October 16 Football History

From Iron Men to Sack Masters: Celebrating the Football History of October 16

October 16 is a colossal date for football fanatics, anchoring the birthdays of multiple Hall of Famers! Celebrate the birthday of Pro Football Hall of Fame sack artist Chris Doleman (born 1961), whose 150.5 career sacks defined the NFL trenches for two decades. We also honor College Football Hall of Famers Hunter Scarlett (born 1885) and the great Princeton tackle Harold Ballin (born 1893).

Beyond the birthdays, this date gave us one of the greatest NFL comebacks ever: the 2006 Chicago Bears defeating the Cardinals without an offensive touchdown. Dive into the most significant scores, upsets, and legacies that mark this historic day!

October 16 Football History Headlines

October 16, 1921, Chicago, Illinois – The Rock Island Independents traveled to the Windy City to face the Chicago Cardinals. According to www.rockislandindependents.com, Rock Island Team Manager Walter Flanigan sent a substitute to the huddle on the field during the game, who gave halfback Jim Conzelman this message: “You are now the coach, at no increase of pay.”  Conzelman, who had just joined the team a few games earlier, became the youngest coach in the league when he took over as the head coach of the Rock Island Independents from Frank Coughlin. This is the only mid-game coaching change known in NFL history!

1937 Battle of the Undefeated teams

The October 16, 1937, game between the No. 1 Pittsburgh Panthers and the No. 3 Fordham Rams at the Polo Grounds was a clash of titans that proved pivotal in the national championship picture. The highly anticipated game ended in a 0-0 scoreless tie—the third consecutive 0-0 deadlock between the two powerhouses.

The true significance lay in the defensive showcase: Fordham’s legendary line, known as the “Seven Blocks of Granite” (anchored by future coaching icon Vince Lombardi), completely stifled Pitt’s offense, including Heisman runner-up Marshall Goldberg. Crucially, a Marshall Goldberg touchdown for Pitt was called back due to a holding penalty.

Despite the tie, undefeated Pitt (9-0-1) was ultimately awarded the consensus national championship for the 1937 season, demonstrating that battling Fordham’s impenetrable defense to a draw was enough to solidify their claim to the top ranking.

October 16, 2006 – The Bears’ Big Monday Night Comeback. Down by twenty at the half, Lovie Smith rallied his defense and special teams to bring his Chicago team back to victory.

October 16 Football Hall of Fame Birthdays

• Hunter Scarlett

• Harold Ballin

• D. D. Lewis

• Chris Gilbert

• Chis Doleman