Football History

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 November 30, 1931, in Los Angeles, California, was Pro Football hall of Fame Coach Bill Walsh. Coach Walsh served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and the Stanford Cardinal, during which time he popularized the West Coast offense. Bill built what many consider a football dynasty with the Niners as durin ghis NFL career he went 102–63–1 with the 49ers, winning 10 of his 14 postseason games along with six division titles, three NFC Championship titles, and three Super Bowls. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1984. In 1993, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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.

Born July 2, 1879, in Berlin, Germany, was Illinois Illini Hall of Fame Head Coach, Bob Zuppke. Coach served as the head coach at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign from 1913 until 1941, compiling a career college football record of 131–81–12. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951, Zuppke coached his teams to national titles in 1914, 1919, 1923, and 1927.

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

Journalist Peter Oltchick is the co-author (with former New York Daily News journalist Bill Bell) of Football for Fun: The Story of Coach Stewart “Fergie” Ferguson. Learn more about his work here on his own site!

The History of the University of Texas Mascot.

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A history lesson on the origin of the BYU Cougars moniker

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The New England Historical Society has a great excerpt on the history of Hobey Baker and his days at Princeton.

From Sunshine State Upstart to Powerhouse Contender: Introducing the South Florida Bulls Football Program
Imagine a team born on a whim, defying expectations, and carving its own path to gridiron glory. That's the South Florida Bulls football program, a young powerhouse surging through the ranks of college football like a Florida hurricane. Their tale is one of audacious dreams, relentless spirit, and an unwavering drive to rewrite the record books.

Birth under the Sunshine: Established in 1997, the Bulls emerged as a vibrant symbol of the University of South Florida's growing ambitions. With no historical legacy, they had only talent, passion, and the sizzling Florida sun fueling their journey. Their first game, a resounding victory, set the stage for a remarkable ascent.

Conquering the Frontier: From humble beginnings in the NCAA's lower ranks, the Bulls clawed their way up, leaving a trail of shattered records and surprised opponents. The early days were paved with grit and determination, each win a testament to their unwavering spirit.

Charging into the Big Leagues: In 2001, the Bulls stormed the gates of the Division I-A (now FBS) level, facing established giants with youthful audacity. Undeterred by skepticism, they carved their niche, claiming conference titles, bowl victories, and even national rankings. They proved that passion and heart could match (and sometimes surpass) pedigree and tradition.

The Rocky Revolution: As their legend grew, so did their mascot, Rocky the Bull. More than just a symbol, Rocky embodies the Bulls' fearless spirit, charging onto the field with an infectious enthusiasm that ignites the stands. He's a reminder that dreams, no matter how audacious, can take flight on wings of unwavering belief.

On the following pages, we will cover aspects of the team, which may include the Program's Origin, the Biggest Games in School History, the Program's Top Players, the Most Significant Coaches, the Program's Logo and Mascot History, the team's Helmet Designs Over Time, and so much more.

Move forward into the school's Gridiron history on this page!