Football History

A bio of the legendary College Football Hall of Fame Place kicker Jim Martin. Born April 8, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Notre Dame’s position flexible end and tackle Jim Martin. Jim started college at a bit later age than most after serving military duty in the War, so as a twenty-two year old stepping on campus as a frosh but he hit the ground running on the gridiron starting all four seasons and even becoming a team co-captain with Leon Hart in his senior season.

During that time period with Martin on the team the Fighting Irish never saw a defeat as they amassed a record of 36-0-2 according to the National Football Foundation. He was an end  in his first three years, Notre Dame faced a shortage at tackle going into 1949, and Martin volunteered to change positions. He played tackle in 1949 and was on the AP, INS, and NEA All-America teams.

The well rounded athlete also participated in boxing and swimming at the school earning the 1950 George Gipp Award as Notre Dame's outstanding athlete. Jim Martin was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Jim served on the US Marines during WWII as part of an amphibious assault team. Jim played 14 years in the National Football League with Cleveland in 1950, Detroit in 1951-61, Baltimore in 1963, and Washington in 1964. Spending the 1962 season as assistant coach at Denver. He starred as linebacker and place kicker.

For his pro career he had 56 field goals, including 15 in the 1961 season with Detroit. He later served as a football coach in the NFL, WFL and the college ranks.

Born on April 17, 1905, in Little Falls, Minnesota, Herbert "Herb" Joesting carved out a significant place in the annals of college football. His powerful running style and unwavering dedication left an enduring impact on the Minnesota Golden Gophers and those who witnessed his prowess. While his professional football career was limited, his college achievements and the legacy he forged cemented his status as a true icon of the sport.  

-College Career

Herb Joesting's tenure as the fullback for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1925 to 1927 was nothing short of remarkable. Under the guidance of Coach Clarence “Doc” Spears, the Golden Gophers' offense revolved around Joesting's exceptional talent and physicality. His powerful rushes and relentless drive consistently frustrated opposing defenses. A testament to his dominance came in the 1927 season when the Gophers faced Notre Dame. After two seasons of witnessing Joesting's impact, Legendary Irish coach Knute Rockne famously declared he would buy a new suit for any of his players who could tackle Joesting for a loss. No such tackle occurred, and the game ended in a 7-7 tie, contributing to Minnesota's undefeated 6-0-2 season. Joesting's consistent excellence earned him the extraordinary distinction of being named an All-American for three consecutive years.  

-Road to the Pro Game

While Joesting's college career was stellar, his journey to the professional ranks was less extensive. Information readily available suggests a limited professional playing career. However, his impact on the college game was so profound that it overshadowed a lengthy professional stint. His powerful running style and leadership qualities were evident, but the professional landscape of football in the late 1920s and early 1930s was still evolving. Joesting's influence was more deeply felt in the collegiate realm, inspiring future generations of players.

-Football Legacy

Herb Joesting's football legacy is primarily defined by his dominant college career and his profound influence on his teammates. His "play each game for all it's worth" philosophy resonated deeply, notably with a young sophomore named Bronko Nagurski, who observed and learned from Joesting's unwavering commitment. Joesting's three consecutive All-American selections underscore his sustained excellence and impact on the game during his time at Minnesota. His powerful running style became his hallmark, earning him the "Owatonna Thunderbolt." The ultimate recognition of his collegiate achievements came in 1954 when Herb Joesting was rightfully inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, ensuring his contributions to the sport would be remembered for generations.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-All-American: 1925, 1926, 1927  

-Career Rushing Yards (Minnesota): 1,850 yards in 24 games  

-Career Average (Minnesota): 4.2 yards per carry  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1954

---

The boys of the bench area in Clete Marx Comics are at it again to give you your daily gridiron grin. This time they check out the new training facility at the school.

Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers Episode 66! 🏈 Dive into a world where the sidelines are just as wild! Watch our benchwarmers turn everyday football moments into laugh-out-loud scenarios. Get your giggle fix in under 15 seconds—who knew warming the bench could be this entertaining?

---

American football is made for the entertainment of the fans. Since it is fun we need to have fun with the game and its elements. Today, we look at the pass rush in the gridiron grin.

Ever wondered what life's like on the bench? Join us for a hilarious peek behind the scenes with Clete Marx Comics, the Bench Warmers.

---

Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers!

Ready for a hilarious ride on the sidelines? Our benchwarmers bring the laughs with their quick-witted antics and football fun!

Tune in for a chuckle in less than 15 seconds—because every player deserves a laugh!

---

What are your thoughts on the transfer portal?

Dive into a world where the sidelines are just as wild! Watch our benchwarmers turn everyday football moments into laugh-out-loud scenarios.

Get your giggle fix in under 10 seconds—who knew warming the bench could be this entertaining?

Check out more of our Clete Marx Comics antics at pigskindispatch.com/home/Clete-Marx-Comics or here on the Pigskin Dispatch YouTube Channel

Erny Pinkert's college football career at USC was a masterclass in offensive versatility and dominance.

Here's a breakdown of his achievements:

-Dual-Threat Superstar: Pinkert wasn't just a gifted runner, but also a skilled passer and defensive back. He excelled as a halfback, showcasing impressive speed, agility, and elusiveness. His passing prowess added another dimension to the USC offense, making him a true offensive weapon.

-Record-Breaking Accolades: Pinkert's impact is undeniable. He was a consensus All-American selection in 1930, a prestigious honor recognizing the best players in the nation. He contributed significantly to USC's success, helping them secure Rose Bowl victories in 1928 and 1932.

-Legacy as an Innovator: Pinkert's talent inspired coaches to develop innovative offensive plays to utilize his diverse skillset. His success as a dual-threat back helped redefine the role of the halfback position in college football.

-A Hall of Fame Career: Pinkert's dominance was recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957.

Erny Pinkert's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades. He was a pioneer who paved the way for future generations of versatile offensive players. His impact on the USC Trojans program and the evolution of the halfback position makes him a true college football legend.

USC honors Erny Pinkert as one of their greatest players that have worn the number 17 jersey on the gridiron.

Get into the minds of college athletes as they try to figure out when they may take the field. We look at the lighter side of football and try to put a smile on your face.

Need a quick laugh? Check out Clete Marx Comics, the Bench Warmers, for football-themed humor in under 10 seconds.

Clete Marx Comics your football funny pages!

Born May 2, 1887, in St. Louis, Missouri, was the halfback from Texas A&M from 1905 to 1907 Joe Utay. The FootballFoundation.org shares that in the three seasons that Utay played with the Aggies the school had a 19-4-1 record.

What Utay did for the gridiron after his playing days were over was truly remarkable. Utay graduated in 1908, went to law school, and was a practicing attorney in Dallas for 55 years. He returned to Texas A&M in 1912 and served one year as freshman football coach and director of athletics.

That same year he founded the Texas Officials Association, and he was its president 1912-36. In 1914 he helped found the Southwest Conference. Still seemingly finding some times on his hands Joe wrote the Southwest review of each football season in the NCAA Guide for 25 years. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Joe Utay into their legendary museum in 1974.

Forget your modern-day gridiron giants. Brace yourself for a tale spun from sepia-toned leather helmets and mud-caked cleats. This is the story of Harold Weekes, the "Hurdler," a Columbia Lions legend who redefined football in the early 1900s.

We're talking about a time when offense meant brute force and passes were a whispered heresy. But Weekes, a halfback with the speed of a cheetah and the courage of a lion (fitting, eh?), saw a different future. He envisioned the air alive with pigskin, defenses scrambling in futility.

And boy, did he defy it! Picture this: Weekes, perched atop the shoulders of teammates, hurdling over bewildered tacklers like a human cannonball. The "Flying Hurdle," they called it, a death-defying dance that left opponents awestruck and crowds roaring.

He wasn't just a daredevil; he was a triple-threat maestro. Weekes threw lasers, juked like a Houdini, and ran with the wind at his heels. He led Columbia to three championships, earned three All-American honors, and became the first-ever Lion inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.