Football Daily

Author Dan Taylor tells about the legendary Man and Football Player Kenny Washington.

How Football itself got its unique shape and its history, the story may surprise you!

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The history of the jock strap , cup and other athletic supporter items are provided by our friend Timothy P Brown and Football Archaeology

This image is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of Face Detail From Jim Thorpe Canton Bulldogs 1915 20 Cropped

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of a cropped image of File Robert Zuppke 1922 Illinois

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The Syracuse Orange football helmet, adorned in its vibrant shade and iconic script, isn't just headgear; it's a canvas that chronicles the program's evolution, traditions, and moments of gridiron glory. Let's embark on a journey through their fascinating helmet history:

Early Days (1920s-1940s):

Simple leather lids with minimal markings - just the letter "S" or "Syracuse" painted in block letters.
These rudimentary designs reflected the nascent stage of the program and limited equipment options.
The Birth of the Orange (1950s-1960s):

In 1953, the iconic orange color arrived, initially paired with white stripes and the block "SU" logo.

This change marked a bold identity shift, showcasing a vibrant spirit befitting the team's nickname.

The classic "block S" helmet, introduced in 1959, further solidified the orange dominance and became synonymous with the program's golden age.
Modern Tweaks and Refinement (1970s-Present):

The "block S" remained the primary design, undergoing subtle changes like font adjustments and stripe variations.

The 1970s introduced a script "Syracuse" logo as an alternate, later returning in the 1990s as the main design.
The current script logo features a bolder font and sharper lines, adding a modern touch to the classic orange color.
Special Occasions and Alternate Designs:

The Orange embrace the opportunity to express their spirit through alternate helmets for special occasions.
These might include commemorative designs honoring fallen heroes, throwback tributes to past eras, or unique variations of the script logo.

For instance, the "Chief Orange" logo, a controversial symbol from the program's past, made a brief return in 2010 before being permanently retired.

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The Georgia Southern Eagles football program, with its iconic blue turf and triple-option offense, boasts a unique and fascinating history. But where did it all begin?


Early Glimpses:


1909: The seeds of Eagles football were sown as early as 1909, with unofficial teams like "The Culture" playing local squads.
1924: The Eagles officially took flight, fielding their first continuous team under the nickname "Blue Tide."
1941: World War II grounded the program for nearly four decades, with players, like many Americans answering the call to duty.


Rebirth and Rise to Prominence:
1978: President Dale Lick, recognizing the potential of football for the university and community, championed the program's revival.
1981: Enter Erk Russell, a legendary defensive coordinator from the University of Georgia, tasked with building the Eagles from scratch.
1984: The Eagles, now sporting their iconic "Eagles" nickname, joined the NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) ranks, ready to soar.

Golden Age under Erk Russell:


1985-2000: This period marked the Eagles' dominance in I-AA, capturing a record-setting six national championships under Coach Russell's leadership.
Triple-Option Takeover: The Eagles became synonymous with the innovative and exciting triple-option offense, led by stars like running backs Tracy Ham and Adrian Peterson.
"The Prettiest Little Stadium in America": Paulson Stadium, with its intimate atmosphere and iconic blue turf, became a beloved symbol of Eagles football.

Transition to FBS and Beyond:


2014: The Eagles embarked on a new chapter, joining the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and the Sun Belt Conference.
Facing New Challenges: The transition to FBS brought stiffer competition and adjustments to new rules, requiring the Eagles to adapt and evolve.
Sun Belt Champions: Demonstrating their resilience, the Eagles captured their first Sun Belt Conference title in their FBS debut season, proving their continued competitiveness.

Present and Future:


2023: The Eagles continue to soar in the Sun Belt, aiming for further conference championships and national recognition.
Developing Champions: The program emphasizes player development and academic success, nurturing well-rounded individuals both on and off the field.
A Legacy of Soaring: With a dedicated coaching staff, passionate fanbase, and rich traditions, the Georgia Southern Eagles football program is poised for continued success and exciting chapters in its ongoing story.

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The 1961 Texas-TCU football game was one of the most shocking upsets in college football history. The #1 ranked Texas Longhorns, led by legendary coach Darrell Royal and featuring future Heisman Trophy winner Jimmy Saxton, were heavily favored against the unranked TCU Horned Frogs. However, TCU pulled off a stunning 6-0 victory that sent shockwaves through the college football world.


Pre-game Hype and Expectations:


The 1961 Longhorns were a dominant team, boasting an 8-1 record and a high-powered offense led by Saxton.
They were heavily favored to defeat TCU, who were 2-4-1 at the time.


The game attracted a sell-out crowd of 60,000 fans at Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas, eager to witness the Longhorns' anticipated victory.


Unforeseen Turn of Events:


The game started according to script, with the Longhorns driving down the field on their opening possession.
However, disaster struck when Saxton was hit by a vicious knee to the head by TCU's Bobby Plummer.
Saxton left the game with a concussion, and the Longhorns' offense sputtered without their star player.


TCU capitalized on the momentum shift, scoring the game's only touchdown on a 50-yard pass from Ron Gibbs to Tommy Iles in the second quarter.


The Longhorns, despite having numerous opportunities to score, failed to convert, missing two crucial field goals.


A Shocking Upset and Lasting Legacy:


The final score of 6-0 stunned the college football world.
It marked the first time that a #1 ranked team had lost to an unranked opponent since 1950.


The upset also spoiled the Longhorns' hopes of winning their first national championship.

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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.

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Raised in Tennessee and Denver, David Neil Drews was a commercial banker and then
an English teacher prior to becoming a writer. He has two bachelor’s degrees from the University
of Tennessee, one in finance and one in English Literature, and a masters in English Education.
Iron Tigers reflects his passion for sports, American history, and fiction. Since attending his first
University of Tennessee Volunteers football game in 1970, his blood has run deep orange. Yet,
after spending five years researching the legendary 1899 Sewanee football team, some say there
is a tinge of purple to his complexion.