Born August 16, 1862 - Amos Alonzo Stagg was a former end and halfback for Yale University but may more even more well known for his accomplishments in coaching football. This legend of the game was enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in the induction ceremonies of 1951. As a player Stagg was a standout end for the Bulldogs earning All-American honors in 1889 under the coaching of Walter Camp.The legendary coach spear headed the Chicago Maroon teams of 1905 and 1913 to the National Championships. This prolific coach is famous for creating a bond between playing as a team and religous beliefs and he also helped forge the sport of basketball to have 5 players on the court at a time. Interestingly enough that was due to wanting his football players to stay in shape during the offseason by playing hoops against each other. For this and many other contributions he was also entered into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1959. He also coached baseball for various schools. Football though was his main focus and he finished with a overall coaching record of 314-199-35 and is remembered to this day as the NCAA Division III football champioship game is named in his honor. For more on Amos Alonzo Stagg, our friend Jennifer Taylor Hall has an incredible book on the Grand Old Man of Football titled Amos Alonzo Stagg: Football's Man in Motion.
Here are some of Amos Alonzo Stagg's contributions to football:
- Invented the forward pass: Stagg is credited with inventing the forward pass in 1906. The forward pass was originally illegal in football, but Stagg argued that it would make the game more exciting and less violent. The forward pass was eventually legalized in 1906, and it has become one of the most important aspects of modern football.
- Popularized the huddle: The huddle is a strategic meeting between the quarterback and the offensive players before each play. Stagg is credited with popularizing the huddle in the early 1900s. The huddle allows the quarterback to communicate the play to the offensive players without the defense being able to hear it.
- Introduced the numbering system for players: Stagg introduced the numbering system for players in the early 1900s. This system allows the quarterback to easily communicate the play to the offensive players. The numbering system is still used in football today.
- Developed the Wing-T offense: The Wing-T offense is a versatile offensive formation that can be used to run or pass the ball. Stagg developed the Wing-T offense in the early 1900s. The Wing-T offense is still used by some high school and college teams today.
- Was a pioneer of sports psychology: Stagg was a pioneer of sports psychology. He believed that the mental aspect of the game was just as important as the physical aspect. Stagg developed many of the techniques that are still used in sports psychology today.
Amos Alonzo Stagg was a true innovator who helped to shape the modern game of football. His contributions to the sport are still felt today.
