Football History

Carl Hinkle's name might not resonate as readily as other football giants, but within the realm of college football, particularly at Vanderbilt University, he is revered as a legend. His career, spanning a mere three seasons (1935-1937), was marked by exceptional skill, leadership, and a lasting impact that transcended the game itself.

Hinkle was a standout center, a position demanding both physical prowess and mental acuity. He was known for his toughness, leadership, and an uncanny ability to make game-changing plays. He was a true ironman, playing every minute of seven games in his senior year, leading the Commodores in tackles, and finishing among the team leaders in interceptions. His athleticism wasn't confined to the football field; he also excelled in basketball and baseball, showcasing his well-rounded talent.

Hinkle's leadership extended beyond the playing field. He served as team captain in his senior year, exhibiting the qualities that cemented his legacy: dedication, work ethic, and an unwavering commitment to his teammates and the Vanderbilt program. He was instrumental in perpetuating the winning culture established by legendary coach Dan McGugin after his departure.

Hinkle's achievements were recognized not only by Vanderbilt, but also nationally. He earned First-Team All-America honors in 1937 and was named the SEC's Most Valuable Player. These accolades culminated in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959, solidifying his place among the sport's elite.

However, Hinkle's story goes beyond the accolades and statistics. He chose to prioritize his education and military service over a professional football career, a testament to his character and diverse aspirations. He graduated from Vanderbilt and went on to serve with distinction in the US Army, ultimately being awarded the Silver Star for his heroism during World War II.

Brad Budde wasn't the flashiest player, but his impact on the gridiron was undeniable. This post explores the career of this under-the-radar linebacker, uncovering his impressive stats, clutch plays, and the reasons why he deserves recognition as a true football legend. Get ready to learn about a hidden gem who quietly dominated the game!

Born May 9, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, was Brad Budde the dominant guard from the USC Trojans.

Budde was a starter at offensive guard for Southern California for four seasons, 1976-1979. He stood 6-5, weighed 253, and was a lead blocker in the famous formation called "Student Body Right" which was so successful that in his senior year this play averaged 8 yards each time it was run. The ball carrier was the prolific Charles White, who led the nation in rushing yardage.

In Budde's four years, Southern Cal lost only six games while winning 42 and tying 1. The Trojans won three conference championships and won four bowl games-- three Rose Bowl, one Bluebonnet Bowl. Brad won the Lombardi Trophy as the nation's top lineman in 1979 as Budde was also a unanimous All-America selection. The National Football Foundation selected Brad Budde for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.   

Budde played pro with the Kansas City Chiefs 1980-87.  And he was familiar with the organization because he grew up there in KC when his Dad, Ed Budde played for the Chiefs from 1963-76. Just to tell you the caliber of person this man is Budde sent a donation to Southern Cal, repaying the school for the athletic scholarship it had given him. Brad Budde and his wife made speeches to Christian groups. NCAAF Jersey 71.

Born June 2, 1895, in Piffard, New York, was Homer “Pop” Hazel, an end and fullback out of Rutgers University in 1916 and in 1923 and 1924 was born. The FootballFoundation.org website explains that Hazel won his first letter in football at Rutgers in 1916. He left school because of a lack of funds therefore he worked at various jobs saved for his future then at age 28, played football again at Rutgers. It was worth the wait for gridiron fans at Rutgers as he was without doubt, the most versatile player the Scarlet ever produced.

Homer led Rutgers to identical 7-1-1 records in his final two seasons, earning All- America selections in each. He played end in 1923, when the only Scarlet loss was from West Virginia by the tune of 27-7. Pop had Rutgers on the way to an unbeaten finish in 1924 - this time as a hard-hitting fullback - when this time Bucknell untracked The Scarlet in the final game of the season, 12-7.

Hazel was also well known for his excellent passing, punting and kicking skills on the gridiron. In 1923 he was a Walter Camp hand picked All-American at end and then the following year he received the same honor as a fullback and was first player to have the distinction of doing that at two different positions. Homer secured a place in the College Football Hall of Fame when he was inducted into the gridiron museum in 1951. Homer later served as Athletic Director as well as the football and basketball coach at the University of Mississippi for five years. Then even was a golf pro for four years.

---

Billy Vessels occupies a special place. A diminutive running back with a larger-than-life spirit, Vessels defied expectations and captured the 1952 Heisman Trophy, etching his name in college football history. This essay explores his remarkable journey from overcoming adversity to becoming a national icon.

Born in 1931 in Oklahoma, Vessels faced hardship at a young age. Left behind by his family during the Great Depression, he spent his formative years in Cleveland, working odd jobs and displaying a natural athletic talent. This grit and determination would become his defining characteristics. There is so much more to explore, so check out our other stories of Oklahoma Sooners football history.

Vessels's athletic exploits on the high school gridiron caught the attention of Bud Wilkinson, the legendary Oklahoma coach. Despite concerns about Vessels's size (he was listed at 5'9"), Wilkinson saw a player with exceptional speed, agility, and a ferocious competitive spirit. Vessels arrived in Norman in 1950 and quickly earned his starting spot.

The 1951 season became Vessels's breakout year. He formed a dynamic backfield duo with fellow Sooner legend quarterback Glyn Milburn. Nicknamed "The Little Wonder," Vessels electrified audiences with his elusive running style, ability to break tackles, and knack for finding the end zone. In a thrilling game against Notre Dame, often called the "Game of the Century," Vessels's performance solidified his national reputation. Despite trailing late, he scored two touchdowns in the final minutes, securing a dramatic victory for Oklahoma.

The following year, Vessels cemented his legacy. Leading the Sooners to an undefeated season and a national championship, he captured the 1952 Heisman Trophy. At the time, he was the shortest player ever to win the award, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

Vessels's career was tragically cut short by a knee injury in his senior year. However, his impact on Oklahoma football and college football remains undeniable. He helped usher in an era of more open and exciting offensive play, inspiring future generations of smaller running backs.

Beyond his on-field heroics, Vessels's story is one of perseverance. He overcame a challenging upbringing and defied physical limitations to become a national champion and Heisman Trophy winner. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and fans, a reminder that grit, determination, and a love for the game can overcome any obstacle.

George "Wildcat" Wilson, a name synonymous with football excellence, left an indelible mark on both the collegiate and professional levels of the game. Born September 6, 1901, George Wilson or Wildcat Wilson, was a halfback from the University of Washington.

Wildcat showed his importance to the the Huskies team in the 1926 Rose Bowl Game. Wilson's dominant performance for much of the first half of the "Grand Daddy of them All" had opponent Alabama on their heels and down by a couple of scores. The Crimson Tide finally got a break late in the second quarter when George Wilson left the game due to injury. The Tide led by Johnny Mack Brown with 20 unanswered points and were driving down the field to score again when the banged up Wildcat Wilson re-entered the contest and was significant in stalling the 'Bama drive at the Husky 12 yard line.

Wilson then guided the Washington offense down the field and capped off the drive with Wilson throwing a 20 yard scoring strike to John Cole. It was not enough as the Tide held ont win the game 20-19. The stat line of the game showed that with Wilson on the field, the Washington Huskies gained 317 yards and put up 19 points, when he was out they mustered a mere 17 yards and were shut out while the Crimson Tide scored all 20 of their points in that 22 minute absence of Wilson from the contest.

It really put Alabama football on the map as a prominant football power in the college football landscape. The 1926 Rose Bowl has gone down in history known as "The game that changed the South." but it could have been a much different game had Wildcat Wilson played the whole game. Needless to say, the College Football Hall of Fame invited George Wilson into their exclusive club of legends in 1951.

His versatile skills and electrifying performances solidified his status as one of the most iconic players of his era.  

Wilson's collegiate career at the University of Washington was nothing short of extraordinary. As a halfback, he displayed a remarkable combination of speed, power, and agility. His ability to evade defenders, break tackles, and score touchdowns consistently made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Wilson's impact on the Huskies was undeniable, as he led them to numerous victories and earned consensus All-American honors.  

After his successful college career, Wilson transitioned to the professional ranks, where he continued to impress. His most notable stint was with the Los Angeles Wildcats. Despite the challenges of the early days of professional football, Wilson's talent and determination shone through. He became a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.  

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Wilson's legacy extends to his impact on the sport as a whole. His dynamic playing style and fearless approach to the game inspired countless athletes and fans alike. His contributions to the development of football, both at the collegiate and professional levels, continue to be celebrated and admired.

George "Wildcat" Wilson's name will forever be etched in the annals of football history. His exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and enduring impact on the sport make him a true legend.

---

In 1935 the Downtown Athletic Club of Manhattan, New York decided to give an award, at the time referred to as the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, to the top collegiate football player in the nation. Jay Berwanger the outstanding halfback from the University of Chicago Maroons was the first recipient of what would become known as the Heisman Trophy. Here is the story of Berwanger's 1935 amazing season as told by a post on Madison.com.

Jay was nicknamed "The Flying Dutchman," and was a two-time All- America halfback for Chicago according to the NFF. In just 24 college games he scored 22 touchdowns, averaged 4.2 yards per rushing attempt and held a 25.7 yard average on kick returns.

The Heisman Trophy is synonymous with college football excellence. But the story behind the very first award, presented in 1935, is just as intriguing as the countless legendary winners that followed.

A Star is Born: Jay Berwanger, a halfback for the University of Chicago's "Maroons," dominated college football in the 1930s. His versatility as a passer, runner, punter, and even play-caller earned him All-America honors twice. He was a one-man wrecking crew, captivating audiences with his on-field brilliance.

The Downtowner Makes its Debut: In 1935, the Downtown Athletic Club (DAC) of New York City decided to honor the nation's most outstanding college football player. Their newly established award, initially called the Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, aimed to recognize exceptional talent east of the Mississippi River (a regional distinction at the time).

Berwanger Takes Home the Trophy: Jay Berwanger's electrifying performance throughout his college career made him the clear choice for the inaugural award. He received the trophy at a banquet in New York City, etching his name into the history books as the first-ever Heisman Trophy recipient.

A Legacy Ignited: The presentation of the first Heisman Trophy wasn't just about recognizing Berwanger's talent. It signified the growing national interest in college football and the potential for individual players to become stars. The award helped propel the sport further into the spotlight, paving the way for future generations of Heisman winners to inspire fans and become household names.

Beyond the First Award: While the Heisman Trophy underwent a name change a few years later to honor college football legend John Heisman, Berwanger's story remains an essential part of the award's history. The 1935 ceremony marked the beginning of a prestigious tradition that continues to celebrate the very best in college football.

Born June 17, 1886, in Chicago, Illinois, was the University of Chicago quarterback of the 1903 to 1906 era, Walter Eckersall. Walter played for legendary Maroon Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg at the University of Chicago.

Walter was a quick and very elusive runner and an exceptional kicker. It was his coffin-corner punts which were credited as the death-blows to Michigan's 56-game winning streak when the Maroons downed the Wolverines, 2-0, in 1905. Eckersall made quite an impression on a young Knute Rockne, as he was one of the future coaches gridiron heroes growing up that gave him inspiration. "The first time I learned a football was not only something to kick, but something to think with, was when I saw a great football player in action for the first time." said Rockne according to the FootballFoundation.org when reminiscing of observing Eckersall.

Rockne had seen the great Chicago quarterback playing in a high school all-star game in 1900. A decade or two later, after Rockne became the head coach at Notre Dame, Knute discovered Eckersall was scheduled to officiate an Irish game in Chicago. "I've been waiting years for this," Rockne said to Eckersall. "For what?" Eckersall wanted to know. "To shake your hand.", Rockne blurted, quick to relay his memories of that high school all-star game so many years before. "Stop! Stop!", Eckersall interrupted, "Or Notre Dame will be penalized five yards for speech making." Rockne enjoyed recanting that story of meeting his childhood icon for the rest of his life. The legendary Walter Camp even selected Eckersall as the QB on the All-Time All- American Football Team that honored the players from the first 3 to four decades of football. Walter Eckersall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 for his outstanding play as a quarterback. Our friend author Jennifer Taylor Hall who wrote her amazing book Amos Alonzo Stagg: College Football's Man in Motion, shares in her chapter on "Eckie" that after Walter's playing days, the former QB officiated football, was a sports writer for the Chicago Tribune and often was a publicist for Knute Rockne.

---

Born April 20, 1915, in Petersburg, Virginia, Duke University’s standout halfback of 1936 to the 1938 seasons, Eric “ Red” Tipton. Tipton was good at many things on the gridiron but his punting skills may be at the forefront. The FootballFoundation.org bio on Tipton tells of a game against the University of Pittsburgh in 1938 Coach Clarke Shaughnessy describes it as one of his top twelve moments witnessed on the field of play. Shaughnessy described it vividly, writing: "Tipton was a one-man show. The game was played on ice and snow at Durham, North Carolina; before a record crowd, and I doubt that anybody ever kicked a ball more skillfully or consistently than the grim, square-jawed Tipton that afternoon. Seven of his punts left Pitt within its own 10-yard line, while another seven stopped dead or went out of bounds inside the 20. Final score: Duke 7, Pitt 0." Tipton was brilliant at other phases of the game as well and helped Duke achieve a record of 25-4 during his time with the team. That 1938 squad though was special as they fought through a brilliant 9-0 run to get invited to play Southern Cal in the 1939 Rose Bowl. Duke played a tremendous game against the Trojans and lost it in a heart breaker in the waning seconds by the score of 7-3. That USC TD with about a minute left to play were the first point scored upon Duke all season! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Eric Tipton in their legendary museum in 1965. Red, who became a heck of a baseball and football coach, also played Major League Baseball – in the top half in seasons (7) for over 500 MLB games played.

---

When most hear the name of Edgar Allen Poe, the author of great literary works, poetry and 19th-century macabre probably come to mind. In football, a famous poet related to a family member by the same name was one heck of a QB for Princeton.

Historian and collector Jeff Payne joins us once again to share some pieces he has collected connected with College Football's first All-American Quarterback.

This is a podcast about Edgar Allan Poe, who was a quarterback for Princeton and the first All-American quarterback in college football history. The host of Pigskin Dispatch, Darin Hayes, is interviewing Jeff Payne, a collector and historian of football memorabilia.

Edgar Allan Poe was related to the famous poet Edgar Allan Poe, but they were not the same person. The football player Edgar Allan Poe's great-uncle was the poet Edgar Allan Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe played for Princeton in the late 1800s and was a very successful player. He led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1889. He was also the first quarterback to be named an All-American.

After his football career, Edgar Allan Poe went on to become a lawyer, like his father. He also served as the Attorney General of Maryland.

Jeff Payne owns a cabinet card of Edgar Allan Poe from the late 1800s, among other items related to the early athlete. He also showed a trade card of Edgar Allan Poe that called him "the hero of the hour and the darling of the ladies."

Larry Fitzgerald, a name synonymous with excellence in American football, has left an indelible mark both in college football and the NFL. Born on August 31, 1983, in Minneapolis, Fitzgerald's football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football for the Panthers. In his two years at Pitt, Fitzgerald emerged as a dominant force. His freshman season was remarkable, earning him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best wide receiver. He continued his stellar performance in his sophomore year, setting numerous records, including an impressive 92 receptions for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns. His college career was highlighted by his exceptional route running, precise hands, and athleticism, which set the stage for his professional career.

In 2004, Fitzgerald declared for the NFL Draft and was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals. His impact on the professional stage was immediate. Over a career spanning 17 seasons, Fitzgerald became one of the most revered wide receivers in NFL history. He played exclusively for the Cardinals, becoming a franchise cornerstone. His accolades include 11 Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and a place in the NFL's top ten for career receptions and receiving yards. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Fitzgerald's legacy is marked by his exceptional consistency, sportsmanship, and dedication. His leadership on and off the field has cemented his status as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history.