September 3

• September 3, 1895 - The very first openly paid player in a football game is played as quarterback John Brallier is paid $10 plus expenses to play for the Latrobe Athletic Association. Latrobe's starting quarterback Eddie Blair had a prior commitment to play in a baseball game, so his Latrobe club approached the 17 year old Brallier, that was about to start school at Washington and Jefferson College to play in his place. Brallier was reluctant as he did not want to get injured before starting a promising college career, so Latrobe made it worth his while. The Latrobe team won 12-0 over the rival Jeanette Athletic Association and Brallier went on to have a great season at W&J, while also playing a few more game for Latrobe too. The next season after fielding offers from multiple colleges and clubs to play ball, he settled on playing for West Virginia University. After only a few games for the Mountaineers he left the team due to what he described as "financial difficulties" of the school not taking care of players and returned to Latrobe to coach and quarterback the club.
• September 3, 1966 - The Houston Oilers open their season with some strong defense as they hold the Denver Broncos to ZERO first downs at Rice Stadium in a 45-7 victory.
• September 3, 1994 - University of Florida QB Terry Dean throws a record 7 touchdowns in the first half against New Mexico State in a a lopsided 70-21 Gator win.
• September 3, 1994 - The University of Miami Hurricanes set an NCAA record for the most consecutive home wins at 58 as they knock off Georgia Southern 56-0. Alabama held the previous record of 57 home wins from 1962 to 1982 under the coaching of the legendary Bear Bryant.
• September 3, 1995 - The debut games of two new NFL expansion franchises took place.  

1.  The Jacksonville Jaguars bowed to the Houston Oilers 10-3 at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium.
2.  Meanwhile the Carolina Panthers lost in overtime to the Atlanta Falcons 23-20 at the Georgia Dome.

September 3, 1923 - Bradshaw, Texas - The fantastic Defensive End from the US Naval Academy Ed Sprinkle was born. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Ed in 2020.

September 3, 1930 - Tom Scott was a former end/linebacker from the University of Virginia according to the National Football Foundation. Tom  was an All-American at both offnsive end and as a defensive end/linebacker. He is remembered in the College Football Hall of Fame for his great on field exploits during college. Scott played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles and  the New York Giants. In college he also excelled as an elite lacrosse player.

September 3, 1966 - Bennie Blades was a former safety for the Hurricanes of the University of Miami. Blades was placed in the College Football Hall of Fame in the class of 2006 for his fine play according to the National Football Foundation. Blades and his 'Canes teammate,  Sean Taylor share the Miami single season interception record. He made it in the NFL as well playing for both the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks.

Special thanks to the Pro Football Reference website.