College Football

Born May 12, 1872, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was Princeton University’s guard from 1892 to 1894, Art Wheeler. Wheeler in college found himself at the pinnacle of early football as the Yale Bulldogs riding a 37 game winning streak were about to test the 10-0 Princeton Tigers that Art was a member of for the season’s finale in 1893.

The FootballFoundation.org describes that without question the 1893 national championship would go to the winner of this game. Time after time, the Princeton defense responded to Yale scoring threats as a guard named Arthur "Beef" Wheeler led the charge. Yale's great end, Frank Hinkey, was rendered ineffective and the Elis streak ended with a 6-0 Princeton triumph.

Wheeler was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

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, 1907, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, welcomed Bill Banker, a dynamic halfback whose electrifying performances for the Tulane Green Wave from 1927 to 1929 left an indelible mark on college football. Known as the "Blonde Blizzard," Banker's nickname captured the sheer speed and elusive nature of his play. His light hair and swift movements created a blur as he raced across the field, particularly when playing without a helmet.  

Banker's college career was nothing short of spectacular. He earned All-American honors in 1929, cementing his status as one of the nation's premier players. He set numerous Tulane records, many of which stood for decades. His career scoring total of 263 points, 37 career touchdowns, and four touchdowns in a single game showcased his prolific scoring ability. He also demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency, setting records for career rushing attempts (515) and rushes in a single game (43). His impressive 93.2 yards rushing average per game underscored his consistent ability to generate significant yardage. Notably, he led Tulane to an undefeated season in his senior year, a testament to his leadership and exceptional talent.  

Following his illustrious collegiate career, Banker ventured into the world of entertainment, appearing in Hollywood films for Warner Brothers. He then transitioned to professional football, playing for the Memphis Tigers. While his professional football career may not have reached the same heights as his college achievements, it added another chapter to his diverse and fascinating life.  

Bill Banker's football legacy is firmly rooted in his remarkable achievements at Tulane. His numerous school records, All-American honors, and role in leading the Green Wave to an undefeated season solidified his place among college football's elite.

His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977 by the National Football Foundation stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the sport. His "Blonde Blizzard" moniker and the stories of his electrifying runs continue to resonate with fans, ensuring that his legacy endures.  

---

If you look back at successful football programs from a century ago you can always find those players that personified the school and the era. For the Golden Gophers it may be the legendary Ed Rogers that fits this mold.

Minnesota football Legend Ed Rogers. Born April 14, 1876, in Libby, Minnesota, was the standout end of Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1896 to 1898 and with Minnesota from 1900 to 1903, Eddie Rogers.

Eddie was raised as a free spirit as his mother was a native American from the Chippewa tribe and his father was a lumber jack in the wilds of the pioneer frontier according to his bio on the NFF’s website. This rearing set his athleticism and ability to quickly react to almost any situation for his later life including his time on the gridiron. Rogers time with the Redman teams of Carlisle helped take the Institution’s football program to national prominence almost a full decade before Jim Thorpe attended the school and a year or two before Pop Warner started his coaching tenure there as well. As a member of the Golden Gophers in 1903 Eddie’s Minnesota team had a 11-0-1 record. In 1904 Rogers was head coach at Carlisle, and had a 9-2 record. The following year he returned to Minneapolis and began practicing law. He practiced law 62 years, 1905- 66, retiring at the age of 90. Eddie Rogers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

Claude Henry K. "Buddy" Young wasn't just a football player; he was a living, breathing, touchdown-scoring metaphor for defying expectations. Standing at just 5'4" and 163 pounds, he was the NFL's shortest running back ever, an underdog who rewrote the rulebook with every electrifying run.

Born in Chicago in 1926, Young was a natural athlete, excelling in both baseball and track. His size, however, made football seem like a distant dream. But that dream shimmered closer when Young's speed on the track, where he even tied the world record for the 60-yard dash, caught the eye of the University of Illinois.

In Champaign, Young transformed from track star to gridiron marvel. Nicknamed the "Bronze Bullet" for his explosive bursts of speed, he averaged nearly 9 yards per carry as a freshman, a record that stood for decades. He led the Illini to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl victory in 1946, proving that size didn't define greatness.

After a stint in the Navy, Young embarked on a professional career that defied all odds. Despite being drafted in the Special Draft to avoid competition with taller players, he carved out a nine-year NFL career with the New York Yankees, Dallas Texans, and Baltimore Colts.

Young wasn't just a novelty; he was a weapon. He averaged over 4.5 yards per carry, rushed for over 40 touchdowns, and even returned a kickoff for 104 yards, an NFL record at the time. He could dance through tackles, leave defenders grasping at air, and disappear into the end zone in a blink.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Young was a trailblazer. He was the first African-American athlete on the Baltimore Colts roster, paving the way for future generations of players. His talent and grace challenged stereotypes and shattered prejudices, proving that greatness comes in all packages.

After his playing days ended, Young continued to serve the NFL as a player relations executive, sharing his wisdom and experience with a new generation of athletes. He passed away tragically in a car accident in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and an undying love for the game.

April 2, 1930, in San Diego, California, marked the birth of Bill McColl, a standout end for the Stanford Cardinal football team from 1949 to 1951. Widely regarded as one of Stanford's all-time great players, McColl's exceptional talent was evident when he finished fourth in the 1951 Heisman Trophy voting. His dedication extended beyond the field, as he signed with the Chicago Bears to finance his graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he pursued his medical aspirations.  

McColl's football legacy is intertwined with his commitment to service. While with the Bears, he balanced his professional football career with rigorous medical training to become an orthopedic surgeon.

His impact transcended athletics and medicine when he chose to become a missionary physician in Korea, dedicating his life to serving the country's leprosy patients and children with deformities.  

Born May 12, 1948, in Fargo, North Dakota, Joe Cichy established a remarkable football legacy rooted in his stellar collegiate career at North Dakota State University (NDSU). A hometown product of Fargo, North Dakota, where he quarterbacked Shanley High School, Cichy transitioned to NDSU, initially as a backup quarterback in 1968.

A pivotal shift occurred when Bison head coach Ron Erhardt moved him to safety due to a need for defensive players following the 1968 season. This change proved transformative for both Cichy and the Bison program.  

College Career

As a safety for the NDSU Bison in 1969 and 1970, Cichy became a cornerstone of a dominant era. In 1969, he set an NDSU record with 53 unassisted tackles, a mark that stood for 34 seasons. His exceptional play was instrumental in the Bison being recognized as small college national champions by the Associated Press in both 1968 and 1969. The team’s remarkable record during his three seasons was 29-0-1, adding to his high school’s 25-game winning streak and resulting in an astounding 55-game unbeaten streak. Cichy was team captain during the 1970 season, demonstrating his leadership qualities. Recognizing his combined academic and athletic excellence, the NCAA awarded him a $1000 post-graduate scholarship in December 1970. He graduated from NDSU in 1971 with a history degree and a German minor.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his outstanding college career, Cichy went unselected in the 1971 NFL draft. He received a brief opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles during their offseason in 1971 but was released in July. Following his release, Cichy returned to his high school, where his father was the head football coach, and began teaching physical education. His coaching aspirations continued, leading to a head football coach and teaching position at St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, in May 1973. He remained in this role until his resignation in April 1978 to pursue a law degree.  

Football Legacy

Joe Cichy’s football legacy is primarily defined by his exceptional achievements at the collegiate level. His defensive prowess at NDSU was a key factor in the team’s unprecedented success and national championships. The NDSU record he set for unassisted tackles stood as a testament to his skill and impact for over three decades. While his professional playing career was brief, his accomplishments in college cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in small college football. His later career path into law further showcases his dedication and intelligence.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-College Division All-America First Team: American Football Coaches Association (1969)  

-College Division All-America First Team: Associated Press (1970)

-NDSU Record: 53 unassisted tackles in a season (1969)  

-NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship: Awarded for exceptional academic and athletic achievement (1970)  

-NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: 1981

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1997  

-Team Captain: North Dakota State University (1970)

Born April 2, 1917, in Detroit, Michigan, Hugh "Duke" Gallarneau forged a notable football legacy that spanned college dominance and a professional career, interrupted by distinguished military service.

This fantastic player played in an NFL Championship game all five seasons he played in the NFL.

Despite being a well-rounded athlete, Gallarneau did not play organized football until he enrolled at Stanford University (1938-1940). His initial seasons with the Cardinal coincided with challenging times for the program. However, the arrival of head coach Clark Shaughnessy in 1940 marked a turning point. Shaughnessy introduced the potent T-formation offense, which ideally suited Gallarneau's talents. As co-captain, Gallarneau spearheaded Stanford's remarkable undefeated 10-0 season in 1940. His exceptional play as a halfback earned him All-American honors. It culminated in a decisive Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska, where he scored two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility with both a rushing and a receiving score.  

Gallarneau's stellar collegiate performance naturally led him to the professional ranks. He joined the legendary Chicago Bears in 1941, contributing to their success in the early 1940s. However, his burgeoning pro career was put on hold by the outbreak of World War II. Demonstrating his commitment and leadership, Gallarneau enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His bravery and dedication saw him rise to the rank of major and participate in an astounding seven island invasions in the Pacific theater. Following the war, Gallarneau returned to the Chicago Bears, playing from 1945 to 1947, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and resilient player.  

Hugh Gallarneau's football legacy is defined by his pivotal role in Stanford's transformative 1940 season and his successful professional career with the Bears, bookending his courageous service in World War II. His versatility as a halfback, capable of running and receiving effectively, made him a key offensive weapon. While detailed career statistics from his era are less comprehensive, his All-American selection in 1940 stands as a significant accolade, recognizing him as one of the nation's top collegiate players. His contributions to Stanford's Rose Bowl victory further underscore his impact. The National Football Foundation fittingly honored Hugh Gallarneau with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982, recognizing his exceptional collegiate career and enduring impact on the sport. His story is a testament to athletic excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his sport and country.

Chuck Taylor wasn't just a name on a shoe, he was a football force who left his mark on both sides of the game. This Stanford alumnus wore many hats throughout his career, shining as a player, coach, and athletic director.

Taylor's journey began on the gridiron at Stanford in the 1940s. Playing as a fullback, he displayed impressive versatility, showcasing both power and athleticism. He even participated in the iconic 1941 Rose Bowl victory against Nebraska, solidifying his place in Stanford football history.

But Taylor's true calling lay in coaching. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to Stanford as a freshman coach and quickly climbed the ranks. In 1951, at the young age of 31, he became the head coach, making him the youngest person to ever hold that title at the time.

His coaching tenure was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Taylor led the 1952 Stanford team to the Rose Bowl, earning him the coveted AFCA Coach of the Year award. He instilled a culture of discipline and toughness, building a formidable program.

However, injuries and internal conflicts hampered his later years as head coach. He stepped down in 1957 and transitioned to administrative roles, eventually becoming the university's athletic director from 1963 to 1971.

Herbert Sturhahn, a pivotal figure in early American football, carved out a remarkable career marked by innovation and leadership. Born in the late July 29,1902, Sturhahn emerged as a standout player during football's formative years. Known for his strategic prowess and athletic versatility, he played a crucial role in shaping the game's development in the early 1900s. On the field his teammates and opponents knew him as Cobbles.

Sturhahn's career unfolded primarily in collegiate football, where he distinguished himself as a standout player at Yale University. In his last game for the Bulldogs, against their fiercest rival Harvard, Sturhahn recovered a blocked punt for a Yale touchdown, which led in a 12–7 victory for the Eli.

His all round athleticism showed up in other sports such as track and field as well. Cobble's accolades include twice being selected as a First-team All-American (1925, 1926)and First-team All-Eastern (1925)

In summary, Herbert Sturhahn's football career exemplifies the transformative period of American football's early years. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the sport's strategic evolution and his lasting impact on the collegiate and coaching communities.