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.
May 28
May 28 | 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.
"Gridiron Finance: Bisons Owner Steps Back, Gehrig's Widow Takes the Helm"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-28
Explore a unique footnote in football history: the shift in ownership and financial leadership within the nascent AAFC.May 28, 1946, marked a significant, albeit perhaps unexpected, shift in the early landscape of professional football with developments within the fledgling All-America Football Conference (AAFC). Sam Cordovano, a partial owner of the Buffalo Bisons franchise, announced his resignation from his ownership stake. Citing the growing demands of his construction business, Cordovano also relinquished his role as the treasurer of the AAFC itself. This decision signaled the challenges faced by some of the early investors in the new league as they balanced their football ventures with existing professional obligations.
"May 28th's Gridiron Footprints: Legends Born, Careers Defined"
May 28th marks a significant date in American football history, a day that saw the arrival of both iconic figures and pivotal moments. From the birthdates of Hall of Famers like the multi-talented Jim Thorpe and the steadfast Jackie Slater, to the emergence of college stars such as the record-breaking Kirk Gibson and the electrifying Bruce Taylor, this date underscores the diverse pathways to football greatness.
"Wilson Whitley Legendary Houston Cougar Player"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-28
Wilson Whitley was a dominant defensive tackle whose career spanned both college and the NFL. Born on April 28, 1955, in Brenham, Texas, Whitley rose to prominence at the University of Houston. There, he became a consensus All-American in 1976 and won the prestigious Lombardi Award, recognizing him as the nation's top lineman. Whitley's impact on the Cougars' defense was profound, anchoring a unit that stifled opponents and led the team to a Southwest Conference title and a Cotton Bowl victory.
- HASHTAGS: #May28 #WilsonWhitley #DefensiveLine #HoustonCougars #Number78 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- EVENTDAY: May 28
- FOOTBALL NAME: Wilson Whitley
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Defensive Line
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Houston Cougars
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 78
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
Whitley's college success propelled him to the NFL, where he was drafted eighth overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1977. He played for the Bengals for six seasons, contributing to their defensive line and even reaching Super Bowl XVI. Known for his strength and skill, Whitley established himself as a solid NFL defensive tackle.
Whitley's football legacy is defined by his dominant presence on the defensive line, both in college and the NFL. His achievements at Houston, culminating in the Lombardi Award and College Football Hall of Fame induction, cemented his status as a college football great. Though his NFL career was shorter, he left a mark as a reliable and skilled player. Sadly, Whitley passed away at the young age of 37 in 1992.
"The Buckeye Commander: Rex Kern's Championship Leadership"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-28
Born on May 28, 1949, in Lancaster, Ohio, Rex Kern stepped onto the Ohio State University campus and into Buckeye lore as the quarterback from 1968 to 1970. Kern's command of Woody Hayes' offense was legendary; his confidence so unwavering that he reportedly waved off play calls, trusting his own feel for the game. This audacity, coupled with exceptional talent, defined his era in Columbus.
"The Two-Sport Titan: Kirk Gibson's Gridiron Glory"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-28
Born on May 28, 1957, in Pontiac, Michigan, Kirk Gibson is widely celebrated for his heroics in Major League Baseball, particularly his iconic home run in the 1988 World Series. However, before his legendary baseball career, Gibson was a phenomenal football player at Michigan State University from 1975 to 1978. A physically imposing and exceptionally athletic wide receiver, Gibson left an indelible mark on the Spartans' football program.
- HASHTAGS: #May28 #Football
- EVENTDAY: May 28
- PODCAST: Football
"The Dual-Threat Terrier: Bruce Taylor's Electrifying Career"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-27
Born on May 28, 1948, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Bruce Taylor made an immediate impact on the football field upon arriving at Boston University. Playing cornerback for the Terriers from 1967 to 1969, Taylor quickly established himself as a game-changing talent on both defense and special teams.
- HASHTAGS: #May28 #BruceTaylor #TaylorBruce #Cornerback #DefensiveBack #BostonCollegeEagles #Number44 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- DOB: May 28
- EVENTDAY: May 28
- FOOTBALL NAME: Bruce Taylor, Taylor Bruce
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Cornerback, Defensive Back
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Boston College Eagles
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 44
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
**College Career
Taylor's 1969 season at Boston University was nothing short of spectacular. As a defensive back and punt returner, he was instrumental in the Terriers' impressive 9-1 campaign. His electrifying punt return abilities were a constant threat, as he scored four touchdowns on returns of 100, 72, 64, and 56 yards. In total, Taylor reached the end zone six times and led his team in scoring with 36 points. He showcased his dominance in the return game by averaging an astounding 20.3 yards per punt return, amassing 527 yards on 26 returns. Taylor's exceptional collegiate performance earned him recognition as one of the nation's top players and ultimately led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
**Road to the Pro Game
Taylor's exceptional athletic prowess extended beyond the gridiron. He was also drafted by Major League Baseball's Baltimore Orioles, a testament to his all-around athletic talent. However, Taylor chose to pursue a career in professional football and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
**Football Legacy
Bruce Taylor enjoyed a successful eight-season career in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers. His transition from a standout college player to a professional contributor was seamless. In his rookie season of 1970, Taylor's impact was immediately recognized as he was named Rookie of the Year by both The Sporting News and United Press International. This rare double honor underscored his exceptional talent and immediate contribution to the 49ers' defense. While specific career statistics might vary across sources, his Rookie of the Year awards firmly establish his significant early impact in the NFL. Taylor's college exploits as a dynamic scorer and his subsequent professional recognition highlight a career defined by exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability on both the collegiate and professional levels.
**Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:
✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1997)
✦ The Sporting News NFL Rookie of the Year (1970)
UPI NFL Rookie of the Year (1970)
✦ Boston University Records: Multiple punt return records, including touchdowns and average.
✦ College: 1969: 26 punt returns, 527 yards (20.3 avg.), 4 touchdowns.
✦ College: 1969: 6 total touchdowns, 36 points (led team in scoring).
✦ MLB Draft Selection (Baltimore Orioles)
"Blackcat Boogie"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-27
May 28, 1971 Our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day comes from the Mexia Daily News in Mexia, Texas when they had a headline on May 28, 1971 that read:
Football Team is losing 22 to Graduation
The Mexia High School Black Cats football team of the 1970 season started all seniors. It is almost unheard of in college or high school to lose your entire starting team to graduation in one year. The group played their last game together on November 30, 1970 in Athens, Texas.
"Jim Thorpe The 1st Big Name of Football Stars"
Last updated 📅 2024-05-28
Jim Thorpe. The name evokes images of unparalleled athletic prowess, a man who transcended sports and symbolized Native American resilience. His football career, though relatively brief, stands as a testament to his raw talent, strategic brilliance, and unwavering determination, forever etched in the annals of gridiron history.
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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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