November 1 Football History

🗓️ November 1: From Jim Brown’s 5 TDs to the Birth of the Saints

November 1 is a landmark date that celebrates football’s greatest upheavals and record-breaking feats. It was the day in 1913 that Notre Dame shocked the Army Cadets 35-13 in their first-ever meeting, signaling the arrival of a national powerhouse. Decades later, in 1959, Jim Brown delivered one of the most dominant performances in NFL history, rushing for an incredible five touchdowns to beat the defending champion Colts. The day also marks the 1966 birth of the New Orleans Saints franchise and the record-setting coaching milestones of both Tom Osborne (fastest to 250 wins) and John Gagliardi (tying the all-time wins record).

November 1 Football History Headlines

• November 1, 1913 – The West Point Army Cadets hosted a small school from South Bend, Indiana, in what many figured would be another notch on the Army Eleven’s victory belt. What transpired was something altogether different, as the smaller Notre Dame squad outplayed its hosts in every way possible to secure a 35-13 victory in this first gridiron clash between the two programs.

Five TDs on the First! Jim Brown’s Historic Day (1959)

  On November 1, 1959, at Memorial Stadium, Cleveland Browns running back Jim Brown delivered a performance for the ages, forever etching his name into the record books. In a thrilling 38-31 victory over the defending NFL Champion Baltimore Colts, Brown accounted for nearly every point, rushing for an incredible five touchdowns.

  Brown’s five scores tied the existing NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a single game. This dominant display of power and speed helped the Browns secure a crucial win and highlighted Brown’s unparalleled impact on the game during his era. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer’s performance that Sunday was a stark reminder of why he is still considered one of the greatest—and most unstoppable—players in football history.

• November 1, 1966 – Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana – NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle announced that the League had awarded the 16th franchise to the New Orleans Saints. The Saints played their first game on September 17, 1967, and the first play was a memorable 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by rookie John Gilliam against the Los Angeles Rams, as the Saints won 27-13 in front of over 80,000 at Tulane Stadium. ( source )

• November 1, 1987 – He was a legend that the franchise would not forget. The New York Jets franchise honored their former star wide receiver, Don Maynard, by retiring the legend’s jersey number 13.

• 👑 Osborne Achieves 250 Wins at Record Speed

On November 1, 1997, legendary Nebraska Cornhuskers head football coach Tom Osborne recorded his 250th NCAA career victory in commanding fashion, as his team dominated Oklahoma with a 67-7 win.

   In what was his 25th season leading the Cornhuskers, Osborne reached the 250-win milestone faster than any coach in NCAA history, achieving the feat in just 301 games. This remarkable accomplishment underscored the unprecedented level of success and dominance Osborne built in Lincoln. At the time of this victory, Nebraska was well on its way to another potential National Championship, a title they would ultimately share that season.

  Osborne retired after the 1997 season with a final record of 255-49-3, securing three National Championships (1994, 1995, 1997) and cementing his status as one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

• 👑 A Historic Tie: John Gagliardi Matches the King

On November 1, 2003, college football history was made when legendary coach John Gagliardi guided his Division III St. John’s University (MN) team to a tight 15-12 victory over rival St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

This significant win marked Gagliardi’s 408th career victory, officially tying him with the esteemed Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson as the all-time career wins leader in college football history. Gagliardi achieved this monumental milestone while emphasizing his unique, no-huddle, no-tackling, no-scholarship system, securing his place among the sport’s greatest pioneers.

• 🌟 Record Streak: Larry Fitzgerald Makes History

On November 1, 2003, at Alumni Stadium, University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald cemented his legendary status by setting a new NCAA record. Against Boston College, Fitzgerald secured a touchdown reception in his 14th consecutive game, leading the Panthers to a 24-13 victory. This remarkable feat broke the previous record and underscored Fitzgerald’s dominance during his sophomore campaign. His consistent ability to find the end zone elevated his profile, culminating in his selection as the 2003 Walter Camp Player of the Year and a Heisman Trophy runner-up finish. Fitzgerald’s record-setting streak remains a defining moment in college football history.

November 1 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays

–  Slade Cutter

– Tom Mack

–  Tom Curtis

– Ted Hendricks

–  Steve Hutchinson

Conclusion

Whether it was Larry Fitzgerald establishing an NCAA touchdown streak or the New York Jets retiring Don Maynard’s iconic jersey number 13, November 1 continues to deliver pivotal moments. This date is also the birthday of five Hall of Famers, including the defensive terror Ted “Mad Stork” Hendricks and 11-time Pro Bowl guard Tom Mack. From groundbreaking coaching records to historic upsets and record-tying rushing performances, this single day encapsulates the sport’s rich, diverse, and unforgettable history.