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 04
July 04 | 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.
"Commitment to Excellence: Unpacking the Al Davis Era"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
July 4, 1929 - Brockton, Massachusetts - Al Davis, the legendary owner of the Oakland and LA Raiders, is inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His famous motto was "Just win, baby."
"Bob Breunig Sun Devil's Linebacker On a Mission"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
July 4, 1953 - Inglewood, California - Bob Breunig, a standout linebacker for Arizona State from 1972 to 1974, was born.
- HASHTAGS: #July04 #BobBreunig #BreunigBob #Linebacker #ArizonaStateSunDevils #Number50 #Number53 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- DOB: July 04
- EVENTDAY: July 04
- FOOTBALL NAME: Bob Breunig, Breunig Bob
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Linebacker
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Arizona State Sun Devils
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 50
- NFL JERSEY: Number 53
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
The NFF tells us that Bob was a First Team All-American in 1974. Breunig finished his career as Arizona State's all-time leader with 353 tackles and a stellar 206 solo tackles, placing him in the school's top ten for both. Breunig was named Arizona State's MVP in 1974, and he appeared in the Coaches All-America Bowl, the East-West Shrine Game, and the Hula Bowl following his senior season.
The standout linebacker played alongside College Football Hall of Famers Michael Haynes, John Jefferson, and Danny White during one of the most successful runs in school history, as the Sun Devils achieved consecutive Fiesta Bowl wins and WAC titles in 1972 and 1973. Bob Breunig was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2015, following the National Football Foundation's tabulation of its votes.
Bob was taken in the third round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. He spent 10 seasons with the franchise, according to the NFF. He became a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the Cowboys in tackles for four seasons, and was a part of helping the Cowboys to three Super Bowl appearances and a win in Super Bowl XII.
- HASHTAGS: #July04 #Football
- EVENTDAY: July 04
- PODCAST: Football
"CFL Barracudas Play FIrst game"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
Speaking of the CFLJuly 4, 1995 - In the CFL, the Birmingham (Alabama) Barracudas played their first game, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 38-10. Unfortunately, the squad folded after just one season in the Canadian Football League.
"CFL Player Restrictions"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
The July 4, 1968 Ottawa-Citizen provides our Newspapers.com Football History Headline of the Day when it posted its commentary of:
"Eggs-cellent Career: The Legend of Edgar Manske"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
July 4, 1912 - Nekoosa, Wisconsin - Edgar Manske, the legendary Northwestern end from 1931 to 1933, was born.
"Willie Totten: Super Star QB That Is Not Forgotten"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
July 4, 1962 - LeFlore County, Mississippi - Mississippi Valley State Quarterback from the seasons of 1982 through 1985, Willie Totten, was born.
- HASHTAGS: #July04 #CanadianFootballLeague #TottenWillie #WillieTotten #Quarterback #MississippiValleyState #Number10 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- DOB: July 04
- EVENTDAY: July 04
- FOOTBALL: Canadian Football League
- FOOTBALL NAME: Totten Willie, Willie Totten
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Quarterback
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Mississippi Valley State
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 10
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
In his National Football Foundation Bio, Totten is described as "The Satellite." Willie’s college career was definitely in outer orbit as he is the Division I-AA's all-time leader and ranks second in career passing yards (12,711) and single-season passing yards (4,557 in 1984). He twice led the nation in passing efficiency. Five times in Totten's career, he passed for more than 530 yards in a single game, including a 599-yard performance in 1984 against Prairie View.
Willie’s favorite receiver, well, he is a guy by the name of Jerry Rice. Ever hear of him? These two teamed up to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. Willie earned First Team All-America status in 1984 after leading the nation and setting the all-time single-season touchdown passes mark with 56 for all divisions of the nation’s colleges.
Willie had a brief professional career in the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues before returning to his studies, earning his master's degree from Grambling. He then became the head football coach at his alma mater in 2001. The National Football Foundation selected Willie Totten for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
"Emerson Boozer Jets Super Sensation"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
July 4, 1943 - Augusta, Georgia - Maryland Eastern Shore’s halfback from 1962 to 1965, Emerson Boozer, claimed his date of birth.
""The Franchise": Unpacking the Illustrious Career of Floyd Little"
Last updated 📅 2025-07-04
July 4, 1942 - New Haven, Connecticut - Syracuse halfback Floyd Little was born. This legendary back has a great story as told by the National Football Foundation.
"July 4 Gridiron History"
The 4th of July is known in America as the day the USA celebrates its independence as a nation. The celebration includes picnics, parades, and even fireworks.
Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the go to The Official PFRA Website.
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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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