Football History

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Find out more on who Dr Harry March was and his role in football history

Albert Exendine, born in Indian Territory in 1884, wasn't just a football player; he was a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the unifying power of the game. His career spanned generations, weaving a narrative of athletic prowess and cultural significance against the backdrop of American history.

Exendine's story begins at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, where Pop Warner molded him from raw talent into an All-American end. Albert had never played on the gridiron prior to arriving at the school, but was a mainstay star from 1902-1907. Playing against the prejudice of the era, Exendine's speed and skill silenced critics, earning him respect and paving the way for future generations of Native American athletes.

Leaving Carlisle, Exendine embarked on a coaching journey that spanned over four decades. He transformed small colleges into regional powerhouses, and nurturing talent at institutions such as Georgetown, Washington State, and Oklahoma A&M. His innovative "warhorse" offense and emphasis on discipline set him apart, attracting players and establishing himself as a coaching pioneer.

But Exendine's impact transcended wins and losses. He became a bridge between different worlds, coaching both white and Native American players with fairness and respect. He challenged racial stereotypes and advocated for equality in athletics, paving the way for a more inclusive sports landscape.

Beyond the gridiron, Exendine was a respected figure in the Native American community. He served as a tribal council member and advocated for their rights and cultural preservation. His multifaceted life underscored the interconnectedness of his athletic and cultural identities.

Born March 4, 1888, in Voss, Norway, was Knute Rockne, American College Football Hall of Fame coach. Rockne led the Fighting Irish to gridiron prominenance as Notre Dame won 13 National titles, under his leadership. Rockne was also an end for Notre Dame, and later played professional football before starting his coaching tenure. In 1914, he was recruited by the legendary Peggy Parratt to play for the Akron Indians. At Akron, Parratt had connected with Rockne on several successful forward pass plays during their mythical Ohio League schedule.

The Legendary player and coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Rockne's passion for the game, his innovation, and his inspiring speeches made his teams rise to the top of college football in the 1920s.

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Two-Minute Warning - When does the NFL Clock Stop

Charley Trippi wasn't your average running back. He was a human highlight reel, a one-man wrecking crew who redefined the possibilities of the position in the 1940s. His dazzling footwork, electrifying speed, and Houdini-like escapes from tacklers left fans breathless and earned him a place among football's all-time greats.
Trippi's legend began at Georgia, where he became the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy in 1942. He led the Bulldogs to a national championship that year, his dazzling spin moves and open-field jukes leaving defenders grasping at air. His impact wasn't just statistical (2,199 rushing yards, 39 touchdowns) but transformative, ushering in a new era of offensive dynamism.
Drafted by the Chicago Cardinals, Trippi continued to weave magic in the pros. He became the first rookie to lead the NFL in rushing and was named Rookie of the Year in 1947. His signature maneuver, the "Trippi Slide," became a highlight-reel staple, leaving tacklers sprawled as he glided past them with effortless grace.
Trippi's career wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Injuries hampered his later years. But his talent and determination shone through, inspiring generations of young athletes who saw in him a reflection of their own potential.
Today, Charley Trippi's legacy lives on. He's a member of the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, his Heisman Trophy on display at the Bulldogs' Sanford Stadium. But more than trophies and accolades, Trippi's legacy is the joy he brought to the game, the way he challenged expectations and redefined what it meant to be a running back. He was a showman, a pioneer, and a reminder that sometimes, the greatest athletes are the ones who dance with the impossible.

Benjamin Holt Ticknor wasn't just a football player; he embodied Harvard's gridiron grit in the 1930s. A dominant center renowned for his defense, Ticknor became a captain and a legend, etching his name in Crimson history.

Born in Massachusetts in 1909, Ticknor's athletic prowess shone from a young age. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, eventually choosing football as his true passion. Arriving at Harvard in 1928, he quickly carved a niche on the offensive and defensive lines.

Despite playing when Harvard didn't see its championship glory days, Ticknor's brilliance shone through. He earned All-American honors in 1930, becoming the first center in Harvard history to do so. His leadership as captain in 1930 was instrumental in leading the team to a respectable season despite several close defeats.

Ticknor's legacy, however, was built on more than wins. He was a defensive stalwart renowned for his fierce tackling and unyielding presence in the trenches. His nickname, "Iron Man," spoke volumes about his resilience and dedication. In multiple encounters, he held rival Yale at bay, earning him particular adoration from the Harvard faithful.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Ticknor was known for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly demeanor. He was a respected leader on and off the field, embodying the ideals of Harvard football. His impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he excelled academically and later found business success.

In 1954, Ticknor's contributions were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He remains one of only four Harvard players to receive this prestigious honor. His name graces the Ben Ticknor Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the Crimson's most outstanding offensive lineman.

Charles "Charlie" Brickley (1879-1959) was a pioneer of American football, leaving his mark on the early days of the sport as a player, coach, and innovator. Brickley's legendary career began at Harvard University, where he quarterbacked the Crimson to a perfect record and a national championship in 1901. He later played professionally, showcasing his talent with teams like the Frankford Athletic Club and the Philadelphia Athletics.
Beyond his playing achievements, Brickley is credited with popularizing several key aspects of the modern game. He is considered the inventor of the spiral pass, a revolutionary technique that changed the landscape of offensive strategy. Additionally, Brickley introduced innovations like the huddle and the numbering system for offensive plays, further shaping the way the game is played.
Brickley's coaching career was equally impactful. He led the Penn Quakers to back-to-back undefeated seasons and national championships in 1904 and 1905, solidifying his legacy as a coaching pioneer. He continued to coach at various universities throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his innovative strategies and commitment to excellence.
Charlie Brickley's contributions to football extend far beyond his individual statistics and victories. He was a true innovator, a trailblazer who transformed the game with his revolutionary ideas. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans alike, reminding them of the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of the sport.

For more on this legend and his playing days at Harvard check out our friend Dick Friedman's article in Harvard Magazine.

Alvin Nugent "Bo" McMillin (1895-1952) wasn't just a football player but a force of nature on the gridiron. His career spanned multiple eras, leaving an indelible mark on college and professional football. Today, we delve into the life and legacy of this American football legend.

Born in rural Texas, McMillin's natural athleticism shone through early on. He excelled in various sports, but football truly captured his heart. After a standout high school career, he landed at Centre College in Kentucky, becoming a three-time All-American quarterback. McMillin's versatility extended beyond throwing; he was also a formidable safety and kick returner, earning him the nickname "Iron Man" for his all-around talent.

After college, McMillin tasted professional success in the early days of the NFL, playing for teams like the Milwaukee Badgers and Cleveland Indians. However, his coaching career truly cemented his legend. He led various college teams to success, most notably Indiana University, where he won the Big Ten championship in 1945 and was named Coach of the Year.

McMillin's coaching philosophy was ahead of its time. He emphasized offensive innovation, utilizing the forward pass more aggressively than most coaches of his era. He also instilled a strong sense of discipline and teamwork in his players, earning their respect and admiration.

McMillin's legacy extends beyond wins and statistics. He was a pioneer who helped shape the game of football. He was also a respected mentor and motivator, leaving a lasting impact on countless players and coaches.

Born August 14, 1935, in Menlo Park, California, was John Brodie who was a quarterback that played for Stanford University. The passer's great play there earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. Brodie went on to play professionally for 17 seasons at the helm of the San Francisco 49ers. There were multiple years where he led the NFL in both passing and touchdown throws and he played in two Pro Bowls and was the 1970 NFL MVP. This talented fella even had a second career as a Senior PGA Tour professional golfer and was a television broadcaster for both sports.

Born May 27, 1868, in Chicago, Illinois, was Knowlton Ames was the Princeton University fullback from 1886 to 1889. This man had some moves in the open field according to the National Football Foundation.

One of his opponents from rival Yale, the very famous Pudge Heffelfinger once said of Knowlton, "He was clever at spinning, changing direction and faking the tackler. It was fatal to go for his knees or legs. They wouldn't be there." It was skills like these that landed Ames in the inaugural All-America team of 1889. Ames and the rest of the Princeton crew are credited with being the first team to create and run the "power sweep." A true football innovator, Ames was perhaps the first player to execute a fake punt and he also developed a unique running style which enabled him to duck tacklers. His speed and elusiveness resulted in many spectacular long runs. He was a true spotlight star as demonstrated in one game where he returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, returned another kick 50 yards and ran 105 yards from scrimmage that was of course on one of that era’s 110 yard fields. Ames still holds nearly all the Princeton scoring records over 130 years after he set the milestones. In his career, "Snake" scored 730 points, 62 touchdowns and 176 points after touchdowns. In a single game against Pennsylvania he scored 60 points. Ames was a member of Princeton teams that compiled a 35-3-1 record in his four varsity seasons. Knowlton Ames’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1969.