Step onto the gridiron of history as we explore significant football moments occurring on this calendar date. From the foundational days of college play to crucial developments in the professional leagues, this date marks key milestones, player legacies, and pivotal events shaping the game we know today.
April 18
April 18 | This Day in American Football History
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
- Joe Montana's Farewell: Remembering a Quarterback Legend on April 18, 1995
"Harley Sewell Longhorns and Lions Hall of Fame Guard"
Last updated 📅 2025-04-18
The life and football career of College Football Hall of Fame star, Harley Sewell. Born April 18, 1931, Jefferson County, Oklahoma, was the University of Texas two-way player at guard and linebacker Harley Sewell.
Sewell was indeed a versatile player that the Longhorn’s used to gain advantages over opponents. One such instance of note, according to FootballFoundation.org, was the 1952 Cotton Bowl, where Texas blanked the Vols of Tennessee 16-0.
Sewell was named Defensive Most Valuable Player as he led a defense that held Tennessee to six first downs with negative 14 yards rushing. The National Football Foundation selected Harley Sewell for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Harley went on to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and the LA Rams.
"Willie Roaf La Tech and Saints Star Tackle"
Born on April 18, 1970, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Willie Roaf established himself as a dominant offensive tackle during his college career at Louisiana Tech from 1989 to 1992.
"Joe Montana's Farewell: Remembering a Quarterback Legend on April 18, 1995"
On April 18, 1995, the football world paused as Joe Montana, widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, announced his retirement. In a poignant, nationally televised event surrounded by his iconic teammates like Bill Walsh, Ronnie Lott, Dwight Clark, and Roger Craig, alongside executives from both the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, "Joe Cool" officially hung up his cleats. While his name is synonymous with the 49ers' dynasty, capturing four Super Bowl titles and etching his name in San Francisco lore, Montana's final two seasons were spent leading the Kansas City Chiefs after a significant 1993 trade that saw the Chiefs acquire him for a first-round pick.
"Derrick Brooks Hall of Fame Linebacker"
Born on April 18, 1973, in Pensacola, Florida, Derrick Brooks became a transformative figure in football, starting with his illustrious college career at Florida State University. A four-year starter under legendary coach Bobby Bowden, the linebacker was instrumental in the Seminoles' dominant run, culminating in their first-ever National Championship in 1993.
"1998 NFL Draft"
The 1998 NFL Draft, held on April 18-19, 1998, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was a draft class rich with talent that significantly shaped the league for years to come. The Indianapolis Colts held the first overall pick, a selection that would define their franchise for over a decade. The draft was particularly notable for the highly anticipated decision between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, a debate that dominated pre-draft discussions. Ultimately, the Colts chose Manning, a decision widely regarded as one of the best in NFL history, while Leaf, selected second by the San Diego Chargers, became one of the draft's biggest disappointments.
"April 18 American Football History"
American football history happens everyday, even in what many consider the off-season. April 18 is no exception and it blooms full of rich gridiron history and lore.
"WLAF Grants Franchise the Birmingham Fire"
On April 18, 1990, Birmingham, Alabama, was granted a charter franchise in the newly formed World League of American Football (WLAF), christened the Birmingham Fire. This marked a significant moment, bringing springtime professional football to a city with a history of supporting alternative leagues. The Fire became one of the ten inaugural teams, signaling the NFL's ambition to cultivate a developmental league with international appeal.
The Birmingham Fire quickly established itself as a competitive team within the WLAF. Under the leadership of head coach Chan Gailey, the Fire reached the playoffs in both of its seasons, 1991 and 1992. Playing their home games at Legion Field, the team garnered a dedicated local fanbase, with initial enthusiasm drawing impressive crowds. While the WLAF ultimately folded in September 1992, the Birmingham Fire left a memorable mark on the city's sporting landscape and provided a platform for players and coaches who would later make their mark in the NFL.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
_________________________
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
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