Football History

Northern Arizona's College Football Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle from the early 1960s. Playe din the AFL for the Oakland Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Boston Patriots

Author Dan Taylor tells about the legendary Man and Football Player Kenny Washington.

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Wayne Meylan, born on March 2, 1946, in Bay City, Michigan, left a significant mark on college and professional football, particularly as a hard-hitting linebacker.

-College Career

Meylan's collegiate career thrived at the University of Nebraska, where he was a standout linebacker for the Cornhuskers. Known for his aggressive play and tackling ability, he was a key component of Nebraska's defense, contributing to the team's growing reputation.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Drafted Cleveland Browns in the 4th round (104th overall) of the 1968 NFL Draft. Meylan transitioned to the professional ranks. During his three seasons in the league, he played for the Browns and later the Minnesota Vikings, solidifying his reputation as a rugged and reliable linebacker.

-Football Legacy

Meylan's football legacy is defined by his physical play style and contributions to the Bills' defense in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a respected player known for his hard-hitting tackles and dedication to the game. His career highlights the physicality of football during that era.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

While detailed statistics for his era are not always readily available, Meylan was recognized for his consistent performance and impact on his teams' defenses. His selection in the first draft round speaks to the high regard in which he was held.

He was known for his tackling, and his aggressive play.  

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Born February 7, 1917, in Fort Lawn, South Carolina, was the legendary Clemson Tigers halfback Banks McFadden. Many experts today consider the Great McFadden to be Clemson's most outstanding all-around athlete.

Banks was an athlete, starring on the baseball, basketball, and football eleven at Clemson and earning three letters in each. This legend earned All-America honors in both basketball and football. McFadden held the punting record for the Tigers for over four decades. Clemson's first bowl game, the 1940 Coton Bowl, cemented the icon's legacy. The Tigers knocked off Boston College by scoring 6-3 after McFadden batted down four 2nd half passes and averaged 44 yards for the 11 punts he made in the game.

The National Football Foundation selected Banks McFadden to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959. He was the fourth overall pick in the 1940 NFL draft by the Brooklyn Dodgers and had the longest run in the League in 1940 with a 75-yard dash down the field. After eleven pro games, he left his playing days forever to serve his country and coach at his alma mater.

Trevor Cobb is a former American football running back who played four seasons for the Rice Owls from 1989 to 1993. Cobb is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in Rice history. He holds numerous school records, including career rushing yards (4,948), career rushing touchdowns (38), and single-season rushing yards (1,692). Cobb was also a consensus All-American in 1991 when he won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.
Cobb was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended J—Frank Dobie High School, where he was a standout football and track athlete. Several significant colleges recruited Cobb, but he ultimately chose to stay close to home and attend Rice University.
Cobb made an immediate impact on the Rice football program. As a freshman in 1989, he ran for 1,087 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cobb's breakout season came in 1991 when he rushed for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also led the nation in all-purpose yards with 2,249. Cobb's performance that season earned him the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top college running back.
An excellent video on former Rice football player Trevor Cobb.

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George Pfann was another excellent backfield product of the Cornell Big Red program. His talent and skill led to his selection of going into the College FOotball Hall of Fame years after he was through playing.

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Ellery Huntigton Jr was the first Colgate player in 1913 to become a quarterback on Walter Camp's All-America Team.

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Eddie Kaw got his fame on the football field for the Cornell Big Red and eventually starred as a professional for the Buffalo Bisons.

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Bill Carpenter

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The Guardian wrote a memorable article a few years back on Patrick O'Dea.