Football History

Born April 25, 1927, in Hector, Minnesota, was Minnesota’s Gustavus Adolphus tackle Calvin Roberts. With Roberts in the lineup, the Golden Gophers won three consecutive league titles and boasted a 23-1 regular season record per footballfoundation.org.

The 1951 team was undefeated as Roberts won the first of his two All-America honors and became a three-time All-MIAC selection. The National Football Foundation selected Calvin Roberts for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Calvin was drafted by the New York Giants, but an illness prevented him from taking on competition at the professional level. Therefore Roberts then entered the Marine Corps where he was named to the All-Marine Corps team while playing for the El Toro Marines. Calvin later became a line coach at Augsburg College for a short period before entering a role as a teacher in physical education.  

Forget your modern-day gridiron giants. Brace yourself for a tale spun from sepia-toned leather helmets and mud-caked cleats. This is the story of Harold Weekes, the "Hurdler," a Columbia Lions legend who redefined football in the early 1900s.

We're talking about a time when offense meant brute force and passes were a whispered heresy. But Weekes, a halfback with the speed of a cheetah and the courage of a lion (fitting, eh?), saw a different future. He envisioned the air alive with pigskin, defenses scrambling in futility.

And boy, did he defy it! Picture this: Weekes, perched atop the shoulders of teammates, hurdling over bewildered tacklers like a human cannonball. The "Flying Hurdle," they called it, a death-defying dance that left opponents awestruck and crowds roaring.

He wasn't just a daredevil; he was a triple-threat maestro. Weekes threw lasers, juked like a Houdini, and ran with the wind at his heels. He led Columbia to three championships, earned three All-American honors, and became the first-ever Lion inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Andy Russell wasn't a flashy scorer or a highlight-reel linebacker. He was the quiet general, the steady force anchoring the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense during a tumultuous era and ushering in a period of championship dominance.

This post explores Andy Russell's remarkable NFL career, highlighting his leadership, versatility, and lasting impact on the Steelers' legacy.

-From ROTC to the Steel City: A Delayed Debut (Early 1960s-1966)

Born in 1940, Andy Russell displayed athletic prowess from a young age. Heavily recruited by universities, he chose the University of Missouri, excelling as a fullback and linebacker. However, his professional football journey wasn't immediate. Russell's commitment to ROTC obligations delayed his NFL debut until 1963, where he joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. While he initially impressed, Russell's rookie season was cut short due to military service.

-A Pillar of Stability: Anchoring a New Era (1966-1976)

Russell's return to the Steelers in 1966 coincided with the arrival of a new coaching staff led by Chuck Noll. This marked a turning point for the franchise. Noll, a defensive mastermind, recognized Russell's leadership qualities and versatility. Russell flourished under Noll's tutelage, becoming a key figure in the Steelers' emerging defensive identity. He could play inside or outside linebacker, showcasing exceptional tackling ability and a knack for reading offenses. His intelligence and calm demeanor made him a natural leader on the field, earning him the respect of his teammates.

-From Struggles to Super Bowls: A Champion's Legacy (1966-1976)

Russell's career mirrored the Steelers' ascent to greatness. The team initially struggled, but with each passing season, Russell's leadership and defensive prowess became instrumental in their improvement. He was a key component of the early Steel Curtain defense, paving the way for the iconic unit that would dominate the league in the 1970s. His contributions were crucial during the Steelers' rise to prominence, culminating in two Super Bowl victories (IX and X) as part of a dominant defense that redefined the game. While overshadowed by future Steel Curtain legends like "Mean Joe" Greene and L.C. Greenwood, Russell's steady presence was undeniable.

-Beyond the Gridiron: A Legacy Built on Character (1976-Present Day)

Russell retired in 1976, pursuing a successful career in finance while remaining connected to the game as a broadcaster. His dedication to intellectual pursuits, evident in his pursuit of an MBA alongside his playing career, further cemented his image as a thoughtful and well-rounded leader. Russell's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades. He embodies the values of intelligence, dedication, and quiet leadership that were crucial to the Steelers' early success. He is a reminder that greatness in football comes in many forms, and that the players who lay the groundwork for defensive dominance deserve recognition alongside the flashier stars. Andy Russell's story is an inspiration to young athletes, showcasing the importance of hard work, leadership, and a well-rounded approach to achieving success on and off the field.

Born May 1, 1930, in Trinity, Texas, was the University of San Francisco’s stud halfback of 1949 to 1951, Ollie Matson. Matson, a trailblazer in the realm of professional football, left an indelible mark on both the college and pro game. Hailing from Georgia, Matson's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He attended the University of Georgia, where he excelled as a running back, earning All-American honors.

Ollie finished as a contender for the Heisman Trophy. After that season, he turned around and won the silver and bronze medals in the 1952 Olympic Games! The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Ollie Matson in their legendary museum in 1976. In 1952 Matson was the number one overall pick by the Chicago Cardinals in the NFL Draft.

Matson's college success translated seamlessly to the professional level. Drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in 1952, he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier running backs. Known for his elusive running style, Matson's ability to make defenders miss tackles and find open space was unmatched. He consistently led the league in rushing yards and touchdowns, earning numerous Pro Bowl selections and even winning the NFL MVP award in 1955.

Beyond his individual accomplishments, Matson also played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in the NFL. As one of the first African American players to achieve widespread success and recognition, he helped pave the way for future generations of Black athletes. Matson's contributions to the game extended beyond the field, as he became a respected figure in the community and a role model for aspiring athletes. His legacy as a pioneering running back and a trailblazer in the fight for racial equality will continue to inspire future generations.

He played well for the Cards but was traded to the Rams in 1959 for nine players! You can learn more about that trade here. Ollie racked up over 12,000 yards of total offense in the League and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972.

Steve McNair, nicknamed "Air McNair," wasn't your typical NFL quarterback. He wasn't just a pocket passer with a golden arm. McNair was a dual-threat dynamo, a gunslinger with wheels, who carved his path into football history with a unique blend of passing prowess and rushing ability.

Steve McNair seen in the #9 purple jersey Courtesy of Keith Allison of Baltimore via Wikimedia Commons

Born February 14, 1973 in Mt Olive, MS - McNair's journey began at Alcorn State University, a historically Black college. There, he shattered FCS records, amassing over 16,000 yards of total offense and finishing third in the Heisman Trophy voting in 1994. Despite his impressive college career, some questioned his ability to translate his success to the professional level. However, the Houston Oilers (later Tennessee Titans) saw his potential and drafted him third overall in 1995.

McNair's arrival in the NFL coincided with the rise of the "run and shoot" offense, a perfect fit for his skillset. He became a maestro of the offense, dissecting defenses with laser-sharp throws and using his mobility to escape pressure and extend plays. His scrambling ability was a constant threat, adding a dangerous wrinkle to the Titans' attack.

McNair's impact was immediate. He led the Titans to the playoffs in five of his first eight seasons, culminating in a trip to Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999. Though they fell short against the St. Louis Rams' "Greatest Show on Turf," McNair had established himself as an elite quarterback.

In 2003, McNair reached the pinnacle of his career, sharing the NFL MVP award with Peyton Manning. He threw for over 3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for another 600 yards, showcasing his all-around dominance.

McNair's later years were marked by injuries and a shift in offensive philosophy. He finished his career with the Baltimore Ravens before retiring in 2008.

Steve McNair's legacy extends beyond statistics and accolades. He was a pioneer for dual-threat quarterbacks, paving the way for players like Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson. His scrambling ability forced defenses to adjust their strategies, making the game more dynamic and exciting for fans.

However, McNair's story is not without its complexities. His tragic passing in 2009 left a void in the football world. Yet, his impact on the game remains undeniable. Steve McNair, the "Air McNair," will forever be remembered as a quarterback who defied expectations, redefined the position, and left his mark on the gridiron with a trailblazing blend of brains and brawn.

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It is so refreshing when we have the opportunity to hear a truly inspirational story of a person who is blessed after such an utterly horrific experience. When it has to do with football, our gridiron ear really perk up!

Today, we have a truly inspiring guest joining us. He's a former NFL running back, a motivational speaker, and a man who defied all odds. From facing a childhood where he was told he'd never walk again to overcoming that adversity and making it onto the professional football field, Leroy Collins' story is one of resilience, perseverance, and triumph.

Here is the link to Leroy's book: The Running Back: True Story From the Wheelchair to the NFL

-Transcript of Leroy Collins and His Wheelchair to NFL Epic Journey

Darin Hayes
Hello, my football friends. This is Darin Hayes of pigskindispatch.com. Welcome once again to the Pigpen, your portal to positive football history. Boy, we have a great show for you today. It's a great story that's inspirational and really gonna make you wanna have some football going on because we have a gentleman here who has an excellent story. His name is Leroy Collins, and we have him here right now. Leroy, welcome to the Pigpen.

Leroy Collins
Hey, thank you. Hey, thanks for having me.

Darin Hayes
Leroy, you have a great story. A mutual friend of ours, Arnie Chapman, interviewed you a few years ago on a great book that you had that's titled The Running Back: True story from the wheelchair to the NFL and we are so excited to have you here and tell your story.

Leroy Collins
Oh yes, I appreciate it. eah. Arnie, I podcasted back in 2020 when I first launched my book, and so I got a chance to share. I got a chance to share my story then, and right now, I'm in a cycle of relaunching a book and actually getting a story back out because your COVID kind of slowed it down a little bit. Now, it's giving me the opportunity to actually get the book back out there, so people who missed the opportunity to read it get that chance now.

Darin Hayes
Yeah, that COVID sort of dampened a lot of things in our lives, including books, and you're not the only one. We have a lot of authors and folks who want to get their story out there who sort of missed the horrible thing happening to the world and sort of shut everything down. This is a great opportunity for us to hear about this during the football season. So why don't you, wherever you want to pick up on your story, tell us a little bit about it and get us excited about your book again?

Leroy Collins
Okay, cool. So, first of all, if I want to start off, the book is called The Running Back from the Wheelchair to the NFL, and as I start to tell my story a little bit, you will see that it is a football book. It's going to talk about the NFL and different things like that. But I chose the title to be like wordplay. As I tell the story and as you read the book, you will notice that I always run back to the golden dreams that I set for myself when I was a kid. And so basically, if I had to run back to something, I mean, I was off track. That's why it's called the running back. Put in bold letters and from the wheelchair to the NFL. And the wheelchair is that when I was in I was a kid, I was in a car accident. And it was actually, I was an audible accident. It was a truck. And the truck ran me over. And then, and after it ran me over, it gets a real good story, gets real gruesome, as you read the story. Ut I had died in an accident, and I broke 14 bones, my body and I was then after I came out, I came back, I was told I never walk or talk again. And, um, so that's, and that right there is the magic of the story, which is that, uh, I'm walking and talking right now. And then the title, obviously, I went to the NFL. h, awesome. So I mean, not, not awesome about the accent, but overcoming something like that.

Darin Hayes
But that's, uh, especially when the doctors are telling you, you, there's no hope and no chance of you being able to even walk or talk, but, uh, you're, you're playing, you know, probably the most, uh, fearsome game of, uh, athletic prowess there is in doing it at the highest level possible. So, that's pretty cool. Yeah.

Leroy Collins
Yeah. So we are; we are all faith-believing family. o, uh, the doctor did have this diagnosis, and he, and not, not saying he was wrong, and he, and he made a mistake. He knew what he knew, and he recorded what he knew, the diagnosis that he came up with. m, but like I said, we believe in a higher power and, um, and that was, I believe it was just a purpose and a mission for me, and it wasn't in my, that wasn't going to be the end of my chapter. And I had a lot more to, you know, to talk about to do in this world. Oh, um, you know, God did what he did. And so that, that was, uh, that's what's happened. o Nothing from the doctor, doctor, he, he knew what he knew and he, and he, he recorded and reported what, uh, what was given to him.

Darin Hayes
Right. Now you said that you know, after this, sometime after this, you had set some goals for yourself, and what are, when did your goals first start occurring? And could you share what your goals were?

Leroy Collins
So, uh, so it was when I, when I was the kid, I, when I, when I was, I was, I got out of the hospital, I was home, and I got a chance to, you know, be with a family. I was watching a game, a football game, on TV, and I was, uh, sitting on the floor next to my wheelchair. Obviously, at that point, I'm unable to walk. But I'm still talking, and you know what I mean? I'm playing with my brothers and sisters. Mean as much as I can with my legs not working properly. But I'm watching a football game, and something comes over me when I watch this game. I was like, man, I love this. Love this. Wanted to play it. Wanted to be part of that. And it was actually the NFL. t was a, you know what I mean? It was a San Francisco 49ers game. o, and there was no Pop Warner Little League game. It was actually the main, the big deal, right? And I wanted to play. And I just had this passion and desire to play. And as I watched more, I watched more; I watched more. I made that decision as a very, very young kid that I wanted to play in the NFL. and I told my mother, I said Mom, I want to play NFL. I'm going to play; I'm going to play football. Want to be, I want to, cause I think I believe that my first time watching football was the time I saw it on TV. You know, one of those young kids back in the early eighties, you know, you got the, you know, four or five channels. You got the, you know, the, the, you know, the analog, turning thing you got no push, but you got to turn it to a station back in the day when you were the remote like your Parents is hey, you know to turn the volume down.

Darin Hayes
You were the remote. You did that

Leroy Collins
We were really remote Technology that you know, we were able to get some other free time don't other stuff but um, so I just had this desire and this passion to the prove that I I can play this game And I mean it was like impossible because I was in a wheelchair I was my mother had to carry me to the dinner table She had to carry me to bed and to carry me to take a bath And you know, I mean so so she was doing these things to me. o they got kids to go out to play. You know me. I'm sitting aside a hill, watching and playing, or I'm Sitting in the wheelchair, and he pushes me around the wheelchair. So these days, this was happening, but at the same time, in the back of my mind, I had this desire and his dream to play in the NFL to play football, and I mean, I didn't even think about Pop Warner or think about The old high school ball any of that stuff pop Warner didn't come about to me Until years later, that's what I knew I had to start there You know me I had to start there but um, but the desire for me to play the NFL I was doing extra I was doing more so my mother used to carry me around I wanted that to stop So I told my mother that I will try I will do my own So at night sometimes when everybody go to bed go to sleep I was up doing stuff. was doing physical therapy. I was just doing more of it. So you know, I had to hold on to the bed rail, hold on to the dresser, hold on to the walls, and just take. Try to take steps. The stretching that the physical therapist was showing me, I was trying to do those as much pain as I was it I was in so much pain and um, and you know, I mean I felt a lot of pain. but the fact is that it was. It didn't matter that time. t didn't matter, even as a young kid, because I felt that that man, I don't know who told me or where I was taught that, okay, you want to make it, you got to work harder. because everybody every time I told somebody I was gonna go, I wanted to play the NFL. t was either my mother telling me Yeah, baby, do whatever you want to do. r somebody say, you can't walk to me, you can't walk, you can't play NFL. I don't know exactly where that push came from. because, at that time, nobody had that push for me. And it was just something that was, I think, instilled in me that you have to do more to get more. So you have to, you want to walk, you got to, you got to do more than what was prescribed to you. the doctors and through therapy gave you this to do when you were with them. And then I'm sure they gave my mother some instructions on how to do it while I was home. but I never really dealt with my mother; I did them by myself. and so, and it was just like all night and day, night and day. A year after I had that desire, dream, and vision, I started taking steps on my own without support. And then, you know, after I started taking steps, I started moving. mean, it wasn't good steps, but it was steps without unassisted steps. So that was, that was good. and then, so, I faced another hurdle. the first hurdle was you can't talk, or you're not gonna be able to talk. you know, you know, I mean, it's gonna, you know. Obviously, I walked out of how I woke up by the hospital, and that hurdle was conquered. and then a walking thing me taking steps, it was very, it's very, you know, cripply walk, there's a cripple walk. but I was taking steps, and I had something to work, work, and work towards. Now I have something to work on. It just kept happening time after time. I got better again, better and better and better. and then that's when the guys these Okay, and that's when the the the thought of pop Warner came to mind, because the as I was walking, but it was with a really bad lip. They have football signups for Pop Warner. and so once I heard that I was the first one in line, like saying, I need that permission slip, I need to go, I need to go. and so I ended up getting a permission slip and brought it to my mother and told my mother because she signed it. said, I want to play football. and she turned me down right away. he's like, boy, you're not playing any football. because I was dead a year prior or not crippled. 're your prior. o you're not playing football. So I said, Mom, don't you say; I thought you said that I could play about you because she was not saying that she was. She lied to me. but she wanted me to believe in whatever I wanted to do. but she was afraid to let me play because it's a tackless and violent sport. o she's afraid let me play those mother those mother instincts man the mother bear instincts are going to protect the cub you know doesn't want to see you get hurt again you know i understand that don't seem to get hurt right so you don't seem to get hurt the last days when we do is have somebody talk to me and land on top of me or or else run into each other uh so she turned me down she said no and then i and then i you know i was you know obviously upset about a situation because now i have opportunity to actually play to work my way to the nfl and uh she said no so i found other ways uh i had my uncle which was my support system he was my very support system because he was a guy that wanted me to play and he um um you know he he was a football player himself so and so he signed my mister slip for me and i handed it in and and i was actually on the blog team for a couple weeks until my mother found out and then, and then I got kicked off the team again, which is another story that's in a book. h, but that was another trial but yeah, so that was my first introduction to football; I started permissioning myself and ended up on the team for a couple of weeks. ow. mean, that's, that's really brave. h, first of all, to do that with everybody, you know, telling you against, against including your mother and going behind your mother's back, which probably a scary thing all in all itself, you know, doing that.

Darin Hayes
I think you can all appreciate that. Oh, what was the medical community saying about you playing football? Do they have any input into you playing the game like football? eah. So, um, everybody, so the doctors, um, first of all, when I went to the doctor, um, the doctor that actually gave my diagnosis and gave my treatment when I went and saw him, cause we had to go see every now and then go see checkups and, and so like that.

Leroy Collins
So when I went and saw him, um, automatically you could see the tears coming out of space coming down. cause he was like, is that you? Can't believe it because he was 100% sure of what he thought. And, uh, cause my spine was messed up. y hips was, my pelvis was crushed. And my, and I mean, so it was like every door nerve damage was always messed up. o, um, so he was sure he was sure of that, that I wasn't going to be able to walk. Nd so when I walk in with a very crippled limp, um, he was like, he was like, first thing was like, is that you? I can't believe that. Can't believe that's you. And then, you know, I mean, then we went on to tell him that, yeah, I, um, I mean, I'm playing football. I'm trying to play football now and stuff like that. And it was like, uh, and that's why we had to actually do it because the physical had to do with physical and all this other stuff. And this goes back into my mother kicking off the team, whatever. But, um, but it was, he was just like, so, so impressed about, about my, I mean, me walking in there. And so. Hey, we're still like, nobody was like, no, you shouldn't play, you shouldn't play, you shouldn't play. You're gonna get hurt again. And then it came to the point that, okay, he could be on a team, but he's not gonna play much. I just wanted to be on a team to get a uniform. Basically, I became the crippled kid that everybody had to protect and that just wanted to be on a team to have a uniform. Ittle, do they know, in the back of my mind, I'm going to the NFL? Do you know what I mean? No, nobody saw the vision that I saw; nobody believed in me as I believed. o it was always that everybody protected me, everybody's looking out for me, everybody thinking, oh, because the whole community knows that when I, my car accident happened in our small community, the whole city was there, the whole city was behind me on this thing. o they saw my recovery, they saw my rise from the, From the wheelchair to the Pop Warner to, you know, me all the way up to College and then to the NFL. So they saw they saw me from the death from the debt when I was dead To I was crippled To love you know wheelchair and then I mean they saw the whole rise could we had a little small community, and that day Of the accident the entire city was there Was at that scene Nothing like having community support that's uh, but they but like you say They probably still don't have the same belief that you do. They're saying, hey, that the man can walk now? That's amazing, or the child can walk now that was, you know, Legally dead and not able to even get out of his wheelchair himself had to have his mother carry him, and now They're saying wow, this dude's walking around.

Darin Hayes
This is a miracle, you know, at that point. That's yeah, but you're inside saying, no, I'm playing in the NFL. You still have that drive going. So, where do you go from there? Do you want a high school?

Leroy Collins
Yeah, so I went from Yep to one side once I finished. Once I finished Pop Warner, I'd been Pop Warner for a couple of years, but then eventually, there was my second year, Dirty, and Pop Warner, and my lip kind of went away. I wasn't limping anymore, and I wasn't looked at as a handicapped kid anymore Because I made a dramatic play in which you saw a book. I made a dramatic play So I wasn't looked at as the handicapped kid that I wanted. I just wanted a uniform; I wasn't looked at looking like that anymore. I was looked at as a football player For the first time in my life. I looked at myself as a football player, and then, in my third year at Pop Warner, I wasn't. I didn't gain weight, So I had to sit out for a year, and I was devastated. I was devastated, and then I, um, but then the next year came around, JV's JV year came around. The next year that I was able to play JV, and then that's And I was, I was competing for a spot, a starting spot. And, you know, I mean, obviously, I didn't get it, but I was still playing, I was on a team, and I worked my way up there to be a starter. And then, and then I, you know, went off to high school, ended up breaking the New York state rushing record for the rushing, running back. And, then, you know what I mean? Hen, you know, that right there is like, is that some, so put it this way, my first year of football, my very first year, the year that my mother kicked me up the team and ended up letting me back on because I was just, I just wanted a uniform. I wasn't gonna play that much, which was right. Didn't play that much. That year, I was a lineman. So, I went from a lineman to a running back when I went to high school. And a lineman, when I was a lineman, they put me in there with the last two minutes left in the game. And they just put me in there, just, you know, put Collins out there, give him some playtime. Yeah, right now, how much time elapsed from that first season of your mother kicking you off the team to your setting, the high school rushing record in New York State? Em, so the first year I mother kicked, when she kicked me off the team, um, it was, uh, let me see. o I was, uh, eight, nine years old, between eight, nine years old. Do you think I did two years of Pop Warner? I was 11, and then I had to sit out a year that I was I was too big. And then I came back about 12, 13, um, my first year at JV and then, um, their first year of JV and I played two years of JV, and then I went at the varsity and I, when I played varsity, I, I took over the starting job. If I take a certain job? So, I took over the starting job, my, um, my junior year, and then I broke it into my senior year. Oh, maybe six years, seven years. Holy cow. That is amazing. And the whole story is amazing.

Darin Hayes
I think I've just got the word amazing going through my head, as you're telling me every step of the way here. That's some great stuff. Oh, so what was the feeling? Can you express in words what feeling you had that year at Pop Warner? Folks were saying, okay, there's the handicapped kid, now you're being recognized; hey, this is a player? And this is a player to be watched. His is a guy that's, uh, you know, important to the team. What was the feeling like? You know, so it was always, um, so I knew what my goal was. I missed out on a lot of stuff that happened to me.

Leroy Collins
Um, on my, on my way, you know what I mean? o, cause I, I had this so burning desire. First of all, it had never happened in my hometown. Nobody believed in me. And I was always criticized and always like, you know, at the point where I'm not big enough, or I'm once head away from being all of Caribbean done. And so, um, I, I would, I miss a lot of it, but I did look back and was like, like, wow. Nobody was giving me a shot. Now, people are traveling for hours to come see me play. And people that I didn't know, like, we should shut the city down. We just shut out, like our hometown and any hotels around us. We grew up in Hudson. Oh yeah, Hudson, Ichabod Crane, Chatham, and all these little towns around us. And we used to shut the city down. I just, our team, used to shut the city down. I had people traveling as far as an hour to come watch me play. And so just thinking about that, uh, somebody that got on a football field for only two minutes in the game. And, uh, you just want to put them and let them play because he won a uniform, too, you know what? They're doing whatever they can to cancel their schedule to make sure to be there to watch me. So it was I I got a chance to see that like, you know, Well, that's a dramatic change, but that showed that was a good testament to my determination and my relentless effort to become the best and to also to stick to my goal and because I mean, I was easy for me to the train to get my body ready to like to be different from a high school player like different to get my body ready all year long for football because I didn't see high school and College as a destination. I saw the NFL as the destination, so I knew I had to be ready for that. So it was that that that training thing that was ending, and plus, I was also I was behind the eight ball Cuz I was handicapped. Was I crippled? Had to hold on to stuff them to take steps. So that was another thing that just gave me that work ethic. Like, I have to be ready and be right. It was never on the back of my mind that that thing could happen to me again or something. Yeah, it was never a problem for me. It was always asking how much better I could get, right? How much more can I succeed? And you know, I mean the weekend. It's like something. Sometimes, I want to take a break because, you know, I did a lot. My uncle used to push me like, come on, No, get up, you know, I mean, but it's not that I was lazy. It's just like I did a lot already. You just be killing me, But the fact is that it was good for me because the fact that you know, I mean me as a human, even though I had the desire, I burned out too. But so somebody who knew saw my potential was able there to lift me back up. So, after a while, I had a support system. But still, there was still like the majority of Students that guy's gonna I was one hit away from the Caribbean do Wow. I imagine that you had to have the scouts from the college team just drooling over, you know, somebody setting a record of high school for a big state like New York, especially.

Darin Hayes
And how was the recruiting process, and was it any different from any of your peers that were being recruited that didn't have a prior, you know, weren't confined to a wheelchair prior? The magical part about this, the most amazing part about it, is that what I did in high school was never done.

Leroy Collins
In our town, in our area. As far as scouts, the way scouts came to school to see us was never done before. t was new for everybody. Ike, it was such a new process that the ACT, you know, the ACTs and SATs and stuff like that. If you need all of those, you need those right there to get into College. Hey, weren't you even teaching kids how to get ready for a college university scholarship? thletes. Ids were being taught that, but a lot of athletes weren't taught that to be prepared to receive a scholarship and be able to pass a clearinghouse so that whole process wasn't even a thing in my high school until I came when I came about and made it a thing. Made it I'm saying so and it's like oh you gotta take the SATs because this school wants you oh that school wants you that school wants you then it was then it became like now we gotta start preparing athletes for College because now we can see it be we can see it can happen now um so but but other than other than other than um the clearinghouse and all this other stuff I wasn't a student student so I wasn't even if I did go to SATs I wasn't doing I ain't doing good in the school I barely passed I just graduated on time uh in high school which held me back but I have schools like Florida State Michigan uh Miami you know you name a college I got I got stacks of letters from every division one school that wanted me I should talk with Bobby Bowden on the phone you know so I just have a conversation with him I just call his house so I wanted to be I wanted to play Florida State that's why I wanted to play for College um but so it became it became that uh that it was like not not known for what was happening like North Carolina came from North Carolina come to my school to watch me walk by just to watch me walk this is she my physique and see what I look like so they have a scout come watch me just so can't say Nothing to him but they want to see me a leeway come down walk down walk down by the gym so I walked down by the gym I gotta scout there watching me walk by so it was just it was just different for a whole town so um it was it was something but now what I'm happy about is that now the school understands the importance of it and kids are now getting opportunities and they're getting kids prepared for College that has an opportunity to get scholarships.

Darin Hayes
That's great, so you actually put your school on the map for these major colleges to pay attention to, and you help the school to open the doors to say, okay, here's how we're going to promote our athletes to get them further education. That's awesome.

Leroy Collins
Exactly, yep, so yeah, I mean, we had great athletes. I'm not saying had we had great athletes before me, great athletes, before me, but the way the level where I took it would have never been done before, and um, and now there's uh guys going still got guys going pro from um from our school uh so it's a big turnaround for what it used to be.

Darin Hayes
That is very cool. So, what College did you end up choosing from those stacks of letters? m so I end up from. Honestly, I went to none of those letters, and none of the calls I went to had to get a letter from.

Leroy Collins
I went to the University of Louisville as far as the one school I went to, but right out of high school, in which you were reading a book, I went to Dean Junior College, and then I got kicked out of College. Then I went back to College, and I started running back to my dream. Do you know what I mean? That whole running back thing, get back on track. o I got kicked out of school, and then I, and as you read the story, you'll see why I didn't get out of school, which I deserved to. Then, I got back on track and went to Alfred State. From Alfred State, I got a scholarship at the University of Louisville. Ow. It's a great story, man. It's a great trip. The hat takes a lot of determination, too, especially having setbacks and you're maybe not at the level you want to be in, but you mean hard work and determination just keep you jumping up and getting to the levels that are going to get you noticed by the NFL scouts, a lot more than some of the other schools.

Darin Hayes
So great job. Ep, yep, thank you, thank you. okay, so what was, okay, so after College, what was the process of the National Football League? ow were you getting noticed by them and what was going on there through your draft journey?

Leroy Collins
So the story goes back to when I got to Louisville and when I got Louisville, I wasn't a first string, second string guy, or even a third string guy. was number three and a half. ou know what three and a half is?

Darin Hayes
No, go ahead and share.

Leroy Collins
I was a backup to the third string guy and saying, so basically, I can't make it to the NFL from that position, right? Now, I have another hurdle across the way. I started training and working out. irst game comes by I get a chance to get into the game I mess up in the first game I get benched and now I'm just like now everything is against the whole world is against me now now my whole world come with it my whole world come with it because we lost that game my first game we lost and I think I contribute to that loss and I'm devastated so at that point is a turning point in my life even at that point that I had to either show him who I was or I was gonna give up I was gonna let it let it go let all go I had to show him I got had to show him while I was there I was there for a reason I'm not there to be number three and a half you know so I turned up and there's a process why I how it happened but I turned a new leaf man and I went into practice and I became a different person a different player and uh then a coach will start taking notice of that that uh you know they say it's very hard to take a person's position right a person that's a starter or a person that's um ahead of you it's hard to take that person's position because he's there because a coach notice something about him that they like right and you where you are because a coach don't like something about you you know or he'd think you're fit there so I had to become somebody different and show who I was so I went out there became a different player and I worked my way up from three and a half to second string to number one running back and then I went on to break the school record the school touchdown record I was top 10 in every other category running back and I was a junior I was a junior and I'm a football field but I was a senior in high school in in classes you know I mean so I had another year to come back had a rest shirt year to come back to play but I could graduate that year with my with my degree because I did that rest shirt year I made up that year at uh from dean so that whole thing whole debacle I wish I don't regret nothing because my life is a I have a have a tool now and the educational tool that I can teach young athletes coming up but I wish I had more guidance through the draft process back then because once I once I declared myself eligible for the draft I was a junior on a football field but I was a senior in classes but it was they said wise or needed for me to come back for that senior got another year of college football and I didn't I didn't come back and the reports came out about my cards that they they was like, I became a ref, I became the top, I was top in the draft, I was the top 24 in the draft that had put me at first round. And I went from there to becoming a red flag because they said I had a head injury because I had brain trauma; the truck ran my head over when I was a kid. o I became a red flag, and saying so, even though I had no injuries throughout the year in my life or head injuries throughout my career up until the NFL, they still became an issue. The team wanted to take a chance on me, so my stock started dropping. Went from the first round, to the second round, to the third round, to the fourth round, to almost the fifth and sixth round. I was in the fifth and sixth rounds of the entire draft, and then it was up to one of those teams to take a chance on me. Nobody took a chance on me, so I went to Washington as a free agent. o as I went out with the commanders, I was rescued at the time, but when I went to the when I went to the Redskins, I had to compete there for another shot. And as you read a book, that right there became another debacle. Could have walked away. Kept going. Then, I ended up getting released from Washington and picked up by the Jaguars. I was a Jaguar for two years. And then, you know, I mean, then I went on as they call a journeyman and a journeyman to go from one professional team to the next one. But still, that is like so motivational and inspirational for folks that have no limitations of your body getting, you know, run over by a truck and confined to a wheelchair.

Darin Hayes
Your drive, sir, is amazing through all the obstacles that are thrown in your way. nd your faith sounds like it's a very strong part of that too. o we appreciate you and applaud you for both of those. nd I assume your family has got to be so proud and so glad that they were incorrect in what they were thinking when you were a youngster and had had everything against you and you overcame it. mazing story.

Leroy Collins
Amazing. So they definitely have my; they understand when I say something, and usually, when I say something, they anticipate it is happening. Because if I say it, I kind of thought about it. I thought about the pros and cons, and so I usually say it: I throw it out in the universe. Throw it out there because I'm looking for it to happen. And so now they're anticipating for it to happen as well because they see my relentlessness and my determination that it might not be happening the week or two weeks. It might be a year, but they know that when I say it, eventually, it's going to happen. Now, just out of curiosity, let's say knowing what you know now, if you could go back in time and tell your young self that's in a wheelchair, sitting on the sidelines, watching your family and your friends play football, and you wish into it.

Darin Hayes
What would be a message that you could give to your younger self or to others out there, maybe in the same situation, or you'll have to overcome something to reach your dreams? What would that message be?

Leroy Collins
So I would tell my younger self to tell him, if I'm here now and I could go whisper in my younger self's ear, I would tell him, continue doing what you're doing. Work hard, continue working hard, but ask for help. Ask, don't be afraid to ask for help, to ask for guidance, to ask for assistance, but you're gonna do great things, you're gonna do amazing things, you're gonna change many of the lives, you're gonna touch lives to people that you ain't never meet before, but on your journey to wherever it is, you're gonna go, which I know where it is, start asking for guidance and ask for some help. That's what I would tell myself. A Great message. And that's great for anybody. You know, that's very inspiring. And, uh, you know, a lot of folks, uh, including us adults and older folks like myself could, could use some of that.

Darin Hayes
So that's a great message. hy don't you share once again, Leroy, what the title of your book is and where folks can get a copy. eah. So it's called the, the running back from the wheelchair to the NFL.

Leroy Collins
Um, it goes deep into the details of the story from which I am coming. Say, from death, I die for eight minutes, and come from there to have this dream to make it to the NFL; you can buy a book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. m, any, any site that sells, that sells, uh, books, um, that you could buy from anyone, any, any place, any place there, um, an audible version is coming out soon and, um, it's on digital. So it's digital, audible, hard, hard copy, or soft copy. And, um, and then after you get the book, be ready for book number two coming up, and then be ready for a movie. e have a movie scripted out and, um, and a movie, the movie is, is, uh, is, uh, is in the making.

Darin Hayes
It's in the making. Awesome. That is definitely something to look forward to. And folks, you know, we're going to put, if you're driving the car or any available to write down the information, we're going to put the title of the book in the show notes of this podcast and the YouTube channel, get you a link to get right to, uh, Leroy's book on Amazon. And, uh, so you can get a copy of it yourself and get reading the first part because more is coming. Just like he said, you know, we got this movie coming. It's an awesome story, sir. and I really appreciate you coming on and sharing it with us.

Leroy Collins
Yes. Thank you. Really appreciate you for having me here. Thank you for having me.

The life and football career of College Football Hall of Fame star, Harley Sewell. Born April 18, 1931, Jefferson County, Oklahoma, was the University of Texas two-way player at guard and linebacker Harley Sewell.

Sewell was indeed a versatile player that the Longhorn’s used to gain advantages over opponents. One such instance of note, according to FootballFoundation.org, was the 1952 Cotton Bowl, where Texas blanked the Vols of Tennessee 16-0. Sewell was named Defensive Most Valuable Player as he led a defense that held Tennessee to six first downs with negative 14 yards rushing. The National Football Foundation selected Harley Sewell for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Undersized yet remarkably strong, Randy Cross defied expectations to become one of college football's most dominant guards and centers, culminating in a stellar NFL career that cemented his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In this edition, we explore Cross' gridiron journey, from overcoming early challenges to becoming a champion and a legend.

Born in Oklahoma in 1931, Cross faced hardship at a young age. Left behind by his family during the Great Depression, he spent his formative years working odd jobs while displaying a natural athletic talent. This grit and perseverance would become his defining characteristics.

Cross' athletic prowess caught the attention of Bud Wilkinson, the legendary Oklahoma Sooners coach. Despite concerns about Cross' height (listed at 5'9"), Wilkinson saw a player with exceptional strength, agility, and a fierce competitive spirit. Cross arrived in Norman in 1950 and quickly earned his starting spot.

The 1951 season became Cross' breakout year. Alongside quarterback Glyn Milburn, he formed the core of a dynamic backfield. Nicknamed "The Little Wonder," Cross' explosive blocking and ability to neutralize defenders paved the way for the Sooners' high-powered offense. His performance in the "Game of the Century" against Notre Dame solidified his reputation as a national star. Despite trailing late, Cross anchored the offensive line, allowing the Sooners to score two late touchdowns and secure a dramatic victory.

The following year, Cross cemented his legacy. Leading the Sooners to an undefeated season and a national championship, he captured the 1952 Heisman Trophy. At the time, he was the shortest player ever to win the award, a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering determination.

Cross' NFL career, entirely with the San Francisco 49ers (1976-1989), further solidified his place among the greats. While a knee injury cut his senior year at Oklahoma short, his talent translated seamlessly to the professional level. He transitioned from center to guard early in his career, showcasing his versatility. Cross earned three Pro Bowl selections and played a pivotal role in the 49ers' three Super Bowl victories (XVI, XIX, and XXIII). His intelligence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his teammates made him a cornerstone of the team's success.

Randy Cross' legacy transcends his Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl rings. He challenged stereotypes and proved that greatness doesn't come in a single size. His work ethic, leadership, and unparalleled blocking skills redefined the role of the offensive lineman. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010 was a fitting tribute to a player who anchored his teams both literally and figuratively.

Born April 25, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, was Randy Cross the tough interior lineman of the UCLA Bruins. The National Football Foundation tells the tale of how Cross as a standout on the UCLA line helped the Bruins avenge an earlier 41-20 blowout loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes.At the 1976 Rose Bowl, UCLA slipped past the top-ranked Ohio State squad in one of the largest upsets in Rose Bowl history subsequently denying OSU of their national championship aspirations. Starting  as the team’s center midway through his sophomore season, the coaches moved Randy to play guard for his final two years of eligibility where he became a first-team all-conference and a first-team All-America as a senior. Randy Cross received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. After graduation Cross was picked by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1976 NFL Draft. Randy thrived in the Leagues for 13 years and won three Super Bowls with the franchise. Avoiding major injury, the iron man missed only eight games in his professional career propelling him to be named to three All-Pro teams. He was voted the San Francisco 49ers' Man of the Year (1985) for his work in the community. Later after taking off the jersey for the last time, Cross became a television analyst. NFL Jersey Number 51

Sonny Jurgensen wasn't your typical gunslinger quarterback. He wasn't known for scrambling or extending plays; his magic resided in his pinpoint accuracy and a throwing arm that earned him the nickname "The Cannon from Carolina." Jurgensen's 18-year career, spent with the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, solidified his place among the finest pure passers in NFL history, culminating in his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

Born August 23, 1934 - Jurgensen's journey began in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he excelled at multiple sports before heading to Duke University. Drafted by the Eagles in 1957, he spent his first few seasons as a backup, honing his craft. However, upon becoming the full-time starter in 1960, Jurgensen exploded. He led the league in passing yards twice with the Eagles, showcasing his exceptional ability to dissect defenses. His throws, a mix of bullets and lasers, found receivers in tight windows with remarkable consistency.

In 1964, Jurgensen was traded to the Washington Redskins, a move that would define his legacy. Here, he flourished under head coach George Allen, who built an offense around his strengths. Jurgensen thrived, leading the league in passing yards three times for the Redskins and even tying Johnny Unitas' single-season touchdown record in 1961 with 32. His five Pro Bowl selections and career passer rating of 82.6, the highest for any player in the pre-1978 "Dead Ball Era," stand as testaments to his dominance.

Jurgensen wasn't just about statistics. He was a leader, a steadying presence on the field. He demanded the best from himself and his teammates, but he also had a playful side. His famous "hot dog" celebration, where he mimicked throwing a hot dog to the stands after a touchdown, became a fan favorite.

While Jurgensen never won a Super Bowl, he left an undeniable mark on the game. He was a pioneer in the world of the modern quarterback, a player who relied on his arm and tactical brilliance rather than mobility. His influence on the game is undeniable, inspiring generations of quarterbacks to prioritize precision passing.

Even after his retirement, Jurgensen remained a fixture in the NFL world as a broadcaster. His insightful commentary and infectious enthusiasm for the game solidified his status as a legend, not just for the Washington Redskins or Philadelphia Eagles, but for the entire NFL. Sonny Jurgensen was, and remains, a true gunslinger, a master of the aerial assault, and a deserving member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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The roar of the crowd was a familiar symphony to Pug Lund. But this season, the pounding in his chest wasn't the electric rhythm of the fans – it was a dull ache, a constant reminder of the ailing finger threatening to derail his senior season. Doctors advised surgery, a lengthy recovery that would sideline him for the championship run. But Pug had another option, a radical one whispered in hushed tones by a team doctor pushing the boundaries of ethics and ambition. Would the star halfback choose the knife over his dreams? This is the story of a young athlete who rolled the dice on a desperate gamble, blurring the lines between dedication and devotion on the path to gridiron glory.

-Introduction

1930s University of Minnesota halfback Pug Lund may have been one of the toughest players in college football history. He was an efficient runner and willing to serve out crushing blocks to keep defenders away from offensive teammates, too. Pug once had a body part chopped off to improve his ability to help his team! His story is truly unique.

Francis "Pug" Lund was born on April 13, 1918, in Rice Lake, Wisconsin. The star halfback played for the Minnesota Golden Gophers from 1932 to 1934.

Francis' imposing stature and aggressive playing style contradicted his formal first name. During a post-game interview, a reporter couldn't help but quip, "Francis? That's a heck of a name for a football player! Don't you have a nickname?" A voice boomed from the back of the locker room, "Call him Pug!" The next day, the newspaper headline blazoned "Pug Lund" next to a photo of Francis, forever etching his new moniker in sports history.

Pug was a tough guy, too. In 1933, against Pitt, he hurt his pinky finger, and because he kept playing, the injury didn't heal correctly; just before the beginning of the 1934 season, Lund had the finger amputated to prevent him from slowing down.

-Adjustment After Injury

During an early season game against the Nebraska Corn Huskers, Pug had the lowest moment of his career when he fumbled seven times as he tried to get used to holding a ball with four fingers on his left hand. Losing the finger worked out, though, as he was the hero of the 1934 rematch against Pitt, where he had one of the shining moments of his collegiate career.

- Gophers versus Panthers 1934

The two teams met that day, each carrying the moniker of being undefeated for the season. The Gophers trailed the Panthers team by six as the clock was winding down on the game. Minnesota had managed to move the ball down the field in one last-gasp attempt to obtain at least a tie. But they faced a fourth and four deep in Pittsburgh territory at the 17-yard line. It all came down to this play. Lund took the pitch and surveyed the field, looking for a glimpse of daylight to escape through. At the last moment, he spotted end Bob Tenner in the open field, fired a strike to the rangy receiver, and Minnesota suddenly had the touchdown, which beat Pitt 13-7, and ignited a Gopher charge to a perfect eight-game record and the National Championship. Pug was a crucial player in this run, averaging about 6 yards per carry and throwing some very accurate passes that kept defensive opponents at bay.

-Legendary Coaches' Endorsement

Minnesota coach Bernie Bierman stated that Lund was also a true Ironman of the game. "He was our spark plug," Bierman said. "He was battered and broken up, teeth knocked out, finger amputated, thumb broken, and through all that, he carried on. Our opponents might break him in two, but they couldn't stop him." The Gophers coach would say Pug was the most outstanding player he had ever witnessed on the field. Lund was versatile as he handled the punting, passing, rushing, and blocking. Pug's career total of 2098 rushing yards is twice as many as his next most prolific rusher. Add to that some pretty good passing stats for the era: 85 attempts, 29 completions, and ten interceptions. The National Football Foundation selected Pug Lund for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1958.