October 30

In this edition of the Football History Headlines, we discuss a real football hero, who in fact dies in an act of heroism trying to save children; the Jets first head to head win against one opponent; as well as many more Football Hall of Fame Legendary stories.

Football fans, delve into the past! Today's date is etched in NFL history. From legendary trades that shook the league to record-breaking performances on the gridiron, exciting moments unfolded on this very day. We'll explore game-changing events, iconic players who dominated the field, and pivotal decisions that altered the course of franchises. So, buckle up and get ready to revisit the fascinating stories that make NFL history so captivating!

Jets get the better of Pittsburgh

October 30, 1988 - The Meadowlands, East Rutherford, New Jersey - The New York Jets defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers for the 1st time in history. The Steelers and the Jets have only squared off against each other 22 times since the AFL/NFL merger at the time of this writing and Pittsburgh holds the edge in the series 17-5. The first meeting took place in the 1970 season with Pittsburgh upsetting the Jets 21-17 in Pittsburgh.

Super Bowl XLII Awarded to Glendale

October 30, 2003 - Glendale, Arizona is awarded Super Bowl XLII, to be played on February 3, 2008 by NFL owners. The game was played at the University of Phoenix Stadium and pitted the 6 loss New York Giants against the undefeated New England Patriots. The records shouldn’t have fooled us as the G-men pulled off the unthinkable as they knocked off Tom Brady and the powerful Patriots 17-14 in very memorable fashion including the David Tyree “Helmet Catch” on the game winning drive for New York.
 

FB - Lee Mercer

October 30, 1888 - Kennett Square, Pennsylvania -  Leroy Mercer a fullback that played for the University of Pennsylvania was born. Lee was a star athlete on the track and field  especially in the broad jump, good enough that even participated in the U.S. Olympic Team. Footballfoundation.org says that Mercer became the captain of the Quaker football team in both his junior and senior seasons. The National Football Foundation selected  Leroy Mercer to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1955

LB - Jim LeClair

October 30, 1950 - St. Paul, Minnesota - Jim LeClair a linebacker that played for the University of North Dakota was born. 1971 was a great year for LeClair as he registered 187 tackles, three interceptions, four fumble recoveries, 11 forced fumbles, and 20 tackles for loss per the NFF’s bio on the player. Jim even won the MVP award for the North Central Conference and he even enjoyed North Dakota winning the Conference Championship that season. The National Football Foundation selected Jim LeClair to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

A True Football Hero - Joe Delaney

October 30, 1958 - Henderson, Texas  - Joe Delaney a halfback from Northwestern State arrived into this world. The first question that arises is where the heck is Northwestern State? Well our investigation into this matter finds it to be located in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana. This man, Delaney could definitely tote the rock. In a game against Nicholls State he rushed for 263 yards in the second half after being held to only 36 yards in the first half of a game played October 28, 1978 per the footballfoundation.org website. Joe was named Division I-AA All-America and even had his number retired by his school at halftime of his final college home game. Joe Delaney also excelled on the Northwestern State track team. The National Football Foundation selected Joe Delaney to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1997. After college Joe played a couple of years with the Kansas City Chiefs even earning AFC Rookie of the Year honors per the UPI. Joe DeLaney was more than a great athlete though he was a good man. In the summer of 1983 Joe Delaney died while trying to save children that were drowning in a pond near Monroe, Louisiana. Joe's efforts did save one of the children but unfortunately the other two and Joe himself succumbed to the dangerous waters. The NFF tells us that President Ronald Reagan honored Delaney with the Presidential Citizens Medal, saying, "He made the ultimate sacrifice by placing the lives of three children above regard for his own safety. By the supreme example of courage and compassion, this brilliantly gifted young man left a spiritual legacy for his fellow Americans."

QB - Ty Detmer

October 30,1967 - San Marcos, Texas - marked the birth of Ty Detmer, a quarterback from BYU.   Ty was not shy on tossing the pigskin around as his 15,031 career passing yards and 121 touchdowns give evidence to. As a matter of fact he is one of the most decorated quarterbacks in college football history. The website bio from footbalfoundation.org states that he won a Heisman Trophy, a Maxwell Award, two Davey O’Brien Awards and at one time held 59 NCAA records! The National Football Foundation selected Ty Detmer to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Ty was a late selection of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers and in the NFL he played for a total of 14 seasons with the Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons.