September 23

This is what happened on September 23 in football history: We remember the Gold Standard of the Golden Gophers, George “Sonny” Franck;  Cromrie buys the BC Lions; and Drew Brees surpasses Brett Favre in the record book. A great podcast with some very unique events in football history is in store for you today as we go through the football headlines of yesteryear from September 23!

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!

September 23, 1984 - The great Joe Montana missed his first start with the San Francisco 49ers in 49 games. Montana who was unable to play due to an injury was replaced by backup Matt Cavanaugh. Cavanaugh stepped in and threw for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns to lead the Niners to a 21-9 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.

September 23, 1992 - Bill Comrie purchased the BC Lions franchise from the Canadian Football League. As we have discussed in earlier episodes former BC owner Murray Pezim filed for bankruptcy before the CFL had to step in and assume ownership. The team also suffered a setback when it lost its star quarterback, Doug Flutie to free agency and his subsequent signing with the rival Calgary Stampeders. The LIons finished in last place that season of 1992 but since Comrie purchased the team they have won the coveted Grey Cup four times in the 1994, 2000, 2006 & 2011 CFL championships.

September 23, 2018 - The Amazing quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, Drew Brees surpassed Brett Favre’s career record 6300 pass completions to become the new record holder. A 17 yard touchdown pass to favorite target Michael Thomas helped not only achieve the milestone but also to overcome the Atlanta Falcons by the score of 43-37.

September 23, 1918 - George “Sonny” Franck was a former halfback from the University of Minnesota.  The 1940 Golden Gopher offensive weapons of  Sonny along with College Football Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Smith and All-American fullback Bill Daley were a part of a backfield trio that is considered to be one of the best in college football history. These great players were in a single-wing offense and Franck was the most versatile of the bunch and perfect as the key playmaker in the offensive system and had the speed and football smarts to be extremely valuable. Franck ran and passed the ball in the offense but also kicked returned kicks and played defense. His athletic speed was evident not only on the gridiron but also on the Minnesota track team as he was the Big 10 Champion in the 60 yard dash and was clocked running the 100-yard dash in 9.6 seconds. The 1940 Gopher’s football team took all of the assembled talent and won the National Championship. Sonny Franck was voted as a consensus All-American and placed third in the Heisman voting behind two other College Hall of Famers, Tom Harmon and John Kimbrough. The National Football Foundation selected George Franck to enter into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002. George Franck won the MVP honore in the 1941 Chicago College All Star Game (teammate Bruce Smith won it the following year) and then played in the NFL for the New York Giants until Uncle Sam called him to be a fighter pilot in World War II. As a U.S. pilot he earned nine battle stars in the theatre of the South Pacific.