Football History

Hallowed ground nestled amidst the rolling plains of Iowa City, Kinnick Stadium isn't just a concrete bowl; it's a living monument to tradition, a roaring crucible of Hawkeye passion, and a testament to the unyielding spirit of Iowa football. Standing proud since 1929, its very bricks echo with the footsteps of gridiron giants, the cheers of generations, and the relentless echoes of "Fight for Iowa!"

Named after Nile Kinnick, the Heisman Trophy winner who tragically died in World War II, Kinnick Stadium embodies both triumph and sacrifice. Its weathered walls have witnessed legendary victories, like the 1990 National Championship run and countless thrilling Big Ten battles. Each scratch and scuff whispers a tale of grit, determination, and Hawkeye fight never yielding to the final whistle.

But Kinnick Stadium isn't just about the past; it's a vibrant center of the present. On crisp autumn Saturdays, over 69,000 fans unite under the sea of black and gold, their roar transforming the air into a living entity, a wave of pure Hawkeye devotion. The iconic Tigerhawk logo, emblazoned on the videoboard, becomes a rallying cry, while the reverberating "Wave" across the stands paints a breathtaking portrait of community and shared passion.

Beyond the spectacle, Kinnick Stadium has evolved with the times. Recent renovations have modernized the experience while preserving the historic charm. The Kinnick Edge project expanded the north end zone, adding premium seating and state-of-the-art facilities. Yet, the essential spirit remains unchanged – the bleachers still thrum with student energy, the smell of hot dogs wafts through the air, and the cheers for the Hawkeyes echo like a primal hymn.

From the solemn inscriptions honoring fallen heroes to the joyous eruptions after last-minute touchdowns, Kinnick Stadium is a tapestry woven with the threads of Hawkeye history.

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Born April 20, 1915, in Petersburg, Virginia, Duke University’s standout halfback of 1936 to the 1938 seasons, Eric “ Red” Tipton. Tipton was good at many things on the gridiron but his punting skills may be at the forefront. The FootballFoundation.org bio on Tipton tells of a game against the University of Pittsburgh in 1938 Coach Clarke Shaughnessy describes it as one of his top twelve moments witnessed on the field of play. Shaughnessy described it vividly, writing: "Tipton was a one-man show. The game was played on ice and snow at Durham, North Carolina; before a record crowd, and I doubt that anybody ever kicked a ball more skillfully or consistently than the grim, square-jawed Tipton that afternoon. Seven of his punts left Pitt within its own 10-yard line, while another seven stopped dead or went out of bounds inside the 20. Final score: Duke 7, Pitt 0." Tipton was brilliant at other phases of the game as well and helped Duke achieve a record of 25-4 during his time with the team. That 1938 squad though was special as they fought through a brilliant 9-0 run to get invited to play Southern Cal in the 1939 Rose Bowl. Duke played a tremendous game against the Trojans and lost it in a heart breaker in the waning seconds by the score of 7-3. That USC TD with about a minute left to play were the first point scored upon Duke all season! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Eric Tipton in their legendary museum in 1965. Red, who became a heck of a baseball and football coach, also played Major League Baseball – in the top half in seasons (7) for over 500 MLB games played.

The Fighting Illini football program boasts a rich history of sending talented players to the NFL, leaving their mark on the professional gridiron. Here's a glimpse at some of the best:

-Offensive Icons:

-Red Grange (RB, 1923-25): "The Galloping Ghost" redefined the running back position with his electrifying speed and dazzling moves. Grange's impact transcended the field, ushering in the golden age of professional football.

-Jeff George (QB, 1987-89): "The Cannon" possessed a rocket arm and audacious talent, becoming the No. 1 overall draft pick in 1990. While inconsistent at times, his raw ability and charisma cemented his place among Illini greats.

-Defensive Dominators:

-Ray Nitschke (LB, 1956-57): Nitschke brought relentless pursuit and ferocious tackling to the Green Bay Packers, anchoring their championship defenses of the 1960s. His seven Pro Bowls and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame solidify his legacy.

-Dick Butkus (LB, 1964-65): Arguably the greatest linebacker of all time, Butkus was a tackling machine, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and induction into the NFL Hall of Fame. His intensity and leadership left an indelible mark on the game.

-Whitney Mercilus (DE, 2009-12): Mercilus terrorized quarterbacks with his speed and relentless pass rush, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2012. His 39 career sacks rank second in program history, and his presence solidified the Illini defense.

-Bobby Mitchell (WR/RB, 1958-61): A two-way threat, Mitchell excelled as both a receiver and running back, paving the way for future generations of African American players in the NFL. His induction into the Hall of Fame recognizes his talent and pioneering spirit.

These are just a few of the many Illini who have carved their names into NFL history.

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Set your TV calendar because when the University of Illinois hosts the University of Michigan on Saturday, October 19, 2024, it will look much like 1924 on campus. The Illini will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of their most famous gridiron alum, Red Grange, of the day the stalwart crossed the Wolverine goal line six times.

On October 18, 1924, Red tore it up early. In the opening quarter, he showcased his explosiveness, returning a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and ripping off three additional rushing scores of 66, 55, and 40 yards.

To commemorate the event, the Illini are getting all "dudded-up" in retro-looking uniforms resembling what Red and the boys wore a century ago. A special jersey with colors and even vertical stripes to simulate the friction strips worn in the era, along with hand-painted modern helmets that make them look like the rawhide leather caps the gridders wore then,

That 1924 game against Michigan so inspired Grantland Rice to give Grange his nickname of the Galloping Ghost when he wrote these famous lines of prose:

A streak of fire, a breath of flame
Eluding all who reach and clutch;
A gray ghost thrown into the game
That rival hands may never touch;
A rubber bounding, blasting soul
Whose destination is the goal.

Illinois has been waiting 100 years for this celebration, and it comes against Michigan as the reigning national champion. It should be a special, memorable day indeed.

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When most hear the name of Edgar Allen Poe, the author of great literary works, poetry and 19th-century macabre probably come to mind. In football, a famous poet related to a family member by the same name was one heck of a QB for Princeton.

Historian and collector Jeff Payne joins us once again to share some pieces he has collected connected with College Football's first All-American Quarterback.

This is a podcast about Edgar Allan Poe, who was a quarterback for Princeton and the first All-American quarterback in college football history. The host of Pigskin Dispatch, Darin Hayes, is interviewing Jeff Payne, a collector and historian of football memorabilia.

Edgar Allan Poe was related to the famous poet Edgar Allan Poe, but they were not the same person. The football player Edgar Allan Poe's great-uncle was the poet Edgar Allan Poe.

Edgar Allan Poe played for Princeton in the late 1800s and was a very successful player. He led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1889. He was also the first quarterback to be named an All-American.

After his football career, Edgar Allan Poe went on to become a lawyer, like his father. He also served as the Attorney General of Maryland.

Jeff Payne owns a cabinet card of Edgar Allan Poe from the late 1800s, among other items related to the early athlete. He also showed a trade card of Edgar Allan Poe that called him "the hero of the hour and the darling of the ladies."

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NFL history is made up of the stories of the people who played and coached the game. As part of our Greatest NFL Jersey Number 37s of All-Time, historian Aron Harris of the Football Odyssey shares the condensed history of former NFL cornerback Lester Hayes in this one-minute video bio.

Thanks to Aron for the great history and sharing with us the legacy of the gridiron great. You can find his Football Odyssey Podcast on SportsHistoryNetwork.com or on your favorite podcast provider.

Lester Hayes, nicknamed "The Judge" for his ability to shut down receivers in courtrooms and on the field, had a ten-year NFL career defined by defensive dominance. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1977, Hayes switched from linebacker to cornerback and quickly excelled. He earned All-Pro honors once and a staggering five Pro Bowl selections between 1980 and 1984. Hayes' stingy coverage frustrated quarterbacks, and his knack for takeaways (with 39 career interceptions) protected his team's lead. A key part of the Raiders' " intimidating secondary," Hayes helped them win two Super Bowls (XV and XVIII). His most iconic moment might be Super Bowl XVIII, where he neutralized Washington's star receivers, forcing quarterback Joe Theismann to look elsewhere. Hayes retired in 1986 with 39 interceptions, tying the Raiders' all-time record.

Born August 2, 1937, was LSU former star halfback and 1959 Heisman winner, Billy Cannon was also born on this day. He attended Louisiana State University, where he played college football as a halfback, return specialist, and defensive back for the LSU Tigers. Mr. Cannon was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

A Heisman Trophy winner at LSU, Cannon's college career was highlighted by his electrifying 89-yard punt return touchdown against Ole Miss, a play that has become one of the most iconic moments in college football history.

His professional career was equally impressive. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Cannon spent most of his time in the AFL, where he was a dynamic playmaker for the Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. With his speed, power, and versatility, he was a nightmare for defenses. Though injuries curtailed his career, Cannon's impact on the game remains undeniable, securing his place as one of the greatest all-around athletes of his era.

His punt return on October 31, 1959 haunted the number 3 ranked Ole Miss Rebels and is considered by many to be one of the greatest play in LSU football history. At LSU, Cannon was twice named a unanimous All-American, helped the 1958 LSU team win a national championship, and received the Heisman Trophy as the nation's most outstanding college player in 1959.

Billy Cannon also had a nice AFL and NFL career the Houston Oilers, Oakland Raiders and KC Chiefs. He was also drafted by the LA Rams but the AFL Oiler's owner Bud Adams won a court ruling and outbid the NFL's Rams for his rights.

Larry Fitzgerald, a name synonymous with excellence in American football, has left an indelible mark both in college football and the NFL. Born on August 31, 1983, in Minneapolis, Fitzgerald's football journey began at the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football for the Panthers. In his two years at Pitt, Fitzgerald emerged as a dominant force. His freshman season was remarkable, earning him the prestigious Biletnikoff Award as the nation's best wide receiver. He continued his stellar performance in his sophomore year, setting numerous records, including an impressive 92 receptions for 1,672 yards and 22 touchdowns. His college career was highlighted by his exceptional route running, precise hands, and athleticism, which set the stage for his professional career.

In 2004, Fitzgerald declared for the NFL Draft and was selected third overall by the Arizona Cardinals. His impact on the professional stage was immediate. Over a career spanning 17 seasons, Fitzgerald became one of the most revered wide receivers in NFL history. He played exclusively for the Cardinals, becoming a franchise cornerstone. His accolades include 11 Pro Bowl selections, two First-Team All-Pro honors, and a place in the NFL's top ten for career receptions and receiving yards. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Fitzgerald's legacy is marked by his exceptional consistency, sportsmanship, and dedication. His leadership on and off the field has cemented his status as one of the greatest wide receivers in football history.

Born October 23, 1962, in Manchester, Maryland - Doug Flutie, a quarterback from Boston College, stood 5-foot-9-inches tall and was considered by some to be too short to play quarterback in the significant division of college football when he was in his final years of high school.

What he lacked in size, he had in heart, smarts, and natural ability on the gridiron. Boston College gave Doug a scholarship late, coercing the youth to choose BC over the University of New Hampshire. According to the National Football Foundation, Flutie would not give up on his dream of being the Eagle’s quarterback, even though he was fifth on the depth chart as a freshman.

Through hard work and determination, by week 6 of the season, Doug Flutie was the starting QB of Boston College and ended up number 9 in the nation in passing. By the time he was a senior, he had won the Heisman trophy and taken Boston College to multiple Bowl games when they had been absent for over four decades. Doug Flutie entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 2007.

After college, Flutie embarked on a long, hard-fought road in a 21-year professional football career as he played in the USFL, NFL, and CFL. He was a six-time CFL Player of the Year before returning to the NFL.

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August 17, 1928 - The Detroit Wolverines franchise is launched on this date. The Wolverines were a continuation of the 1926 Cleveland Bulldogs team that had fallen on hard times, but they had the NFL's second biggest star in Benny Friedman. Mr. Friedman was Cleveland native who played college ball at Michigan. Back in that era of the pigskin, college football was king and both of these mentioned pro teams attempted to cash in on the college popularity. The team only played one season as the Detroit Wolverines, as in 1929 they were absorbed into the New York Football Giants. In an interesting spin, the Giants had never beaten Benny Friedman. They were 0-2-2 against him lifetime 0-1-1 against both the Cleveland Bulldogs and the Detroit Wolverines. The 1927 World Champion Giants swept the entire league except for one team, the Friedman lead Bulldogs. Apparently, Giants owner, Tim Mara, had seen enough and figured if he couldn't beat Friedman he bought him and the rest of the Wolverines team.