Football History

Take a pigskin plunge into the past! This post dives deep into the archives to uncover the most fascinating American football happenings and the legendary Hall of Famers who share a June 30th birthday. Get ready for unexpected moments, record-breaking feats, and some iconic figures who forever changed the game!

We even see some news from an NFL franchise that had a big event on June 30. Clench down on your mouthpiece and dive into the pile!

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The UCLA Bruins, a powerhouse in Pac-12 football, boast a rich history and a recognizable logo that has undergone subtle yet significant changes over the years. This essay delves into the evolution of the UCLA football logo, exploring how it has reflected the changing aesthetics and identity of the team.

The Early Years (1920s-1940s): Birth of the Bruin

The UCLA Bruins adopted their mascot in 1929, replacing the previous "Golden Cubs" moniker. The first logo, designed in the same year, featured a simple cartoon bruin with a determined expression, charging forward. This logo, reminiscent of early sports mascots, lacked the detail and refinement seen in later iterations.

The Mid-Century Modern Era (1950s-1960s): Refining the Image

The 1950s ushered in a period of modernization for the UCLA logo. The bruin's form became more athletic and streamlined, with a dynamic running pose. The linework became sharper, reflecting the mid-century modern design aesthetic. This logo remained in use with minor variations for several decades, solidifying itself as a recognizable symbol of UCLA football.

The Bruin Takes Center Stage (1970s-1990s): A Focus on the Mascot

The 1970s and 1980s saw a shift in focus towards the mascot itself. The logo became more minimalist, featuring a close-up of the bruin's head with a fierce expression. The blue and gold color scheme, synonymous with UCLA, became more prominent. This era's logo aimed for a more intimidating and powerful image, reflecting the team's growing competitive spirit.

The Modern Era (2000s-Present): Maintaining Tradition with a Touch of Style

The current UCLA Bruins logo, introduced in 2002, maintains the essence of the previous iterations while incorporating modern design elements. The overall shape became slightly more rounded, and the bruin's face is presented at a three-quarter view. The color scheme remains consistent, but the lines are more refined, giving the logo a sleeker and more contemporary look.

Beyond the Logo: A Symbol of Excellence

The evolution of the UCLA Bruins logo reflects the program's journey. From a simple cartoon to a refined and powerful image, the logo has mirrored the team's rise to national prominence. More importantly, it embodies the core values of UCLA football – determination, athleticism, and a fighting spirit.

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The Arkansas Razorbacks football logo, like the team itself, has weathered decades of change and adaptation, reflecting both the evolution of the program and the unwavering spirit of Hog Nation. Here's a quick journey through its key chapters:


Early Days (1931-1937):

-The inaugural Razorback logo debuted in 1931, featuring a red hog running to the right with bold black details.

-This fierce-looking design, reminiscent of a cartoon character, embodied the program's aggressive spirit.


Evolution and Refinement (1938-1966):

-The hog underwent gradual tweaks over the years, becoming stronger and more aerodynamic in the 1940s, with white replacing some black accents.

-This period saw a shift towards a more streamlined visual identity.


The Cardinal Hog Era (1967-Present):

-In 1967, the iconic cardinal red hog we know today arrived. This sleek and modern design, with smooth lines and sharp highlights, became synonymous with the Razorbacks.

-While minor adjustments have been made, like tweaking the red shade and refining details, the core design has remained remarkably consistent.

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The Syracuse Orange football program boasts a vibrant history, and its logos have evolved alongside its triumphs and challenges. Here's a journey through time, tracing the changing face of the Syracuse Orange:


Early Days (1890s-1940s):

-The program initially adopted a script "Syracuse" logo with orange and white lettering, reflecting the university's colors.

-Later variations incorporated simpler designs, including a block "S" and a bold orange block letter "U."

-These early logos lacked the mascot imagery that would later define the program's identity.


The Birth of Otto (1940s-1980s):

-In 1946, the iconic orange block "SU" logo with a white outline emerged, marking a significant shift.

-This design, nicknamed "The Block Syracuse," became the program's primary logo for decades.

-The 1980s saw the introduction of Otto the Orange, a playful cartoon mascot, but he initially played a secondary role behind the "Block Syracuse" logo.


Modern Evolution and a Bold New Brand (1980s-Present):

-The late 1980s witnessed the rise of Otto, gradually taking center stage. A more spirited and athletic version of the mascot replaced the cartoonish design.

-In 2006, a major rebranding introduced a sleek, stylized "S" logo, incorporating an orange silhouette of Otto within the letter.

-This modern "Interlocking SU" logo remains the program's primary mark, representing a balance between tradition and dynamism.

The Boston Yanks, a team that flickered brightly briefly in the National Football League (NFL), represent a fascinating chapter in the league's early history. Although the Yanks existed for only five seasons, from 1944 to 1948, they left their mark on the fledgling league despite their struggles.
The Yanks ironically landed in Boston because owner Ted Collins wanted to bring a team to New York City's Yankee Stadium.

The Yanks, a team born out of unique circumstances, were initially intended for New York City's Yankee Stadium by owner Ted Collins. However, the name 'Yanks' stuck, a constant reminder of Collins' initial vision. Their arrival in 1944 coincided with a player shortage caused by World War II, leading to a unique situation for the 1945 season. The Yanks temporarily merged with the Brooklyn Tigers, another struggling franchise, becoming simply 'the Yanks' without a designated home city.

Despite the challenges, the Yanks showed glimpses of potential. They boasted players like Charley "Choo-Choo" Justice, a speedy halfback known for his dazzling runs. However, overall success proved elusive. Their first official season in 1944 yielded a meager 2-8 record, a trend that continued throughout their existence.

One of the Yanks' defining aspects was their home field situation. Primarily playing at Fenway Park, the iconic baseball stadium, they faced logistical hurdles. Sharing the field with the Boston Red Sox often meant scheduling conflicts. Braves Field, home to the Boston Braves baseball team, became a temporary home for games coinciding with Red Sox games. This lack of a dedicated stadium likely hampered fan engagement and team identity.

Financial struggles also plagued the Yanks. The league was still finding its footing, and attendance figures were often disappointing. Coupled with the team's lack of consistent winning, attracting top talent became difficult.

In 1946, the Yanks received a boost when they absorbed the remnants of the Brooklyn Tigers franchise, gaining a wealth of experienced players. However, it wasn't enough to turn the tide. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players, the Yanks never managed a winning season.

By 1949, the franchise's future looked bleak. Facing mounting financial losses and a lack of on-field success, the Yanks relocated to New York City, becoming the New York Yanks. This move, however, proved temporary. After two seasons, the team moved again, becoming the Dallas Texans (later known as the Kansas City Chiefs), a franchise that thrives today.

Though their time in Boston was brief, the Yanks played a significant role in the NFL's growth. They brought professional football to a new city, showcasing the sport's potential to a wider audience. Their struggles, though challenging, also served as a catalyst for the league's evolution, highlighting the challenges faced by the NFL in its early years. The Boston Yanks, in their brief existence, serve as a testament to the league's perseverance in its journey to becoming the national phenomenon it is today.

Born November 24, 1929 - John Henry Johnson was a great fullback who attended St. Mary’s University and was the second pick in the 1953 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, as told on the profootballhof.com internet site.

Johnson rushed for over 1000 yards in both the 1962 and 1964 seasons and was the first Steeler to ever accomplish the feat. After his contract ended in Pittsburgh, he played in the CFL for a season and then returned to the NFL with the 49ers and Detroit Lions and then played his 13th and final por season with the AFL’s Houston Oilers.

After the dust on his brilliant career had settled, Johnson accounted for 6803 career rushing yards and ranked him fourth on the All-Time rushing list. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined John Henry Johnson in the class of 1987.

The evolution of Brown University's football helmet design mirrors the broader trajectory of helmet safety and aesthetic changes in the sport. Early Brown helmets likely resembled leather caps with minimal protection. As the game grew more physical, so too did the helmets. The introduction of harder materials and innovative padding marked a significant leap in player safety.

Modern Brown helmets typically feature the team's brown and white colors. The classic brown shell with white stripes or a simple brown helmet has been a staple for the Bears. However, the team has also experimented with alternate designs and color schemes for specific games or seasons, adding a contemporary touch to the traditional look. Consistent with industry standards, Brown helmets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance protection against head injuries, a testament to the sport's commitment to player safety.

Blaise over at the Helmet History website shares his research on the history of the helmet styles, logos, and designs of the Brown Bears.

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One of the biggest football rules about faces of all time may be in the game-time relationship of a coach in communicating with his players.

Here is Tim's original Tidbit that the topic derived from, footballarchaeology.com/p/todays-tidbit-coaching-one-player?utm_source=publication-search">Coaching One Player During Timeouts

-Transcription of One Coach with Timothy Brown

Hello, my football friends; this is Darin Hayes of PigSkinDispatch.com. Welcome once again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. We're going to look in that portal today and go back and do some football archaeological work with Timothy P. Brown of FootballArcheology.com. Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen.

Darin, thank you. Looking forward to chatting once again.

Always fun to talk about old-time football. Yeah, and you have some real dandies that come out in the tidbits each and every day, and one that really caught my eye that I'd like to talk about tonight is you have, it's titled Coaching One Player, and I find this very interesting on multiple levels, and my officiating ears go up on this one because, you know, I can appreciate what the officials had to deal with during these times too. So I'll let you take the floor here and tell us all about this.

Well, I think I said this two weeks ago, but there are certain stories that need background in order for a more current story to make sense. Hey, we're here to hear old football stories, so the more we can hear, the better. Then you're going to benefit from that kind of idea and thinking today.

So this, for I think everybody, whether you've lived through this era or not if you're a football fan, you've seen images of a coach standing on the sideline talking typically to his quarterback. Sometimes, it could have been his mid linebacker, but most often, the pictures would show the quarterback. And so it's obviously a timeout, and so they're, you know, the two are conferring about game strategies and which plays to call, et cetera.

And so, but the odd thing is, why the heck is he just talking to his quarterback? Because nowadays the whole team comes over or, yeah, I mean, especially like high school, the old team will come running over coach and listen to coach jabber, you know, 35 seconds and then run back and execute a play. But so this whole thing of the coach being able to talk to one player at a time during a timeout all has this background in the idea of coaching from the sideline. And so that was illegal really until, you know, in the college game, it was illegal until the 1960s.

It was illegal in the pro game until 1944. But so it all has to do with this idea that, you know, originally the football teams were organized by the athletes themselves, just they were club teams, just like any, I don't quite want to make it sound like, you know, the club Quidditch team at some college or university today, but, you know, fundamentally, it's the same thing. A bunch of guys got together and said, hey, let's play football.

And so they organized themselves and then it got popular. So a lot of people wanted to attend and blah, blah, blah. So the game, you know, evolved, but it had this fundamental belief that the game was for the players, not for the fan, not for the coaches.

And so there's a whole slew of football rules and underlying beliefs that are aligned with that. And, you know, I mean, some of it's kind of hidden, but even things like, you know, numbering the players was for the fans, but it was opposed by the coaches for a long time. So that's why we didn't have numbers.

But so one of the things that was by tradition, you're supposed to engage the player's brawn and the brain. Therefore, coaches, fans, and spectators are not supposed to yell instructions to the players. And so that all worked and was, you know, the tradition and kind of the etiquette allowed that or made sure that didn't happen until the late 1880s.

And then people kind of started cheating a bit. And so they enacted a rule in 1892 that said, if somebody coaches from the sideline, it's a 15-yard penalty. And so if you think about other and older pictures that you've seen of football teams when you saw, you see pictures of all the players sitting on a bench on the sideline, you see pictures of all the players sitting or kneeling on the sideline, or you see one or two coaches standing.

And all of that was just at various times, the rules morphed a bit, especially in terms of the number of coaches that could stand on the sideline or move up and down during play. But the, you know, even when they could move around a bit, they still could not instruct the players. So there were things in the 19, I want to say it's the late 1930s, there were some experimental games where they had a 12th student, so a team member, maybe he was a smart guy, but he was like the third string quarter.

They put him out on the field to call the plays and instruct the team because he was a student, not a coach. So there were some experimental games, you know, trying that because, again, student, not a coach. So, even the rule that they had was the kicker; if there were times when they did allow teams, the kicker had to request the tee.

You couldn't, you know, some of the sidelines couldn't just toss a tee out onto the field; the kicker had to request it. Because if you just toss the tee out there, that meant the coach had said, I want them kicking, you know, I want them to try the field goal here from the 35-yard line or whatever. Anyway, there is a whole set of rules like that.

But then in, you know, say, 1940s, you have two platoon footballs coming along. That allowed coaches to coach the defense while they were off the field or the offense when they were off the field. And then eventually, in the 50s, you had, you know, in the pro level, anyways, they had what they called messenger guards, where teams would swap, they'd have guards run back and forth between days.

So that, you know, one, the right guard would swap between one guy and the other, and they would bring in the play each ball. Interestingly, a guy named Chuck Knoll was one of the first messenger guards to play and perform that function. So... I think I've heard of him before.

Yeah, I think he, well, I know the listeners can't see that, but you're wearing a Pittsburgh Steelers hat. So, I think you've heard of Chuck Knoll before. But so eventually, in 1967, they passed a rule that said, okay, now when we call a timeout, you know, previously, even during a timeout, the players, the coach could not talk to the players; they had to stay out there on the field.

And even with injuries, the coach could not go out there; just one person who was a medical professional could go out there. And so in 1967, in the colleges anyways, they said, one player can talk to a coach. And so that's why you see all those pictures.

And actually, the high schools had made that rule change a couple of years earlier. And then, you know, early 70s, maybe late 60s, somewhere in there, the high schools also just said, let's allow all 11 players to come over to the sideline to talk to the coach. So again, it's one of those goofy things, but it's grounded in this whole background, underlying people's belief systems about football.

But believe it or not, at the high school level, the phenomenon, you know, even through my officiating career, it's only the last 10 or 15 years that more than one coach can go out on the field and more than 11 players can be out there. When they had it for a long time that I officiated, you had to have only 11 players and one coach, and they had to be at least inside the nine-yard marks, which is the top of the numbers. And, and you had to call, you know, technically, if they did that, you're supposed to call it illegal substitution.

I mean, we just tried to enforce it and keep them back, but it was a pain in the neck because you know how timeouts are; it's sort of chaotic. And you're trying to tell these coaches, they can't, you know, the defensive assistant wants to come out with the head coach and whatever you got to chase them back. But they, they did a promotion.

Right. Right. So the national federation had to be like 10, 15 years ago, finally in this century said, Hey, you can have as many players and as many coaches come out anywhere on the field.

And as long, you know, but when that minute's up, you know, everybody's got to be out of there. And just the 11 players are on their own side of the ball. So it's still an evolving transition of that rule, at least at the high school level.

And it's much easier to do it now. I think, you know, you raised a really interesting point of view from the official, right? So, you know, I played, I coached. So I have that perspective on what it's like to do those things, but I never officiated.

And so I don't understand the game from that perspective, as well as the pressures and the concerns. Right. And so there's, there's just, I mean, there's a lot of things out there in the rules that, you know, even like the, the stripes, stripes on the gridiron, you know, the 10, the five-yard stripes, when there was a checkerboard, the checkerboard stripes, there are lots of things that were put on the field to help the officials, not to help the, you know, the players.

Like the game, they're playing behind me right now. Yeah, exactly. And, you know, the difference between whistles and horns and all that kind of stuff, the final gun, you know, there were so many things that, that really, you know, they were instituted to make officiating easier and, and more regulated, more consistent, you know, because what do people complain about? Inconsistent officiating, right? So, you know, there's a reason.

They still complain about that. If you watched the games in the playoffs this year and the regular season, you know, even us old officials complained about some of them, but it's. Yeah.

But, but it really, I mean, it really, you know, like your perspective just lends a different lens, a different way to look at the game. And, you know, so I just, I appreciate that. It's just, you know, I get it, but I don't get it.

Yeah. It's, it's, it's definitely something. I mean, I, I miss, I love being out on the field.

I love the people that I work with. I love, you know, the coaches and the kids, but there's some, some parts of it that I don't miss, especially when you have a, a coach that had a bad day and he's going to take it out on you because you're the easiest target for him. And you're a sideline official.

You know, those are always fun, but yeah, I like the game and ship. I love doing it and going back and forth with the coach, and that's part of the fun of it. And it's an exciting thing.

And it's part of the game. I have a quick little story I have to tell you. One of my favorite college memories is that I played at a small college, and we had a game with a backup quarterback who was just a kind of poster.

And at one point, you know, in the middle of a game, a referee threw a flag, and then the play ended up at about 20, 30 yards downfield. And so, but he had thrown his flag near the line of scrimmage. And so this quarterback goes out on the field, picks up the guy's flag, stuffs it in his pants.

And so the, the official comes running back, you know, he's a headlinesman or whatever, cause he's right along the side. He comes back, and he can't find his flag. And so our coach starts yelling at him like, what are you doing? You know, you're delaying the game, you know, sticks.

So then the guy heads back upfield, looking for his flag, and when the quarterback takes the flag and dumps it back on the field, where, you know, it is behind him. And then the official turns around, sees the flag sitting there, and knows that it wasn't there like five seconds ago. He just, he just smiled, and he didn't say a damn thing.

He knew one of the kids was in his chain. And I just think I recall that it's just one of my favorite memories in college. It was just like a small college.

It really didn't matter, but it mattered. And so for somebody to think about, to think that quickly to do, to pull off that trick, and for the official to just let it go, I thought it was just total class. Cause he could have he could have flagged somebody.

Right. But it seems like you'd have it like every, every season, at least once or twice, you'd have that, that kid that just wants to help you out. You know, they, they, they're, they're just that helpful soul, and you throw a flag, and it's a spot foul.

And if the flag means something, you know, it wasn't like, you know, offsides or something, it's a holding or, you know, intentional grounding where the flag really matters, and you throw it, and you're, you know, you're, you're, that's why you have a flag. You're marking that spot, and you're following the rest of the play. And you, like you said, you might end up 30 yards downfield or 80 yards downfield, and you got to come back to the spot, but I'd always be turning around to come back.

And there's this kid, I can see him pick up the flag and say, I'll bring your flag to you, Mr. No, no, no, don't, don't do that. Thank you. But thank you.

But no, thanks. Yes. But yeah, that's all you always run into that kind of stuff, too.

But my teammate didn't have the official best interest at heart. Yeah. I think that was a little bit more malicious.

Are you sure this was a teammate, and it wasn't the person telling the story? No, it wasn't me. You seem to really have a lot of firsthand knowledge here. I've done, I've done, I was kind of a trickster, you know, sort of person.

So I've done things like that, but no, I, I, I didn't have the guts to do that. Yeah, that would be; it took a little bit of moxie to do that. I'm sure, especially with everybody in a stand, seeing what you're doing.

So, hey, Tim, great stuff as always, you know, this coaching and quarterback relationship and coaching with the, from the sidelines is always an interesting subject. And it's amazing how much that's evolved over the years and how much the perception of what the coach should be doing on the field and what he shouldn't be doing has changed over the last hundred years. It's just great stuff.

And I really like how you portrayed that out here in a story and this podcast tonight. And you know, you have these thoughts and these tidbits that come out each and every day on your website, social media, and email, and maybe you could share with the listeners how they could enjoy some of these, too. Yeah, so it's really easy.

My site is footballarchaeology.com. And as long as you spell it right, you'll find it. And so you can, there's, you know, every story that's out there, there's a subscribe button. And if you subscribe, you get get the email at seven o'clock Eastern every day, which comes right to your inbox.

And then alternatively, you can just follow me on Twitter at Football Archaeology. And then, you know, obviously, you can just go find it and, you know, periodically search it and see, see what's been published. But you know, from my perspective, the best thing for me is if you get the thing every day and, you know, if you've got a busy week, let them pile up.

And then when you got a little bit of time over the weekend, scan through them and see what interests you. All right. I, I'm glad that you, you mentioned that, that I'm not the only one that has trouble spelling archaeology every time I write it out.

And even if I spell it right, I look at it, and I, is that right? That's just one of those words that just doesn't look right, but hey. A-R-C-H-A-E-O-L-O-G-Y. Yeah.

I think maybe, maybe as an American, we pronounce it with that archaeology and A just doesn't seem like it belongs there, but hey, hey, great stuff and spell it right and put the dot com on the end and you'll get to Tim's site. And Tim, we'll talk to you again next week. Hey, very good.

Thanks, Darin.

Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai.

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LaVern "Lavvie" Dilweg wasn't your typical football player. A true renaissance athlete, Dilweg excelled in not just one, but three sports during his college years at Marquette University. Yet, it's on the gridiron where he carved his niche in American football history, becoming a standout player and an early contributor to the fledgling NFL.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Dilweg's athletic prowess manifested early. He dominated the local high school scene before heading to Marquette, where he thrived as a three-sport athlete. As a center on the basketball team and a shot putter on the track team, Dilweg displayed his versatility and strength. However, it was on the football field where his talents truly shone.

Playing end for the Marquette Golden Avalanche under head coach Frank Murray, Dilweg earned All-American honors. His dominance on the field contributed to the Golden Avalanche's impressive record of 28-4-1 during his four years. This success culminated in an invitation to play in the inaugural East-West Shrine Game in San Francisco in 1925, a prestigious event showcasing the nation's top college football players.

Dilweg's college career intersected with the early years of the National Football League (NFL). While still enrolled at Marquette's law school, he dipped his toes into professional football with the Milwaukee Badgers in 1926. Unfortunately, the Badgers folded before the season's end. However, Dilweg's talent wasn't lost on another historic franchise – the Green Bay Packers.

In 1927, Dilweg signed with the Packers, embarking on a professional career that would last through the 1934 season. This period was a time of immense growth for the NFL, and Dilweg played a part in shaping its early identity. Balancing his legal career with his gridiron duties, Dilweg exemplified the dedication and versatility required of athletes in the league's nascent years.

Lavvie Dilweg's story is a testament to the spirit of early American football. He wasn't just a talented player; he was a multi-sport athlete who embodied the athletic ideal of his era. His contributions to the Green Bay Packers during a crucial period of growth for the NFL solidify his place as a pioneer who helped pave the way for the sport we know today.

-Transcript of Ken Crippen's Chat About Dilweg

And you look at someone like a Laverne Dilweg and it's just inexplicable to me how he can't become a finalist, you know, he, you'll see them in the, in the, um, centennial class where he was part of the top 20, but then never made it beyond that. And then, you know, it was never really been touched since then. Al Wister, he's getting close, but he's not making it. These are guys who dominated their positions. I mean, Dillwig was the second-best end in the pre-modern era. How can you not be considered if you're number two behind one of the greatest of all time in Don Hutson? You have somebody that, you know, Ken Riley, you know, we brought his name up earlier, so I don't want to keep picking on him, but doesn't have the all pros, doesn't have the Pro Bowls or anything like that. They used interceptions while he had 64 interceptions in his career. He never led the league in interceptions. He was in the top five once in interceptions. If you're a Hall of Famer, you only make top five and interceptions once in a 16-year career. There are times he didn't even lead his own team in interceptions, but yet that was the criteria for him getting in. Laverne Dillwig had 27 interceptions from a defensive end position. You look at the other pre-modern era ends that are in the Hall of Fame. They all have single digits in interceptions. Dillwig had 27. The only other end that had more was Hudson, but he played safety. So you're going to have more opportunities. You're going to be able to have more interceptions, and it's only three more than Dillwig had. He led, you know, Dilweg led the league in yards, touchdowns. That's what an end does, but you look at it, and you know, eight-time All-Pro, six-time consecutive consensus All-Pro, four-time consecutive unanimous All-Pro, all-decade team. The media members of the day said he was by far the best end of his time, but yet you look at the media members today and they're like, yeah, it doesn't matter.

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The Air Force Academy Falcons football program has a rich history, dating back to its inaugural season in 1955. While only sometimes known as national contenders, the Falcons have established themselves as a consistently competitive team known for their unique option offense and disciplined play. Let's take a look at the last 30 seasons of Air Force football:

-1994-2006:

This period saw Air Force join the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and experience the most successful stretch in program history.
The Falcons won three conference championships (1995, 1997, 1998) and appeared in seven bowl games, including the 1998 Copper Bowl, where they defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 45-20.

Notable players from this era include quarterback Beau Morgan, running back Chad Hall, and linebacker Reggie Rivers.

-2007-2012:

Following Troy Calhoun's arrival as head coach in 2007, Air Force embarked on a new era.
Though the program experienced a different level of success than the previous decade, it remained competitive within the WAC, winning the conference championship in 2010 and appearing in three bowl games.

This period saw the emergence of notable players like quarterback Tim Jefferson, running back Asher Clark, and safety Chris Harris Jr.

With the WAC's dissolution, Air Force moved to the Mountain West Conference (MWC).

The program faced challenges adjusting to the new conference and experienced inconsistent seasons.
Despite the ups and downs, Air Force won the MWC Mountain Division championship in 2019 and appeared in three bowl games.

Cheer for a team where excellence extends beyond the scoreboard. The Air Force Falcons fly high with a winning tradition, academic prowess, and a commitment to developing strong leaders both on and off the field. Witness the power of teamwork and dedication as these Falcons take to the sky (or rather, the gridiron) for a thrilling season!