Football History

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 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.

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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.

Born May 27, 1868, in Chicago, Illinois, was Knowlton Ames was the Princeton University fullback from 1886 to 1889. This man had some moves in the open field according to the National Football Foundation.

One of his opponents from rival Yale, the very famous Pudge Heffelfinger once said of Knowlton, "He was clever at spinning, changing direction and faking the tackler. It was fatal to go for his knees or legs. They wouldn't be there." It was skills like these that landed Ames in the inaugural All-America team of 1889. Ames and the rest of the Princeton crew are credited with being the first team to create and run the "power sweep." A true football innovator, Ames was perhaps the first player to execute a fake punt and he also developed a unique running style which enabled him to duck tacklers. His speed and elusiveness resulted in many spectacular long runs. He was a true spotlight star as demonstrated in one game where he returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, returned another kick 50 yards and ran 105 yards from scrimmage that was of course on one of that era’s 110 yard fields. Ames still holds nearly all the Princeton scoring records over 130 years after he set the milestones. In his career, "Snake" scored 730 points, 62 touchdowns and 176 points after touchdowns. In a single game against Pennsylvania he scored 60 points. Ames was a member of Princeton teams that compiled a 35-3-1 record in his four varsity seasons. Knowlton Ames’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1969.

E. J. Holub wasn't just a football player; he was a chameleon, seamlessly adapting his game and his legacy, etching his name in two distinct positions on the gridiron. His story isn't a linear path, but a winding journey of grit, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit that defied expectations and transcended eras.

From the dusty fields of Texas, Holub emerged as a two-way terror at Texas Tech, earning accolades as both a ferocious linebacker and a dominant center. His raw talent caught the eye of the fledgling American Football League, and in 1961, he found himself drafted by the Dallas Texans, the future Kansas City Chiefs.

His professional career began as a linebacker, his fiery nature and bone-crushing tackles earning him instant recognition. He helped solidify the Texans' defense, contributing to their 1962 AFL Championship victory. But fate, perhaps sensing his versatility, intervened. Knee injuries threatened to derail his career. But Holub, refusing to be sidelined, made a remarkable shift, transitioning from the hard-hitting world of linebacker to the cerebral one of center.

This wasn't just a position change; it was a metamorphosis. Holub, with his intelligence and leadership, thrived at the pivot point of the offense. He became the cornerstone of the Chiefs' offensive line, anchoring a unit that protected the likes of Len Dawson and Mike Livingston. His leadership extended beyond the huddle, as he became a locker room beacon, respected for his work ethic and dedication.

And then, in 1969, with his name already etched in Chiefs lore, Holub achieved the extraordinary. He started Super Bowl IV, not as a linebacker, not as a center, but as both. This unique feat, a testament to his adaptability and skill, cemented his place among the pantheon of NFL legends.

But Holub's impact went beyond individual accolades. He was a symbol of the rise of the AFL, a player who helped bridge the gap between leagues and prove the legitimacy of professional football beyond the established NFL. He embodied the spirit of the early Chiefs, a team hungry for success and forging its own destiny.

His career spanned an era of change, from the rough-and-tumble days of the early AFL to the more strategic, pass-oriented game of the 1970s. Through it all, Holub remained a constant, a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of adapting to change.

More than just a player, E. J. Holub was a pioneer. He redefined versatility, defied expectations, and left an indelible mark on the game he loved.

Alvin Nugent "Bo" McMillin (1895-1952) wasn't just a football player but a force of nature on the gridiron. His career spanned multiple eras, leaving an indelible mark on college and professional football. Today, we delve into the life and legacy of this American football legend.

Born in rural Texas, McMillin's natural athleticism shone through early on. He excelled in various sports, but football truly captured his heart. After a standout high school career, he landed at Centre College in Kentucky, becoming a three-time All-American quarterback. McMillin's versatility extended beyond throwing; he was also a formidable safety and kick returner, earning him the nickname "Iron Man" for his all-around talent.

After college, McMillin tasted professional success in the early days of the NFL, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Badgers and Cleveland Indians. However, his coaching career truly cemented his legend. He led various college teams to success, most notably Indiana University, where he won the Big Ten championship in 1945 and was named Coach of the Year.

McMillin's coaching philosophy was ahead of its time. He emphasized offensive innovation, utilizing the forward pass more aggressively than most coaches of his era. He also instilled a strong sense of discipline and teamwork in his players, earning their respect and admiration.

McMillin's legacy extends beyond wins and statistics. He was a pioneer who helped shape the game of football. He was also a respected mentor and motivator, leaving a lasting impact on countless players and coaches.