Football History

May 30, 1943 - Wichita, Kansas - Gale Sayers the top notch Kansas Halfback, also known as the “Kansas Comet” was born. Gale is one of the most talented backs to have ever graced the gridiron.

The FootballFoundation.org lists that Mr. Sayers was a two-time First Team All-America selection for the Jayhawks, and when he concluded his KU career he had 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. The Kansas Comet led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he wore the Jayhawk colors. Gale also led the team in receiving and punt returns in his final two years with the program. Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season.

One of Sayers top collegiate moments on the gridiron has to be the 96-yard kickoff return that aided a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma in his senior season. The University retired his number 48 jersey soon after he wore it last. Gale Sayers’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1977.

The Chicago Bears drafted Sayers in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft and he had an almost immediate impact on the entire League! The Pro Football Hall of Fame says right out of the chute Gale in a pre-season game raced 77 yards on a punt return, 93 yards on a kickoff return, and then startled everyone with a 25-yard scoring pass against the Los Angeles Rams. During the regular games he kept it going, as this standout player set a rookie record that season of 22 touchdowns and 132 points! The Comet scored four touchdowns, including a 96-yard game breaking kickoff return, against the Minnesota Vikings. But that was not the rookie’s grand finale. No, not even close to it. In the second to the last game of the year, playing on a muddy field that would have stalled most rushing attempts, Gale scored a record-tying six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Included in his sensational spree were an 80-yard pass-run play, a 50-yard rush and a 65-yard punt return. Sayers went on to have a short but brilliant career with 9435 combined yards in his career, 4956 yards from running.

Gale still is the all-time leader in NFL kick returns as he was also an All-NFL selection in five straight seasons and the player of the game in three different Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Gale Sayers with enshrinement in 1977 to become one of a very few that entered both Football Hall of Fame's in the same year.

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Born September 2, 1948 - Terry Bradshaw was a former quarterback from Louisiana Tech that is enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame according to the National Football Foundation. Bradshaw was the number one pick in the 1970 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bradshaw started his NFL career slowly, but he eventually became one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. He led the Steelers to four Super Bowl championships in a six-year period (1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979), becoming the first quarterback to win three and four Super Bowls. He was also named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1978.

In his 14-season NFL career, Bradshaw completed 2,025 of 3,901 passes for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns. He also rushed 444 times for 2,257 yards and 32 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl three times and was named to the NFL's All-Pro team once.

Bradshaw retired from football in 1984. He has since worked as a television sports analyst, most notably as a co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. He is also a successful businessman and has appeared in several television commercials.

Born on June 11, 1913, in Brooklyn, New York, was Vince Lombardi, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee, NFL coach of the Green Bay Packers, and former NFL executive.

Yes, even the trophy awarded to the Super Bowl Champion each season bears his name due to his importance to the NFL. Before becoming the Packers' head man, he had only five years of NFL experience as an assistant coach with the New York Giants. At his first team meeting, Lombardi challenged his new team by saying, "I have never been on a losing team, gentlemen, and I do not intend to start now!" The Packers responded as they improved from 1-10-1 in 1958 to 7-5 in 1959 in Lombardi's first season on the job. In 1960, Lombardi's Packers won the NFL championship five times in seven years and the first two Super Bowls in just ten seasons! Coach Vince had an overall career record of 105-35-6 as a head coach. The Pro Football Hall of Fame website claims that not only did he turn the Green Bay Packers around and take the league crown in 7 of nine seasons, but he also, in his final year as a coach, took the dismal Washington team and gave them their first winning season in 14! Vince Lombardi was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, a year after he died of cancer at age 57.

It is fitting that at the end of every Super Bowl, we remember the man that helped define the game.

The exceptional running back from Penn State drove the ground game and offensive success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Franco Harris wasn't just a running back; he was a symbol of Steelers dynasty, blue-collar spirit, and one of the most celebrated figures in NFL history. From his iconic run in Super Bowl IX to his longevity and consistency, Harris left an indelible mark on the gridiron that continues to inspire.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1972, Harris immediately made an impact. His powerful running style and knack for finding the end zone made him a perfect fit for the "Steel Curtain" era. He formed a dynamic duo with quarterback Terry Bradshaw, terrorizing defenses and leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in six years.

But Harris wasn't just about touchdowns. He was a complete back, excelling in both rushing and receiving. His durability was legendary, racking up over 12,000 rushing yards and 91 touchdowns in his 13-year career, despite playing in a physically demanding era.

His most iconic moment came in Super Bowl IX, when his 64-yard touchdown run in the dying moments of the game sealed victory for the Steelers against the Minnesota Vikings. This "Immaculate Reception," forever etched in NFL lore, solidified Harris's place as a Steelers legend and one of the sport's most unforgettable moments.

Harris's impact transcended the field. He was a leader in the locker room and a beloved figure in Pittsburgh. His blue-collar work ethic and infectious smile resonated with fans, making him a symbol of the city's resilience and character.

Born April 10, 1936, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Head Coach John Madden. Madden was 103-32-7 in 10 seasons  from 1969 through the 1978 season as the Oakland Raiders head coach. Madden led the Black and Silver to become Super Bowl XI champions. He later worked as a TV commentator from 1979 to 2008 and is a 16-time Emmy Award winner. Madden worked for all four major networks in his career (CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC) and was an analyst for 11 Super Bowls. Madden retired from broadcasting in April 2009, and his final game as a broadcaster was Super Bowl XLIII, when the Steelers defeated the Cardinals 27-23. John Madden was chosen to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his contributions of being a coach and I am sure the things he brought to televeision braodcasts are not overlooked.

Lamar Jackson isn't your typical NFL quarterback. He's a dynamic force, a dual-threat magician who has redefined the position with his electrifying blend of passing and rushing prowess. Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, Jackson's meteoric rise has seen him shatter records and become a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the age of 26.

Jackson's collegiate career at Louisville was a glimpse of things to come. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2016, showcasing his uncanny ability to scramble for yards while possessing a strong enough arm to dissect defenses. However, questions lingered about his accuracy and traditional pocket presence. The Ravens, intrigued by his unique skillset, selected him with the last pick in the first round, a gamble that has paid off handsomely.

Initially used as a backup, Jackson seized his opportunity due to an injury and never looked back. His electrifying running style, often reminiscent of a running back, bewildered defenses. In 2019, his dazzling play culminated in a historic MVP campaign. He shattered the single-season rushing record for quarterbacks, proving his rushing ability wasn't just a gimmick, but a weapon that opened up the passing game. His pinpoint accuracy also improved, silencing doubters.

Jackson's impact extends beyond statistics. He's become a symbol of a new era in quarterback play, where mobility and athleticism are valued alongside traditional passing skills. He's forced defenses to adapt, creating a chess match between his improvisation and defensive schemes. His success has paved the way for a new generation of dual-threat quarterbacks entering the league.

However, questions remain about Jackson's long-term health with his rushing style. Additionally, further development in his pocket presence will be crucial for sustained success. Regardless, Lamar Jackson's impact on the game is undeniable. He's a captivating player, a two-time MVP, and a true innovator at the quarterback position. His story is far from over, and fans eagerly await the next chapter in the remarkable career of Lamar Jackson.

Born May 1, 1910, in Akron, Ohio, was the strong halfback of the seasons of 1928 to 1931 of West Virginia Wesleyan, Cliff “Gyp” Battles. Battles was masterful in busting off long runs according to the FootballFoundation.org.

During the 1929 season, he broke off a 50-yard run from scrimmage against Salem. In 1930 he returned a kickoff 98 yards and a punt 90 yards against Waynesburg and ran back a punt 90 yards against Georgetown. That same year he also had runs of 80, 73, 68, and 66 yards. His 1931 scorecard showed runs of 86, 62, 57, 54, 44, and 22; that season he crossed the goal line 15 times and booted four extra points.

Against Salem in 1931 he made seven touchdowns. The next day’s paper registered that Gyp had 354 yards rushing, 91 on kick returns, and 24 on pass receiving, total 469 for the game. Causing the great gridiron historian of the day Grantland Rice to write: "Battles simply ran over or around all opponents."  

The National Football Foundation selected Cliff Battles for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. After his schooling was complete Cliff played pro football with the Boston/Washington franchise from 1932-37 and twice led the National Football League in rushing in both 1932 and 1937 per the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Cliff was the first player in NFL history to surpass the 200 yard mark in a single game and earned All-NFL honors five different times from 1932 to 1937.  Battles fought his way over the goal line 3 times in a division clinching victory over the Giants in 1937.  He was at the pinnacle of his career it seemed, and then he abruptly retired as the Redskins froze his salary at $3000 per year. He was a standout player in fact Cliff Battles was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. Battles was assistant coach at Columbia 1938-43, served in the Marines in World War II, and coached the Brooklyn Dodgers of the All-America Football Conference 1946-47.

Born April 20, 1925, in Prinzing-By-Cham, Bavaria, was the stout defensive tackle from Boston College, Ernie Stautner was born.

The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Ernie with the second overall selection in the 1950 NFL Draft per the Pro Football HOF website. Stautner anchored a formidable D-line in the steel city for 14 seasons. He was chosen as an All-NFL player four times in the back half of the 1950’s, winning the honor of best NFL lineman in 1957 and played in nine Pro Bowl games.

Stautner recovered 23 opponents' fumbles and took part in creating 3 safeties during his dominant career. Ernie Stautner was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

Born September 7, 1908, in Norwalk, Ohio was Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Paul Brown.

Brown's journey began in high school, where he won four national championships at Massillon Washington High School, establishing a dominant running attack and pioneering the playbook. He transitioned to college at Ohio State, leading them to their first national championship in 1942. During World War II, he coached the Great Lakes Navy football team, winning two service championships.

The Birth of a Dynasty: The Cleveland Browns (1946-1962)

Brown's impact truly flourished with the Cleveland Browns. He co-founded the team in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), creating a professional platform for his philosophy. He innovated by establishing year-round coaching staffs, scouting nationwide, and implementing complex offensive schemes. The results were astonishing: four unbeaten seasons (1947-1950), three AAFC championships, and three NFL championships (1950, 1954, 1955).

Beyond Victories: Innovation and Legacy (1963-1975)

A power struggle with Browns' owner Art Modell led to Brown's controversial departure in 1963. He quickly resurfaced with the Cincinnati Bengals, another expansion team. While immediate success eluded him, Brown continued to innovate, creating the Bengals' draft strategy and shaping their foundation. He stepped down from coaching in 1970, focusing on the general manager role, guiding the Bengals to two Super Bowl appearances in the 1980s.

This legend was one of the most successful and influential football coaches of all time. He coached for 25 seasons in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and National Football League (NFL), winning seven league championships.

Brown began his coaching career at Massillon Washington High School in 1932, where he led the team to six state championships and four national championships. He then moved on to Ohio State University, where he coached the Buckeyes to their first national championship in 1942.

In 1946, Brown became the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, a team he co-founded. The Browns won all four AAFC championships before joining the NFL in 1950. Brown continued his winning ways in the NFL, leading the Browns to three more championships in 1950, 1954, and 1955.

Brown was fired by the Browns in 1963, but he returned to coaching in 1968 with the Cincinnati Bengals. He led the Bengals to their first playoff appearance in 1970 and their first Super Bowl appearance in 1981.

Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. He is credited with many innovations in football, including the playbook, the facemask, and the draw play. He is also considered to be one of the first coaches to use modern statistical analysis and film study to improve his team's performance.

Among the storied seasons of the Iowa Hawkeyes, a select few rise above, adorned with moments of glory, etched onto the hearts of Hawkeye faithful.

1921-22: Twin Crowns Forged in Gold: Head Coach Howard Jones, dubbed "The Little Giant," orchestrated a dynasty in its infancy. Two consecutive undefeated seasons, boasting a combined 14-0 record, cemented the Hawkeyes as national champions. Led by the legendary Nile Kinnick and fueled by an unstoppable running game, Iowa carved its name onto the Grantland Rice Trophy (1921) and the Billingsley Trophy (1922) – a testament to Hawkeye dominance in the Golden Age of College Football.

1955-56: Evashevski's Dawning Light: Forest Evashevski, a man of vision and charisma, arrived in Iowa City, igniting a revolution. The 1955 season, though ending tragically with a Rose Bowl defeat, laid the foundation for future triumphs. 1956, however, saw the fruits of Evashevski's labor ripen. An 8-1 record, a Big Ten Championship, and a victory over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl marked the arrival of a new Hawkeye era – one defined by offensive fireworks and championship aspirations.

1985: "Chuck Long's Night" and Unbridled Hope: Under the visionary leadership of Hayden Fry, the Hawkeyes soared to unprecedented heights. Led by the electrifying quarterback Chuck Long and a potent offense known as "The Air Raid," the 1985 season was a symphony of offensive brilliance. Victories over Michigan and UCLA propelled Iowa to the brink of a national championship, culminating in the legendary "Chuck Long's Night" – a thrilling comeback win over undefeated Michigan that remains etched in Hawkeye lore.

1995-96: The Hawkeyes Roar in the Bowl: Fry's legacy continued to shine in the mid-1990s. Back-to-back Big Ten titles in 1995 and 1996, fueled by the defensive prowess of the "War Pigs," sent the Hawkeyes to consecutive Rose Bowls. These seasons showcased the Hawkeyes' trademark resilience, epitomized by the 1996 Rose Bowl victory over Arizona - a game where Iowa overcame a 16-point deficit to claim a thrilling triumph.

2022: West Division Champions and Beyond: The latest chapter in the Hawkeye saga unfolded in 2022. Led by the dynamic duo of quarterback Spencer Petras and tight end Sam LaPorta, Iowa captured the Big Ten West Division for the third time in the past four years. Victories over rival Minnesota and Penn State, punctuated by a stirring comeback against Purdue, showcased the Hawkeyes' unwavering spirit and cemented their place among the nation's elite.

These are but a few threads in the intricate tapestry of Hawkeye football glory. Each season whispers tales of legendary coaches, record-breaking plays, and moments of unyielding grit.