Football History

Born February 17, 1905, was Andy Oberlander, the fine Dartmouth halfback and tackle. Most of his close friends called the dashing youngster “Swede” because of his blonde hair.

Andy Oberlander's football legacy is rooted in his remarkable college career at Dartmouth College.

-College Career

From 1923 to 1925, he starred as a halfback, leading the team to an undefeated season in 1925 and a share of the national championship. Known for his speed, agility, and powerful running style, Oberlander was a key component of Dartmouth's potent offense. He was a versatile player, excelling as both a runner and a passer, and his leadership on the field was instrumental to the team's success. His performance against Yale in 1925, where he scored three touchdowns, is mainly remembered as a defining moment of his collegiate career.

Dartmouth's 32-9 dismantling of Harvard was their most decisive win against the Crimson to that point. Against Cornell, Oberlander put on a show, amassing 477 yards of total offense, including six touchdown passes – a Dartmouth record that remains unbroken. Accounts from the game credit him with contributing to roughly 500 yards of the team's total offensive output. Despite the lopsided 62-13 score, Cornell coach Gil Dobie famously quipped, "We won the game 13-0, passing is not football," downplaying the significance of Oberlander's aerial dominance.

Oberlander's path to professional football was somewhat unconventional for the era. While he did play professional football, it was a relatively brief stint with the short-lived Brooklyn Lions of the first American Football League in 1926. Professional football in the 1920s was still developing, and many players, even those with Oberlander's talent, did not pursue long professional careers.

Oberlander's lasting impact on football resides primarily in his collegiate achievements. His time at Dartmouth cemented his place as one of the greatest players in the early era of college football. He was a consensus All-American in 1925 and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. While his professional career was short, his college exploits were legendary, establishing him as a pivotal figure in Dartmouth's football history and a symbol of the sport's burgeoning popularity in the 1920s.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

-Consensus All-American (1925)

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee

-Led Dartmouth to an undefeated season

Ron Mix, born March 10, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, established himself as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in professional football history. His career, marked by exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, left an indelible mark on the sport.

The 6’-4” 250 pound tackle from Southern Cal Ron Mix was the number one pick in the 1950 NFL and AFL Drafts. The NFL’s Baltimore Colts and the San Diego Chargers of the AFL got in a bidding war of sorts and Mix wisely took the better offer, keeping him in Southern California where he spent all of his life.

-College Career

Mix's football journey began at the University of Southern California (USC), where he played as an offensive tackle. His time with the Trojans showcased his exceptional athleticism and technical prowess. He was a key contributor to USC's success, earning recognition as one of the top linemen in the nation. His performance at USC laid the groundwork for his remarkable professional career.  

-Road to the Pro Game

In 1960, Ron Mix was drafted by both the Baltimore Colts of the NFL and the Boston Patriots of the fledgling American Football League (AFL). Ultimately, he chose to sign with the AFL's San Diego Chargers, a decision that proved pivotal. He became a cornerstone of the Chargers' offensive line, providing crucial protection for the team's potent passing attack. Mix spent the majority of his career with the San Diego Chargers, and finished his career with the Oakland Raiders.  

-Football Legacy

Ron Mix's football legacy is defined by his exceptional skill and dedication. He was a dominant force on the offensive line, known for his intelligence, technique, and durability. His contributions to the Chargers during the AFL's formative years were instrumental in the league's success. Beyond his playing career, Mix has been recognized as a prominent figure in football history, with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-AFL All-Star: 8 times.

-AFL All-Time Team.

-Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee.

-Earned All-American honors in 1959 at USC.  

-Played for the San Diego Chargers, and the Oakland Raiders.  

Ron Mix's career exemplifies the highest standards of excellence in professional football. His contributions to the game, both on and off the field, have earned him a place among the sport's greatest players.

Born April 2, 1871, in Clifton, New Jersey, Marshall Newell established a remarkable football legacy despite his modest stature. His college career at Harvard University from 1890 to 1893 saw him become a dominant force as a tackle.

Newell earned the endearing nickname "Ma" from his teammates due to his compassionate nature and willingness to mentor younger players. However, on the field, he transformed into a fierce competitor renowned for his exceptional leg strength, relentless drive, and an iron grip that few runners could escape.  

Newell's football legacy is cemented by his unprecedented achievement of being selected as an All-American for four consecutive years. This remarkable consistency speaks volumes about his skill and impact on the game. Despite standing only 5'7" and weighing 168 pounds, his unwavering passion and physical prowess allowed him to consistently outperform larger opponents. His selection into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957 by the National Football Foundation stands as a testament to his enduring contributions to the sport.

While specific career statistics are less readily available from that era, his four-time All-American status remains a significant accolade, highlighting his position as one of the premier players of his time. Newell's story exemplifies how determination and skill can overcome perceived physical limitations, leaving an indelible mark on college football history. He did not play on any professional teams as the professional game was in its infancy during his playing years.

A bio of the legendary College Football Hall of Fame Place kicker Jim Martin. Born April 8, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Notre Dame’s position flexible end and tackle Jim Martin. Jim started college at a bit later age than most after serving military duty in the War, so as a twenty-two year old stepping on campus as a frosh but he hit the ground running on the gridiron starting all four seasons and even becoming a team co-captain with Leon Hart in his senior season.

During that time period with Martin on the team the Fighting Irish never saw a defeat as they amassed a record of 36-0-2 according to the National Football Foundation. He was an end  in his first three years, Notre Dame faced a shortage at tackle going into 1949, and Martin volunteered to change positions. He played tackle in 1949 and was on the AP, INS, and NEA All-America teams.

The well rounded athlete also participated in boxing and swimming at the school earning the 1950 George Gipp Award as Notre Dame's outstanding athlete. Jim Martin was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Jim served on the US Marines during WWII as part of an amphibious assault team. Jim played 14 years in the National Football League with Cleveland in 1950, Detroit in 1951-61, Baltimore in 1963, and Washington in 1964. Spending the 1962 season as assistant coach at Denver. He starred as linebacker and place kicker.

For his pro career he had 56 field goals, including 15 in the 1961 season with Detroit. He later served as a football coach in the NFL, WFL and the college ranks.

Robert O'Dell "Horse" Reynolds was born on March 30, 1914, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  

This Stanford legend played his way into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Detroit Lions stardom.

College Career

Reynolds was a standout two-way tackle for Stanford University from 1933 to 1935. A physically imposing figure at 6'4" and around 230 pounds, he was a cornerstone of the dominant Stanford teams of that era, famously known as the "Vow Boys" for their pledge to never lose to USC – a promise they upheld for three consecutive years. Reynolds achieved an unprecedented feat, playing every single minute of three consecutive Rose Bowl games (1934-1936) on both offense and defense, a testament to his exceptional stamina and skill. His relentless play earned him the nickname "The Horse," not directly for his size, but due to a memorable prank involving a horse in his dorm room. Reynolds was a consensus All-American in 1934 and a first-team All-American again in 1935, recognized as a powerful force who "knocked people down like they were wooden statues."  

Road to the Pro Game

Initially intending to enter the oil business after college, Reynolds was drafted by the Green Bay Packers but chose not to pursue professional football immediately. However, a persuasive offer from G.A. Richards, owner of the Detroit Lions and the KMPC radio station, led Reynolds to a unique proposition. A coin toss determined that Reynolds would play two seasons for the Lions with the agreement that he could work at KMPC during the off-seasons.

Football Legacy

While his NFL career was relatively brief, spanning two seasons (1937-1938) with the Detroit Lions, Bob Reynolds' primary football legacy lies in his remarkable collegiate achievements at Stanford. His dominance as a two-way player, particularly his unprecedented Iron Man streak in three Rose Bowl victories, cemented his place as one of the all-time great college football players. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1961 underscores the profound impact he had on the sport during his time at Stanford. Beyond football, Reynolds transitioned into a successful businessman in radio and professional sports, co-founding the California Angels (now Los Angeles Angels) Major League Baseball team, further demonstrating his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Consensus All-American (1934)

-First-team All-American (1935 - New York Sun)  

-Played every minute of three consecutive Rose Bowl games (1934, 1935, 1936)  

-Detroit Lions (1937-1938) - Played in 20 games as a tackle

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1961)  

April 4, 1951, in Canton, Georgia, marked the birth of John Hannah, a dominant offensive lineman who became a legend during his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1970 to 1972. Hannah was widely considered one of the most outstanding offensive linemen in football history and earned high praise from numerous experts. His legendary coach at Alabama, Bear Bryant, stated, "In over 30 years with the game, he's the finest offensive lineman I've ever been around." Even Sports Illustrated, in 1981, declared him the best offensive lineman of all time. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Hannah earned All-America honors in 1971 and was unanimously selected in 1972. That same year, he received the Jacobs Award as the nation's best blocker at his position, offensive guard, and was named Lineman of the Year by multiple prominent quarterback clubs. Alabama compiled a 27-8-1 record in his three seasons and secured two conference championships. His collegiate achievements led to his selection to Alabama's all-century team and the Southeastern Conference all-50-year team (1933-1982).  

-Road to the Pro Game

Hannah's exceptional college career paved the way for a highly successful professional career. In the 1973 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots recognized his immense talent and selected him with their first-round pick. He had a brilliant 13-year career with the Patriots, establishing himself as a force in the running and passing games. His ability to create massive running lanes was matched by his solid pass protection skills, making him an invaluable asset to the team.  

- John Hannah's Football Legacy

John Hannah's football legacy is cemented by his unparalleled dominance at both the college and professional levels. His accolades speak volumes about his impact on the game. He was selected as an All-Pro in an astounding 10 of his 13 professional seasons, a testament to his consistent excellence. Furthermore, he was honored as the NFLPA Offensive Lineman of the Year four times, further solidifying his reputation as the premier offensive lineman of his era. His collegiate achievements made him into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. His remarkable NFL career culminated in his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, solidifying his place among the sport's immortals.  

-John Hannah's Accolades Include:

-All-America selection (1971).

-Unanimous All-America selection (1972).

-Jacobs Award (1972).  

-Lineman of the Year by Birmingham Quarterback Club, Atlanta Touchdown Club, and Miami Touchdown Club (1972).  

-Named to Alabama's all-century team.

-Named to the Southeastern Conference all-50-year team (1933-1982).  

-First-round NFL Draft pick (1973).

-10-time All-Pro selection.

-4-time NFLPA Offensive Lineman of the Year.  

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1999).  

-Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991).

Vince Banonis, born April 9, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan, to a Lithuanian family, etched his name into football history through a career marked by exceptional skill and leadership. From his Detroit roots to NFL championships, Banonis left an enduring legacy.  

-College Career

Banonis's football journey began at Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he captained the city championship-winning team. He then enrolled at the University of Detroit in 1938, playing center for the Detroit Titans from 1939 to 1941 under coach Gus Dorais. His talent was quickly recognized, with his line coach praising his abilities. Banonis was renowned for his play diagnosis and pass defense. In 1941, he earned first-team All-American honors from multiple sources, solidifying his status as a top collegiate player.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1942 NFL Draft, Banonis entered the professional ranks. His early career was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Returning to the Cardinals in 1946, he became a key player, earning multiple All-NFL selections. In 1951, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he contributed to their NFL championship victories in 1952 and 1953.  

-Football Legacy

Vince Banonis's legacy is defined by his consistent excellence and leadership. He was a vital part of championship-winning teams, both in college and the NFL. His defensive prowess and strategic understanding of the game made him a respected figure. Beyond his playing career, his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame cemented his place among football's greats.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-First-team All-American (1941).  

-Selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1942 NFL Draft.  

-NFL Champion with the Chicago Cardinals (1947).

-Three-time First-team All-NFL selection.  

-Three-time Second-team All-NFL selection.

-NFL Champion with the Detroit Lions (1952, 1953).

-Led the NFL in fumble recovery return yards (1947).

-Intercepted 11 passes from 1946-1949.  

-Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inductee (1975).  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1986).  

Vince Banonis's career exemplifies dedication and excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of championship-caliber football.

April 17, 1972 - Modesto, California - Legendary Left Tackle, most famously of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tony Boselli, was born. His parents were Tony, Sr., and Candy Boselli. According to Pro Football History.com, Tony Sr. was a wine sales representative based in Modesto, California. The couple moved the family to Colorado in 1974 with the lure of a great business opportunity.  Tony Sr. and his older brother Bud set up a series of McDonald's Restaurant franchises. At one point, the Boselli brothers had owned twelve Golden Arches locations in the state by 1995. Tony Jr. attended Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado, loved football, and followed the Denver Broncos quite closely, especially enjoying the play of their Quarterback, John Elway, and his gunslinger mentality of play. At six, Tony started playing football near the family home. Between the coaching he got from his team, his father giving him pep talks in the car ride to and from practice and games and neighborhood pick-up games with his friends, and sometimes Tony Sr with a Nerf football in the backyard, Boselli had a great foundation of the playing game. 
When he wasn't playing ball or in school, he spent time cleaning up the parking lots of the family's restaurants, having the education of hard work instilled into him starting at 8. Of course, his father told Sports Illustrated years later that his son would come into the store on the hour while sweeping and pulling weeds, asking for a Happy Meal. Tony Sr. often encouraged his son to return to work, and he would receive a reward for the tasty treat later. These tasks merged into Tony flipping burgers and dropping baskets of fries by the age of 14. He was only making minimum wage, but his father realized that with the pay plus the boy's food consumption, the store's manager had to claim to Sr. that Tony's growing appetite was causing the store to lose. The wise father and business owner soon transferred his growing son to the landscaping crew of the stores. 
The young man was growing in size, strength, and work ethic, and when he joined the high school team in 1987, the towering figure told the coach of his intentions to play quarterback. The wise coach allowed him to try out for the position but then assigned him to the offense as a tight end. As a sophomore, the youngster made another run at the signal-calling duties, and even Tony Sr. pleaded with Fairview Knights Head Coach Sam Pagano to allow his son to play QB. Years later, Pagano laughed in an interview as he remembered announcing that Tony was entrenched in the offensive line. He also played a little DL and linebacker. Tony Sr. was disappointed as he felt his son had the talent to make it as a professional someday and wanted him to play a position that would pay. Eventually, Pagano assured the father that Tony could earn over a million dollars per year as an NFL tackle with hard work. As a senior, Tony put on 40 pounds of muscle and bulked up to 265 pounds. He became a nightmare for opposing pass rushers to get past. He became a high school All-American and earned First-Team All-State honors. Tony hoped that Notre Dame would offer him a scholarship, but they were one of the few schools that didn't show interest in the young star.

Boselli received a football athletic scholarship from the University of Southern California, where he played for the USC Trojans from 1991 to 1994. He was a first-team All-Pac-10 selection and All-American in 1992, 1993, and 1994. The All-American status came from playing both offensive tackle positions, too. In 1994, he also won the Morris Trophy, presented annually to the best offensive and defensive linemen in the Pac-12. He was so good that the College Football Hall of Fame inducted his college career into their Museum of Legends in 2014.
Tony Boselli Jr. was the second overall pick of the 1995 NFL Draft, the first-ever draft pick of the new Jacksonville Jaguars franchise. The Jaguars' acquisition of Boselli was a foundational building block of their offensive plan. They made history by signing Boselli to a seven-year, $17 million deal that made him the highest-paid rookie offensive lineman, per SI.com.

He played seven seasons in Jacksonville and was the offensive line anchor at the Left Tackle position. Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin knew he had a winner with the youngster because at 6'7″, 322-lb. Boselli's size and mobility were a combination seldom seen in a man. While he was a large offensive lineman, his mobility and athleticism could hold off the NFL's best pass rushers. This was evident in Boselli's debut NFL game when Jacksonville faced the Green Bay Packers, pitting Tony against Reggie White and Shawn Jones all afternoon. To the delight of Coughlin and the Jacksonville faithful, the rookie held his own against the top defensive linemen. The Jags won just four games in that first season; however, in 1995, the franchise won nine games and played deep into the postseason the year after.

Boselli continued playing at a high level. In the playoffs, he kept future Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith from his normal effectiveness in the Jaguar's unexpected victory over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Game. A week later, the Jags were tested and defeated Boselli's favorite childhood team, the Denver Broncos, in the AFC Divisional Round. Boselli later told Sports that the surprise 30-27 win was the highlight of his eight-year NFL career.

A shoulder injury and subsequent bad medical procedure to repair it railroaded and ended Tony's brilliant career. The Jags had little choice but to expose their star left tackle to the expansion draft when the NFL added a team in 2002 after Tony missed much of the 2001 season. In the 2002 expansion Draft, the Houston Texans took a flier on Boselli. Still, unfortunately, he was unable to do much for them with the injury and eventually called it a career.

Boselli signed a one-day contract allowing him to retire as a Jacksonville Jaguars member officially and became the first Jaguars player inducted into their Ring of Honor on October 8, 2006. In early 2022, Boselli found out from a visit by Hall of Fame Tackle Anthony Munoz that he had been selected for enshrinement in the 2022 Class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For his career, Tony received five Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro honors while appearing in two AFC Championship Games.

After football, he invested in multiple business ventures with former teammates, was a football analyst on TV, started a charity foundation, and raised a beautiful family of five children with his wife, Angi.

Lawrence Timothy "Buck" Shaw was born on March 28, 1899, in Mitchellville, Iowa. A figure of significant influence in American football, Shaw excelled as a player and achieved considerable success as a coach at both the college and professional levels.  

Shaw started his football journey as one the best players in Notre Dame history and later became the San Francisco 49ers first head coach.

College Career

Shaw's collegiate athletic pursuits began at Creighton University in 1918, where he played one football game before a flu epidemic canceled the remainder of the season. In 1919, he transferred to the University of Notre Dame, initially drawn by their track and field program. However, under the guidance of the legendary Knute Rockne, Shaw became a standout two-way player for the Fighting Irish from 1919 to 1921.

Starting at tackle and also handling placekicking duties, he opened running lanes for the iconic George Gipp. Shaw earned All-American honors as a tackle and was recognized as part of Notre Dame's all-time "Fighting Irish" football team. He also achieved All-American status in track and field for his performance in the shot put at the 1921 NCAA Championships. His kicking accuracy was remarkable, setting a record by converting 38 of 39 extra points, a mark that stood for over five decades.  

Road to the Pro Game

After graduating from Notre Dame, Shaw embarked on a coaching career. He held his first head coaching position at North Carolina State in 1924, followed by four years as a line coach at the University of Nevada. He then joined Santa Clara University as a line coach before taking over as head coach in 1936.

His tenure at Santa Clara was highly successful, marked by an impressive .803 winning record, including consecutive Sugar Bowl victories in 1937 and 1938. During the 1937 season, Buck Shaw's Santa Clara team showcased a formidable defense, conceding a mere nine points across their nine games. Shaw's successful leadership of the Broncos was further emphasized by two significant wins against highly-regarded Louisiana State teams: a 21-14 victory in 1937 and a 6-0 shutout in 1938. Before his impactful time at Santa Clara, Shaw gained head coaching experience at North Carolina State in 1924 and at Nevada from 1925 to 1928.

After a year coaching at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1945, Shaw transitioned to the professional ranks. In 1946, he became the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He continued to coach the 49ers through their entry into the NFL in 1950 until 1954. Following a brief return to college coaching at the Air Force Academy (1956-1957), Shaw returned to the NFL in 1958 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  

Football Legacy

Buck Shaw's football legacy is defined by his accomplishments as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a key contributor to Notre Dame's early success under Rockne, earning All-American honors. However, his coaching career was even more impactful. He built a powerhouse program at Santa Clara, achieving national prominence with Sugar Bowl wins. In the professional ranks, Shaw holds the distinction of being the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and, more significantly, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, defeating the legendary Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in what remains the only playoff loss of Lombardi's NFL dynasty. Known as "the Silver Fox," Shaw demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning teams, earning a reputation as a respected and effective leader. His career spanned multiple levels of football, leaving a lasting influence on the sport.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College (Player):

-All-American Tackle (Notre Dame)

-All-American Shot Put (Notre Dame, 1921)

-Part of Notre Dame's All-Time "Fighting Irish" Football Team

College (Coach):

-2x Sugar Bowl Champion (Santa Clara, 1937, 1938)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1972)  

-Santa Clara University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)  

Professional (Coach):

-NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)  

-AP & UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1960)

-San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)  

-San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Coaching Record:

-College: 72-49-12

Professional (AAFC/NFL): 91-55-5

-Overall: 163-104-17

Buck Shaw won games coaching at many different programs including the Santa Clara Broncos.