Football History

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.

Born March 26, 1899, in Lansing, Michigan, Harry Kipke carved a significant place in college football history, though his professional playing career was limited.  

Kipke helped make great players, Heisman winners, players into Presidents, and said one of the most popular statements in football.

College Career:

Kipke was a standout three-sport athlete at the University of Michigan, earning nine letters in football, basketball, and baseball. Kipke excelled as a halfback and punter for the Wolverines under the legendary Fielding H. Yost. He was named an All-American in 1922 and is celebrated as one of Michigan's greatest punters, whose strategic kicks often pinned opponents deep. Kipke captained the undefeated 1923 Michigan team that claimed a national championship. His prowess contributed to a remarkable 19–1–2 record for the Wolverines from 1921 to 1923.  

Football Legacy:

Kipke's enduring football legacy stems primarily from his successful coaching tenure at the University of Michigan. Taking over in 1929, he quickly transformed the program, leading the Wolverines to four consecutive Big Ten Conference championships and two national titles in 1932 and 1933. His 1932 and 1933 championship squads were undefeated and featured several All-Americans. Kipke, alongside Yost and Bo Schembechler, remains one of only three Michigan coaches to achieve four straight conference crowns. He is credited with popularizing the phrase, "A great defense is a great offense." Notably, Kipke also played a crucial role in assisting a young Gerald Ford attend Michigan. Despite a downturn in the latter part of his Michigan coaching career, Kipke's earlier success cemented his place in the program's history.  

The 1932 and 1933 national championship teams did not lose any games, and featured All-Americans Harry Newman, Charles T. Bernard, Ted Petoskey, and Francis Wistert.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-All-American (Player): 1922

-National Champion (Player): 1923 (Captain)

-Four-time Big Ten Conference Champion (Coach): 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933  

-Two-time National Champion (Coach): 1932, 1933  

-Career Coaching Record: 49–30–5 (Michigan State & Michigan)

-Michigan Coaching Record: 46–26–4  

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Player): 1958  

Born March 27, 1898 - Warren, Ohio - The prolific University of Pittsburgh interior lineman, Herb Stein.

His football career got off to an auspicious start when, as a boy, his strict farming father would not allow him to play ball as he had chores to do. After some conversations and an event where the whole Warren High School football team showed up to the Stein farm to help with tasks so that Herb and his brother Russ could find time to practice and play, the elder Stein allowed football to be played. Herb did so well that Pitt Panthers head coach Pop Warner recruited the youngster.

We have much more on Herb Stein in two of our books found in the Pigskin Dispatch store - When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach and Marooned.

Pitt fans were beside themselves when, in 1916, they lost their All-American center Bob Peck to graduation. The team was confident, though, when Herb volunteered to switch from his fullback position to fill the void at snapper that Peck had left. Stein hardly needed much adjustment to the changes of a new position. Herb established himself as one of the school's greatest two-way players, injecting the squad enthusiasm and prompting one observer to say: "His play was a combination of the blast furnace, the open hearth and the Bessemer converter." Those are some highly complimentary remarks from a person from the Steel City! Stein's play was so good that he became a 1921 All-America selection. Herb Stein was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

Herb Stein went on to play professional football. His career spanned several years in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). Following a decorated collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a consensus All-American center in 1920 and 1921, Stein entered the professional ranks.  

His professional debut came in 1921 with the Buffalo All-Americans. The following year, in 1922, he played for the Toledo Maroons. Stein joined the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1924, playing as a center in all 13 games that season.  

A significant part of Stein's pro career was spent with the Pottsville Maroons. He was a member of the 1925 Pottsville team that controversially had its NFL Championship title stripped due to a disputed rules violation. He played for the Maroons from 1925 to 1928, primarily at the center position, and was a consistent presence on their offensive line. Over his six-year NFL career, Stein played in 54 games. While team accolades like the disputed 1925 championship mark his time, he also earned individual recognition, including being named a first-team All-NFL selection by the Canton Daily News and George Halas in 1922.

College Football Hall of Fame inducted interior lineman of the University of Pittsburgh.

Charles Wesley Walls was born on March 26, 1966, in Batesville, Mississippi. His journey to a successful NFL career was marked by versatility and perseverance.  

The big tight end was a willing blocker and made big catches when called upon, helping him to take one team to a Super Bowl Title.

College Career

Walls' path to the pros began at the University of Mississippi. Initially recruited as a defensive end, he played on that side of the ball for three seasons. Showing his athletic prowess, he transitioned to linebacker in his senior year and saw time at tight end. In a remarkable display of his abilities, Walls even started a game at both defensive and tight ends against Memphis State. Ultimately, he settled into the tight end position while contributing as a pass rusher on third downs. His senior season culminated in All-America honors, foreshadowing his future in the NFL. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014, recognizing his outstanding collegiate career.  

Road to the Pro Game

Walls at 6'4 ½" and 240 pounds impressed scouts with a 4.77-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His athleticism led to his selection in the second round (56th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. While he experienced early success with the 49ers, including a Super Bowl XXIV victory where he caught a touchdown pass, he played behind All-Pro Brent Jones. Nagging shoulder injuries hampered his playing time, sidelining him for significant portions of the 1992 and 1993 seasons. Seeking a fresh start, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 1994. In his two seasons with the Saints, Walls established himself as a productive receiver, setting a franchise record for tight end receptions with 57 in 1995.  

His true breakout came in 1996 when he signed with the Carolina Panthers. Walls became a premier tight end in Carolina, earning five Pro Bowl selections between 1996 and 2001. He was a reliable target and a key offensive weapon for the Panthers. Even serving as the team's backup punter for a period showcased his diverse skillset. After the Panthers declined to re-sign him in 2003, Walls spent his final NFL season with the Green Bay Packers, primarily serving as a backup. He retired after the 2003 season.  

Football Legacy

Wesley Walls carved out a significant legacy as a versatile and productive tight end in the NFL. Despite early challenges with injuries and playing behind a Hall of Famer, he persevered to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Carolina. His ability to contribute as a receiver and blocker made him a valuable asset to his teams. His career totals of 450 receptions for 5,291 yards and 54 touchdowns stand as a testament to his consistent performance over 14 seasons.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-All-America (University of Mississippi)

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)  

Professional:

-Super Bowl Champion (XXIV)

-5x Pro Bowl Selection (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001)  

-New Orleans Saints Single-Season Record for Tight End
-Receptions (57 in 1995)

-Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor Inductee (2019)  

Career Stats:

-450 Receptions

-5,291 Receiving Yards

-54 Touchdowns

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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 April 1, 1889, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, John Dalton's football journey began after playing prep school ball in St. Louis and attending Christian Brothers College before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

College Career

Dalton became a celebrated halfback for the Naval Academy from 1908 to 1911. His most memorable contributions came in the intense rivalry games against Army. He twice demonstrated his clutch kicking ability by booting game-winning field goals against their arch-rivals. In 1910, his 35-yard kick secured a 3-0 victory, capping off an undefeated season where Navy remarkably held every opponent scoreless. The following year, history repeated itself in Dalton's final collegiate game as he again connected on a 35-yard field goal, leading Navy to another 3-0 triumph over Army. His emotional post-game words, "Boys, this is the proudest moment of my life, because I led a group of fighters to victory," encapsulate his leadership and the significance of these victories.  

Football Legacy

John Dalton's football legacy is firmly rooted in his heroic performances in the Army-Navy games. His two game-winning field goals, particularly the one in the undefeated, unscored-upon 1910 season, cemented his place in Naval Academy football lore. His leadership qualities, evident in his final address to his teammates, further contribute to his revered status.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Naval Academy Halfback (1908-1911)  

-Twice kicked game-winning field goals against Army (1910, 1911)  

-Contributed to Navy's undefeated and unscored-upon season in 1910.

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.

Lawrence Timothy "Buck" Shaw was born on March 28, 1899, in Mitchellville, Iowa. A figure of significant influence in American football, Shaw excelled as a player and achieved considerable success as a coach at both the college and professional levels.  

Shaw started his football journey as one the best players in Notre Dame history and later became the San Francisco 49ers first head coach.

College Career

Shaw's collegiate athletic pursuits began at Creighton University in 1918, where he played one football game before a flu epidemic canceled the remainder of the season. In 1919, he transferred to the University of Notre Dame, initially drawn by their track and field program. However, under the guidance of the legendary Knute Rockne, Shaw became a standout two-way player for the Fighting Irish from 1919 to 1921.

Starting at tackle and also handling placekicking duties, he opened running lanes for the iconic George Gipp. Shaw earned All-American honors as a tackle and was recognized as part of Notre Dame's all-time "Fighting Irish" football team. He also achieved All-American status in track and field for his performance in the shot put at the 1921 NCAA Championships. His kicking accuracy was remarkable, setting a record by converting 38 of 39 extra points, a mark that stood for over five decades.  

Road to the Pro Game

After graduating from Notre Dame, Shaw embarked on a coaching career. He held his first head coaching position at North Carolina State in 1924, followed by four years as a line coach at the University of Nevada. He then joined Santa Clara University as a line coach before taking over as head coach in 1936.

His tenure at Santa Clara was highly successful, marked by an impressive .803 winning record, including consecutive Sugar Bowl victories in 1937 and 1938. During the 1937 season, Buck Shaw's Santa Clara team showcased a formidable defense, conceding a mere nine points across their nine games. Shaw's successful leadership of the Broncos was further emphasized by two significant wins against highly-regarded Louisiana State teams: a 21-14 victory in 1937 and a 6-0 shutout in 1938. Before his impactful time at Santa Clara, Shaw gained head coaching experience at North Carolina State in 1924 and at Nevada from 1925 to 1928.

After a year coaching at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1945, Shaw transitioned to the professional ranks. In 1946, he became the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He continued to coach the 49ers through their entry into the NFL in 1950 until 1954. Following a brief return to college coaching at the Air Force Academy (1956-1957), Shaw returned to the NFL in 1958 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  

Football Legacy

Buck Shaw's football legacy is defined by his accomplishments as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a key contributor to Notre Dame's early success under Rockne, earning All-American honors. However, his coaching career was even more impactful. He built a powerhouse program at Santa Clara, achieving national prominence with Sugar Bowl wins. In the professional ranks, Shaw holds the distinction of being the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and, more significantly, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, defeating the legendary Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in what remains the only playoff loss of Lombardi's NFL dynasty. Known as "the Silver Fox," Shaw demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning teams, earning a reputation as a respected and effective leader. His career spanned multiple levels of football, leaving a lasting influence on the sport.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College (Player):

-All-American Tackle (Notre Dame)

-All-American Shot Put (Notre Dame, 1921)

-Part of Notre Dame's All-Time "Fighting Irish" Football Team

College (Coach):

-2x Sugar Bowl Champion (Santa Clara, 1937, 1938)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1972)  

-Santa Clara University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)  

Professional (Coach):

-NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)  

-AP & UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1960)

-San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)  

-San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Coaching Record:

-College: 72-49-12

Professional (AAFC/NFL): 91-55-5

-Overall: 163-104-17

Buck Shaw won games coaching at many different programs including the Santa Clara Broncos.

Alexander Arrasi Agase was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 27, 1922. His distinguished career encompassed collegiate stardom, professional championships, and leadership as a college head coach, leaving an indelible mark on American football.  

College Career

Agase's collegiate career began at the University of Illinois, where he quickly established himself as a dominant right guard starting in 1941. His exceptional play earned him his first All-American selection in 1942. Notably, in a game against Minnesota that year, Agase became only the second guard in college football history to score two touchdowns in a single game. With the onset of World War II, Agase enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943. During his military training, he played football alongside other military personnel at Purdue University. His outstanding performance there resulted in his second All-American honor in 1943, contributing to Purdue's undefeated season and Big Ten co-championship. After serving in the Pacific theater, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, Agase returned to Illinois for his senior season in 1946. He capped off his remarkable college career by earning his third All-American selection and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's most valuable player, leading the Fighting Illini to a Rose Bowl victory. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963.  

Road to the Pro Game

Although drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1944, Agase's professional debut was delayed by his military service. Upon graduating, he signed with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947. After a brief stint with the Dons and the Chicago Rockets, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1948. This move proved pivotal, as he became an integral part of a dominant Browns team that won two AAFC championships (1948, 1949) and the NFL Championship in 1950, following the AAFC's merger with the NFL. Agase's contributions as a key member of the offensive line were crucial to the Browns' success during this golden era.  

Football Legacy

Alex Agase's legacy extends far beyond his playing days. His three All-American selections in college underscore his exceptional talent and impact at that level. As a professional, he was a cornerstone of a championship-winning dynasty with the Cleveland Browns, demonstrating his toughness and skill in the trenches. Following his playing career, Agase transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant before taking on head coaching roles at Northwestern University and Purdue University. While his head coaching records were mixed, he notably led Northwestern to a Coach of the Year honor for the Football Writers Association of America in 1970. His career path, from a decorated player to a college coach, highlights his deep commitment to the sport. Agase's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the legends of the game.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-3x All-American (1942, 1943, 1946)

-Big Ten MVP (Chicago Tribune Silver Football, 1946)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963)  

Professional:

-2x AAFC Champion (1948, 1949)

-NFL Champion (1950)  

Coaching:

-Football Writers Association of America Coach of the Year (1970)