290lb offensive tackle Caesar Rentie of Oklahoma.” on February 14 to kick off the picking of teams from scratch draft. This final day of picking was to choose defensive backs and assign 40 Operation Discovery players for each franchise. After some ups and downs and major changes, the leagues disbanded in 2007 under the moniker of NFL Europe.
February 24 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Bennie Oosterbaan
- Fred Sington
- Bob Chappuis
- Fred Dean
Conclusion
Whether it is the birth of a triple All-American or the expansion of professional football into global markets, February 24 serves as a recurring calendar highlight for fans of the game. The legends born on this day—Dean, Sington, Chappuis, and Oosterbaan—set the standard for grit and talent on the field, while owners like David Braley ensured the sport’s infrastructure thrived for decades. As we look back on these milestones, we are reminded that the history of football is not just found in the stat sheets, but in the enduring legacies of the men who shaped the game.
