Football History

Born August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, Florida, Deion Sanders was a defensive back from Florida State that is enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In the NFL, he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, then later played for the Cowboys, 49ers, and Washington.

Sanders's flair and athleticism put him in the spotlight right out of the gate of his career and earned him the nickname "Primetime." He was not only a great coverage and ball-hawking corner, but his kick return skills made for an exciting play every time he touched the ball. He was so electric with his hands on the ball that the Cowboys often played him on the offensive side. Sanders combined on 513 tackles, 493 solo, one sack, 53 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles, 13 fumbles recovered, nine defensive touchdowns as well as 60 receptions for 784 yards and three touchdowns, 212 punt returns for 2,199 yards and six touchdowns, 155 kick returns for 3,523 yards and three touchdowns.

After football, he went on to work for the NFL Network as a commentator on many of their shows. He has been a head coach at Jackson State and Colorado.

Born March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was the cornerback with World Speed from Purdue Rod Woodson.

Per his bio on the FootballFoundation.org website Rod was the 1986 runner-up for the Jim Thorpe Award and left Purdue holding 13 individual school records. He left Purdue as the career leader in solo tackles, interceptions, interception return yardage, interceptions returned for touchdowns, kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage, and he still ranks in the top five in nearly every category. Rod Woodson was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Woodson was the tenth overall player taken in the 1987 NFL Draft picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All he did was produce great stats for the majority of his career. In 1993 he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was a six time All-Pro during his 17 year career. Rod picked off 71 career passes and held the NFL record for interception return yards at 1473 when he retired. Besides the Steelers , Woodson played with the 49ers, the Ravens and the Raiders. Rod Woodson was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. For more on this legend, check out these awesome posts below:

July 27, 1929 the Orange/Newark Tornadoes franchise joins the NFL and is a League member from 1929 through the 1930 season. The Orange Tornadoes, a name synonymous with early NFL struggles.

However, their roots stretch back far beyond this date. The team's lineage can be traced to the Orange Athletic Club, an amateur outfit formed in 1887. Over the decades, they transitioned to semi-professional status before establishing themselves as an independent professional team in the 1920s.  

The Tornadoes' entry into the NFL was a result of a franchise sale. Ole Haugsrud, owner of the struggling Duluth Eskimos, sold his NFL rights to Piggy Simandl, a New Jersey businessman. Simandl relocated the team to Orange and rebranded them the Tornadoes.  

The Tornadoes' NFL tenure was short-lived and marked by adversity. The team struggled on the field, facing challenges both in terms of talent and financial stability. After a dismal 1930 season, the franchise was relocated to Newark and ultimately folded. While the Orange Tornadoes left a small footprint in NFL history, their story serves as a reminder of the league's formative years and the challenges faced by early teams.  

Born August 9, 1955 - Zachary, Louisiana - Doug Williams was a quarterback from Grambling State who is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Mr. Williams went on to play in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers and the Washington Redskins.

He helped guide his Washington team to victory in Super Bowl XXII with 340 yards passing and 4 TD's against the Denver Broncos. The performance earned him the MVP award for the game. This SB win made Williams the very first African-American quarterback to win the big game. Williams was selected as the 17th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1978 NFL Draft. He played with the Buccaneers 1978 from to 1982, the USFL Oklahoma/Arizona Outlaws 1984 and 1985 and then most famously returned to the NFL with the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1989 per Yahoo.com.

During his NFL career, Doug threw 1,240 completions for 16,998 yards and 100 touchdowns.

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The History of the Black Quarterback in Professional Football by Sports Journalist John Eisenberg.
Eisenberg has an in-depth look at the hardships and rejection that African-American signal-callers went through in the first century of Professional Football. Their stories are of perseverance and strength and what they did for the modern QBs of color.

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Benny Friedman, born March 18, 1905, wasn't your typical football player. In an era dominated by ground-and-pound offenses, Friedman emerged as a passing prodigy, forever changing the game's landscape. This essay explores his remarkable career, highlighting his impact on the sport and his legacy as a true gridiron innovator.

We continue with the story of the New York Football Giants in this sixth part of our celebratory series on the franchise's first 100 seasons.

The gridiron experience for young Benjamin started negatively when his high school coach in Cleveland, Ohio, looked at the 5'-6 ", 150-pound youngster and informed him that he would never be able to play football due to his size. Friedman transferred to a neighboring school to pursue his sports dreams and thrived playing football, baseball, and basketball. Benny helped his new alma mater even win the 1922 City Gridiron Championship!

-Early Life and Aspiring Gridiron Career

His scholastic feats did not go unnoticed as Friedman was enrolled at the University of Michigan by the following fall, playing on the Freshman team. When eligible to play varsity, he was a reserve and witnessed a thumping the Wolverines took at the hands of a Red Grange-led Illinois eleven. Michigan Coach George Little shook the starting lineup a bit after this defeat and inserted Benny as the starting right halfback.

Friedman's brilliance shone brightly at the University of Michigan. Playing quarterback and halfback, he defied the run-heavy strategies of the time. Unlike most teams, his exceptional throwing ability and innovative playcalling, calling plays from the line of scrimmage, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. By the time the opening game of the 1925 season, Friedman's Junior year, the rising star accounted for all three of Michigan's touchdowns, two long pass plays, and a 26-yard run to the goal line in a 21-0 throttling of rival Wisconsin. With Benny leading the way, the Wolverines captured at least a share of the Big Ten Conference title in consecutive seasons. He earned All-American honors twice and was a significant factor in leading Michigan to a dominant period.

Just before the 1927 football season, Friedman, who was now out of school, announced that he would be signing a contract to play with the Cleveland Bulldogs of the NFL. The Rookie started all 13 games for the Bulldogs, tossing a 50-yard TD pass in the opener, and led his hometown Cleveland eleven to a respectable 8-4-1 record. The franchise relocated and rebranded as the Detroit Wolverines the following season.

Again, Friedman led the League in passing with ten touchdowns for the second year. He also used his legs and led the NFL in rushing TDs, becoming the only player in League history to be at the top of both categories in a year. The Wolverines finished the year in third place at 7-2-1.

-Giant Aquisition

The 1927 World Champion New York Giants swept the entire League except for one team, the Friedman lead Bulldogs. In an interesting spin, the Giants had never beaten Benny Friedman. They were 0-2-2 against him and 0-1-1 against both the Cleveland Bulldogs and the Detroit Wolverines in their lifetime. Despite the success of the past two seasons with Benny, the Detroit franchise could have been a more stable financial venture; thus, the team only played one season as the Detroit Wolverines, as in 1929, they were absorbed into the New York Football Giants. Giants owner Tim Mara had seen enough and figured if he couldn't beat Friedman, he bought him and the rest of the Wolverines team.

Mara's foresight of Friedman being an elite player who could lead the Giants to better things was spot on. Friedman was the main reason the New York businessman bought the Wolverines franchise. Mara also figured that Benny would be a great draw at the gate, and Friedman quickly became the highest-paid NFL player when he inked his new contract with the Giants for an unprecedented $10,000 per season.

To put Benny's effectiveness and innovative style of play into perspective, it was in the fourth contest of the 1929 campaign (Friedman's third NFL season) that the signal-caller became the NFL's all-time career leader in touchdown passes. The milestone was significant as it would not be broken until 1943 by Sammy Baugh. The former Michigan star had transformed the forward pass from a third-down desperation tactic into an offensive attack method that could be deployed on any down.

We must remember that the footballs of that era had a more considerable girth than the modern pigskin. Friedman reportedly trained and stretched the fingers of his throwing hand to be strong enough to depress the leather with a wide grip. His secrets included carrying a rubber ball in his coat pocket that he continually worked over, and he would also practice manipulating his thumb and forefinger to be in a painfully stretching straight line for as long as he could hold it.

Benny played with the Giants through the 1930 season and then announced he would retire to focus on a coaching job he accepted at Yale. His schedule worked out that he would sign on with the Giants for the 1931 season and play nine games. In 1932, Friedman suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers gridiron franchise as their player/coach for three more seasons before retiring from play.

-Friedman's NFL Legacy

Friedman's professional career, from 1927 to 1934, further solidified his reputation as a passing pioneer. He consistently led the League in passing touchdowns, shattering records and proving the effectiveness of the aerial attack. His success forced teams to adapt their defensive strategies, marking a turning point in the game's evolution. Many experts consider Benny Friedman the model for the modern quarterback, as his play changed the dynamics and expectations of the position.

The future Hall of Famer would continue coaching with the City College of New York, an assistant with the US Navy team during the Second World War, and finally, the Athletic Director at Brandeis University in Massachusetts.

-Beyond his passing prowess

Friedman was a complete player. He was a skilled kicker, an accurate passer, and an accomplished runner. This versatility made him a true offensive weapon, capable of attacking defenses in multiple ways. His durability was also impressive, as he played through a time when player safety wasn't a primary concern.

However, Friedman's career was challenging. He faced prejudice as the son of a Jewish immigrant, a rarity in professional football at the time. Additionally, injuries began to hamper his performance later in his career. Despite these obstacles, his impact on the game remains undeniable.

Benny Friedman's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades, though his record-breaking achievements are worth noting. The stalwart was part of the inaugural 1953 College Football Hall of Fame class but was overlooked for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame until 2005, sadly some 23 years after he had passed away.

In conclusion, Benny Friedman was a trailblazer in professional football. His vision, combined with his exceptional talent, helped usher in a new era of offensive football. More importantly, he revolutionized the quarterback position, demonstrating the power of the forward pass. He paved the way for future generations of quarterbacks who would dominate the game with their aerial attacks. His legacy lives on in the thrilling passing games we witness today, a testament to the impact of a Jewish kid from Cleveland who dared to be different.

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Ray Flaherty wasn't just a football player – he was a pioneer. His career spanned a crucial period in the sport's evolution, with his impact felt on both the playing field and the sidelines. While his achievements as a player were impressive, his coaching brilliance truly cemented his place in football history.

-Flaherty the Player

Flaherty's playing career started in the early days of professional football, a time of barnstorming teams and fledgling leagues. As a two-way end for Gonzaga University, under legendary coach Gus Dorias, he displayed a unique blend of power and agility, earning All-West Coast honors. Ray's tenure at the school included the legendary undefeated 1924 season for the Zags. A teammate of Flaherty's at Gonzaga was Houston Stockton, the grandfather of NBA legend John Stockton.

Ray then took his talents to the professional ranks, playing for the Los Angeles Wildcats and Red Grange's New York Yankees and finally finding his way onto the New York Football Giants roster. He was known for his toughness, intelligence, and versatility, often contributing on both sides of the ball.

The Wildcats were an LA team by name only but had a roster of many former Pacific Coast gridiron stalwarts, including Ray. They were an original American Football League team that never played a home game and tried to capitalize on the name recognition and draw of George Wildcat Wilson. As a member of these road warriors in the team's only season of 1926, Flaherty ended with a post-season barnstorming tour through the South against their AFL rival, the New York Yankees. The Yankees and their owner, C.C. Pyle, recognized the talent of young Flaherty and signed him on to the squad for the 1927 season, where the NFL awarded them a franchise as the first AFL folded. Ray played a couple of seasons in the Big Apple with the Yankees. Just after the 1928 season, this Yankees franchise shuttered its doors, and the now displaced Flaherty inked a contract with the crosstown rival Giants.

As a Giant in 1929, Flaherty immediately impacted the team. The two-way end caught eight touchdown passes and was second in points scored for Giants players that season behind only Fullback Tony Plansky and just ahead of offensive juggernauts Benny Friedman and Hap Moran. To say Ray Flaherty was significant to the '29 Giants, who secured a second-place record at 13-1-1, maybe an understatement. Ray finished his NFL career with 20 TD receptions, three All-Pro seasons, and one NFL Championship with the Giants in 1934. Ray played an instrumental part in this famous '34 Title game when he suggested that Giants players might better navigate footing on the icy Polo Grounds surface if they wore sneakers. This prompted head Steve Coach Steve Owen to borrow some tennis shoes from nearby Manhattan College to gain an advantage for New York in the contest. The suggestion of Flaherty was an overwhelming success as the Giants maintained better traction than the undefeated and heavily favored Chicago Bears, resulting in a 30-13 upset by the Giants.

Interestingly, Owen's friend, Abe Cohen, returned the sneakers to Manhattan College after the NFL game so the basketball team could practice the next day. One can only imagine the condition of the sneakers when the Manhattan players went to put them on for practice. Ray Flaherty's adept talent for finding an advantage led to the famous Sneaker game and foreshadowed the future coaches' talent as leading men.

However, Flaherty's true calling was coaching. In 1930, he returned to his alma mater, Gonzaga, to be head coach for a season. This early foray into coaching foreshadowed the success that awaited him in the professional ranks.

A tremendous athlete, Flaherty even experimented with his baseball talents in 1930, playing a season of minor league ball as a second baseman with the Providence Grays of the Eastern League.

After skipping the 1930 season with these ventures, Ray returned to the NFL and the Giants in 1931 to extend his playing career. Flaherty was a player-coach for the Giants beginning in 1933—he was the first assistant coach on Steve Owen's staff and served as the Giants captain those seasons.  

Historian Larry Schmitt tells us that Ray wore three different numbers with New York: #44 in 1929, #6 in 1931, and #1 from 1932-1935.

The Giants gave him #1 after Benny Friedman left for Brooklyn, and the #1 was retired in his honor in 1935. Flaherty is the first American professional athlete to have his jersey number retired. Ace Baily of the Toronto Maple Leafs was the first pro athlete to have his number retired in 1934. 

-As a Coach Flaherty Finds His True Calling

In 1936, the Boston Redskins ( who a year later became the Washington Redskins) appointed Flaherty as head coach. This was a pivotal moment for both the team and the young coach. Flaherty immediately instilled discipline and a winning mentality, leading the Redskins to a division title in his first season. His coaching philosophy emphasized innovation and a balanced attack. He's credited with inventing the screen pass, a play that revolutionized offensive strategy and continues to be a staple in football today.

Flaherty's tenure with the Redskins was a golden age. He led them to four division titles and two NFL championships (1937 and 1942). His teams were known for their toughness, offensive creativity, and relentless pursuit of victory. He was a master motivator, adept at getting the best out of his players, including future Hall of Famers like Sammy Baugh.

Following his service in World War II, Flaherty continued coaching in the newly formed All-America Conference. Though he didn't achieve the same level of success as with the Redskins, his overall coaching record remains impressive: 80 wins, 37 losses, and five ties. This translates to a .676 winning percentage, a testament to his coaching acumen.

Ray Flaherty's legacy extends beyond wins and championships. He was a bridge between the early days of professional football and the modern era. He was a player who understood the game from every angle and a coach who left an indelible mark on the sport through innovation and leadership. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976 is a fitting tribute to a man who shaped the game we know and love today.

Born February 5, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, was the Naval Academy’s legendary Quarterback Roger Staubach. Roger Staubach's journey to football greatness is a story of perseverance, leadership, and unwavering dedication.

From his decorated college career to his legendary status with the Dallas Cowboys, Staubach embodied the qualities of a true champion, earning the moniker "Captain America" and solidifying his place in NFL history.

-College Career

Roger Staubach's college career at the Naval Academy was marked by exceptional success despite a two-year service commitment.

As quarterback, he led the Midshipmen to national prominence, winning the Heisman Trophy in 1963. His performance against Army that year, where he orchestrated a stunning comeback, cemented his reputation as a clutch performer. Beyond the accolades, Staubach's time at Navy instilled in him a strong sense of discipline, leadership, and teamwork, qualities that would serve him well in his professional career. His commitment to serving his country before pursuing his professional football dreams further enhanced his reputation as a man of character and integrity.

Staubach was befitting of the name “Roger the Dodger” as his elusive skill set kept defenses off guard, never knowing if he would run or throw a pass. The NFF states that During three varsity seasons, Staubach completed 292 of 463 pass attempts, for an incredible 63% completion rate. And of those 463 throws, only 19 were intercepted. In 1963 Roger was honored by receiving both the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award and being selected as an All-American. The College Football Hall of Fame voters came knocking on Roger Staubach’s door to induct him into their museum in 1981.

-Road to the Pro Game

Staubach's path to the NFL was unique. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 10th round of the 1964 NFL Draft, he was still serving his commitment to the Navy.

He didn't join the Cowboys until 1969, four years after being drafted, and many questioned whether he could still perform at a high level after such a long layoff. However, Staubach quickly silenced his critics. He possessed a remarkable ability to process information quickly and make smart decisions under pressure, a skill honed during his time in the Navy. His athleticism, combined with his leadership and unwavering poise, made him the perfect fit for Tom Landry's sophisticated offensive system. He quickly became the leader of the Cowboys, transforming them into "America's Team" and leading them to consistent playoff appearances.

Staubach served his four-year commitment to the Navy and, at 27, joined the Dallas Cowboys as a rookie. He spent ten seasons under center with Dallas and, per ProfootballHOF.com, left with an impressive 83.4 passing rating, the best mark by an NFL player.

-Football Legacy

His career stats were officially at 1,685 completions in 2,958 passing attempts, which were good for 22,700 yards and 153 touchdowns. He was a two-time Super Bowl winner and MVP of Super Bowl VI. Roger Staubach in 1985 was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Roger Staubach's legacy is one of unparalleled success and enduring respect. He led the Dallas Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories (VI and XII) and four Super Bowl appearances. His ability to orchestrate game-winning drives, often in dramatic fashion, earned him the nickname "Captain Comeback."

Beyond the championships, Staubach's impact on the game extended beyond the scoreboard. He epitomized class and sportsmanship, earning the respect of his teammates and opponents alike. His leadership and poise under pressure set a new standard for quarterbacks in the NFL. Staubach's career demonstrated that success could be achieved through dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, solidifying his place among the game's greatest quarterbacks. Roger Staubach's legacy is not just about wins and losses; it's about the character he displayed, the leadership he provided, and the inspiration he gave to generations of football fans. He remains a symbol of excellence, both on and off the field.  

-Career highlights and awards

-2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)

-Super Bowl MVP (VI)

-NFL Man of the Year (1978)

-Second-team All-Pro (1971)

-6× Pro Bowl (1971, 1975–1979)

-NFL passing touchdowns leader (1973)

-4× NFL passer rating leader (1971, 1973, 1978, 1979)

-NFL 1970s All-Decade Team

-NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

-Bert Bell Award (1971)

-George Halas Award (1980)

-Lamar Hunt Award (2012)

-Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor

-Heisman Trophy (1963)

-Maxwell Award (1963)

-Chic Harley Award (1963)

-UPI Player of the Year (1963)

-SN Player of the Year (1963)

-Walter Camp Memorial Trophy (1963)

-Unanimous All-American (1963)

-2× First-team All-East (1963, 1964)

-Second-team All-East (1962)

-Navy Midshipmen No. 12 retired

-Presidential Medal of Freedom (2018)

-Career NFL statistics

-Passing attempts: 2,958

-Passing completions: 1,685

-Completion percentage: 57.0%

-TD–INT: 153–109

-Passing yards: 22,700

-Passer rating: 83.4

-Rushing yards: 2,264

-Rushing touchdowns: 20

Roger Staubach. (2025, January 6). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Staubach

Born February 3, 1945, in Evansville, Indiana was Purdue University’s famed Quarterback, Bob Griese.

Bob Griese's football journey, from his collegiate dominance to his professional triumphs, cemented his place as one of the game's most respected quarterbacks. His blend of intelligence, poise, and skill defined an era of Miami Dolphins football and left an enduring legacy on the sport.  

College Career

Bob Griese's college career at Purdue University was nothing short of spectacular.

According to the footballfoundation.org Bob started as a Sophomore for the Boilermakers and in the second game of that 1965 season he led Purdue in an upset of top ranked Notre Dame by the score of 25-21. In the win over the Irish Griese completed 19 of 22 passes, including 13 straight completions at one point. He was a consensus All-America selection in both 1965 and 1966. The National Football Foundation selected Bob Griese for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984.

He quarterbacked the Boilermakers to a Rose Bowl victory in 1967, defeating USC and solidifying his status as a national star. Griese's performance in that game, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns, showcased his exceptional talent and leadership. He earned All-American honors twice and was a Heisman Trophy runner-up in his senior year. Beyond the accolades, Griese demonstrated a remarkable understanding of the game, displaying a preternatural ability to read defenses and make smart decisions under pressure. His time at Purdue established him as one of the most coveted prospects in the country, setting the stage for his professional success.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Griese was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1967 AFL-NFL Common Draft. He quickly became the face of the franchise, leading the Dolphins to their first playoff appearance in 1970. Griese's arrival in Miami marked a turning point for the team, transforming them from a fledgling franchise into a perennial contender. He possessed a rare combination of physical tools and mental acuity, allowing him to excel in the professional ranks. His accuracy, arm strength, and ability to make quick reads made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Griese's leadership qualities were also evident, as he commanded respect in the huddle and inspired his teammates to perform at their best. The Dolphins' rise to prominence in the early 1970s was directly linked to Griese's exceptional play and his ability to elevate the entire team.

-Football Legacy

Bob Griese's legacy extends far beyond his individual achievements. He quarterbacked the Miami Dolphins to consecutive Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973, including the legendary undefeated season of 1972, a feat that remains unmatched in NFL history. Griese's role in that historic season solidified his place among the game's immortals. His calm demeanor and unflappable presence under pressure were instrumental to the Dolphins' success. While his individual statistics were impressive, it was his ability to lead and inspire that truly defined his career. Griese was a master of the mental aspects of the game, possessing an uncanny ability to anticipate plays and exploit defensive weaknesses. He retired in 1980, leaving a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship. Bob Griese was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his extraordinary career and lasting impact on the game.

His name remains synonymous with Miami Dolphins football, and his achievements continue to inspire quarterbacks and fans alike.  

-Career history[/]b

Miami Dolphins (1967–1980)

[b]Career highlights and awards

-2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)

-2× First-team All-Pro (1971, 1977)

-6× Pro Bowl (1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978)

-NFL passing touchdowns leader (1977)

-NFL completion percentage leader (1978)

-2× AFL All-Star (1967, 1968)

-Jim Thorpe Trophy (1971)

-Bert Bell Award (1977)

-Miami Dolphins Honor Roll

-Miami Dolphins No. 12 retired

-Dolphins Walk of Fame (2011)

-Sammy Baugh Trophy (1966)

-Consensus All-American (1965)

-First-team All-American (1966)

-Chicago Tribune Silver Football (1966)

-2× First-team All-Big Ten (1965, 1966)

-Career NFL statistics

-Pass attempts: 3,429

-Pass completions: 1,926

-Completion percentage: 56.2

-Passing yards: 25,092

-TD–INT: 192–172

-Passer rating: 77.1

Stats at Pro Football Reference
Bob Griese. (2025, January 25). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_Griese

October 31, 1900 - Keytesville, Missouri - Cal Hubbard was born on that day and he was a tackle for Centenary and Geneva Colleges. Hubbard stands as a unique figure in sports history, a dominant force in both football and baseball, achieving Hall of Fame status in both. His imposing physique and exceptional athleticism allowed him to excel in both arenas, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sport.

-College Career

The NFF informs us that Cal Hubbard played end and tackle for Centenary 1922-24 and then moved with his coach, Bo McMillin, to play one season at Geneva College 1926. Cal Hubbard's college career at Centenary College (Louisiana) and later at Geneva College (Pennsylvania) showcased his immense talent as a football player. He was a towering figure on the field, playing tackle with a combination of strength and agility that was rare for his size. Hubbard's dominant play earned him All-American honors and established him as one of the premier college football players of his era.

-Road to the Pro Game

Hubbard's path to professional football was somewhat unconventional. While he had the talent to play in the NFL, he initially pursued a career in Major League Baseball. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds, showcasing his athletic prowess on the baseball diamond. However, his passion for football eventually drew him back to the gridiron. In 1927, he joined the New York Giants of the NFL, where he quickly became a star.

Even during his college years, his potential for professional greatness was evident, drawing scouts' attention from professional football and baseball leagues. His time in college not only honed his athletic skills but also instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that would serve him well in his professional careers. Later as a pro, Hubbard was a big tackle, standing 6-4 in height and weighing 250 pounds, for the New York Giants, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh franchises.

His size and strength made him a dominant force on the offensive and defensive lines. After two seasons with the Giants, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1929, where he joined the legendary coach Curly Lambeau and helped solidify the Packers' reputation as a powerhouse in the early NFL.

-Football Legacy

Cal Hubbard's football legacy is one of dominance and leadership. He was a key member of the Green Bay Packers teams that won three consecutive NFL championships from 1929 to 1931.

His imposing presence on the line was a major factor in the Packers' success during that era. Hubbard was a four-time All-Pro selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. He was known for his exceptional strength, his relentless play, and his leadership on and off the field. Beyond his playing career, Hubbard also served as an NFL official, demonstrating his continued commitment to the game. His unique achievement of being inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame cements his place as one of the greatest all-around athletes in American sports history. Cal Hubbard's legacy extends beyond his athletic accomplishments; he is remembered as a man of integrity, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence.

The College Football Hall of Fame added Cal to their lineup in 1962. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Cal Hubbard one year later, in 1963, for back-to-back Hall of Fame Enshrinements! Believe it or not 13 years after that in 1976 Cal Hubbard was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as an umpire.

Career highlights and awards

-4× NFL champion (1927, 1929–1931)

-4× First-team All-Pro (1927, 1931–1933)

-NFL 1920s All-Decade Team

-NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team

-NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

-NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

-Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

-Grantland Rice's All-Time All-America

-Centenary College Athletic Hall of Fame

-Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

-Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

-Baseball Hall of Fame

-Helms Foundation Hall of Fame

-Career NFL statistics

-Games played: 105

-Games started: 77

Stats at Pro Football Reference
Cal Hubbard. (2024, November 29). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_Hubbard