Football History

Deep in the heart of Mississippi, where ancient oaks tower and the roar of cicadas whispers through cotton fields, lies the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Their story is a mosaic of triumph and resilience, woven from a century of gridiron battles under the blazing Southern sun.

The tale begins in 1895, not with roars of fans, but with the crack of cleats on dirt. Known then as the Mississippi A&M Aggies, their early years were a patchwork of wins and losses, forged in the crucible of Southern Conference rivalries. Stars like the elusive Bernie Moore and the hard-nosed Johnny Vaught emerged, paving the way for future glory.

In 1941, Coach Bob Woodruff unleashed a thunderbolt named Ralph Horrell. "The Mississippi Mauler" led the Bulldogs to their first and only SEC Championship, etching his name and that of the maroon and white in the college football pantheon. The roar of Davis Wade Stadium, still a young bullpup in those days, echoed with the echoes of that historic victory.

Decades followed, marked by flashes of brilliance and stretches of frustration. Coaches like Murray Warmath and Emory Bellard kept the Bulldog spirit alive, producing standouts like Joe Namath and John Brockington, future legends in their own right.

Then came 1998. Under the charismatic Danny Jones, the Bulldogs finally broke through, capturing the Western Division title and earning a coveted spot in the SEC Championship Game. Though they fell short against Tennessee, the maroon tide had risen, signaling a new era.

The 2000s saw the arrival of Sylvester Croom, the first African-American head coach in the SEC. He rebuilt the program with grit and determination, paving the way for the explosive Dan Mullen era. Mullen's "Air Raid" offense unleashed quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Nick Fitzgerald, lighting up scoreboards and sending the fans into raptures.

But greatness isn't just measured in championships or touchdowns. It's in the spirit of the fanbase, the "maroon nation" that bleeds maroon and white. It's in the echoes of "Hail State" echoing through the campus, a call and response that binds generations together.

Dan Marino attended the University of Pittsburgh and played college football for the Pitt Panthers from 1979 to 1982. He was a four-year starter and set numerous school records, including the most passing yards (8,597) and touchdown passes (79). He was named the Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 1981 and 1982. He was also a consensus All-American in 1982. Dan Marino led the Panthers to a 30-13 record during college. He also led the team to a bowl game in his four seasons.

The Dolphins drafted Dan in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, setting several rookie records. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1983.
Jersey Number 13 went on to have a Hall of Fame career. He led the Dolphins to the playoffs ten times, including one Super Bowl appearance in 1984. He was named the Pro Bowl 10 times and was the NFL MVP in 1984.

Marino retired from the NFL in 2000. He holds numerous NFL passing records, including most passing yards (61,361) and touchdown passes (420). He is also the only quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season four times. Dan was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. He is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Dan Marino was a brilliant quarterback who revolutionized the passing game. He was a master of the deep ball and was known for his accuracy and touch. He was also a great leader and key to the Dolphins' success in the 1980s.

The 1945 NFL season holds a unique place in the history of professional American football. Played in the shadow of World War II, the league continued to operate, albeit with rosters depleted by the ongoing conflict. This unusual context shaped the season and its culmination in a dramatic championship game.

The backdrop of the war significantly impacted the composition of NFL teams. Many star players were serving in the armed forces, leading to a reliance on older veterans, younger, less experienced players, and even some who were classified as 4-F (unfit for service). Some teams were more affected than others, leading to imbalances in competition. For example, the Brooklyn Tigers and the Boston Yanks merged for the season to form "The Yanks" due to player shortages. This amalgamation was a stark reminder of the challenges the league faced in maintaining its operations. Despite these challenges, the NFL pressed on, providing a form of entertainment and normalcy for a nation grappling with the uncertainties and sacrifices of wartime.

The 1945 season saw some notable performances and developments. In the Western Division, the Cleveland Rams emerged as a dominant force, finishing with a 9-1 record. Led by rookie quarterback Bob Waterfield, who won the league's MVP award, the Rams showcased a potent offense. Waterfield's performance was a bright spot in a season marked by the absence of many established stars. The Rams' journey to the championship game demonstrated the resilience of a team that was able to capitalize on its strengths despite the challenges of the era.

In the Eastern Division, the Washington Redskins, coached by Dudley DeGroot, secured the top spot with an 8-2 record. Quarterback Sammy Baugh, a seasoned veteran, continued to be a key player for the team. The Redskins' path to the championship game highlighted their ability to navigate a competitive division and maintain a high level of play throughout the season.

The 1945 NFL Championship Game between the Cleveland Rams and the Washington Redskins, played in Cleveland, was a memorable contest. Played in frigid conditions, with temperatures well below freezing, the game was a low-scoring, hard-fought battle. The Rams ultimately prevailed with a narrow 15-14 victory. The game was decided by a single point and featured a controversial play that had a lasting impact on NFL rules. A safety was awarded to the Rams when Baugh's pass in his own end zone struck the goalpost. Because at that time, the goalposts were on the goal line, the play was ruled a safety. This odd play became a major talking point after the game and directly led to a rule change. Soon after the season, the NFL changed the rule, so a forward pass hitting the goalposts is ruled incomplete.

The 1945 NFL Championship Game, beyond the immediate result, symbolized the league's perseverance during a tumultuous period in American history. The fact that the league was able to complete the season and stage a championship game was a testament to the enduring appeal of football and its role in American culture. Even with diminished rosters and the backdrop of war, the game provided a sense of continuity and excitement.

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Against a backdrop of a nation in flux, the 1944 NFL season delivered electrifying gridiron action. Unyielding spirit and raw athleticism defined this era, captivating fans and etching an enduring chapter in football's legacy.

The Green Bay Packers and gridiron warriors like Angelo Bertelli and Frank Sinkwich headlined ProFootball:1944. Their tenacity mirrored the era's challenges, as skill and determination shaped unforgettable moments, proving that the game's heart pulsed strong.

This season's narrative, played out on fields across America, speaks of football's power to unite and inspire. The 1944 NFL season is a testament to the enduring allure of the sport, a time when legends were made and legacies were cemented.The 1944 NFL season, the league's 25th, was played against the backdrop of World War II, significantly impacting team rosters and the league's landscape.

-League Overview

The 1944 season featured ten teams, each playing a ten-game regular season, totaling 50 contests. Several franchise adjustments marked this year:

The Boston Yanks joined the NFL as an expansion team.

The struggling Brooklyn Dodgers rebranded as the Brooklyn Tigers for their final season before merging with Boston in 1945.

The Cleveland Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles resumed full operations.

The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their wartime merger this season with the Chicago Cardinals, becoming Card-Pitt. This combined team played some home games in Pittsburgh and others in Chicago.

The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia. The Boston Yanks selected quarterback Angelo Bertelli from the University of Notre Dame with the first pick.

-Rules Changes

Several rule changes were implemented for the 1944 season, including modifications to free substitution rules and allowing communication between players and coaches on the field under certain conditions. There were also several coaching and stadium changes across the league.

A notable and somewhat dubious distinction of the 1944 season was that it featured two winless teams: the Brooklyn Tigers and Card-Pitt, both finishing with a 0-10 record. This was the first time since 1926 that the NFL had two winless teams in a single season.

-Division Races and Standings

The season was contested over 13 weeks. The Brooklyn Tigers struggled, losing many games by close margins. Card-Pitt also faced difficulties, being eliminated from playoff contention by Week Seven.

In the Western Division, the Green Bay Packers dominated. The Packers won their first six games, securing a comfortable lead.

The Eastern Division race was more competitive. After nine weeks, Washington and Philadelphia were undefeated. However, Philadelphia defeated Washington in Week Ten. The New York Giants ultimately won the Eastern Division with an 8-1-1 record, earning the right to host the championship game.

-Green Bay Packers Championship

The Green Bay Packers, coached by Curly Lambeau, finished the regular season with an 8-2 record, winning the Western Division. Key players for the Packers included running back Ted Fritsch, end Don Hutson, and quarterback Irv Comp. Hutson led the NFL in receiving yards.

The Packers faced the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game on December 17, 1944, at the Polo Grounds in New York City. Despite the Giants having defeated the Packers 24-0 just weeks earlier, the Packers were favored.

The Green Bay Packers defeated the New York Giants 14-7 in the Championship Game. Ted Fritsch scored both touchdowns for the Packers in the second quarter. The Giants scored their only touchdown in the fourth quarter. This victory marked the Packers' sixth league title and their first since 1939.

-League Leaders

Here are the league leaders in key statistical categories for the 1944 NFL season:

-Passing Yards: Irv Comp, Green Bay (1159)

-Rushing Yards: Bill Paschal, New York (737)

-Receiving Yards: Don Hutson, Green Bay (866)

-Most Valuable Player: Frank Sinkwich, Halfback, Detroit

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Standing tall and resolute, Jerome "Brud" Holland wasn't just an All-American football player; he was the embodiment of Cornell Big Red spirit. From humble beginnings in upstate New York to shattering racial barriers on the gridiron, Holland carved his name into Cornell and college football history with unwavering determination and dazzling athleticism.
Born in 1916, Holland honed his athletic skills in high school, excelling in both football and basketball. He arrived at Cornell in 1935 ready to prove himself, but faced an immense hurdle: he was the first African American on the university's football team. Undeterred, Holland's talent shone through. His speed, agility, and powerful end-around plays made him a force to be reckoned with.

By his sophomore year, Holland was a starter, shattering stereotypes and leading the Big Red to their first Eastern Intercollegiate League Championship in 1936. His dominance grew, culminating in back-to-back All-American selections in 1937 and 1938. He became a feared opponent, earning the nickname "Bruiser of Ithaca" for his punishing tackles and bone-crunching blocks.

But Holland's impact extended beyond the field. He served as team captain, showcasing his leadership skills and uniting teammates across racial lines. He became a symbol of hope and inspiration for countless African American athletes, paving the way for future generations to break barriers in college sports.

After graduating in 1939, Holland enjoyed a brief professional career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He soon embarked on a distinguished career in education, administration, and diplomacy, further solidifying his legacy as a multifaceted icon.

Holland's influence on Cornell football remains palpable. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1965, and his jersey number, 39, was retired. Today, his statue stands proudly outside Schoellkopf Field, a constant reminder of his pioneering spirit and enduring legacy.

Jerome Brud Holland wasn't just a football player; he was a trailblazer, a leader, and a Cornell legend. His story is a testament to the power of talent, courage, and the audacious spirit of breaking barriers, both on and off the gridiron.

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Born February 17, 1936, in St Simons, Georgia, was the all-time great running back Jim Brown. Brown in 1956 had a season where his rushing yards per game read something like 197 yards, 162, 155, 154 & 151 yards! He ended up with 986 yards for the season ranking him third in the nation and giving him the nod for unanimous All-America status. But that wasn’t it for “First Down Brown’s” scoring, though as he also kicked for Syracuse. The Cleveland Browns wasted no time at all to make Jim their first-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft per the ProFootballHOF.com site. Brown played all nine of his years as a pro in Cleveland amassing 12312 yards rushing and 15459 total accumulated yards. The powerful back scored 756 points in those nine years in the NFL and played in a Pro Bowl every season in the League including being selected as the 1957 Rookie of the Year. Jim was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in three different seasons! The Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971’s ceremonies enshrined Jim Brown into their Canton, Ohio Museum of legends.

The Undefeated Plainfield Teacher's College Football Team is legendary, at least in the minds of some!

In a prank that fooled a nationally recognized newspaper, the New York Times captured the story of the undefeated football team from Plainfield Teacher's College. It sounds like a good story to tell.

The only problem was that Plainfield Teacher's College didn't exist. The calculated ruse held up for six weeks as Morris Newburger, the author of the piece under the alias of Jerry Croyden, created a fictional legendary QB without any weaknesses and paid close attention to each meticulous detail about the team, including detailing the "W" formation that helped the team preserve a perfect record.

The beauty to this prank was not only did it fool the New York Times, which published the stories every week, but it also fooled college football fans across the country as the prank went so far as to report that the Plainfield Comets would be challenging to compete in a bowl game as their winning streak continued.

May 23, 1967 - The Cincinnati Bengals franchise forms in the AFL. The team was founded by former Cleveland Browns head coach the legendary Paul Brown.

Coach Brown had been the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for nearly two decades prior, after successful stints as the coach at Ohio State, military teams, and Massillon High School. Coach Brown started then looking for a way to place a second football franchise in the state of Ohio, and the emergence of the AFL had given him and the rest of his group the vehicle to do so. Paul Brown was the head coach of this new franchise from it's inception all the way until 1975, when he was still owner of the team but retired from his coaching duties, when the Bengals were in the NFL.

The Bengals franchise has seen some highs and lows. The high points were probably their winning the AFC Championship game twice in the 1980's but lost to a powerful San Francisco 49ers squad twice in both Super Bowls XVI and XXIII. The Pro Football Hall of Fame declares that three former Bengal players, in addition to Coach Paul Brown, are enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Tackle Anthony Munoz, Ken Riley, along with transplanted wide receivers Charlie Joiner and Terrell Owens.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, John "Jac" Weller embodied the spirit of athletic excellence etched in the bedrock of American college football. He wasn't just a player; he was a force of nature, a man whose leadership and dominance on the gridiron earned him a place among the game's true legends. His legacy, however, extends far beyond the statistics and trophies, revealing a story of resilience, grit, and a dedication to excellence that transcended the playing field.

Weller's impact began at The Hun School, where his raw talent caught the eye of Princeton University coach Fritz Crisler. Crisler, a pioneer of innovative coaching techniques, recognized a different kind of athlete in Weller - a leader, a strategist, and above all, a player whose intelligence matched his physical prowess. Crisler made a bold statement, assigning Weller the coveted number 99, reserved for Princeton's best. And Weller lived up to it.

From 1933 to 1935, Weller became the cornerstone of a dominant Princeton team. He wasn't just a lineman; he was an enigma, playing both guard and tackle with a versatility that baffled opponents. His strength was immense, his technique flawless, and his leadership inspiring. His teammates dubbed him "The Rock," a testament to his unwavering presence on the field.

The numbers speak for themselves - 25 wins, a single defeat, and two national championships. But to truly understand Weller's impact, one must look beyond the stats. He was the anchor of a ferocious defense, shutting down running backs and quarterbacks alike. He was the mastermind behind intricate blocking schemes, creating space for Princeton's offense to flourish. He was the rallying point, the quiet, determined voice that urged his teammates to greatness.

His career wasn't without challenges. In 1934, at the peak of his dominance, Princeton suffered its only loss in two years to rival Yale. Weller later called it the “blackest day of my athletic career,” highlighting his unwavering commitment to victory and his fierce competitive spirit. But even in defeat, he led with grace and determination, ensuring his team’s rebound in the following season.

Beyond the gridiron, Weller's story continues. He became a successful businessman, a prolific author, and a devoted family man. But his love for football never waned. He remained a staunch supporter of Princeton, his spirit forever woven into the fabric of the program.

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NFL's Odd Couple! Relive the bizarre 1945 merger of the Boston Yanks and Brooklyn Tigers. Short on players due to WWII, these unlikely allies combined forces for one strange season. A quirky footnote in NFL history you won't believe!

Facing player shortages during World War II, the Boston Yanks and the Brooklyn Tigers, a team with its own tumultuous past as the Dodgers, surprisingly merged for the 1945 NFL season. This temporary union saw them simply called "the Yanks," playing a mixed schedule of home games in both Boston and New York. It was a desperate measure during extraordinary times.

This unusual alliance on April 10th, 1945, was a temporary fix. By 1946, the Brooklyn franchise's owner departed for the new All-America Football Conference, effectively dissolving their part of the merger. The Boston Yanks continued for a few more seasons before also folding, making this brief, wartime collaboration a truly unique and fleeting moment in NFL annals.