Football History

Born May 21, 1940 - Bryan, Texas - James Saxton Jr. the great university of Texas halfback from 1959 to 1961, arrived via stork delivery. The NFF states that Saxton was one of the quickest players in college football history. Longhorn’s Coach Darrell Royal envisioned James, who was also referred to as the "Rabbit," as a running quarterback but moved him to running back in 1960. Saxton would go on to lead the team in rushing that season with 407 yards and an average of 5.4 yards per carry. Saxton thrived in the running back role and by the time his senior season rolled around he had tallied up nine touchdowns and was leading the high-scoring Longhorn attack with runs of 80, 79, 66, 56, 49 and 45 yards. A unanimous selection that year, he became the first running back in Longhorn history to become an All-American and finished third in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, trailing only Hall of Famers Ernie Davis (Syracuse) and Bob Ferguson (Ohio State). Oh and the way he completed his college career! It ended with a 12-7 victory over Ole Miss in the 1962 Cotton Bowl Classic as the pivotal play of the contest may have been a record setting 73-yard quick kick from Saxton to ice it. James Saxton Jr. was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1996 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. James was chosen as the 146th pick of the St. Louis Cardinals in the NFL’s 1962 Draft and the 75th pick of the Dallas Texans of the AFL. He signed with Dallas, but after one season he decided to enter the banking business.

George Gipp wasn't destined for gridiron glory. Arriving at Notre Dame on a baseball scholarship, he stumbled upon football greatness almost by accident. But his impact transcended statistics, becoming a cornerstone of Notre Dame mythology and forever linked to the legendary "Win one for the Gipper" speech.

With no organized football experience, Gipp's raw talent and natural leadership caught the eye of coach Knute Rockne. Despite setbacks and injuries, Gipp became a star, leading the Fighting Irish in rushing and passing for three seasons. His electrifying play and charisma captivated fans, earning him the nickname "The Gipper."

Tragedy struck in 1920 when Gipp contracted pneumonia after a grueling game. As he lay dying, coach Rockne allegedly made a promise: "I'm going to win one for the Gipper." This vow, never confirmed by Rockne, resonated with the team and fueled their victory over Army two weeks later.

The "Win one for the Gipper" speech became ingrained in Notre Dame lore, inspiring future generations of players and coaches. Gipp, though never playing another game, became a symbol of courage, sacrifice, and fighting spirit.

Gipp's legacy extends beyond inspirational speeches. He was a talented player, a natural leader, and a compassionate teammate. He defied expectations, membuking the mold of a typical athlete and leaving his mark on a program known for its rich history.

The Gipper's story is more than just a football fairytale. It's a testament to the power of human spirit, perseverance, and the enduring impact one life can have.

Jay Berwanger carved a unique path in football history, becoming the first recipient of the Heisman Trophy and a symbol of the sport's early rise in popularity. Here's a look at his career:

-College Domination: Berwanger starred as a halfback for the University of Chicago's "Maroons" in the 1930s. He earned All-America honors twice and was known as a "one-man team" due to his versatility, excelling in passing, running, punting, and even calling plays.

-The Birth of the Heisman: In 1935, Berwanger received the first Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, later renamed the Heisman Trophy. This award, initially given to the "most valuable player east of the Mississippi," recognized his exceptional college performance.

-NFL Draft Pioneer: In 1936, the fledgling National Football League held its first-ever draft, and Berwanger became the very first player selected. However, a salary dispute led him to decline the offer and pursue a career in the Olympics (though he didn't make the track team).

-Legacy: Despite not playing professionally, Berwanger's Heisman win and status as the first draft pick solidified his place in football history. He later became a successful businessman and a referee.

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Angelo Bertelli, nicknamed the "Springfield Rifle," carved out a successful yet somewhat short-lived football career.

Born June 18, 1921, in West Springfield, Massachusetts, was the starting quarterback of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish from 1941 to 1943, Angelo Bertelli. Bertelli, the "Springfield Rifle," played in only six games during the 1943 season, yet won the Heisman Trophy per the National Football Foundation.

Just prior to the seventh game of the season Bertelli was called into service with the Marine Corps where he served as an officer at Iwo Jima and Guam. They were calling him the greatest passer in Notre Dame history as Bertelli completed 69 percent of his passes for 10 touchdowns. During that 1943 campaign The Irish averaged 43 points a game in the season's first six contests. Notre Dame finished 9-1 losing only to the Great Lakes Naval Station 19-14 in the final 30 seconds of play, yet they retained their number one ranking and the national championship.

Angelo was an instant sensation at Notre Dame as he was second in the Heisman voting as a sophomore tailback. When the Irish switched to the T formation in his junior season, Bertelli became the team's quarterback and won the first of his two All-American awards. In a game against Stanford he completed 10 consecutive passes and threw for four touchdowns. Angelo Bertelli was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes.

Following military service he played with the Los Angeles Dons and Chicago Rockets in the All-American Football Conference in 1946-1948.

Here's a breakdown of his accomplishments:

College Stardom (Notre Dame):

Played for the Fighting Irish from 1940-1943 (missed 1942 due to military service).
Led Notre Dame to a dominant stretch, losing only 3 games in his three seasons.
Won multiple awards:
All-American (1942, 1943)
Heisman Trophy Winner (1943) - Despite playing only 6 games due to military service, he impressed with a 69% completion rate and 10 touchdowns.
Known for his accuracy and leadership, Bertelli was considered one of the best passers in Notre Dame history at the time.
Professional Career (Limited by Injury):

Drafted 1st overall by the Boston Yanks (later renamed the New York Bulldogs) in the 1944 NFL Draft while still on active duty.
Played for the Los Angeles Dons (AAFC) and Chicago Rockets (AAFC) from 1946-1948.
Injuries, particularly to his knee, hampered his professional career and forced him to retire after just three seasons.
Legacy:

Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.
Remembered for his college dominance and leadership at Notre Dame despite a shortened professional career.

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Born August 21, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, was the two time Heisman Trophy Winner from Ohio State University, Archie Griffin. Griffin is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. Griffin won four Big Ten Conference titles with the Buckeyes and was the first player ever to start in four Rose Bowls. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft.

Archie played seven seasons in the NFL, rushing for over 4,100 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. He also played professionally for the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League (USFL).He is forever enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame since 2000.

Archie Griffin is synonymous with Ohio State football. A native of Columbus, he became a Buckeye legend during his collegiate career. Renowned for his exceptional running ability, durability, and leadership, Griffin was the heart and soul of the Ohio State offense.

His most remarkable feat is being the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975. This achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest college football players of all time. Beyond the individual accolades, Griffin was a pivotal part of Ohio State's success, leading the Buckeyes to four Big Ten championships and four Rose Bowl appearances.

With a combination of power, speed, and elusiveness, Griffin was a nightmare for opposing defenses. His consistent performance and durability made him a cornerstone of the Ohio State program. His legacy extends far beyond his statistical accomplishments, as he embodies the spirit and tradition of Buckeye football

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Born August 16, 1862, in West Orange, New Jersey, was College Football Hall of Fame Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Stagg was a great innovator of many items we know in football such as the huddle, man in motion, and more. Most of his career was as the head man for the University of Chicago Maroons. Biographer Jennifer Taylor Hall discusses the great Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and his many contributions to football and sports in general.

Here is the transcript of Ms. Hall's conversation with us:

Born May 7, 1930, in Rochester, Pennsylvania, was Babe Parilli the legendary University of Kentucky quarterback. Parilli quarterbacked the Wildcats for Hall of Fame coach Bear Bryant from 1949-51 according to his bio on the footballfoundation.org website.

Babe introduced Bear Bryant's "T" Formation that baffled opponents and spectators alike, magically taking Kentucky into the national spotlight. On the field or in the stands, you simply lost sight of the football once Parilli had it in his magical Houdini hands. Defenders tackled backs not carrying the ball as Parilli miraculously seemed to repossess it and toss it into hands that suddenly appeared from obscurity. In 1949 and 1950, Parilli directed teams that ran up 684 points against 115 opposition points.

The Wildcats held 10 of 22 opponents scoreless, and all but three to 7 points or less. In 1949, Parilli led Kentucky to a 9-3 record, including wins over LSU, Ole Miss, Georgia and Florida. In 1950 during Parilli’s junior year, the Wildcats produced the greatest season in school history, including an 11-1 campaign and Southeastern Conference Championship. Parilli’s senior season resulted in an 8-4 record, culminating his illustrious career with NCAA records at time for career passing touchdowns (50), completions (331) and passing yards (4,351).

Babe Parilli was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982 after the National Football Foundation tabulated up their votes. Parilli was selected in the first round as the number 4.overall pick of the 1952 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, and he played professional football for 18 seasons, including four with the Packers , three with the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League, one with the Cleveland Browns, one with the Oakland Raiders, seven with the Boston Patriots and two with the New York Jets. NCAAF Jersey 10

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July 14, 1911 - Carrollton, Mississippi - Riley Smith is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame as a quarterback out of the University or Alabama. The National Football Foundation claims that this 6-1, 195-pounder could pass, block, punt, kick extra points and boot field goals, yes just about anything on the gridiron. In 1935 he was named to the All-America teams of the Associated Press, Collier's Magazine and the All- America Board. He also won the Jacobs Trophy as the best blocker in the Southeastern Conference. Mr Smith performed exceptionally and his contributions were vital in the 1935 Rose Bowl win over Stanford as he kicked the final points in the 29-13 contest to give Alabama the victory. Riley is known for being the first player to play football in the NFL that was drafted! Though the University of Chicago's Jay Berwanger, was picked one selection before Smith in the NFL's first draft selection process of 1936, Berwanger never played in the NFL. In the late 1930's Mr. Riley served as the QB for the Boston and later Washington Redskins (the teamm moved to the Nation's Capital just before his second season). His pro career started off very promising as during the 1936 and 1937 seasons he missed only three minutes in 26 Redskins games, but an injury prematurely cut short his promising NFL career. He later became the head coach at Washington and Lee University for their football program.

Pooley Hubert was of the top early Southern college football players. Pooley played quarterback for coach Wallace Wade's Alabama Crimson Tide teams from 1922 to 1925, leading Alabama to its first bowl game, the 1926 Rose Bowl, Which changed the perception and legitimacy of football in the South.

Allison "Pooley" Hubert is a name synonymous with Alabama Crimson Tide football's golden age. A versatile athlete who excelled on both sides of the ball, Hubert's impact on the program is immeasurable.

Emerging as a star in the early 1920s, Hubert quickly established himself as the heart and soul of the Crimson Tide. As quarterback, his ability to both pass and run made him a nightmare for opponents. His leadership and playmaking skills were instrumental in Alabama's rise to national prominence.

Beyond his offensive prowess, Hubert was a defensive stalwart, earning accolades as one of the greatest defensive backs of his era. His versatility and tenacity made him a dominant force on the field.

Hubert's crowning achievement came in 1926 when he led Alabama to a historic victory over Washington in the Rose Bowl, marking the first time a Southern team had competed in the prestigious game. His performance in that game cemented his legacy as a Crimson Tide legend.

Beyond his playing days, Hubert continued to contribute to the sport as a coach at Mississippi State Teachers College and Virginia Military Institute. His impact on Alabama football, however, remains unparalleled. Pooley Hubert's name will forever be etched in the Crimson Tide's storied history.

Born May 1, 1905, in De Ridder, Louisiana, was the Louisiana-Lafayette (1922-25 ) and with Army from 1926 to 1929, halfback Chris “Red” Cagle. The National Football Foundation states in their bio of Red that Chris while at  Southwestern Louisiana chalked up 235 points by scoring touchdowns, kicking extra points and converting field goals. This was a school record that lasted until 1989! He was able to play in college for 8 seasons as he split the balance of his NCAA career with the Army Cadets. Red was an All-America halfback the last three seasons at West Point. His longest runs were 75 yards against Yale, 1928; 70 yards against Ohio Wesleyan and 65 yards against Yale, 1929. In four years at Army he scored 169 points, averaged 6.4 yards per attempt in rushing and 26.4 yards on kickoff returns. Our friend Chris Willis from NFL Films wrote in an article for the Pro Football Journal website that Cagle was on the cover of Time Magazine in 1929 while with Army. He was often seen playing with either his chin strap undone or with no helmet at all. Chris Cagle was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. C. Willis goes on to tell us that Cagle played 5 steady but uneventful seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. Red Cagle did however own an NFL franchise, the Brooklyn Dodgers, for a couple of seasons with his partner John “Shipwreck” Kelly.