Football History

Born on March 6, 1898, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jimmy Conzelman wasn't just a player, coach, or owner; he was a jack-of-all-trades who left his mark on the early professional football landscape. From 1920 to 1948, he donned various hats, making him a unique figure in the sport's history.

Playing Days & Early Coaching: Conzelman's playing career stretched across a decade, spanning teams like the Decatur Staleys (later Chicago Bears) and the Providence Steam Roller. In some instances, he showcased versatility, playing quarterback, halfback, placekicker, and even serving as player-coach. While individual statistics weren't widely tracked in his era, his leadership and talent were undeniable.

Championship Coach: Beyond the playing field, Conzelman found his true calling as a coach. He led the Providence Steam Roller to an NFL championship in 1928, showcasing his tactical understanding and inspiring ability. Even more impressively, he later guided the Chicago Cardinals to a title in 1947, proving his leadership could flourish at different levels.

Beyond the Gridiron: Conzelman's life wasn't confined to football. He dabbled in various fields, including acting, singing, and even as an executive in Major League Baseball. This diverse background brought a unique perspective to his coaching, allowing him to connect with players on a different level.

Legacy & Recognition: Conzelman's impact on football is undeniable. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964 is a testament to his contribution to the game.

Randall Wade Cunningham Sr. was born on March 27, 1963, in Santa Barbara, California. A dynamic and electrifying quarterback, Cunningham left an indelible mark on the NFL with his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability, primarily during his tenures with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.  

College Career

Cunningham attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he showcased his versatility. While primarily known for his quarterbacking prowess later in his career, Cunningham earned national recognition as a punter for the UNLV Rebels. He was a first-team College Football All-America selection as a punter in both 1983 and 1984. His strong leg and overall athletic talent were evident early in his collegiate career, setting the stage for his transition to quarterback at the professional level. In 2016, his achievements at UNLV were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  

Road to the Pro Game

Cunningham's exceptional athleticism and potential as a quarterback led the Philadelphia Eagles to select him in the second round (37th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. Notably, he was the first quarterback chosen in that draft. Initially serving as a backup to veteran Ron Jaworski, Cunningham provided glimpses of his unique scrambling ability. In 1986, under new head coach Buddy Ryan, Cunningham gradually took over the starting role, despite playing behind a struggling offensive line that subjected him to a then-NFL record 72 sacks. By the 1987 season, Cunningham had firmly established himself as the Eagles' starting quarterback, captivating fans with his exciting dual-threat style of play.  

After 11 seasons in Philadelphia, marked by Pro Bowl selections and highlight-reel plays, Cunningham retired after the 1995 season. However, his passion for the game drew him back, and he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1997. There, he reunited with former Eagles receiver Cris Carter. In 1998, Cunningham enjoyed a career resurgence, leading the Vikings to a remarkable 15-1 regular-season record. His stellar performance included 34 touchdown passes and a league-leading 106.0 passer rating, making him the first black quarterback to lead the league in that category. The Vikings set an NFL record for most points scored in a season that year, but ultimately fell short in the NFC Championship Game. After a decline in performance and losing his starting job in 1999, he was released. Cunningham spent his final two seasons in backup roles with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens before retiring for good.  

Football Legacy

Randall Cunningham revolutionized the quarterback position with his exceptional athleticism and improvisational skills. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate passes made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and consistently ranked among the league's most exciting players. At the time of his final retirement, Cunningham held the NFL record for quarterback rushing yards. His electrifying playing style inspired a generation of quarterbacks who embraced mobility as a key component of their game. Beyond his on-field achievements, Cunningham became an ordained minister, demonstrating a significant personal transformation. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and his place in Eagles' franchise history solidify his lasting legacy as a true NFL icon.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-2x First-team All-American (Punter, 1983, 1984)

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Professional:

-4x Pro Bowl Selection (1988, 1990, 1992, 1998)  

-NFL Passer Rating Leader (1998)

-Minnesota Vikings Single-Season Record for Passing Touchdowns (34 in 1998)

Career Stats:

2,429 Completions
4,289 Attempts
29,979 Passing Yards
207 Passing Touchdowns
134 Interceptions
4,928 Rushing Yards
775 Rushing Attempts
35 Rushing Touchdowns

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com
Other info from NFL.com, Pro Football Researchers Association, and Wikipedia

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In the early storied history of the New York Football Giants, jersey number 1 has been a uniform reserved for superstars or offensive leaders. Although officially, it has been retired for a single, legendary player, Ray Flaherty, it has been donned by a handful of individuals who played various roles throughout the team's early years. Giants historian Larry Schmitt helps us look at these early Giants who wore number 1.

The New York Football Giants have over a dozen jersey numbers retired. The number 1 retired in honor of Ray Flaherty by the Giants in 1935 was the first North American professional athlete jersey to be retired.

Legacy of the New York Giants Number 1 Jersey

The Giants have had a tradition since their inception in 1925; their feature player was honored to wear number one. So, in the Giants' first season in 1925, halfback Hinkey Haines wore number one that season.

Then, in 1926, Haines switched his number to two, and the Giants gave number one to fullback Jack McBride. Jack wore Number One for the next three seasons for the Giants from 1926 to 1928, when the fullback left to play for 1 Providence. Soon afterward, New York owner Tim Mara purchased the Detroit Wolverine franchise to get Benny Friedman to be their quarterback.

He had that jersey for a few seasons, and then Ray Flaherty, who had been on the Giants in 1929 but wore number 44, and then he was on the Giants again in 1931, he wore number 6. In 1932, however, Ray Flaherty got number one and wore it until 1935, when he was the team captain and Head Coach Steve Owens's first assistant coach. In other words, Flaherty was a player-coach. So he wore the number one, and when he retired as a player in 1935, the Giants retired his number one.

However, in 1946, the franchise was unretired number one for two years and gave it to Frank Cope, a tackle who had been on the Giants.

A Legacy of Versatility and Early Growth

While the players who wore number 1 for the Giants in their early years may not be household names, their contribution to the team's history shouldn't be overlooked. They represent the franchise's period of growth and development, demonstrating the versatility required of players in the early days of professional football. From halfbacks to fullbacks, punters to defensive backs, these individuals laid the foundation for the winning tradition the Giants would later establish.

As the league evolved and positions became more specialized, the Giants transitioned from using number 1. However, the story of these early players serves as a reminder of the team's rich history and the dedication of the individuals who helped build a championship franchise.

Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a trailblazer, a symbol of defiance, and a testament to the power of athletic excellence to challenge societal norms. From his early days at Brown University to his groundbreaking professional career, Pollard's story is one of breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron.

Born in 1894, Pollard excelled in athletics from a young age. His exceptional speed and agility landed him at Brown University, where he shattered racial barriers as the first African American to play for the school's prestigious football team. He led the Ivy League in scoring in 1916, silencing critics and proving his undeniable talent. Fritz played halfback on the Brown team that went to the 1916 Rose Bowl.

Pollard's on-field prowess was undeniable. He led the teams that he played for to heights. The Akron Pros, Union Club of Phoenixville, Milwaukee Badgers, Hammond Pros, Providence Steam Roller, and Akron Indians dazzled audiences with dazzling runs and electrifying touchdowns. His talent forced NFL teams to confront their racial prejudices with the integration of black players into the league in the early 1920s, which would be interrupted for decades after he hung up his cleats.

Though facing discrimination and prejudice throughout his career, Pollard persevered. He played for several NFL teams, becoming the league's first black head coach with the Akron Pros in 1928. His influence extended beyond the playing field; he served as a mentor and advocate for future generations of black athletes, encouraging them to break through barriers and pursue their dreams.

Beyond individual accolades, Pollard became a key figure in the fight for racial equality in sports. In 1930s, he coached the all-black "Brown Bombers," the standout professional football team. The Bombers challenged established leagues and showcased the talents of black players who were systematically excluded from mainstream professional sports.

Although his playing career ended in the early 1930s, Pollard's legacy continues to inspire. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, his contributions finally recognized on the grandest stages.

Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a catalyst for change, a champion for equality, and a role model for generations of athletes to come. His story reminds us that the power of sports transcends the game itself, serving as a platform for breaking down barriers and shaping a more equitable world.