By Darin 
From Red Grange’s Farewell to Strahan’s Record: The Legendary November 21 in Football History
November 21 is a date bursting with football royalty, marking the beginning and end of multiple iconic careers, record-breaking achievements, and dramatic upsets. The ultimate hook? It was the day football said goodbye to its first true superstar: Red Grange. On November 21, 1925, Grange played his final college game for Illinois against Ohio State in a match that set a national paid attendance record with over 84,000 fans. Immediately after the final whistle, Grange signed his pro contract with the Chicago Bears, instantly launching the NFL into the modern era. This day also marks the birthdays of Hall of Fame legends Troy Aikman and Michael Strahan—the latter of whom still holds the NFL’s single-season sack record.
November 21 Football History Headlines
November 21, 1925 – Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio – Red Grange played in his final collegiate game when the University of Illinois traveled to face Ohio State in a high-profile match. Big game indeed, as the over 84,000 in attendance set a national record at the time for paid attendance at a sporting event. Grange and the Illini would not disappoint their fans that day as the final score read Illinois 14, Ohio State 9. Red Grange completed his 1923 season with 605 yards rushing, complemented by 106 yards passing, 6 touchdowns, and a whopping 7 interceptions on defense. Talk about a well-rounded player. Right after the game, Grange signed his first pro contract with the NFL’s Chicago Bears and even completed that season with the team. For more on this story, get yourself a copy of our latest book, “Red Grange & Chicago Bears 1925-1926 Barnstorming Tour: 100th Anniversary Scrapbook,” written by NFL Films’ Chris Willis, and compiled by Darin Hayes.
November 21, 1931 – In one of the greatest comebacks in Trojan football history, USC rallies from a 14-0 deficit with six minutes to play. In the final minute, John Baker kicked a 23-yard field goal to beat the Irish 16-14. After the game, USC coach Howard Jones took his entire team to visit the grave of his friend Knute Rockne in Highland Cemetery. In the chill November evening, they paid silent tribute to the fallen Irish coach. Notre Dame’s streak of twenty-six undefeated games had been broken. (source)
November 21, 1998 – Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama – This was the 63rd time that Alabama and Auburn met competitively on the gridiron. It would also be the last time that old Legion Field would host the spectacle, per the Alabama News Center website. Auburn jumped out to a 17-0 lead early, but its lead dwindled to 3 points by halftime. The Tide made some further adjustments in the locker room and, with strong defense and a couple of Shawn Alexander scores on the ground, Alabama defeated Auburn 31-17 in the game dubbed the Iron Bowl.
November 21, 2004 – Frank Clair Stadium, Ottawa – In the CFL’s 92nd Grey Cup, the Toronto Argonauts knocked off the B.C. Lions, 27-19. This was the first Grey Cup game played on the next-generation FieldTurf surface, according to onthisday.com.
November 21 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Aubrey Devine
- Sid Luckman
- Jim Ringo
- Thomas Everett
- Troy Aikman
- Michael Strahan
Conclusion
November 21 is a masterclass in football history, showcasing the incredible longevity of the sport’s greatest figures. From Red Grange’s pivotal jump to the professional ranks, which fundamentally changed the economics of the NFL, to the dramatic conclusion of Notre Dame’s 26-game unbeaten streak by USC in 1931—followed by a solemn team tribute at Knute Rockne’s grave—the day is rich with foundational stories. The birthdays of Troy Aikman, Michael Strahan (who retired as a Super Bowl champion with the single-season sack record), and Hall of Fame center Jim Ringo ensure that the legacy of November 21 continues to be defined by elite talent, championship success, and enduring records.