Football History

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Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, was Earl Campbell the powerful back of the Texas Longhorns from 1974 through 1977. His nickname forever ties him to his hometown as Earl is still called "the Tyler Rose" as he pounded out big gains at the University of Texas.

The NFF says he rushed for 4,443 yards. This was the fifth highest total of all time when he retired. His rushing covered 928 yards as a freshman, 1118 as a sophomore, 653 as a junior (he missed four games), and 1,744 as a senior.

Campbell was All-America as a sophomore and senior, led the nation in rushing and scoring and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. He had an amazing 21 times where he rushed over 100 yards and three over 200 yards rushing in games.

The Houston Oilers during the 1978 NFL Draft wasted no time in turning their draft pick card with the first player selected to the Commissioner that had the name of Earl Campbell on it. Earl played 8 seasons with the Oilers and earned a rushing title, the distinction as an All-Pro and was selected to play in three Pro Bowls. The 1980 season as his best as he pounded out 1934 yards with 4 games over 200 yards.

For his NFL career, he amassed 9407 yards rushing and 74 TDs with another 806 yards on 121 receptions. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Earl Campbell in 1991.

Eric Tipton was born on April 20, 1915, in Petersburg, Virginia, and distinguished himself as a remarkable all-around athlete, achieving acclaim in both football and baseball.

-College Career

From 1936 to 1938, Tipton starred as a halfback and punter at Duke University. During his time with the Blue Devils, the team achieved an impressive 25-4 record, securing Southern Conference championships in 1936 and 1938. Tipton's versatility was a key factor in Duke's success. He accumulated 1,633 rushing yards and scored 17 touchdowns throughout his college career. One of his most memorable performances came in a game against Pittsburgh in 1938, where his exceptional punting pinned Pittsburgh deep in their own territory, contributing significantly to Duke's 7-0 victory.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite being drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 13th round of the 1939 NFL draft, Tipton chose to pursue a career in professional baseball. He played outfield in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics (1939-1941) and the Cincinnati Reds (1942-1945). Tipton had a productive baseball career, with his best seasons coming in 1943 and 1944 when he hit .288 and .301, respectively.

-Football Legacy

Tipton's football legacy is primarily rooted in his outstanding college career at Duke University. His exceptional skills as a halfback and punter, particularly his punting prowess, helped Duke achieve significant success during his time there. His performance in the 1938 game against Pittsburgh is legendary, showcasing his ability to control the game through punting. Tipton's contributions to Duke football earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1965)

-All-Southern Conference (1938)

-All-America selection (1938)

While his professional sports career was in baseball, his college football statistics include 1,633 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

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Born May 19, 1967, in Missoula, Montana, was John Friesz the signal caller of the University of Idaho from 1986 through the 1989. The National Football Foundation shares that John in the summer before his senior season he attended the Idaho Vandal football camp and was noticed by then head coach Dennis Erickson.  “Erickson saw some potential in me,” said Friesz. “He was willing to take a chance on me.”

The 6ft-4in, 214 QB never got the chance to play for the future national championship coach at Erickson, as the coach left after John’s red shirt freshman season for the Miami Hurricanes vacated position. John became the starter as a sophomore leading the Vandals to the first of three consecutive Big Sky conference titles. was named a Division I-AA second team All-America as he threw 28 touchdown passes.

The following year he became a consensus first team choice as Idaho reached the I-AA semi-finals. In his senior year John became the first quarterback to win the Walter Payton Award as the outstanding player in I-AA football. That season he threw for 4,041 yards and 31 touchdowns. He averaged an outstanding 367.4 yards per game and broke the 300-yard barrier in ten consecutive games.  

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of John Friesz into their legendary museum in 2006. Friesz was taken in the sixth round of the 1990 NFL draft by the San Diego Chargers and passed for 8,633 yards and 45 touchdowns in his eight-year NFL career.

April 1, 1897, in Silver Creek, New York, marked the birth of Joe "Doc" Alexander, a figure who seamlessly blended athletic prowess with medical dedication. His college career at Syracuse University from 1916 to 1920 cemented his early football legacy. Alexander earned three All-America selections, showcasing his versatility as a guard in 1918-19 and as a center in 1920. Memorable moments include a 75-yard touchdown run against Rutgers in 1918 and a pivotal role in Syracuse's 1919 victory over Pittsburgh, ending the Panthers' four-season winning streak.  

Alexander's football legacy extended into the professional ranks. For seven seasons, he played in the nascent National Football League while pursuing his medical career, ultimately specializing in lung diseases and co-founding an early tuberculosis center in New York, earning him the moniker "Doc." He served as a playing coach for the New York Giants in 1926, leading the team to an 8-4-1 record.  

Doc Alexander's accolades include his three All-America honors.

His significant contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 1954 when the National Football Foundation voters inducted him into the College Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in gridiron history. His unique ability to excel in the demanding worlds of professional football and medicine underscores a remarkable and enduring legacy.  

Born April, 22, 1902, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the Washington and Lee fullback from 1921 to 1924, Eddie Cameron. Cameron was the spark plug of his team. The FootballFoundation.org shares a story of the 1923 between the W&L Generals and arch rival Virginia.

Eddie was not present at kick off due to attending his mother’s funeral back in Pennsylvania.  The two teams slugged it out to a halftime scoreless tie. The home crowd went wild when Cameron came racing out to the field before the second half kickoff. The guy travelled by train throughout the night and while an awaiting car sped him from the station to the field he was throwing on his football uniform in a car!. On a fourth quarter series, Cameron carried the ball on 10 of 11 General plays, bucking for short yardage which netted the only score of the game as W&L won, 7-0.

General coach Jimmie DeHart called it the greatest performance by a fullback he had ever seen, and it was typical of Cameron's career. The next season in 1924 he ended up in a tie for the national scoring title. The National Football Foundation selected Eddie Cameron for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1976. After school was completed Cameron became the backfield coach at Duke University.  Later on he then became the head coach of the Blue Devils and posted 25 victories in 36 games before becoming the Athletic Director at Duke University.

Joe Steffy was born on April 3, 1926, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, embarking on a college career that showcased his exceptional talent as an interior lineman. He began his journey at the University of Tennessee, contributing to the 1944 team that reached the Rose Bowl. His commitment to service then led him to the United States Military Academy, where he played guard for three years.  

Steffy's football legacy is defined by his outstanding senior season at Army in 1947. As team captain, his dominant play earned him the prestigious Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation's best interior lineman. While the provided information doesn't detail a professional career, his collegiate achievements were significant enough to secure his place among football's elite.  

His primary accolade is the 1947 Outland Trophy.

Joe Steffy's remarkable college career, marked by his leadership and exceptional skill on the offensive line, led to his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987 by the National Football Foundation. His impact as a standout player at both Tennessee and Army solidified his lasting contribution to the sport.

Lydell Mitchell wasn't your average running back. He carved his name in football history not just with his punishing runs, but with his surprising agility and knack for catching passes. This essay explores the remarkable career of Mitchell, a college standout who became a versatile weapon in the NFL.

Mitchell's journey began at Penn State University. There, he established himself as a dominant force. He shattered school rushing records, amassing nearly 3,000 yards and a staggering 38 touchdowns. His explosiveness on the field earned him All-American honors and a coveted fifth-place finish in the 1971 Heisman Trophy race.

Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1972, Mitchell's professional career spanned nine seasons. He donned the jerseys of the Colts, San Diego Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams, proving his adaptability across different systems. While his rushing prowess remained undeniable, Mitchell surprised many with his receiving skills. Twice, he led the entire NFL in receptions, a feat unheard of for a running back at the time. This versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, unsure whether to brace for a run or a pass.

Mitchell's impact went beyond raw statistics. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods, a testament to his consistent excellence. He finished his career with over 6,500 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his place as a ground-and-pound threat. But his 376 receptions for over 3,200 yards showcased his ability to be a receiving weapon as well.

Lydell Mitchell's legacy extends beyond the stat sheet. He helped redefine the role of the running back in the NFL. No longer were they just one-dimensional rushers. Mitchell proved that backs could be threats in the passing game, adding a new layer of complexity to offensive schemes. His success paved the way for future dual-threat running backs like Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey.

Today, Lydell Mitchell stands enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. His impact on the game continues to resonate, a testament to a career that blended power with finesse, forever etching his name among the NFL's greatest running backs.

Born April 7, 1899, La Porte, Indiana, was the stellar center from 1917 to 1920 at Washington and Jefferson and in 1921 through the 1924 season for the Army team, Edgar Garbisch arrived in life to claim his date of birth. Edgar was an All-American in 1922 at the center position and in 1924 from the position of guard according to the National Football Foundation.

Garbisch’s skill set did not stop there on the gridiron as he was a place kicker and drop kicker showing these talents off when he place-kicked a 47-yard field goal to give Army a victory over Navy 17-14 in 1922. In 1924 he drop- kicked 4 field goals as Army beat Navy 12-0. He has the unparalleled accomplishment of having to face Notre Dame five times as an opponent not leaving the field for even a second as a two-way player in any of the five tilts against the Irish. Once with W&J and four contests as a member of the Army Cadets.

Edgar Garbisch received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954. Edgar was well decorated serving in the Army Corp of Engineers for two decades and serving on many organizational boards but most notably the gridiron associated ones of being a trustee of Pop Warner Little Scholars as well as the vice-president of the National Football Foundation.

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The roar of the crowd was a familiar symphony to Pug Lund. But this season, the pounding in his chest wasn't the electric rhythm of the fans – it was a dull ache, a constant reminder of the ailing finger threatening to derail his senior season. Doctors advised surgery, a lengthy recovery that would sideline him for the championship run. But Pug had another option, a radical one whispered in hushed tones by a team doctor pushing the boundaries of ethics and ambition. Would the star halfback choose the knife over his dreams? This is the story of a young athlete who rolled the dice on a desperate gamble, blurring the lines between dedication and devotion on the path to gridiron glory.

-Introduction

1930s University of Minnesota halfback Pug Lund may have been one of the toughest players in college football history. He was an efficient runner and willing to serve out crushing blocks to keep defenders away from offensive teammates, too. Pug once had a body part chopped off to improve his ability to help his team! His story is truly unique.

Francis "Pug" Lund was born on April 13, 1918, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The star halfback played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1932 to 1934.

Francis' imposing stature and aggressive playing style contradicted his formal first name. During a post-game interview, a reporter couldn't help but quip, "Francis? That's a heck of a name for a football player! Don't you have a nickname?" A voice boomed from the back of the locker room, "Call him Pug!" The next day, the newspaper headline blazoned "Pug Lund" next to a photo of Francis, forever etching his new moniker in sports history.

Pug was a tough guy, too. In 1933, against Pitt, he hurt his pinky finger, and because he kept playing, the injury didn't heal correctly; just before the beginning of the 1934 season, Lund had the finger amputated to prevent him from slowing down.

-Adjustment After Injury

During an early season game against the Nebraska Corn Huskers, Pug had the lowest moment of his career when he fumbled seven times as he tried to get used to holding a ball with four fingers on his left hand. Losing the finger worked out, though, as he was the hero of the 1934 rematch against Pitt, where he had one of the shining moments of his collegiate career.

- Gophers versus Panthers 1934

The two teams met that day, each carrying the moniker of being undefeated for the season. The Gophers trailed the Panthers team by six as the clock was winding down on the game. Minnesota had managed to move the ball down the field in one last-gasp attempt to obtain at least a tie. But they faced a fourth and four deep in Pittsburgh territory at the 17-yard line. It all came down to this play. Lund took the pitch and surveyed the field, looking for a glimpse of daylight to escape through. At the last moment, he spotted end Bob Tenner in the open field, fired a strike to the rangy receiver, and Minnesota suddenly had the touchdown, which beat Pitt 13-7, and ignited a Gopher charge to a perfect eight-game record and the National Championship. Pug was a crucial player in this run, averaging about 6 yards per carry and throwing some very accurate passes that kept defensive opponents at bay.

-Legendary Coaches' Endorsement

Minnesota coach Bernie Bierman stated that Lund was also a true Ironman of the game. "He was our spark plug," Bierman said. "He was battered and broken up, teeth knocked out, finger amputated, thumb broken, and through all that, he carried on. Our opponents might break him in two, but they couldn't stop him." The Gophers coach would say Pug was the most outstanding player he had ever witnessed on the field. Lund was versatile as he handled the punting, passing, rushing, and blocking. Pug's career total of 2098 rushing yards is twice as many as his next most prolific rusher. Add to that some pretty good passing stats for the era: 85 attempts, 29 completions, and ten interceptions. The National Football Foundation selected Pug Lund for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1958.

Imagine a Heisman Trophy winner who wasn't even the starting quarterback at the season's outset! John Huarte, the Notre Dame signal-caller who wore number 7, defied expectations in 1964. Despite his April 6th birthday coinciding with today's legendary status on the Fighting Irish roster and his eventual College Football Hall of Fame induction solidify his improbable journey to football immortality.

John Huarte's Heisman triumph was a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunity. Wearing the iconic #7 for Notre Dame, the quarterback unexpectedly led the Fighting Irish to a remarkable season. While his professional career saw him don #7 for the Patriots, Eagles, Bears, and Chiefs, his collegiate heroics etched his name in football lore. His story serves as an inspiration, proving that even underdogs can achieve greatness on the gridiron.

-College Career

John Huarte's collegiate career at Notre Dame was a narrative of resilience. After a sophomore season hampered by injuries, his playing time was limited in 1963. However, the arrival of new head coach Ara Parseghian in 1964 marked a turning point. Parseghian's decision to name Huarte the starting quarterback proved to be a stroke of brilliance. Unleashed in Parseghian's offense, Huarte exploded onto the national scene. He shattered Notre Dame's single-season passing records, displaying a potent arm and remarkable leadership. He guided the Fighting Irish to an impressive 9-1 record, a stark contrast to previous seasons, and captured the nation's attention with his stellar performances.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Huarte's remarkable senior campaign propelled him into the professional football landscape. In the 1965 draft, the American Football League's New York Jets selected him in the second round. While his collegiate success suggested a bright future as a starting quarterback, his professional career took a different trajectory. Huarte spent several seasons in the pros as a backup quarterback. He played for several teams in both the AFL and the NFL, including the Boston Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears, from 1965 to 1972. Though he didn't replicate his college stardom as a consistent starter, his longevity in the professional ranks speaks to his talent and dedication.  

-Football Legacy

John Huarte's football legacy is firmly rooted in his unforgettable 1964 season at Notre Dame. His dramatic rise from sparingly used player to Heisman Trophy winner embodies the spirit of college football. He represents the potential for breakthrough performances and the impact a coach's belief can have on a player's career. While his professional career saw him in a supporting role, his collegiate achievements were so significant that they earned him the ultimate honor in college football: induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. His story serves as a reminder that a single, exceptional season can etch a player's name into football lore.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-Heisman Trophy Winner: 1964  

-Notre Dame Single-Season Passing Records (1964): (Specific records would need to be verified through further research, but he broke virtually all of them at the time).

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2005

-AFL Draft: 1965, 2nd Round, New York Jets  

-NFL Teams: New York Jets (AFL), Boston Patriots (AFL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Chicago Bears (NFL)  

-Professional Career Span: 1965-1972 (Specific professional career stats regarding games played, passes attempted/completed, yards, and touchdowns would require further research of his time with each of the listed teams).