By Darin February 19 in Football History: The Zuppke Helmet Revolution and Hall of Fame Icons
From the birth of the modern “shock-absorbing” helmet to the arrival of the NFL’s all-time interception king, February 19th is a date defined by safety innovation and defensive dominance. It is the day Bob Zuppke changed the way we protect the gridiron’s warriors with the “ZH” suspension system and the day Paul Krause began a journey that would lead to 81 career interceptions and a bronze bust in Canton. Alongside these milestones, we celebrate the trailblazing coaching legacy of Rudy Hubbard, the man who led Florida A&M to a historic national title. Join us as we dive into the archives to explore the innovators and legends who shaped the game on this day in history.
Before we take in the history, let’s breath in a bit of nostalgia with this great piece of American football art.
February 19 Football History Timeline
- February 19, 1917 – Helmets are manufactured with interior padding, suspended leather straps, and ear-hole cutouts. These new-fangled head protectors were called Zuppke Helmets, or ZH for short, named after the man who conceived the concept, Head Coach Bob Zuppke of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, according to the Time Toast website. The suspension innovation served as a shock absorber, reducing impact.
February 19 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- February 19, 1942 – Flint, Michigan – The great Safety out of Iowa, Paul Krause, was born.
- February 1946 – Hubbard, Ohio – The famed head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers, Roy Hubbard.
Conclusion
The legacy of February 19th highlights the vital intersection of engineering and elite performance. Whether it was Bob Zuppke’s mechanical foresight in creating the suspension helmet or Paul Krause’s instinctive brilliance in the secondary, these pioneers ensured that the game grew safer and more spectacular. Furthermore, Rudy Hubbard’s championship leadership remains a testament to the excellence of HBCU football and its place at the top of the collegiate mountain. On this day, we celebrate the thinkers, the playmakers, and the leaders who left an indelible mark on the sport.
Sources:
- Time Toast – History of Football Helmets
- Pro Football Hall of Fame – Paul Krause
- National Football Foundation – Rudy Hubbard
