Football History

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The story of Jack Butler and his rise to stardom for the Pittsburgh Steelers. A sample of the early Pittsburgh Steelers history.

Jack Butler, a name synonymous with the Pittsburgh Steelers, etched his mark in the annals of NFL history. Drafted by the Steelers in 1952, Butler's career was a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. As a cornerback, his ability to intercept passes and disrupt opposing offenses was unparalleled.

Butler's tenure with the Steelers was marked by consistent excellence. His knack for reading quarterbacks' intentions and his lightning-fast reflexes made him a nightmare for opposing wide receivers. His interceptions and forced fumbles were instrumental in securing victories for the Steelers.

Beyond his on-field prowess, Butler's contributions to the NFL extended far beyond his playing days. His post-career involvement in scouting and player evaluation played a crucial role in shaping the league's talent pipeline.

His insights and expertise were invaluable to teams across the NFL.  

In recognition of his outstanding career, Jack Butler was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. His legacy as a Steelers legend and a pillar of the NFL will continue to inspire generations of football fans and players.

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If you look back at successful football programs from a century ago you can always find those players that personified the school and the era. For the Golden Gophers it may be the legendary Ed Rogers that fits this mold.

Minnesota football Legend Ed Rogers. Born April 14, 1876, in Libby, Minnesota, was the standout end of Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1896 to 1898 and with Minnesota from 1900 to 1903, Eddie Rogers.

Eddie was raised as a free spirit as his mother was a native American from the Chippewa tribe and his father was a lumber jack in the wilds of the pioneer frontier according to his bio on the NFF’s website. This rearing set his athleticism and ability to quickly react to almost any situation for his later life including his time on the gridiron. Rogers time with the Redman teams of Carlisle helped take the Institution’s football program to national prominence almost a full decade before Jim Thorpe attended the school and a year or two before Pop Warner started his coaching tenure there as well. As a member of the Golden Gophers in 1903 Eddie’s Minnesota team had a 11-0-1 record. In 1904 Rogers was head coach at Carlisle, and had a 9-2 record. The following year he returned to Minneapolis and began practicing law. He practiced law 62 years, 1905- 66, retiring at the age of 90. Eddie Rogers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

Claude Henry K. "Buddy" Young wasn't just a football player; he was a living, breathing, touchdown-scoring metaphor for defying expectations. Standing at just 5'4" and 163 pounds, he was the NFL's shortest running back ever, an underdog who rewrote the rulebook with every electrifying run.

Born in Chicago in 1926, Young was a natural athlete, excelling in both baseball and track. His size, however, made football seem like a distant dream. But that dream shimmered closer when Young's speed on the track, where he even tied the world record for the 60-yard dash, caught the eye of the University of Illinois.

In Champaign, Young transformed from track star to gridiron marvel. Nicknamed the "Bronze Bullet" for his explosive bursts of speed, he averaged nearly 9 yards per carry as a freshman, a record that stood for decades. He led the Illini to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl victory in 1946, proving that size didn't define greatness.

After a stint in the Navy, Young embarked on a professional career that defied all odds. Despite being drafted in the Special Draft to avoid competition with taller players, he carved out a nine-year NFL career with the New York Yankees, Dallas Texans, and Baltimore Colts.

Young wasn't just a novelty; he was a weapon. He averaged over 4.5 yards per carry, rushed for over 40 touchdowns, and even returned a kickoff for 104 yards, an NFL record at the time. He could dance through tackles, leave defenders grasping at air, and disappear into the end zone in a blink.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Young was a trailblazer. He was the first African-American athlete on the Baltimore Colts roster, paving the way for future generations of players. His talent and grace challenged stereotypes and shattered prejudices, proving that greatness comes in all packages.

After his playing days ended, Young continued to serve the NFL as a player relations executive, sharing his wisdom and experience with a new generation of athletes. He passed away tragically in a car accident in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and an undying love for the game.

Chuck Taylor wasn't just a name on a shoe, he was a football force who left his mark on both sides of the game. This Stanford alumnus wore many hats throughout his career, shining as a player, coach, and athletic director.

Taylor's journey began on the gridiron at Stanford in the 1940s. Playing as a fullback, he displayed impressive versatility, showcasing both power and athleticism. He even participated in the iconic 1941 Rose Bowl victory against Nebraska, solidifying his place in Stanford football history.

But Taylor's true calling lay in coaching. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to Stanford as a freshman coach and quickly climbed the ranks. In 1951, at the young age of 31, he became the head coach, making him the youngest person to ever hold that title at the time.

His coaching tenure was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Taylor led the 1952 Stanford team to the Rose Bowl, earning him the coveted AFCA Coach of the Year award. He instilled a culture of discipline and toughness, building a formidable program.

However, injuries and internal conflicts hampered his later years as head coach. He stepped down in 1957 and transitioned to administrative roles, eventually becoming the university's athletic director from 1963 to 1971.

Herbert Sturhahn, a pivotal figure in early American football, carved out a remarkable career marked by innovation and leadership. Born in the late July 29,1902, Sturhahn emerged as a standout player during football's formative years. Known for his strategic prowess and athletic versatility, he played a crucial role in shaping the game's development in the early 1900s. On the field his teammates and opponents knew him as Cobbles.

Sturhahn's career unfolded primarily in collegiate football, where he distinguished himself as a standout player at Yale University. In his last game for the Bulldogs, against their fiercest rival Harvard, Sturhahn recovered a blocked punt for a Yale touchdown, which led in a 12–7 victory for the Eli.

His all round athleticism showed up in other sports such as track and field as well. Cobble's accolades include twice being selected as a First-team All-American (1925, 1926)and First-team All-Eastern (1925)

In summary, Herbert Sturhahn's football career exemplifies the transformative period of American football's early years. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the sport's strategic evolution and his lasting impact on the collegiate and coaching communities.

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Born May 7, 1896, in Hamilton, New York, was Belford West the great Colgate University tackle of 1914 to 1916 & 1919. The National Football Foundation lists that Belford led a  dominant defence which elevated Colgate as one of the most feared teams of his era. In the 30 games West played for Colgate, 19 were shutout victories. He missed only one play in three varsity seasons at Colgate. West was known as a model tackle in build and execution, blessed with quickness of foot and a devastating charge.

An instinctive player, Belford had exceptional range for his size and was said to pride himself in being at the right place at the right time. He was also a fine kicker and set a record with a 52-yard field goal against arch rival Syracuse in a 1919 game.

West frequently elected to pass from his punt formation and, it is noted, he rarely threw incomplete. He could pass the ball 70 yards in the air. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Belford West into their legendary museum in 1954.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

Born May 4, 1910, in Milton, Massachusetts, was Barry Wood the Harvard University quarterback from 1929 to 1931. The FootballFoundation.org tells us that he was quite the tremendous athlete as Dr. Barry Wood earned ten varsity letters at Harvard, lettering in football, hockey, baseball and tennis.

However, it was football where he really excelled,  as evidenced by his selection to Grantland Rice's first team All-America in 1931. As a sophomore in 1929 he threw a 40-yard touchdown pass and drop-kicked two extra points in a 20-20 tie with Army. He drop-kicked a field goal and extra point in a 10-6 victory over Yale. In 1930, Harvard beat Yale 13-0; Wood led the way by completing six of nine passes. In 1931, he led two touchdown drives as Harvard beat Army 14-13. The National Football Foundation selected Barry Wood for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

Born May 14, 1907, in Salem, Ohio, was Carnegie Mellon’s quarterback from 1926 through the 1928 season, Howard Harpster. The National Football Foundation in their bio on this great player shares about what a brilliant on field tactician he was.

Carnegie Tech, as it was called back then, had q QB in Harpster that was such a good strategist that he could pull off the unexpected in the heat of the moment. The trait brought him acclaim as one of the great Eastern quarterbacks of the late 1920's. He was one of the first to challenge enemy defenses by passing from his own end zone, making it a successful maneuver. During a 1928 game against Notre Dame, Howard called for a quarterback sneak on a third-down-and-15 play, turning the surprise call into a 35-yard gain. His game-situation reactions prompted many to say he had the mind of a coach.

The 1928 season was a great one for Howard as he earned All-American honors leading Carnegie Tech to a 7-1 record with barely an interception. He was a great defender too as proven by in his three seasons, Tech's goal was crossed only three times, once on a fumble recovered by Notre Dame in the end zone. Howard did all of his team's kicking and punting and was noted for consistently booting within the 60 to 65 yard range. Howard Harpster received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. After graduation in 1933, at the youthful age of 25, Harpster became Carnegie Tech's head coach. He had four seasons at the helm, against a major-college schedule and his squad took home a 12-20-3 record. There were some big victories posted there though as they got the “W’s” against competition by the likes of Notre Dame, Temple, and Purdue and tied Pitt and Michigan State.

Born May 16, 1943, in Borger, Texas, was Donny Anderson who was the 1963 to 1965 starting halfback of Texas Tech. Donny’s NFF bio lists that he was known as "The Golden Palomino" as a two-time All-America halfback in 1964 and 1965.

He had some splash plays almost from the get-go, for as a sophomore at Tech, he intercepted a pass and ran 43 yards against Washington State. As a junior, his stat-line included a 90-yard run from scrimmage against Texas Christian and a 68-yard punt against Southern Methodist. The more he played, the better he got. In his Senior season, Donny was off the charts.

That 1965 season, Anderson ran a kickoff back 100 yards against Oklahoma State, caught ten passes against Arkansas, and scored 17 touchdowns in the season. The Sporting News named him co-winner (with Jim Grabowski of Illinois) of its Player of the Year Award. His 5111 yards on all-purpose running was a Texas Tech record. This includes his career yardage by rushing, receiving, kick returns, and interception returns. The National Football Foundation selected Donny Anderson for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Donny enjoyed nine seasons at the professional level as a player too. The Pro Football Reference website shares that he spent 6 seasons as a Green Bay Packer winning two Super Bowls and two NFL Championships and three more years as a St Louis Cardinal. During his NFL stint he tallied almost 4700 yards with a 3.9 yards per carry average.

Born May 2, 1955, in Mineral Wells, Texas, was Richard Ritchie the Texas A&I Quarterback from 1973 to 1976. After 9 games Texas A&I had a 1-8 record going into the last game of the 1973 season.

A freshman, Richard Ritchie, moved up the depth chart to get the nod as the starting quarterback position according to the NFF's Bio on Ritchie. The Javelinas won that game and that propelled Ritchie to continue as the A&I signal caller quarterback for the next three full seasons. Texas A&I, now known as Texas A&M-Kingsville, in those seasons with Ritchie under center sported records of 13-0, 12-0, 13-0 enroute to winning NAIA Division I championships those three years. He passed for 40 touchdowns and rushed for 19. For his collegiate career Ritchie passed a total of 5,131 yards and he rushed for 1492. He also kicked 137 extra points and nine field goals. The National Football Foundation selected Richard Ritchie for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1998. Richard served as assistant football coach at Texas 1977-79, North Texas 1980, and Texas Tech 1981-84.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.