February 12

In this episode of the Football History Headlines, we discuss a Dallas Coach that made the playoffs every season he was with the team and the origination story of the Rams franchise as well as many more Hall of Fame 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!

February 12, 1937 - Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams franchise is officially approved to join the NFL. According to an article on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website the Rams franchise began its football life in Cleveland in 1937. They had a rough first 6 seasons as they never quite made it to the .500 mark and then they abruptly disbanded for a year in 1943 because of the World War II manpower shortages. In 1946 after businessman Dan Reeves purchased the franchise the Cleveland Rams had 15-14 victory over the Washington Redskins in the NFL championship game and the guidance of a sensational rookie quarterback from UCLA, Bob Waterfield, who was the league's Player of the Year. Just days after the Big win Reeves announced that he was moving the team to Los Angeles,California. In 1972, the Baltimore Colts' Carroll Rosenbloom traded franchises with Bob Irsay and took control of the Rams. Then in 1995, the Rams moved to St. Louis where they played in the Edward Jones Dome.Two years later, in 1999, the Rams were transformed into Super Bowl champions. Guided by quarterback Kurt Warner and running back Marshall Faulk, the team beat Tennessee 23-16 in a thrilling Super Bowl XXXIV.  In 2016, the Rams moved to Los Angeles where they play in the Los Angeles Coliseum.

February 12, 1998 - Dallas Cowboys signed Chan Gailey as their 4th head coach. In an odd twist of fate Gaily was released by Dallas after only two seasons. Chan's Cowboys team won the NFC East in 1998, and made the playoffs under his two years at the helm, although they did fail to win  even a single playoff game. Chan Gailey is the only Cowboys coach to have never missed the playoffs when with the franchise.

February 12, 2006 - Aloha Stadium, Honolulu - At the NFL Pro Bowl the NFC squad outlasted the AFC, 23-17. The game’s MVP was Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebacker Derrick Brooks.

February 12, 2013 - At a ceremony in Philadelphia, the NFL pays tribute to the life of the late Steve Sabol and his many contributions to the league. An NFL.com article informs us that Steve Sabol won over 40 Emmy awards and oversaw 107 Emmys for NFL Films. He was the Sporting News' 2002 "Sports Executive of the Year." He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003.

February 12, 1963 - Santa Clara, California - The tough tight end of the 49ers from Santa Clara University, Brent Jones was born. 

February 12, 1964 - San Antonio, Texas - Scott Thomas the great Air Force Academy defensive back arrived into life. The NFF bio of Thomas states that he was a consensus All-America honors his senior year of 1985. In that amazing season of ‘85 Scott returned a punt, kickoff and interception for a touchdown. Scott finished his excellent collegiate career with 221 career tackles with four tackles for loss, 10 passes picked and 22 pass breakups while averaging 28.8 yards per kickoff return. Scott Thomas received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

February 12, 1971 - York, Pennsylvania - The stud tackle of the Washington Huskies, Lincoln Kennedy was born. The footballfoundation.org says that Kennedy led the Washington Huskies to a perfect 12-0 national championship season in 1991 with his outstanding blocking. Lincoln was a unanimous First Team All-American in 1992, and he aided Washington into bowl games all four seasons of his career, including three consecutive Rose Bowls. Amazingly Lincoln allowed only two sacks in his four-year career! The National Football Foundation selected Lincoln Kennedy for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015. After school Kennedy was the ninth overall selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1993 NFL Draft, and he spent two seasons in Atlanta and nine seasons with the Oakland Raiders.  After he retired he has served as an analyst on the NFL Network and on Fox Sports Radio,

The Photo above in the banner was taken by photographers Harris and Ewing circa 1922 and then contributed to the US Library of Congress. Its title is simply "Football."