Football History

---

Timothy Brown of Football Archaeology found some images of two-tone colored football jersey numbers and dug up some history on these unique features from the past.

Tim takes us back to Cal Tech and their innovation of split and two-tone colored jersey numbers with his original Tidbit titled: Two-Tone and Split Jersey Numbers.

-Transcribed Two-Tone CalTech Jerseys with Timothy Brown

Hello, my football friends. This is Darin Hayes of PigskinDispatch.com. Welcome once again to The Pig Pen, your portal to positive football history. And welcome to Tuesday, FootballArcheology.com day. Timothy P. Brown, the founder and head writer of that site. Tim, welcome back to The Pig Pen.

Hey, Darin. Good to see you again on a beautiful summer evening. Looking forward to talking a little bit of old football. Yeah, we are getting to the point where football is.

You know, there's pads being clacked around the country and balls being thrown. And we're going to be seeing a lot of that real soon. Well, of course, we can still watch our friends north of the border who have been playing, but it is getting exciting.

Yeah. I mean, well, I was going to say before you added the CFL, our CFL friends, I've been I don't I haven't been really watching when it's on CFL Plus, but when it's on the CBS thing, you know, I take those and watch those games. So it's fun.

It was some great, great football. It definitely is a lot of offense. They really gear it towards scoring some points.

So that's what makes it attractive. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Yeah.

So we're going to talk tonight about one of your tidbits that you had back in June, you know, just a little over a month ago and talking about some jerseys, which is a favorite topic. I love talking about those and something in particular unique about the numbers, and I'll let you take it from there. Yeah.

So this is. Sometimes, I can't even recreate how I found some of these stories, but I think what happened was I I was looking, somehow I'd come across the story about Caltech. So California technology.

And right there, you know, it's going to be something wacky when that school name and football come together. There's something going to be. Yeah.

Well, they don't play football anymore, at least at the varsity level. But they did for a long time. You know, they had success in the California small college circuit, you know, the Occidentals and the Whittiers and, you know, those kinds of schools.

And. But, you know, they sit in the school in Pasadena. And so, you know, one of the cool things about them is that there's a picture of one of their home games in the Rose Bowl, in 1933 or something.

But, you know, they played their games in Tournament Park before the Rose Bowl stadium was built and then in the Rose Bowl because they're literally right next door. And so anyways, you know, they did attract a couple of thousand fans to see a game under the lights and in the Rose Bowl. So, you know, kind of fun stuff.

I'm sure it had to be a big treat for any of the opposing teams to get a chance to play there. But so somehow, I came across them. I actually wrote two stories in a row about Caltech because the previous tidbit was about the face shields that they wore in the 1940s and 41st centuries.

And but they ended up, you know, they were basically shields to allow guys who wore glasses to play football. And this is before face masks, you know, were common. And so somehow, in searching through their yearbooks, I came across a couple of pictures where it's like, what is going on with those jerseys? And so what they had was, you know, for want of a better term, two two-toned numerals on the jerseys.

So they they only had numbers on the backs. They didn't have them on the front. But that they had, you know, a wide, a dark, wide stripe that ran through the sleeves and then the body and maybe, you know, just above the belly button, but not all the way up at the chest.

And so it's probably a six-inch wide, seven-inch wide stripe. And because that thing was there when they put the numbers on, you know, they couldn't have like a dark number. Because it would have overlapped with the dark stripe.

And then, on the rest of the jersey, where it's white, they couldn't have a white number. So what they did was they had a two-tone number. So on the dark where, you know, where it went over the dark stripe, it was a white number.

But then, above the stripe, it was dark. Yeah. So let me let me cut in here real quick here, folks.

If you want to, Tim will explain this. You can see a great example of it. We have the link in the show notes to take you right to Tim's football archaeology dot com site.

He's got some great images of what he's talking about there. So you can appreciate that. So I'm sorry.

Go ahead, Tim. Yeah. So, yeah, I should I should have mentioned that myself.

But so the thing is, you know, I mean, like, I literally track every college yearbook that I look at, you know, just to make sure I have covered this turf before or not. And, you know, I probably need to go through a bunch of them just because I'll see new things. But I've looked at, like, now, I'm just under thirty-four hundred old college yearbooks that I've paged through to look at the, you know, the football section.

And I've never come across these two-toned numbers before, or at least I haven't noticed them. Anyway, I think they're unique. You know, I've seen like Penn used to have, or Penn probably still does.

And Harvard, both schools, I've seen like the P or the H logo where. There'd be a diagonal, you know, split, you know, from lower to lower to upper. And so one would be maroon, and the other would be white, and one would be blue and the other white.

So, you know, so if you can imagine that, if you've seen that logo, then that's basically what it looked like, except as a horizontal split, you know, upper and lower of the dark and the white. But anyway, it's just one of those weird things that thankfully never caught on. And as much as, you know, nowadays it used to be, you could only have Arabic letters, and then there were certain constraints; you could only use these typefaces.

Nowadays, there's so much. You know, basically unreadable. And I think I think they still there's just a greater number of fonts.

I think they can use what they've got. So we're going to have, you know, a certain size block number to be legal. I think even NCAA, because otherwise somebody like Oregon would be pushing the limits probably beyond what Caltech did in this case.

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you have to.

Yeah, it's just, you know, I've seen too many like white on gray uniforms, you know, white numbers on gray uniforms. The fonts are all the things that they look like. They're from NASCAR.

They're just big, ugly. And so anyway. And don't get me started on colored fields because that's another story.

Yeah. Yeah, I know there's one blue one in particular. I don't even know if I can watch the games.

It drives me crazy. But great football there, but not the great field. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. So, anyway, this is just one of those things that is kind of bizarre.

I mean, I've never seen it. You know, it obviously didn't take off, and it didn't become popular, but, you know, maybe somebody else had one. If they do, reach out and let us know. Well, that's why we count on you for the bizarre football items.

And you definitely deliver those. And this is one of them. So we love it.

I mean, I think it's a great it's great conversational pieces. And you learn a lot about what people were trying to experiment with and innovate or try to gain an advantage over the other team or whatever. Personal style choice.

I don't know what you'd call this, but it's cool stuff. It's really interesting. So we appreciate that.

I mean, I've used it a couple of times, but it's the, you know, innovation versus oddity. You know, it's if people adopt it and, you know, it takes off, then, oh, you were innovative. But if you did something that everybody thinks, especially looking back, you know, 50, 60 years later, you know, what in the heck were they thinking? But why do those people have stripes down the middle of their helmets? What are they crazy? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Those things. Yeah. I know.

Wow. You know, if you could share with us, you know, the listeners so we can enjoy your tidbits because you have items like this, you know, seven days a week and you have you have some beauties that are come on there like this and you'll get a good chuckle out of her. Just be entertained for, you know, a few minutes and talk about the people at the work around a water cooler next day or whatever.

But he's well; you're having a few cold ones. It's a great way to do it and get some football history every single day. So, Tim, could you share how the folks could join you in that?

They appreciate that. Sure. You know, the best way to do it is just to go to football archaeology dot com and subscribe.

You can do that for free. And then, you know, basically, you'll get an email from me every night at seven o'clock Eastern. I'm also on the substack platform on on Twitter and on threads.

So and all under the same name, football archaeology. Well, Tim Brown, thank you very much once again for talking to us about some great football history and your football archaeology dot com tidbits. And we will talk to you again next Tuesday.

Very good. Thank you very much. Have a good one.

Love the football jersey designs and evolution wait till you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are a mix of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such asspandex, for more check out our in-depth study ofThe Make up and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-What are some of the unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were some what of fad once upon a time. Check this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni to be shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time and we chatted with a college football expert historian help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players did not all wear digits in a game until the 1905 Iowa State at Drake game, check this out more on this storyThe Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Who are some of the most famous NFL players at each jersey number? From Red Grange's jersey number 77 to Tom Brady's iconic number 12, a slew of NFL players made their digits proud. Want to know more? You are in the right place as we covered all 100 jersey numbers and the best to wear each:About Football By Numbers.

Mark your calendars, football fanatics, because June 13th boasts a trifecta of gridiron glory! Not only does this date celebrate the birthday of the legendary Red Grange, but it also marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the playing field itself. Buckle up and get ready to dive into a day rich with football history!

On one hand, June 13th welcomes the arrival of Harold "Red" Grange, a college football superstar whose electrifying talent captivated the nation in the roaring twenties. But that's not all! This very same day witnessed a significant innovation that forever altered the landscape of the game – the introduction of a revolutionary element on the playing field itself. Can you guess what it is? Stay tuned to find out as we explore the fascinating football history woven into the fabric of June 13th!

June 18th isn't just another summer day. It's a date brimming with gridiron history, from the birth of legendary players to groundbreaking firsts that changed the game forever. Buckle up as we unearth the fascinating stories on this football-filled day:

-Hall of Fame Heroes: Did you know that two giants of the game, both enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, share a June 18th birthday? We'll delve into their illustrious careers and the impact they left on the sport.

-Heisman History: June 18th also marks the birthday of a Heisman Trophy winner, a college football superstar whose exceptional talent left fans in awe.

-First on the Field: But wait, there's more! This date also witnessed the first-ever use of a helmet logo in professional football. We'll explore the story behind this iconic innovation and how it paved the way for today's recognizable team branding.

So, grab your favorite jersey and get ready to celebrate June 18th – a day that truly captures the rich tapestry of American football history!

George Morris, born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 1931, established himself as a dominant two-way player at Georgia Tech during a period of remarkable success for the Yellow Jackets.

Georgia Tech’s two-way, Morris, played at center and linebacker, and during the span of time that George played on the Yellow Jackets from 1950 through 1952, the Ramblin' Wreck ripped off 23 straight victories.

-College Career:

Morris excelled as a center on offense and a linebacker on defense for Georgia Tech from 1950 to 1952. During his time with the Yellow Jackets, the team achieved an impressive 23-game winning streak, a testament to their dominance and Morris's vital role. While he contributed significantly on offense, his defensive prowess was particularly noteworthy. During his junior and senior seasons, Georgia Tech's defense was a formidable unit, allowing only two opponents to score more than a single touchdown. Morris's stout presence in the middle of the defense was a key factor in this defensive strength.  

-Road to the Pro Game:

Information regarding George Morris's pursuit of a professional football career is limited. However, his strong collegiate career indicates his potential for the professional level. His contributions were made in college football.

-Football Legacy:

Morris's football legacy is defined by his exceptional contributions to Georgia Tech's dominant teams of the early 1950s. His two-way ability and his leadership on the field played a significant role in the Yellow Jackets' success. His defensive prowess, in particular, left a lasting impression, contributing to a period of defensive excellence for the program. His recognition by the National Football Foundation with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981 solidified his place among the legends of college football.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-Key contributor to Georgia Tech's 23-game winning streak.

-Integral part of Georgia Tech's dominant defense.

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.  

While specific statistics from his playing days may be limited, George Morris's impact on Georgia Tech's football program is undeniable, and his Hall of Fame induction stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and contribution to college football.

John Hicks, born March 21, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio, established himself as a dominant offensive lineman, leaving a mark on Ohio State University football and earning recognition as one of the game's all-time greats.

John according to the NFF was a two-time First Team All-American and undeniably one of the most outstanding Ohio State football players of all time.

College Career:

Hicks's tenure at Ohio State from 1970 to 1973 was marked by exceptional performance and leadership. A two-time First Team All-American, he was a cornerstone of the Buckeyes' offensive line. His 1971 season was cut short by a devastating knee injury, but he returned to full form, contributing to a period of remarkable success under legendary coach Woody Hayes. During his three full years of play, the Buckeyes won a national championship in 1970 secured three Big Ten titles. Hicks made history as the first player to start in three Rose Bowls, anchoring a powerhouse Ohio State team. Despite entering each game undefeated, the Buckeyes experienced mixed results. In the 1971 Rose Bowl, they fell to Stanford 27-17. The 1973 game saw them overwhelmed by USC, 42-17. However, Hicks and the Buckeyes turned the tables in the 1974 Rose Bowl, dominating USC 42-21, with Hicks leading the way for a dominant 323-yard rushing performance. These feats led to his induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2009. His 1973 season was particularly remarkable, earning him unanimous All-American honors, the Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy, recognizing him as the nation's best interior lineman. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting, a rare achievement for an offensive lineman.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Hicks's exceptional college career led to his selection by the New York Giants in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft.  

Drafted third overall by the New York Giants in 1974, Hicks was the sole college player invited to the draft. He started every regular season game at right guard for the Giants from 1974 to 1977. In April 1978, the Giants traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for Jim Clack and Ernie Pough, but Hicks never played for Pittsburgh.

Football Legacy:

Hicks's football legacy is defined by his dominance on the offensive line at Ohio State. He is remembered as a key player in the Buckeyes' successful era under Woody Hayes, contributing to their national championship and Rose Bowl appearances. His numerous accolades, including the Lombardi and Outland Trophies, and his near-Heisman victory, underscore his exceptional talent and impact on the game. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001 solidified his place among the legends of college football.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-Two-time First Team All-American.  

-National Championship (1970).

-Three Big Ten Titles.

-Three Rose Bowl appearances.  

-Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Inductee (2009).  

-Unanimous All-American (1973).

-Lombardi Award (1973).  

-Outland Trophy (1973).  

-Second in Heisman Trophy Voting (1973).  

-First-round NFL Draft pick (New York Giants).  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001).  

John Hicks's exceptional talent and contributions to Ohio State football have cemented his place as a college football legend.

Brian Bosworth, born Brian Keith Bosworth on March 9, 1965, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, became a figure of both immense talent and considerable controversy during his football career.  

The "Boz" started as a linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners from 1984 to 1986 and helped the Sooners and Coach Barry Switzer reach the heights of the 1985 National Championship with his outstanding play in the Oklahoma defense.

-College Career

Bosworth's college football career at the University of Oklahoma was spectacular. He displayed a ferocious playing style as a linebacker, earning him national recognition. He was a key component of the Sooners' defense, contributing to their success in the mid-1980s. His flamboyant personality and outspoken nature also made him a prominent figure in college football.

In Brian's three years at the school, they won the Big Eight Conference three times, played in the Orange Bowl each year, and garnered an incredible 31-4-1 record. Despite playing alongside College Hall of Fame greats Keith Jackson and Tony Casillas, Bosworth led the Sooners in tackles each year, accumulating 395 in his college career. The National Football Foundation placed the legendary college career of Brian Bosworth into their College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Key college accomplishments include:

-Two-time Butkus Award winner (1985, 1986).  

-Two-time unanimous All-American (1985, 1986).  

-National champion (1985).  

-Road to the Pro Game

His highly publicized persona marked Bosworth's path to the NFL. He entered the 1987 NFL Supplemental Draft, where he was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round.

His arrival in the NFL was met with considerable anticipation and media attention.  

-Football Legacy

Bosworth's NFL career was relatively short, lasting only three seasons. While he possessed undeniable talent, his professional career was hampered by injuries. His legacy is complex, defined by his on-field abilities and off-field persona. He remains a memorable figure in football history, particularly for his time with the Seattle Seahawks.  

He went into acting and has had roles relating to football in Hollywood films such as Adam Sandler's version of the Longest Yard and is seen on Dr Pepper "Fanville" commercials as the town sheriff among other TV appearnaces.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1987).  

-College Football Hall of Fame.

NFL career statistics include:

Tackles: 175
Sacks: 4.0  
Fumble recoveries: 3

Brian Bosworth's career is a study in contrasts, showcasing exceptional talent and professional sports' challenges.

Clarence Swanson, born in Wakefield, Nebraska, on March 15, 1898, left an indelible mark on the landscape of college football. His dedication and skill on the gridiron earned him lasting recognition.  

-College Career:

Swanson's college career flourished at the University of Nebraska from 1918 to 1921. He distinguished himself as a formidable lineman, contributing significantly to the Cornhuskers' football program. His talent and determination were key factors in the team's successes during that era.  

-Football Legacy:

Clarence Swanson's legacy is firmly rooted in his exceptional contributions to the University of Nebraska's football history. He was known for his toughness and reliability on the line. He was part of the early formation of the very strong Nebraska Cornhusker football history. His play was a key part of setting the ground work for the future success of the Cornhuskers. His inclusion in the College Football Hall of Fame is a testament to the enduring impact of his contributions.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1973.  

-Distinguished lineman for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers from 1918-1921.  

-played in a time of early college football, contributing to establishing that sport's future.

Swanson's recognition in the College Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the legends of the sport. His contributions to the University of Nebraska's football program have left a lasting impression, serving as an inspiration for future generations of Cornhusker athletes.

---

John Outland, born on March 17, 1871, in Hesper, Kansas, was a pivotal figure in the early development of American football. His contributions extended beyond the playing field, influencing the very rules and spirit of the game.  

Here is a Pigskin Dispatch video on the namesake of the Outland Trophy, John Outland.

-College Career:

Outland's collegiate football career was marked by exceptional versatility and dedication. He played for the University of Kansas and the University of Pennsylvania, distinguishing himself at both institutions. His era predates many refined stats, but his presence was dominant. Notably, he was a key player on powerful teams during his time at the University of Pennsylvania. In this period of football, players played both offense and defense, therefore Outland shined on both sides of the ball.  

-Football Legacy:

Outland's impact on football is multifaceted. He was a gifted player and a staunch advocate for player safety and sportsmanship. He played in a ruthless time for football, and saw first hand the need for changes. He significantly influenced the evolution of football rules, advocating for changes that reduced injuries and promoted fair play. Perhaps his most enduring legacy is the Outland Trophy, awarded annually to the best interior lineman in college football, a testament to his lasting influence on the sport. Outland helped to make early football safer. Therefore his legacy is strongly linked to how the game is played today.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.  

-His name is synonymous with the Outland Trophy, awarded to the nation's best interior lineman.  

-He significantly contributed to the early development of football rules and safety.

While comprehensive statistics from his playing days are limited, his impact on the game's development is immeasurable. John Outland's contributions cemented his place as a pioneer in American football history.

Born in 1871, Outland's path to football glory was far from linear. He began humbly, captaining his college squad with an unmatched blend of power and finesse. Yet, his ambitions lay beyond the dusty plains of the Midwest. He yearned for the intellectual rigor of the East Coast, and it was at the University of Pennsylvania that Outland's star truly exploded.

Here, amidst the ivy-covered halls and gaslight-lit streets, he donned the crimson and blue of the Quakers. But unlike the refined gentlemen surrounding him, Outland remained a son of the earth. He played with a ferocity that belied his gentle nature, a quiet dominance that left opponents bewildered and teammates awestruck. His tackles were immovable pillars, his runs unstoppable forces of nature. He was a paradox, a poet with the physique of a bear, a scholar who spoke the language of broken bone and shattered defenses.

But Outland's impact stretched beyond the gridiron. He saw the underappreciated role of interior linemen, those unsung heroes who toiled in the trenches, their sacrifices often fading into the roar of the crowd. He fought for their recognition, championing their cause until it resonated across the nation.

Born in Osage, Iowa, in 1937, Randy Duncan's journey from a discouraged backup quarterback to a college football legend is a testament to perseverance and talent. His story, marked by remarkable achievements and a brief professional career, earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1997.  

Duncan's fantastic career took him to national attention when, after sitting behind starter Kenny Ploen in 1956, who led the Hawkeyes to the Big 10 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory, Duncan was Iowa's starting quarterback in 1957 and 1958

-College Career:

Duncan's path at the University of Iowa began with challenges. Initially, he faced frustration under Coach Forest Evashevski and even considered transferring. However, he persevered, securing the backup quarterback position behind Kenny Ploen in 1956. That season, Iowa won the Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl, with Duncan contributing in crucial moments, notably leading a comeback win against Oregon State.  

In 1957, Duncan became the starting quarterback, displaying his exceptional skills. He led Iowa to a 7-1-1 record and earned All-Big Ten honors. 1958 marked his pinnacle year. He guided the Hawkeyes to a 15-2-2 record over the 1957 and 1958 seasons, another Big Ten title, and a decisive 38-12 victory over California in the Rose Bowl. That year, he led the nation in passing yardage and completion percentage, shared the lead in touchdown passes, and was a unanimous All-American. He received the Helms Foundation and Walter Camp Foundation Player of the Year awards, and was the Big Ten MVP. His incredible performance earned him runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting to Pete Dawkins.  

-Road to the Pro Game:

Duncan was the first overall pick in the 1959 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. However, he opted to play in the Canadian Football League with the British Columbia Lions, citing a more lucrative contract. After two challenging seasons in Canada, he returned to the United States and joined the Dallas Texans (later the Kansas City Chiefs) of the American Football League. While with the Texans, he also attended law school at Southern Methodist University. His playing time was limited, and he retired from football after the Texans acquired Len Dawson.  

-Football Legacy:

Randy Duncan's college legacy is defined by his exceptional quarterbacking skills and his leadership in Iowa's golden era of football. He transformed Iowa's offense, setting records and earning numerous accolades. His 1958 season stands as one of the most remarkable in Hawkeye history. His ability to overcome early adversity and achieve such remarkable success makes him a true icon of Iowa football.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1997.  

-Helms Foundation Player of the Year: 1958.  

-Walter Camp Foundation Player of the Year: 1958.  

-Unanimous All-American: 1958.  

-Big Ten MVP: 1958.

-First in the Nation in Passing Yardage: 1958.  

-First in the Nation in Percentage of Passes Completed: 1958.

-Co-leader in the Nation in Touchdown Passes: 1958.  

-Runner-up, Heisman Trophy: 1958.  

-Led Iowa to a 15-2-2 record in 1957 and 1958.

-Led Iowa to a Rose Bowl victory in 1959.  

-First overall pick in the 1959 NFL Draft.
 

Sources and related content via Sports-Reference.com & Wikipedia

October 31, 1900 - Keytesville, Missouri - Cal Hubbard was born on that day and he was a tackle for Centenary and Geneva Colleges. Hubbard stands as a unique figure in sports history, a dominant force in both football and baseball, achieving Hall of Fame status in both. His imposing physique and exceptional athleticism allowed him to excel in both arenas, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of sport.

-College Career

The NFF informs us that Cal Hubbard played end and tackle for Centenary 1922-24 and then moved with his coach, Bo McMillin, to play one season at Geneva College 1926. Cal Hubbard's college career at Centenary College (Louisiana) and later at Geneva College (Pennsylvania) showcased his immense talent as a football player. He was a towering figure on the field, playing tackle with a combination of strength and agility that was rare for his size. Hubbard's dominant play earned him All-American honors and established him as one of the premier college football players of his era.

-Road to the Pro Game

Hubbard's path to professional football was somewhat unconventional. While he had the talent to play in the NFL, he initially pursued a career in Major League Baseball. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds, showcasing his athletic prowess on the baseball diamond. However, his passion for football eventually drew him back to the gridiron. In 1927, he joined the New York Giants of the NFL, where he quickly became a star.

Even during his college years, his potential for professional greatness was evident, drawing scouts' attention from professional football and baseball leagues. His time in college not only honed his athletic skills but also instilled in him the discipline and work ethic that would serve him well in his professional careers. Later as a pro, Hubbard was a big tackle, standing 6-4 in height and weighing 250 pounds, for the New York Giants, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh franchises.

His size and strength made him a dominant force on the offensive and defensive lines. After two seasons with the Giants, he was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1929, where he joined the legendary coach Curly Lambeau and helped solidify the Packers' reputation as a powerhouse in the early NFL.

-Football Legacy

Cal Hubbard's football legacy is one of dominance and leadership. He was a key member of the Green Bay Packers teams that won three consecutive NFL championships from 1929 to 1931.

His imposing presence on the line was a major factor in the Packers' success during that era. Hubbard was a four-time All-Pro selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. He was known for his exceptional strength, his relentless play, and his leadership on and off the field. Beyond his playing career, Hubbard also served as an NFL official, demonstrating his continued commitment to the game. His unique achievement of being inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Baseball Hall of Fame cements his place as one of the greatest all-around athletes in American sports history. Cal Hubbard's legacy extends beyond his athletic accomplishments; he is remembered as a man of integrity, sportsmanship, and dedication to excellence.

The College Football Hall of Fame added Cal to their lineup in 1962. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Cal Hubbard one year later, in 1963, for back-to-back Hall of Fame Enshrinements! Believe it or not 13 years after that in 1976 Cal Hubbard was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame as an umpire.

Career highlights and awards

-4× NFL champion (1927, 1929–1931)

-4× First-team All-Pro (1927, 1931–1933)

-NFL 1920s All-Decade Team

-NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team

-NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team

-NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

-Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame

-Grantland Rice's All-Time All-America

-Centenary College Athletic Hall of Fame

-Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame

-Missouri Sports Hall of Fame

-Baseball Hall of Fame

-Helms Foundation Hall of Fame

-Career NFL statistics

-Games played: 105

-Games started: 77

Stats at Pro Football Reference
Cal Hubbard. (2024, November 29). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_Hubbard