Football History

Pop Warner, was a legendary college football coach whose name became synonymous with youth football. His impressive career spanned 44 years (1895-1938) during which he amassed a whopping 319 wins, a record that stood until the 1980s.

He was known for his innovative offensive schemes that dominated the first half of the 20th century. While coaching greats like Jim Thorpe at Carlisle Indian Industrial School, Warner left a lasting mark on the game by introducing the huddle, numbered jerseys, and the spiral punt. His most significant contribution outside of coaching, however, came in 1934 when he co-founded the Pop Warner Little Scholars youth football organization, a program that continues to introduce young athletes to the sport today.

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.

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Timothy P. Brown shares the story of the Big New Years game in 1947 between #3 Georgia and #9 North Carolina and the star players, like Charley Trippi and what happened in the Sugar Bowl.

At the 1947 Sugar Bowl, Charley Trippi was a dynamic force, but his impact transcended mere statistics. While he carried the ball 14 times for 54 yards and threw a game-changing 67-yard touchdown pass, his true contribution was a masterclass in offensive agility and leadership.

Shifty Running: Trippi frustrated the North Carolina defense with his signature moves, dodging tackles and keeping plays alive with his deceptive jukes and spins. He wasn't just a powerful runner, but a magician with the ball in his hands.

Clutch Pass: When Georgia needed it most, Trippi stepped up as a passer. His 67-yard touchdown to Dan Edwards was a thing of beauty, showcasing his underrated arm strength and ability to read defenses. This play shifted the momentum and ultimately secured the Bulldogs' victory.

-Transcribed Conversation on Charley Trippi & the 1947 Sugar Bowl with Timothy Brown

Hello, my football friends. This is Darin Hayes of PigskinDispatch.com. Welcome again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. And welcome another day to visit with our friend Timothy P. Brown of FootballArchaeology.com. Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen.

Darin, it's good to be here with you, and I'm looking forward to going on a little trip with you. It is a little Trippi, indeed. That's pretty good stuff.

Yeah, that's digging deep for that segue into our topic tonight. Of course, Tim is talking about a recent tidbit that he wrote about the famous football legend Charley Trippi and a college football game that he played. And we know him as a great college and professional player.

But Tim loves to focus on, especially on those college games. And you've got some interesting items on Mr. Trippi that you'd like to discuss. Yeah.

So this one, I kind of, this particular tidbit, I was hoping to draw kind of two issues. One is how much of a stud Trippi was, right? And he was just a tremendous player. But the other thing was just kind of the messiness of determining the national championship back in the day.

You know, and if anybody thought it was bad past 30, 40 years, back in 1946, when he was getting out of college, it was worse. So, you know, he, as a senior, his senior season was 1946, he's playing for, you know, University of Georgia. And they ended up the year ranked number three.

And so, right, I ended the regular season ranked number three. Number one and two were the Army and Navy, who had tied zero to zero, you know, in the last game of the season. And so, you know, they're, you know, they weren't going to win the national championship, in all likelihood, you know, meaning Georgia wasn't.

And, you know, back then, the Big Ten for the 1947 season, the Big Ten still, maybe, they had just started. But anyway, you know, there were, you know, Notre Dame didn't go to bowl games. And, you know, we were still in an era where entire conferences didn't go to bowl games.

So it's, you know, who was going to finish the season national championships? It's kind of a mess. But so they end up with, you know, Georgia ends up being invited to the Sugar Bowl. And they play; they're number three, and they play number nine, North Carolina.

And so Trippi, who had finished second in the Heisman Trophy, voting to Glenn Davis, you know, of Army. And Trippi was this, you know, quintuple and maybe even a septuple or whatever, you know, threat, because he, you know, he was a passer, he was a runner, punted, he returned kicks. And, you know, in the 47 seasons, he led the nation, or at least tied to the in the nation for most interceptions, so he's just this all-around player who's just, you know, just tremendous.

So he ends up, you know, in the Sugar Bowl. North Carolina takes a seven-nothing lead at the half. And then Georgia ties it up, you know, early in the third quarter.

UNC gets a field goal. So now they're down, you know, Georgia's down 10-7, and they're thinking we're at least the third team in the nation. So then I think it was the next series, Trippi faked a run and then executed one of those old style jump passes, you know, jumps up right behind the line of scrimmage, hits a guy who's running a crossing pattern.

And the guy, boom, to the races, you know, get a touchdown. And then they score another touchdown and win the game. And, you know, one of the cool things about that particular tidbit is just that I had, you know, these old college composite schedule, you know, booklets.

And so one of them had that play. And, you know, the coach described the play, it's got the play diagram. And, you know, it's a neat illustration of that jump pass play.

But so they end up winning. And, you know, here it is, right after World War Two. So the AFC and the NFL are battling for, you know, contracts.

So this guy signs, he can sign a four-year $100,000 contract, which was the biggest contract for a pro football player to that point. So, I mean, just the bargaining power he had, and yet, you know, it's just nothing compared to today's four-year $100,000 contract. And then he goes on, in the NFL, he's into the all-1940s team.

When he retired in 57, he was the NFL's all-time yardage leader because he was a multi-threat player. Then, he died in 1921 or 2021. He was the second NFL player to live to be 100 years old.

So, the guy had a pretty good life. Yeah. Wow.

Can't complain about that one. No. And what an interesting, you know, time when his senior season, you know, World War Two is just over, and that 46th season is sort of, I always look at it, it's almost like a line of debarkation of like, you know, the single wing is ending its run, and they're going into, you know, some T formations, some more modern formations that we're familiar with.

And, you know, single platoon football is, you know, right at its edge of doing. So it's a lot of interesting things that era, and all the different things that if you're a football fan, you go to the stadium, you're going to see, you know, everything coming out of the woodwork in those years. And as you said, the AFC and the NFL are doing battle, and Paul Brown is, you know, getting his glory on and at the pro level and just a cool era.

Charley Trippi is a part of that. Well, Trippi, like a lot of the guys, you know, he was. I think he left college. He was 44 and 45, so I could be off on that. But, you know, like a lot of these guys, they were getting drafted, you know, and so he was out of the game.

Now he played service football, like a lot of these guys did. But, you know, the other thing about 46 was just, I mean, if there was an era with more talent, now, this is pre-integration, so it's all white guys, right? But, you know, you had rosters filled with these returning vets, you know, so guys who had been in the service for two, three, and even four years coming back to college. And, you know, all these guys with playing experience, all these guys who'd started are now all of a sudden on one roster.

And it's just that even though teams were starting to run, you know, two-platoon, most still ran one platoon. So just, I mean, there was just some tremendous talent in the 1946 season. Yeah.

And they got that extra training if they played military ball, it's like an extra couple of years of college football to get trained for the professional level, which wasn't that developed yet. The college game was a much better game at that point in time too. So just, you know, just all the stars aligned for football with all the world events and everything that was going on.

And man, a special time is definitely a golden era of football, like they say. And it's very enjoyable to read about it and to see these heroes like Charley Trippi and others who played the game so well during that era. Yeah.

And I mean, you just think about the changes in the game that he saw in his lifetime; just incredible. Yeah. You'd have to pick up a new copy of that rules book and study it really hard every time the new season comes along because that's definitely a time of change.

Now, speaking of changes, your tidbits now cover changes from all eras of football, from the 1800s to the 20th century and beyond, even into today's game. And they're really interesting, and they're not focused on one thing. You take us on a journey every single evening into something new that maybe we never really thought about.

So how can people enjoy your tidbits on a daily basis? Yeah. It's real simple. Just go to footballarchaeology.com. You can subscribe.

And then, you know, if you subscribe, you get an email with that story every night at seven o'clock Eastern. If you, you know, you don't have to read them right away. They're just; you can let them sit near your inbox and read them on the weekend.

If you don't want to subscribe, you can follow me on Twitter, on threads, or on the Substack app. Or you can just go to the site whenever you feel like it. Excellent.

Well, Tim Brown is his name. Footballarchaeology.com is his website. And you've got all the other information there too.

It's in the show notes of the podcast as well. Tim, thank you for joining us here. And we'll talk to you again next Tuesday.

Yep. And what a long, strange, Trippi it's been. Sorry for my dad jokes.

Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai.

Albert Charles Blozis, known better as "Al," wasn't your average football player. He was a titan of a man, a gentle giant who dominated the gridiron and embodied the spirit of collegiate and professional athletics. His story is one of phenomenal strength, unwavering character, and a tragic twist of fate that left an indelible mark on the world of sports.

Born in Garfield, New Jersey, in 1919, Blozis's athletic prowess blossomed early. He excelled in football and track and field, standing at a towering 6-6 and weighing 245 pounds. At Georgetown University, he became a legend, earning the nickname "Hoya Hercules" for his dominance on the offensive line. He won three consecutive AAU and NCAA shot put titles, setting a world indoor record, and anchored the football team to two undefeated seasons.

In 1942, the NFL beckoned. The New York Giants drafted Blozis, and he quickly made his mark, earning All-Pro honors as a rookie. He was a force to be reckoned with, known for his devastating tackles and ability to clear paths for the Giants' running backs. His athleticism even earned him the nickname "the Human Bulldozer."

But World War II interrupted his burgeoning career. Blozis enlisted in the Army and served with distinction, setting the Army's hand-grenade throwing record with a toss of 94 yards. In 1945, tragedy struck. Just two weeks after arriving in France, Blozis was killed in action, leading a patrol to rescue wounded soldiers.

His death at the age of 26 sent shockwaves through the sports world. The New York Giants named their athletic center in Frankfurt, Germany, after him, and in 1986, he was inducted into the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame.

John Beckett wasn't your typical football star. His legacy straddles two worlds - the gridiron and the battlefield - etching his name in both athletic and military history. Here's a summary of his remarkable career:

Football Accolades :

-All-around athlete playing tackle, halfback, and punter for the University of Oregon (1913-1916).

-Captain of the 1916 Oregon team, leading them to an undefeated record and a tie for the Pacific Coast Conference championship.

-Named Most Valuable Player of the 1917 Rose Bowl after leading Oregon to victory over Pennsylvania.

-Served as captain of the 1917 Marine Corps team, the only person ever to captain two Rose Bowl teams.

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Military Service (1917-1967):

-Enlisted in the Marines during his senior year at Oregon, serving with distinction for 50 years.

-Reached the rank of Brigadier General, earning medals for bravery and leadership in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War.

-Commanded the Fifth Marine Regiment during the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the bloodiest battles in Marine Corps history.

-Coached Marine football teams at various stations, achieving an impressive 56-19-3 record.

John Beckett's career was a testament to human potential. He excelled in athletics, mastered the demands of military service, and led by example on and off the field. His story continues to inspire generations of athletes and soldiers, reminding us that true greatness lies not just in achievements but in the character and spirit with which we pursue them.

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.

Brad Budde wasn't the flashiest player, but his impact on the gridiron was undeniable. This post explores the career of this under-the-radar linebacker, uncovering his impressive stats, clutch plays, and the reasons why he deserves recognition as a true football legend. Get ready to learn about a hidden gem who quietly dominated the game!

Born May 9, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, was Brad Budde the dominant guard from the USC Trojans.

Budde was a starter at offensive guard for Southern California for four seasons, 1976-1979. He stood 6-5, weighed 253, and was a lead blocker in the famous formation called "Student Body Right" which was so successful that in his senior year this play averaged 8 yards each time it was run. The ball carrier was the prolific Charles White, who led the nation in rushing yardage.

In Budde's four years, Southern Cal lost only six games while winning 42 and tying 1. The Trojans won three conference championships and won four bowl games-- three Rose Bowl, one Bluebonnet Bowl. Brad won the Lombardi Trophy as the nation's top lineman in 1979 as Budde was also a unanimous All-America selection. The National Football Foundation selected Brad Budde for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998.   

Budde played pro with the Kansas City Chiefs 1980-87.  And he was familiar with the organization because he grew up there in KC when his Dad, Ed Budde played for the Chiefs from 1963-76. Just to tell you the caliber of person this man is Budde sent a donation to Southern Cal, repaying the school for the athletic scholarship it had given him. Brad Budde and his wife made speeches to Christian groups. NCAAF Jersey 71.

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Ohio State's transformation into a college football powerhouse can be attributed to a combination of key factors:

-Visionary Leadership: Coaches like Woody Hayes (1951-1978) and Urban Meyer (2012-2018) instilled a culture of excellence, demanding discipline and commitment while creating a winning gameday atmosphere. They built strong coaching staffs, attracting and developing top talent.

-Recruiting Prowess: Ohio State, located in a fertile recruiting ground, has consistently lured elite players. Coaches like Earle Bruce (1979-1987) pioneered aggressive national recruiting, securing future stars who propelled the program to national prominence.

-On-Field Innovation: Legendary coordinators like Bo Schembechler (defensive) and Jim Tressel (offensive) implemented innovative schemes that adapted to the changing game. From Hayes' "three yards and a cloud of dust" to Meyer's spread offense, Ohio State has remained at the forefront of tactical evolution.

-Loyal Fanbase: The passionate "Buckeye Nation" provides unwavering support. Dedicated alumni contribute financially, creating a strong athletic department with top-notch facilities and resources. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle of success, attracting even more talent and fans.

-Competitive Conference: Playing in the Big Ten, traditionally a strong conference, forces Ohio State to constantly compete at a high level. This regular exposure to other powerhouse programs prepares them for the national stage.

Through decades of dedication, strategic leadership, and continuous improvement, Ohio State has earned its place among college football's elite. While challenges lie ahead, their commitment to excellence ensures they remain a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron.

For casual viewers, the colorful stickers adorning some college football players' helmets might seem like a random decoration. But these decals hold a deeper meaning, serving as a badge of honor and a visible representation of a player's contribution to the team's success.

The tradition of helmet stickers originated in the early 1960s, with some crediting Rutgers defensive backs coach Dewey King for awarding decals for interceptions [1]. Inspired by World War II fighter pilots who marked their planes after successful missions, these early stickers recognized defensive plays. The concept quickly spread, evolving into a system that rewards a wider range of achievements.

Today, the criteria for earning a sticker varies from program to program. Most commonly, they are awarded for outstanding individual plays during games, like touchdowns, interceptions, or game-saving tackles. Some teams, like Georgia, even have different colored stickers – white for on-field achievements and black for academic excellence [2]. Notably, not all teams participate in the sticker tradition.

The number of stickers on a helmet reflects the player's performance throughout the season. A player with a helmet adorned with a multitude of stickers is instantly recognized for their impact on the field. This visual recognition serves as a constant motivator, pushing players to strive for excellence and earn their own piece of helmet real estate.

Beyond individual recognition, helmet stickers also foster team spirit. They create a shared visual language, a way for teammates to celebrate each other's successes. Seeing a teammate adorned with a sticker becomes a source of pride and inspiration for the entire team. It's a constant reminder that individual contributions lead to collective victory.

The tradition isn't without its critics. Some argue that stickers place undue pressure on players or diminish the value of consistent, less flashy plays. However, the positive aspects seem to outweigh the negatives. Helmet stickers are a cherished tradition that injects a sense of fun and recognition into the competitive world of college football.

-Frequently Asked Questions

-Who was the first player to wear a football helmet? We have your answer in our in-depth study ofthe first to wear a helmet.

-What is the history of each college team and their helmet designs? Check out many of them with our series College Football helmet history of schools.

-How come some teams have player numbers on their helmets? We asked this question too and had a college football expert historian help divulge helmet numbers history.

-Why do some teams like Michigan and Delaware look so odd and similar? It's really uncanny isn't it that the Wolverines and Blue Hens look the same, check this out for a reason when helmets had wings.

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Five football players who made perhaps the most significant impact on Louisiana State University football are not an easy chore to determine. The LSU Gridiron Tigers who stand out for their exceptional talent, influence, and legacy:

-Billy Cannon (1957-59): The "Golden Hurricane" electrified LSU with his dynamic playmaking. His Heisman Trophy in 1959 was only part of the story. His punt return touchdown against Ole Miss dubbed the "Greatest Play in College Football History," cemented his legend. Cannon's speed, versatility, and electrifying style changed the game and remain etched in Tiger lore.

Joe Burrow (2017-19): The Heisman Trophy quarterback who led LSU to the 2019 national championship. Burrow's accuracy, poise, and leadership were unmatched. He shattered passing records, orchestrated comeback victories, and brought back a swagger to the Tiger offense that culminated in a glorious championship run.

Leonard Marshall (1981-83): A destructive force on the defensive line, Marshall redefined the pass rush at LSU. His speed, power, and relentless pursuit earned him two All-American selections and the 1983 Lombardi Trophy, awarded to the nation's best college football lineman. For years, Marshall's dominance helped pave the way for LSU's defensive prowess.

-Y.A. Tittle (1944-46): The "Golden Arm" led LSU to the 1945 SEC Championship, throwing pinpoint passes with a gunslinger mentality. He became a Hall of Famer in the NFL, earning MVP honors and proving his college brilliance translated to the pros. Tittle's legacy as a fearless passer and LSU's first true star quarterback remains significant.

Abe Mickal (1933-35): A "triple-threat" before the term was even popular, Mickal excelled as a runner, passer, and kicker. He won the 1935 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year award and led LSU to its first Cotton Bowl victory. Mickal's versatility and championship leadership solidified his place among the program's all-time greats.

These five players encapsulate different eras and skill sets, but their impact on LSU is undeniable. From Cannon's dazzling punt return to Burrow's championship magic, from Marshall's defensive fury to Tittle's aerial mastery and Mickal's pioneering spirit, these legends represent the diverse greatness that runs through the veins of LSU football. Their stories and achievements inspire a new generation of Tigers to chase their glory.