Football History

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Two-time Super Bowl Champion Craig Colquitt sat down with us to discuss his amazing College and NFL career, Family, and some amazing stories about his interaction with game legends like Mean Joe Greene, Bum Phillips, Johnny Majors, Chuck Noll, Mike Webster, and more!

Craig played college ball at the University of Tennessee. His final two years were under the tutelage of a former punter, Legendary Head Coach Johnny Majors. Coach Majors spent a lot of time with his young punter, helping to change Colquitt's productivity and eventually bringing attention from NFL teams.

Craig was drafted in the third round of the 1978 NFL Draft. He spent eight seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1978–1981, 1983–1984) and Colts (1987). He was a member of two NFL championship teams with the Steelers in Super Bowls XIII and XIV.

His Sons Dustin and Britton also played for the Volunteers and later won their own Super Bowl rings punting in the NFL.

Nathan Washington Dougherty, born March 23, 1886, in Hales Mill, Virginia, left an indelible mark on the early landscape of American football. His collegiate career at the University of Tennessee, from 1906 to 1909, was legendary. Standing at an imposing 6'2" and weighing 185 pounds, he earned the moniker "Big'n" from his peers.  

Dougherty was a famous University of Tennessee Volunteers football team guard. This man was such a good athlete and a leader that he simultaneously captained three varsity sports programs for the Vols—captaining the football, basketball, and track teams. The National Football Foundation selected him for their College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

His versatility and leadership defined Dougherty's college career. He captained the football team and the basketball and track and field squads, a testament to his exceptional athleticism. As a dominant guard on the gridiron, he was instrumental in the Volunteers' success during that era.  

His football legacy extends beyond his playing days. Dougherty's intellect and dedication to education set him apart. He graduated with honors from Tennessee and furthered his academic pursuits, earning additional degrees and eventually becoming a respected educator at Cornell and George Washington Universities. His influence on the sport was recognized in 1967 when he was posthumously inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. The College Football Hall of Fame gathered the data and stats of Nathan Dougherty to set in a place of honor in their museum.  

Accolades for Dougherty centered on his leadership and athletic prowess. While detailed career statistics from that era are limited, his captaincy across three sports and his Hall of Fame induction highlight his significant contributions. His legacy stands as a testament to the character and athleticism that shaped the early foundations of American football. Dougherty did not play in the NFL, as it did not exist in his time.

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Tennessee Volunteers football boasts a rich tapestry of achievements, rivalries, and unique traditions. Here's a summary of the highlights you provided:

Scoreless Season (1939): The Vols achieved footballing nirvana, shutting out all opponents for a perfect 10-0 season, ironically losing only the Rose Bowl to USC 14-0.

SEC Founding Member (1932): One of the original 13 SEC teams, Tennessee remains a pillar of the conference alongside nine other founding members.

The Third Saturday in October: Since 1901, Tennessee and Alabama have clashed in one of the SEC's fiercest rivalries, spanning 91 games and counting.

Pride of the Southland: More than a football band, this institution predates the program itself, dating back to 1869. Their iconic name originates from a 1949 pre-Alabama game stand-off with Alabama's "Million Dollar Band."

Rocky Top: The Unofficial Fight Song: Though not officially designated, this beloved bluegrass anthem has become a rallying cry for Vols fans and a thorn in the sides of their rivals since the 1970s.

These facts paint a vibrant picture of Tennessee football, showcasing their historical feats, enduring rivalries, and unique traditions that weave together the essence of being a Vol.

Tennessee Volunteers football is more than just touchdowns and tackles. It's a tapestry woven with time-honored traditions, each adding a vibrant thread to the fabric of Gameday in Knoxville. Here are some of the top traditions that ignite the spirit of Big Orange Nation:

1. The Vol Walk: Two hours before kickoff, the air crackles with anticipation as the team, led by Smokey the mascot and the Pride of the Southland Marching Band, embarks on the iconic Vol Walk. Thousands of fans line Peyton Manning Pass, their cheers echoing through the streets as they high-five the players and bathe them in orange and white. This electrifying procession is a rite of passage, a shared experience that binds fans and players together in a pre-game symphony of hope and fervor.

Rocky Top Ritual: "Rocky Top" isn't just a song; it's a battle cry, a primal roar that shakes the Neyland Stadium foundation. From tailgates to locker rooms, this infectious tune permeates the day. When the band strikes up the first notes during halftime, 100,000 fans erupt in unison, waving orange pom-poms and swaying to the rhythm. This shared moment of pure joy transcends generations, uniting Vol faithful under the spell of Tennessee's unofficial anthem.

The Power T: More than just a formation, the Power T is a symbol of Tennessee's offensive might. When fans raise their arms in unison, mimicking the iconic T, they become part of the play, lending their collective energy to every snap. This visual display of solidarity underscores the bond between players and fans, reminding everyone that victory hinges on a unified front.

Orange and White Checkerboards: Neyland Stadium transforms into a kaleidoscope of orange and white on gameday. Fans fill the stands with these iconic checkerboard blankets, creating a visual spectacle that rivals any highlight reel. This sea of orange embodies the Vol spirit, a testament to the unwavering loyalty and shared identity that defines Big Orange Nation.

Smokey the Mascot: No Tennessee tradition is complete without Smokey, the lovable blue tick hound. This furry ambassador embodies the playful spirit and relentless determination of the Volunteers. From pre-game sprints to sideline antics, Smokey brings a touch of lightheartedness to the gridiron, reminding everyone that amidst the competitive fire, there's always room for a smile and a wagging tail.

These traditions are more than just rituals; they're threads woven into the very soul of Tennessee Football. They fuel the pre-game anticipation, amplify the roars of celebration, and bind generations of fans together.

The year is 1939. America stands on the precipice of a tumultuous decade, but on the gridiron, a different kind of storm is brewing. This is the season where legends were forged, records shattered, and national champions crowned in a tale as thrilling as any Hollywood blockbuster.

Ironclad Defenses Clash with Offensive Explosions

Imagine, if you will, leather helmets cracking under bone-jarring tackles, the snap of the pigskin echoing through packed stadiums, and the roar of the crowd as a halfback streaks down the sideline, untouched, towards the end zone. This was the 1939 college football season, a collision of brute force and strategic finesse where defenses boasted an ironclad wall and offenses orchestrated aerial ballet with dizzying efficiency.

From Humble Beginnings to Unthinkable Heights

Meet Nile Kinnick, the unassuming Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback whose underdog spirit and pinpoint accuracy would etch his name in the Heisman Trophy's hallowed halls. Witness the unstoppable juggernaut of the Texas A&M Aggies, their suffocating defense and ground-and-pound offense leaving opponents dazed and defeated. And feel the electric energy as Johnny "The Jet" Rodgers weaves through defenders like a phantom, igniting the hearts of Southern Methodist University fans.

A Tapestry of Triumphs and Heartbreaks

But this wasn't just a story of individual heroes. It was a tapestry woven with threads of triumph and heartbreak, of nail-biting comebacks and last-minute gut punches. From the sun-drenched fields of the South to the frost-kissed battlegrounds of the Midwest, every game was a microcosm of human drama, unfolding in grand spectacles of mud, sweat, and tears.

So join us, sports fans, as we rewind the clock, dust off the vintage leather helmets, and step back into the electrifying arena of the 1939 college football season. We'll relive the gridiron battles, celebrate the heroes, and feel the nostalgia of a golden age in American sports. Are you ready for the kickoff?

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The old Sidesaddle Quarterback and Tennessee Formation are dusted off and examined along with their originator and usage by Timothy P Brown.