Football History

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Born March 24, 1981 in Canton, Ohio, Mike Doss, a hard-hitting safety, left an indelible mark on both his college and professional football careers. His relentless style of play and leadership qualities made him a valuable asset to every team he represented.  

-College Career

Doss's college career at Ohio State University was nothing short of legendary. He was a key member of the Buckeyes' dominant defense, known for his physicality and playmaking ability. He was a three-time All-American and a vital part of the 2002 national championship team. His leadership and consistent performance made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the Big Ten.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Doss's stellar college performance made him a highly regarded prospect in the 2003 NFL Draft. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round. His hard-hitting style was expected to translate well to the professional level.  

-Football Legacy

Doss played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Minnesota Vikings during his NFL career. While injuries hampered his professional tenure, his impact was undeniable. He was a key contributor to the Colts' defense during their early 2000s success. His aggressive play and leadership qualities were evident throughout his time in the NFL. Although his pro career was cut short, his college legacy remains strong.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-3x All-American (Ohio State)  

-National Champion (Ohio State, 2002)  

-NFL Career Stats:

-331 career tackles  

-Eight interceptions

-Eight fumbles recovered

-Six quarterback sacks

Mike Doss's legacy is defined by his dominant college career and his hard-nosed play in the NFL. He was a defensive force whose impact extended beyond the stat sheet.

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Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, was Earl Campbell the powerful back of the Texas Longhorns from 1974 through 1977. His nickname forever ties him to his hometown as Earl is still called "the Tyler Rose" as he pounded out big gains at the University of Texas.

The NFF says he rushed for 4,443 yards. This was the fifth highest total of all time when he retired. His rushing covered 928 yards as a freshman, 1118 as a sophomore, 653 as a junior (he missed four games), and 1,744 as a senior.

Campbell was All-America as a sophomore and senior, led the nation in rushing and scoring and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. He had an amazing 21 times where he rushed over 100 yards and three over 200 yards rushing in games.

The Houston Oilers during the 1978 NFL Draft wasted no time in turning their draft pick card with the first player selected to the Commissioner that had the name of Earl Campbell on it. Earl played 8 seasons with the Oilers and earned a rushing title, the distinction as an All-Pro and was selected to play in three Pro Bowls. The 1980 season as his best as he pounded out 1934 yards with 4 games over 200 yards.

For his NFL career, he amassed 9407 yards rushing and 74 TDs with another 806 yards on 121 receptions. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Earl Campbell in 1991.

Lydell Mitchell wasn't your average running back. He carved his name in football history not just with his punishing runs, but with his surprising agility and knack for catching passes. This essay explores the remarkable career of Mitchell, a college standout who became a versatile weapon in the NFL.

Mitchell's journey began at Penn State University. There, he established himself as a dominant force. He shattered school rushing records, amassing nearly 3,000 yards and a staggering 38 touchdowns. His explosiveness on the field earned him All-American honors and a coveted fifth-place finish in the 1971 Heisman Trophy race.

Drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1972, Mitchell's professional career spanned nine seasons. He donned the jerseys of the Colts, San Diego Chargers, and Los Angeles Rams, proving his adaptability across different systems. While his rushing prowess remained undeniable, Mitchell surprised many with his receiving skills. Twice, he led the entire NFL in receptions, a feat unheard of for a running back at the time. This versatility made him a nightmare for defenses, unsure whether to brace for a run or a pass.

Mitchell's impact went beyond raw statistics. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods, a testament to his consistent excellence. He finished his career with over 6,500 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns, solidifying his place as a ground-and-pound threat. But his 376 receptions for over 3,200 yards showcased his ability to be a receiving weapon as well.

Lydell Mitchell's legacy extends beyond the stat sheet. He helped redefine the role of the running back in the NFL. No longer were they just one-dimensional rushers. Mitchell proved that backs could be threats in the passing game, adding a new layer of complexity to offensive schemes. His success paved the way for future dual-threat running backs like Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey.

Today, Lydell Mitchell stands enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. His impact on the game continues to resonate, a testament to a career that blended power with finesse, forever etching his name among the NFL's greatest running backs.

Born April 7, 1899, La Porte, Indiana, was the stellar center from 1917 to 1920 at Washington and Jefferson and in 1921 through the 1924 season for the Army team, Edgar Garbisch arrived in life to claim his date of birth. Edgar was an All-American in 1922 at the center position and in 1924 from the position of guard according to the National Football Foundation.

Garbisch’s skill set did not stop there on the gridiron as he was a place kicker and drop kicker showing these talents off when he place-kicked a 47-yard field goal to give Army a victory over Navy 17-14 in 1922. In 1924 he drop- kicked 4 field goals as Army beat Navy 12-0. He has the unparalleled accomplishment of having to face Notre Dame five times as an opponent not leaving the field for even a second as a two-way player in any of the five tilts against the Irish. Once with W&J and four contests as a member of the Army Cadets.

Edgar Garbisch received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954. Edgar was well decorated serving in the Army Corp of Engineers for two decades and serving on many organizational boards but most notably the gridiron associated ones of being a trustee of Pop Warner Little Scholars as well as the vice-president of the National Football Foundation.

Imagine a Heisman Trophy winner who wasn't even the starting quarterback at the season's outset! John Huarte, the Notre Dame signal-caller who wore number 7, defied expectations in 1964. Despite his April 6th birthday coinciding with today's legendary status on the Fighting Irish roster and his eventual College Football Hall of Fame induction solidify his improbable journey to football immortality.

John Huarte's Heisman triumph was a testament to perseverance and seizing opportunity. Wearing the iconic #7 for Notre Dame, the quarterback unexpectedly led the Fighting Irish to a remarkable season. While his professional career saw him don #7 for the Patriots, Eagles, Bears, and Chiefs, his collegiate heroics etched his name in football lore. His story serves as an inspiration, proving that even underdogs can achieve greatness on the gridiron.

-College Career

John Huarte's collegiate career at Notre Dame was a narrative of resilience. After a sophomore season hampered by injuries, his playing time was limited in 1963. However, the arrival of new head coach Ara Parseghian in 1964 marked a turning point. Parseghian's decision to name Huarte the starting quarterback proved to be a stroke of brilliance. Unleashed in Parseghian's offense, Huarte exploded onto the national scene. He shattered Notre Dame's single-season passing records, displaying a potent arm and remarkable leadership. He guided the Fighting Irish to an impressive 9-1 record, a stark contrast to previous seasons, and captured the nation's attention with his stellar performances.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Huarte's remarkable senior campaign propelled him into the professional football landscape. In the 1965 draft, the American Football League's New York Jets selected him in the second round. While his collegiate success suggested a bright future as a starting quarterback, his professional career took a different trajectory. Huarte spent several seasons in the pros as a backup quarterback. He played for several teams in both the AFL and the NFL, including the Boston Patriots, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Chicago Bears, from 1965 to 1972. Though he didn't replicate his college stardom as a consistent starter, his longevity in the professional ranks speaks to his talent and dedication.  

-Football Legacy

John Huarte's football legacy is firmly rooted in his unforgettable 1964 season at Notre Dame. His dramatic rise from sparingly used player to Heisman Trophy winner embodies the spirit of college football. He represents the potential for breakthrough performances and the impact a coach's belief can have on a player's career. While his professional career saw him in a supporting role, his collegiate achievements were so significant that they earned him the ultimate honor in college football: induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. His story serves as a reminder that a single, exceptional season can etch a player's name into football lore.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-Heisman Trophy Winner: 1964  

-Notre Dame Single-Season Passing Records (1964): (Specific records would need to be verified through further research, but he broke virtually all of them at the time).

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2005

-AFL Draft: 1965, 2nd Round, New York Jets  

-NFL Teams: New York Jets (AFL), Boston Patriots (AFL), Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Minnesota Vikings (NFL), Kansas City Chiefs (NFL), Chicago Bears (NFL)  

-Professional Career Span: 1965-1972 (Specific professional career stats regarding games played, passes attempted/completed, yards, and touchdowns would require further research of his time with each of the listed teams).

Willie Galimore was born on March 30, 1935, in St. Augustine, Florida.  

The story of this Chicago Bears and Florida A&M legend is inspiring while at the same time tragic

College Career

Galimore attended Florida A&M University from 1953 to 1956, where he became a legendary figure in the school's football program. Playing halfback for the Rattlers under the guidance of the iconic coach Jake Gaither, Galimore showcased exceptional speed, agility, and versatility. He was a dazzling runner, a sure-handed receiver, and even a capable passer. His electrifying performances earned him the nickname "Willie the Wisp." Galimore led the team to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1953 and 1954, as well as multiple conference championships. He was a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selection and earned Pittsburgh Courier All-America honors three times. His dynamic play made him one of the most exciting players in HBCU football history.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his stellar collegiate career, the path to professional football was not straightforward due to the racial barriers prevalent in the NFL at the time. Galimore was drafted in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He spent the 1957 season in the military before joining the Bears in 1958.

Football Legacy

Willie Galimore's professional career with the Chicago Bears, from 1958 until his tragic death in 1964, solidified his legacy as one of the most exciting and talented players of his era. Known for his incredible speed and elusive running style, he quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field. Alongside other legendary Bears like Gale Sayers, he formed part of a dynamic backfield that thrilled audiences. Although his career was cut short, Galimore left an indelible mark on the game. His impact extended beyond the field; he was a role model and a symbol of athletic excellence overcoming racial prejudice. His contributions to Florida A&M and the Chicago Bears cemented his place in football history.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-3× All-SIAC Selection (1953, 1954, 1955)

-3× Pittsburgh Courier All-American  

-Led Florida A&M to undefeated seasons in 1953 and 1954

-NFL Draft: 5th round, 1957, Chicago Bears

-Chicago Bears (1958-1964)  

NFL Career Stats:

-Rushing: 627 carries, 2,970 yards, 4.7 average, 22 touchdowns

-Receiving: 162 receptions, 1,308 yards, 8.1 average, 9 touchdowns

-Passing: 8 completions out of 22 attempts, 148 yards, 1 touchdown

-Total Touchdowns: 32

-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1999  

-Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame

At age 29, Galimore and teammate Bo Farrington were killed in an automobile accident on July 27, 1964, in Rensselaer, Indiana, a few miles from the team's training camp at St. Joseph's College. Galimore's Volkswagen left the road on a curve and rolled. His number 28 was retired by the Bears.

The life and career bio of College Football Hall of Fame Running Back Ricky Bell. Born April 8, 1955, in Houston, Texas, was Southern Cal’s stellar running back Ricky Bell. Bell had some true perseverance to become a gridiron star and his versatility paid off huge.

Ricky originally reported to USC as a linebacker when he was a freshman. The coaching staff, noticing offensive potential flipped him over to the offensive team and used him as a fullback to block for Anthony Davis. By the time his junior season came around Ricky was the Bell Cow back, no pun intended, for the Trojans.

According to the National Football Foundation, in 1975 he led the nation in rushing with 1,875 yards, became a unanimous All-American, and placed third in the Heisman voting. In the postseason, he was named MVP of the Liberty Bowl. The following season, during his senior year, Bell placed second in the Heisman balloting and repeated as a unanimous All-America selection. Bell set a single game school record with 51 carries and 347 yards against Washington State and went over 100 yards on the ground in 16 different games of his collegiate career. Ricky Bell received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

At the 1977 NFL Draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the number one overall pick to claim Ricky for the franchise. He played six seasons for the Bucs and then tragically passed away due to cardiac arrest caused by a rare skin disease.

Born May 12, 1872, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was Princeton University’s guard from 1892 to 1894, Art Wheeler. Wheeler in college found himself at the pinnacle of early football as the Yale Bulldogs riding a 37 game winning streak were about to test the 10-0 Princeton Tigers that Art was a member of for the season’s finale in 1893.

The FootballFoundation.org describes that without question the 1893 national championship would go to the winner of this game. Time after time, the Princeton defense responded to Yale scoring threats as a guard named Arthur "Beef" Wheeler led the charge. Yale's great end, Frank Hinkey, was rendered ineffective and the Elis streak ended with a 6-0 Princeton triumph.

Wheeler was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

Robert O'Dell "Horse" Reynolds was born on March 30, 1914, in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.  

This Stanford legend played his way into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Detroit Lions stardom.

College Career

Reynolds was a standout two-way tackle for Stanford University from 1933 to 1935. A physically imposing figure at 6'4" and around 230 pounds, he was a cornerstone of the dominant Stanford teams of that era, famously known as the "Vow Boys" for their pledge to never lose to USC – a promise they upheld for three consecutive years. Reynolds achieved an unprecedented feat, playing every single minute of three consecutive Rose Bowl games (1934-1936) on both offense and defense, a testament to his exceptional stamina and skill. His relentless play earned him the nickname "The Horse," not directly for his size, but due to a memorable prank involving a horse in his dorm room. Reynolds was a consensus All-American in 1934 and a first-team All-American again in 1935, recognized as a powerful force who "knocked people down like they were wooden statues."  

Road to the Pro Game

Initially intending to enter the oil business after college, Reynolds was drafted by the Green Bay Packers but chose not to pursue professional football immediately. However, a persuasive offer from G.A. Richards, owner of the Detroit Lions and the KMPC radio station, led Reynolds to a unique proposition. A coin toss determined that Reynolds would play two seasons for the Lions with the agreement that he could work at KMPC during the off-seasons.

Football Legacy

While his NFL career was relatively brief, spanning two seasons (1937-1938) with the Detroit Lions, Bob Reynolds' primary football legacy lies in his remarkable collegiate achievements at Stanford. His dominance as a two-way player, particularly his unprecedented Iron Man streak in three Rose Bowl victories, cemented his place as one of the all-time great college football players. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1961 underscores the profound impact he had on the sport during his time at Stanford. Beyond football, Reynolds transitioned into a successful businessman in radio and professional sports, co-founding the California Angels (now Los Angeles Angels) Major League Baseball team, further demonstrating his leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Consensus All-American (1934)

-First-team All-American (1935 - New York Sun)  

-Played every minute of three consecutive Rose Bowl games (1934, 1935, 1936)  

-Detroit Lions (1937-1938) - Played in 20 games as a tackle

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1961)  

April 4, 1951, in Canton, Georgia, marked the birth of John Hannah, a dominant offensive lineman who became a legend during his time with the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1970 to 1972. Hannah was widely considered one of the most outstanding offensive linemen in football history and earned high praise from numerous experts. His legendary coach at Alabama, Bear Bryant, stated, "In over 30 years with the game, he's the finest offensive lineman I've ever been around." Even Sports Illustrated, in 1981, declared him the best offensive lineman of all time. During his time in Tuscaloosa, Hannah earned All-America honors in 1971 and was unanimously selected in 1972. That same year, he received the Jacobs Award as the nation's best blocker at his position, offensive guard, and was named Lineman of the Year by multiple prominent quarterback clubs. Alabama compiled a 27-8-1 record in his three seasons and secured two conference championships. His collegiate achievements led to his selection to Alabama's all-century team and the Southeastern Conference all-50-year team (1933-1982).  

-Road to the Pro Game

Hannah's exceptional college career paved the way for a highly successful professional career. In the 1973 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots recognized his immense talent and selected him with their first-round pick. He had a brilliant 13-year career with the Patriots, establishing himself as a force in the running and passing games. His ability to create massive running lanes was matched by his solid pass protection skills, making him an invaluable asset to the team.  

- John Hannah's Football Legacy

John Hannah's football legacy is cemented by his unparalleled dominance at both the college and professional levels. His accolades speak volumes about his impact on the game. He was selected as an All-Pro in an astounding 10 of his 13 professional seasons, a testament to his consistent excellence. Furthermore, he was honored as the NFLPA Offensive Lineman of the Year four times, further solidifying his reputation as the premier offensive lineman of his era. His collegiate achievements made him into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999. His remarkable NFL career culminated in his enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, solidifying his place among the sport's immortals.  

-John Hannah's Accolades Include:

-All-America selection (1971).

-Unanimous All-America selection (1972).

-Jacobs Award (1972).  

-Lineman of the Year by Birmingham Quarterback Club, Atlanta Touchdown Club, and Miami Touchdown Club (1972).  

-Named to Alabama's all-century team.

-Named to the Southeastern Conference all-50-year team (1933-1982).  

-First-round NFL Draft pick (1973).

-10-time All-Pro selection.

-4-time NFLPA Offensive Lineman of the Year.  

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1999).  

-Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991).