Football History

Marty Lyons wasn't a flashy headline grabber. He wasn't the quarterback slinging bombs or the running back breaking ankles. Yet, for twelve seasons, his name echoed through NFL stadiums, whispered with respect by teammates and feared by opponents. Lyons was the rock of the defensive line, the immovable object at the heart of some of the league's most dominant defenses.

Emerging from a small Pennsylvania town, Lyons honed his grit on the gridiron at Notre Dame. There, he carved a reputation as a relentless tackler and run-stuffer, earning All-American honors and a first-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins. In South Florida, his impact was immediate. He became the linchpin of the "Killer Bees" defense, a swarming unit that terrorized offenses and propelled the Dolphins to two Super Bowl appearances.

Lyons wasn't flashy. He didn't rack up sacks like candy on Halloween. His power lay in his unwavering presence, his ability to occupy blockers and disrupt running lanes, creating opportunities for his teammates to feast. He was a master of leverage, using his brute strength and intelligence to make linemen twice his size look like mere speed bumps.

Beyond stats, Lyons embodied the heart of the Dolphins. He was a tireless worker, a vocal leader, and a calming presence in the trenches. His relentless pursuit of the ball was infectious, inspiring those around him to push their limits. He was the silent warrior, the unsung hero whose contributions paved the way for others to shine.

Injuries ultimately shortened his career, but Lyons' legacy as a true defensive warrior remained. He retired with over 600 tackles and countless memories of battles won and quarterbacks frustrated. He earned a place in the Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the franchise and the respect he commanded from players and fans alike.

Marty Lyons might not be the first name that comes to mind when reminiscing about NFL greats, but for those who understand the intricate dance of defensive dominance, his name carries a silent power.

Born June 18, 1963 - Norfolk, Virginia - Virginia Tech’s defensive end from 1981 to 1984, Bruce B. Smith was born. When Smith came to Virginia Tech, the Hokies were a mediocre program. His play helped boost the program's profile into the decades of subsequent success per the NFF.

Smith had a rare combination of strength, quickness and raw talent that played very nicely into his success on the defensive line. Injury forced Bruce Smith to miss most of his freshman season but as a sophomore Smith had eight sacks and in his junior year he became a first team All-America selection adding 22 sacks to his resume. He capped off his senior year with 16 more QB take downs behind the line.. Bruce was honored as a consensus All-America selection and won the Outland Trophy. Over his career, his 46 sacks and 71 tackles for loss resulted in an incredible total of 504 yards lost.

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Bruce Smith into their legendary museum in 2006. In the 1985 NFL draft he was the first player taken overall by the Buffalo Bills. He was named the defensive Rookie of the Year. When his 19-year pro career ended he sat on top of the game's all-time sack list with 200. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame shares how the Bills teams that won six AFC Eastern Division championships and four AFC titles, many observers feel that 1990 was Smith’s finest season. That year he recorded 19 quarterback sacks and his dominant play frequently changed the complexion of the game. Smith’s 13 seasons with 10 or more sacks is also an NFL record.. Bruce Smith was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Born July 9, 1947 - San Francisco, California - O. J. Simpson the legendary Southern California running Back of the seasons of 1967 and 1968. O.J. Simpson Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back that played for the Buffalo Bills.

Simpson held the NFL single season rushing record of 2003 yards until Eric Dickerson broke that record a few decades later. Known as "the Juice" he played college ball at USC. According to the National Football Foundation, in 1968, O.J. carried the ball 355 times for 1709 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading USC to a 9-0-1 regular season record, equalling or bettering a long list of USC records. Again, he was named to scores of All-America first teams and was granted 21 awards, including Rose Bowl MVP, the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.After winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 the College Football Hall of Fame inducted them into their museum in 1983's class.

Juice went into broadcasting and even acting after his NFL career was over.

Born April 7, 1975, in Roanoke, Virginia, was 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined defensive back Ronde Barber. Barber played his entire NFL career of 16 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Pro Football Hall points out that Ronde is the only player in NFL history to have had a 45 and 25 split as in his career, the DB had 47 interceptions and 28 sacks. Ronde Barber is one of the top NFL players to have worn the Jersey 20.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Red Grange was football's first superstar. The former Illinois Illini product took the NFL by storm with he Chicago Bears in 1925, then took his fame and created the Original AFL also known as the Red Grange League. The crowds he drew saved the NFL from financial hardship.

Born May 8, 1959, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was Ronnie Lott who was Southern California’s coveted Defensive Back in the seasons of 1977 to 1980. The National Football Foundation tells us that Ronnie was one of the hardest hitting players in college football, not just in the defensive backs group, but one of the most feared tacklers regardless of position. But Lott's hitting ability does not totally define his collegiate prowess. Ronnie was also an adept pass defender who intercepted eight passes to lead the nation in this category during his senior season. As a sophomore he was part of the 1978 USC National Championship team. The following year, the Trojans were undefeated and ranked second nationally. Overall, these Coach John Robinson-led teams put together a 28-game unbeaten streak. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Ronnie Lott into their legendary museum in 2002. The San Francisco 49ers used their first round selection in the 1981 NFL Draft to bring Lott to their franchise. As a Rookie the versatile player was moved from his college position of safety to play left cornerback for the Niners according to ProFootballHOF.com. During his remarkable career he earned All-NFL honors at three different positions; corner, free safety and strong safety as his position flexibility allowed his coaches to use him in a variety of schemes. He was productive too as Ronnie recorded 100 tackles in five different seasons of his 14 year career and led the League in interceptions twice! Lott was the defensive centerpiece in four Super Bowl wins for San Fran and his 63 career interceptions with 5 pick sixes show what a ball hawk he was in addition to his punishing style of play scaring receivers, backs and QBs all at the same time. In 2000 Ronnie Lott  was enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. NFL Jersey 42

Born February 14, 1960 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The outstanding quarterback from the Miami Hurciane’s program Jim Kelly was born. The Buffalo Bills selected Kelly in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft but the signal caller decided to sign with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers franchise instead.

The 6’-4” 225 quarterback spent two seasons with the Gamblers and threw for 9,842 yards and a whopping 83 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website. When the USFL folded Jim signed on with the NFL team that originally drafted him, the Bills in 1986. It was a perfect fit for both parties as Kelly ran the famed “no Huddle” fast paced offense of Coach Marv Levy to a tee. Having offensive weapons like running back Thurmon Thomas and receivers Andre Reid and James Lofton didn’t hurt either.

The Bills played in four straight Super Bowls in the 1990’s led by Kelly’s arm. In Jim’s 11 seasons with the Bills, he led the Bills to the AFC playoffs eight times. In those 17 playoff appearances, including four the Super Bowls, Kelly tossed the ball for 3,863 yards and 21 touchdowns! Jim Kelly was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Born October 31, 1897, in Mansfield, Ohio - Wilbur better known as Pete Henry, was a 3 year All-American tackle from Washington and Jefferson College. He was perhaps the largest lineman of his era as he stood 5-foot-11-inches tall and weighed in at a solid 245 pounds. Pete signed to play with the Canton Bulldogs coincidently on the same day that the NFL’s precursor the American Professional Football Association formed in Ralph Hay’s Hupmobile Showroom in Canton. The good natured Henry off the field was replaced by a focused beast on the gridiron. Pete’s most notable season had to be in 1923 with the Bulldogs according to the National Football Foundation's website. Henry booted a 94 yard punt, blocked a punt, scored a touchdown and kicked nine field goals via drop kick , oh and by the way the Canton Bulldogs won their second consecutive NFL Championship that year due in part to his great play. In the NFL for a total of 8 seasons not only with Canton but was a member of the Pottsville Maroons and the New York Giants too. Pete Henry was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Pete in 1963’s class of inductees.

October 31, 1900 - Keytesville, Missouri - Cal Hubbard was born on that day and he was a tackle for Centenary and Geneva Colleges. 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. 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. 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.

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Born July 13, 1935, in Los Angeles, California, was former pro football star and Congeressman Jack Kemp.

Kemp was a professional quarterback for 13 years. He played briefly in the National Football League and the Canadian Football League. His true gridiron career pinnacle point though was in the American Football League, where he served as captain of both the San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills and earned the AFL Most Valuable Player award in 1965 after leading the Bills to a second consecutive championship.

Kemp, a distinguished quarterback who played primarily for the Buffalo Bills, enjoyed a notable NFL career from 1957 to 1969. Over his 13 seasons, Kemp threw for 40,559 yards and 236 touchdowns. He was instrumental in leading the Bills to AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, earning AFL Most Valuable Player honors in 1965. Kemp's leadership on the field and ability to execute crucial plays solidified his reputation as a top quarterback. After his playing career, he continued to make an impact as a politician and advocate, further enhancing his legacy beyond football.