July 4

In this episode we discuss and celebrate the only man in pro football history to do almost everything on the contribution front, a couple of items of CFL history and the birthdays of some very special Hall of Fame players are revered and remembered! 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 Hall of Fame players, coaches or anyone else in our great game and many more  Legendary stories of the Gridiron.

The picture in the banner above is from the US Library of Congress Collection taken by Harris and Ewing Photographers in 1905 and is called Birth of the American Flag.

Below is Old Glory on the practice field goal posts at McDowell High School in Erie, PA taken by Darin Hayes 2020.

The July 4, 1968 Ottawa-Citizen provides our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day when it posted its commentary of:

Time to drop import rule

The article discusses the plight in Canada where Canadian football players were raising their prices based on supply and demand in the CFL. At the time each of the Canadian Football League franchises were to have no less than 18 Canadians on their active roster. Ottawa Rough Riders head coach at the time, Frank Clair was quoted saying, "I predict that if prices of Canadian players continue to rise then the import rule will go." According to the CFL.CA website the current import rule reads, "Each team may have a maximum of 46 players, including 2 players who shall be identified as quarterbacks and 44 other players, of whom not more than 20 may be American players."

If you want to be able to be able to read through some old articles like The Ottawa-Citizen, you need to check out Newspapers.com. At Newspapers.com, you can get access to over 640 million pages’ worth of news from the US, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland and more dating back from 1798 to yesterday.  Get a free one week subscription to Newspapers.com by visiting SportsHistoryNetwork.com/newspapers. And with a paid subscription, you’ll also be helping to support the production of this and other Sports History Network shows. 

Speaking of the CFL

July 4, 1995 - In the CFL the Birmingham (Alabama) Barracudas played their first game defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 38-10. Unfortunately the squad folded after just one season in the Canadian Football League.

• July 4, 1912 - Nekoosa, Wisconsin - Edgar Manske the legendary Northwestern end from 1931 to 1933 was born. The National Football Foundation says this player had a lot going for him. He worked his way through college, married a campus beauty queen and was the last man to play football without a helmet. Manske was known to friends and opponents alike as “Eggs.” He played three years at end for Northwestern and was named All-America by United Press in 1933. With no athletic scholarships available in that era, Manske worked his butt off during the school year. He even continued his education after graduation at Northwestern, and he obtained a law degree. The National Football Foundation bio goes on to say that his life was varied after his Northwestern education. He spent 1934, as assistant coach at Boston University, played pro football 1935-1940, and was with the Chicago Bears when they beat Washington 73-0 in the 1940 championship game. That was his last pro game, but he played in 1942, with St. Mary's Preflight School and was All-Service All-America. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Edgar Manske into their legendary museum in 1989.    
• July 4, 1929 - Brockton, Massachusetts - Al Davis is the Pro Football Hall of Fame legendary owner of the Oakland and LA Raiders. His famous monicker was "Just win baby." The man was involved with Pro football for 49 years as not only a franchise owner but also as a personnel director, scout, coach, general manager and even as the AFL’s Commissioner for a time. The only person in history to perform all of those duties! In fact Davis was instrumental in the quick merger of the two Leagues in the late 1960’s putting the NFL on an aggressive upward trajectory. The Al Davis led Raiders had the top record of all professional teams for the period of 1963 to 1991. Davis helped the Raiders to Super Bowl wins XI, XV, XVIII ... AFL Coach of the year in 1963.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Al Davis as a contributor in  1992.
• July 4, 1942 - New Haven, Connecticut - Syracuse halfback from 1964 to 1966, Floyd Little arrived into the world. This legendary back has a great story as told by the National Football Foundation. At Syracuse he is connected with other great Orange legendary runners, Ernie Davis and Jim Brown as they all wore the special jersey number 44 at the school and in fact it was retired in honor of all three after Little played his last game. Floyd was a three-time All-America halfback who was a specialist as a return man. Little led the nation with 1990 all-purpose yards along with 23.5 yards punt return average as a junior in 1965. He still holds the Syracuse career record with six punt returns for touchdowns. The 1966 ECAC Player of the Year, Little finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting twice. He averaged 5.4 yards as a rusher, 20 yards on punt returns, and 29 yards on kickoff returns. Floyd’s longest punt returns included 90 yards against UCLA and 71 yards against Penn State in 1964; 95 yards against Pittsburgh and 91 against Penn State in 1965. His best rushing games included 216 yards in the 1967 Gator Bowl against Tennessee; 196 against West Virginia in 1965; and 193 against Florida State in 1966. He scored five touchdowns against Kansas in 1964. One of the most amazing facts is that Floyd shared the same Orange backfield as legendary runner Larry Csonka.    Floyd Little’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1983. The Pro Football Hall of Fame shares that Little was picked by the Denver Broncos in the 1967 Draft as the sixth overall player selected. The Bronco’s used him mostly as a return specialist at first. As a rookie he led the American Football League in punt returns with a 16.9 average on 16 returns. That first season Floyd scored his only TD in the AFL courtesy of his 72-yard return against the New York Jets. Little also returned a career-high 35 kickoffs for 942 yards. Over the next couple of years he worked hard to enhance his pro rushing skills and by his third season Denver gave him more carries. Little rose to the challenge too as he averaged a league-high and career best 5.0 yards per carry. In 1971, he became the first 1,000-yard rusher in Denver Broncos history. FLoyd then went on and won the NFL rushing title that year as he finished with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and scored 6 touchdowns! Floyd Little was also enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 2010 class.  
• July 4, 1943 - Augusta, Georgia - Maryland Eastern Shore’s halfback from 1962 to 1965, Emerson Boozer claimed his date of birth. The NFF says in Emerson’s bio that he was a two-time First Team All-America by the Pittsburgh Courier, Boozer amassed 2,537 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career. He averaged a remarkable 6.78 yards per carry and was named a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All- Conference pick in 1964 and '65. Emerson Boozer received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Boozer played professionally in both the AFL and the NFL for the NY Jets. He won a ring in Super Bowl III when the Jets defeated the Colts.   
• July 4, 1953 - Inglewood, California - Bob Breunig who was a 1972 to 1974 standout Arizona State linebacker was born. The NFF tells us that Bob was a First Team All-American in 1974. Breunig finished his career as Arizona State’s all-time leader with 353 tackles and a stellar 206 solo tackles placing him in the school’s top ten for both. Breunig was named Arizona State’s MVP in 1974, and he appeared in the Coaches All-America Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl following his senior season. The standout linebacker played with College Football Hall of Famers Michael Haynes, John Jefferson and Danny White during one of the most successful runs in school history as the Sun Devils had consecutive Fiesta Bowl wins and WAC titles in 1972 and 1973. Bob Breunig was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015 after the National Football Foundation tabulated up their votes. Bob was taken in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise according to the NFF. He became a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Cowboys in tackles for four seasons and was a part in helping the Cowboys to three Super Bowl appearances and a win in Super Bowl XII.
• July 4, 1962 - LeFlore County, Mississippi - Mississippi Valley State Quarterback from the seasons of 1982 through 1985, Willie Totten arrived into this life. In his National Football Foundation Bio, Totten is described as "The Satellite."  Willie’s college career was definitely in outer orbit as he is the Division I-AA's all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711) and single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984). He twice led the nation in passing efficiency. Five times in Totten's career he passed for more than 530 yards in a single game, including a 599-yard performance in 1984 against Prairie View. WIllie’s favorite receiver, well he is a guy by the name of Jerry Rice. Ever hear of him? These two teamed up to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Willie earned First Team All-America status in 1984 after leading the nation and setting the all-time single-season touchdown passes mark with 56 for all divisions of the nation’s colleges. He had a brief professional career in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues and then went back to his studies earning his master's degree from Grambling before becoming the head football coach at his alma mater in 2001. The National Football Foundation selected Willie Totten for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.  

• July 4, 1912 - Nekoosa, Wisconsin - Edgar Manske the legendary Northwestern end from 1931 to 1933 was born. The National Football Foundation says this player had a lot going for him. He worked his way through college, married a campus beauty queen and was the last man to play football without a helmet. Manske was known to friends and opponents alike as “Eggs.” He played three years at end for Northwestern and was named All-America by United Press in 1933. With no athletic scholarships available in that era, Manske worked his butt off during the school year. He even continued his education after graduation at Northwestern, and he obtained a law degree. The National Football Foundation bio goes on to say that his life was varied after his Northwestern education. He spent 1934, as assistant coach at Boston University, played pro football 1935-1940, and was with the Chicago Bears when they beat Washington 73-0 in the 1940 championship game. That was his last pro game, but he played in 1942, with St. Mary's Preflight School and was All-Service All-America. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Edgar Manske into their legendary museum in 1989.    
• July 4, 1929 - Brockton, Massachusetts - Al Davis is the Pro Football Hall of Fame legendary owner of the Oakland and LA Raiders. His famous monicker was "Just win baby." The man was involved with Pro football for 49 years as not only a franchise owner but also as a personnel director, scout, coach, general manager and even as the AFL’s Commissioner for a time. The only person in history to perform all of those duties! In fact Davis was instrumental in the quick merger of the two Leagues in the late 1960’s putting the NFL on an aggressive upward trajectory. The Al Davis led Raiders had the top record of all professional teams for the period of 1963 to 1991. Davis helped the Raiders to Super Bowl wins XI, XV, XVIII ... AFL Coach of the year in 1963.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Al Davis as a contributor in  1992.
• July 4, 1942 - New Haven, Connecticut - Syracuse halfback from 1964 to 1966, Floyd Little arrived into the world. This legendary back has a great story as told by the National Football Foundation. At Syracuse he is connected with other great Orange legendary runners, Ernie Davis and Jim Brown as they all wore the special jersey number 44 at the school and in fact it was retired in honor of all three after Little played his last game. Floyd was a three-time All-America halfback who was a specialist as a return man. Little led the nation with 1990 all-purpose yards along with 23.5 yards punt return average as a junior in 1965. He still holds the Syracuse career record with six punt returns for touchdowns. The 1966 ECAC Player of the Year, Little finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting twice. He averaged 5.4 yards as a rusher, 20 yards on punt returns, and 29 yards on kickoff returns. Floyd’s longest punt returns included 90 yards against UCLA and 71 yards against Penn State in 1964; 95 yards against Pittsburgh and 91 against Penn State in 1965. His best rushing games included 216 yards in the 1967 Gator Bowl against Tennessee; 196 against West Virginia in 1965; and 193 against Florida State in 1966. He scored five touchdowns against Kansas in 1964. One of the most amazing facts is that Floyd shared the same Orange backfield as legendary runner Larry Csonka.    Floyd Little’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1983. The Pro Football Hall of Fame shares that Little was picked by the Denver Broncos in the 1967 Draft as the sixth overall player selected. The Bronco’s used him mostly as a return specialist at first. As a rookie he led the American Football League in punt returns with a 16.9 average on 16 returns. That first season Floyd scored his only TD in the AFL courtesy of his 72-yard return against the New York Jets. Little also returned a career-high 35 kickoffs for 942 yards. Over the next couple of years he worked hard to enhance his pro rushing skills and by his third season Denver gave him more carries. Little rose to the challenge too as he averaged a league-high and career best 5.0 yards per carry. In 1971, he became the first 1,000-yard rusher in Denver Broncos history. FLoyd then went on and won the NFL rushing title that year as he finished with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and scored 6 touchdowns! Floyd Little was also enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in the 2010 class.  
• July 4, 1943 - Augusta, Georgia - Maryland Eastern Shore’s halfback from 1962 to 1965, Emerson Boozer claimed his date of birth. The NFF says in Emerson’s bio that he was a two-time First Team All-America by the Pittsburgh Courier, Boozer amassed 2,537 yards and 22 touchdowns during his career. He averaged a remarkable 6.78 yards per carry and was named a Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) All- Conference pick in 1964 and '65. Emerson Boozer received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Boozer played professionally in both the AFL and the NFL for the NY Jets. He won a ring in Super Bowl III when the Jets defeated the Colts.   
• July 4, 1953 - Inglewood, California - Bob Breunig who was a 1972 to 1974 standout Arizona State linebacker was born. The NFF tells us that Bob was a First Team All-American in 1974. Breunig finished his career as Arizona State’s all-time leader with 353 tackles and a stellar 206 solo tackles placing him in the school’s top ten for both. Breunig was named Arizona State’s MVP in 1974, and he appeared in the Coaches All-America Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game and the Hula Bowl following his senior season. The standout linebacker played with College Football Hall of Famers Michael Haynes, John Jefferson and Danny White during one of the most successful runs in school history as the Sun Devils had consecutive Fiesta Bowl wins and WAC titles in 1972 and 1973. Bob Breunig was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015 after the National Football Foundation tabulated up their votes. Bob was taken in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise according to the NFF. He became a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Cowboys in tackles for four seasons and was a part in helping the Cowboys to three Super Bowl appearances and a win in Super Bowl XII.
• July 4, 1962 - LeFlore County, Mississippi - Mississippi Valley State Quarterback from the seasons of 1982 through 1985, Willie Totten arrived into this life. In his National Football Foundation Bio, Totten is described as "The Satellite."  Willie’s college career was definitely in outer orbit as he is the Division I-AA's all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711) and single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984). He twice led the nation in passing efficiency. Five times in Totten's career he passed for more than 530 yards in a single game, including a 599-yard performance in 1984 against Prairie View. WIllie’s favorite receiver, well he is a guy by the name of Jerry Rice. Ever hear of him? These two teamed up to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Willie earned First Team All-America status in 1984 after leading the nation and setting the all-time single-season touchdown passes mark with 56 for all divisions of the nation’s colleges. He had a brief professional career in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues and then went back to his studies earning his master's degree from Grambling before becoming the head football coach at his alma mater in 2001. The National Football Foundation selected Willie Totten for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.  

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