Football History

Born June 5, 1920, was Marion Motley was Pro Football Hall of Fame fullback and linebacker that played professionally for the Cleveland Browns. Motley along with fellow teammate Bill Willis were two of the first African Americans to break the color barrier in professional football.

It was not easy for these men as they constantly faced harassment as they participated on pro football, but Motley overcame the adversity for a great career. During his collegiate playing days, Motley excelled at football at South Carolina State University and later at the University of Nevada.

The ProFootballHOF.com website tells of Motley's effectiveness as a solid all-around running back with Cleveland. He was a sound pass protector and was the AAFC's All-time leading rusher. In 1950, when Cleveland joined the NFL, he led his new league in rushing yards, too.  His career total of 4720 yards on the ground and an average carry of 5.7 yards is a true testament to how good this player was! Marion Motley was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

Born August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, was legendary Quarterback Tom Brady. TB12 attended and played for University of Michigan Wolverines, and was selected 199th overall by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.

He became the starting quarterback during his second season, which saw the Patriots win their first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl XXXVI. As the team's primary starter for 18 seasons, Brady led the Patriots to 17 division titles (including 11 consecutive from 2009 to 2019), 13 AFC Championship Games (including eight consecutive from 2011 to 2018), nine Super Bowl appearances, and six Super Bowl titles, all NFL records for a player and franchise.

Tom joined the Buccaneers in 2020 and won Super Bowl LV, extending his individual records to ten Super Bowl appearances and seven victories. He holds numerous NFL records.

Born May 27, 1903, in St. Paul, Minnesota, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Lineman and Coach Walt Kiesling. Kiesling played college football at the University of St. Thomas.

Walt played 13 years as a guard and tackle in the NFL with the Duluth Eskimos (1926–1927), Pottsville Maroons (1928), Chicago Cardinals (1929–1933), Chicago Bears (1934), Green Bay Packers (1935–1936), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1937–1938).

Kiesling also spent 25 years as a coach or aide for NFL teams, including seven years as head coach of the Pittsburgh Pirates/Steelers from 1939 to 1942 and 1954 to 1956. He provided Pittsburgh's first franchise-winning season in 1942. He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and was named to the NFL 1920s All-Decade Team in 1969.

The Lafayette Leopards have a unique and recognizable school nickname. Where would a school in Eastern Pennsylvania garner such a name as Leopard though?

According to the school's website, the name was first used on campus when Lafayette sports editor George Parkman referred to the team as the 'Leopards' on October 7, 1927. Parkman noticed that other competitors were selecting animal nicknames and decided Lafayette should have one. NCAAF Nickname 1

Born May 30, 1949 - Salem, New Jersey -  Lydell Mitchell 3 time Pro- Bowl NFL Running back played for the Colts, Chargers & Rams.  The Baltimore Colts drafted Mitchell with the 48th pick of the 1972 NFL Draft. Mitchell played his college career at Penn State under Joe Paterno along with his fellow backfield mate Franco Harris. Quite a one two punch for the Nittany Lions in the season of '71. Lydell Mitchell entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. Lydell's was a threat to run and recieve passes as a pro and when he teamed up with Colts QB Bert Jones the pair helped the team win 3 consecutive AFC East Titles (1975, 76 & 77), stealing the crown from their division rival the Miami Dolphins, yes those Dolphins that only a year or two earlier had an undefeated season.

Henry Louis "Hank" Stram wasn't born into gridiron greatness; he earned it, yard by bloody yard. From his humble beginnings in Chicago to his legendary reign as the head coach of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs, Stram's story is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and an unyielding love for the game.
His coaching career began not with fancy schemes or celebrity
status but on the dusty fields of rural Ohio, molding high school teams into gridiron warriors. His talent caught the eye of the University of Miami, where he honed his coaching skills and gained a reputation for defensive ingenuity.
In 1959, Lamar Hunt, founder of the newly formed American Football League (AFL), took a chance on the unassuming coach, appointing him to lead the Dallas Texans. This marked the beginning of a dynasty. Stram, nicknamed the "Big Texan" for his imposing presence and booming voice, instilled a culture of tough-nosed defense and aggressive offense.

His leadership saw the Texans win the 1962 AFL Championship, showcasing his ability to build a winning team in a league often overshadowed by the established NFL. His strategic innovations, like the "No-Huddle offense," revolutionized the game, adding speed and unpredictability to the gridiron.

In 1963, the Texans relocated to Kansas City, becoming the Chiefs. Stram's legacy followed as he continued to mold championship contenders. He led the Chiefs to another AFL title in 1966 before guiding them to victory in Super Bowl IV – the first time an AFL team had beaten an NFL team in the ultimate game.

Stram's impact went beyond trophies. He recognized the burgeoning cultural significance of football, embracing fan interactions and creating memorable moments like his sideline tirade after Len Dawson's fumble, now an iconic part of football history.

His coaching career spanned 17 seasons, with a 131-97-10 record and five AFL Championship appearances. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003, a testament to his enduring influence on the game.

Hank Stram was more than just a coach; he was a pioneer, an innovator, and a showman who dared to challenge the status quo. He left an indelible mark on the AFL and the NFL, forever remembered as the "Big Texan" who brought an AFL team to the mountaintop and forever changed the landscape of professional football.

Born April 10, 1909, in Toronto, Ohio, was the stud fullback of 1929 to 1931 from Bucknell University, Clarke Hinkle.

This legend was blessed with great foot speed and mobility which gave him excellent range, both on offense and the defensive side of the ball. He first achieved fame and notoriety in 1929, when he led the East in scoring with 128 points. Clarke Hinkle’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1971. Hinkle joined the Green Bay Packers in 1932 and he was the answer to counter the Bears Bronko Nagurski, as the two battled head to head on many occasions. During his 10 years with the Green Bay Packers, Hinkle was named first- or second-team all-league each year! In 1964 Clarke Hinkle was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Standing at just 5'11" and 202 lbs, Clark Hinkle carved a unique name for himself in NFL history as a dominant two-way player for the Green Bay Packers (1933-1941). Despite his smaller stature, he possessed tremendous heart, tenacity, and talent, leaving a lasting mark on the league.

On Offense:

-Hinkle amassed 3,860 rushing yards (then an NFL record), showcasing his powerful running and shifty moves.

-He caught 160 passes for 1,702 yards and 14 touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility as a receiving threat.

-He even served as the Packers' punter and placekicker for several seasons, further highlighting his well-rounded skillset.

On Defense:

-Hinkle was a fierce linebacker, earning the nickname "Iron Man" for his bone-crushing tackles and relentless pursuit.

-He proudly claimed he only allowed one receiver to get behind him during his entire career, a testament to his exceptional coverage skills.
His defensive prowess earned him three All-Pro selections, adding to his offensive accolades.
Legacy:

-Hinkle was selected for the Pro Bowl every year of his career (7x) and earned All-Pro honors eight times.

-He helped lead the Packers to three NFL championship games, winning in 1936 and 1939.
His career was unfortunately cut short by World War II service in 1942, leaving his potential unfulfilled.

-He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964, recognized as one of the greatest two-way players in NFL history.

Born June 23, 1979 - Rosebud, Texas - LaDainian Tomlinson, the premier Texas Christian University running back from 1997 through the 2000 season was born.

According to the National Football Foundation, Tomlinson was voted as not only the 1999 WAC Offensive Player of the Year but was a unanimous First-Team All-American selection as a senior as well. Tomlinson led the nation in rushing in both 1999 with an outstanding 1,850 yards and in the 2000 season he even surpassed that adding 2,158 yards of Horned Frog ground yardage.  

He finished fourth in the voting for the 2000 Heisman Trophy. The all-time leading rusher in both conference and school history, Tomlinson set NCAA records for most yards in a half  with 287 and most yards in a game 406 in a big TCU win against UTEP in 1999. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of LaDainian Tomlinson into their legendary museum in 2014. The NFF bio on LaDainian goes on to state that he was selected as the fifth overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers.

Tomlinson enjoyed a successful 11-year career with the Chargers and Jets. The 2006 NFL MVP twice led the league in rushing, and he finished his career fifth all-time in rushing yards with 13,684 and his 145 TD's ranked him second in career rushing scores. This five-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time All-Pro selection, was also named the Walter Payton Man of the Year in 2006.

Duke Slater, born December 9, 1896, was more than just a football player. He pioneered and defied racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of African-American athletes. With his remarkable talent and unwavering determination, he carved his name in football history as a true legend.

Early Life and College Football:

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Slater grew up in a time of blatant racism and segregation. Despite these challenges, his athletic talent shone through. He excelled in football and track at Wilberforce University, where he led his team to multiple championships.

Breaking Barriers in the NFL:

In 1922, Slater made history by becoming the first African-American player in the newly formed National Football League (NFL). He signed with the Rock Island Independents, marking a significant moment in the fight for racial equality in professional sports.

Dominating the Gridiron:

Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, Slater quickly established himself as a dominant player. He was a versatile and skilled athlete, excelling as a running back, defensive end, and kicker. His athletic prowess earned him the nickname "The Brown Bomber" and a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league.

A Champion and a Pioneer:

Slater's career was marked by numerous accolades. He won two NFL championships (1922 and 1925) with the Chicago Bears and was named an All-Pro five times. His success and tenacity inspired countless future black athletes, paving the way for their inclusion in professional football.

Beyond the Game:

Slater's impact extended beyond the football field. He became a role model for young athletes and a vocal advocate for social justice. He even served as a bodyguard for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, showcasing his courage and dedication to duty.

Legacy of a Legend:

Duke Slater retired from football in 1928, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the sport. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972, cementing his place among the greatest players of all time.

Born May 30, 1915, in Conneaut, Ohio, was Yale’s great end from 1934 through the 1936 season, Larry Kelley. Kelley has been described by more than one reference as a very crafty and innovative player.

The FootballFoundation.org even gives an example from journalist Allison Danzig of the New York Times who called Larry a "genius who gets the touchdown regardless of the odds." One of the examples Danzig could be referring to is in a 1934 contest against Princeton, where Kelley caught a pass, ran 30 yards and was trapped by two defenders at the goal line.

He rammed between them and scored for a 7-0 Yale victory. Lightning struck twice as in the 1936 Yale versus Princeton matchup the Elis were down by a score of 16-0 but they rallied to win 26-23. Kelley gave a straight-arm to a defender and subsequently bull rushed his way to a critical touchdown. In total he played against Yale rivals Harvard and Princeton 6 times, scored a TD in each of the contests and Yale lost only once. Kelley indeed made a difference, he was that good. Good enough that in 1936 he won the Heisman Trophy, the second year of the award and the first time it was called the Heisman. The National Football Foundation selected Larry Kelley for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.