May 31

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June 30

May 30 Current Day: May 31^❌ June 01

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Marooned:The Rise, The Fall, and The Redemption of the NFL's Pottsville Maroons

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June on the Gridiron: Milestones, Mergers, and Memories

June marks a fascinating period in American football history, a month that has witnessed both foundational shifts in the sport's structure and the celebration of legendary figures. From the groundbreaking merger of the NFL and AFL that shaped the modern game, to the birthdates of iconic players who left an indelible mark on the field, June is a month rich with pivotal moments and compelling narratives.

This series will delve into the key events that unfolded during the month of June, exploring the landmark decisions that altered the league's landscape and honoring the individuals whose contributions continue to resonate. Join us as we journey through June's gridiron chronicles, revisiting the mergers, milestones, and memories that have helped define the enduring legacy of American football.

◄ Back to "June"

My Podcasts | "THE STORY OF JOE NAMATH ON HIS BIRTHDAY!"

HASHTAGS: #May31 #JoeNamath #NamathJoe #Football
EVENTDAY: May 31
FOOTBALL NAME: Joe Namath, Namath Joe
PODCAST: Football

College HOF

"Batman of Troy: Richard Wood's Dominant USC Reign"

Last updated 📅 2025-05-30

Relive the impactful college career of Richard Wood, USC's first three-time All-American linebacker and a key force behind two National Championship victories.

Born on May 31, 1953, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Richard Wood became a legendary linebacker for the University of Southern California (USC) from 1972 to 1974. He achieved the unprecedented feat of being USC's first three-time All-American, earning the honor in 1972, and achieving consensus status in 1973 and 1974...

"Tom Benson Marches In With Saints Purchase"

Last updated 📅 2025-05-30

"Path Cleared for Saints Sale"

HASHTAGS: #May31 #BensonTom #NewOrleansSaints
EVENTDAY: May 31
FOOTBALL NAME: Benson Tom
FOOTBALL TEAM: New Orleans Saints

That was the headline in Shreveport, Louisiana’s The Town Talk on June 1, 1985, and it is our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day.

It is reporting on the May 31, 1985, New Orleans Saints sale to Tom Benson from John Mecom Jr. for $70,204,000. The final hurdles to the sale were the New Orleans City Council and School Boards each approving to surrender their share of sales taxes to keep the Saints in New Orleans as part of the deal. This was no small sacrifice either as the nearly $2.8 in revenue surrendered by the two groups went back to the Saints but the caveat was that Benson signed a 21 year lease with the Superdome. Benson stepped forward in March of 1984 to help the day when negotiations with the A.N. Pritzker family from Chicago fell apart in February. Mr. Benson owned the team until his passing in March of 2018 and had kept the franchise in the Superdome in New Orleans long beyond his initial 21-year obligation.

He had employed coaches such as Jim Mora, Mike Ditka, and Sean Payton and has even clutched a Lombardi Trophy after winning Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts, just a couple of years after Hurricane Katrina had devastated the New Orleans surrounding area.

EventDay

"May 31st Gridiron Gazette: Birthdays, Buccaneers & Ball Hawks"

May 31st in American football history is a date that connects tenacious defensive prowess with electrifying collegiate dominance. It marks the arrival of Richard "Batman" Wood, the hard-hitting linebacker who anchored USC's championship defenses and later starred for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This day also celebrates Kevin Dent, the ball-hawking safety from Jackson State whose record-setting interceptions earned him Hall of Fame recognition.

This series will explore the legacies of these May 31st figures, delving into Wood's "Batman" persona and his impact on both college and professional defenses. We'll also revisit Dent's remarkable collegiate career and his knack for reading opposing offenses. Join us as we examine the careers and contributions of these distinct defensive standouts linked by this late spring date on the American football calendar. May 31st in American football history is a date that connects tenacious defensive prowess with electrifying collegiate dominance. It marks the arrival of Richard "Batman" Wood, the hard-hitting linebacker who anchored USC's championship defenses and later starred for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This day also celebrates Kevin Dent, the ball-hawking safety from Jackson State whose record-setting interceptions earned him Hall of Fame recognition...

Go to ""May 31st Gridiron Gazette..." Page

College HOF

"The Anticipating Tiger: Kevin Dent's Ball-Hawking Legacy"

Last updated 📅 2025-05-30

Explore the exceptional college career of Kevin Dent, the record-setting safety from Jackson State who dominated the SWAC and earned Hall of Fame honors.
Kevin Dent was born on May 31, 1967, in Vicksburg, Mississippi. He rose to prominence as a star safety for Jackson State University in the late 1980s. His background as a high school starting quarterback provided him with a unique understanding of offensive strategies, allowing him to anticipate receiver routes and defensive formations with remarkable accuracy. Combined with his natural athleticism, dedication to film study, and relentless practice ethic, Dent developed into an elite defensive back.

HASHTAGS: #May31 #DentKevin #KevinDent #DefensiveBack #Safety #Number49 #JacksonState #CollegeFootballHallofFame
DOB: May 31
EVENTDAY: May 31
FOOTBALL NAME: Dent Kevin, Kevin Dent
FOOTBALL POSITION: Defensive Back, Safety
NCAAF JERSEY: Number 49
OTHER: Jackson State
SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame

✦ College Career

Dent's career at Jackson State was nothing short of spectacular. He was a three-time All-American selection, a feat unmatched by any other player in the school's history. His sophomore season was particularly noteworthy, as he led the entire nation with an astounding 10 interceptions. By the end of his collegiate career, Dent had amassed a school-record 21 interceptions, solidifying his reputation as a premier ball-hawking safety. His consistent dominance in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks and a beloved figure among Jackson State fans.

✦ Road to the Pro Game

While Dent did not play in the National Football League, his talent and collegiate accolades opened doors to professional football opportunities in other leagues. He went on to play in the World Football League (WFL) and the Arena Football League (AFL), showcasing his skills on a professional stage.

✦ Football Legacy

Kevin Dent's primary football legacy is his remarkable collegiate career at Jackson State University. His record-setting interception numbers and unprecedented three All-American selections cemented his place as one of the greatest defensive players in the history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Dent's exceptional ability to read offenses, coupled with his athleticism, made him a transformative player for the Jackson State defense. His outstanding achievements were deservedly recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, further solidifying his enduring impact on the sport at the collegiate level.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2006)

✦ 3x All-American Selection

✦ Led the Nation in Interceptions (10 interceptions as a sophomore)

✦ Jackson State University Record: Career Interceptions (21)

✦ Played in the World Football League (WFL)

✦ Played in the Arena Football League (AFL)

Football Hall of Fame

"Joe Namath From Crimson Tide Champion to Super Bowl Upset"

Last updated 📅 2024-05-31

Joe Namath, the iconic quarterback nicknamed "Broadway Joe," carved his legacy not just with his arm but also with his swagger and charisma. In this edition, we explore Namath's journey from leading the Alabama Crimson Tide to a national championship to becoming a cultural icon and champion with the New York Jets.

Namath's collegiate career at Alabama was a masterclass in clutch play. Under the legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, Namath blossomed into a star. His strong arm and elusiveness on the run made him a nightmare for opposing defenses...

June on the Gridiron: Milestones, Mergers, and Memories

"Batman of Troy: Richard Wood's Dominant USC Reign"

"Tom Benson Marches In With Saints Purchase"

"May 31st Gridiron Gazette: Birthdays, Buccaneers & Ball Hawks"

"The Anticipating Tiger: Kevin Dent's Ball-Hawking Legacy"

"Joe Namath From Crimson Tide Champion to Super Bowl Upset"

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