By Darin The 1919 American football season was a pivotal “bridge” year, marking the sport’s return to normalcy after the disruptions of World War I and the 1918 flu pandemic. It was a season defined by the dominance of traditional powerhouses and the emergence of legends.
1919 College Football Highlights
College football remained the primary focus of the American sporting public. The season saw several teams claim a stake in the national championship:
- Harvard: Finished 9–0–1 and defeated Oregon in the Rose Bowl.
- Illinois: Led by Bob Zuppke, they finished 6–1 and were a consensus choice for the title.
- Texas A&M & Notre Dame: Both finished undefeated and untied, with the Fighting Irish beginning their rise to national prominence under Knute Rockne in his second year.
- Individual Brilliance: This was the year Chick Harley of Ohio State solidified his status as one of the era’s greatest players, leading the Buckeyes to a near-perfect season.
The Birth of Professional Giants
While the NFL (originally the APFA) wouldn’t be founded until 1920, the 1919 season laid the groundwork for professional football:
- The Green Bay Packers: Founded by Curly Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun on August 11, 1919. They played their first season against other semi-pro teams in the “Independents” circuit, finishing with an impressive 10–1 record.
- The Ohio League: Professional teams like the Canton Bulldogs and Massillon Tigers continued their fierce rivalry, featuring stars like Jim Thorpe.
A Deep Dive into 1919 Football History and Highlights
- January 1, 1919 – The Rose Bowl: The Great Lakes Navy defeats Mare Island, 17–0. The only TD in the Great Lakes was a Paddy Driscoll pass to George Halas. Driscoll also tacked on one of GL’s field Goals.
- Spring 1919 – The University of Washington adopted the nickname of the Sun Dodgers.
- August 11, 1919 – The Green Bay Packers were founded by Curly Lambeau and George Whitney Calhoun.
- Fall 1919 – The State College of Washington (Washington State) football officially adopted the Cougars nickname.