Football History

Born July 9, 1947 - San Francisco, California - O. J. Simpson the legendary Southern California running Back of the seasons of 1967 and 1968. O.J. Simpson Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back that played for the Buffalo Bills.

Simpson held the NFL single season rushing record of 2003 yards until Eric Dickerson broke that record a few decades later. Known as "the Juice" he played college ball at USC. According to the National Football Foundation, in 1968, O.J. carried the ball 355 times for 1709 yards and 22 touchdowns while leading USC to a 9-0-1 regular season record, equalling or bettering a long list of USC records. Again, he was named to scores of All-America first teams and was granted 21 awards, including Rose Bowl MVP, the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award.After winning the Heisman Trophy in 1968 the College Football Hall of Fame inducted them into their museum in 1983's class.

Juice went into broadcasting and even acting after his NFL career was over.

Born June 18, 1963 - Norfolk, Virginia - Virginia Tech’s defensive end from 1981 to 1984, Bruce B. Smith was born. When Smith came to Virginia Tech, the Hokies were a mediocre program. His play helped boost the program's profile into the decades of subsequent success per the NFF.

Smith had a rare combination of strength, quickness and raw talent that played very nicely into his success on the defensive line. Injury forced Bruce Smith to miss most of his freshman season but as a sophomore Smith had eight sacks and in his junior year he became a first team All-America selection adding 22 sacks to his resume. He capped off his senior year with 16 more QB take downs behind the line.. Bruce was honored as a consensus All-America selection and won the Outland Trophy. Over his career, his 46 sacks and 71 tackles for loss resulted in an incredible total of 504 yards lost.

The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Bruce Smith into their legendary museum in 2006. In the 1985 NFL draft he was the first player taken overall by the Buffalo Bills. He was named the defensive Rookie of the Year. When his 19-year pro career ended he sat on top of the game's all-time sack list with 200. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 11 times.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame shares how the Bills teams that won six AFC Eastern Division championships and four AFC titles, many observers feel that 1990 was Smith’s finest season. That year he recorded 19 quarterback sacks and his dominant play frequently changed the complexion of the game. Smith’s 13 seasons with 10 or more sacks is also an NFL record.. Bruce Smith was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Born February 14, 1960 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The outstanding quarterback from the Miami Hurciane’s program Jim Kelly was born. The Buffalo Bills selected Kelly in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft but the signal caller decided to sign with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers franchise instead.

The 6’-4” 225 quarterback spent two seasons with the Gamblers and threw for 9,842 yards and a whopping 83 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website. When the USFL folded Jim signed on with the NFL team that originally drafted him, the Bills in 1986. It was a perfect fit for both parties as Kelly ran the famed “no Huddle” fast paced offense of Coach Marv Levy to a tee. Having offensive weapons like running back Thurmon Thomas and receivers Andre Reid and James Lofton didn’t hurt either.

The Bills played in four straight Super Bowls in the 1990’s led by Kelly’s arm. In Jim’s 11 seasons with the Bills, he led the Bills to the AFC playoffs eight times. In those 17 playoff appearances, including four the Super Bowls, Kelly tossed the ball for 3,863 yards and 21 touchdowns! Jim Kelly was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Charles "Charlie" Brickley (1879-1959) was a pioneer of American football, leaving his mark on the early days of the sport as a player, coach, and innovator. Brickley's legendary career began at Harvard University, where he quarterbacked the Crimson to a perfect record and a national championship in 1901. He later played professionally, showcasing his talent with teams like the Frankford Athletic Club and the Philadelphia Athletics.
Beyond his playing achievements, Brickley is credited with popularizing several key aspects of the modern game. He is considered the inventor of the spiral pass, a revolutionary technique that changed the landscape of offensive strategy. Additionally, Brickley introduced innovations like the huddle and the numbering system for offensive plays, further shaping the way the game is played.
Brickley's coaching career was equally impactful. He led the Penn Quakers to back-to-back undefeated seasons and national championships in 1904 and 1905, solidifying his legacy as a coaching pioneer. He continued to coach at various universities throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his innovative strategies and commitment to excellence.
Charlie Brickley's contributions to football extend far beyond his individual statistics and victories. He was a true innovator, a trailblazer who transformed the game with his revolutionary ideas. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans alike, reminding them of the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of the sport.

For more on this legend and his playing days at Harvard check out our friend Dick Friedman's article in Harvard Magazine.

Born May 8, 1957, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Bill Cowher the North Carolina State defender who played a bit in the Pros. Cowher was not known for his time as a player but what he did from the sidelines after he hung up his helmet.

At the age of 34 years old he took over the reigns of the Pittsburgh Steelers from legend Chuck Noll and kept the Steel City franchise in contention for much of his 15 years as the head coach. From 1980 to 1984 he was a linebacker for both the Browns and the Eagles according to Steelers.com.  He then served as an assistant coach at various positions for the Brown and the Chiefs until the Rooney Family hired him as the face of their franchise in early 1992.

His brilliant coaching career with the Black and Gold is highlighted by what the Pro Football Hall of Fame describes as occurred during the 2004 and 2005 seasons. Cowher guided an injury-plagued team to a franchise record 15 wins that season. His 2005 team became the first team ever to win nine road games and the first sixth-seeded team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl. The amazing playoff run was capped by 21-10 victory over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL. The Pro Football Hall of Fame gave Coach Bill Cowher the honor of enshrinement into their Canton, Ohio Museum in 2020. 

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.

Marty Lyons wasn't a flashy headline grabber. He wasn't the quarterback slinging bombs or the running back breaking ankles. Yet, for twelve seasons, his name echoed through NFL stadiums, whispered with respect by teammates and feared by opponents. Lyons was the rock of the defensive line, the immovable object at the heart of some of the league's most dominant defenses.

Emerging from a small Pennsylvania town, Lyons honed his grit on the gridiron at Notre Dame. There, he carved a reputation as a relentless tackler and run-stuffer, earning All-American honors and a first-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins. In South Florida, his impact was immediate. He became the linchpin of the "Killer Bees" defense, a swarming unit that terrorized offenses and propelled the Dolphins to two Super Bowl appearances.

Lyons wasn't flashy. He didn't rack up sacks like candy on Halloween. His power lay in his unwavering presence, his ability to occupy blockers and disrupt running lanes, creating opportunities for his teammates to feast. He was a master of leverage, using his brute strength and intelligence to make linemen twice his size look like mere speed bumps.

Beyond stats, Lyons embodied the heart of the Dolphins. He was a tireless worker, a vocal leader, and a calming presence in the trenches. His relentless pursuit of the ball was infectious, inspiring those around him to push their limits. He was the silent warrior, the unsung hero whose contributions paved the way for others to shine.

Injuries ultimately shortened his career, but Lyons' legacy as a true defensive warrior remained. He retired with over 600 tackles and countless memories of battles won and quarterbacks frustrated. He earned a place in the Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the franchise and the respect he commanded from players and fans alike.

Marty Lyons might not be the first name that comes to mind when reminiscing about NFL greats, but for those who understand the intricate dance of defensive dominance, his name carries a silent power.

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Find out more on who Dr Harry March was and his role in football history

Born May 5, 1927, in Newark, New Jersey, was Al DeRogatis the Center/Tackle that played for Duke University from 1945 to 1948. Al was a special player as the NFF states that he was an All-America at Duke University in 1948.

Al DeRogatis was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986 after the National Football Foundation tallied their votes. Al also had a promising pro career as he made All-Pro with the New York Giants in 1951, but an unfortunate ankle injury at age 25 derailed his football career.

He never quite got the football out of his blood as he began broadcasting football games on radio station WNEW, Newark, in 1960. Later in 1966 moved to NBC-TV as part of the Curt Gowdy television crew and eventually did pro football game of the week and college bowl games. NCAAF Jersey 68

Benjamin Holt Ticknor wasn't just a football player; he embodied Harvard's gridiron grit in the 1930s. A dominant center renowned for his defense, Ticknor became a captain and a legend, etching his name in Crimson history.

Born in Massachusetts in 1909, Ticknor's athletic prowess shone from a young age. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, eventually choosing football as his true passion. Arriving at Harvard in 1928, he quickly carved a niche on the offensive and defensive lines.

Despite playing when Harvard didn't see its championship glory days, Ticknor's brilliance shone through. He earned All-American honors in 1930, becoming the first center in Harvard history to do so. His leadership as captain in 1930 was instrumental in leading the team to a respectable season despite several close defeats.

Ticknor's legacy, however, was built on more than wins. He was a defensive stalwart renowned for his fierce tackling and unyielding presence in the trenches. His nickname, "Iron Man," spoke volumes about his resilience and dedication. In multiple encounters, he held rival Yale at bay, earning him particular adoration from the Harvard faithful.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Ticknor was known for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly demeanor. He was a respected leader on and off the field, embodying the ideals of Harvard football. His impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he excelled academically and later found business success.

In 1954, Ticknor's contributions were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He remains one of only four Harvard players to receive this prestigious honor. His name graces the Ben Ticknor Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the Crimson's most outstanding offensive lineman.