Football History

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.

It is a name that many have heard uttered, but few in this era really know who he was and Clarkk's importance to football. The legendary football player, Dutch Clark, is examined with his place in NFL history in this post.

College Career
Hailing from Colorado, Dutch Clark was a standout athlete at Colorado College.

His versatility was exceptional, as he excelled not only in football but also basketball and track and field. On the gridiron, Clark's dynamic playmaking abilities quickly garnered national attention. His 1928 season was particularly remarkable, where he amassed 1,349 rushing yards and 103 points, earning him the distinction of being the first Colorado native to claim first-team All-American honors. Beyond his athletic prowess, Clark also served as a coach at Colorado College, demonstrating his early aptitude for leadership.  

Road to the Pro Game
Dutch Clark's professional football journey began with the Portsmouth Spartans, where he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier talents. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility, he was a nightmare for opposing defenses. Clark's impact was so significant that he was granted a leave of absence from his coaching duties at Colorado College to focus on his NFL career.  

His tenure with the Spartans, which later evolved into the Detroit Lions, was marked by consistent excellence. Clark's ability to excel as both a runner and passer made him a multifaceted threat. His leadership qualities were also evident as he took on a player-coach role during his later years with the team.  

Football Legacy
Dutch Clark's legacy in football is undeniable. As a player, he was a pioneer, showcasing a level of skill and athleticism that was ahead of his time. His impact on the game extended beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching with success. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 is a testament to his enduring influence.  

Clark's story is one of perseverance, talent, and leadership. He overcame challenges and excelled at every level of the game. His contributions to the sport have left an enduring mark, and his name remains synonymous with football excellence.

Born September 22, 1949, Harold Carmichael, a towering figure both literally and figuratively, stands as one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Carmichael's football journey began at Temple University, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1970, Carmichael's NFL career was a testament to his enduring talent and dedication. Throughout his 14-year tenure with the Eagles, he consistently showcased his ability to make acrobatic catches, outmuscle defenders, and haul in touchdowns. His remarkable longevity and consistent production solidified his status as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.

Carmichael enjoyed a distinguished NFL career, primarily with the Philadelphia Eagles from 1971 to 1984. Standing out for his impressive size and exceptional hands, Carmichael amassed 589 receptions for 8,985 yards and 79 touchdowns. His remarkable consistency and ability to make critical catches earned him three Pro Bowl selections. Carmichael was also a key contributor to the Eagles’ offense, setting multiple franchise records. His standout performance and impact on the game were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's great wide receivers.

Carmichael's impact on the Eagles was immeasurable. He holds numerous franchise records, including most career receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. His contributions to the team helped them reach the Super Bowl in 1980, where they narrowly fell short against the Oakland Raiders. Despite not winning a championship, Carmichael's legacy in Philadelphia is undeniable. He is revered by fans and teammates alike for his exceptional talent, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment to the game.

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.

Born August 7, 1945, in Canton, Ohio, was Alan Page was a defensive end from Notre Dame that was selected to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. He was a member of that famed 1966 Fighting Irish National Championship team.

Mr. Page went on to have a tremendous 15 year pro career as part of the famed Purple People Eaters of the Minnesota Vikings and later 3 seasons with the Chicago Bears. In 1967 he won the NFL Rookie of the Year honors.

As a Viking, Alan played in four Super Bowls (IV, VIII, IX, XI), but unfortunately never got a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Page was named to the 1970s NFL All-Decade Team, inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor

The great defender also has his bronze bust placed in Canton in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Page was the first player on the defensive side of the ball to win the NFL MVP honors, and only Lawrence Taylor has done it since!

What does a super-intelligent football player do after a brilliant career? Well, according to Yahoo.com, Page attended the University of Minnesota Law School while still playing for the Vikings and earned his law degree in 1978. The man then served as a Minnesota Supreme Court Associate Justice from 1992-2015. Incredible!

Calvin Johnson, also known by his nickname "Megatron," is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Born in Flint, Michigan, Johnson's football journey began at Flint Northwestern High School, where he quickly established himself as a dominant force on the gridiron. His exceptional athleticism, combined with his impressive size and speed, made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Johnson's high school exploits earned him a scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he continued to excel.

His name is found in bold lettering in the records of college football history during his time at Georgia Tech. A towering wide receiver with exceptional speed and strength, Johnson dominated the ACC. His ability to make acrobatic catches and outmuscle defenders was unmatched. His college career culminated in a standout performance in the 2007 ACC Championship Game, where he showcased his immense talent and helped lead Georgia Tech to victory. Johnson's dominance on the field laid the foundation for a successful NFL career, where he continued to excel and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.

In 2007, the Detroit Lions selected Johnson with the second overall pick in the NFL Draft. From the moment he stepped onto the field in Detroit, Johnson's impact was undeniable. His rookie season saw him amass 1,220 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, earning him Pro Bowl honors. However, it was in the following years that Johnson truly showcased his extraordinary talent. He broke the NFL single-season receiving yards record in 2011 with an astonishing 1,964 yards, and followed that up with another impressive season in 2012.

Throughout his career, Johnson was renowned for his ability to make acrobatic catches and dominate opposing defenses with his physicality. His combination of size, speed, and leaping ability made him a virtually unstoppable force. Johnson's dominance on the field earned him numerous accolades, including seven Pro Bowl appearances and three All-Pro selections. Despite his individual success, Johnson's career was marred by the Lions' lack of consistent success as a team. The franchise struggled to find consistent winning seasons during his tenure, leading to frustration and disappointment for both Johnson and the team's loyal fans.

After nine seasons with the Lions, Johnson announced his retirement from the NFL in 2016. His decision to retire at the relatively young age of 31 shocked many, but he cited the toll that the physical demands of the game had taken on his body. Johnson's retirement left a void in the NFL, and his impact on the game will continue to be felt for years to come. He is widely considered one of the greatest wide receivers of all time, and his legacy will undoubtedly endure.

John McNally Jr., better known by his colorful nickname "Johnny Blood," wasn't your typical Hall of Fame football player. He wasn't a bruising fullback or a record-breaking passer. Instead, McNally carved out a unique legacy as a versatile backfield threat, a journeyman with a knack for finding the end zone, and a personality as vibrant as his nickname.

Born in 1895, McNally's athletic journey began on the basketball court. Playing for Saint John's University in Minnesota, he earned a reputation for clutch plays, famously sinking a game-winning shot at the buzzer. However, football beckoned, and McNally's speed and elusive running style attracted the attention of teams in the fledgling NFL.

McNally's professional career was a whirlwind of movement. In his first four seasons, he played for four different teams: the Milwaukee Badgers (1925-26), Duluth Eskimos (1927), Pottsville Maroons (1928), Green Bay Packers (1929-33, 1935-36), and Pittsburgh Pirates (1934, 1937-38). Despite the constant change of scenery, McNally consistently impressed. He could run, throw, and catch exceptionally, becoming a fan favorite for his on-field theatrics and infectious personality.
-Championship Glory with the Green Bay Packers (1929-1933, 1935-1936)

McNally finally found stability in 1929 when he joined the Green Bay Packers. Here, his versatility perfectly fits Coach Curly Lambeau's innovative offense. McNally's contributions were crucial as the Packers captured three consecutive NFL championships from 1929 to 1931. He formed a formidable offense with Don Hutson, another future Hall of Famer.

-A Winding Road and a Coaching Stint (1937-1941)

McNally's later career saw him bounce between teams once again, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (later Steelers) and even returning briefly to the Buffalo Tigers in a minor league. He eventually retired as player-coach for the Kenosha Cardinals in a minor league. McNally's coaching stint was short-lived, but it cemented his dedication to the game.

-A Legacy of Versatility and Entertainment

Johnny Blood McNally's legacy goes beyond statistics. He was a true "iron man" of the early NFL, playing in an era before the luxuries of modern equipment and training methods. His versatility on the field and his larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the rise of professional football's popularity in the early 20th century. While nomadic stints with various teams dotted his career, his impact on the game, particularly his role in the Green Bay Packers championship runs, is undeniable.

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.

George "Wildcat" Wilson, a name synonymous with football excellence, left an indelible mark on both the collegiate and professional levels of the game. Born September 6, 1901, George Wilson or Wildcat Wilson, was a halfback from the University of Washington.

Wildcat showed his importance to the the Huskies team in the 1926 Rose Bowl Game. Wilson's dominant performance for much of the first half of the "Grand Daddy of them All" had opponent Alabama on their heels and down by a couple of scores. The Crimson Tide finally got a break late in the second quarter when George Wilson left the game due to injury. The Tide led by Johnny Mack Brown with 20 unanswered points and were driving down the field to score again when the banged up Wildcat Wilson re-entered the contest and was significant in stalling the 'Bama drive at the Husky 12 yard line.

Wilson then guided the Washington offense down the field and capped off the drive with Wilson throwing a 20 yard scoring strike to John Cole. It was not enough as the Tide held ont win the game 20-19. The stat line of the game showed that with Wilson on the field, the Washington Huskies gained 317 yards and put up 19 points, when he was out they mustered a mere 17 yards and were shut out while the Crimson Tide scored all 20 of their points in that 22 minute absence of Wilson from the contest.

It really put Alabama football on the map as a prominant football power in the college football landscape. The 1926 Rose Bowl has gone down in history known as "The game that changed the South." but it could have been a much different game had Wildcat Wilson played the whole game. Needless to say, the College Football Hall of Fame invited George Wilson into their exclusive club of legends in 1951.

His versatile skills and electrifying performances solidified his status as one of the most iconic players of his era.  

Wilson's collegiate career at the University of Washington was nothing short of extraordinary. As a halfback, he displayed a remarkable combination of speed, power, and agility. His ability to evade defenders, break tackles, and score touchdowns consistently made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Wilson's impact on the Huskies was undeniable, as he led them to numerous victories and earned consensus All-American honors.  

After his successful college career, Wilson transitioned to the professional ranks, where he continued to impress. His most notable stint was with the Los Angeles Wildcats. Despite the challenges of the early days of professional football, Wilson's talent and determination shone through. He became a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.  

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Wilson's legacy extends to his impact on the sport as a whole. His dynamic playing style and fearless approach to the game inspired countless athletes and fans alike. His contributions to the development of football, both at the collegiate and professional levels, continue to be celebrated and admired.

George "Wildcat" Wilson's name will forever be etched in the annals of football history. His exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and enduring impact on the sport make him a true legend.

Born June 17, 1886, in Chicago, Illinois, was the University of Chicago quarterback of the 1903 to 1906 era, Walter Eckersall. Walter played for legendary Maroon Coach Amos Alonzo Stagg at the University of Chicago.

Walter was a quick and very elusive runner and an exceptional kicker. It was his coffin-corner punts which were credited as the death-blows to Michigan's 56-game winning streak when the Maroons downed the Wolverines, 2-0, in 1905. Eckersall made quite an impression on a young Knute Rockne, as he was one of the future coaches gridiron heroes growing up that gave him inspiration. "The first time I learned a football was not only something to kick, but something to think with, was when I saw a great football player in action for the first time." said Rockne according to the FootballFoundation.org when reminiscing of observing Eckersall.

Rockne had seen the great Chicago quarterback playing in a high school all-star game in 1900. A decade or two later, after Rockne became the head coach at Notre Dame, Knute discovered Eckersall was scheduled to officiate an Irish game in Chicago. "I've been waiting years for this," Rockne said to Eckersall. "For what?" Eckersall wanted to know. "To shake your hand.", Rockne blurted, quick to relay his memories of that high school all-star game so many years before. "Stop! Stop!", Eckersall interrupted, "Or Notre Dame will be penalized five yards for speech making." Rockne enjoyed recanting that story of meeting his childhood icon for the rest of his life. The legendary Walter Camp even selected Eckersall as the QB on the All-Time All- American Football Team that honored the players from the first 3 to four decades of football. Walter Eckersall was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 for his outstanding play as a quarterback. Our friend author Jennifer Taylor Hall who wrote her amazing book Amos Alonzo Stagg: College Football's Man in Motion, shares in her chapter on "Eckie" that after Walter's playing days, the former QB officiated football, was a sports writer for the Chicago Tribune and often was a publicist for Knute Rockne.