"Dick Vermeil and His Amazing...

Dick Vermeil was born on October 30, 1936, in Calistoga, California. His football journey is marked by a long and successful coaching career, spanning high school, college, and the National Football League (NFL).

College Career

Vermeil's college playing career was at San Jose State University in the 1950s, where he played as a backup quarterback.

Keywords: San Jose State, quarterback, college career

Road to the Pro Game

Vermeil's path to professional football was through coaching. He began his coaching career at the high school level and gradually progressed through the college ranks. He served as an assistant coach at Stanford University, where he worked alongside Bill Walsh. His early coaching positions included:

Del Mar High School

Hillsdale High School

College of San Mateo

Napa Junior College

Stanford University

In 1969, Vermeil got his first NFL job with the Los Angeles Rams as a special teams coach. He also coached at UCLA, leading the team to a Rose Bowl victory. This success at the college level paved the way for his NFL coaching career.

Keywords: coaching career, high school coaching, college coaching, Stanford University, UCLA, Rose Bowl, special teams coach

Pro Teams Coached

Vermeil's NFL head coaching career spanned 15 seasons, during which he coached three different teams:

Philadelphia Eagles (1976-1982): Vermeil took over a struggling Eagles team and led them to their first Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XV).

St. Louis Rams (1997-1999): Vermeil guided the Rams to victory in Super Bowl XXXIV.

Kansas City Chiefs (2001-2005): Vermeil also led the Chiefs to the playoffs.

Vermeil is known for his ability to rebuild teams and achieve success. He is one of a few coaches to lead two different NFL teams to the Super Bowl.

Keywords: Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL head coach, Super Bowl

Football Legacy

Dick Vermeil's football legacy is defined by his long and successful coaching career, his ability to rebuild struggling teams, and his passion for the game. He is known for his emotional coaching style, his dedication, and his ability to connect with his players. Vermeil's coaching is marked by:

Turnarounds of struggling franchises

Meticulous preparation

Strong work ethic

Player motivation

Vermeil's impact on the NFL is significant, and he is considered one of the most respected coaches in the history of the league. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

✦ Super Bowl Champion (XXXIV)

✦ NFL Coach of the Year (1999)

✦ Rose Bowl Hall of Fame (2014)

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame (2022)

Vermeil's NFL head coaching record is 126-114, including playoff games.

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.