By Darin From the “Iron Man” era of the late 1800s to the retirement of modern icons, May 11th is a pivotal date on the football calendar. In this edition of our history timeline, we celebrate the birthdays of legendary Heisman winners like Matt Leinart and Cam Newton, alongside the defensive brilliance of Princeton’s “Biffy” Lea. We also reflect on a major modern milestone: the retirement of long-time NFL quarterback Derek Carr. Join us as we bridge the gap between 19th-century shutouts and the record-breaking rushing touchdowns of the modern era.
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May 11 American Football History Timeline
- May 11, 2025 – Long tenured signal caller Derek Carr announced he would retire as an NFL player. Carr last played with the New Orleans Saints and suffered a severe injury that influenced his decision.
May 11 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays
Happy Birthday to these gridiron legends! Since today is May 11, 2026, it’s a perfect time to reflect on a century of football history—from the iron-man days of the 1890s to the modern era of dual-threat superstars.
Here is your list in order of birth:
- Langdon “Biffy” Lea [1874] A fierce and agile defender for Princeton, “Biffy” was a three-time All-American who anchored a defense that remarkably posted 35 shutouts in just 47 games. He holds a unique place in history as Princeton’s first “official” head football coach and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1964.
- Matt Leinart [1983] One of the most decorated quarterbacks in college history, Leinart led USC to back-to-back national championships and claimed the 2004 Heisman Trophy. A 2017 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, he finished his Trojan career with a staggering 37-2 record as a starter before playing seven seasons in the NFL.
- Cam Newton [1989] Known as “Super Cam,” Newton is a dual-threat icon who won the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship at Auburn before becoming the first overall pick in 2011. The 2015 NFL MVP holds the league record for most career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback (75) and led the Carolina Panthers to an appearance in a Super Bowl
Conclusion
Whether it’s the elite passing precision of Matt Leinart, the physical dominance of Cam Newton, or the coaching legacy of Biffy Lea, May 11th showcases the diverse evolution of football talent. These figures represent the shifting tides of the game—from an age of defense and shutouts to a high-flying, dual-threat professional landscape. As we celebrate these Hall of Fame birthdays and acknowledge the career of Derek Carr, we are reminded that every generation of the gridiron leaves an indelible mark on the sport’s enduring history.