November 4

We learn about the marketing genius of one man who advertised his wares by creating the first football rules book for the players in the Football's History Headlines as well discussions on many more Football Hall of Fame Legendary stories.

Gridiron ghosts are stirring! Today's date is etched in the annals of NFL history. From legendary comebacks to record-breaking performances, monumental trades to heart-wrenching defeats, the pigskin has witnessed its share of drama on this very day.  Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the iconic moments, game-changing plays, and unforgettable figures that forever marked their place in the grand narrative of professional football. So, gear up, football fans, as we delve into the captivating stories that unfolded on this historic day in the NFL!
 

The First Rulebook is Marketed

November 4. 1882 - The first Wright & Ditson Foot-ball Rules Book adopted by the American Intercollegiate Association is published with credit of revisions made by Walter Camp. The genius of the marketing by Henry A. Ditson made deals to publish many of the athletic rules books including football, and put the sporting goods manufacturer's catalog in the hands of all athletes and coaches as they were included with the rules publication.  

Lions are scored on but they run to daylight

November 4, 1934 - University of Detroit Stadium, Detroit, Michigan - Per the website onthisday.com, After posting 7 straight shutouts to start the NFL season, the Detroit Lions were scored upon for the first time of the season. The Lions rushed for an NFL single game record of 426 yards as they defeated Pittsburgh by the score of 40-7.

Back to Back

November 4, 1951 - NYC, New York - The New York Football Giants and the New York Yanks score back-to-back touchdowns on kickoff returns.

Saints win!

November 4, 1973 - The New Orleans Saints earned their very first shutout victory when they blanked the Buffalo Bills 13-0.

Record Defense

November 4, 1979 - The Los Angeles Rams held the Seattle Seahawks to only one first down and a record -7 total offensive yards for the entire game! Yes the Rams deefnseallowed Seattle to ron for 23 yards but the Seashawks had -30 yards in their passing offense!

Radio change-ups

November 4, 1992 - NYC, New York - A big shake up in local gridiron radio coverages are announced as the New York Giants state they will end coverage by WNEW Radio after 32 years to allow station WOR to carry their games. On the other side of town the Jets announced that they were moving their game day coverage away from WABC to the station WFAN radio.

24 hour Football Arrives

November 4, 2003 - NFL Network debuts on DirectTV and becomes the first 24 hour Football Station.  
 

On Pace!

November 4, 1975 - Sandusky, Ohio - Orlando Pace a tackle from Ohio State University was born. Pace was twice recognized as a unanimous All-American while with the Buckeyes. The NFF reports that Pace was the first player in history to repeat as the Lombardi Trophy winner, earning the honors as a sophomore and junior and he also claimed the 1996 Outland Trophy too. The National Football Foundation voted to send Orlando Pace into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2013.  Pace was drafted as the number one pick in the 1997 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. Orlando in 13 seasons was a three-time first-team All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He earned a spot on the NFL All Decade team for the 2000’s as he was a core contributor of the Rams' Greatest Show on Turf offense that won the franchise's first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXIV. In fact he blocked for three straight NFL MVP's with the Rams as Kurt Warner won the honor in 1999 and 2001, While Marshall Faulk took home the hardware in the year 2000.  Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Orlando Pace in 2016.

Our celebration of November 4 Football Birthdays is incomplete without the mention of another legendary big man in the trenches.

Vince Wilfork was born on November 4, 1981 in Boynton Beach, Florida. Vince of course played inthe NFL for the New England Patriots and Houston Texans. Patriots Historian Bob Hyldburg reminds us the importance of Wilfork with this piece he sent us to share.