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 22
April 22 | 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.
"Pat Tillman Dies a Hero"
Last updated 📅 2025-04-22
April 22, 2004- Arizona Cardinals Safety Patrick Tillman is killed by gunfire in the war in Afghanistan while on patrol with the US Army Rangers. Ryan’s news clip shows how Tillman patriotically left a $3.6 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals to serve his country and his younger brother, Kevin. Tillman, just in his act of leaving big money to risk his life for God and country, went from being a gridiron star to being a real hero in his quest to preserve freedom! The PatTillmanfundation.org adds that Pat served on multiple tours of duty, including in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004. On the evening of April 22, 2004, Pat’s unit was ambushed as it traveled through the rugged canyon terrain of eastern Afghanistan. His heroic efforts to provide cover for fellow soldiers as they escaped from the canyon led to his untimely and tragic death via fratricide.
- HASHTAGS: #April22 #PatrickTillman
- EVENTDAY: April 22
- FOOTBALL NAME: Patrick Tillman
✦ Pat Tillman paid the ultimate price to protect others
Classic Class Acts off the football field are not always those who feed people in need or start and head up charities. The men and women associated with football who put their lives on the line to protect us are also in the Class Act category. This issue of our series will go back to the 2000’s and then Arizona Cardinal Safety, Pat Tillman.
Patrick Daniel Tillman was born in November 1976 to his parents, Mary and Patrick Kevin Tillman, in Fremont, California. Pat had not always dreamed of playing football. In 9th grade, he was a catcher for his Leland High School baseball team but failed to make the varsity squad. Crushed by this, Tillman took a stab at football in his sophomore year. He eventually led his team to the Central Coast Division I championship in later years on the gridiron. Pat then attended and played for Arizona State on a football scholarship as a linebacker.
The Arizona Cardinals chose Tillman in the 1998 draft as a safety, and he even started ten games in his rookie season. He was honored and very loyal to the Cardinal organization and showed this by turning down a very lucrative offer by the then St. Louis Rams in 2002 to stay with the Red Birds. The stalwart stayed very close to his family and friends and treasured his relationships with them, as expressed in personal writings recovered after his untimely death.
The events that occurred on 9/11/2001 inspired him to leave his lucrative football career and join the US Army Rangers. As a member of the elite fighters, he served on several tours of duty in Afghanistan. On May 28, 2004, the national hero passed reportedly from friendly fire while in the line of duty.
This young man held the world by the strings but made the ultimate sacrifice when he left his comfy life and chose to fight for freedom and serve the citizens of the United States. As Jesus said, there is no greater sacrifice than to lay down your life for your friends. Tillman is a true example of this, and we salute you, Patrick Daniel Tillman. He was a true hero and a class act, and he deserved credit for serving his country with honor, dying in the line of duty, and showing us all what serving others truly is.
"Barton Koch Baylor Legendary Lineman"
Last updated 📅 2025-04-22
Barton "Botchey" Koch (April 22, 1907) was a pioneering figure in American college football, renowned for his exceptional skill and tenacity as a guard. Koch's career reached its zenith at Baylor University, where he became the first consensus All-American in Southwest Conference history in 1930.
- HASHTAGS: #April22 #BartonKoch #Guard #BaylorBears #NumberB4 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- EVENTDAY: April 22
- FOOTBALL NAME: Barton Koch
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Guard
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Baylor Bears
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number B4
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
Koch's prowess on the field was marked by his aggressive and relentless style of play. Despite a significant knee injury in his high school years, he consistently delivered outstanding performances, earning accolades from coaches and sportswriters alike. His abilities were so impressive that he garnered praise from legendary figures like Knute Rockne, who considered Koch the best guard he had ever seen.
Koch's impact extended beyond his on-field achievements. He was selected to prestigious honors, including the All-Southern team and Grantland Rice's All-America team. His performance in the East-West Shrine Game further solidified his reputation as a dominant force.
Koch's legacy is firmly entrenched in the annals of college football history. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974, a testament to his enduring significance. He also received honors from the Texas Sports Hall of Fame and the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. Koch's contributions to Baylor University and the sport of football continue to be celebrated, recognizing him as one of the greatest players of his time.
"1995 NFL Draft"
Last updated 📅 2025-04-22
The 1995 NFL Draft, held on April 22, 1995, was a significant event for many franchises, as they looked to secure the next generation of NFL talent. The Cincinnati Bengals, holding the first overall pick, selected Penn State running back Ki-Jana Carter. Carter was a highly touted prospect with explosive speed and potential to be a star, but his career was unfortunately hampered by injuries.
"1990 NFL Draft"
Last updated 📅 2025-04-22
The 1990 NFL Draft, held in New York City on April 22nd, was a significant event in NFL history, marked by several high-profile selections and the emergence of future Hall of Famers. The Indianapolis Colts kicked off the draft by selecting University of Illinois quarterback Jeff George with the first overall pick. George was a highly touted prospect, but his NFL career did not fully live up to the expectations that came with being the top pick.
"2010 NFL Draft"
Last updated 📅 2025-04-22
The 2010 NFL Draft, held on April 22, 2010, was a significant event for many franchises, as they looked to secure the next generation of NFL talent. The St. Louis Rams, holding the first overall pick, selected Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford. While Bradford had a promising college career, injuries and inconsistency marked his time in the NFL.
"Gridiron Greatness: April 22nd Pigskin History"
On This Gridiron Day, April 22nd, marks a significant date for football enthusiasts! From legendary careers forged to unforgettable draft moments, this day weaves a rich tapestry in the sport's timeline. Join us as we explore the gridiron events and legacies that have shaped the game we love.
Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the go to The Official PFRA Website.
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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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