Football History

The roar of the Big House crowd, the flash of maize and blue, the legendary winged helmet – these are just a few of the things that come to mind when we think of the Michigan Wolverines football program. But the journey from fledgling club to college football's winningest team is a fascinating story of grit, innovation, and enduring spirit.

-Early Days: Pioneering the Gridiron (1870s-1890s)
The Michigan Wolverines' football roots trace back to the late 1870s, when students began playing informal interclass games. These early contests were a far cry from the organized spectacle we see today, played with makeshift equipment and often under a modified rugby or soccer rule set. Yet, the seeds of passion were sown, and by the 1890s, Michigan had established itself as a regional force, competing against other Midwest colleges.

-The Yost Era: Building a Dynasty (1901-1925)
The arrival of Fielding H. Yost in 1901 marked a turning point for the Wolverines. A pioneer of the "scientific" approach to football, Yost emphasized strategy, discipline, and conditioning, transforming the game into a highly organized and physical affair. His innovative "point-a-minute" offense, featuring the iconic forward pass, dominated opponents, leading to consecutive national championships in 1901, 1902, and 1903.

Yost's legacy extended beyond just wins. He established a winning culture and a tradition of excellence that continues to define the program. He also laid the groundwork for Michigan's iconic "Big House" stadium, completed in 1927 and destined to become one of the most intimidating venues in college football.

-Beyond Yost: Adapting and Evolving (1926-Present)
While Yost laid the foundation, the Wolverines' success story did not end with him. Subsequent coaches like Fritz Crisler, Bo Schembechler, and Lloyd Carr built upon his legacy, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of the game. Crisler introduced the iconic winged helmet and led Michigan to another national championship in 1947. Schembechler, with his "Winning Ugly" mantra, emphasized toughness and resilience, guiding the Wolverines to five Big Ten titles and a national championship appearance in 1989.

In recent years, under coaches like Jim Harbaugh, the Wolverines have embraced modern offensive schemes and technological advancements, while still honoring the program's rich tradition.

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While not as storied as some college football giants, the Kentucky Wildcats football program boasts several high points throughout its history:

Early Brilliance:

-1920s-1930s: Legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant led the Wildcats to their first major wins, including a 1947 Great Lakes Bowl victory and consecutive Sugar Bowl appearances in 1951 and 1952.

-1948-1950: Three consecutive AP Top 10 rankings, culminating in a claimed national championship in 1950 (pre-BCS era) after shocking No. 1 Oklahoma in the Sugar Bowl.


Individual Greatness:

-1960s-1970s: Running back Sonny Collins became the program's first Heisman Trophy finalist (1975), showcasing Kentucky's offensive talent.

-1990s: Tim Couch established himself as one of the best college quarterbacks ever, becoming the second Heisman finalist (1997) and setting numerous SEC records.


Modern Moments:

-2006-2007: Under coach Rich Brooks, Kentucky achieved its first 10-win season in over 80 years and upset LSU in the 2007 Citrus Bowl.

-2018: The Wildcats defeated rivals Louisville and Florida for the first time in the same season since 1976, earning a No. 9 ranking in the CFP before falling to Georgia.

-2022: Mark Stoops led Kentucky to their first win over rival Tennessee in 11 years, earning a place in the Citrus Bowl, the program's 13th bowl appearance in 12 years.

Michigan Wolverines football, a legacy etched in gridiron glory, boasts an illustrious history woven with legendary players. Choosing just a number among them is a daunting task, yet, here are few titans who etched their names in maize and blue lore:

-Tom Harmon ("The Golden Tornado"): This Heisman Trophy winner (1940) electrified the 1940s with his passing prowess, leading Michigan to two national championships and earning a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Anthony Carter ("Mr. Sunshine"): Carter dazzled on the gridiron in the 1980s, shattering receiving records and becoming the first Wolverine to win the Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver (1986). His electrifying touchdown catches remain etched in Big House memories.

-Charles Woodson ("The Heisman Hurdler"): This versatile athlete shone at corner, receiver, and even punt returner. His defensive dominance earned him the Heisman Trophy (1997) and the Defensive Player of the Year award (1997) – a feat unmatched in NCAA history.

-Tom Brady ("The Sixth Round Sensation"): Before becoming an NFL legend, Brady honed his skills in Ann Arbor. Despite being a sixth-round draft pick, his leadership and clutch performances still resonate with Wolverine fans.

-Desmond Howard ("The Heisman Return"): This electric punt returner etched his name in college football history with his Heisman-clinching punt return touchdown against Ohio State in 1991. His electrifying play and infectious personality left an indelible mark on the program.

-Ronnie Johnson ("The Natural"): This running back possessed a rare blend of power and grace, racking up over 2,600 rushing yards in just two seasons. His tragic passing in 1985 remains a heartbreaking chapter in Michigan history.

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Despite not boasting national championships, the Troy Trojans football program has carved its unique path in college football history. Their journey is punctuated by stunning upsets, dramatic victories, and games that etched themselves into the hearts of loyal Trojans fans. Let's delve into some of the most significant games that shaped the identity of the Troy Trojans:


1. 1999 Division II National Championship Game: After years of dominance in the FCS (formerly I-AA) level, Troy finally reached the pinnacle, defeating Montana 23-16 to claim their first national championship. This historic victory solidified their place as FCS giants and fueled even greater aspirations.


2. 2000 Sun Belt Conference Championship Game: In their inaugural season in the Sun Belt Conference, the Trojans faced off against Arkansas State for the title. A last-minute field goal by Jarret Lee secured a 24-21 victory, marking the program's first conference championship at the FBS level and proving their immediate competitiveness.


3. 2004 Victory over LSU: On the road at Death Valley, the Trojans shocked the college football world by upending the mighty LSU Tigers 27-24. This upset victory, led by a dazzling performance from quarterback Troy Smith, signaled Troy's arrival on the national stage and sent shockwaves through the SEC.


4. 2006 New Orleans Bowl: After another dominant Sun Belt season, Troy earned its first bowl bid, facing Rice in the New Orleans Bowl. A 41-17 thrashing marked their first bowl victory, a significant milestone in their ascent to higher levels of college football.


5. 2017 New Orleans Bowl: A decade after their first bowl win, the Trojans returned to the New Orleans Bowl, this time facing Ohio. In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, Troy emerged victorious 48-41, showcasing their offensive prowess and resilient spirit on a national stage.


6. 2023 Sun Belt Championship Game: After a season of thrilling performances and conference dominance, the Trojans faced Louisiana for the Sun Belt title. A gritty defensive effort propelled them to a 10-7 victory, reaffirming their status as a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

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The Iowa State Cyclones football program boasts a rich history dating back to 1892. While not always national contenders, they have consistently produced exciting teams and boast several impressive achievements.

The program's early years were marked by a steady rise under the guidance of legendary coach A. W. “Shady” Ristine. Between 1903 and 1907, Ristine led the Cyclones to a remarkable 36-10-1 record, laying the foundation for future success.

In 1907, coach Clyde Williams implemented the forward pass, a revolutionary strategy at the time. This bold move proved successful, propelling the Cyclones to a 7-1 record and their first state championship title.

The Cyclones continued their dominance in the Missouri Valley Conference, capturing conference titles in both 1911 and 1912. These early victories cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in the region.
While the mid-century years saw ups and downs, the Cyclones continued to produce notable players and coaches. Johnny Behm, the program's first All-American selection, dazzled fans with his talent in the 1920s.
Tragically, Jack Trice, the program's first African-American athlete, passed away in 1923 from injuries sustained during a game. His courage and determination continue to inspire generations of Cyclone players and fans alike.

The 1950s saw the arrival of future coaching legend Johnny Majors. During his five seasons at the helm, Majors led the Cyclones to a Missouri Valley Conference championship in 1959, showcasing his coaching prowess.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked a golden age for Cyclone football under the leadership of head coach Dan McCarney. Under his guidance, the Cyclones captured three Big 12 North titles and achieved a historic victory over the powerhouse Oklahoma Sooners in 2002.
Building upon McCarney's legacy, coach Bret Bielema continued the Cyclones' winning tradition. During his tenure, Bielema led the Cyclones to a bowl game in each of his first four seasons, showcasing the program's continued success.

The current head coach, Matt Campbell, has ushered in a new era of excitement for Cyclone football. Since his arrival in 2016, Campbell has led the Cyclones to three bowl games and their highest-ever ranking of No. 7 in the AP Poll in 2020.

Princeton University, a cornerstone of American higher education, has also been a dominant force in the history of college football. While the concept of a formal national championship in college football didn't emerge until the early 20th century, Princeton's dominance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is undeniable.

The late 19th century marked the golden age of Princeton football. The team, often referred to as the Orange and Black, amassed a record of success that is unparalleled in the sport's history. Coaches like William Reid and Pop Warner led teams that were virtually unbeatable. Although there was no official national championship at the time, Princeton's consistent dominance and the caliber of opponents they defeated have led many historians to consider this era as their unofficial championship years.

The early 20th century saw a continuation of Princeton's football prowess. The team consistently ranked among the nation's elite, competing against the likes of Harvard, Yale, and Penn in what was known as the Ivy League rivalry. While the competition intensified, Princeton continued to produce exceptional talent and achieve remarkable victories.

It's important to note that determining an exact number of national championships for Princeton, or any team from that era, is challenging due to the lack of a formal selection process. However, based on the team's performance, strength of schedule, and overall dominance, it's widely accepted that Princeton laid claim to multiple national championships, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

While the landscape of college football has changed dramatically since Princeton's heyday, the program's rich history continues to inspire and influence the sport. The tradition of excellence established by these early teams has left an enduring legacy and serves as a reminder of Princeton's unparalleled contributions to the game.

While there is no definitive list of national championships awarded to Princeton during this era, the team's consistent dominance and the respect they commanded among their peers solidify their place as one of college football's all-time great programs.

The Tigers themselves claim 28 National titles: (1869, 1870, 1872, 1873, 1874, 1875, 1877, 1878, 1879, 1880, 1881, 1884, 1885, 1886, 1889, 1893, 1894, 1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1906, 1911, 1920, 1922, 1933, 1935, 1950)

Florida State Football boasts a rich history punctuated by moments of brilliance and enduring legacy. This post explores some of the program's most iconic triumphs, the plays, and the victories that cemented the Seminoles' reputation as a national powerhouse.

Like most programs, the success has come in waves. Coaching has much to do with the culture and how the team performs. The 'Noles history is an excellent example of this.

-The Bobby Bowden Era (1976-2009):

-This era is synonymous with Florida State's rise to prominence. Coach Bowden fostered a culture of excellence, producing two national championships (1993, 1999) and propelling the Seminoles to 14 consecutive seasons ranked in the Top 4.

-The Block in the Bayou (1993): This play, etched in Seminole lore, secured FSU's first national championship. With seconds remaining against LSU in the Sugar Bowl, Darren Dix's last-ditch block on a potential game-winning field goal preserved a 13-7 victory.

-The "Wide Right" Triumph (1994): This controversial finish against rival Florida cemented FSU's dominance. A missed field goal by the Gators, seemingly wide right, sent Doak Campbell Stadium into a frenzy and marked the Seminoles' 12th consecutive win over their in-state foe.

-The National Title Defense (1999): Following the tragic death of starting quarterback Danny Wuerffel, FSU rallied behind freshman sensation Chris Weinke. Victories over Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl and Virginia Tech in the national championship game solidified the Seminoles' dynasty.

-Beyond the Championships:

-The Deion Sanders Era (1989-1992): "Prime Time" Deion Sanders brought electrifying play and swagger to the Florida State defense. His interception to seal the 1989 Sugar Bowl victory over Auburn remains a program highlight.

-The Dalvin Cook Show (2014-2016): Dalvin Cook's electrifying rushing performances re-energized the program. His 242-yard, 4-touchdown performance against Clemson in 2016 is a testament to his explosiveness.

Florida State's top moments extend beyond national championships. They represent resilience, talent, and the unyielding spirit that defines Seminole football. From the Bowden dynasty to iconic individual performances, these moments inspire future generations and solidify the program's place among college football's elite.

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July 10, 1926 - Hartford Blues franchise is accepted into the NFL and survives only during the inaugural season in the League. According to the ConnecticutHistory.org website the Blues were the only NFL team to have called the State of Connecticut their home, that is except for the New York Giants who played at the New Haven Yale Bowl in 1973 and 1974 awaiting their new Meadowlands stadium to be completed. The Blues team actually started in Waterbury, Connecticut according to writer Andy Piaskic in the article. George Mulligan a local sports promoter started the Waterbury Blues in 1924 as an independent pro football team. Mulligan in 1926 moved the team to Hartford and paid the NFL entry fee and they became a member in the League. It was a rough year as they played against some great players including Ernie Nevers and Johnny Blood of Duluth, Guy Chamberlin of the Frankford Yellow Jackets, Harry Stuhldreher (one of the famed Four Horsemen of Notre Dame) who played for Brooklyn in 1926, Steve Owen of the Giants,  and Pete Henry of Canton. They were supposed to also face Jim Thorpe when playing against the Bulldogs but he was injured for that game and did not participate. The Blues only manage to finish the season with a 3-7 record despite playing all home games save two. The NFL in 1927 wanted to shed some of its numbers thus after a vote Hartford was dropped from its ranks.

Don Shula was a legend of American football, both as a player and a coach. He carved his legacy across seven decades, leaving an indelible mark on the NFL. Here's a summary of his illustrious career:

Playing Career (1951-1957):

-Played seven seasons as a defensive back for the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts, and Washington Redskins.

-Not a flashy player, but known for his intelligence, toughness, and leadership.

-Won NFL Championship with the Browns in 1954.

Coaching Career (1960-1995):

-Holds the record for most wins by a head coach in NFL history with 347 victories.

-Won two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins (Super Bowl VII and VIII), including the only perfect season in NFL history in 1972.

-Led the Baltimore Colts to one Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl III).

-Coached in six Super Bowls in total, more than any other coach in NFL history.

-Known for his disciplined, meticulous approach and defensive innovations.

-Built two dominant dynasties with the Colts and Dolphins, featuring iconic players like Johnny Unitas, Larry Csonka, and Dan Marino.

-Earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

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Before Fred Gehrke, football helmets were utilitarian – plain leather shells offering minimal protection. But in 1948, Gehrke, an art major playing halfback for the Los Angeles Rams, sparked a revolution. Inspired by his artistic background, he envisioned a helmet that wasn't just protective, but symbolic. He dreamt of painting the team's mascot, a ram, directly onto the leather.

Gehrke, ever the innovator, didn't just have the idea – he took action. He procured an old college helmet, painted it blue (the team's color), and meticulously added two bold yellow ram horns. This prototype became a conversation starter. He presented it to his coach, Bob Snyder, who saw the potential and encouraged Gehrke to present it to team owner Dan Reeves.

Reeves, captivated by the idea, contacted the NFL to ensure its legality. The response, a nonchalant "You're the owner; do what you want!" gave the green light. With that, Gehrke became the first player to paint a logo on a helmet, and history was made. He was tasked with painting the remaining helmets for the team, transforming a simple piece of equipment into a symbol of team spirit. The Rams' iconic logo debuted on the field that season, a testament to Gehrke's artistic vision and a turning point for the visual identity of football.

The first-ever NFL helmet with a logo was hand-painted by the Rams' Fred Gehrke in 1948.

-Frequently Asked Questions

-Who was the first player to wear a football helmet? We have your answer in our in-depth study ofFootball-Fun-Facts/Facts-about-who-wore-the-first-helmet">the first to wear a helmet.

-What is the history of each college team and their helmet designs? Check out many of them with our series College Football helmet history of schools.

-How come some teams have player numbers on their helmets? We asked this question too and had a college football expert historian help divulge helmet numbers history.

-Why do some teams like Michigan and Delaware look so odd and similar? It's really uncanny isn't it that the Wolverines and Blue Hens look the same, check this out for a reason Football-Fun-Facts/Helmets/History-of-the-Winged-Helmets">when helmets had wings.

-What do stickers on college football helmets mean? Some of them look really crazy but there is some goos reason for the extra adornments and we have the scoop Why all the stickers on some football helmets?.

-When did football helmets change from leather to plastic? Just after World War II saw the most abrupt changes, we have more in this in our chat with an expert:When helmets changed from leather to plastic.