Football History

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The Cleveland Browns franchise started in the All-America Football Conference. A rival of the NFL. What they did in 1948 is remarkable.

In 1948, the Cleveland Browns, then part of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), embarked on a historic journey, etching their name in football history as an undefeated team. The legendary coach Paul Brown led the team to dominate the league, leaving an enduring legacy.

-Undisputed Dominance: The Browns boasted a roster teeming with talent, including Otto Graham, Marion Motley, and Lou Groza. Their innovative T-formation offense and a stifling defense, allowing only 190 points all season, paved the way for their 14-0 record. Victories against strong contenders like the San Francisco 49ers solidified their claim as the league's best.

-Championship Glory: Following their regular season triumph, the Browns faced the Buffalo Bills in the AAFC Championship game. Their offensive prowess continued, crushing the Bills 49-7, securing their first league title. This capped off a perfect season, a feat unmatched in professional football.

-Lingering Debate: While the Browns' dominance was undeniable, their legacy is subject to some debate. The AAFC was considered weaker than the NFL, leading some to question the true strength of their competition. Despite this, their undefeated record and innovative style remain impressive achievements.

-Impact on Football: The 1948 season's impact extended beyond simply claiming a championship. The Browns' success challenged the dominance of the NFL, ultimately forcing a merger in 1970. Additionally, their innovative T-formation offense left a lasting impact on offensive strategies across the league.

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Born August 16, 1862, in West Orange, New Jersey, was College Football Hall of Fame Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg. Stagg was a great innovator of many items we know in football such as the huddle, man in motion, and more. Most of his career was as the head man for the University of Chicago Maroons. Biographer Jennifer Taylor Hall discusses the great Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg and his many contributions to football and sports in general.

Here is the transcript of Ms. Hall's conversation with us:

1944 NFL Draft unearthed gridiron legends like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who shaped pro football's future.

Ten teams were selected in the 1944 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, with the Boston Yanks picking first. This pivotal event unearthed talents like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who would go on to redefine the sport.

The 1944 season occurred during a transformative time, yet the allure of American pro football remained strong. That year's draft laid the groundwork for future gridiron greatness, shaping destinies and leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.

The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1944. In this draft, each of the ten NFL teams made 32 selections. The Boston Yanks, a new expansion team, held the first overall pick.

The top ten selections of the 1944 NFL Draft were:

-1. Angelo Bertelli, QB, Boston Yanks

-2. Pat Harder, FB, Chicago Cardinals

-3. Creighton Miller, HB, Brooklyn Tigers

-4. Otto Graham, Back, Detroit Lions

-5. Steve Van Buren, HB, Philadelphia Eagles

-6. Billy Hillenbrand, HB, New York Giants

-7. Merv Pregulman, G, Green Bay Packers

-8. Mike Micka, Back, Washington Redskins

-9. Ray Evans, HB, Chicago Bears

-10. Johnny Podesto, B, Pittsburgh Steelers

This draft featured notable talent, Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Otto Graham (drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Lions) is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He led the Cleveland Browns to multiple championships in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the NFL. Graham is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Steve Van Buren (drafted 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles) was a dominant halfback known for his powerful running style. He led the NFL in rushing several times and helped the Eagles win back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.

While the 1944 draft may not be as widely recognized as later drafts, it produced Hall of Fame-caliber players who significantly impacted the game.

-Pro Football Hall of Famers Taken in the 1944 NFL Draft

-Otto Graham, quarterback from Northwestern taken 1st round 4th overall by the Detroit Lions.

-Steve Van Buren, halfback from LSU taken 1st round 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.

-Bob Waterfield, quarterback from UCLA taken 5th round 42nd overall by the Cleveland Rams.

-Ed Sprinkle, guard/defensive end from Navy taken undrafted by the Chicago Bears.

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July 10, 1926 - Hartford Blues franchise is accepted into the NFL and survives only during the inaugural season in the League. According to the ConnecticutHistory.org website the Blues were the only NFL team to have called the State of Connecticut their home, that is except for the New York Giants who played at the New Haven Yale Bowl in 1973 and 1974 awaiting their new Meadowlands stadium to be completed. The Blues team actually started in Waterbury, Connecticut according to writer Andy Piaskic in the article. George Mulligan a local sports promoter started the Waterbury Blues in 1924 as an independent pro football team. Mulligan in 1926 moved the team to Hartford and paid the NFL entry fee and they became a member in the League. It was a rough year as they played against some great players including Ernie Nevers and Johnny Blood of Duluth, Guy Chamberlin of the Frankford Yellow Jackets, Harry Stuhldreher (one of the famed Four Horsemen of Notre Dame) who played for Brooklyn in 1926, Steve Owen of the Giants,  and Pete Henry of Canton. They were supposed to also face Jim Thorpe when playing against the Bulldogs but he was injured for that game and did not participate. The Blues only manage to finish the season with a 3-7 record despite playing all home games save two. The NFL in 1927 wanted to shed some of its numbers thus after a vote Hartford was dropped from its ranks.

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We have discussed it in other parts of this series on this series, but 1926 and the formation of the 1st American Football League, or Red Grange League as it is remembered, had a tremendous impact on so many levels of the pro game.

Hiistorian Larry Schmitt has recently released a article on Big Blue Interactive to get into more detail that any one has in almost a century. You can find the post in its entirety here: The Giants, New York and the Pro Football War of 1926.

We had a great discussion with Larry on the story that you can enjoy in the video above once you have read the article.

March 28, 1984 -  The Colts relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. Reports say that franchise owner Bob Irsay moved the Colts in the middle of the night after renovations were not made to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore as he thought they should be. 

Mr. Irsay became a nemesis of then-city mayor William Donald Schaefer. When he later became Maryland’s governor, he converted the outrage into the political will to build Camden Yards. Irsay acquired the club in 1972, a year after they won Super Bowl V when he traded his rights to the LA Rams to former Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom.

The Colts had a new stadium in place in the RCA Dome, called initially the Hoosier Dome, which they called home for 24 seasons in Indianapolis before Lucas Oil Stadium was built. Since in Indy, the Colts have made 2 Super Bowl appearances and even won Super Bowl XLI with Tony Dungy as coach and Peyton Manning under center.

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March 24, 1988 - San Diego Chargers Quarterback Dan Fouts announced his retirement. The great passer spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers since the 1973 season when San Dego drafted him out of the Oregon Ducks program.

The right-hander finished his career with 43040 yards of passing offense and 254 touchdowns. Dan was twice selected as an All-Pro, was the 1982 Offensive Player of the Year, and played in 6 Pro Bowl games, per the Pro Football Reference and the Pro Football Journal.

The Chargers franchise later retired Fouts' Number 14 Charger Jersey in memory of the QB outstanding.

Michigan Wolverines football, a legacy etched in gridiron glory, boasts an illustrious history woven with legendary players. Choosing just a number among them is a daunting task, yet, here are few titans who etched their names in maize and blue lore:

-Tom Harmon ("The Golden Tornado"): This Heisman Trophy winner (1940) electrified the 1940s with his passing prowess, leading Michigan to two national championships and earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Anthony Carter ("Mr. Sunshine"): Carter dazzled on the gridiron in the 1980s, shattering receiving records and becoming the first Wolverine to win the Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver (1986). His electrifying touchdown catches remain etched in Big House memories.

-Charles Woodson ("The Heisman Hurdler"): This versatile athlete shone at corner, receiver, and even punt returner. His defensive dominance earned him the Heisman Trophy (1997) and the Defensive Player of the Year award (1997) – a feat unmatched in NCAA history.

-Tom Brady ("The Sixth Round Sensation"): Before becoming an NFL legend, Brady honed his skills in Ann Arbor. Despite being a sixth-round draft pick, his leadership and clutch performances still resonate with Wolverine fans.

-Desmond Howard ("The Heisman Return"): This electric punt returner etched his name in college football history with his Heisman-clinching punt return touchdown against Ohio State in 1991. His electrifying play and infectious personality left an indelible mark on the program.

-Ronnie Johnson ("The Natural"): This running back possessed a rare blend of power and grace, racking up over 2,600 rushing yards in just two seasons. His tragic passing in 1985 remains a heartbreaking chapter in Michigan history.

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The Louisville Cardinals football program boasts a history of thrilling victories and unexpected upsets. Here are a few of their most memorable games:

-1950 Heisman Tie: In a game forever etched in college football history, Louisville battled the heavily favored and undefeated Miami (FL) Hurricanes to a 13-13 draw. Notably, a fumble recovery by Lee Corso, Louisville's future head coach and ESPN personality, led to the tying touchdown.

-2006 Shutout of West Virginia: This resounding 41-0 victory over West Virginia, then ranked number 6 in the nation, marked a significant upset and solidified Louisville's presence as a rising power in the Big East Conference.

-2012 Sugar Bowl Victory: The Cardinals reached a pinnacle moment with a thrilling 33-24 win over the Florida Gators in the 2012 Sugar Bowl. This victory capped off a perfect 12-0 season and cemented head coach Charlie Strong's legacy.

-The Lamar Jackson Show: 2016 & 2017 (multiple games): Quarterback Lamar Jackson's electrifying playmaking ability led to a string of unforgettable games. Victories over Clemson in 2016 and Florida State in 2017 stand out, showcasing Jackson's Heisman-caliber talent and Louisville's offensive dominance.

-In a thrilling upset for the 2023 college football season, the #25 ranked Louisville Cardinals stunned the #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a high-scoring affair at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium. Led by running back Jeremy Brown's 143 yards and 2 touchdowns, the Cardinals' offense put on a dominant display. Despite an early Notre Dame lead, Louisville's defense tightened up, shutting down the Irish offense in the second half. The 33-20 victory secured Louisville's biggest win over a ranked opponent in a decade and extended their overall winning streak to seven games.

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The Arizona State Sun Devils have carved a unique path in college football history, boasting a rich tapestry of memorable moments. Here are some of the most significant:

-Undefeated 1975 Season:

In 1975, the Sun Devils achieved the pinnacle of success, going undefeated (12-0) and claiming the Western Athletic Conference Championship.

This feat established them as a national powerhouse and culminated in a Fiesta Bowl victory against Nebraska.
This season remains etched in Sun Devil lore as a testament to the program's potential and a source of inspiration for future generations.

-Rose Bowl Appearance and National Championship Contention (1996):

The 1996 season saw another peak for the Sun Devils. They captured the Pac-10 Conference championship with an impressive 11-1 record.

Their dominant performance earned them a coveted Rose Bowl berth, where they narrowly fell to Ohio State.

This season solidified their national presence and showcased their ability to compete at the highest level, even against established powerhouses.

-Giant Killings and Upsets:

The Sun Devils have a history of surprising victories over ranked opponents, earning them the reputation as "giant killers."

In 2007, they stunned the college football world by defeating No. 5 Michigan, a moment forever etched in program history.

Other notable upsets include victories against No. 20 Tennessee (2016) and No. 17 Washington (2018), demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion against formidable opponents.

-Bowl Wins and Conference Championships:

The Sun Devils have secured 15 bowl victories and 17 conference championships across different conferences.
These triumphs highlight their sustained success and ability to consistently compete for postseason glory.

The Sun Devils' most recent accomplishments include the 2021 Las Vegas Bowl win and the 2013 Pac-12 South Division championship.

-Individual Achievements and Development:

Several Sun Devil players have earned individual accolades and recognition for their exceptional talent and contributions to the program.

Notable examples include:

-Pat Tillman, a decorated NFL player and war hero.

-Terrell Suggs is a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and Super Bowl champion.

-Jake Plummer is a Pro Bowl quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist.

The Sun Devils' commitment to player development is evident in their track record of producing NFL-caliber talent.

For more on the top ASU Football moments check out the linked article.