Football History

Legendary journalist and former NFL columnist for the New York Daily
News and Dallas Morning News. He was a long-time member of the cast of HBO's Inside The NFL as one of the original NFL insiders and the YES Network's This Week in Football.

Born June 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Back for the Green Bay Packers. Herb ended his career with the Dallas Cowboys.

Prior to being picked by the Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL Draft as an offensive halfback, Adderly had played collegiately for Michigan State. In his rookie season facing the fact that the Pack already had two great backs in Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, the Green Bay coaches flipped him over to the defensive side of the ball as an emergency fill in for an injured corner Hank Gremminger and Adderly thrived as a cornerback.

Adderly accounted for 48 interceptions in his career and did some damage returning them as he averaged 21.8 yards per pick for a total of 1046 yards. Herb played in five NFL title games, and four Super Bowls! One of his biggest moments as a pro was a 60 yard pick six in Super Bowl II. The ball-hawking back also made it into five Pro Bowl games, as he was also an All-Pro in five different seasons. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Herb Adderly in 1980 to their Canton, Ohio museum.

Born May 22, 1940, in Lexington, Nebraska, was Mick Tingelhoff is an NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame Center who played for the Minnesota Vikings for 17 seasons.

He was selected in the Hall of Fame in the 2015 class. Mick played his college football at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and did not become the starter there until his senior season.

The Hall of Famer also went undrafted and signed with the Vikings as a free agent in 1962 and became the starter as a rookie! His hard work earned him the right to play in six consecutive Pro Bowls in the late 1960s. After the 1969 season, Mr. Tingelhoff was voted as the NFL's Top Offensive Lineman of the Year.

Born August 14, 1916, in Rochester, New York, was Wellington Mara Pro Football Hall of Fame was the famed owner of the New York Giants, who along with his brother, Jack, inherited the team from his father Tim in 1930 due to the latter's connection with Professional Boxing.

When he was young and watched his father's Giants practice and play from the sidelines, the New York players called him with a nickname "the Duke" because of the royal position in Great Britain, the Duke of Wellington. The NFL admired the innovations of Wellington so much that in 1941, they nicknamed the version of the Wilson Game ball " 'the Duke" in his honor.

Under Wellington's leadership the G-men won 6 NFL Titles, which included two Super Bowl wins.

Lynn Swann played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and was Super Bowl MVP wearing Number 88. and Part of the success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Swann's legacy transcends the gridiron. He wasn't just a gifted wide receiver; he was a ballet dancer in cleats, a symbol of elegance amidst the ferocious Steelers dynasty of the 1970s.

Swann's journey began at USC, where his athleticism and leaping ability shone brightly. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1973, he joined the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, adding an unexpected aerial dimension to their dominant force.

Partnered with the "Blonde Bomber" Terry Bradshaw, Swann became a maestro of acrobatic catches. His leaping touchdown in Super Bowl IX, leaping over Cowboys defenders like a gazelle, remains an iconic image etched in football history. His grace and precision defied the brutality of the sport, earning him the nickname "Swan."

Beyond highlights, Swann's impact was profound. He formed a near-telepathic connection with Bradshaw, reading blitzes and anticipating throws with uncanny intuition. He helped the Steelers secure four Super Bowl victories in six years, his calm presence and unflappable demeanor a key component of their dynasty.

Tragically, Swann's career was cut short by injuries in 1983. But his influence extended beyond the field. He pursued a successful broadcasting career, his eloquent insights and analytical mind finding a new audience. He also actively promoted literacy and education, proving his brilliance extended far beyond the football field.

Born January 11, 1895, in Evanston, Illinois, was College and Pro Football Hall of Fame back, Paddy Driscoll. This amazing athlete played college football as a quarterback and halfback for the Northwestern football team in 1915 and 1916. In 1917, he played Major League Baseball as an infielder for the Chicago Cubs.

He joined the United States Navy during World War I and played for the undefeated 1918 Great Lakes Navy football team that won the 1919 Rose Bowl. A triple-threat man in football, he was regarded as the best drop kicker and one of the best overall players in the early years of the National Football League. Driscoll was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Paddy was on the Pro Football rosters of for the Hammond All-Stars (1917), Hammond Pros (1919), Racine/Chicago Cardinals (1920–1925), and Chicago Bears (1926–1929).
NFL Jersey 20. NFL Jersey 1. NFL Jersey 2.

Len Dawson's professional football career is a testament to perseverance and finding the right fit. This gridiron legend was born in Alliance, Ohio on June 20, 1935.

Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957, Dawson struggled for playing time behind established veterans. Bouncing between the Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, his talent remained largely untapped. However, in 1962, a move to the upstart American Football League (AFL) and the Dallas Texans (soon to be the Kansas City Chiefs) proved to be the turning point.

-Starting QB

Dawson thrived in the AFL, a league known for its wide-open passing game. His calm demeanor and pinpoint accuracy quickly earned him a reputation as one of the league's premier quarterbacks. He not only led the Texans/Chiefs to their first AFL championship in 1962, a double-overtime thriller against the Houston Oilers, but also spearheaded a dominant run for the Chiefs, who would win AFL championships in 1966 and 1969 under his leadership.

The AFL-NFL merger in 1970 placed Dawson on the national stage. He led the Chiefs to Super Bowl I, where they fell to the mighty Vince Lombardi-coached Green Bay Packers. However, redemption arrived in Super Bowl IV. Facing the Minnesota Vikings, Dawson orchestrated a masterful performance, completing 17 of 29 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown. His poise and leadership under pressure not only earned him the game's Most Valuable Player award, but also solidified his place in Super Bowl history, marking a significant milestone in his career.

-Legacy of Dawson

Beyond his championship pedigree, Dawson's accolades are impressive. He won four AFL passing titles and was a six-time AFL All-Star. Notably, he achieved a perfect passer rating in Super Bowl IV, which was unmatched until Joe Montana in Super Bowl XXIX. Dawson's career spanned 19 seasons, a testament to his durability and dedication to the game.

Following his retirement in 1976, Dawson transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a beloved color commentator for the Chiefs. He remained a prominent figure in the sport he loved, sharing his insights and passion with a new generation of fans. Dawson is among the elite pro quarterbacks, with an 82.56 quarterback rating over a span of 19 seasons in the NFL.

Len Dawson's journey from struggling backup to Super Bowl champion is an inspiration. His ability to adapt to a new league, lead a team to sustained success, and perform under the brightest lights solidified his place as a legend in both the AFL and the NFL. Dawson's legacy extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. His calm demeanor and leadership qualities are hallmarks of a true champion, earning him the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans.

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The talented wide receiver of the Super Steelers, who along with Lynn Swann made amazing catches. He was Part of the success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

John Stallworth wasn't just a wide receiver; he was a cornerstone, a champion, and a legend etched in Pittsburgh Steelers history. From his unassuming beginnings to his place in the Hall of Fame, his career shines as a testament to hard work, determination, and the magic of the "Steel Curtain" era.

Drafted in 1974, Stallworth wasn't an immediate star. Yet, alongside Terry Bradshaw and the formidable "Steel Curtain" defense, he steadily honed his skills, becoming a key weapon in their potent offensive arsenal. His exceptional speed, acrobatic catches, and uncanny ability to find the end zone made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

The accolades followed relentlessly. Four Super Bowl victories adorned his career, each one a testament to his clutch performances and unwavering team spirit. He racked up franchise records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns, his name forever echoing through the streets of Pittsburgh.

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The story of Mean Joe Greene, legendary D-lineman of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Part of the success of the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers.

Joe Greene wasn't just a defensive lineman; he was a force of nature, an immovable mountain on the gridiron, and a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' dynasty. From his early days in Oakland to his reign as the anchor of the legendary "Steel Curtain," Greene's career is a testament to unmatched power, unwavering leadership, and an impact that transcended wins and losses.

Drafted in 1969, Greene's raw talent was undeniable. His imposing size and relentless intensity quickly made him a defensive force, earning him Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Yet, individual accolades weren't enough for Greene; he yearned for a team culture that mirrored his own relentless pursuit of excellence.

Steel Curtain Rises:

Traded to the Steelers in 1972, Greene found his perfect fit. His arrival coincided with the emergence of the "Steel Curtain," a defensive unit unlike any before. Alongside Jack Ham, Mel Blount, and others, Greene formed an impenetrable wall, striking fear into opposing offenses and setting a new standard for defensive dominance.

Champions Rise:

With Greene as the anchor, the Steelers embarked on a golden age. From 1974 to 1979, they captured four Super Bowls, rewriting the record books and etching their names in NFL history. Greene's impact was undeniable; he was named Defensive Player of the Year four times, a feat unmatched to this day.

Indiana Hoosiers football. The mere mention of those words evokes a mix of passion, pride, and perhaps, a touch of frustration for its loyal fanbase. Yet, beneath the surface of recent seasons lies a rich tapestry of history, filled with legendary figures, iconic moments, and unforgettable games.

It’s time to delve deep into the heart and soul of Indiana football. This series will be our journey through time, exploring the triumphs, challenges, and evolution of a program that has shaped the lives of countless Hoosiers.

From the early days of gridiron glory to the modern era, we’ll examine the factors that have defined the program. We’ll celebrate the heroes who have donned the crimson and cream, and analyze the strategic decisions that have shaped the team’s trajectory.

Join us as we uncover the stories behind the scores, the rivalries that ignite passions, and the hopes and dreams that continue to fuel the Hoosier spirit. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the program, there’s something for everyone in this exploration of Indiana football’s storied past.

Get ready to relive the excitement, the heartbreak, and the unwavering loyalty that defines the Hoosier Nation. Our journey begins now.