November 21

In this episode of the Football History Headlines, we discuss Red Grange's Final College game as well as many more Hall of Fame Legendary stories. Pictured is Red Grange from Dec 8, 1925, in front of an excited Chicago crowd, courtesy of the Library of Congress.

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!

Red Grange Leaves the Collegiate game on a High Note!

Red Grange in his University of Illinois uniform in 1923 taken by unknown photographers. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons.

November 21, 1925 - Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio -  Red Grange played in his final collegiate game when the University of Illinois traveled to play Ohio State in a high-profile game. The big game indeed, as the over 84,000 in attendance set a national record at the time for a sporting event paid attendance, according to the elevenwarriors.com website. Grange and the Illini would not disappoint their fans that day as the final score read Illinois 14, Ohio State 9. Red Grange completed his 1923 season with 605 yards rushing, complemented by 106 yards passing, six touchdowns, and a whopping seven interceptions on defense. Talk about a well-rounded player. Right after the game, Grange signed his first pro contract with the NFL's Chicago Bears and even completed that NFL season with the team. For more great details on Grange, you need to get a copy of the book by our friend Chris Willis, Red Grange, The Life and Legacy of the NFL's First Superstar.

USC ends Irish Win Streak

November 21, 1931 - In one of the greatest comebacks in University of Southern California football history, the Trojans rallied from a 14 point differential with six minutes to play. It was in the final minute,  that John Baker booted a 23 yard field goal to get past the Irish 16-14 per the Irish Legends web page. After the game, USC coach Howard Jones took his entire team to visit the grave of his friend Knute Rockne in Highland Cemetery. In the chill November evening, they paid silent tribute to the fallen Irish coach. Notre Dame’s streak of twenty-six  consecutive wins had been broken.  

Old Legion Field

November 21, 1998 - Legion Field, Birmingham, Alabama - This was the 63rd time that Alabama and Auburn met competitively on the gridiron. It would also be the last time that old Legion Field would be the venue of the spectacle per the Alabama News Center website.  Auburn jumped out to a 17-0 early but their lead dwindled to 3 points by halftime. The Tide made some further adjustments in the locker room and with strong defense and a couple of Shawn Alexander scores on the ground Alabama defeated Auburn 31-17 in the game dubbed the Iron Bowl.

Grey Cup

November 21, 2004 - Frank Clair Stadium, Ottawa - In the CFL’s 92nd Grey Cup the Toronto Argonauts knocked off the B.C. Lions, 27-19. This was the first Grey Cup game played on the next generation FieldTurf surface according to onthisday.com.

Aubrey Devine

November 21, 1897 - Des Moines, Iowa - The Great Iowa quarterback Aubrey Devine was born. Aubrey was under centre for the Hawkeyes from 1919 through the 1921 season. According to the NFF’s bio, Devine was a project by Iowa Coach Howard Jones who saw some raw qualities in Aubrey that he knew with a little coaching could become the leader his team needed to succeed.  It was in the 1921 season that the hard work and determination paid off. Aubrey Devine directed Iowa to its first undefeated and untied season at 7-0. Aubrey was awarded with All-Conference and All-America honors as the Hawkeyes out-scored their opposition, 225-36. Iowa wasted little time establishing its greatness that year, using the second game of the season to chalk up a 10-7 upset of Notre Dame, ending a 20-game Irish winning streak. The National Football Foundation selected Aubrey Devine to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.  

Sid Luckman

November 21,1916 - Brooklyn, New York -  Sid Luckman the legendary halfback from Columbia University celebrated his birth. Per the footballfoundation.org website, Luckman was a versatile player as he called signals, ran the ball, passed it, punted it, kicked extra points, and played safety on defense. He had an immediate impact on Columbia’s program for in his first game played against Maine,  he ran 40 yards for a touchdown and threw two passes for scores. In his senior year he returned a kickoff 85 yards for a touchdown, threw two touchdown passes and kicked an extra point to lead Columbia to a 20-18 upset of a strong Army team.  The College Football Hall of Fame in 1960. Sid was drafted by George Halas and the Chicago Bears and he was something special for the Bears. Per the Pro Football Hall of Fame Luckman in 12 seasons playing for the Bears mastered the T-formation  and threw for 137 touchdowns and 14686 yards. Sid tossed 7 of those touchdowns in just one game ( check out the story in our November 14 post) and he tossed 5 more of them in the 1943 NFL Title game and those two games helped propel Luckman to earn the 1943 NFL MVP Award. Sid’s handling of the T-formation led to a 73-0 final score in the 1940 Championship game, and had all coaches clamoring to try and master the offense, that Sid ran so well. Among his awards, Luckman was All-NFL five times in his career. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Sid Luckman in 1965.  

Jim Ringo

November 21, 1931 - Orange , New Jersey - Jim Ringo from Syracuse University has his birth celebrated.  Profootbalhof.com tells us that Jim played center for 15 seasons in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and during his career he played on 3 Championship Teams and in 10 Pro Bowls. He was an All-League selection 7 times as an undersized lineman who used his smarts as well as speed to block the best the defenses had to offer. Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted Jim Ringo in 1981’s enshrinement class.  

Thomas Everett

November 21, 1964 - Daingerfield, Texas   - Thomas Everett the fantastic safety from Baylor University came into this world.  Thomas started out as a cornerback but coaches later moved him to safety. What a great move that was as the NFF reports that he recorded 99 tackles and made the most dramatic play of his sophomore  season against Texas. Which was a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown that sealed an upset win over the Longhorns. In his junior year he blossomed into one of the best D-backs in the nation earning first team All-America honors. In his senior year he became a unanimous All-America selection. The National Football Foundation voted Thomas Everett into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Troy Aikman

November 21,1966 - Troy Aikman the outstanding quarterback from UCLA was born. Troy started out his college career at Oklahoma University but transferred to UCLA. As a Bruin he soon became the starter and earned the honor of being named a Consensus All-American. Aikman finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1988 and led UCLA to a No. 1 ranking during the season per the NFF.  His 228 completions in a season is still a record and his completion percentage of 64.8% is off the charts. Troy Aikman was ushered into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.  After school Aikman was picked by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft as the number one pick. In his 12 year pro career with the Boys he made 6 Pro Bowl rosters and was at the helm of 3 Super Bowl victories. The Pro Football Hall of Fame selected Troy Aikman to join the Gold Jacket club in 2006. Since his playing days he has been one of top NFL color analysts for Fox Broadcasting.    

Michael Strahan

November 21, 1971 - Houston, Texas - Michael Strahan celebrates his birthday on this day. The Bio on Michael on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s site is really a great one. He was a second round pick of the New York Football Giants in the 1993 NFL Draft. He played for 15 seasons racking up 141.5 sacks and won the 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award. Strahan’s 22-½ sacks in 2001 set an all time NFL record. He played in 7 Pro Bowl games and was All NFC and All Pro 5 times each and made the 2000’s All Decade team. Michael went out in style too as his last game was a victory in Super Bowl XLII. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Michael Strahan in 2014.
 

The pictures above are from the Wikimedia Commons' collection and is a photo of Red Grange in his University of Illinois uniform in 1923 taken by unknown photographers.