Football History

Born May 7, 1881, in Alpena, Michigan, was the big tackle from the Army teams of 1899 to 1902, Paul Bunker.  The National Football Foundation lends the thought that when you are receiving high praise from an opponent you know you truly have a great player. Navy's star back of the 1900 era, Ralph Strassburger, who also  played defense. Approached Bunker several years after when the two met up on the gridiron, this time it was in the Philippines. "Bunker," Strassburger said, "I hate you. Let's have a drink."

As you can see back in 1902 Bunker had ended his playing career with that season's Army-Navy game, running wild against the Middies and leading the Cadets to a 22-8 victory. He had scored two touchdowns on offense and had spent much of the afternoon punishing Navy's star back which was Strassburger. Walter Camp described Bunker as a battering ram who outclassed all other backs and was a first class defensive tackle. Bunker is one of just a handful of athletes to win All-America mention at two different positions. He won All-America honors as a tackle in 1901 and in 1902 at both halfback and tackle. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Paul Bunker into their legendary museum in 1969.    Bunker continued to be a hero off the field as he died for his country in 1943 as a Prisoner of War.

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.

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Born May 4, 1938, Hampton, Arkansas, was Wayne Harris who played center for Arkansas from 1958 to 1960. The NFF states that Wayne was  an excellent blocker on offense and a fierce tackler on defense keeping his on the field most of the game as a two-way player. A First Team All-America selection, Harris set an Arkansas single-season record for tackles with 174 in 1960.

A two-time First Team All-Conference selection, he was named Southwest Conference Player of the Year in 1960.  Harris was nicknamed "Thumper" for his hard hits, and the Arkansas coaches now honor the best defensive player with the Thumper Award. A true scholar-athlete, Harris was named First Team Academic All-America in 1959 and twice earned First Team Academic All-Conference honors.

Wayne Harris was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 after the National Football Foundation tabulated their votes. He was further honored in 1976 when the Canadian Football Hall of Fame inducted him for his play with the Calgary Stampeders.

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Gear up, football fans, for a history lesson with an international twist! This video tackles a unique aspect of the Pro Football Hall of Fame: enshrinees who weren't born in the United States.

Prepare to be surprised as we explore the careers of these legendary players who brought their international flair and talent to American football. We'll answer trivia questions, delve into their impact on the game, and celebrate their contributions that transcended national borders.

-Get ready to learn about:

-Hidden Gems: Discover the stories of foreign-born players who left their mark on the NFL, proving that football talent can be found anywhere.

-Global Ambassadors: Witness how these players helped bridge the gap between American football and international audiences.

-NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame players born outside the U.S.:

-Bronko Nagurski - Canada

-Morten Andersen - Denmark

-Jan Stenerud - Norway

-Ted Hendricks - Guatemala

-Ernie Stautner - Germany

-Leo Nomellini - Italy

-Arnie Weinmeister - Canada

-Tom Fears - Mexico


-NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame players born outside the U.S.:

The NFL also has some players born abroad who have played recently but are not yet in Canton, and some of these may surprise you.

-Ezekiel Ansah

-Chase Claypool

-Nelson Agholor

-Mitch Wishnowsky

-Cairo Santos

-Jordan Mailata

-Younghoe Koo

-Efe Obada

Born February 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, was the cornerback with World Speed from Purdue Rod Woodson.

Per his bio on the FootballFoundation.org website Rod was the 1986 runner-up for the Jim Thorpe Award and left Purdue holding 13 individual school records. He left Purdue as the career leader in solo tackles, interceptions, interception return yardage, interceptions returned for touchdowns, kickoff returns and kickoff return yardage, and he still ranks in the top five in nearly every category. Rod Woodson was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Woodson was the tenth overall player taken in the 1987 NFL Draft picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

All he did was produce great stats for the majority of his career. In 1993 he was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was a six time All-Pro during his 17 year career. Rod picked off 71 career passes and held the NFL record for interception return yards at 1473 when he retired. Besides the Steelers , Woodson played with the 49ers, the Ravens and the Raiders. Rod Woodson was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009. For more on this legend, check out these awesome posts below:

Born May 18, 1983, in Houston, Texas, was Vince Young who was the University of Texas Longhorn’s dual threat quarterback from 2003 to 2005.

The FootballFoundation.org website recognizes that Young turned in one of the greatest individual seasons in college football history in 2005 while memorably leading Texas to a national championship. The Texas signal caller was a consensus First Team All-American in 2005, Young was the runner-up for the Heisman Trophy while claiming the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell awards. That season he also claimed the unanimous Big 12 Player of the Year and First Team All-Big 12 selection led the Longhorns to a conference title and a perfect 13-0 season after winning the BCS National Championship Game against USC in the 2006 Rose Bowl. The GrandDaddy of them all game has gone down in the annals as one of the greatest games in college football history.

In the Rose Bowl, Young earned MVP honors after completing 30-of-40 passes for 267 yards, rushing for 200 yards (a Rose Bowl record among quarterbacks) and delivering the game-winning eight-yard touchdown run on fourth down with 19 seconds remaining. But that game did not define Young’s collegiate career as he posted a 30-2 record as a starter for College Football Hall of Fame coach Mack Brown.

Vinces’s 93.8 winning percentage was the sixth best in FBS history at the time. The 6ft-5” 233 pound QB owns multiple Longhorn records, including 1079 single-season and 3127 career rushing yards by a quarterback and 37 career rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. With 6,040 passing yards and 3,127 rushing yards in his career (both marks rank sixth in Texas history), Young became just the fourth player in FBS history to pass for 6,000 yards and rush for 3,000 yards in a career.

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Vince Young into their legendary museum in 2019. The Tennessee Titans selected Young with the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, and he played six seasons in the league with the Titans and Philadelphia Eagles. The 2006 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year was selected to two Pro Bowls, becoming the first rookie quarterback to play in the game.

A young NFL scout named Bill Nunn revolutionized pro football talent scouting by exploring options in the historically black colleges and universities to bring talented players, the Steelers, such as John Stallworth, Donnie Shell, and others, to the team to help build a 1970s dynasty. Learn how they built the 1970s Steeler dynasty.

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Bennie Oosterbaan's name is synonymous with excellence at the University of Michigan. Not only was he a legendary player, but he also went on to coach the Wolverines to glory. To understand Oosterbaan's impact, we must explore both facets of his football career.

On the field, Oosterbaan was a force to be reckoned with. Ultimately, he led the Big Ten in scoring in 1925, showcasing his offensive prowess. He earned three All-American selections and established himself as a critical contributor to Michigan's success, playing alongside another legend, quarterback Benny Friedman. Oosterbaan's athleticism was wider than football. He was a three-time letterman in basketball, leading the Big Ten in scoring in 1928, and a talented baseball player, leading the conference in batting average the same year. This versatility solidified his reputation as one of the most gifted athletes in college sports history.

After graduation, Oosterbaan chose to stay at Michigan, not as a player, but as a coach. He began his journey as an assistant, learning the ropes under the legendary Fritz Crisler. Oosterbaan's dedication and strategic mind were evident. In 1948, he was tasked with succeeding Crisler, who had just led Michigan to an undefeated season and a national championship.

Oosterbaan's debut as head coach was nothing short of spectacular. He led the 1948 team, known as the "Goofus Galore" squad, to another undefeated season and a national championship. He became the only coach in NCAA history to achieve this feat in his first year. He built a successful coaching career, winning three Big Ten titles and finishing in the top 20 in the polls most years.

However, Oosterbaan was known for more than wins and losses. He emphasized discipline, sportsmanship, and character development in his players. His quiet leadership style, emphasizing "poise" over yelling and screaming, earned him the respect and loyalty of his teams. He believed in his players and empowered them to excel on and off the field.

Bennie Oosterbaan's legacy extends far beyond wins and championships. He is a symbol of dedication, athletic prowess, and exceptional leadership. He was a role model for generations of players and coaches, proving that success can be achieved through hard work, humility, and a genuine love for the game. His name will forever be etched in the annals of Michigan football history as a true legend.

Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith, a name synonymous with power and dominance, carved his legacy in professional football, college athletics, and beyond. This essay explores his journey, from his stellar college career to his professional impact and lasting contributions.

College Career Dominating the College Ranks (1964-1966):

Bubba Smith's rise to football stardom began at Michigan State University. Standing tall at 6'6" and weighing 265 pounds, he possessed a rare combination of size, strength, and athleticism. He quickly established himself as a defensive force, earning All-American honors twice (1965 and 1966). His performance in the 1966 "Game of the Century" against Notre Dame, a 10-10 tie, remains etched in college football lore. Smith's exceptional play helped his team and solidified his reputation as a generational talent.

Road to the Pro Game A Forceful Presence in the NFL (1967-1976):

The Baltimore Colts selected Smith with the first overall pick in the 1967 NFL Draft, solidifying his status as a sought-after prospect. He quickly made his mark, earning Pro Bowl selections in 1970 and 1971. Despite playing through a challenging era for the Colts, Smith showcased his defensive prowess, contributing to two AFC Championship games.

Seeking New Challenges (1973-1976):

In 1973, Smith looked for greener pastures, joining the Oakland Raiders. While his time there was marked by injuries, he remained a dominant force, contributing to the Raiders' Super Bowl VIII appearance in 1974. His final two seasons were spent with the Houston Oilers, where he continued to be a formidable presence on the field.

Football Legacy Beyond the Gridiron:

Bubba Smith's impact extended far beyond the football field. He transitioned into a successful acting career, notably appearing in the "Police Academy" film series. He was also a vocal advocate for social justice and actively participated in charitable endeavors. His tragic death in 2011 left a void in the sports and entertainment world.

Legacy: A Titan Remembered:

Bubba Smith's legacy is multifaceted. He remains one of the most recognizable figures in Michigan State football history, his jersey number (95) being one of only six retired by the program. Despite playing in an era with fewer individual statistics, his dominance in the NFL is undeniable. Furthermore, his ventures into acting and his commitment to social justice showcase his diverse talents and positive influence.

Bubba Smith will be remembered for his physical prowess on the gridiron and his charisma, dedication, and positive contributions beyond the game. He serves as a reminder of the potential athletes have to inspire and leave a lasting impact on their chosen path and communities.

The famous Princeton Tigers two-way end was good enough to be inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame. He had five football-playing brothers, and was the nephew of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous writer.

Art Poe, a name synonymous with early football brilliance, carved a remarkable path on the gridiron. Hailing from a family of football stars, Poe's athletic prowess was evident from the start. His collegiate career at Princeton University was nothing short of spectacular. A dynamic player, he was recognized as a Walter Camp All-American in both 1898 and 1899, a testament to his exceptional skills.

Poe's impact extended beyond the college field. He was a pivotal figure in the nascent professional football scene. As a member of the Homestead Library & Athletic Club, he clinched consecutive mythical professional football championships in 1900 and 1901. His journey continued with the Pittsburgh Stars in the inaugural National Football League, where he contributed to their championship victory in 1902.

Known for his speed, agility, and strategic play, Poe's contributions to the game were immense. His legacy is etched in the annals of football history, making him a true pioneer of the sport.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Poe's story is one of courage and resilience. His untimely passing at a relatively young age cast a shadow over his brilliant career. However, his impact on football remains enduring, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

College Football Hall of Fame halfback of the Kansas Jayhawks. He was also a member of the 1932 US Olympic Decathlon team.

Jim Bausch was a remarkable athlete whose talents extended far beyond the football field. Originally hailing from Kansas, he showcased his athletic prowess at both Wichita State and the University of Kansas. On the gridiron, Bausch was a standout halfback, earning All-American honors and leading Kansas to their first Big Six championship in 1930. His explosive speed and versatility made him a formidable opponent.

However, Bausch's athletic legacy is most closely tied to track and field. In 1932, he stunned the world by capturing the gold medal in the decathlon at the Los Angeles Olympics. His remarkable performance on the second day of competition, where he excelled in events like the discus, javelin, and pole vault, cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes of his era.

Bausch’s football career was relatively brief. He played professionally for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cardinals but didn’t achieve the same level of success as his collegiate or Olympic endeavors. Despite his short-lived professional football career, his impact on the sports world remains undeniable. His extraordinary athleticism and versatility serve as an inspiration to athletes of all generations.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Bausch’s life was marked by personal challenges. He faced health issues and adversity, but his determination to overcome obstacles is a testament to his character.