Football History

Choosing the "best" players in Kentucky Wildcats football history is a challenging yet rewarding task. From Tim Couch's record-breaking throws to Randy Moss's gravity-defying catches, the program boasts a rich tapestry of talent. So, let's dive into the Wildcat pantheon and celebrate some of its most revered figures:

The Quarterbacks: No discussion of Kentucky greats is complete without Tim Couch. This 1999 No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick still holds numerous school records, including career passing yards and touchdowns. His leadership and "Air Raid" offense lit up Commonwealth Stadium, leaving fans chanting his name long after graduation. Andre Woodson earns honorable mention. The dual-threat dynamo holds the SEC career rushing record for quarterbacks and led Kentucky to its last Bowl victory in 2007.

The Pass Catchers: Craig Yeast remains a legend. His 97-yard touchdown catch from Couch against Florida in 1998 is etched in Wildcat memories, and his acrobatic skills and fierce competitiveness made him a fan favorite.

The Defensive Anchors: Wesley Woodyard embodied heart and hustle. This tackling machine holds the school record for career tackles and remains an NFL star. Mike Prater deserves recognition too. The 1977 SEC Player of the Year and NFL draft high pick was a dominant linebacker who anchored the "Bluegrass Defense" in its heyday.

These are just a few of the many greats who have donned the blue and white. From record-breaking quarterbacks to fearless defenders, each player contributed to the program's unique legacy.

Born August 18, 1951 - Greg Pruitt was a runningback from Oklahoma who entered the College Football Hall of Fame as part of the induction class of 1999. Pruitt played in the NFL for 11 seasons most notably with the Cleveland Browns but also with the LA Raiders. He was selected to 5 Pro Bowls during his career. In Cleveland he made quite the one two punch with another Pruitt in the backfield, Mike, no relation.

Greg Pruitt's football career at the University of Oklahoma from 1969 to 1971, was exceptional. Pruitt dazzled fans with his electrifying speed and agility, making a significant impact on the Sooners' offense. His standout performances included leading the team to a national championship in 1971, and he earned All-American honors for his contributions. Pruitt’s ability to change the game with his dynamic playmaking skills made him a key player in Oklahoma’s storied football program, and his legacy endures as one of the great running backs in collegiate football history. These were some very translatable qualities to launch his NFL career.

Greg Pruitt was a dynamic playmaker in the NFL. Over 12 seasons, primarily with the Cleveland Browns, he amassed 5,672 rushing yards, showcasing his ability to break tackles and find the endzone.

As a versatile threat, Pruitt contributed significantly as a receiver, totaling 3,069 yards through the air. His impact extended beyond offense, as he excelled as a return specialist, setting an NFL record for punt return yards in a single season. Pruitt's combination of rushing prowess, receiving skills, and return abilities made him a formidable force in the league.

Conception and Construction (1920s):
In 1919, the push began to raise funds for a "Memorial Union" and a "Memorial Stadium" to honor fallen alumni from World War I.
Construction of both began in 1921, with students and alumni pledging funds.
By 1926, the stadium was complete, holding 25,000 fans and featuring a track encircling the field.
Early Years and The Rock "M" (1920s-1940s):
In 1927, the freshman class constructed the iconic "Rock M" monument overlooking the field.
The Tigers enjoyed early success under coach Gwinn Henry, achieving a 20-game winning streak at home between 1938 and 1943.
The stadium hosted its first ranked opponent win in 1939 against #10 Nebraska.
Expansion and Renaming (1940s-1970s):
The stadium underwent several expansions throughout the 40s, 50s, and 60s, enclosing the south side, building up the bowl, and adding a press box.
In 1972, the playing field was renamed Faurot Field in honor of legendary coach and athletic director Don Faurot.
Modern Era and Renovations (1980s-Present):
In 1985, artificial turf was installed on the field, which was later replaced with a grass/synthetic mix similar to most modern stadiums.
Further renovations expanded seating capacity throughout the 2000s and 2010s to over 62,000.
Faurot Field continues to be a vibrant home-field advantage for the Missouri Tigers, hosting exciting games and passionate fans.


Key Facts:
Officially named Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field.
Located in Columbia, Missouri.

The Auburn Tigers football program roars with a history as vibrant as its burnt orange and navy blue stripes. Here's a glimpse into their journey:


Early Days (1892-1950):

-Founded in 1892, the Tigers navigated a path of early success with 12 undefeated seasons but lacked national dominance.

-Coaches John Heisman and Mike Donahue established a tradition of offensive prowess, laying the foundation for future glory.

-The "Iron Bowl" rivalry with Alabama began in 1893, adding a fiery chapter to Southern college football lore.


The Shug Jordan Era (1951-1975):

-Coach Ralph "Shug" Jordan arrived in 1951, ushering in the program's golden age.

-With 176 wins, six SEC championships, and the 1957 national championship, the Tigers solidified their place among the nation's elite.

-Iconic victories like the "Punt, Bama, Punt" cemented Jordan's legend and ignited a lasting spirit of Auburn pride.


Post-Jordan Years and New Dynasties (1976-Present):

-Despite occasional dips, the Tigers continued to boast formidable seasons.

-Pat Dye led the team to a national championship in 1983, showcasing a powerful running game and tenacious defense.

-Tommy Tuberville (1999-2008) and Gene Chizik (2009-2012) ushered in further SEC championships and memorable victories.

-Cam Newton while playing for the Auburn Tigers won the Heisman Trophy and the Tigers won 2011 BCS National Championship.

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Do you think you know the 1999 NFL Draft class? This explosive year produced a couple of Hall of Famers! But can you identify these two legends based on their draft positions?

The 1999 NFL Draft, held April 17-18 in New York City, was a landmark event for several reasons:

Quarterback Frenzy: Five quarterbacks were selected in the first round, tying the record for most QBs taken that early (matched in 2018 and 2021). These included Tim Couch (Cleveland Browns), Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles), Akili Smith (Cincinnati Bengals), Daunte Culpepper (Minnesota Vikings), and Cade McNown (Chicago Bears). However, only McNabb and Culpepper achieved sustained success.

Hall of Famers: Despite the QB glut, the draft produced a strong showing of future Hall of Famers. These included receiver Torry Holt (St. Louis Rams), cornerback Champ Bailey (Washington Redskins), and offensive tackle Walter Jones (Seattle Seahawks).

Draft Busts: Unfortunately, the draft also featured some high-profile busts. Tim Couch, Akili Smith, and Cade McNown all failed to live up to their top-five selections. Running back Ricky Williams (New Orleans Saints) had flashes of brilliance but never reached his full potential.

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The top rushers in NFL history are as iconic as the game itself. These men lumbered through willing tacklers, mud and big hits to gain those precious yards. How did they do early on in their careers, in particular the dreaded second season where many think stars regress into what many call a "Sophomore Slump."

In this edition of the Pigskin Pop Quiz we test your knowledge on the stats of some of the most legendary ball carriers in history and how they did in year two.

Think you know everything about NFL running backs? Prove it!
Many star rookies experience a "sophomore slump" in their second season. But can you tell how some of the league's greatest backs performed in year two?

Take our short video quiz and see if you can identify these iconic running backs based solely on their stats from their SECOND seasons!

Bonus points: Share your results in the comments and see who reigns supreme as the ultimate running back trivia champion!

Don't forget to tag your friends and challenge them too! #NFLTrivia

#RunningBacks #BeatTheSlump

The famous Princeton Tigers two-way end was good enough to be inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame. He had five football-playing brothers, and was the nephew of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous writer.

Art Poe, a name synonymous with early football brilliance, carved a remarkable path on the gridiron. Hailing from a family of football stars, Poe's athletic prowess was evident from the start. His collegiate career at Princeton University was nothing short of spectacular. A dynamic player, he was recognized as a Walter Camp All-American in both 1898 and 1899, a testament to his exceptional skills.

Poe's impact extended beyond the college field. He was a pivotal figure in the nascent professional football scene. As a member of the Homestead Library & Athletic Club, he clinched consecutive mythical professional football championships in 1900 and 1901. His journey continued with the Pittsburgh Stars in the inaugural National Football League, where he contributed to their championship victory in 1902.

Known for his speed, agility, and strategic play, Poe's contributions to the game were immense. His legacy is etched in the annals of football history, making him a true pioneer of the sport.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Poe's story is one of courage and resilience. His untimely passing at a relatively young age cast a shadow over his brilliant career. However, his impact on football remains enduring, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

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The LSU Tigers football logo history reflects the program's progression from its formative years to a modern athletic power.

Early Days (1930s-1950s):

-No official logo existed, with various emblems depicting a stylized tiger head often accompanied by the letter "L" or "LSU."

The Charging Cat (1955-1990s):

-1955: The iconic "Charging Cat" logo debuts, showcasing a fierce feline with open jaws and arched back, symbolizing the team's fighting spirit.

-1984: A modernized version emerges with smoother lines and a slightly less ferocious expression.

Step into the heart of New York State, where passion meets precision, and cheers thunder through the iconic Carrier Dome. This is Syracuse Orange Football, where gridiron glory runs deep in our veins and victories echo through generations.

Whether you're a seasoned Syracuse devotee or a curious newcomer, buckle up! This website is your portal to the pulse of Orange Nation. Dive into the latest news, feel the electric atmosphere of game day, and relive the moments that cemented our place in college football history.

Here's what awaits you:

News that Blazes: Get instant updates on our fearless Orange as they charge through the season, from pre-game hype to post-game analysis. We'll bring you behind the scenes, into the huddle, and right onto the field with exclusive interviews and in-depth features.

Legacy Unfurled: Dive into the archives and revisit the golden moments that painted our history orange. From Ernie Davis's trailblazing championship run to Donovan McNabb's Heisman magic, we'll relive the victories that etched our name in legend.

Meet the Squad: Get to know the warriors who wear the Block S with pride. From explosive playmakers to tenacious defenders, we'll introduce you to the faces behind the helmets, showcasing their talent, spirit, and stories.

The Hope Harvey Football Club was the first sports team managed by legendary Art J. Rooney. This team is reportedly the only time that all of the Rooney brothers, Dan, Art, Jim, and Vince played together on a single unit. This squad was one of the best-known sandlot football clubs of the 1920s.

The team was known, in its day, as one of the toughest teams to defeat in Pittsburgh. The Hope Harvey Football Club was coached and managed by Art J. Rooney as he was the team's quarterback alongside his younger brothers, Dan and Jim Rooney. The younger Rooney boys, Vince, served as a ball boy.

This marks the beginning of Art J. Rooney's long-standing career in football. Before football, Art was a star baseball player and boxer. His appearance on the Hope Harvey Club made him one of the biggest stars in sandlot football, as the Hope Harvey era stands as the only period when he managed, coached, and played on a team.
The team name and its origins are fascinating. The team's center of operation and locker room was housed in Pittsburgh's Hope Fire House, in the heart of the Northside. A local physician Dr. Harvey,, was the sponsor and unofficial team doctor who would 'patch" the fellas up after their hard-fought contests. The team's uniforms were handmade by the players or members of their families as each one was sewn uniquely.