Football History

April 2, 1930, in San Diego, California, marked the birth of Bill McColl, a standout end for the Stanford Cardinal football team from 1949 to 1951. Widely regarded as one of Stanford's all-time great players, McColl's exceptional talent was evident when he finished fourth in the 1951 Heisman Trophy voting. His dedication extended beyond the field, as he signed with the Chicago Bears to finance his graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he pursued his medical aspirations.  

McColl's football legacy is intertwined with his commitment to service. While with the Bears, he balanced his professional football career with rigorous medical training to become an orthopedic surgeon.

His impact transcended athletics and medicine when he chose to become a missionary physician in Korea, dedicating his life to serving the country's leprosy patients and children with deformities.  

---

Timothy P. Brown of Football Archaeology visited us recently to tell the story of one of his recent Tidbits about paying players at the collegiate level a century before the NIL.

In the video, Tim discusses how college football players have been getting paid under the table for many years. He mentions that in 1929, the Carnegie Foundation issued a report criticizing the underground payment system, but it was largely ignored due to the Great Depression.

This video is a fascinating look at the history of paying college football players. It is clear that this is a complex issue with a long history and that there are many different opinions on the matter.

Transcribed conversation with Timothy Brown on Paid College Players over a century ago

Hello, my football friends! Welcome again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. It is Tuesday, and we are happy to say that Timothy P. Brown of FootballArcheology.com has joined us again to talk about another of his great tidbits. Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen.

Darin, thank you. It was good to see you again, hear your voice, and have the opportunity to chat a little bit. Yeah, this is, you know, the football seasons are winding down in all leagues here.

This is this coming weekend. We have the Super Bowl coming up. You know, we're actually recording a couple of weeks ahead of time, but we know who the participants are. And, you know, it's not so good for your neck of the woods. You know, the Lions had a great season and just didn't work out their way at the end of the game of the NFC Championship.

Unfortunately, I grew up a Packers fan, and they bit us the week before, and then the Lions. So I don't know that I really care anymore about either team that's in there. Sometimes, that's what makes it fun.

If you have no vested interest in it, you just sit back and hope for good football and enjoy the athletes, some of the great things they do, and what happens. And, you know, you're not worried one way or the other if something bad happens. Yeah.

Yeah. My daughter, who grew up in Detroit
 but lives in San Francisco, kind of couldn't lose in that game. So, hopefully, she's got a continued rooting interest, but not for me.

Yeah. What are you going to do? Well, paying players—you know, these players in the NFL are getting paid quite a bit, and it sort of segues into what we're going to be talking about now. We know that college players are getting paid with the NIL contracts and everything, but you have a story in one of your tidbits from a little while back where you talk about some players getting paid in college almost a hundred years ago.

And maybe you'd like to discuss that with us today. Yeah. Well, you know, I think it, the idea of paying somebody to participate in sports, particularly at the college level, I mean, that's as old as people, you know, from the day that people said, hey, it's important for my college to be your college.

From that moment, they started finding ways to ensure that good athletes attended this school or that school. You know, and for a long time, it was an informal process. You know, there used to be a banker in town who would send, you know, pay for a kid to college.

And geez, if he happened to be a good athlete and went to Old State U, that was great. But, you know, they, you know, they're also like way back in the day, you know, top student-athletes often were like, they'd be like agents for cigar manufacturers or chewing gum manufacturer, you know, any, anything that was sold on campus. And then if they could influence people's buying behavior, you know, they got paid money, you know, for that kind of thing.

And there's a lot of that kind of stuff going on. And then, obviously, there were the easier no-show jobs that guys had. But so, I mean, there's always been kind of the under-the-table thing.

And then, in 1929, there was a big report. The Carnegie Foundation, you know, reported on college football, basically criticizing all of this underground payment, you know, system and, you know, having guys there who maybe weren't the greatest students, et cetera. And so the one, the funny thing about that, I mean, it was one of those things that kind of just ignored.

I mean, the Great Depression started shortly after they issued the report. So people kind of had, you know, bigger problems too, you know, to worry about. But there were, you know, a handful of people, professors, you know, folks directly involved in athletics who were kind of saying, we should pay these guys, you know, they should get a percentage of the gate or, you know, they should get, there was a guy at Missouri who said, you know, the players should get $2 per hour for practice.

Now, that doesn't sound like much, but it'd be the same as $36 an hour today, you know, beer money, you know, for a college athlete. And then there were a couple of student newspapers, Minnesota and UCLA, that came out saying, hey, you know, the football players in particular, they subsidize all other sports, which was true at most bigger schools at the time. And I've, you know, I've got documentation on that that I'll probably put out in another tidbit.

But so anyways, you know, and then others were just arguing like, you know, football in particular, and then later on basketball and baseball, they had, they were commercialized, you know, they were professionalized in every way other than paying the players. The coaches got big-time money, and people had to pay money to attend the games. And, you know, then they started selling video rights, and then they started selling TV rights.

So, you know, there were these pots and pots of money. So, if you look at a big-time college athletic program, that is a pro program. You know, it's run by professionals.

In some ways, it's run for professionals, right? And the only thing that wasn't professional about it was that the athletes didn't get paid. They got a scholarship, you know, at bigger schools, and then eventually they'd get some spending money and, you know, dah, dah, dah. But nothing like what their actual market, you know, power was.

And so now that this NIL is out there, you know, all of a sudden, guys are, you know, starting to make some pretty good money. Some guys are better off staying in college an extra year than signing some, you know, low-level rookie contracts. Now, then their pro contract, that clock starts, you know, doesn't start clicking or, you know, ticking for another year.

But, you know, somebody tells me I can make whatever, a million bucks through NIL, you know, versus, you know, whatever, you know, 800,000 or whatever the current rookie contract is worth, you know, you got to think about. So, it's just really, um, it's been a long time coming, right? And like myself, I don't necessarily like some of the things that are going to, the impact it will have on the game. But that's just selfishness, you know, whereas the kids deserve the money, you know, just like artists or, you know, musicians, or a kid who invents, you know, writes a piece of software or whatever, you know, TikTok sort of influencer, whatever, you know.

Anyway, it's one of those funny things. It's that conflict that has always existed, but now it's more or less out in the open.

So I think that's good. Yeah. Cause, uh, I mean, if it wasn't for the student-athletes, people wouldn't be paying to go watch an empty football field or basketball court or whatever event they're going to.

So yeah, those kids deserve it, and they work hard. And, uh, you know, I was kind of surprised though. You know, I knew when the NIL was coming out that, uh, you know, players were going to be getting paid, but I had no idea there was going to be as lucrative for, for some of these folks as it is in the, uh, I was astounded the LSU gymnast.

Uh, and I forget what her name is. She's on a couple of commercials now and is a social influencer. She's making millions, uh, just by her likeness and image.

So it's amazing. Yeah. And, you know, some people will get that money based on, frankly, what they look like, right?

Uh, others, you know, their personality, just their, you know, obviously she had to be smart enough to, I mean, she's a very attractive young lady. Still, you know, she figured out the game and, uh, was doing some, you know, you know, she, she's, you know, I mean, I've never watched herself, but I assume she's got to have a presence and delivery, whatever it is. Right. Um, she was so smart enough to take advantage of that and the situation she was in.

So yeah, more power to her. Yeah. He has a couple of extra bucks left over after buying the school books each semester.

That's for sure. Yeah. She didn't even have to sell her school books in the old days.

Great. Well, that's, I mean, that's interesting that it's been around that long that, uh, you know, the debate's been long for a hundred years now. So that's, uh, it's incredible.

That's why it's such a great read. And maybe you could share with the listeners how they, too, could partake in your tidbits. Yeah.

You can subscribe on Substack or visit footballarchaeology.com whenever you want. You can also follow me on Twitter, so whatever fits your fancy.

Well, Tim, we really appreciate you coming here and sharing another one of these great stories of football and aspects of football of, of old that, uh, you know, really have big meaning in today's college football world. And, uh, we appreciate you, and, uh, folks, make sure you check out FootballArchaeology.com. We have the links in the show notes to this tidbit, and it takes you into Tim's realm of FootballArchaeology.com, which you talked about. And Tim, we would love to talk to you again next week about another aspect of football.

Very good. Look forward to chatting again.

Born May 12, 1948, in Fargo, North Dakota, Joe Cichy established a remarkable football legacy rooted in his stellar collegiate career at North Dakota State University (NDSU). A hometown product of Fargo, North Dakota, where he quarterbacked Shanley High School, Cichy transitioned to NDSU, initially as a backup quarterback in 1968.

A pivotal shift occurred when Bison head coach Ron Erhardt moved him to safety due to a need for defensive players following the 1968 season. This change proved transformative for both Cichy and the Bison program.  

College Career

As a safety for the NDSU Bison in 1969 and 1970, Cichy became a cornerstone of a dominant era. In 1969, he set an NDSU record with 53 unassisted tackles, a mark that stood for 34 seasons. His exceptional play was instrumental in the Bison being recognized as small college national champions by the Associated Press in both 1968 and 1969. The team’s remarkable record during his three seasons was 29-0-1, adding to his high school’s 25-game winning streak and resulting in an astounding 55-game unbeaten streak. Cichy was team captain during the 1970 season, demonstrating his leadership qualities. Recognizing his combined academic and athletic excellence, the NCAA awarded him a $1000 post-graduate scholarship in December 1970. He graduated from NDSU in 1971 with a history degree and a German minor.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his outstanding college career, Cichy went unselected in the 1971 NFL draft. He received a brief opportunity with the Philadelphia Eagles during their offseason in 1971 but was released in July. Following his release, Cichy returned to his high school, where his father was the head football coach, and began teaching physical education. His coaching aspirations continued, leading to a head football coach and teaching position at St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, in May 1973. He remained in this role until his resignation in April 1978 to pursue a law degree.  

Football Legacy

Joe Cichy’s football legacy is primarily defined by his exceptional achievements at the collegiate level. His defensive prowess at NDSU was a key factor in the team’s unprecedented success and national championships. The NDSU record he set for unassisted tackles stood as a testament to his skill and impact for over three decades. While his professional playing career was brief, his accomplishments in college cemented his place as one of the all-time greats in small college football. His later career path into law further showcases his dedication and intelligence.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-College Division All-America First Team: American Football Coaches Association (1969)  

-College Division All-America First Team: Associated Press (1970)

-NDSU Record: 53 unassisted tackles in a season (1969)  

-NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship: Awarded for exceptional academic and athletic achievement (1970)  

-NDSU Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee: 1981

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1997  

-Team Captain: North Dakota State University (1970)

April 15, 1938, in Glassport, Pennsylvania, marked the birth of Richard "Richie" Lucas, a name that would become synonymous with Penn State football excellence and earn him a place among the college game's legends.  

-College Career

Richie Lucas quarterbacked the Penn State Nittany Lions from 1957 to 1959, a period of significant success for the program. Known as "Riverboat Richie" for his daring play and leadership on the field, Lucas was a dominant force in college football. His skills as a passer and runner made him a dual-threat quarterback, capable of leading his team to victory in multiple ways. He was the key orchestrator of the Nittany Lion offense, demonstrating a remarkable ability to read defenses and make crucial plays under pressure. Lucas's tenure at Penn State solidified his reputation as one of the premier quarterbacks of his era.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite his stellar college career and the recognition he received, Richie Lucas did not pursue a professional football career in the National Football League (NFL) or the American Football League (AFL). The reasons for this decision are not widely documented, but it is possible that factors such as personal preferences, career opportunities outside of football, or the landscape of professional football at the time influenced his choice. His impact remained firmly rooted in his collegiate achievements, leaving an indelible mark on Penn State football history rather than transitioning to the professional ranks.

-Football Legacy

Richie Lucas's football legacy is firmly cemented in his remarkable achievements at Penn State. He is remembered as one of the greatest players in the program's history, a dynamic quarterback who led the Nittany Lions to significant victories and earned the admiration of fans and peers alike. His nickname, "Riverboat Richie," encapsulates his bold and decisive playing style. His impact extended beyond statistics; he embodied the spirit of Penn State football during his time, setting a standard for future quarterbacks.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Richie Lucas's outstanding college career culminated in his prestigious induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986. This honor, bestowed by the National Football Foundation, recognized his exceptional talent and contributions to the sport. While specific career statistics from his time at Penn State are not as readily available as in the modern era, his impact is evident through the accolades he received. His Hall of Fame induction speaks volumes about the level of his performance and the lasting impression he made on college football. "Riverboat Richie" Lucas remains a celebrated figure in Penn State's rich athletic history.  

Born April 2, 1917, in Detroit, Michigan, Hugh "Duke" Gallarneau forged a notable football legacy that spanned college dominance and a professional career, interrupted by distinguished military service.

This fantastic player played in an NFL Championship game all five seasons he played in the NFL.

Despite being a well-rounded athlete, Gallarneau did not play organized football until he enrolled at Stanford University (1938-1940). His initial seasons with the Cardinal coincided with challenging times for the program. However, the arrival of head coach Clark Shaughnessy in 1940 marked a turning point. Shaughnessy introduced the potent T-formation offense, which ideally suited Gallarneau's talents. As co-captain, Gallarneau spearheaded Stanford's remarkable undefeated 10-0 season in 1940. His exceptional play as a halfback earned him All-American honors. It culminated in a decisive Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska, where he scored two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility with both a rushing and a receiving score.  

Gallarneau's stellar collegiate performance naturally led him to the professional ranks. He joined the legendary Chicago Bears in 1941, contributing to their success in the early 1940s. However, his burgeoning pro career was put on hold by the outbreak of World War II. Demonstrating his commitment and leadership, Gallarneau enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His bravery and dedication saw him rise to the rank of major and participate in an astounding seven island invasions in the Pacific theater. Following the war, Gallarneau returned to the Chicago Bears, playing from 1945 to 1947, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and resilient player.  

Hugh Gallarneau's football legacy is defined by his pivotal role in Stanford's transformative 1940 season and his successful professional career with the Bears, bookending his courageous service in World War II. His versatility as a halfback, capable of running and receiving effectively, made him a key offensive weapon. While detailed career statistics from his era are less comprehensive, his All-American selection in 1940 stands as a significant accolade, recognizing him as one of the nation's top collegiate players. His contributions to Stanford's Rose Bowl victory further underscore his impact. The National Football Foundation fittingly honored Hugh Gallarneau with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982, recognizing his exceptional collegiate career and enduring impact on the sport. His story is a testament to athletic excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his sport and country.

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.

From Western Pennsylvania prodigy to Heisman hero at Pitt, Tony Dorsett, born on April 7th, blazed a trail to NFL stardom with the Dallas Cowboys. Wearing #33, he conquered college football and then the professional ranks, ultimately hoisting Super Bowl glory. Witness the remarkable journey of this Hall of Fame legend.

Tony Dorsett's football odyssey began in Western Pennsylvania, showcasing his exceptional talent early on. His collegiate career at Pitt saw him don #33 and achieve unparalleled success, culminating in the prestigious Heisman Trophy. This dominance paved the way for a celebrated NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, where his electrifying running style made him a fan favorite and a key component of their Super Bowl championship team.

The legacy of Tony Dorsett extends beyond individual accolades. His induction into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame underscores his profound impact on the sport at every level. From his legendary runs at Pitt to his Super Bowl triumph with the Cowboys, Dorsett's speed, agility, and determination defined an era of football excellence, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

Dorsett carved his name into gridiron history with a career that redefined the running back position. This essay explores his journey, from his college dominance to his electrifying professional years.

Dorsett's brilliance first shone at the University of Pittsburgh. He broke numerous NCAA records, becoming the first player to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons. His electrifying runs left defenders grasping at air, and his captivating style made him a national sensation. He didn't just run fast; he possessed exceptional vision and agility, weaving through defenses with a dancer's grace.

The Dallas Cowboys, recognizing his immense talent, drafted Dorsett with the second overall pick in 1977. He seamlessly transitioned to the professional level, winning Rookie of the Year honors while leading the league in rushing touchdowns. Dorsett's impact was immediate, transforming the Dallas offense into a juggernaut. He was a perfect complement to quarterback Roger Staubach, creating a dynamic duo that terrorized defenses for years.

Dorsett's career was a highlight reel. He amassed over 12,000 rushing yards, becoming the NFL's second-leading rusher at the time of his retirement. Four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring in 1978 solidify his place among the game's greats. But beyond the accolades, it was his electrifying style that truly captivated fans. His speed was legendary, often leaving defenders in his dust.

Yet, Dorsett offered more than just raw speed. He possessed exceptional receiving skills, adding another dimension to his offensive threat. He was a master of breaking tackles, utilizing his quickness and agility to evade defenders and gain extra yards. Dorsett's impact went beyond the field as well. He was a pioneer for African American running backs, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to come.

However, Dorsett's career wasn't without its challenges. Injuries hampered him in later years, and his production declined. Still, he persevered, playing for 12 seasons before retiring in 1988.

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 on April 18, 1970, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Willie Roaf established himself as a dominant offensive tackle during his college career at Louisiana Tech from 1989 to 1992.

-College Career

He was a four-year letterman and became the Bulldogs' first consensus All-American offensive lineman since 1946, earning the honor in 1992. Known for his exceptional blocking ability and surprising speed for his size, Roaf was a finalist for the Outland Trophy in his senior year. He was instrumental in the Louisiana Tech running game, creating opportunities for top rushers and playing a key role in the longest rushing play in school history. His outstanding collegiate career earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.  

-Rise to the NFL

Roaf's dominance in college led to him being the eighth overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. This marked the beginning of a highly decorated 13-year professional career. He spent his first nine seasons with the Saints, where he quickly became a cornerstone of their offensive line, earning seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections. In 2002, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he continued his stellar play for four more seasons, adding another four Pro Bowl nods to his resume. Roaf's consistent excellence earned him PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 1993 and multiple All-Pro selections throughout his career.  

-Football Legacy

Willie Roaf's football legacy is that of an elite offensive tackle who excelled at both the collegiate and professional levels. His consistent dominance earned him recognition as one of the best to ever play his position. An 11-time Pro Bowler and a nine-time All-Pro selection, Roaf was named to both the NFL 1990s and 2000s All-Decade Teams, a testament to his sustained excellence. He was the first offensive lineman in Saints history to be selected to multiple Pro Bowls. His impact on the game is further cemented by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

College:

-Consensus All-American (1992)

-First Team All-South Independent (1991, 1992)  

-Finalist for Outland Trophy (1992)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)

Professional:

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)  

-11-time Pro Bowl Selection (1994-2000, 2002-2005)  

-4-time First-team All-Pro (1994, 1995, 2003, 2004)  

-5-time Second-team All-Pro (1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2005)  

-NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

-NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1993)  

-New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

-New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor  


-Career Stats (NFL):

-189 Games Played (189 Starts)  

-4 Fumble Recoveries