College Football

Born May 21, 1940 - Bryan, Texas - James Saxton Jr. the great university of Texas halfback from 1959 to 1961, arrived via stork delivery. The NFF states that Saxton was one of the quickest players in college football history. Longhorn’s Coach Darrell Royal envisioned James, who was also referred to as the "Rabbit," as a running quarterback but moved him to running back in 1960. Saxton would go on to lead the team in rushing that season with 407 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Saxton thrived in the running back role and by the time his senior season rolled around he had tallied up nine touchdowns and was leading the high-scoring Longhorn attack with runs of 80, 79, 66, 56, 49 and 45 yards. A unanimous selection that year, he became the first running back in Longhorn history to become an All-American and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, trailing only Hall of Famers Ernie Davis (Syracuse) and Bob Ferguson (Ohio State). Oh and the way he completed his college career! It ended with a 12-7 victory over Ole Miss in the 1962 Cotton Bowl Classic as the pivotal play of the contest may have been a record setting 73-yard quick kick from Saxton to ice it. James Saxton Jr. was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. James was chosen as the 146th pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL’s 1962 Draft and the 75th pick of the Dallas Texans of the AFL. He signed with Dallas, but after one season he decided to enter the banking business.

Elmer Layden's football career can be summarized in three distinct chapters: his playing days as a bruising fullback for Notre Dame (1922-1925), As College Coach (1925-1941), and his later role as the executive of the NFL.

Layden had an amazing career in football, covering almost every aspect of the sport on multiple levels. He had an impact and made a name for himself at almost every stop along the way.

-Playing Career (1922-1925): A Dominant Force at Notre Dame

Layden was a crucial figure in Knute Rockne's legendary Notre Dame Fighting Irish teams of the early 1920s. Known for his power running and relentless determination, Layden earned the nickname "The Galloping Ghost" for his ability to break tackles and churn out yards. He played a pivotal role in Notre Dame's undefeated seasons in 1923 and 1924, contributing significantly to the program's rise to national prominence.

Layden played some spot promotional games professionally with the Notre Dame All-Stars exhibition team and even a game or two with some NFL-caliber squads, including joining his Four-Horseman mates on the Hartford Blues roster for one game in 1925.

-Coaching Career Blossoms

Elmer was the head football coach at Columbia College in Dubuque, Iowa, for the 1925–26 campaign, holding a winning record. However, he moved back towards the East, and from 1927 to 1933, he was head coach at Duquesne University.

In 1934, he returned to his Alma Mater to become the Athletic Director and head football coach of Notre Dame, posts that he held for seven seasons. Layden's Irish teams sported a respectable 47–13–3 record.

-A Legacy of Impact

Though his coaching career was brief, Layden's influence on the game is undeniable. His innovative "man in motion" concept paved the way for future offensive strategies. As a player, he was a crucial figure in Notre Dame's early dominance, impacting the program's history. Elmer Layden's career represents a unique blend of on-field prowess and strategic innovation, securing his place as a noteworthy figure in the annals of football history.

- Quick Summary of the Football life of Elmer Layden

Born May 4, 1903, in Davenport, Iowa, was the famous Notre Dame Fighting Irish fullback of 1922 to 1924, Elmer Layden was born. Elmer was one of the famed Four Horsemen of Notre Dame. He was not only a player, but also served as a coach, college athletics administrator, and professional sports executive. After his collegiate playing days he played pro ball in the original AFL in 1925 and in 1926 with three clubs, the Hartford Blues, the Brooklyn Horsemen, and the Rock Island Independents. He began his coaching career during the same two seasons at Columbia College in Dubuque, Iowa, now known as Loras College. Layden then served as the head coach at Duquesne University from 1927 to 1933 and at his alma mater, Notre Dame, from 1934 to 1940, where he also held the position of athletic director. From 1941 to 1946, Layden was the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1951.

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Born August 21, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, was the two time Heisman Trophy Winner from Ohio State University, Archie Griffin. Griffin is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. Griffin won four Big Ten Conference titles with the Buckeyes and was the first player ever to start in four Rose Bowls. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft.

Archie played seven seasons in the NFL, rushing for over 4,100 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. He also played professionally for the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League (USFL).He is forever enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame since 2000.

Archie Griffin is synonymous with Ohio State football. A native of Columbus, he became a Buckeye legend during his collegiate career. Renowned for his exceptional running ability, durability, and leadership, Griffin was the heart and soul of the Ohio State offense.

His most remarkable feat is being the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975. This achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest college football players of all time. Beyond the individual accolades, Griffin was a pivotal part of Ohio State's success, leading the Buckeyes to four Big Ten championships and four Rose Bowl appearances.

With a combination of power, speed, and elusiveness, Griffin was a nightmare for opposing defenses. His consistent performance and durability made him a cornerstone of the Ohio State program. His legacy extends far beyond his statistical accomplishments, as he embodies the spirit and tradition of Buckeye football

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Angelo Bertelli, nicknamed the "Springfield Rifle," carved out a successful yet somewhat short-lived football career.

Born June 18, 1921, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, was the starting quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1941 to 1943, Angelo Bertelli. Bertelli, the "Springfield Rifle," played in only six games during the 1943 season, yet won the Heisman Trophy per the National Football Foundation.

Just prior to the seventh game of the season Bertelli was called into service with the Marine Corps where he served as an officer at Iwo Jima and Guam. They were calling him the greatest passer in Notre Dame history as Bertelli completed 69 percent of his passes for 10 touchdowns. During that 1943 campaign The Irish averaged 43 points a game in the season's first six contests. Notre Dame finished 9-1 losing only to the Great Lakes Naval Station 19-14 in the final 30 seconds of play, yet they retained their number one ranking and the national championship.

Angelo was an instant sensation at Notre Dame as he was second in the Heisman voting as a sophomore tailback. When the Irish switched to the T formation in his junior season, Bertelli became the team's quarterback and won the first of his two All-American awards. In a game against Stanford he completed 10 consecutive passes and threw for four touchdowns. Angelo Bertelli was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes.

Following military service he played with the Los Angeles Dons and Chicago Rockets in the All-American Football Conference in 1946-1948.

Here's a breakdown of his accomplishments:

College Stardom (Notre Dame):

Played for the Fighting Irish from 1940-1943 (missed 1942 due to military service).
Led Notre Dame to a dominant stretch, losing only 3 games in his three seasons.
Won multiple awards:
All-American (1942, 1943)
Heisman Trophy Winner (1943) - Despite playing only 6 games due to military service, he impressed with a 69% completion rate and 10 touchdowns.
Known for his accuracy and leadership, Bertelli was considered one of the best passers in Notre Dame history at the time.
Professional Career (Limited by Injury):

Drafted 1st overall by the Boston Yanks (later renamed the New York Bulldogs) in the 1944 NFL Draft while still on active duty.
Played for the Los Angeles Dons (AAFC) and Chicago Rockets (AAFC) from 1946-1948.
Injuries, particularly to his knee, hampered his professional career and forced him to retire after just three seasons.
Legacy:

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Remembered for his college dominance and leadership at Notre Dame despite a shortened professional career.

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July 14, 1911 - Carrollton, Mississippi - Riley Smith is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame as a quarterback out of the University or Alabama. The National Football Foundation claims that this 6-1, 195-pounder could pass, block, punt, kick extra points and boot field goals, yes just about anything on the gridiron. In 1935 he was named to the All-America teams of the Associated Press, Collier's Magazine and the All- America Board. He also won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. Mr Smith performed exceptionally and his contributions were vital in the 1935 Rose Bowl win over Stanford as he kicked the final points in the 29-13 contest to give Alabama the victory. Riley is known for being the first player to play football in the NFL that was drafted! Though the University of Chicago's Jay Berwanger, was picked one selection before Smith in the NFL's first draft selection process of 1936, Berwanger never played in the NFL. In the late 1930's Mr. Riley served as the QB for the Boston and later Washington Redskins (the teamm moved to the Nation's Capital just before his second season). His pro career started off very promising as during the 1936 and 1937 seasons he missed only three minutes in 26 Redskins games, but an injury prematurely cut short his promising NFL career.

He later became the head coach at Washington and Lee University for their football program.

Born October 27, 1928, in San Antonio, Texas, was William Kyle Rote a halfback from Southern Methodist University.

It was a chilly December afternoon in 1949, and SMU’s 1948 Heisman winner Doak Walker, was injured and unable to play in the game when the undefeated juggernauts of college football, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish rolled into town to face the Mustangs. Doak’s replacement was ayoung unknown talent called Kyle Rote and he was up to the challenge. Rote came in and according to the National Football Foundation he ran for 115 yards, passed for another 146, scored all three SMU touchdowns.

And by the way he also averaged 48 yards per kick while punting in the game. Notre Dame held on and won the game, but Rote gave them all they could handle in the 27-20 Irish win. In the 1950 season Rote went on to become a consensus All-American selection. He took second in the Heisman voting that season and even got his picture on the front cover of Life Magazine. Kyle Rote was honored in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1964. Kyle played a short stint in minor league baseball then joined the NFL's New York Giants where he played from 1951 through 1961 and was a team captain. Kyle Rote even made the Pro Bowl four times to cap off a brilliant career in football.

June 6, 1879 - Jimmy Johnson was the quarterback for the Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1899 to 1903 as well as Northwestern University's Dental School in 1904 and 1905. At Carlisle he played under the teaching of the legendary head coach Pop Warner and was named All-American by Walter Camp per the FootballFoundation.org. Camp based his selection on a remarkable game he witnessed when Carlisle played Harvard.  After Carlisle he studied dentistry at Northwestern and helped turn the football program there around in his two seasons played. In 1904 he scored a touchdown and helped beat Illinois 12-6 in the last game played at Sheppard Field. In 1905 he helped dedicate a new field, seating 13,000, on Central Street in Evanston, Illinois, as Northwestern beat Beloit 18-2. Johnson scored a touchdown and ran for 200 yards. Mr. Johnson was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969. After school was completed Johnson returned to Carlisle to help coach the players as an assistant in 1906, one season before a kid named Thorpe showed up to play on the gridiron for the Institute.

Pooley Hubert was of the top early Southern college football players. Pooley played quarterback for coach Wallace Wade's Alabama Crimson Tide teams from 1922 to 1925, leading Alabama to its first bowl game, the 1926 Rose Bowl, Which changed the perception and legitimacy of football in the South.

Allison "Pooley" Hubert is a name synonymous with Alabama Crimson Tide football's golden age. A versatile athlete who excelled on both sides of the ball, Hubert's impact on the program is immeasurable.

Emerging as a star in the early 1920s, Hubert quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide. As quarterback, his ability to both pass and run made him a nightmare for opponents. His leadership and playmaking skills were instrumental in Alabama's rise to national prominence.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Hubert was a defensive stalwart, earning accolades as one of the greatest defensive backs of his era. His versatility and tenacity made him a dominant force on the field.

Hubert's crowning achievement came in 1926 when he led Alabama to a historic victory over Washington in the Rose Bowl, marking the first time a Southern team had competed in the prestigious game. His performance in that game cemented his legacy as a Crimson Tide legend.

Beyond his playing days, Hubert continued to contribute to the sport as a coach at Mississippi State Teachers College and Virginia Military Institute. His impact on Alabama football, however, remains unparalleled. Pooley Hubert's name will forever be etched in the Crimson Tide's storied history.

Born May 1, 1905, in De Ridder, Louisiana, was the Louisiana-Lafayette (1922-25 ) and with Army from 1926 to 1929, halfback Chris “Red” Cagle. The National Football Foundation states in their bio of Red that Chris while at  Southwestern Louisiana chalked up 235 points by scoring touchdowns, kicking extra points and converting field goals. This was a school record that lasted until 1989! He was able to play in college for 8 seasons as he split the balance of his NCAA career with the Army Cadets. Red was an All-America halfback the last three seasons at West Point. His longest runs were 75 yards against Yale, 1928; 70 yards against Ohio Wesleyan and 65 yards against Yale, 1929. In four years at Army he scored 169 points, averaged 6.4 yards per attempt in rushing and 26.4 yards on kickoff returns. Our friend Chris Willis from NFL Films wrote in an article for the Pro Football Journal website that Cagle was on the cover of Time Magazine in 1929 while with Army. He was often seen playing with either his chin strap undone or with no helmet at all. Chris Cagle was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. C. Willis goes on to tell us that Cagle played 5 steady but uneventful seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. Red Cagle did however own an NFL franchise, the Brooklyn Dodgers, for a couple of seasons with his partner John “Shipwreck” Kelly. 

The name "Four Horsemen" evokes images of gridiron dominance in college football history. But within this legendary backfield at Notre Dame, one player stands out for his well-rounded brilliance – Harry Stuhldreher. He wasn't just a football star; he was a poet, a lawyer, and a leader who embodied the spirit of innovation. Today, we delve deeper than the touchdowns and highlight reels. Join us as we explore the remarkable life of Harry Stuhldreher – the Renaissance Man of the gridiron!

Harry Stuhldreher wasn't just a football player; he was a multi-talented athlete who embodied the spirit of innovation and leadership during a golden age of college football. This essay explores Stuhldreher's remarkable career, examining his prowess on the field, his contributions to the legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield, and his lasting influence on the game.

-A Well-Rounded Athlete: From Poetry to the Playing Field (Early 1900s-1924)

Born in 1901, Stuhldreher displayed a diverse range of talents from a young age. He excelled in academics, even winning a poetry contest while attending Culver Military Academy. However, it was on the football field where his brilliance truly shone. He enrolled at the University of Notre Dame, quickly establishing himself as a standout player under the guidance of the visionary coach Knute Rockne.

-The Birth of a Legend: The "Four Horsemen" and Offensive Innovation (1922-1924)
Stuhldreher's place in football history is cemented by his role in Notre Dame's legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield alongside Don Miller, Jim Crowley, and Elmer Layden. This innovative offensive unit, spearheaded by Rockne's revolutionary "shift" formation, revolutionized college football. Stuhldreher, a versatile backfield threat, could pass, run, and block with exceptional skill. He was the glue that held the "Four Horsemen" together, his leadership and strategic understanding being instrumental to their success.

-Playing as a Pro

Stuhldreher's fame as a football player was lucrative in the years proceeding his time with the Irish. He played in multiple exhibition games with former teammates on the Notre Dame All-Star squad and later made spot appearances with the Waterbury Blues (Hartford Blues).

Harry Stuhldreher's professional football career was short-lived and marked by a unique twist. After a brief stint with the Brooklyn Lions in 1926, the team underwent a significant change. They merged with several players from the "Four Horsemen," including Stuhldreher, and even adopted the "Horsemen" name. However, this ambitious attempt at professional gridiron glory proved fleeting. Both the newly formed "Horsemen" franchise and the entire American Football League (AFL), in which they competed, folded after just one season. This unfortunate turn of events brought a premature end to Stuhldreher's professional football aspirations, along with the Brooklyn NFL franchise and the AFL itself.

-A Legacy Beyond Statistics: More Than Wins and Losses (1924-Present)

Stuhldreher's career transcended mere statistics. He helped lead Notre Dame to an undefeated season in 1924, solidifying the team's national dominance under Rockne. However, his impact goes beyond wins and championships. He embodied the ideals of sportsmanship and intellectual curiosity that Coach Rockne instilled in his players. After graduating, Stuhldreher enjoyed a successful career in business with US Steel, further demonstrating his well-rounded personality.

-Stuhldreher's Enduring Influence on the Game

Harry Stuhldreher's legacy is multifaceted. He was a key figure in the rise of Notre Dame as a national powerhouse, and his contributions to the "Four Horsemen" backfield remain etched in football history. Furthermore, his versatility and intelligence on the field played a significant role in the evolution of offensive strategies. Stuhldreher serves as an inspiration not just for athletes but for aspiring individuals who excel in multiple areas.