Football History of May 3

From the birth of the NCAA to the first $30 million salary, May 3rd is a calendar cornerstone for football’s structural and financial evolution.

Imagine a time when college sports changed its name to reflect its growing power, or the draft day drama launched icons like Tony Dorsett and Joe Montana into the professional spotlight. Whether it’s the underdog victory of the short-lived Ohio Glory or the legendary defensive prowess of Hall of Famers like Dave Robinson, this date in history explores the moments that transformed football from a rugged pastime into a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Before we go to the daily history, let’s enjoy some gridiron art of yesteryear:

May 3 American Football History Timeline

• On May 3, 1910 – The US Library of Congress notes that the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States renamed itself the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The organization’s history followed this path: Foundation: On March 31, 1906, reformers—including President Theodore Roosevelt—founded the Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) to overhaul football. The Shift: At its fifth annual conference, the IAAUS officially became the NCAA, reflecting its rapid growth and increasing influence. Rules in other intercollegiate sports, such as baseball, track and field, and basketball, are also subject to discussion and reform.
• May 3, 1977- The first round of the 1977 NFL Draft began, with Ricky Bell from USC selected first by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The draft’s second overall pick was another running back, Tony Dorsett from the University of Pittsburgh. For full 1977 Draft coverage, check out this post.
• May 3, 1979 – The 1979 NFL Draft: Tom Cousineau from Ohio State was the first pick by the Buffalo Bills. The 1979 NFL Draft produced three Pro Football Hall of Famers:1) The Chicago Bears used the fourth pick to select Arkansas defensive end Dan Hampton. 2) The San Diego Chargers drafted tight end Kellen Winslow at number 13. 3) The San Francisco 49ers landed the steal of the draft by taking Notre Dame quarterback Joe Montana with the 82nd overall pick. Full coverage of the 1979 NFL Draft is found here.
• May 3, 1992 –  The Ohio Glory wins 1st WLAF game after 6 loses, as they defeated the Frankfurt Galaxy 20-17. Unfortunately, that was the Columbus, Ohio-based franchise’s only victory as they disbanded months after the season ended per the Fun While it Lasted website.
• May 3, 2018 – Payday! High Water Mark Set! Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan becomes the NFL’s first $30 million per season player after agreeing to a $150 million contract extension for five years. The Falcons signal caller, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune, became the highest-paid player in League history, for at least a little while. At that time, Ryan had been in four Pro Bowls and had tossed for over 41000 yards and 260 TDs.

May 3 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays

Happy Birthday to these gridiron legends! Since today is May 3, we celebrate a standout tackle and a Hall of Fame linebacker who both made their marks at the collegiate and professional levels.

Here is your list in order of birth:

• Bobby Davis [1927] A freshman phenom at Georgia Tech, Davis was a four-year starter whose “finest tackle play” earned high praise from legends like Bobby Dodd and Wallace Wade. The 1978 College Football Hall of Fame inductee was a three-time All-SEC selection and an All-American who played for the Boston Yanks before serving in the Army.
• Dave Robinson [1941] A versatile star at Penn State, Robinson won two Lambert Trophies and was named the 1962 College Player of the Year by the Newark Athletic Club. He reached legendary status in the NFL as an outside linebacker for Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, winning three straight NFL championships and the first two Super Bowls before his 2013 enshrinement in Canton.

Conclusion

The milestones of May 3rd serve as a timeline of football’s relentless growth. We see the sport’s transition from the reform-driven origins of the NCAA in 1910 to the massive financial landmark set by Matt Ryan in 2018. Along the way, the legacies of legends like Bobby Davis and Dave Robinson remind us that while the contracts and organizations change, the heart of the game remains rooted in elite athleticism and championship grit. As we celebrate these anniversaries, we honor both the titans of the turf and the visionaries who built the framework of the modern game.