Football History

A Wisconsin Badger's football player holds up a helmet during a football game in November of 2007.

Check out the design of the shell, the color combo of the white background, and the cardinal red dual stripes, red emblem, and the red facemask offset by the white chinstrap. The image really captures the essence of this work of art in a game-day setting. That "W" is perfectly contoured to the overall curvature of the shell and really makes the helmet and its wearer appear in motion even when they are at a standstill.

The photo was taken by coach_connor2001 at Flickr. The original uploader was CrdHwk at English Wikipedia.

The Akron Zips football program boasts a long and storied history, dating back to 1891. While they haven't yet captured a coveted conference championship, their journey is marked by consistent grit and determination.
Their early years saw them compete in various conferences, eventually settling in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1992. They've secured two MAC East Division titles (2005 and 2020), showcasing their potential to compete at the highest levels.
Though they've only reached one bowl game (the 2005 Motor City Bowl), the Zips have produced several NFL players, including Charles Tillman and Kyle Kalis. This highlights their ability to develop talent for the professional ranks.
Today, under head coach Joe Moorhead, the Zips are focused on building a consistently winning program. Their signature triple-option offense, coupled with the passionate home-field advantage at InfoCision Stadium–Summa Field, fuels their desire to reach a bowl game and contend for a MAC championship.
With their innovative approach to NIL opportunities and unwavering commitment to improvement, the Akron Zips are poised for an exciting future in college football. Their legacy of perseverance serves as an inspiration to players and fans alike as they continue to strive for excellence on the gridiron.

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Get ready for the most entertaining football tryout you’ve ever seen! This video takes you through one of the wildest, most hilarious tryouts in history, featuring players showcasing their skills in ways you won’t believe. From unexpected mishaps to jaw-dropping moments, this event is packed with laughs and surprises that’ll keep you glued to the screen. If you're a fan of funny sports moments, this is a must-watch! #footballhistory #americanfootball #sportscomics #funnyfootball #gridirongrin

Take a step back in time with a unique vintage comic strip that combines the excitement of classic football with the charm of old-school cartoons. The comedic slap-stick humor of Harold Lloyd is highlighted for the enjoyment and appreciation by a new generation.This fun and nostalgic sequence mixes moments from a beloved 1925 silent film, The Freshman, with lighthearted animation, bringing you a one-of-a-kind experience. #comicstriplive

You’ll get a taste of football history, with a dash of humor, as this retro throwback takes you through the zaniest football moments you’ve ever seen! #footballhistory #americanfootball

Also, enjoy scenes from the 1925 silent film The Freshman, generously shared via Wikimedia Commons, adding an extra layer of nostalgia and humor to this unforgettable video.

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Clemson Football boasts a rich history defined by thrilling victories and dominant performances. A list of the top Victories of the Clemson University Football Program.

This summary explores some of the biggest wins that shaped their legacy:

-1981 Orange Bowl (22-15 vs. Nebraska): This victory marked a turning point. Led by coach Danny Ford and quarterback Homer Jordan, Clemson completed a perfect 12-0 season and secured their first national championship, proving "Little ole Clemson" could compete with the best.

-2016 National Championships (Alabama): Under coach Dabo Swinney, Clemson established itself as a powerhouse. These back-to-back wins over mighty Alabama, led by the legendary Nick Saban, solidified their dominance and cemented Swinney's place as a coaching giant.

-2017 National Championship Game (35-31 vs. Alabama): This nail-biter cemented Clemson's rivalry with Alabama. Deshaun Watson's last-second touchdown pass secured victory and announced the arrival of Clemson's next superstar quarterback.

-1951 Orange Bowl (15-14 vs. Oklahoma): This upset victory showcased early Clemson resilience. The underdog Tigers shocked powerhouse Oklahoma, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion on the biggest stage.

Rugby football started about 1845 at Rugby School in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, although forms of football in which the ball was carried and tossed date to the Middle Ages.

Rugby football split into two codes in 1895, when twenty-one clubs from the North of England left the Rugby Football Union to form the Northern Rugby Football Union (renamed the Rugby Football League in 1922) at the George Hotel, Huddersfield, over payments to players who took time off work to play ("broken-time payments"), thus making rugby league the first code to turn professional and pay players. Rugby union turned professional one hundred years later, following the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa.

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Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a trailblazer, a symbol of defiance, and a testament to the power of athletic excellence to challenge societal norms.

Born in 1894, Pollard excelled in athletics from a young age. His exceptional speed and agility landed him at Brown University, where he shattered racial barriers as the first African American to play for the school's prestigious football team. He led the Ivy League in scoring in 1916, silencing critics and proving his undeniable talent. Fritz played halfback on the Brown team that went to the 1916 Rose Bowl.

Pollard's on-field prowess was undeniable. He led the teams that he played for to heights. The Akron Pros, Union Club of Phoenixville, Milwaukee Badgers, Hammond Pros, Providence Steam Roller, and Akron Indians dazzled audiences with dazzling runs and electrifying touchdowns. His talent forced NFL teams to confront their racial prejudices with the integration of black players into the league in the early 1920s, which would be interrupted for decades after he hung up his cleats.

Though facing discrimination and prejudice throughout his career, Pollard persevered. He played for several NFL teams, becoming the league's first black head coach with the Akron Pros in 1928. His influence extended beyond the playing field; he mentored and advocated for future generations of black athletes, encouraging them to break through barriers and pursue their dreams.

Beyond individual accolades, Pollard became a crucial figure in the fight for racial equality in sports. In the 1930s, he coached the all-black "Brown Bombers," the standout professional football team. The Bombers challenged established leagues and showcased the talents of black players who were systematically excluded from mainstream professional sports.

Although his playing career ended in the early 1930s, Pollard's legacy continues to inspire. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, and his contributions were finally recognized on the grandest stages.

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A pretty cool website that tries to capture all of the helmets of the most popular teams throughout history.

Helmet History is a website dedicated to chronicling the fascinating evolution of helmets in American football. It serves as a visual archive for college and professional teams, allowing fans to delve into the rich history of their favorite squad's headgear.

The website is organized into sections for College FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision), the NFL (National Football League), and the Canadian Football League, and more. Within each section, you can explore a comprehensive list of teams. Clicking on a specific team brings you to a page showcasing a timeline of their helmets through the years, with pictures for each iteration.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program, known for their triple-option offense and iconic blue turf, has etched its name in the record books with some truly electrifying games. These contests transcended mere wins and losses, becoming defining moments in program history and thrilling experiences for fans. Let's dive into a few of the biggest games that have cemented the Eagles' legacy:


1. 2000 National Championship Game vs. Montana Grizzlies:


Date: December 22, 2000
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score: Georgia Southern 23, Montana 16

This game marked the culmination of the Eagles' dominant era under Coach Erk Russell as they faced off against the Montana Grizzlies for their third straight national championship. In a nail-biter, quarterback Jayson Stroman threw for two touchdowns and ran for another, securing the Eagles' dynasty and etching their names in college football history.


2. 2014 Sun Belt Conference Championship Game vs. Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin' Cajuns:


Date: December 6, 2014
Location: Statesboro, Georgia
Score: Georgia Southern 38, Louisiana-Lafayette 28

This game marked not just a victory, but a monumental step for the Eagles as they transitioned to the FBS level. In their inaugural Sun Belt Conference championship game, the Eagles showcased their offensive prowess with a balanced attack led by quarterback Kelton Turner. This win proved their ability to compete at the highest level and instilled confidence as they embarked on their FBS journey.


3. 2023 Victory over Florida Gators at "The Swamp":


Date: October 28, 2023
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Score: Georgia Southern 26, Florida 20

This game was a faithful David vs. Goliath moment. The Eagles, underdogs against the storied Florida Gators in their own "Swamp" stadium, pulled off a stunning upset. Quarterback Cam Ransom threw for a touchdown and rushed for another, while the Eagles' defense held firm, forcing crucial turnovers and shutting down the Gators' offense in the second half. This victory sent shockwaves through college football and further cemented the Eagles' reputation as giant slayers.


4. 1999 National Championship Game vs. Youngstown State Penguins:


Date: December 18, 1999
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Score: Georgia Southern 38, Youngstown State 16

This game was another defining moment in Coach Russell's championship run. Quarterback Tracy Ham, nicknamed "The Human Wishbone," rushed for three touchdowns and led the Eagles to a dominant victory over the Youngstown State Penguins. This win solidified the Eagles' place among the FCS elite and showcased their offensive firepower.


5. 1985 National Championship Game vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers:


Date: December 14, 1985
Location: Kingsport, Tennessee
Score: Georgia Southern 17-14

This game marked the Eagles' first national championship appearance and the beginning of their golden era. In a close and thrilling contest, quarterback Tracy Ham threw the winning touchdown pass with just 1:24 remaining, sending the Eagles to their first national title and igniting the program's rise to prominence.


These are just a few games that have etched themselves in Georgia Southern Eagles football history. From national championship victories to thrilling upsets, these contests showcase the program's resilience, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence. As the Eagles continue to soar, their legacy will surely be enriched with even more defining moments and unforgettable victories.

George "Wildcat" Wilson, a name synonymous with football excellence, left an indelible mark on both the collegiate and professional levels of the game. Born September 6, 1901, George Wilson or Wildcat Wilson, was a halfback from the University of Washington.

Wildcat showed his importance to the the Huskies team in the 1926 Rose Bowl Game. Wilson's dominant performance for much of the first half of the "Grand Daddy of them All" had opponent Alabama on their heels and down by a couple of scores. The Crimson Tide finally got a break late in the second quarter when George Wilson left the game due to injury. The Tide led by Johnny Mack Brown with 20 unanswered points and were driving down the field to score again when the banged up Wildcat Wilson re-entered the contest and was significant in stalling the 'Bama drive at the Husky 12 yard line.

Wilson then guided the Washington offense down the field and capped off the drive with Wilson throwing a 20 yard scoring strike to John Cole. It was not enough as the Tide held ont win the game 20-19. The stat line of the game showed that with Wilson on the field, the Washington Huskies gained 317 yards and put up 19 points, when he was out they mustered a mere 17 yards and were shut out while the Crimson Tide scored all 20 of their points in that 22 minute absence of Wilson from the contest.

It really put Alabama football on the map as a prominant football power in the college football landscape. The 1926 Rose Bowl has gone down in history known as "The game that changed the South." but it could have been a much different game had Wildcat Wilson played the whole game. Needless to say, the College Football Hall of Fame invited George Wilson into their exclusive club of legends in 1951.

His versatile skills and electrifying performances solidified his status as one of the most iconic players of his era.  

Wilson's collegiate career at the University of Washington was nothing short of extraordinary. As a halfback, he displayed a remarkable combination of speed, power, and agility. His ability to evade defenders, break tackles, and score touchdowns consistently made him a nightmare for opposing teams. Wilson's impact on the Huskies was undeniable, as he led them to numerous victories and earned consensus All-American honors.  

After his successful college career, Wilson transitioned to the professional ranks, where he continued to impress. His most notable stint was with the Los Angeles Wildcats. Despite the challenges of the early days of professional football, Wilson's talent and determination shone through. He became a fan favorite and a respected figure among his peers.  

Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Wilson's legacy extends to his impact on the sport as a whole. His dynamic playing style and fearless approach to the game inspired countless athletes and fans alike. His contributions to the development of football, both at the collegiate and professional levels, continue to be celebrated and admired.

George "Wildcat" Wilson's name will forever be etched in the annals of football history. His exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and enduring impact on the sport make him a true legend.

It is a name that many have heard uttered, but few in this era really know who he was and Clarkk's importance to football. The legendary football player, Dutch Clark, is examined with his place in NFL history in this post.

College Career
Hailing from Colorado, Dutch Clark was a standout athlete at Colorado College.

His versatility was exceptional, as he excelled not only in football but also basketball and track and field. On the gridiron, Clark's dynamic playmaking abilities quickly garnered national attention. His 1928 season was particularly remarkable, where he amassed 1,349 rushing yards and 103 points, earning him the distinction of being the first Colorado native to claim first-team All-American honors. Beyond his athletic prowess, Clark also served as a coach at Colorado College, demonstrating his early aptitude for leadership.  

Road to the Pro Game
Dutch Clark's professional football journey began with the Portsmouth Spartans, where he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier talents. Known for his exceptional speed, agility, and versatility, he was a nightmare for opposing defenses. Clark's impact was so significant that he was granted a leave of absence from his coaching duties at Colorado College to focus on his NFL career.  

His tenure with the Spartans, which later evolved into the Detroit Lions, was marked by consistent excellence. Clark's ability to excel as both a runner and passer made him a multifaceted threat. His leadership qualities were also evident as he took on a player-coach role during his later years with the team.  

Football Legacy
Dutch Clark's legacy in football is undeniable. As a player, he was a pioneer, showcasing a level of skill and athleticism that was ahead of his time. His impact on the game extended beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching with success. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 is a testament to his enduring influence.  

Clark's story is one of perseverance, talent, and leadership. He overcame challenges and excelled at every level of the game. His contributions to the sport have left an enduring mark, and his name remains synonymous with football excellence.