Football Daily

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Charles Follis, often referred to as "The Black Cyclone," etched his name into the annals of American football history as the first African American professional football player.

Born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1879, Follis' journey to football stardom began on the high school gridiron. His exceptional talent and leadership skills led him to captain his team, earning the respect of both his white teammates and coaches.  

Follis' football career took a significant turn in 1902 when he joined the Shelby Blues, a professional team in the Ohio League. His performance on the field was nothing short of extraordinary, and he quickly became a fan favorite. In 1904, he signed a contract with the Blues, making him the first Black man to have a professional football contract. His presence on the team challenged racial barriers and paved the way for future Black players in the sport.  

Despite his groundbreaking achievements, Follis' career was cut short due to injuries. His impact on the game, however, was undeniable. He not only demonstrated his exceptional athletic abilities but also challenged societal norms and prejudices. His legacy continues to inspire generations of football players and serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and fighting for equality.  

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Here is a Pigskin Dispatch video on the namesake of the Outland Trophy, John Outland.

Born in 1871, Outland's path to football glory was far from linear. He began humbly, captaining his college squad with an unmatched blend of power and finesse. Yet, his ambitions lay beyond the dusty plains of the Midwest. He yearned for the intellectual rigor of the East Coast, and it was at the University of Pennsylvania that Outland's star truly exploded.

Here, amidst the ivy-covered halls and gaslight-lit streets, he donned the crimson and blue of the Quakers. But unlike the refined gentlemen surrounding him, Outland remained a son of the earth. He played with a ferocity that belied his gentle nature, a quiet dominance that left opponents bewildered and teammates awestruck. His tackles were immovable pillars, his runs unstoppable forces of nature. He was a paradox, a poet with the physique of a bear, a scholar who spoke the language of broken bone and shattered defenses.

But Outland's impact stretched beyond the gridiron. He saw the underappreciated role of interior linemen, those unsung heroes who toiled in the trenches, their sacrifices often fading into the roar of the crowd. He fought for their recognition, championing their cause until it resonated across the nation.

On October 10, 2009, the #2 Texas Longhorns traveled to Boulder, Colorado, to face the unranked Colorado Buffaloes in a crucial Big 12 Conference matchup. Despite expectations, the game unfolded as a defensive struggle, showcasing the grit and determination of both teams.

Defensive Dominance:

The star of the show was undoubtedly defense. Both units held their opponents to under 20 points, creating a tense and low-scoring affair. Texas, led by the "Wrecking Crew" defense, managed to stifle Colorado's potent running attack, while Colorado's defense forced crucial turnovers from Texas quarterback Colt McCoy.

Late-Game Heroics:

With the score tied at 14 and time winding down, the Longhorns needed a spark. Quarterback Colt McCoy delivered, orchestrating a decisive drive that culminated in a 32-yard field goal by Hunter Lawrence with just 1:55 remaining on the clock. Colorado's final attempt at a comeback fell short, securing a hard-fought 17-14 victory for Texas.

Key Takeaways:

The 2009 Colorado-Texas game was a defensive battle, with both teams showcasing their strength on that side of the ball.
Texas' defense, led by the "Wrecking Crew," was instrumental in securing the victory.
Quarterback Colt McCoy orchestrated a late-game drive to lead Texas to victory.
The win kept Texas' Big 12 championship hopes alive.

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The Horween family has been a cornerstone in the world of football for generations. Ralph and Arnold Horween, brothers and entrepreneurs, took over a business founded by their father Isadore, the Horween Leather Company, in Chicago in 1920. Their dedication to crafting high-quality leather has led to their products becoming synonymous with the NFL.

Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology visits us in this episode to share the story of this family that has quite a story in gridiron history and the present day.

If you love the football talk on history and evolution, then you should check out the original article Tim wrote The Horween Brothers and the NFL.

You may also be interested in the podcast version of our conversation found at: The Horween Family.

The New England Patriots have a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the Patriots have retired certain jersey numbers, honoring those who have contributed significantly to the team's success. Let’s dive into the world of retired Patriots numbers and explore the traditions surrounding this esteemed recognition.

Here is a look at the jerseys that the franchise has taken out of circulation and the individuals honored:

-Jersey Number 12
Tom Brady 2000-2019

-Jersey Number 20
Gino Cappelletti 1960–1970

-Jersey Number 40
Mike Haynes 1976–1982

-Jersey Number 57
Steve Nelson 1974–1987

-Jersey Number 73
John Hannah 1973–1985

-Jersey Number 78
Bruce Armstrong 1987–2000

-Jersey Number 79
Jim Lee Hunt 1960–1970

-Jersey Number 89
Bob Dee 1960–1967

The Oorang Indians, a truly unique phenomenon in NFL history, existed for just two seasons (1922-23) in La Rue, Ohio. The NFL granted owner Walter Lingo a franchise on June 24, 1922, to promote his Airedale terrier kennels. The team, a rarity in its time, consisted entirely of Native American players, including the legendary Jim Thorpe as player-coach. Despite the star power, their overall record was poor, with only four wins in twenty League games .

The "Indians" moniker, considered insensitive today, reflected the era's stereotypes. Lingo prioritized publicity over location. La Rue, Ohio, is the smallest community ever to have sponsored a National Football League franchise, making them a traveling team as they have yet to play a single game in La Rue.

The Oorang Indians' novelty drew crowds, but their limited practice time posed a significant challenge. Victories were hard to come by. However, in a short time, they left an indelible mark. They were pioneers, introducing training camps with shared player-staff duties and showcasing the exceptional athleticism of Native American players on a national stage, inspiring future generations of players and teams.

The Minnesota Vikings boast a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the team has retired a select few jersey numbers, honoring those who have transcended the game. Let's take a deep dive into the Vikings' retired numbers and explore the legacies of the players who earned this ultimate accolade.

Here is a look at the jerseys that the franchise has taken out of circulation and the individuals honored:

-Jersey Number 10
Fran Tarkenton 1961–1966, 1972–1978

-Jersey Number 53
Mick Tingelhoff 1962–1978

-Jersey Number 70
Jim Marshall 1961–1979

-Jersey Number 77
Korey Stringer 1995–2000

-Jersey Number 80
Cris Carter 1990–2001

-Jersey Number 88
Alan Page 1967–1978

Born August 9, 1955 - Zachary, Louisiana - Doug Williams was a quarterback from Grambling State who is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Mr. Williams went on to play in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Bucaneers and the Washington Redskins.

He helped guide his Washington team to victory in Super Bowl XXII with 340 yards passing and 4 TD's against the Denver Broncos. The performance earned him the MVP award for the game. This SB win made Williams the very first African-American quarterback to win the big game. Williams was selected as the 17th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1978 NFL Draft. He played with the Buccaneers 1978 from to 1982, the USFL Oklahoma/Arizona Outlaws 1984 and 1985 and then most famously returned to the NFL with the Washington Redskins from 1986 to 1989 per Yahoo.com.

During his NFL career, Doug threw 1,240 completions for 16,998 yards and 100 touchdowns.

The Utah State Aggies football program has seen its fair share of helmet transformations over the years. While the core elements of Aggie blue and white have remained consistent, the specific designs have evolved with the times. Early helmets were simple, often featuring just a stripe or a basic logo. As the sport and design technology advanced, so too did the Aggies' headgear.

More recent years have seen a greater emphasis on bold and distinctive looks. The team has experimented with different shades of blue, various helmet stripes, and alternate logos. While tradition is important, the Aggies have shown a willingness to embrace modern design trends to create a helmet that is both visually appealing and representative of the program's identity.

Born September 29, 1923, in Orange, Texas, was legendary Pro Football Head Coach Oail Andrew "Bum" Phillips. Bum served as head coach in the National Football League (NFL) for the Houston Oilers from 1975 to 1980 and the New Orleans Saints from 1981 to 1985. Phillips served as the defensive assistant coach for the San Diego Chargers under Sid Gillman. Gillman later became head coach of the Houston Oilers, and he brought Phillips with him as his defensive coordinator.
Phillips took over as the head coach of the Oilers on January 25, 1975. Under Phillips, the Oilers reached the AFC Championship Game in two consecutive seasons, losing to the Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers 34–5 in 1978 and 27–13 in 1979.