Football History

---

Episode 59 of the American Football comic strip 🏈 Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers! 🏈

That's right our boys are sportin' some new duds. Check out their opinion of it, and please give us yours!

Join our lovable benchwarmers as they tackle life off the field with humor and heart! Each quick clip delivers a punchline before you can say "touchdown!"

Perfect for a quick laugh when you need it most! 😂 #CleteMarx #SidelineLaughs

---

The Clete Marx Comics characters are back with their perspective on football homecoming games. Episode 63 brings you the gridiron grins you've come to expect from our naive friends on the bench.

Pigskin Dispatch Presents: Clete Marx Comics - The Bench Warmers! 🏈 Join our lovable benchwarmers as they tackle life off the field with humor and heart! Each quick clip delivers a punchline before you can say "touchdown!"

Perfect for a quick laugh when you need it most! 😂 #CleteMarx #SidelineLaughs

---

Sit back and enjoy some light humor in this 15-second comic strip dedicated to American football.

Football is a game that should be relaxing and entertaining, but sometimes players have a bit of anxiety from the unknown. We look at t the lighter side of the game to bring a moment of lightheartedness to a stressful world.

Our Clete Marx Comics "The Bench Warmers" should be just the medicine to bring on that gridiron grin.

Quickly and easily listen to Pigskin Dispatch for free!

April 10, 1918, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, marked the birth of James "Jim" Daniell, a formidable presence who would leave an indelible mark on both college and professional football. His journey began in earnest when he enrolled at Ohio State University, where his exceptional talent and dedication quickly established him as a cornerstone of the Buckeyes' defense from 1939 to 1941.  

-College Career

At Ohio State, Jim Daniell was a dominant force as a tackle. His size, strength, and agility made him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. He was a key contributor to the Buckeyes' success during his tenure, earning recognition for his outstanding play. One play, in particular, on October 19, 1941, against Purdue, has become legendary. In a muddy, scoreless contest, Daniell's remarkable athleticism and instincts were on full display. He surged through the Purdue line, leaped, and swatted a punt back into the end zone for a safety, giving Ohio State a crucial 2-0 lead in their eventual 16-14 victory. This iconic play exemplifies his impact and game-changing ability.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Daniell's collegiate prowess naturally paved the way for a professional football career. Following his time at Ohio State, he entered the professional ranks, showcasing his talents with two prominent franchises. He played for the legendary Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Later, he joined the Cleveland Browns in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). His leadership qualities were evident during his time with the Browns, as he was named the team's captain in 1946, highlighting his respect and influence within the locker room.  

-Football Legacy

Jim Daniell's legacy extends beyond his impressive play on the field. His dedication to the sport and his impactful collegiate and professional performances cemented his place in football history. His memorable play against Purdue remains a testament to his athleticism and determination. Furthermore, his service to his country after his playing days, earning a Presidential Citation, a Bronze Star, and a Silver Star, speaks volumes about his character and commitment beyond the gridiron.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

His most significant honor came in 1977 when the National Football Foundation (NFF) recognized his exceptional college career by inducting him into the College Football Hall of Fame.

This prestigious recognition underscores his status as one of college football's all-time greats. His captaincy with the Cleveland Browns further highlights his leadership abilities at the professional level. Though precise statistical data may be limited, his Hall of Fame induction and captaincy are potent indicators of his outstanding contributions and lasting legacy in the sport.

Eric Tipton was born on April 20, 1915, in Petersburg, Virginia, and distinguished himself as a remarkable all-around athlete, achieving acclaim in both football and baseball.

-College Career

From 1936 to 1938, Tipton starred as a halfback and punter at Duke University. During his time with the Blue Devils, the team achieved an impressive 25-4 record, securing Southern Conference championships in 1936 and 1938. Tipton's versatility was a key factor in Duke's success. He accumulated 1,633 rushing yards and scored 17 touchdowns throughout his college career. One of his most memorable performances came in a game against Pittsburgh in 1938, where his exceptional punting pinned Pittsburgh deep in their own territory, contributing significantly to Duke's 7-0 victory.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite being drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 13th round of the 1939 NFL draft, Tipton chose to pursue a career in professional baseball. He played outfield in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics (1939-1941) and the Cincinnati Reds (1942-1945). Tipton had a productive baseball career, with his best seasons coming in 1943 and 1944 when he hit .288 and .301, respectively.

-Football Legacy

Tipton's football legacy is primarily rooted in his outstanding college career at Duke University. His exceptional skills as a halfback and punter, particularly his punting prowess, helped Duke achieve significant success during his time there. His performance in the 1938 game against Pittsburgh is legendary, showcasing his ability to control the game through punting. Tipton's contributions to Duke football earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1965)

-All-Southern Conference (1938)

-All-America selection (1938)

While his professional sports career was in baseball, his college football statistics include 1,633 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

---

Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, was Earl Campbell the powerful back of the Texas Longhorns from 1974 through 1977. His nickname forever ties him to his hometown as Earl is still called "the Tyler Rose" as he pounded out big gains at the University of Texas.

The NFF says he rushed for 4,443 yards. This was the fifth highest total of all time when he retired. His rushing covered 928 yards as a freshman, 1118 as a sophomore, 653 as a junior (he missed four games), and 1,744 as a senior.

Campbell was All-America as a sophomore and senior, led the nation in rushing and scoring and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. He had an amazing 21 times where he rushed over 100 yards and three over 200 yards rushing in games.

The Houston Oilers during the 1978 NFL Draft wasted no time in turning their draft pick card with the first player selected to the Commissioner that had the name of Earl Campbell on it. Earl played 8 seasons with the Oilers and earned a rushing title, the distinction as an All-Pro and was selected to play in three Pro Bowls. The 1980 season as his best as he pounded out 1934 yards with 4 games over 200 yards.

For his NFL career, he amassed 9407 yards rushing and 74 TDs with another 806 yards on 121 receptions. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Earl Campbell in 1991.

---

Born May 19, 1967, in Missoula, Montana, was John Friesz the signal caller of the University of Idaho from 1986 through the 1989. The National Football Foundation shares that John in the summer before his senior season he attended the Idaho Vandal football camp and was noticed by then head coach Dennis Erickson.  “Erickson saw some potential in me,” said Friesz. “He was willing to take a chance on me.”

The 6ft-4in, 214 QB never got the chance to play for the future national championship coach at Erickson, as the coach left after John’s red shirt freshman season for the Miami Hurricanes vacated position. John became the starter as a sophomore leading the Vandals to the first of three consecutive Big Sky conference titles. was named a Division I-AA second team All-America as he threw 28 touchdown passes.

The following year he became a consensus first team choice as Idaho reached the I-AA semi-finals. In his senior year John became the first quarterback to win the Walter Payton Award as the outstanding player in I-AA football. That season he threw for 4,041 yards and 31 touchdowns. He averaged an outstanding 367.4 yards per game and broke the 300-yard barrier in ten consecutive games.  

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of John Friesz into their legendary museum in 2006. Friesz was taken in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers and passed for 8,633 yards and 45 touchdowns in his eight-year NFL career.

Joe Steffy was born on April 3, 1926, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, embarking on a college career that showcased his exceptional talent as an interior lineman. He began his journey at the University of Tennessee, contributing to the 1944 team that reached the Rose Bowl. His commitment to service then led him to the United States Military Academy, where he played guard for three years.  

Steffy's football legacy is defined by his outstanding senior season at Army in 1947. As team captain, his dominant play earned him the prestigious Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation's best interior lineman. While the provided information doesn't detail a professional career, his collegiate achievements were significant enough to secure his place among football's elite.  

His primary accolade is the 1947 Outland Trophy.

Joe Steffy's remarkable college career, marked by his leadership and exceptional skill on the offensive line, led to his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987 by the National Football Foundation. His impact as a standout player at both Tennessee and Army solidified his lasting contribution to the sport.

Gridiron greatness! Discover Mal Stevens, hailed by Grantland Rice as an all-time running back legend. From Washburn's quarterback to Yale's star halfback, his electrifying play paved the way to the College Football Hall of Fame. Explore the incredible journey of this football icon!

April 14, 1900, marked the birth of Mal Stevens in Stockton, Kansas. This figure's impact on American football spanned playing fields, sidelines, and even the medical profession. His journey through the sport is a testament to his multifaceted talents and enduring passion.

-College Career

Stevens' collegiate football career began at Washburn University, where he served as the starting quarterback from 1919 to 1921. His leadership and skills on the field quickly made him a notable player. In 1921, he transitioned to Yale University, initially playing halfback. It was during his time at Yale that his exceptional talent truly blossomed. Grantland Rice, the renowned sports journalist, famously hailed Stevens in 1923 as "one of the greatest running backs I ever saw," a powerful endorsement of his abilities. The 1923 Yale team, featuring Stevens alongside future Hall of Famers Bill Mallory and Century Milstead, achieved an undefeated 8-0 season, dominating their opponents with a remarkable 230-38 scoring differential.

-Road to the Pro Game

While Stevens achieved legendary status in college football, his direct professional playing career was brief. The provided information indicates he played for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946. However, his impact on the professional game extended far beyond his playing days. After his stellar collegiate career, Stevens embarked on a coaching path, beginning as an assistant coach at Yale from 1924 to 1927. He then ascended to the head coaching position at his alma mater from 1928 to 1932, becoming the youngest head coach at a major program at just 28 years old. Following a stint as freshman coach at Yale in 1933, he took on the head coaching role at New York University from 1938 to 1941. His experience at the collegiate level paved the way for his role as head coach of the Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1946, showcasing his leadership at the professional level. Notably, Stevens simultaneously pursued and obtained his medical degree from Yale. During his coaching tenures at both Yale and NYU, he also taught orthopedic surgery, highlighting his exceptional intellect and dedication to both athletics and medicine.  

-Football Legacy

Mal Stevens' football legacy is profound and multifaceted. His on-field prowess as a dominant running back at Yale earned him significant acclaim, culminating in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Beyond his playing days, his successful coaching career at both the collegiate and professional levels left an indelible mark on the sport. His tenure as head coach at Yale, where he achieved considerable success and became the youngest head coach nationally at a major school, further solidified his reputation as a knowledgeable and effective leader. His election as president of the American Football Coaches Association in 1931, at the young age of 31, underscores the respect and admiration he commanded within the coaching community. Stevens' ability to excel in both the demanding worlds of high-level football and medicine is a testament to his exceptional discipline and intellect, making him a truly unique and influential figure in the history of the sport.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1974)

-Grantland Rice's tribute: Recognized as "one of the greatest running backs I ever saw" in 1923.

-Part of the undefeated (8-0) 1923 Yale team that significantly outscored opponents.  

-Youngest Head Coach at a Major School (Yale, 1928) at age 28.

-Youngest President of the American Football Coaches Association (1931) at age 31.  

Specific collegiate and professional playing statistics are not detailed in the provided information, but his Hall of Fame induction and Rice's tribute speak volumes about his impact as a player.