April 8

In this episode of the Football History Headlines, we discuss some number one NFL Draft pick anniversaries and the historic naming of a woman to an on field NFL position as well as many more HOF Legendary stories.

As we flip the calendar page, we delve into another chapter of pigskin history. From legendary comebacks that defied the odds to record-breaking performances that left fans speechless, remarkable moments unfolded on this very date. So, buckle up and get ready to relive iconic plays, celebrate trailblazing athletes, and revisit the captivating stories that continue to shape the ever-evolving narrative of professional football. Let's lace up our cleats and journey back in time to witness the incredible feats that transpired on this historic day in the NFL!

April 8, 1943 - Frank Sinkwich from University of Georgia was the  first pick by Detroit Lions at the 1943 NFL Draft. Frank won the Heisman Trophy in 1942 playing for the University of Georgia, making him the first recipient from the Southeastern Conference, the first Georgia Bulldog and the first Heisman winner born outside of the United States. Sinkwich was born in Croatia before his parents immigrated to America. The Heisman.com website states that  Frank was a two-time All-Pro selection with Detroit in 1943-44 but a knee injury in 1945 essentially ended his professional football career. He later served as head coach of an Erie, Pa., professional team in 1949 and as head coach at the University of Tampa in 1950-51.

April 8, 1945  - At the 1945 NFL Draft Charley Trippi from University of Georgia first pick by Chicago Cardinals. Charley was the subject of an early pro football bidding war as the AAFC’s New York Yankees even had called for a press conference to announce Trippi as their newest member when Chicago Cardinals owner Charles W. Bidwill Sr. announced in Chicago he had signed Trippi to a four-year contract worth $100,000. For those days, the size of the contract was stunning news and a big breakthrough in the inter-league war.
Trippi's acquisition completed Bidwill’s quest for a "Dream Backfield." Although Bidwill did not live to see it, Charley became the game breaker in a talented corps that included Paul Christman, Pat Harder, Marshall Goldberg and, later, Elmer Angsman.

April 8, 1966 - Al Davis at the age of 36 became the commissioner of the AFL after a league-wide vote.

April 8, 1976 - Lee Roy Selmon from University of Oklahoma became the first pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the 1976 NFL Draft.

April 8, 2004 - Steve Bisciotti took over as the controlling owner of the Baltimore Ravens on this day succeeding Art Modell, who operated the franchise for 43 years both in Cleveland as the former Browns and the newly named franchise in Baltimore. Since Bisciotti took over in 2004, the Ravens' 151 wins are the fifth-most in the NFL. The NFL.com's archives even reveal that  Ravens were Super Bowl XLVII 47 champions in the 2012 season and their young quarterback Lamar Jackson was named the 2019 AP MVP.

April 8, 2015 - Sarah Thomas became the first woman to be assigned full-time to an NFL officiating crew. Thomas was also the first female in stripes to work an NFL postseason game  at the 2018 AFC Divisional Round between the Patriots and Chargers according to an NFL.com article. 
 

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April 8, 1924 - Cleveland, Ohio - Notre Dame’s position flexible end and tackle Jim Martin was born. Jim Martin was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. There is more on this legend by clicking his name.

April 8, 1955 - Houston, Texas - Southern Cal’s stellar running back Ricky Bell celebrated his arrival into this life. Ricky Bell received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. 

April 8, 1967 - Terre Haute, Indiana - The tough Indiana Hoosier runner Anthony Thompson was born. You know that someone is an impressive player when a famous opposing coach has good things to say about them. Iowa’s Head man, Hayden Fry said, ”Anthony Thompson is by far the best running back we’ve seen in years and years and years.” The National Football Foundation shares that Thompson was the Hoosier’s leading rusher in just his freshman season after not getting a start until week 8! Anthony missed the first six weeks of practice due to a deep thigh bruise and did not make his first start until the season’s eighth game. In that game he set a Big Ten freshman rushing record with 207 yards! He kept those legs churning in his second season too as he eclipsed the 100 yard mark in five games to surpass 100 yards on the season. As a junior he was selected as a consensus All-American and placed ninth in the Heisman voting. His rushing totals were third nationally and was the nation’s second leading scorer with 24 touchdowns. Anthony also had the great skill set of catching the ball out of the backfield as a dual threat to defenses that opposed Indiana. As a senior, he narrowly missed winning the Heisman in one of the closest votes in the trophy’s history. However, he did win the Maxwell and Camp Awards, the two other major player of the year trophies. Thompson led the nation in both rushing and scoring and was fourth in all-purpose yardage. At the end of his career he held the all-time Division I record for touchdowns. IU now names its MVP award in his name.Anthony Thompson was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. 

The picture in the banner above is from the US Library of Congress' collection and was contributed by photographer Jack Delano circa 1941 and is titled " Greensboro ."

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