April 5

In this episode of the Football History Headlines, we discuss 1973 NFL rules revisions and as well as many more HOF Legendary stories.

Gridiron fans, gear up for another exciting day of football history! Dive into the archives and relive the moments that shaped the game we love. Today's headlines take us back in time, exploring everything from legendary quarterback duels that captivated a nation to groundbreaking rule changes that redefined the sport. So, whether you're a die-hard traditionalist or a stats guru, we have something for everyone. Let's lace up our virtual cleats and take a trip down memory lane!

The picture in the banner above is from the US Library of Congress' collection and was contributed by photographers Haris and Ewing circa 1908 and is titled " Georgetown Football Team ."

April 5, 1973 - The National Football League revisies its rules to adopt the jersey numbering system with:

1-19: Quarterbacks and specialists
20-49: Running backs and defensive backs
50-59: Centers and linebackers
60-79: Defensive linemen and offensive linemen other than centers
80-89: Wide receivers and tight ends
Numbers 0, 00, and 90-99 are no longer allowed to be issued, even though these numbers were rarely issued anyways. Numbers 90-99 would be allowed again in 1984 for defensive linemen and linebackers in addition to the above mentioned numbers according to the American Football Database.

Other rule revisions for the NFL were Defensive players cannot jump or stand on a teammate while trying to block a kick.
The clock is to start at the snap following a change of possession. Previously, the clock would start on a change of possession when the ball was spotted ready for play by the referee.
If there is a foul by the offensive team, and it is followed by a change of possession, the period can be extended by one play by the other team.
If the receiving team commits a foul after the ball is kicked, possession will be presumed to have changed; the receiving team keeps the ball.

Of course this had some tweaks along the way with expanding the numbers for skill players in 2020 and the reinstating of the number 0 in 2022.

April 5, 1871 - Springville, New York - Glenn "Pop" Warner the legendary head coach of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School was born. Pop's contributions to football are numerous. The was the first to teach the spiral punt technique,  first in using the "dummy practice," unbalance lines and he innovated both the single-wing and the double-wing formations that helped create both the modern spread and shot gun formations. His football mind was always at work trying to give his teams an advantage by creating the concept of the screen pass, hidden ball plays, mousetrap plays, the naked reverse and the rolling block. Warner also developed better body blocking techniques as well as introducing the three point stance according to the National Football Foundation. Besides coaching Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle team he also led squads at Pittsburgh, Georgia, Cornell, Temple and Stanford for a total combines record of 319-106-32. Pop Warner was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

April 5, 1951 - Owosso, Michigan - The Michigan State Spartans hard hitting safety , Brad Van Pelt was born.  The National Football Foundation voters chose the name of Brad Van Pelt for selection into the College Hall of Fame in 2001. Brad then went on to become a 5 time Pro Bowler as played in the NFL for 14 years with the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Oakland Raiders.