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.
May 16
May 16 | 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.
"May 16th's Gridiron Gems: Birthdays and Historic Firsts"
May 16th on the football calendar connects the sport's formative days with the arrival of legendary talents. This date marks the anniversary of early pivotal games that shaped American football, alongside the birthdays of iconic figures who later graced the gridiron. From Harvard's pioneering clashes to the birth of Hall of Famers like Donny Anderson, Thurman Thomas, and Jim Langer, May 16th offers a unique glimpse into the sport's rich and evolving history.
"Jim Langer Video Tribute"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-16
"Donny Anderson: The Golden Palomino's Texas Tech Triumph and NFL Tenure"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-16
Born on May 16, 1943, in Borger, Texas, Donny Anderson became a dynamic halfback at Texas Tech University from 1963 to 1965. Known as the "Golden Palomino," Anderson was a versatile threat who excelled as a runner, receiver, and even a punter, leaving an indelible mark on the Red Raiders program.
- HASHTAGS: #May16 #AndersonDonny #DonnyAnderson #Punter #RunningBack #GreenBayPackers #TexasTechRedRaiders #Number44 #CollegeFootballHallofFame
- DOB: May 16
- EVENTDAY: May 16
- FOOTBALL NAME: Anderson Donny, Donny Anderson
- FOOTBALL POSITION: Punter, Running Back
- FOOTBALL TEAM: Green Bay Packers, Texas Tech Red Raiders
- NCAAF JERSEY: Number 44
- NFL JERSEY: Number 44
- SPORTS: College Football Hall of Fame
College Career:
Anderson's career at Texas Tech was nothing short of spectacular. A three-time All-Southwest Conference selection (1963-1965) and a two-time All-American (1964-1965), he set school records in all-purpose yards. In his senior season of 1965, he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting and led the Red Raiders to an 8-2 record and a Gator Bowl appearance, where he was named MVP despite a loss to Georgia Tech. Anderson's multifaceted skills were evident as he amassed significant rushing and receiving yards, along with showcasing his punting abilities. His No. 44 jersey is retired by Texas Tech.
Road to the Pro Game:
Anderson was a highly sought-after prospect, selected in the first round of both the NFL and AFL drafts in 1965. He ultimately signed with the Green Bay Packers for what was then the largest rookie contract in NFL history. Despite being drafted, he returned for his senior year at Texas Tech before joining the Packers in 1966.
Football Legacy:
Donny Anderson enjoyed a successful nine-season professional career, primarily with the Green Bay Packers (1966-1971) and later with the St. Louis Cardinals (1972-1974). A key member of Vince Lombardi's Packers dynasty, he won two NFL Championships and Super Bowls I and II. Anderson was a versatile offensive weapon, contributing significantly as a runner and receiver. He also served as the Packers' primary punter for several seasons, even causing a rule change due to his hang time. Anderson finished his NFL career with 4,696 rushing yards, 2,548 receiving yards, and 56 total touchdowns. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1983 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:
✦ 2x NFL Champion (1966, 1967)
✦ 2x Super Bowl Champion (I, II)
✦ Pro Bowl (1968)
✦ Sporting News Player of the Year (1965)
✦ Consensus All-American (1965)
✦ First-team All-American (1964)
✦ 3x First-team All-SWC (1963, 1964, 1965)
✦ Gator Bowl MVP (1965)
✦ Texas Tech Red Raiders No. 44 retired
✦ Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame (1983)
✦ College Football Hall of Fame (1989)
✦ NFL Career Stats: 126 games, 4,696 rushing yards, 209 receptions, 2,548 receiving yards, 41 rushing touchdowns, 14 receiving touchdowns, 387 punts, 15,326 punting yards.
"Eddie Casey Early Harvard Legend"
Last updated 📅 2025-05-16
May 16, 1894 - Natick, Massachusetts - Eddie Casey, Harvard's halfback, arrived in the world in 1916 and 1919. The National Football Foundation's website bio on Casey informs the reader that Eddie was a ferocious tackler, but he always had a boyish grin when he helped his opponent up. The description tells me he played hard but loved and enjoyed the game. He was well-liked by teammates and opponents alike. One story tells how some rival Yale team members invited Casey to dinner one evening. There was crude conversation of "raw meat" football styles until the Eli captain finally asked Eddie how he would like his steak prepared. "Just run the steer in here, and I'll take a swipe at him," was Casey's quick retort. "Natick Eddie" had quickness and agility, making him a standout player. He started as a freshman in 1916, then served in the Navy during World War I when Harvard, like most schools, suspended varsity competition. Returning for the 1919 season, Casey led the Crimson through a perfect 10-game regular season and a 7-6 victory over Oregon in the Rose Bowl. Casey earned All-American honors that year. Eddie Casey was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968. After his playing days, we had this from Newspapers.com Football History.
"Jim Langer The Anchor of Perfection and His Hall of Fame Journey"
Last updated 📅 2024-05-16
In the annals of NFL history, some names evoke images of dazzling touchdowns and gravity-defying catches. Jim Langer wasn't one of those names. Yet, his impact on the game resides in a different realm – the often-overlooked yet crucial world of the offensive line. Langer's career wasn't defined by flashy stats, but by a relentless dedication to excellence and a dominance that anchored some of the most successful offenses in NFL history.
"Thurman Thomas Bills Swiss-Army Knife Running Back"
Last updated 📅 2024-05-16
Thurman Thomas wasn't just another running back; he was a highlight reel in cleats. Thomas carved his name into gridiron history as a cornerstone of the dominant Buffalo Bills dynamic offense of the 1990s. This article delves into the electrifying career of this Oklahoma State product, exploring his rise from college star to Super Bowl participant, his unique skillset that revolutionized the running back position, and the lasting impact he left on the game. Get ready to relive the magic of "The Machine" and rediscover the brilliance of Thurmon Thomas.
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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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