July 21

Here is what happened on July 21 in Football History: The Chicago College All-Star game series is explained, as well as the story of Hall of Fame player Bill Wallace.

We're diving into the archives to revisit the headlines that rocked the NFL landscape. From legendary draft-day decisions that changed franchises to record-breaking performances that left fans in awe, get ready to relive the electrifying moments that shaped the game we love. So, lace up your cleats and join us as we explore the captivating stories from the gridiron's rich past!

The picture in the banner above is from the US Library of Congress' collection and was contributed by Herbert A. French and the National Photo Company circa 1922 and is titled " C & P Telephone Company Office boys football team ."

The Chicago Charities College All Star games also known as the College All Star Football Classic was a preseason exhibition game that pitted the previous years season's NFL champion against a roster of All Star college players from the year prior.  The lone exception of having the NFL champ play took place in its inaugral 1934 game when the NFL runner up Chicago Bears played in the contest. The game was played from 1934 until 1976, skipping only in 1974 due to the NFL strike. At its on set the proceeds of the game benefitted the charities of the Chicago area and was almost always played at Soldier Field in the Windy City, with the exception of 1943 and 1944 when it was hosted by Northwestern University at Dyche Field.

A Newspapers.com supplied July 24, 1934 edition of the Austin American gives us an in depth look at how the team that would play the Bears in that inagural charity game to be played on August 31, 1934. The article says that as of July 24 the vote for college players and a coach to lead them were still in the works. Early ticket sales indicated that nearly 100,000 people were expected for attendance according to the United Press. That figure may have been inflated to draw attention for the event as with the benefit of hindsite the attendance was listed at 79,432 that witnessed the 0-0 tie between the Bears and the All-Stars.

This brilliant concept of exhibition was the product of Arch Ward, the editor of the Chicago Tribune and creator of the MLB All star Game. Speaking of Arch Ward, what an intersting figure in sports history this guy was! Ward according to Brittanica.com initiated the Major Legue Baseball All-Star game in 1933, this football All-Star game in 1934, the Golden Gloves Boxing competition in 1926. Arch is also received credit as one of the orchestrators of the All American Football Conference that started in 1946 and eventually had three teams; the Browns, 49ers and Colts, merge into the NFL.

In the 42 games played the College All Stars in fact won 9 of them and the game ended with tied score twice with 31 victories going to the favored NFL champs.

July 22, 2020 - In a precautionary measure to prevent players, coaches and other personnel from the spread of COVID-19, the NFL cancelled all Preseason contests for the 2020 season.

July 21, 1912 - El Campo, Texas - Bill Wallace was a halfback from Rice University from the seasons of 1932, 1934 and 1935 was born. According to the National Football Foundation the modern fans can't possibly imagine the incredible talents of Wallace. This man in track and field was an highly talented and regarded sprinter and hurdler, on the gridiron, he was an elusive ballcarrier as well as an extremely accurate passer, a precision punter and a talented safety. In the 1934 Texas game without using his rushing skills he showed everyone that they could be used as a deterrant to unleash the rest of his skillful arsenal. Bill pinpointed punts three dead just short of the goal line, one even from 70 yards out. On two others in that game he punted out of bounds inside the ten-yard line pinning the Longhorns deep. Time after time he circled to the left drawing the Texas secondary out of position to leave their coverage and rush towards the line of scrimmage to stop him. Then, with only three minutes to go and Texas in the lead he circled left again, but instead of advancing, he promptly stopped and fired a long left-handed pass far across the field. End Ray Smith, with no defender even close to him, hauled in the pass and crossed the goal line, putting Rice ahead. After an interception, Rice scored again as the game ended in victory, but Wallace wasn't through yet with the Rice cause. A fan tried to make off with the ball from the point-after kick after that final score. Wallace flew after him, busting through the interference of 20 or 30 spectators. Bill sent them all realing and returned to the field with the game ball to celebrate the victory. Wallace was also Rice's initial first team All-America selection.The collegiate career story of Bill Wallace was entered into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1978. 

For more stats on football people born on July 21st check out Pro Football Reference.

See something that happened on this date that we missed? Please let us know via email at PigskinDispatch@gmail.com.

We will provide you with a little bit of football nostalgia. This daily football history segment features the Great events, Franchise formation anniversaries as well as the birthdays of notable players, coaches or anyone else in our great game.