Football History

Born August 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio, was Alan Page was a defensive end from Notre Dame that was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of that famed 1966 Fighting Irish National Championship team.

Mr. Page went on to have a tremendous 15 year pro career as part of the famed Purple People Eaters of the Minnesota Vikings and later 3 seasons with the Chicago Bears. In 1967 he won the NFL Rookie of the Year honors.

As a Viking, Alan played in four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, XI), but unfortunately never got a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Page was named to the 1970s NFL All-Decade Team, inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor

The great defender also has his bronze bust placed in Canton in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Page was the first player on the defensive side of the ball to win the NFL MVP honors, and only Lawrence Taylor has done it since!

What does a super-intelligent football player do after a brilliant career? Well, according to Yahoo.com, Page attended the University of Minnesota Law School while still playing for the Vikings and earned his law degree in 1978. The man then served as a Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice from 1992-2015. Incredible!

Born September 1, 1903, in Lamont, Washington was Ray Flaherty was a player and head coach in the early NFL and he spent a total of 18 years in pro football. Flaherty played football at Washington State before transferring to Gonzaga.

After school in 1926 he joined the original AFL's LA Wildcats team before playing end with Red Grange's New York Yankees in 1927 and 1928. After this Yankees franchise folded, Ray played in the NFL for the New York Football Giants.

After his playing days were over he took the job of coaching the Boston Redskins in 1936 and in his 7 seasons at the helm, his Redskin teams won two NFL Championships and four division titles. We have to keep in perspective George Halas and his Chicago Bears were the dominant force in the NFL during this era. Despite the powerful Bears Flaherty's squads defeated the Chicago teams in 2 out of 3 NFL championship games where they opposed each other.  

Coach Flaherty was also an innovator as he introduced a couple of significant items to football, the screen pass behind the line of scrimmage and the two platoon system where one group specialized in passing and the other in the run game.

Mr. Flaherty left the Redskins after the 1942 NFL Championship win to serve his country during World War II. After the war Flaherty returned to coach the New York Yankees in the brand new All American Football Conference and quickly guided the Yanks to two straight AAFC titles. He coached his final season in 1949 with the AAFC's Chicago Hornets and closed the brilliant coaching career with a record of 80-37-5 and an awesome .676 winning percentage! The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined this great coach in the entry class of 1976 as a coach.

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The latest episode in our pre-Super Bowl NFL Championships series takes us to the 1941 NFL season.

How did the mighty Chicago Bears dominate that fateful season, culminating in a title victory for the history books? What stories lie beneath the headlines of that era?

Join us as we tackle these questions and more with our special guest, NFL historian Jeff Berkes, for an inside look at a championship forged in a nation's defining moment. You won't want to miss this!

The 1941 NFL season unfolded against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of war, yet a familiar powerhouse continued its dominance on the gridiron. The Chicago Bears, led by the legendary George Halas, embarked on a campaign culminating in their second consecutive NFL Championship, solidifying their status as the preeminent force in professional football.

The league in 1941 consisted of ten teams, split into Eastern and Western Divisions. Each team played an eleven-game regular season schedule, vying for the top spot in their respective divisions to earn a berth in the NFL Championship Game. Resisting in the Western Division, the Bears showcased an offensive juggernaut that left opponents reeling. Their innovative "T-formation" offense, featuring a man-in-motion, proved revolutionary, baffling defenses with their speed and versatility. Quarterback Sid Luckman, a future Hall of Famer, orchestrated this attack precisely through the air and on the ground. He led a potent backfield that included the likes of Norm Standlee and George McAfee, each capable of explosive plays.

The Bears' dominance was evident in their regular-season record of 10 wins and only one loss. Their defeat came in a tight contest against their fierce rivals, the Green Bay Packers. This loss created a tie atop the Western Division standings, necessitating the first divisional playoff game in NFL history. In this highly anticipated rematch at Wrigley Field, the Bears decisively defeated the Packers 33-14, securing their place in the championship game.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Division, the New York Giants, coached by Steve Owen, emerged as the champions with an 8-3 record. This set up a familiar championship clash, as the Bears had defeated the Giants in the 1940 title game by a staggering 73-0, the most lopsided victory in NFL history.

The 1941 NFL Championship Game was held on December 21st at Wrigley Field in Chicago, just two weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps due to the somber national mood and wartime restrictions, the attendance was a meager 13,341, the lowest ever for an NFL title game. However, the Bears were undeterred. While the final score wasn't as astronomical as the previous year, the Bears proved their superiority again, defeating the Giants 37-9.

The Bears' victory in 1941 marked their fifth NFL Championship and solidified their place as the first team in the NFL championship game era (since 1933) to win consecutive titles. Their potent offense, averaging a league-leading 36 points per game, and stout defense made them formidable opponents. The 1941 Chicago Bears were a team defined by innovation, talent, and an unwavering will to win, etching their names into the annals of NFL history as one of the league's early dynasties.

Takeaways

-The 1941 NFL Championship epitomized the American spirit during global conflict.

-The Chicago Bears demonstrated unprecedented dominance in the 1941 NFL season, shaping modern football.

-The historical significance of the championship game is intertwined with the events of Pearl Harbor.

-Innovations introduced by the Bears in 1941 permanently transformed professional football's landscape.

-In 1941, the Bears averaged 36 points per game, establishing a scoring record.

-The influence of World War II on the NFL and the Bears' dynasty cannot be overlooked.

The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most storied franchises, have a rich history marked by legendary players.

The Bears' commitment to honoring their players is a testament to their greatness. The relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jerseys is a symbol of the team's respect and appreciation for the contributions of these players. These numbers are more than just digits; they symbolize an era of dominance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the game.

From the gridiron's early days to the modern era, the Bears have produced a roster of Hall of Famers whose impact on the franchise is immeasurable. Their jerseys, permanently removed from circulation, serve as a constant reminder of the team's illustrious past and the high standards set by these iconic figures.  

The Bears' retired numbers are a treasure trove of football lore, each a chapter in the team's captivating history. These jerseys represent the pinnacle of achievement in the NFL and the enduring impact of the players who earned this ultimate honor. Whether it's the bruising power of Walter Payton, the defensive genius of Mike Singletary, or the legendary coaching of George Halas, their influence on the Chicago Bears and the sport as a whole is undeniable.

-Jersey Number 3
Bronko Nagurski 1930–1937, 1943

-Jersey Number 5
George McAfee 1940–1941, 1945–1950

-Jersey Number 7
George Halas 1920- 1928

-Jersey Number 28
Willie Galimore 1957 -1963

-Jersey Number 34
Walter Payton 1975–1987

-Jersey Number 40
Gale Sayers 1965–1971

-Jersey Number 41
Brian Piccolo 1965–1969

-Jersey Number 42
Sid Luckman 1939–1950

-Jersey Number 51
Dick Butkus 1965–1973

-Jersey Number 56
Bill Hewitt 1932–1936

-Jersey Number 61
Bill George 1952–1965

-Jersey Number 66
Bulldog Turner 1940–1952

-Jersey Number 77
Red Grange 1925–1934

-Jersey Number 89
Mike Ditka 1961-1966

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-Who is the most famous player that wore the jersey number 26 in NFL history? As you can see from our post above, there is plenty to choose from, but we will narrow it down to two great DBs, Herb Adderly of the Packers and Rod Woodson, best known for his time as a Steeler, both wore the number 26. You can learn more about this legend in our post about him here: Herb Adderly and Rod Woodson.

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What are some of the most unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were once a fad. Check out this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

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It was the most one-sided game in NFL history, and it happened in the Championship game! Join us as 2nd City Gridiron historian Jeff Berckes joins us to tell the tale of the dawning of the Clark Shaunessy T-Formation, the Genuis of Halas, Sid Luckman, Bronko Nagurski, and more as the Bears won 73-0.

The 1940 NFL Championship game stands as a monumental event in the annals of American football, epitomizing the transformative power of the T formation and the unprecedented dominance of the Chicago Bears. In a stunning display of athletic prowess, the Bears triumphed over the Washington Redskins with a staggering score of 73 to 0, thereby etching their names in the record books. This episode delves into the historical significance of this match, featuring insights from esteemed historian Jeff Burkus, who elucidates the strategic innovations introduced by Coach George Halas and the remarkable performances of key players. As we explore the intricacies of this championship, we shall also reflect upon the societal changes occurring during this pivotal era, merging sports history with the broader narrative of American life. Join us as we traverse the gridiron glory of 1940, a year that forever altered the landscape of professional football.

A comprehensive examination of the 1940 NFL Championship game reveals a confluence of historical significance and sporting excellence, as the Chicago Bears delivered a performance of unparalleled magnitude against the Washington Redskins. The episode unravels the intricate narrative surrounding this epochal event, detailing the strategic innovations introduced by George Halas and the remarkable execution by a roster filled with formidable talent. With the T formation at the forefront, the Bears not only set a record for the most points scored in a single game but also redefined the parameters of offensive strategy in professional football. The discourse extends beyond the game itself, offering insights into the socio-cultural milieu of the 1940s, as the nation grappled with the impending changes brought on by World War II. The guests, including historian Jeff Berkes, provide a nuanced perspective on the players' backgrounds and the broader implications of this championship victory, making the episode a rich resource for both football aficionados and historians alike.

Takeaways

-The 1940 NFL Championship showcased a historic clash between the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins, marking a significant moment in American football history.

-This particular game not only set the record for the most points scored by a single team in NFL history but also established the largest margin of victory in an NFL Championship game.

-The innovative T formation employed by the Bears revolutionized offensive strategies in football, leading to unprecedented scoring opportunities and changing the game's dynamics.

-Key players such as Sid Luckman, Joe Stydahar, Bulldog Turner, and George McAfee played pivotal roles in the Bears' dominance, exemplifying the talent and strategic planning that led to their remarkable victory in 1940.

Chris Zorich, born March 16, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois, carved out a formidable football career, marked by his tenacity and dominance on the defensive line in college and the NFL.

-College Career

Zorich's college career at the University of Notre Dame was legendary. Coming from the same high school as Dick Butkus, Zorich was expected to embody a brutal, relentless style of play, and he delivered. His exceptional physical attributes—bench pressing 455 pounds and running a 4.68 40-yard dash—set him apart. Initially a linebacker, Notre Dame coaches moved him to nose tackle, necessitating a year of learning and development on the practice squad. This dedication paid off handsomely. In his first game at nose tackle against Michigan, he recorded 1.5 sacks and 10 tackles, finishing the season as the team's leading tackler. His sophomore year culminated in an undefeated season, a national championship, and first-team All-America honors. As a junior, he was a consensus All-American, recording three double-digit tackle games and becoming a Lombardi Award finalist. His senior year saw him win the Lombardi Award and earn unanimous All-America recognition. He concluded his collegiate career by being named Defensive MVP of the Orange Bowl. In 2007, his remarkable college career earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Road to the Pro Game

The Chicago Bears, his hometown team, selected Zorich in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a reliable and hard-hitting defensive tackle. He played with the Bears for six seasons, becoming a key component of their defensive line. His career stats include 27.5 sacks and over 350 tackles. He was known for his toughness and consistent performance. He finished his career with a short stint in Washington.

-Football Legacy

His dominant presence on the defensive line defines Zorich's football legacy. His remarkable strength, speed, and relentless pursuit of the ball carrier made him a force to be reckoned with. His college accolades, including the Lombardi Award and unanimous All-America honors, highlight his exceptional talent. While shorter than some, his professional career was marked by consistent performance and a reputation for toughness.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

Zorich's accolades include his 2007 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the Lombardi Award, unanimous All-America honors, and Defensive MVP of the Orange Bowl. His NFL career stats include 27.5 sacks and over 350 tackles. His contributions to Notre Dame's national championship team and his solid NFL career solidify his place in football history.

Born February 2, 1895, in Chicago, Illinois, was the gridiron legend at so many levels George Halas. Where would we be in Pro Football without the significant contributions of Papa Bear? A better question is if we have Pro football without Mr. Halas.

George Halas, Bob Carey and the Chicago Bears celebrate a victory over the 49ers in October of 1958 courtesy of Ralphcar via Wikimedia Commons

Halas was an outstanding player; in College, Halas caught a Touchdown pass from Paddy Driscoll as the Great Lakes Naval Station team cruised to a 17-0 Rose Bowl victory over the Mare Island Marines squad. Halas went on to help organize and coach the Decatur Staleys, was handed ownership of the franchise by Mr. Staley himself, and then moved the team to the Windy City and re-branded them as the Chicago Bears.

In 1902 Papa Bear met with other professional teams across the midwest to organize the APFA, the early name of the NFL in Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile Showroom over a bucket of beer! Halas also coached the Bears squad for 40 seasons stepping away once to serve in World War II.

According to his bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame site, George Halas finished with 318 regular-season wins and 324 total victories, which were both long-standing NFL records until Don Shula surpassed them in 1993. His Chicago Bears teams won six NFL titles, the first coming in 1921 after the Staleys moved to Chicago.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognized George Halas when they enshrined him in the inaugural induction ceremony in 1963.

-Career history

As a player:

-Hammond All-Stars (1919)

-Decatur / Chicago Staleys / Bears (1920–1929)

-Chicago Stayms (1920)

As a coach:

-Decatur / Chicago Staleys / Bears (1920–1929, 1933–1942, 1946–1955, 1958–1967)
Head coach

As a staff member / executive:

-Decatur / Chicago Staleys / Bears (1921–1983)
Owner

-Chicago Bruins (1925–1931, 1939–1942)
Owner

-Newark Bears / Bombers (1939–1941)
Owner

-Akron Bears (1946)
Owner

-Executive profile at Pro Football Reference

Career highlights and awards

-8× NFL champion (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963)

-2× AP NFL Coach of the Year (1963, 1965)

-NFL 1920s All-Decade Team

-NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

-Sporting News 1940s All-Decade Team

-Second-team All-Pro (1920)

-Chicago Bears No. 7 retired

-100 greatest Bears of All-Time

-Second-team All-Service (1918)

-Career NFL statistics

-Games played: 104

-Touchdowns: 10

Stats at Pro Football Reference

Head coaching record

-Regular season: 318–148–31 (.671)

-Postseason: 6–3 (.667)

-Career: 324–151–31 (.671)

Record at Pro Football Reference
George Halas. (2025, January 28). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Halas

The biting December wind whipped through Chicago Stadium, a fitting prelude to the gridiron clash about to unfold. 1932: a year of economic hardship, yet the NFL's popularity surged, culminating in an unprecedented indoor playoff game. The Chicago Bears and Portsmouth Spartans, locked in a tie atop the standings, were forced into this unique contest due to a blizzard that rendered outdoor fields unplayable.

This wasn't just another game; it was a pivotal moment in NFL history. The cramped confines of the stadium, the shortened field, and the modified rules created a spectacle unlike any seen before. This blog post dives into the heart of that legendary matchup, exploring the strategies, the key players, and the lasting impact of the 1932 NFL Playoff game.

Professional football in 1925 had much less structure for scheduling games. Teams wanted additional games for two reasons: to improve their position in the standings and for extra revenue. The sports promoters saw the opportunity to "lend a hand" and were more than happy to invite clubs that had the potential to attract crowds. Promoting games and picking the right opponents for the event was tricky, and they had to endure some ups and downs to get a deal done with the teams and the venue. For many reasons, the start of the 1932 season may have been a low point for the NFL. The Great Depression was in full swing, affecting the revenue of member franchises due to dwindling ticket sales as many people could barely scratch enough coins together to eat, let alone attend a football game. The economic trickle effect caused financial pain for the NFL, resulting in a significant loss of income in conjunction with its franchises and patrons. The League dropped to its lowest level of participating teams ever when only eight franchises took the field under the National Football League banner that year. This low amount of teams occurred only one other time in the League's history, in 1943 amid World War II.

The financial woes had meant the demise of major and recently competitive teams such as the Providence Steam Roller, Frankford Yellow Jackets, and Cleveland Indians. Softening some of this retraction was the addition of the Boston Braves, owned by George Preston Marshall.

-The 1932 NFL Title Contenders Emerge

Despite all the setbacks early on, the season was highly successful as three teams vied for the NFL title that season: the Green Bay Packers, Portsmouth Spartans, and the Chicago Bears.

Green Bay finished the season with a 10-3 record, a great campaign by all accounts, but not when the Spartans and Bears had a higher winning percentage and virtually tied for the best record in the League for 1932. The Bears and the Spartans had met head-to-head twice in the regular season, with both contests ending in a tie.

After some alleged backroom meetings with the NFL hierarchy, the NFL brass decided that a final game to determine a Champ would be played in a unique Chicago at Wrigley Field on December 18, 1932. The title was supposed to be given to the team with the best record, as it had been for over a decade in the young NFL. The season ended with the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans being tied for the top record in the League.

-Let Us Settle This Tie! Says George Halas

It is believed that George Halas challenged the Spartans to play a game to settle the tie; they wanted no part of any Co-Champion bologna. Thus, we had the first NFL Championship! This first postseason game in NFL history had some massive twists and turns to make it quite a remarkable story, even besides the fact that a game was going to be played to determine an NFL Champion. The first odd occurrence was that Spartans star Earl "Dutch" Clark could not play in the game because he had to work. While that may sound wild today, professional players of that era did not make enough to make a living all year. Most had to take off-season jobs to make ends meet, even the superstars like Dutch Clark, who worked as the Head Basketball Coach at Colorado College. His hoops team had a game on December 18, and Dutch couldn't get off work to make the football game in Chicago. The second crazy thing that happened was that due to a freak late-fall blizzard in Chicago, the game had to be moved inside the Chicago Stadium because Wrigley was covered with deep snow and frozen with dangerous sub-zero temperatures. The playing field had to be modified to play inside, so the game was played on a field only 80 yards long and some 30 yards narrower than the regular width the teams played on all season. The last item surrounding the game happened on the contest's only touchdown.

Bronko Nagurski threw a scoring jump pass to Red Grange, but the Spartans argued that Nagurski did not meet the legal forward pass requirement of being 5 yards or more behind the line in those days. The play stood, and the Bears won the NFL title by 9-0.

When all the smoke cleared from the controversial ending to the controversial game, a few things happened. The NFL had its first Championship game, and it was also the first time an NFL title game would be played indoors.

The interest in the NFL impromptu championship game that occurred in 1932 led to a title game being scheduled each year and announcing the birth of the NFL post season. The competitive nature of the historic 1932 season and some changes in local laws provided interest for other cities to gain franchises in the League for the 1933 season. 

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The 1933 NFL Championship, the first official title game pitting division winners against each other, didn't just appear out of thin air. Its roots lie in a series of quirky, rule-bending, and downright smelly events that transformed professional football.

-Before Divisions: The 1932 Tiebreaker and the Indoor Experiment

Prior to 1933, the NFL championship was awarded to the team with the best regular-season record. But even that system had its eccentricities. In 1932, the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans found themselves locked in a virtual tie, with identical 6-1 records. However, ties weren't factored into the standings at the time. This led to an impromptu playoff game, an indoor affair at Chicago Stadium, home of the Blackhawks.

This wasn't the first time the Bears had attempted an indoor game. In 1930, they'd played an exhibition against the Chicago Cardinals for charity. The weather was brutal, forcing them to move indoors. To pull it off they had to unfreeze the hockey rink and bring in dirt. The game was a comedy of errors, with players colliding with the rink's wooden boards and Ernie Nevers even hitting the scoreboard. However, it was a success and a few thousand fans attended.

Back to 1932, the Bears and Spartans faced off in a game that was supposed to be outdoors. Due to terrible weather, George Halas decided to move the game indoors again. This time, the circus had just left, leaving behind a layer of dirt and, shall we say, "elephant contributions." The stench was so bad that some Bears players reportedly got sick.

The game itself was played on a modified field, with a narrower width and a unique rule to simulate a 100-yard field. The Bears won, thanks to a controversial jump pass from Bronko Nagurski to Red Grange. This indoor "playoff" game, though not officially a championship, planted the seed for change.

-The 1933 Revolution: Divisions, Rules, and a Landmark Game

The NFL, recognizing the excitement generated by the 1932 playoff, decided to implement a divisional system. The ten teams were split into Eastern and Western Divisions, with the division winners meeting in a championship game. This mirrored the successful World Series format in baseball.

The 1933 season also saw significant rule changes. The league decided to create its own rule book, diverging from the college game. This included:

-Hash marks: To keep the ball in the center of the field.

-Forward pass: Legal from anywhere behind the line of scrimmage.

-Goal posts: Moved to the goal line to encourage field goals.

-The inaugural championship game featured the New York Giants (11-3) and the Chicago Bears (12-1). The Bears roster boasted six Hall of Famers, including Grange and Nagurski. The Giants, coached by Steve Owen, had a roster filled with colorful nicknames like "Red," "Tiny," and "Kink."

The game itself was a back-and-forth thriller. The Bears' kicker, Jack Manders, was instrumental, kicking three field goals. The Giants fought back, with key touchdowns from Red Badgro and Ken Strong. The game ended with a wild lateral play, resulting in a Bill Carr touchdown, giving the Bears a 23-21 victory.

The 1933 NFL Championship was a landmark event. It showcased the new rules, the excitement of divisional play, and the growing popularity of professional football. It was a pivotal moment in the league's history, setting the stage for the modern NFL and its eventual rise to prominence.

Jimbo Covert, born on March 22, 1960, in Conway, Pennsylvania, forged a legendary career as an offensive tackle, leaving an indelible mark on both college and professional football.  

The University of Pittsburgh's big offensive tackle, Jimbo Covert, later with the Chicago Bears, solidified his status as one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles.

College Career

Covert's journey at the University of Pittsburgh began with aspirations of playing defensive line. However, the Panthers' depth at that position, coupled with an injury, prompted a pivotal decision. He switched to offensive tackle, a move that proved transformative. He became a cornerstone of a formidable offensive line alongside Mark May and Bill Fralic, contributing to Pitt's offensive dominance. During his three seasons at tackle, he allowed a mere three sacks, with none surrendered during his senior year, a feat made even more remarkable by Pitt's pass-heavy offense. His exceptional performance earned him unanimous All-America honors in 1982, following a first-team All-America selection in 1981. His collegiate achievements culminated in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.  

Road to the Pro Game

Covert's stellar college career made him a highly coveted prospect in the 1983 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears selected him sixth overall, a testament to his exceptional talent and potential.  

Football Legacy

Covert's nine-season tenure with the Chicago Bears solidified his status as one of the NFL's premier offensive tackles. He was a crucial component of the Bears' dominant 1985 team, which triumphed in Super Bowl XX. His exceptional blocking skills and unwavering consistency earned him widespread recognition. He was a linchpin of the bears offense, protecting the quarterback, and opening up running lanes. He was known as a smart, and tough player.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

Covert's career is punctuated by numerous accolades:

-Unanimous All-America (1982).

-First-team All-America (1981).  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (2003).  

-Two-time Pro Bowl selection.

-Two-time All-Pro selection.

-Offensive Lineman of the Year (1986).  

-Super Bowl XX champion.

-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (2020).

Jimbo Covert's career stands as a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the game of football.