September 1

The football history for September 1 has events such as: An NCAA record is reached with a guy named Jerry Rice helping; All-Stars shine; and legends are memorialized on this day.

Gridiron fans, gear up for another exciting day of football history! Dive into the archives and relive the moments that shaped the game we love. Today's headlines take us back in time, exploring everything from legendary quarterback duels that captivated a nation to groundbreaking rule changes that redefined the sport. So, whether you're a die-hard traditionalist or a stats guru, we have something for everyone. Let's lace up our virtual cleats and take a trip down memory lane!

September 1, 1937 - The 4th annual Chicago Charities College All-Star Game is played in the Windy City as the Green Bay Packers were defeated  by the College players in a 6-0 nail biter with over 84,000 fans watching at Soldier Field. The only score of the game came on a 47-yard touchdown pass from future Hall of Famer Sammy Baugh to Gaynell Tinsley.

September 1, 1954 -Junction, Texas the legendary head coach of the University of Alabama's Crimson Tide, Paul "Bear" Bryant, opens up his ten day football camp for his players inspiring both the book and its subsequent TV movie titled "The Junction Boys." 

September 1, 1984 - In NCAA College Football Willie Totten of Mississippi State University passed for over 536 yards and 9 touchdowns setting a record for Division I-AA college football. The leading receiver in the game catching Totten's passes was none other than the legendary Jerry Rice who dragged in 17 of them for a total of 294 yards and 5 trips to the end zone.

September 1, 1996 - The Baltimore Raven's quarterback Vinnie Testeverde leads the Ravens over the Oakland Raiders 17-14 for the first win by the franchise in their new city with their new colors and nickname. The franchise was formerly the old Cleveland Browns.

September 1, 1996 - Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina opens as the Carolina Panthers outlast the Atlanta Falcons 29-6.

September 1, 2006 - A new era in NFL management begins as Roger Goodell takes over the reigns as NFL Commisioner from retiring Paul Tagliabue.

September 1, 2007 - Appalachian State pulls of what many believe may be the largest upset in NCAA football history when they knocked off the University of Michigan 34-32. State's Corey Lynch blocked a 37 yard FG attempt by Michigan kicker Jason Gingell at the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan to preserve the win.

September 1, 1903 - Ray Flaherty was a player and head coach in the early NFL and he spent a total of 18 years in pro football. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined this great coach in the entry class of 1976 as a coach.

September 1, 1904 - Johnny Mack Brown was a former University of Alabama halfback that later became a Hollywood actor. Legendary opposing coach Pop Warner described Brown as one of the fastest football players he had ever seen. In 1925 Johnny Mack Brown helped the Crimson Tide win the National Championship according to the National Football Foundation. He was recognized as alegend in 1957 when the College Football Hall of Fame enshrined him. As for his screen career , Brown had the starring role in the 1930 film, 'Billy the Kid."

September 1, 1916 - Ed Bock was a two-way guard from Iowa State that entered into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1970 according to the National Football Foundation. In 1938 he became Iowa State's first ever  unanimous first team All-American selection.

September 1, 1951 - Brian Kelley hailed from California Lutheran University as aheralded linebacker.  As a junior, his Cal. Lutheran team won the NAIA National Championship in 1971. In 2010 the selection committee of the College Football hall of Fame anounced his enshrinement according to the National Football Foundation. He played a solid 11 year pro career with the NFL's New York Giants from 1973 through the 1983 seasons. He alongside Harry Carson, Lawrence Taylor and Brad Van Pelt made up the feared Giants "Crunch Bunch" which was one of the most productive linebacker corps ever.

September 1, 1973 - Zach Thomas was a former linebacker at Texas Tech University. He entered the College Football hall of Fame in 2015 according to the National Football Foundation. He played a long successful 13 year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins then playing his final season with the Dallas Cowboys. According to ProFootballReference.com, Thomas averaged a whopping 9.7 tackles per game in his 168 games played for the Dolphins. The legendary linebacker was selected to play in 8 Pro Bowls and was voted as an All-Pro 5 times in his brilliant career. In January 2020 the Pro Football Hall of Fame selected Zach Thomas have his bust cast in bronze.

September 1, 1974 - Jason Taylor was a disruptive defensive end for the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Washington Redskins. As a collegian at the University of Akron, Taylor dropped quarterbacks in the backfield at a steady pace. Miami drafted him with the 73rd overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft and they were not disappointed. Taylor went on to put up 139.5 sacks in his 15 season NFL career. He was the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was a 3 time First Team ALL-Pro, and was named to the NFL's All Decade team for the 2000's. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Jason in their 2017 enshrinement class.

The picture in the banner above is from the U.S. Library of Congress collection and was taken by photographer Carol M. Highsmith. The piece is a statue outside of the Bryant-Denny Stadium in the Walk of Champions of Paul "Bear" Bryant.