Football History

Doug Atkins was inducted in 1985 to the College Football Hall of Fame by the National Football Foundation

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Forget soaring passes and acrobatic catches. Joe Perry, "The Jet," carved his legend through sheer grit and unstoppable ground gains. In the rough-and-tumble days of early NFL, this fullback was a force of nature, blazing a trail for African-American players and rewriting the record books one punishing carry at a time.

Perry's path wasn't paved with diamonds. Undrafted, he stormed onto the San Francisco 49ers scene in 1948, becoming the team's first Black player. His explosive speed and punishing power earned him the nickname "The Jet," forever etching his name in the hearts of the faithful.

He wasn't just a local hero; he was a league pioneer. In 1953, he became the first African-American to win the NFL's Most Valuable Player award, shattering barriers and paving the way for generations of aspiring athletes.

His career stats speak volumes: 8,378 rushing yards, 68 touchdowns, and a legacy of fearlessness. He battled through racial prejudice, defied expectations, and redefined the role of the fullback.

Perry's story isn't just about touchdowns and trophies. It's about courage, resilience, and paving the way for others. He was a trailblazer, a champion, and a testament to the transformative power of perseverance. So, the next time you hear the roar of the crowd, remember "The Jet" – the man who left his mark on the gridiron with every thunderous sprint and punishing tackle.

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This amazing book by Author Chris Willis tells the story of Red Grange, and his college and professional exploits. The barnstorming and setting pro football on its ear with one of his managers C. C. Pyle. Red Grange changed football forever.

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Born February 7, 1917, in Fort Lawn, South Carolina, was the legendary Clemson Tigers halfback Banks McFadden. Many experts today consider the Great McFadden to be Clemson's most outstanding all-around athlete.

Banks was an athlete, starring on the baseball, basketball, and football eleven at Clemson and earning three letters in each. This legend earned All-America honors in both basketball and football. McFadden held the punting record for the Tigers for over four decades. Clemson's first bowl game, the 1940 Coton Bowl, cemented the icon's legacy. The Tigers knocked off Boston College by scoring 6-3 after McFadden batted down four 2nd half passes and averaged 44 yards for the 11 punts he made in the game.

The National Football Foundation selected Banks McFadden to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959. He was the fourth overall pick in the 1940 NFL draft by the Brooklyn Dodgers and had the longest run in the League in 1940 with a 75-yard dash down the field. After eleven pro games, he left his playing days forever to serve his country and coach at his alma mater.

Trevor Cobb is a former American football running back who played four seasons for the Rice Owls from 1989 to 1993. Cobb is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in Rice history. He holds numerous school records, including career rushing yards (4,948), career rushing touchdowns (38), and single-season rushing yards (1,692). Cobb was also a consensus All-American in 1991 when he won the Doak Walker Award as the nation's top running back.
Cobb was born and raised in Houston, Texas. He attended J—Frank Dobie High School, where he was a standout football and track athlete. Several significant colleges recruited Cobb, but he ultimately chose to stay close to home and attend Rice University.
Cobb made an immediate impact on the Rice football program. As a freshman in 1989, he ran for 1,087 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cobb's breakout season came in 1991 when he rushed for 1,692 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also led the nation in all-purpose yards with 2,249. Cobb's performance that season earned him the Doak Walker Award, given annually to the nation's top college running back.
An excellent video on former Rice football player Trevor Cobb.

The Official Website of the Buffalo Bills give great tribute to their former Hall of Fame Running Back

The official website of the legendary Pro and College Hall of Fame Runningback Thurman Thomas

The legendary Coach Steve Owen has his football life preserved in this presentation post from The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture

College football, a sport steeped in tradition and brimming with talent, has witnessed countless remarkable athletes don the jerseys of their respective universities. From electrifying running backs to tenacious defenders, these players have etched their names into the annals of gridiron history, leaving an enduring legacy that resonates with fans across generations. Their jersey numbers, often simple digits, become symbols of their achievements, instantly recognizable and forever associated with their legendary performances.

The image is titled Original Caption: Four of Navy's mudstained stars pose after the Army and Navy football game on the Fourth of July, 1945 at Rizal Stadium, Manila, P.I. Left to Right: Geyer, Bloomfield, New Jersey; Hall, Chicago, Illinois; Horjes, Tacoma, Washington; Youngberg, Woodstock, Illinois. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons (cropped).

This series of posts embarks on a journey through the storied landscape of college football, celebrating the very best players to have worn each jersey number. It's a tribute to the skill, dedication, and sheer brilliance of these athletes, a recognition of their impact on the game, and a chance to revisit the moments that made them icons. From the single-digit heroes to the double-digit dynamos, we'll explore the stories behind the numbers, uncovering the tales of triumph, perseverance, and unforgettable plays.

Each post will delve into the careers of the most exceptional players to have sported a particular number, highlighting their accomplishments, awards, and the indelible mark they left on their programs. We'll examine their contributions to their teams' successes, their individual accolades, and the lasting impression they made on the college football landscape. This is more than just a list of names; it's a celebration of the spirit of college football, the passion of the fans, and the enduring legacy of the players who wore the numbers that became synonymous with greatness.

Join us as we embark on this exciting exploration, honoring the legends and the unforgettable moments that have defined college football. From the smallest schools to the most prominent programs, we'll uncover the stories behind the numbers, recognizing the athletes who transformed their jerseys into symbols of excellence. This is a journey through college football history, one number at a time.

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Wayne Meylan, born on March 2, 1946, in Bay City, Michigan, left a significant mark on college and professional football, particularly as a hard-hitting linebacker.

-College Career

Meylan's collegiate career thrived at the University of Nebraska, where he was a standout linebacker for the Cornhuskers. Known for his aggressive play and tackling ability, he was a key component of Nebraska's defense, contributing to the team's growing reputation.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Drafted Cleveland Browns in the 4th round (104th overall) of the 1968 NFL Draft. Meylan transitioned to the professional ranks. During his three seasons in the league, he played for the Browns and later the Minnesota Vikings, solidifying his reputation as a rugged and reliable linebacker.

-Football Legacy

Meylan's football legacy is defined by his physical play style and contributions to the Bills' defense in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a respected player known for his hard-hitting tackles and dedication to the game. His career highlights the physicality of football during that era.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

While detailed statistics for his era are not always readily available, Meylan was recognized for his consistent performance and impact on his teams' defenses. His selection in the first draft round speaks to the high regard in which he was held.

He was known for his tackling, and his aggressive play.