By Darin On March 18th, football’s rich history takes center stage. Today, we dive into iconic moments—starting with the 1970 decision to make Wilson the NFL’s official ball—revisit Benny Friedman‘s passing game revolution, and celebrate birthdays of “Iron Mike” Webster, Curt Warner, and “Gunner” Frank Gatski. Grab your helmet as we revisit everything from the 1926 Michigan-Ohio State thriller to Steelers championship dynasties.
March 18 American Football History Timeline
When I ate breakfast this morning, I knew today would not be boring, and boy, was that feeling intuitive because we have some great tales of the gridiron for this episode coming up!
- On March 18, 1970, the NFL selected Wilson as the official football & scoreboard for the official time.
March 18 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Happy Birthday to these legends of the gridiron! Here is your March 18 list, ordered by their year of birth:
- Benny Friedman [1905] A true pioneer of the modern passing game at Michigan, Friedman was a “triple-threat” star who later became the NFL’s first great passer. He earned All-NFL honors for four consecutive years across three different teams and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for proving the forward pass could be a primary weapon.
- Frank Wickhorst [1905] The inspirational captain of the 1926 Navy team, Wickhorst famously rallied his squad to an undefeated season with a goal-line stand and touchdown drive against Army. A standout tackle and All-American, he later served as the head coach at the University of California.
- Wear Schoonover [1910] The first-ever All-American from the Southwest Conference, this Arkansas end was a dominant two-way force who once intercepted five passes in a single game. His playmaking ability was legendary, once returning a pick 92 yards for a touchdown and blocking a game-winning extra point in the same season.
- Frank “Gunner” Gatski [1919] A relentless center who anchored the legendary Cleveland Browns offensive lines of the 1940s and 50s, Gatski played in a staggering 11 championship games in 12 seasons. Known for his incredible durability and strength, the “Gunner” won eight world titles and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- James “Froggy” Williams [1928] A consensus All-American at Rice, “Froggy” was a scoring machine as an end and kicker, once lifting the Owls to a dramatic 17-15 victory over rival Texas with a clutch field goal. He left Rice as the school’s all-time leading scorer and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1965.
- Mike Webster [1952] Affectionately known as “Iron Mike,” Webster was the heart of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” dynasty, winning four Super Bowl rings. He was arguably the greatest center in NFL history, playing 10 consecutive seasons without missing a single offensive snap and earning nine Pro Bowl selections.
- Curt Warner [1961] A dynamic running back who led Penn State to the 1982 National Championship, Warner left the school with 42 records, including career rushing and all-purpose yardage. He transitioned seamlessly to the NFL, where he became a four-time All-Pro and a cornerstone of the Seattle Seahawks’ offense in the 1980s.
Conclusion
March 18 is a cornerstone date for football excellence. These players didn’t just accumulate stats; they built the foundation of the game, proving that whether you are a “slippery” end like “Froggy” Williams or a durable anchor like Webster, greatness is defined by staying power and leadership. As we look back at these Hall of Fame careers, it’s clear that the spirit of the game was forged by the legends born on this very day.
