By Darin April 17th stands out in football history as both a day of reckoning and a day of renewal. In 1963, the NFL was rocked by a gambling scandal: Commissioner Pete Rozelle handed down indefinite suspensions to icons Paul Hornung and Alex Karras. While Hornung’s ties to a “mystery businessman” and Karras’s admitted bets for cigars dominated headlines, the league sent a clear message on integrity. Years later, the mood of April 17 shifted with the 1999 NFL Draft, as the Cleveland Browns selected Tim Couch first overall, launching a class that included Hall of Famers Edgerrin James and Champ Bailey, and Mike Ditka’s infamous “all-in” trade for Ricky Williams.
The day also celebrates legendary births, from the “Owatonna Thunderbolt” Herb Joesting, who inspired a young Bronko Nagurski, to Tony Boselli, the first-ever Jacksonville Jaguar, and a mountain of a man who dominated the offensive line. Whether it was Bill Redell’s “balanced” NAIA brilliance or the high-stakes drama of the draft, April 17th proves that the gridiron is where character and talent are tested in equal measure.
First, a moment to enjoy the gridiron art of the past.
April 17 American Football History Timeline
- On April 17, 1963, Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers & Alex Karras of the Detroit Lions were suspended indefinitely from the NFL for betting on NFL games. (full coverage of the 1963 NFL betting scandal)
- On April 17, 1999, the NFL Draft was held. University of Kentucky quarterback Tim Couch was the first pick by the expansion Cleveland Browns franchise. (full coverage of the 1999 NFL Draft)
April 17 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Happy Birthday to these gridiron legends! Since today is April 17, we celebrate three Hall of Fame-caliber talents who dominated their respective eras with power, versatility, and size.
Here is the list in order of birth:
- Herb Joesting [April 17, 1905]. Known as the “Owatonna Thunderbolt,” Joesting was a three-time All-American fullback at Minnesota whose bruising style was so effective that Knute Rockne once offered a new suit to any Notre Dame player who could tackle him for a loss. A 1954 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, his legendary performance inspired a young teammate named Bronko Nagurski.
- Bill Redell [April 17, 1941] A rare “do-it-all” talent for Occidental College, “The Falcon” amassed over 1,500 yards both passing and rushing while also starring as a defensive back and kicker. After a successful six-year CFL career, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and became a legendary high school coach in California.
- Tony Boselli [April 17, 1972] A massive 6′-8″ tackle, Boselli was a dominant force for USC, earning three All-American nods and the Morris Trophy as the Pac-10’s top lineman. He became the first-ever draft pick for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he earned five Pro Bowl selections and paved the way for his 2022 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Conclusion
From the shadows of the 1963 gambling suspensions to the bright lights of the 1999 NFL Draft, April 17th embodies the sport’s volatility and vibrance. The league’s firm hand in guarding the game’s integrity stands alongside the excitement of the Jaguars’ and the reborn Browns’ franchise beginnings. The legacies of Joesting, Boselli, and Redell demonstrate that, whether through pure power or versatile skill, players born on this date shaped the classic gridiron lore we celebrate today.
