Football History

July 10, 1926 - The Brooklyn Lions franchise formed in the NFL. The article talks of Brooklyn Lions President and Manager Eddie Butler signing up players to his recently founded Lions team. The team was put together there with support from the League offices so as to counter the first AFL’s deployment of their team the Brooklyn Horsemen. According to Wikipedia in the months before the regular season began, both leagues battled with each other for fan support and the right to play at Ebbets Field. The NFL emerged as the winner, as the Lions signed the lease to use the stadium on July 20. On November 12, 1926, the Horsemen withdrew from the AFL and merged with Lions. The new team created by the merger was initially called the Brooklyn Lions and competed in the NFL from November 22, 1926. The team used the Horsemen name for the last three games of 1926 to finish the season. After three consecutive losses, the Lions/Horsemen disbanded their franchise.

Born June 20, 1935, in Alliance, Ohio, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback Len Dawson. He played college football at Purdue.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame states that Dawson is among the elite in Pro quarterbacks with an 82.56 QB rating over a span of 19 seasons in the NFL.

He was the top pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957's NFL Draft. He served as a backup there and, later, in Cleveland until in 1962, he found his way onto the AFL's Dallas Texans roster. After the move to Kansas City and rebranding the team as the Chiefs, Dawson cemented himself as the starter.

He was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1962 and was selected to play six AFL All-Star games. Dawson also guided the Chiefs to three AFL championships and the franchise's first Super Bowl title in Super Bowl IV, of which he was named MVP. The Chiefs revered Number 16 may be best remembered for his gritty performance as he led Kansas City to a 23-7 upset over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. In that game, Dawson connected on 12 of 17 passes for 142 yards.

Born December 29, 1936 - Ray Nitschke the feared middle linebacker of the Green Bay Packers was born. Ray was the third overall pick in the 1958 NFL Draft by the Packers and he played with the team for 15 seasons according to his bio on the Pro Football HOF.

Nitschke defended both the run and the pass well as his 25 career interceptions would indicate. Ray was a member of 5 champion Green Bay teams and was the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship game. The Pro Football Hall of Fame placed Ray Nitschke in a gold jacket in 1978.

-College Career

Ray Nitschke's collegiate football career was marked by his time at the University of Illinois. While not a standout star, he displayed a relentless work ethic and a tenacious playing style that would define his professional career. Nitschke's college experience laid the foundation for his future success, instilling in him the discipline and determination necessary to excel at the highest level of the sport.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the third round of the 1958 NFL Draft, Ray Nitschke would go on to become one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. Initially a backup, he quickly rose through the ranks to become a cornerstone of Vince Lombardi's legendary Packers defense. Nitschke's career was synonymous with toughness, relentless pursuit, and a ferocious playing style. He was the heart and soul of the Packers' dominant teams of the 1960s, contributing significantly to five NFL championships and the first two Super Bowl victories.  

Nitschke's impact extended beyond his statistics. He was a vocal leader, inspiring his teammates with his unwavering dedication and work ethic. His ability to consistently deliver bone-jarring tackles and make crucial plays in big games earned him the respect of opponents and fans alike.  

-Football Legacy

Ray Nitschke's legacy is etched in the annals of NFL history as one of the game's most ferocious and respected defenders. His impact on the Green Bay Packers and the sport as a whole is immeasurable. Nitschke's relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with his unwavering toughness, became the blueprint for generations of linebackers.

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Nitschke's character and leadership qualities made him a role model for aspiring football players. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978 was a fitting recognition of his extraordinary career. Ray Nitschke will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Kenny Washington was Born on August 31, 1918, in Los Angeles, California. He was a tailback from UCLA. Washington has the distinction of being the first African American player to sign a contract in the NFL in the common era (after World War II) with the L.A. Rams after playing in the Pacific Coast League with the Hollywood Bears.

As a running back, Washington displayed remarkable speed, agility, and a knack for finding the end zone. In 1939, he led the nation in total offense, earning All-American honors and setting a school rushing record that stood for decades.  As a collegian, Kenny Washington rushed for 9,975 yards, which was a Bruin record for over 56 years! He was also UCLA's very first-ever consensus All-American in 1939.

Despite his extraordinary achievements, Washington faced formidable racial barriers in his pursuit of a professional football career. The NFL was segregated at the time, and it was not until 1946 that he, along with Marion Motley, became the first African American player to sign with NFL teams since the 1930s. Washington's signing with the Los Angeles Rams marked a significant milestone in the fight against racial discrimination in sports, a testament to his resilience and determination.  

Though his playing career was relatively short due to injuries, Washington's impact on the NFL was profound. He paved the way for countless African American athletes who followed in his footsteps. His courage and determination helped break down racial barriers and made the NFL a more inclusive sport. Washington's legacy as a pioneer in football continues to inspire and will undoubtedly shape the future of the sport for generations to come.  Mr. Washington was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956.

Born September 11, 1924, in Mission, Texas was Pro Football Hall of Fame Tom Landry. This legend was one of the most successful and influential coaches in NFL history.

Tom Landry's name is synonymous with the Dallas Cowboys. As the team's head coach from 1960 to 1989, he transformed the franchise from a struggling expansion team into a perennial powerhouse. Landry's innovative coaching style and meticulous attention to detail were instrumental in the Cowboys' success.

Landry's impact on the NFL extended far beyond his time with Dallas. He was a pioneer in defensive strategies, introducing the "Flex Defense" that revolutionized the game. His commitment to discipline and teamwork created a winning culture that defined the Cowboys for decades. Landry's legacy is cemented in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where he is recognized as one of the greatest coaches in NFL history.

He served as the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys for 29 seasons, from 1960 to 1988, and led the team to two Super Bowl victories (1972 and 1978).

Landry was a master tactician and a stickler for discipline. He was also a pioneer in the use of analytics and video technology to prepare for games. Under his leadership, the Cowboys became one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, winning 20 division titles and making 22 playoff appearances.

In addition to his on-field success, Landry was also a respected figure off the field. He was known for his intelligence, integrity, and humility. He was also a devout Christian and a strong advocate for social justice.

Landry was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Born June 5, 1925, was Art Donovan Jr. who was a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle that played professionally for the Baltimore Colts, New York Yanks and the Dallas Texans during his great career.

Donovan started college at the University of Notre Dame but this was cut short due to his enlisted service in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Art fought in some of the most famous battles of the war including Iwo Jima and Luzon. Donovan is a true hero as he earned multiple citations for his service and bravery and was even inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame.

-College Career

Art Donovan's collegiate football journey began at Boston College.

Known for his immense size and strength, he quickly established himself as a formidable force on the defensive line. Donovan's physicality and tenacity made him a dominant presence, earning him recognition as an All-American. His college years laid the foundation for a legendary professional career.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Donovan's professional football career was marked by its unique trajectory. Initially drafted by the New York Giants, his path took several turns before he found his true home. He played for the Baltimore Colts, New York Yanks, and Dallas Texans before returning to Baltimore, where he would etch his name in NFL history.  

It was with the Baltimore Colts that Donovan truly flourished. As part of the legendary "Bulldogs" defensive line, alongside the likes of Gino Marchetti and Don Joyce, he became a cornerstone of one of the NFL's most formidable defenses. His ability to disrupt offensive lines and pressure quarterbacks earned him widespread acclaim. Donovan's career was highlighted by two NFL championships with the Colts, solidifying his status as a football icon.  

-Football Legacy

Art Donovan's legacy extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. Known for his larger-than-life personality and sharp wit, he was as beloved for his colorful character as he was for his football prowess. His ability to entertain audiences with his storytelling and humor made him a popular figure both during and after his playing career.  

Beyond his comedic flair, Donovan was a fierce competitor who left an indelible mark on the game. His impact on the defensive line position is immeasurable, as he helped redefine the role of the defensive tackle. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Donovan's contributions to the sport are celebrated to this day. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and football fans alike, showcasing the power of talent, determination, and a unique personality.

After the war Art played football for Boston College before he became a pro.

Born April 24, 1903, in Cleveland, Ohio, was Mike Michalske, the Penn State All-American guard. Mike signed on in the pros with the original American Football League’s New York Yankees in 1927.

He played there for two seasons until the League disbanded, and then he joined the Green Bay Packers of the NFL in 1929, then anchored their lines all the way until 1937. Mike’s bio on the Pro Football Hall of Fame says that Michalske was particularly adept at going after the passer.

Michalske also championed the idea of using former fullbacks at guard because they were fast and explosive. He sold the idea to Green Bay Packers coach Curly Lambea,u and thu,s it was no accident that many fine Green Bay guards had cut their football teeth as fullbacks. Michalske  was a great two-way player as the guy played 60 minutes of darn near every game he played in earning him the name of “Iron Mike.” The Packers won NFL titles in 1929, 1930, and 1931, and Michalske was named All-NFL in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1934, and 1935. In 1964, the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Mike Michalske into their Canton, Ohio, museum of Legends. NFL Jersey Number 36

July 15, 1952 - John Stallworth is a Pro Football Hall of Fame Wide Receiver that played his entire NFL career for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The standout receiver played his college ball at Alabama A & M. Stallworth was a very productive play maker in the Steelers dynasty of the 1970's where they won four Super Bowls in a span of 6 seasons. He finished his career having been selected as a First Team All-Pro for the 1979 season and made the Pro Bowl in 3 different seasons.

His NFL career stats bio-line 537 receptions for 8,723 yards and 63 touchdowns. Stallworth's reception total was a franchise record until being surpassed by Hines Ward in 2005. Stallworth was the Steelers' two-time MVP and NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1984. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Born June 2, 1895, in Piffard, New York, was Homer “Pop” Hazel, an end and fullback out of Rutgers University in 1916 and in 1923 and 1924 was born. The FootballFoundation.org website explains that Hazel won his first letter in football at Rutgers in 1916. He left school because of a lack of funds therefore he worked at various jobs saved for his future then at age 28, played football again at Rutgers. It was worth the wait for gridiron fans at Rutgers as he was without doubt, the most versatile player the Scarlet ever produced.

Homer led Rutgers to identical 7-1-1 records in his final two seasons, earning All- America selections in each. He played end in 1923, when the only Scarlet loss was from West Virginia by the tune of 27-7. Pop had Rutgers on the way to an unbeaten finish in 1924 - this time as a hard-hitting fullback - when this time Bucknell untracked The Scarlet in the final game of the season, 12-7.

Hazel was also well known for his excellent passing, punting and kicking skills on the gridiron. In 1923 he was a Walter Camp hand picked All-American at end and then the following year he received the same honor as a fullback and was first player to have the distinction of doing that at two different positions. Homer secured a place in the College Football Hall of Fame when he was inducted into the gridiron museum in 1951. Homer later served as Athletic Director as well as the football and basketball coach at the University of Mississippi for five years. Then even was a golf pro for four years.

---

A pretty cool website that tries to capture all of the helmets of the most popular teams throughout history.

Helmet History is a website dedicated to chronicling the fascinating evolution of helmets in American football. It serves as a visual archive for college and professional teams, allowing fans to delve into the rich history of their favorite squad's headgear.

The website is organized into sections for College FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), the NFL (National Football League), and the Canadian Football League, and more. Within each section, you can explore a comprehensive list of teams. Clicking on a specific team brings you to a page showcasing a timeline of their helmets through the years, with pictures for each iteration.