By Darin March 7 American Football History Timeline
March 7 stands as a “Day of Champions” in the football world, marking the birth of some of the most graceful and clutch performers to ever step onto the gridiron. From the steel-tough backfields of Pittsburgh to the elite receiving corps of Notre Dame and USC, this date is a masterclass in Hall of Fame talent. Whether it’s the “Immaculate” legend of Franco Harris, the acrobatic artistry of Lynn Swann, or the versatile brilliance of Rick Redman, the stories born on this day defined eras and delivered championships. Strap on your helmet as we celebrate the icons who turned March 7 into a recurring date with destiny.
published by the Notre Dame Football Program Committee
March 7 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
- Rick Redman (1943) A versatile star for the University of Washington, Redman was a three-time all-conference guard and a standout linebacker and punter. After a College Football Hall of Fame career and nine seasons with the San Diego Chargers, he successfully transitioned to leading his family’s construction firm.
- Thom Gatewood (1950) A trailblazer at Notre Dame, Gatewood was the first African-American captain in the program’s history and held nearly every Irish receiving record for over three decades. Following his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, he enjoyed a distinguished career in broadcasting, winning both an Emmy and a Peabody Award.
- Franco Harris (1950) Though he shared the backfield at Penn State with Lydell Mitchell, Harris became a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 1970s dynasty. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is immortalized for the “Immaculate Reception” and his MVP performance in Super Bowl IX.
- Lynn Swann (1952). Renowned for his acrobatic catches and grace, Swann was a dynamic weapon for the USC Trojans before becoming a first-round pick for the Steelers. He earned four Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl X MVP trophy, and dual induction into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
- Tommy Kramer (1955) “Two-Minute Tommy” was a statistical marvel at Rice, leading the nation in passing yards in 1976 despite playing for a losing team. He carried that gunslinger mentality to the Minnesota Vikings, where he threw for nearly 25,000 yards over 14 professional seasons.
Conclusion
From the collegiate ranks to the bright lights of the Super Bowl, the legends born on March 7th share a common thread: the ability to rise to the occasion. Rick Redman’s versatility, Thom Gatewood’s record-shattering consistency, Franco Harris’s power, Lynn Swann’s aerial grace, and Tommy Kramer’s prolific arm collectively shaped the DNA of modern football. Their legacies are more than just stats in a Hall of Fame gallery; they are the moments—the catches, the runs, and the leadership—that inspired generations of fans. As we look back on these storied careers, it’s clear that March 7 is truly a cornerstone date in football history.
Miss a day? Check out our March 6 feature.
Special thanks to our sources, including Pro-Football-Reference, Wiki, and Newspapers.com
