Football History

Bill Morley, born on March 17, 1876, in Cimarron, New Mexico, carved a notable place in football history as a standout halfback for Columbia University. While detailed biographical information is scarce, his contributions to the field left a lasting impact.

-College Career

Bill Morley's collegiate career at Columbia University in the early 1900s showcased his exceptional talent as a halfback.

During evolving football tactics, he became a pivotal player for the Lions. Known for his speed, agility, and strategic play, Morley contributed significantly to Columbia's offensive efforts. Although specific game statistics from this era are limited, his reputation as a dynamic player is well-documented. He was a key part of the team during a time when Columbia was building its football program.  

-Football Legacy

Bill Morley's football legacy is primarily tied to his impactful performance at Columbia University. His contributions helped shape the early development of the school's football program. His ability to excel as a halfback during a time when the game was vastly different than today earned him recognition. Although he did not play professionally, his influence on Columbia football is remembered.

-Accolades, Awards ,and Career Stats

-Outstanding halfback for Columbia University.

-His play has been remembered as instrumental in the early years of Columbia Football.

Due to the era in which he played, detailed statistics and extensive accolades are not readily available. However, his reputation as a skilled and influential halfback at Columbia University remains a part of the school's football history. The early days of football have limited records however his contribution to the Columbia Lions is noted.

Born January 5, 1926, was one of the most impactful football players you might have ever heard of, Buddy Young.

The "Bronze Bullet" had exceptional quickness and acceleration. However, many pro teams overlooked him as he is one of the shortest men ever to play in the NFL. The collegeiate track star was drafted by an NFL rival in the 1947 AAFC Draft in the Special Draft by the New York Yankees.

At Illinois, Young won the National Collegiate 100- and 220-yard dash races and became the champion of those events. In the AAFC and NFL, he thrived, becoming a Pro Bowl player and Kick-off return leader.

Claude "Buddy" Young wasn't a giant in stature, but on the gridiron of the University of Illinois, he stood tall as a legend. His college football career, spanning 1942-1946, was a masterclass in speed, athleticism, and an indomitable spirit, etching his name forever in Illini history.

-Recruited from Chicago, Young's diminutive size (5'5", 163 lbs) raised eyebrows, but his talent silenced doubts.

-In his debut, he ripped off a 64-yard touchdown on the first play and another from 30 yards, showcasing his explosive speed.

-Young's talent exploded in 1944, earning him All-America honors. He tied the school record with 13 touchdowns and averaged nearly 9 yards per carry, leaving defenders in his dust.

-Young wasn't just a highlight machine; he was a natural leader, taking the helm as quarterback in 1945.

-He guided the Illini to a Big Ten Championship in 1946, cementing his legacy as one of the program's greatest leaders.

-Young's impact transcended wins and losses. His electrifying playing style drew record crowds and rekindled Illinois' passion for football.

Born February 26, 1914, in Cleveland, Ohio, he was the stud center from 1933 through 1935 for the Ohio State Buckeyes Gomer Jones.

Gomer Jone's legacy at Ohio State University extends far beyond the gridiron, encompassing coaching triumphs and dedication to the sport that left an indelible mark.

From 1933 to 1935, Jones anchored the Buckeyes' offensive line as a center, leading them to a dominant 7-1 record each season. His leadership and talent earned him captaincy and All-America honors in his senior year. But Jones' impact wasn't limited to individual accolades. He was part of a winning culture, contributing to Ohio State's early gridiron success.

His passion for the game led him beyond the playing field. He transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant at Ohio State and John Carroll University before a 17-year stint as the line coach at the University of Oklahoma. During this time, he developed 16 All-American linemen, molding future stars and shaping the Sooners' defensive prowess.

Jones reached the pinnacle of coaching in 1964, becoming Oklahoma's head coach for two seasons. While his win-loss record might not reflect it, his leadership and dedication continued to inspire. He remained the athletic director at Oklahoma until his passing in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of service and commitment to the university.

Gomer Jones embodies the spirit of an Ohio State legend.

Clarence Swanson, born in Wakefield, Nebraska, on March 15, 1898, left an indelible mark on the landscape of college football. His dedication and skill on the gridiron earned him lasting recognition.  

-College Career:

Swanson's college career flourished at the University of Nebraska from 1918 to 1921. He distinguished himself as a formidable lineman, contributing significantly to the Cornhuskers' football program. His talent and determination were key factors in the team's successes during that era.  

-Football Legacy:

Clarence Swanson's legacy is firmly rooted in his exceptional contributions to the University of Nebraska's football history. He was known for his toughness and reliability on the line. He was part of the early formation of the very strong Nebraska Cornhusker football history. His play was a key part of setting the ground work for the future success of the Cornhuskers. His inclusion in the College Football Hall of Fame is a testament to the enduring impact of his contributions.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973.  

-Distinguished lineman for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1918-1921.  

-played in a time of early college football, contributing to establishing that sport's future.

Swanson's recognition in the College Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the legends of the sport. His contributions to the University of Nebraska's football program have left a lasting impression, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Cornhusker athletes.

University of Michigan center from 1904 to 1908, Germany Schulz was born April 19, 1883, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Schulz, who stood 6’-4' tall and weighed in at 245 pounds, unfortunately had to miss the 1906 season as he had dropped out of school for financial reasons. However, his passion for his education and football drove Germany to work hard in a Fort Wayne steel mill to raise funds to pay for his final two years of tuition at the University. This drive to succeed was seen on the gridiron as well. He is credited with two innovations in his position.  Schulz invented the spiral snap; the long snappers always sent the ball end-over-end to the awaiting backs, who had to pay attention to the oncoming ball to field it cleanly, thus taking an extra moment off their reaction time to start their momentum.  

His other major contribution was that centers always played along the line on defense before Schulz. Still, the innovative Germany dropped back to become a roving center, therefore creating football's first linebacker! The colorful newspaper journalist Grantland Rice painted a great picture of Germany Schulz when he proclaimed in 1928: "Schulz stands as the fastest giant who ever played football, a human bulwark fast enough to tackle at either end, as he brought down his man after the manner of a hawk snaring a quail."

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Germany Schulz in their legendary museum in 1951. After Schulz played his last collegiate down, he served as assistant coach at Michigan, Wisconsin, Tulane, and Kansas State and, in 1923, as head coach for one season at Detroit University.

Born April 2, 1871, in Clifton, New Jersey, Marshall Newell established a remarkable football legacy despite his modest stature. His college career at Harvard University from 1890 to 1893 saw him become a dominant force as a tackle.

Newell earned the endearing nickname "Ma" from his teammates due to his compassionate nature and willingness to mentor younger players. However, on the field, he transformed into a fierce competitor renowned for his exceptional leg strength, relentless drive, and an iron grip that few runners could escape.  

Newell's football legacy is cemented by his unprecedented achievement of being selected as an All-American for four consecutive years. This remarkable consistency speaks volumes about his skill and impact on the game. Despite standing only 5'7" and weighing 168 pounds, his unwavering passion and physical prowess allowed him to consistently outperform larger opponents. His selection into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957 by the National Football Foundation stands as a testament to his enduring contributions to the sport.

While specific career statistics are less readily available from that era, his four-time All-American status remains a significant accolade, highlighting his position as one of the premier players of his time. Newell's story exemplifies how determination and skill can overcome perceived physical limitations, leaving an indelible mark on college football history. He did not play on any professional teams as the professional game was in its infancy during his playing years.

Murray Shelton was born on April 20, 1893, in Dunkirk, New York, and became a celebrated figure in early American football.

-College Career

Shelton's prowess on the gridiron shone brightly during his time at Cornell University from 1913 to 1915. He played as an end and was known for his speed, tackling ability, and knack for making crucial plays. Notably, he teamed up with quarterback Charles Barrett to form a potent passing combination. In 1915, Shelton played a key role in Cornell's undefeated 9-0 season, which was capped by a 10-0 victory over Harvard.

-Football Legacy

Shelton's football legacy is defined by his exceptional skill and achievements during his college career. His contributions to Cornell's success in the 1910s, particularly the undefeated 1915 season, solidified his place among the era's football greats. He was a two-way player, excelling both as a blocker on offense and a tackler on defense. Shelton's impact on Cornell football remains celebrated, with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. After college, in the early 1920s, Shelton played professional football for the Buffalo All-Americans.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1973)

-Walter Camp All-American selection (1915)

Shelton's career stats primarily reflect his contributions at Cornell, where he was a standout end.

Art Howe, born on March 3, 1915, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, was a versatile athlete who excelled in football, leaving a lasting impact on the sport, particularly at the collegiate level.

-College Career

-Art Howe's college football career reached its heights at Yale University.  

-He was a standout quarterback and a key player for Yale's football team in the early 1900s.  

-Notably, he was the sophomore quarterback on a 1909 Yale team with a perfect 10-0 record, showcasing his role in a dominant football team.  
That team outscored their opponents 209-0.  

-He also had notable plays in the 1910 and 1911 seasons.

-He made a major impact on the early formation of Yale Football.

-Football Legacy

-Art Howe's legacy is firmly established within the history of Yale University football, and the early years of the collage football game.  

-He was a pivotal player during a period of Yale's football dominance, contributing to the team's successes.  

-His placement into the College Football Hall Of Fame, cements his Legacy.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1973).

-His most impressive stat, is that of his 1909 season with Yale, and the teams astounding record.  

-His play in key Yale v Princeton games is also noteworthy.

Ellery Huntington Jr., born March 11, 1893, in Nashville, Tennessee, carved a unique niche in early American football. Huntington's college career at Colgate University showcased his versatility and athleticism.

He played quarterback, and was a prominent player on the Colgate team during his years there. Ellery earned the status of being a Consensus All-American at the quarterback position in 1913.

While his professional career wasn't extensive in the modern sense, football was taking its earliest shape in that era. There is research that shows he did play some pro football. Information regarding pro teams is fairly limited due to the era he played in.

Huntington's football legacy extends beyond his playing days. He contributed to the sport's formative years, helping to lay the groundwork for its future. His presence on the field during a time of significant change within the sport is noted.

Unfortunately, detailed career statistics for Huntington are sparse. Official, meticulously kept records from that era are often incomplete. However, it is recorded that he was a very well-respected football player from Colgate. His football legacy is more tied to his participation in the building blocks of early American football. Information available shows that he also had a later career coaching football. Due to this, he helped shape future football players and help increase the legacy of the sport.  

Jay Berwanger carved a unique path in football history, becoming the first recipient of the Heisman Trophy and a symbol of the sport's early rise in popularity. Here's a look at his career:

-College Domination: Berwanger starred as a halfback for the University of Chicago's "Maroons" in the 1930s. He earned All-America honors twice and was known as a "one-man team" due to his versatility, excelling in passing, running, punting, and even calling plays.

-The Birth of the Heisman: In 1935, Berwanger received the first Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, later renamed the Heisman Trophy. This award, initially given to the "most valuable player east of the Mississippi," recognized his exceptional college performance.

-NFL Draft Pioneer: In 1936, the fledgling National Football League held its first-ever draft, and Berwanger became the very first player selected. However, a salary dispute led him to decline the offer and pursue a career in the Olympics (though he didn't make the track team).

-Legacy: Despite not playing professionally, Berwanger's Heisman win and status as the first draft pick solidified his place in football history. He later became a successful businessman and a referee.