Football History

Born June 4, 1891, in Lexington, Georgia, was the fine halfback from the University of Georgia from the seasons of 1910 to 1913, Bob McWhorter.  The National Football Foundation shares some great info on McWhorter it was an interesting journey for Bob to attend the University of Georgia. In 1910 McWhorter was attending the Gordon Military School, and was the star athlete on more than just the gridiron gang. The Military school played baseball against the Bulldogs and put a pretty good beat down on them by the score of 11-0. Georgia’s powers that be saw the great organization from the Gordon coach  W. Alex Cunningham and quickly coerced him to become Georgia's football and baseball coach. One of the first things Cunnigham did in his new role was to recruit as many of the athletes from the academy as he could because after all he had laid their athletic foundations. McWhorter was of course one of the Gordon players that attended Georgia after his coaches calling. However, being only a junior at Gordon, McWhorter had to take a special exam to qualify for college. He passed the exam with very high scores, and at Georgia he was Phi Beta Kappa. He played halfback for Georgia 1910- 1913 and scored 61 touchdowns. He was all-Southern four times and made the Parke Davis All-America selection in 1913. Bob McWhorter’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1954.

Murray Shelton - Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame.
Born April 20, 1893, Dunkirk, New York, was Cornell’s top tier end from 1913 to 1915, Murray Shelton. Shelton and Big Red captain, Quarterback Charles Barrett, made up an efficient and deadly passing combination which relied heavily upon intelligence and instinct. In 1915, they led Cornell to a 9-0 record and were both named to Walter Camp's All-America listing per the National Football Foundation. Late in the season their perfect record was in jeopardy a few times. In game number eight the Big Red scored 33 points in the second half to overcome the challenging Washington & Lee team, 40-21. During another late contest, Penn was on the verge of ending Cornell's clean slate loss column. But, the Big Red caught fire in the final quarter and scored 17 points to claim a 24-9 triumph. Cornell played Harvard, which had not lost a game in four years but the Big Red blacked the Harvard eleven 10-0. The National Football Foundation selected Murray Shelton for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973. 

Born March 16, 1920, in Townsend, Tennessee, was the legendary football player from William and Mary, Garrard Buster Ramsey. His great play at the collegiate level produced results and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ramsey, after college, played ball in the NFL for the Chicago Cardinals. He served as a player/coach there and then left to become the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator in 1952. During his tenure with the Lions, Ramsey developed the 4-3 defense, a staple of modern football. In addition, he was the first coach to blitz linebackers in a package he called Red Dog. and later was hired by Ralph Wilson as the first Head Coach of the AFL/NFL Buffalo Bills franchise.

Kenneth Adams MacAfee II wasn't your typical NFL superstar. His story isn't one of touchdowns and endorsements, but a rare tale of talent sacrificed for passion, woven into the fabric of both Notre Dame and the San Francisco 49ers.

MacAfee was a legend at Notre Dame. A three-time All-American, he dominated defenses with a blend of power and grace, nicknamed "The Golden Hammer" for his punishing blocks and acrobatic receptions. He anchored the 1977 national championship team and seemed destined for NFL stardom.

Yet, when the San Francisco 49ers drafted him seventh overall in 1978, a twist of fate awaited. While he struggled to adapt to the pro game, a different dream simmered beneath the surface – dentistry. This wasn't a whim; it was a lifelong passion, nurtured alongside his football prowess.

His NFL career remained respectable, but the whispers of the dental lab grew louder. In 1983, after two seasons with the 49ers, MacAfee made a decision that shook the football world. He traded the roar of the stadium for the hum of drills, walking away from his NFL career to pursue dentistry full-time.

The choice sparked debate. Some saw it as a missed opportunity, others a testament to integrity. MacAfee, however, remained unfazed. He thrived in his new realm, building a successful dental practice and even serving as president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

The Kirksville, Missouri School of Osteopathy and their famous coach Pat O'Dea, "the Kangaroo Kicker."

October 31, 1900 - Keytesville, Missouri - Cal Hubbard was born on that day and he was a tackle for Centenary and Geneva Colleges. The NFF informs us that Cal Hubbard played end and tackle for Centenary 1922-24 and then moved with his coach Bo McMillin to play one season at Geneva College 1926. Later as a pro Hubbard was a big tackle, standing 6-4 in height and weighing 250 pounds, for the New York Giants, Green Bay and Pittsburgh franchises. The College Football Hall of Fame added Cal to their lineup in 1962. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Cal Hubbard one year later in 1963 for back to back Hall of Fame Enshrinements! Believe it or not 13 years after that in 1976 Cal Hubbard was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as an umpire.

Albert Exendine, born in Indian Territory in 1884, wasn't just a football player; he was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unifying power of the game. His career spanned generations, weaving a narrative of athletic prowess and cultural significance against the backdrop of American history.

Exendine's story begins at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where Pop Warner molded him from raw talent into an All-American end. Albert had never played on the gridiron prior to arriving at the school, but was a mainstay star from 1902-1907. Playing against the prejudice of the era, Exendine's speed and skill silenced critics, earning him respect and paving the way for future generations of Native American athletes.

Leaving Carlisle, Exendine embarked on a coaching journey that spanned over four decades. He transformed small colleges into regional powerhouses, and nurturing talent at institutions such as Georgetown, Washington State, and Oklahoma A&M. His innovative "warhorse" offense and emphasis on discipline set him apart, attracting players and establishing himself as a coaching pioneer.

But Exendine's impact transcended wins and losses. He became a bridge between different worlds, coaching both white and Native American players with fairness and respect. He challenged racial stereotypes and advocated for equality in athletics, paving the way for a more inclusive sports landscape.

Beyond the gridiron, Exendine was a respected figure in the Native American community. He served as a tribal council member and advocated for their rights and cultural preservation. His multifaceted life underscored the interconnectedness of his athletic and cultural identities.

Alvin Nugent "Bo" McMillin (1895-1952) wasn't just a football player but a force of nature on the gridiron. His career spanned multiple eras, leaving an indelible mark on college and professional football. Today, we delve into the life and legacy of this American football legend.

Born in rural Texas, McMillin's natural athleticism shone through early on. He excelled in various sports, but football truly captured his heart. After a standout high school career, he landed at Centre College in Kentucky, becoming a three-time All-American quarterback. McMillin's versatility extended beyond throwing; he was also a formidable safety and kick returner, earning him the nickname "Iron Man" for his all-around talent.

After college, McMillin tasted professional success in the early days of the NFL, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Badgers and Cleveland Indians. However, his coaching career truly cemented his legend. He led various college teams to success, most notably Indiana University, where he won the Big Ten championship in 1945 and was named Coach of the Year.

McMillin's coaching philosophy was ahead of its time. He emphasized offensive innovation, utilizing the forward pass more aggressively than most coaches of his era. He also instilled a strong sense of discipline and teamwork in his players, earning their respect and admiration.

McMillin's legacy extends beyond wins and statistics. He was a pioneer who helped shape the game of football. He was also a respected mentor and motivator, leaving a lasting impact on countless players and coaches.

E. J. Holub wasn't just a football player; he was a chameleon, seamlessly adapting his game and his legacy, etching his name in two distinct positions on the gridiron. His story isn't a linear path, but a winding journey of grit, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit that defied expectations and transcended eras.

From the dusty fields of Texas, Holub emerged as a two-way terror at Texas Tech, earning accolades as both a ferocious linebacker and a dominant center. His raw talent caught the eye of the fledgling American Football League, and in 1961, he found himself drafted by the Dallas Texans, the future Kansas City Chiefs.

His professional career began as a linebacker, his fiery nature and bone-crushing tackles earning him instant recognition. He helped solidify the Texans' defense, contributing to their 1962 AFL Championship victory. But fate, perhaps sensing his versatility, intervened. Knee injuries threatened to derail his career. But Holub, refusing to be sidelined, made a remarkable shift, transitioning from the hard-hitting world of linebacker to the cerebral one of center.

This wasn't just a position change; it was a metamorphosis. Holub, with his intelligence and leadership, thrived at the pivot point of the offense. He became the cornerstone of the Chiefs' offensive line, anchoring a unit that protected the likes of Len Dawson and Mike Livingston. His leadership extended beyond the huddle, as he became a locker room beacon, respected for his work ethic and dedication.

And then, in 1969, with his name already etched in Chiefs lore, Holub achieved the extraordinary. He started Super Bowl IV, not as a linebacker, not as a center, but as both. This unique feat, a testament to his adaptability and skill, cemented his place among the pantheon of NFL legends.

But Holub's impact went beyond individual accolades. He was a symbol of the rise of the AFL, a player who helped bridge the gap between leagues and prove the legitimacy of professional football beyond the established NFL. He embodied the spirit of the early Chiefs, a team hungry for success and forging its own destiny.

His career spanned an era of change, from the rough-and-tumble days of the early AFL to the more strategic, pass-oriented game of the 1970s. Through it all, Holub remained a constant, a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of adapting to change.

More than just a player, E. J. Holub was a pioneer. He redefined versatility, defied expectations, and left an indelible mark on the game he loved.

Joseph Paul Schmidt wasn't just a linebacker; he was a pillar of defensive dominance, an immovable object in the heart of the Detroit Lions' most formidable defenses. For thirteen seasons, his name echoed through the gridiron, sending shivers down offenses and inspiring unwavering confidence in his teammates.

Emerging from a Pittsburgh steel town, Schmidt brought that same unyielding tenacity to the football field. Drafted by the Lions in 1953, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His physical presence, clocking in at 6'2" and 220 pounds of pure muscle, was matched only by his football IQ. He diagnosed plays with lightning speed, disrupting running lanes and leaving quarterbacks scrambling for protection.

But Schmidt wasn't just a bruiser. He was an artist of tackling, wrapping up ball carriers with textbook technique and precision. His relentless pursuit of the football earned him the nickname "The Lion Tamer," a fitting title for the player who seemed to control the chaos of the game with his calm yet determined presence.

His impact transcended individual statistics. He was a captain nine times, his leadership radiating from the huddle onto the field. He was the quarterback of the defense, calling plays and directing his teammates with a quiet confidence that demanded respect. His work ethic was legendary, inspiring younger players and pushing even the veterans to their limits.

Schmidt's career wasn't without challenges. Injuries and the changing landscape of the game ultimately shortened his time on the field. Yet, his legacy extends far beyond his playing days. He earned two Super Bowl appearances with the Lions, ten All-Pro selections, and induction into the Football Hall of Fame.

But his true testament lies in the memories he etched in the minds of Detroit fans. The bone-crunching tackles, the game-saving interceptions, the unwavering leadership – these are the echoes of Joe Schmidt's greatness, resonating through the stands of Ford Field long after his retirement. He wasn't just a football player; he was a symbol of Detroit's toughness, heart, and unyielding resilience.

When we speak of the iconic players who wore the Honolulu blue, Joe Schmidt's name stands tall among them. He wasn't flashy, but his quiet force changed the game.