Football History

February 16, 1972 - Detroit, Michigan - The powerful running back from the University of Notre Dame, Jerome Bettis, celebrates his birthday.

-College Career

Bettis's time at Notre Dame showcased the emergence of a powerful and talented running back. From 1990 to 1992, "The Bus" rumbled through opposing defenses, displaying a rare combination of size, speed, and agility. He quickly became a fan favorite, known for his punishing running style and ability to break tackles. Bettis contributed significantly to the Fighting Irish's success, helping them maintain their reputation as a national powerhouse. His impressive performances earned him national attention and set the stage for a highly anticipated professional career. While his college career was shorter than some, Bettis left a lasting impression on Notre Dame football.

-Road to the NFL

The St Louis Rams selected Jerome as their first-round pick and 10th overall in the 1993 NFL Draft. In just his first season as a Pro, Bettis received Rookie of the Year honors as he was second in yardage in the League that year and third in total yards from scrimmage per ProFootballHOF.com.

-Career Reboot

A few years later, he was famously traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he remained for the balance of his 13-year career. He led the Rams in rushing in three seasons and the Steelers in 8. When he retired, he had amassed 13662 yards rushing, which at the time listed him as the fifth-highest total in NFL history.

He was an All-Pro in several seasons and played in 6 Pro Bowl games. Jerome Bettis was selected for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015’s class of inductees.

-Career Information

-High school: Mackenzie
(Detroit, Michigan)

-College: Notre Dame (1990–1992)

-NFL draft: 1993 / round: 1 / pick: 10

-Career History

-Los Angeles / St. Louis Rams (1993–1995)

-Pittsburgh Steelers (1996–2005)

-Career Highlights and Awards

-Super Bowl champion (XL)

-NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1993)

-NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1996)

-Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2001)

-2× First-team All-Pro (1993, 1996)

-Second-team All-Pro (1997)

-6× Pro Bowl (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004)

-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1993)

-Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

-Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor

-Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame

-Career NFL statistics

-Rushing yards: 13,662

-Rushing average: 3.9

-Rushing touchdowns: 91

-Receptions: 200

-Receiving yards: 1,449

-Receiving touchdowns: 3

-Pro Football Hall of Fame

Stats at Pro Football Reference
Jerome Bettis. (2025, February 9). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome_Bettis

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Listeners are invited into the depths of football history as Darin Hayes and Tim Brown uncover the life and legacy of Frank Hering, a figure whose contributions to the game are both innovative and surprising. Herring, a quarterback with the University of Chicago in the 1890s, is celebrated for his development of the overhand spiral pass, a technique that transformed the passing game and paved the way for modern football. The conversation highlights the challenges of the era, including the unwieldy size of early footballs and the strategic limitations of the time, providing a rich backdrop for Herring's achievements. As the narrative unfolds, the duo recounts Herring's pivotal moments on the field, including his experiences during the Chicago Maroons' groundbreaking travels to play against Stanford and other teams, emphasizing the significance of these early games in the context of football's evolution.

The conversation stems from one of Tim's famous Football Archaeology TidBits titled: Frank Hering, The Overhand Spiral, and Mother's Day

We have the audio-only podcast version at: Touchdowns and Traditions: How Frank Hering Became the Father of Mother's Day

Frank E. Hering was an American football player and coach. He is best known for his time as the head football coach at the University of Notre Dame from 1896 to 1898. Hering is often called the "Father of Notre Dame Football" for his role in transforming the program from an intramural activity into a competitive intercollegiate sport. He also served as Notre Dame's first basketball coach and coached the school's baseball team.

In a twist that captivates the audience, the episode also links Herring to the inception of Mother's Day. Tim Brown shares the intriguing story of how Herring's involvement with the Elks led him to propose a day dedicated to honoring mothers, culminating in the formal recognition of Mother's Day by Congress in 1914. This unexpected connection between sports and social advocacy adds depth to the discussion, highlighting how individuals can influence culture beyond their primary fields. Hayes and Brown's engaging dialogue seamlessly weaves these two narratives together, showcasing the profound impact that one person can have in both the world of sports and society at large. This episode not only enriches listeners' understanding of football history but also celebrates the often-overlooked contributions of those who have shaped our cultural traditions.

In Warren, Ohio, Ross Browner, born on March 22, 1954, cemented a legacy as one of football's most dominant defensive forces. His journey, marked by collegiate triumph and professional grit, etched his name into the annals of the sport.  

Browner is one of the most decorated college players in NCAA history, as he played defensive end for the Irish in 1973 and then from 1975 through 1977.

College Career

Browner's college career at the University of Notre Dame is a testament to his exceptional talent. Playing defensive end for the Fighting Irish in 1973 and from 1975 to 1977, he played a crucial role in the team's success, including their national championship victories. His impact was undeniable, establishing him as a legendary figure in Notre Dame's rich football history. Notably:  

-He was a key component of national championship winning Notre Dame teams.  

-His performance included a school-record 340 tackles.  

-He also recorded ten deflected passes and two blocked kicks.  

-He even scored a touchdown off of a blocked punt, and recorded two safeties.  

Road to the Pro Game

Browner's outstanding collegiate performance paved the way for his entry into the National Football League. His prowess caught the attention of professional scouts, and he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Football Legacy

Browner's legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. He was a dominant force on the defensive line, known for his tenacity and skill. His contributions to the Cincinnati Bengals, including their Super Bowl appearances, solidified his place in NFL history. Furthermore his impact on the game in the collegiate level has left a lasting legacy. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999 underscores his enduring influence on the sport.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Throughout his illustrious career, Browner accumulated numerous accolades:

-Outland Trophy winner (1976).  

-Unanimous All-America honors (1976, 1977).  

-Lombardi Trophy winner (1977).  

-Maxwell Award winner (1977).  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1999).  

He spent nine years with the Cincinnati Bengals and one year with the Green Bay Packers in the NFL.  
Browner's impact on football, both at the collegiate and professional levels, solidifies his place as one of the game's greats.

February 21, 1921 - Youngstown, Ohio - The awesome former end of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Bob Dove experienced his arrival into this world.

-College Career

Bob Dove was a standout football player at the University of Notre Dame in the early 1940s. His exceptional skills on both offense and defense made him a crucial contributor to the Fighting Irish's success. Dove played end, excelling as both a receiver and a defensive stalwart. He was a consensus All-American in 1941 and 1942, earning national recognition for his outstanding play. In 1942, he received the prestigious Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy, awarded to the nation's best lineman.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Dove's college career was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Marine Corps. After the war, he embarked on a professional football career, playing for the Chicago Rockets, Chicago Cardinals, and Detroit Lions. He was a member of the Detroit Lions teams that won back-to-back NFL championships in 1953 and 1954.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

Following his playing career, Dove transitioned to coaching. He coached at both the collegiate and professional levels, including stints at the University of Detroit, the Detroit Lions, and the Buffalo Bills. He also served as the head coach at Hiram College and as an assistant coach at Youngstown State University for many years.  

Career history
As player

-Chicago Rockets (1946–1947)

-Chicago Cardinals (1948–1953)

-Detroit Lions (1953–1954)

As coach

-Chicago Rockets (1946)

-Career highlights and awards

-Pro Bowl (1950)

-2× Consensus All-American (1941, 1942)

-Career NFL statistics

Receiving yards: 128
Interceptions: 1
Touchdowns: 2

-College Football Hall of Fame Induction

Bob Dove's contributions to football as a player and coach earned him numerous accolades.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greats.  

Stats at Pro Football Reference

Johnny Lujack's football career was a brilliance symphony played out on the college and professional stages. He was a quarterback who mastered the T-formation, led teams to championships and left an indelible mark on the game. Here's a closer look at his impressive achievements:

College Stardom:

-Notre Dame Glory: Lujack took over as Notre Dame's quarterback in 1943, guiding them to three national championships during his tenure. He threw for over 777 yards and rushed for 139 in his senior season, earning the Heisman Trophy and Associated Press Athlete of the Year honors.

-T-Formation Master: Lujack's exceptional understanding of the T-formation offense made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His precise passing and deceptive running combined to be an unstoppable force, rewriting the playbook for future quarterbacks.
NFL Journey:

-Drafted High: The Chicago Bears recognized Lujack's talent and drafted him fourth overall in the 1946 NFL Draft. He lived up to expectations, leading the team in scoring each year of his four-season career.

-Passing Prowess: Despite playing in a run-heavy era, Lujack set an NFL record with 468 passing yards in a single game in 1949. He also finished his career with 11 rushing touchdowns, another noteworthy feat for a quarterback of his time.

-Early Retirement: Lujack's NFL career was cut short due to injuries and military service. He retired in 1951 at age 26, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation.

Beyond the Numbers:

-Lujack's impact extended beyond statistics. He was a charismatic leader, respected by teammates and coaches alike. His influence on the development of the quarterback position, particularly within the T-formation, is undeniable.

-His legacy lives on in various Halls of Fame, including the College Football and National Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame. He remains a revered figure in Notre Dame and Bears history, a constant reminder of the heights an exceptional quarterback can reach.

In conclusion, Johnny Lujack's football career was a leadership, talent, and adaptation masterclass. He left his mark on college and professional football, etching his name in the annals of gridiron history.

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On November 10, 1928, the iconic Yankee Stadium hosted a clash between two college football titans: Notre Dame and Army. This matchup, however, presented a unique twist. The Fighting Irish, typically a powerhouse, entered the game as underdogs, having suffered two losses. In contrast, the Black Knights boasted an undefeated 6-0 record.

Despite the odds, Notre Dame's legendary coach, Knute Rockne, possessed a secret weapon: his ability to inspire. At halftime, Rockne delivered a rousing speech that ignited the passion of his players. His words, "Win one for the Gipper!" became a rallying cry that echoed through the locker room.

The "Gipper" was George Gipp, a former Notre Dame player who had tragically passed away a few years earlier. Rockne, who had been by Gipp's side during his final moments, claimed that the fallen athlete had requested a final favor: to remind the team of him. Whether this tale was true or a piece of Rockne's motivational arsenal remains a mystery.

Nevertheless, the Irish players responded to the coach's impassioned plea. They stormed back onto the field, fueled by a desire to honor Gipp's memory. The result was a thrilling comeback victory, with Notre Dame emerging triumphant with a final score of 12-6. This game, forever linked to Rockne's inspiring speech, became a legendary chapter in college football history.

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The November 9, 1946, clash between Army and Notre Dame was a highly anticipated college football showdown, pitting the nation's top two teams against each other. The game, held at Yankee Stadium, was a defensive struggle that ultimately ended in a scoreless tie. The result was so unexpected that one newspaper headline famously declared it "Much Ado About Nothing-Nothing."

Despite the lack of points, the game was a thrilling back-and-forth affair. Notre Dame, ranked second in the nation, managed to advance to the Army 4-yard line, while Army, the top-ranked team, crossed midfield nine times. However, both defenses held strong, preventing either team from finding the end zone.

The scoreless tie had significant implications for both teams. Both Army and Notre Dame finished the season undefeated with one tie. While Army had dominated the regular season, the AP Poll ultimately voted Notre Dame as the national champions. Despite the lack of offensive fireworks, the game's historical significance and intense competition have earned it a place in college football lore. In 2019, ESPN ranked it as the 26th Greatest College Game ever.

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On November 21, 1931, two storied football programs clashed in South Bend, Indiana, in a game that would become a cornerstone of one of college football's greatest rivalries. The USC Trojans and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish met in a dramatic showdown that showcased their mutual pride and talent on the gridiron, cementing their intersectional rivalry for decades to come.

Notre Dame, boasting a 26-game undefeated streak, came out strong, scoring two quick touchdowns to take an early lead. But USC, refusing to back down, fought their way back into the contest. With time running out and the score tied, Trojans kicker Johnny Baker became the hero. His 33-yard field goal sailed through the uprights with just one minute remaining, sealing a dramatic 16-14 victory for USC.

The win not only snapped Notre Dame’s legendary streak but also secured USC’s first national championship, marking a turning point in college football history. After the game, in a remarkable show of respect, USC head coach Howard Jones led his team to visit the grave of Notre Dame’s legendary coach, Knute Rockne, who had passed away earlier that year.

Decades later, ESPN ranked this iconic game as the 55th greatest college football contest of all time.

On October 18, 1924, the gridiron stage was set for a legendary clash between two football titans: Notre Dame and Army. The Polo Grounds in New York City was the chosen battleground, and the anticipation was palpable. As the teams took the field, the nation held its breath, ready to witness a spectacle that would forever be etched in football lore.

Under the guidance of the legendary coach Knute Rockne, Notre Dame fielded a team of extraordinary talent. Their backfield, dubbed the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse," was a force to be reckoned with. The quartet, consisting of Harry Stuhldreher, Jim Crowley, Don Miller, and Elmer Layden, possessed a combination of speed, agility, and power that left opponents in awe. The backfield inspired legendary journalist Grantland Rice to pen the now famous column that started poetically with:

"Outlined against a blue-gray October sky, the Four Horsemen rode again. In dramatic lore they are known as Famine, Pestilence, Destruction and Death. These are only aliases. Their real names are Stuhldreher, Miller, Crowley and Layden. They formed the crest of the South Bend cyclone before which another fighting Army football team was swept over the precipice at the Polo Grounds yesterday afternoon as 55,000 spectators peered down on the bewildering panorama spread on the green plain below.

A cyclone can't be snared. It may be surrounded, but somewhere it breaks through to keep on going. When the cyclone starts from South Bend, where the candle lights still gleam through the Indiana sycamores, those in the way must take to storm cellars at top speed.

Yesterday the cyclone struck again as Notre Dame beat the Army, 13 to 7, with a set of backfield stars that ripped and crashed through a strong Army defense with more speed and power than the warring cadets could meet." - Grantland Rice from "The Four Horsemen" for the New York Herald Tribune, 18 October 1924.

Learn more about the actual contest in our 1924 Notre Dame vs Army Game coverage.

ESPN in 2019 ranked it as the 17th Greatest College Game ever.

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The storied rivalry between Notre Dame and USC reached a thrilling climax on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1964. The top-ranked, undefeated Fighting Irish, led by first-year head coach Ara Parseghian, were heavy favorites against the unranked Trojans.

Fueled by the electrifying play of Heisman Trophy hopeful John Huarte, Notre Dame stormed to a 17-0 halftime lead. However, the second half saw a dramatic turn of events. USC, aided by some controversial officiating calls, mounted a furious comeback. With just 1:35 remaining, the Trojans completed a fourth-down touchdown pass to take a 20-17 lead.

One of the most disputed plays of the game occurred on USC's final touchdown drive. The Trojans' quarterback, Craig Fertig, appeared to fumble the ball, which should have been recovered by the Irish defense. However, the officials ruled the play as an incomplete pass, allowing USC to continue their drive and ultimately score the winning touchdown.

This stunning upset, coupled with the questionable officiating, cemented the game's place in college football history. The 1964 USC-Notre Dame game is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and controversial contests ever played.