Step onto the gridiron of history as we explore significant football moments occurring on this calendar date. From the foundational days of college play to crucial developments in the professional leagues, this date marks key milestones, player legacies, and pivotal events shaping the game we know today.
July 02
July 02 | This Day in American Football History
Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
"July 2 Gridiron History"
Every single day holds a unique place in the expansive timeline of American football. From groundbreaking rule changes to the quiet moments behind the scenes that shaped the game, history is made year-round. This series delves into those specific anniversaries, bringing to light the gridiron's most intriguing events that occurred on a particular date.
"Troy Brown From Wide Receiver to NFL Executive"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-02
July 2, 1971 - Barnwell, South Carolina - Troy Brown, the Marshall wide receiver from 1991 to 1992, was born.
- HASHTAGS: #July02 #BrownTroy #TroyBrown #WideReceivers #MarshallThunderingHerd #Number08 #Number80 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- DOB: July 02
- EVENTDAY: July 02
- FOOTBALL NAME: Brown Troy, Troy Brown
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Wide Receivers
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Marshall Thundering Herd
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 08
- NFL JERSEY: Number 80
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
The FootballFoundation.org states that Brown was one of the most lauded dual threats on the playing field in college. Troy's skills as a receiver and kick returner led the Thundering Herd to back-to-back trips to the Division I-AAA National Championship game, winning the NCAA title in 1992. He caught 139 receptions for 2,746 yards and 24 touchdowns in his career en route to earning First Team All-America honors in his senior year. Additionally, he boasted 1,825 return yards and four touchdowns on special teams. Troy Brown’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 2010.
After school, Brown played in the NFL for the New England Patriots for 14 years, where he became the franchise's all-time leading receiver and won three Super Bowls with the team.
- HASHTAGS: #July02 #Football
- EVENTDAY: July 02
- PODCAST: Football
"Ernie Vick Michigan's Dependable Secret Weapon"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-02
July 2, 1900 - Toledo, Ohio - Michigan four-year letterman playing the position of center from 1918 to 1921, Ernie Vick claimed his date of birth.
"Hollywood Tribute to Crazy Legs Through an NBA Legend"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-02
July 2, 1980 - The comedy classic movie "Airplane" debuts. According to film experts, the casting of Kareem Abdul-Jabaar was paying homage to the casting of football's Elroy "Crazy-Legs" Hirsch in the role of an airplane pilot in the 1957 film "Zero Hour!"
The movie Airplane, with Leslie Nielsen, was a parody of Zero Hour, even using parts of the screenplay verbatim. The funny part was that Zero Hour was a drama, not a loud, laugh-out-loud comedy like Airplane!
If you recall, Crazy Legs Hirsch was a former University of Wisconsin and Michigan standout who later joined the LA Rams as part of one of the most potent offenses of his era.
His unique running style caught the eye of a reporter, who gave him the unique nickname that stuck with him.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
_________________________
Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in othre team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
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