Football History

Warren Rogan takes his Sports Forgotten Heroes podcast to new places to seek past athletes' memories and accomplishments. Claude "Buddy" Young (1926-2003) was a trailblazing African American athlete who left his mark on both college and professional football. Nicknamed the "Bronze Bullet" for his exceptional speed and acceleration, Young's career was a testament to talent, perseverance, and the fight for racial equality in sports.

College Standout:

A world-class sprinter, Young's athleticism translated seamlessly to football at the University of Illinois.
He earned the nickname "Bronze Bullet" for his electrifying runs, leading the Illini to a Big Ten Championship in 1946.
Young set the Big Ten single-season rushing record (later tied) and was named an All-American.
Pro Pioneer:

Despite facing racial discrimination, Young entered the NFL in 1947, playing for the New York Giants.
He established himself as a versatile threat, excelling as a running back, receiver, and kick returner.
Young racked up over 4,000 rushing yards and 2,000 receiving yards in his nine-year professional career.
He became one of the first African Americans to achieve significant success in the NFL.
Beyond the Field:

After retiring from playing, Young remained involved in football as an assistant coach and then an assistant commissioner for the NFL.
He worked to diversify the league and address racial inequities, paving the way for future generations of players.
Young was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Legacy:

Buddy Young's athletic prowess and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity made him a legend of the game. He not only excelled on the field, but also used his platform to advocate for equality and pave the way for future generations of African American athletes in football.

---

Chris Willis's book, The Columbus Panhandles: A Complete History of Pro Football's Toughest Team, 1900-1922, dives into the largely forgotten story of a unique and successful professional football team: the Columbus Panhandles.

From Railroad Yard to Championship Contenders:

The book chronicles the rise and fall of the Panhandles, a team formed in 1901 by workers at the Pennsylvania Railroad's Panhandle shops in Columbus, Ohio. These immigrant railroad workers honed their football skills during lunch breaks on the sandlots of the railroad yards.

Key Figures and Strategies:

Willis highlights the role of innovative team manager Joseph Carr, who later became the NFL commissioner. Carr used perks like free railroad travel for employees and the star power of the Nesser brothers, a family of talented players, to build a strong traveling team.

Season-by-Season Account:

The book delves into a season-by-season account of the Panhandles' journey. Willis utilizes original interviews, newspaper reports, and photographs to recreate the team's triumphs and heartbreaks. Readers get a glimpse into the team's playing style, known for its physicality and toughness, earning them the nickname "Pro Football's Toughest Team."

The 66th Annual Sugar Bowl, played on January 4, 2000, was a thrilling and historic college football game. It was designated as the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game, pitting the top two ranked teams in the country against each other:

#1 Florida State Seminoles (11-0) vs. #2 Virginia Tech Hokies (11-0)

The game lived up to the hype, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive grit. Here's a summary of the key events:

First Half:

Florida State, led by Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver Peter Warrick and quarterback Chris Weinke, started strong, building a 28-7 lead by halftime.
Warrick caught two touchdowns and returned a punt for another, showcasing his electrifying speed and playmaking ability.
Virginia Tech, spearheaded by redshirt freshman quarterback Michael Vick, struggled to contain the Seminoles' offensive attack.
Second Half:

Virginia Tech mounted a remarkable comeback, capitalizing on Florida State turnovers and Vick's dual-threat play.
Vick ran for a touchdown and threw for two others, leading the Hokies to a 29-28 lead at the end of the third quarter.
The game became a nail-biter, with both teams trading blows and the crowd at the Louisiana Superdome on the edge of their seats.
Fourth Quarter and Overtime:

In the fourth quarter, Florida State regained the lead with a touchdown pass from Weinke to Warrick.
Virginia Tech responded with a field goal with seconds remaining, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Florida State's defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs.
Warrick then caught his fourth touchdown pass of the game, sealing the victory for the Seminoles.
Final Score:

Florida State 46, Virginia Tech 29

---

Jerry Tubbs, a name synonymous with both defensive dominance and coaching longevity, carved his legacy across eras on the gridiron. His journey stretched from All-American center at Oklahoma to a formidable linebacker in the NFL, ending with a remarkable 23-year coaching career with the Dallas Cowboys.

On the field, Tubbs was a force. At Oklahoma, he anchored the offensive line, earning unanimous All-America honors and playing key roles in all 31 wins across his varsity years. His versatility shone as he shifted to linebacker in the pros, playing for the Chicago Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and eventually, the Dallas Cowboys. Though injuries shortened his playing career, he left a mark with his tenacity and leadership.

But Tubbs' true impact came as a coach. Joining the Cowboys in 1961, he honed his defensive mind under Tom Landry, eventually becoming the team's linebackers coach for a staggering 22 years. His aggressive schemes and emphasis on fundamentals helped forge the "Doomsday Defense," one of the most dominant units in NFL history.

Tubbs' influence extended beyond the Cowboys. He mentored countless future Hall of Famers, earning a reputation as a master technician and motivator. His dedication to the game earned him the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

---

Joe Ziemba, the foremost expert on Chicago Cardinals history goes all in on telling a story. When he gets a chance to chat about the memories of one of the Cardinals greats like Charley Trippi, this story teller shifts to a different gear.

Charley Trippi was a football prodigy whose versatility and skill set were unmatched in his era. A standout at the University of Georgia, he was a triple-threat, excelling as a runner, passer, and return specialist. His college career was interrupted by World War II, but upon returning, he continued to dominate.

Drafted first overall by the Chicago Cardinals in 1945, Trippi quickly became a cornerstone of their offense. Known as a "quintuple threat" for his ability to run, pass, catch, punt, and defend, he was a nightmare for opponents. His rookie season culminated in a NFL championship, a testament to his immediate impact.

Throughout his nine-year career, Trippi's extraordinary talent and athleticism made him one of the most electrifying players in the league. His records for total offense stood for decades, a testament to his enduring legacy as one of the greatest all-around football players of all time.

Joe shares in this episode the story of the NFL and other pro teams that competed for the right to ink Trippi to a professional contract. It involves some of the biggest names in football at the time and is truly a podcast worth listening in on.

---

Sports Illustrated had a nice write-up on Mac Speedie a few years back that we thought sheds some good light on the player that Speedie was.

More than just statistics, Speedie's story resonates with his resilience and pioneering spirit. He defied expectations, proving that size and past challenges could not hold him back. In a league dominated by hulking running backs and bruising linemen, Speedie carved his niche as a smaller, faster player who excelled with his skill and intelligence.

Despite his achievements, Speedie's name doesn't hold the same recognition as other icons of the era. Perhaps it's the fleeting nature of the AAFC, or the shadow cast by his more glamorous teammates. But for those who remember his dazzling plays and relentless spirit, Mac Speedie remains a reminder that greatness can often be found in the most unexpected corners of the gridiron.

So, the next time you watch a wide receiver weave through defenders or snag a seemingly impossible pass, remember Mac Speedie. Remember the "Flea" who defied the odds and danced across the field, leaving behind a legacy of brilliance that deserves to be retold.

Nothing excites the teams of an NFL franchise more than selecting a big-time college playmaker in the NFL Draft. This was the case when the Cleveland Browns went to the podium with the third overall pick. Braylon Edwards was a standout wide receiver known for his impressive size and ability to make big plays.

-Here's a summary of his football career

-College Stardom (2001-2004): Playing for the University of Michigan, Edwards became dominant. He set numerous school records, including career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He was a unanimous All-American and a top prospect for the NFL draft.

-Drafted by the Browns (2005): Selected 3rd overall by the Cleveland Browns, Edwards entered the NFL with high expectations. He had some productive seasons, particularly in 2007, when he made his first Pro Bowl and broke Browns franchise records for receiving yards and touchdowns.

-Inconsistent Performances: Despite flashes of brilliance, Edwards' career was marked by inconsistency. He struggled with injuries and off-field issues at times.

-Journeyman Years (2009-2012): After leaving the Browns, Edwards played for the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks. He never quite recaptured his college or early NFL success.

-NFL Carer Stats: 359 receptions for 5522 yards and 40 touchdowns.

-Legacy: While Edwards didn't achieve the sustained excellence some predicted, he remains a significant figure in Michigan Wolverines history and a talented player with moments of dominance in the NFL.

---

In the annals of New York Giants' history, many names echo with gridiron glory. Yet, few embodied the early spirit of professional football quite like Hap Moran. Born Francis Dale Moran in 1901, this halfback carved his legacy not through flashy headlines, but through sheer versatility and relentless drive. From his explosive runs with the Frankford Yellow Jackets to his record-setting seasons with the Giants, Hap Moran's career mirrored the nascent energy of the NFL itself. This essay delves into the remarkable journey of this under-sung legend, exploring his impact on the game and his enduring place within the Giants' storied tradition.

We take the opportunity to review Hap's football career using his stats and the information Hap's son Mike Moran provided a few years ago.

Celebrating the 100th season of the New York Football Giants by preserving the people, teams, and events that made them special, this is part 17 of the NYG-100 celebration.

Art Poe was a 1969 inductee of the College Football Hall of Fame by the National Football Foundation. Poe was a member of the Princeton Tigers, had five famous gridiron brothers who were all the nephews of poet Edgar Allen Poe.

Art Poe was a standout football player for Princeton University in the late 19th century. Known for his exceptional athleticism and determination, Poe was a key figure in Princeton's dominance of college football during that era. Despite his relatively small stature, he possessed incredible speed and agility, making him a formidable force on the field.

Poe's impact on the game was significant. His clutch performances in rivalry games against Yale, including a game-winning drop kick, solidified his legendary status. His contributions to Princeton football earned him All-American honors and a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

William "Big Bill" Hollenback wasn't just a football player; he was a symbol of Penn's gridiron dominance at the dawn of the 20th century. From 1906 to 1908, this rugged fullback carved his name into the history books, becoming a legend at the University of Pennsylvania and beyond.

Hollenback's legacy transcends statistics. He captained the Quakers to two national championships in 1904 and 1908, epitomizing the team's grit and determination. Playing the entirety of a crucial game with a fractured leg and several other injuries exemplifies his legendary toughness.

Selected as an All-American three times, Hollenback earned the respect of opponents and fans alike. His powerful running style and fierce competitiveness made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. He even secured a place among Walter Camp's fabled 1908 All-American team, solidifying his place amongst the game's elite.