October 31

In this Oct 31 Football History Headlines edition, we discuss the first Nationally televised NFL game as well as many more legendary gridiron stories.

As we flip the calendar page, we delve into another chapter of pigskin history. From legendary comebacks that defied the odds to record-breaking performances that left fans speechless, remarkable moments unfolded on this very date. So, buckle up and get ready to relive iconic plays, celebrate trailblazing athletes, and revisit the captivating stories that continue to shape the ever-evolving narrative of professional football. Let's lace up our cleats and journey back in time to witness the incredible feats that transpired on this historic day in the NFL!

October 31, 1988 - Indianapolis, Indiana - The 1st Nationally televised NFL game in Indianapolis took place. ABC’s Monday Night Football with their broadcast team of Frank Gifford, Dan Dierdorf and Al Michaels placed the Colts and their guests the Denver Broncos in living rooms across the country. The Colts franchise had moved from Baltimore in March of 1984. The Colts defeated the Denver Broncos that historic evening 55-23.

Hogan is a Hero

October 31, 1872  - Glenbane, County Tipperary, Ireland - James Hogan a tackle from Yale University who played football there from 1901 to 1904.  Hogan was always known to have a smile  on his face even while playing with his hard hitting style during contests as well as his school spirit caused his classmates to nickname him “Yale”. Hogan lettered all four years and was All-America three times as well as the Eli captain in 1904. Yale's record in his four years 43-3-2 per the NFF website. The National Football Foundation voted James Hogan to enter into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1954.

Daly Football News

October 31, 1880 - Roxbury, Massachusetts     -  Charlie Daly who played quarterback for both Harvard and Army during his collegiate career was born. The footballfoundation.org website tells us that he played five years and was a first team All-America four times. He played for Harvard in 1898-1900 and for Army 1901-1902. He was a first team All-America all three of his years at Harvard and at Army in 1901. In his final season, Walter Camp named him as a third team All-America. In the three years Daly was at Harvard, the team had a record of 31-1-1. Army, in his two playing years, went 11-2-3. Daly against Navy during the  1901season had a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown, a field goal, and an extra point - all of Army's points in an 11-5 victory. Charlie Daly entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

Oh Henry!

October 31, 1897 - Mansfield, Ohio - Wilbur better known as Pete Henry, was a 3 year All-American tackle from Washington and Jefferson College. He was perhaps the largest lineman of his era as he stood 5-foot-11-inches tall and weighed in at a solid 245 pounds. Pete signed to play with the Canton Bulldogs coincidently on the same day that the NFL’s precursor the American Professional Football Association formed in Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile Showroom in Canton. The good natured Henry off the field was replaced by a focused beast on the gridiron. Pete’s most notable season had to be in 1923 with the Bulldogs according to the National Football Foundation's website. Henry booted a 94 yard punt, blocked a punt, scored a touchdown and kicked nine field goals via drop kick , oh and by the way the Canton Bulldogs won their second consecutive NFL Championship that year due in part to his great play. In the NFL for a total of 8 seasons not only with Canton but was a member of the Pottsville Maroons and the New York Giants too. Pete Henry was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Pete in 1963’s class of inductees.

Cal Hubbard

October 31, 1900 - Keytesville, Missouri - Cal Hubbard was born on that day and he was a tackle for Centenary and Geneva Colleges.   The NFF informs us that Cal Hubbard played end and tackle for Centenary 1922-24 and then moved with his coach Bo McMillin to play one season at Geneva College 1926. Later as a pro Hubbard was a big tackle, standing 6-4 in height and weighing 250 pounds, for the New York Giants, Green Bay and Pittsburgh franchises.  The College Football Hall of Fame added Cal to their lineup in 1962. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Cal Hubbard one year later in 1963 for back to back Hall of Fame Enshrinements! Believe it or not 13 years after that in 1976 Cal Hubbard was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as an umpire.

Bill Fralic

October 31, 1962 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania -  Was the birth of Bill Fralic a tackle from the University of Pittsburgh.  Bill Fralic played his way to First Team All-America status in  three consecutive seasons from 1982 to 84, and the selections were of the  unanimous variety in 1983 & 1984 per the NFF. In fact he was so good that he became the first offensive lineman in history to be in the top 10 of balloting for the Heisman Award in two different seasons. Bill Fralic's No. 79 jersey was retired by the Pitt Panthers at halftime of his final home game in 1984, a 21-10 win over Tulane. Bill Fralic was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

Kenneth Simms

October 31, 1989 - Kosse , Texas - The big Defensive tackle from Texas Kenneth Sims was born. The National Football Foundation inducted Kenneth Simms into their College Football hall of Fame in 2021.