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.

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Forget your flashy modern heroes, their carefully curated Instagram feeds and meticulously crafted personas. Today, we dip into a different era, a time when swagger was earned in blood and mud, and legends weren't manufactured, they were forged in the furnace of gridiron battle. Step back with us into the golden age of football, where a name reverberated through the coliseums of concrete and steel: Chic Harley.

Chic wasn't a nickname; it was an essence. He oozed confidence, a swagger born not from entitlement, but from years of back-breaking practice and an unyielding fire in his belly. He wasn't just a quarterback; he was a gunslinger, a magician with a slingshot, an artist sculpting touchdowns from pure grit and audacity.

Imagine, if you will, a time before million-dollar contracts and helmet commercials. A time when giants roamed the sidelines, men like Jim Brown and Johnny Unitas, and Chic Harley held his own amongst them. He wasn't the biggest, the fastest, but he possessed something more potent: an unshakeable belief in himself and a burning, insatiable desire to conquer every field he set foot on.

His story is woven from the fabric of American football folklore. From leading his high school team to an undefeated season to engineering comeback victories that defied logic, Chic etched his name on the trophy of every opponent he vanquished. He wasn't afraid to take risks, to dance on the edge of disaster, and more often than not, emerge victorious, a grin splitting his face and a defiant fire in his eyes.

But Chic wasn't just about stats and trophies. He was a showman, a performer who treated the gridiron like his personal stage. He'd juke defenders into oblivion, launch lasers of passes that defied physics, and celebrate with a flourish that left fans breathless. He was the embodiment of the game's raw joy, the infectious spirit that made people fall in love with football.

So, buckle up, folks, because we're about to take a deep dive into the legend of Chic Harley.

On the latest episode of the Raiders fan radio podcast "Flashback," host Rich Shelter takes listeners on a thrilling time travel journey back to the gridiron battles of the 1970s. This week's spotlight shines on the legendary early Oakland Raiders and their epic clash with the seemingly unstoppable Miami Dolphins, who were on a historic winning streak.

Near the end of the episode, Rich reveals information about Darin Hayes' release of the World's Greatest Pro GZridiron Team: The 1903 Franklin All-Stars.

Rewinding to the Silver and Black's Golden Age:

Shelter expertly sets the scene, transporting Raiders Nation back to the era of iconic jerseys, powerful running backs, and the swagger of a dynasty in the making. He paints a vivid picture of the early Oakland Raiders, a team overflowing with talent and fueled by an insatiable hunger for victory.

Confronting the Undefeatable Dolphins:

The central stage is reserved for the electrifying showdown between the Raiders and the Miami Dolphins, then reigning supreme with an undefeated record. Shelter dissects the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of both teams, building anticipation for the inevitable collision.

Key Moments and Turning Points:

Through Shelter's passionate narration, listeners relive the game's defining moments. From John Matuszak's bone-crushing tackles to Ken Stabler's pinpoint passes, every play is brought to life with rich descriptions and historical context. He analyzes the turning points, the controversial calls, and the ultimate outcome, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.

Born May 5, 1941, in Pine River, Minnesota, was Oregon State’s quarterback from 1960 to 1962, Terry Baker. The National Football Foundation says Terry is the only athlete to win the Heisman Trophy, Maxwell Award, Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation and Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year Award in the same year.

Yes 1962 was a special one for Baker as he won the Liberty Bowl's Most Valuable Player Award as his 99 yard run was the only score in a 6-0 win over Villanova. Terry Baker’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1982. When school was done the Los Angeles Rams made the brilliant young QB the first player selected in the collegiate draft. He played three seasons for the Rams and one season in the CFL.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

The roar of Sanford Stadium today thunders with the echoes of national championships and Heisman winners. But before the crystal trophies and ESPN rankings, there was a simpler time, a time when the Georgia Bulldogs were just cutting their teeth on the gridiron. From 1892 to 1917, these early Dawgs laid the foundation for the powerhouse program we know today, a story paved with mud, grit, and the birth of a Southern tradition.

Born in 1892 with a 50-0 drubbing of Mercer, the Bulldogs' infancy was characterized by a spirit of exploration. Coaches like Doc Herty and Jumbo Slattón experimented with formations and strategies, laying the groundwork for Georgia's future offensive identity. Games were brutal affairs, played on makeshift fields with rudimentary equipment and often under dubious officiating. Still, the players embraced the rough-and-tumble nature of the game, forging a tough and resilient attitude that would become a Bulldog trademark.

Rivalries, the lifeblood of college football, began to take shape during this era. The first meeting with Auburn in 1892 ignited a fire that has burned brightly for over a century. Games against Clemson and Tech, though nascent at the time, hinted at the epic clashes that would define future generations of Dawgs. These early contests, far from the televised spectacles of today, were community events, uniting students, alumni, and townsfolk in a shared love for the red and black.

Join us for more fun in examining the origins of team and school mascots here on Pigskin Dispatch, your portal to positive football history. We tray and cover every angle of football history and the aspects of this college team are right smack dab in the middle of a great story of the gridiron.

A college football team's first game is a birth certificate and a blank canvas. It's the launch of a program's legacy, a chance to unveil its potential on the field. It serves as a rallying point for future generations of fans and a milestone for the university's athletic identity.

The official page of the win-loss records of the Illinois football program are found at the team's official website and school's athletic program pages.

See the triumphs and close games that the Illini have experienced throughout their football history. The devil is in the details and this program is a testament to the fantastic players and coaches that made them special.

The Texas Longhorns and Alabama Crimson Tide have forged one of college football's most storied and captivating rivalries. Their annual showdown dubbed the "Texas-Alabama Game of the Century" or simply "The Game," transcends mere competition, becoming a cultural event that pits two proud programs against each other for bragging rights and national supremacy.

-Origins and History:

The rivalry dates back to 1902, with the first meeting resulting in a narrow 10-0 Alabama victory.
The two teams played consistently until 1922, but the rivalry truly ignited in 1929 with the signing of the "Dixie Classic" agreement, guaranteeing an annual matchup in Birmingham, Alabama.
This agreement solidified the rivalry as a major event in the South, attracting national attention and drawing passionate fan bases from both sides.

-Memorable Moments:

The rivalry boasts countless thrilling moments, including The 1967 "Game of the Century," where the top-ranked Crimson Tide edged out the No. 2 Longhorns 10-7 in a defensive battle.

The 2010 thriller, where the Longhorns upset the top-ranked Crimson Tide 20-19 on a last-second field goal by kicker Hunter Lawrence.
The 2018 showdown, where Alabama secured a dominant 51-14 victory, showcasing their offensive prowess.

2024 will see the Longhorns moving into the SEC where the rivalry with the Tide should reach new levels as Conference rivals.

As the storied traditions and rich history of Alabama Crimson Tide football remind us, this program is not just about wins and championships; it embodies a legacy of excellence and resilience. From legendary coaches to iconic players, each season adds a new chapter to a saga of passion and dedication. Whether celebrating in Bryant-Denny Stadium or cheering from afar, the Crimson Tide faithfully upholds these traditions with pride. As we look ahead to future seasons, let us continue to honor and preserve the spirit that defines Alabama football—a spirit forged by tradition and destined for greatness.

The roar of Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, resonates with over a century of gridiron tradition. But the journey of the Mississippi State Bulldogs began not in fanfare, but under the humble moniker of the "Miss Aggies" in 1895.

Mississippi A&M College, as it was known then, dabbled in the nascent sport with limited success until 1903. Enter Daniel S. Martin, a coach poached from rival Ole Miss, who ignited a spark. His Aggies tasted victory, laying the foundation for a program rooted in grit and determination.

Over the next three decades, the Aggies faced a revolving door of coaches and uneven results. Still, moments of brilliance emerged, like the 1914 season under E.R. Jones, where MSU claimed their first conference championship.

The school transitioned to Mississippi State College in 1932, and with it came a change in mascot. The Aggies officially became the Bulldogs, though the "Maroons" nickname had already been unofficially adopted after a 1905 victory over Ole Miss, where a bulldog pup was buried to symbolize the Aggies' spirit.

The University of Michigan did leave the Big Ten Conference once, back in 1906.
The reason for leaving was due to a conflict between the conference's faculty members and the university's students and administration over the role of football.
The faculty members wanted to sideline football and its coaches and players, while the students and administration wanted to protect their football team and coach Fielding Yost.
Michigan's decision to leave the Big Ten may have helped to preserve college football as the great spectacle it is today.

Northern Arizona's College Football Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle from the early 1960s. Playe din the AFL for the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Boston Patriots