Football History

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.

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)  

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.

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).

April 4, 1907, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, welcomed Bill Banker, a dynamic halfback whose electrifying performances for the Tulane Green Wave from 1927 to 1929 left an indelible mark on college football. Known as the "Blonde Blizzard," Banker's nickname captured the sheer speed and elusive nature of his play. His light hair and swift movements created a blur as he raced across the field, particularly when playing without a helmet.  

Banker's college career was nothing short of spectacular. He earned All-American honors in 1929, cementing his status as one of the nation's premier players. He set numerous Tulane records, many of which stood for decades. His career scoring total of 263 points, 37 career touchdowns, and four touchdowns in a single game showcased his prolific scoring ability. He also demonstrated remarkable durability and consistency, setting records for career rushing attempts (515) and rushes in a single game (43). His impressive 93.2 yards rushing average per game underscored his consistent ability to generate significant yardage. Notably, he led Tulane to an undefeated season in his senior year, a testament to his leadership and exceptional talent.  

Following his illustrious collegiate career, Banker ventured into the world of entertainment, appearing in Hollywood films for Warner Brothers. He then transitioned to professional football, playing for the Memphis Tigers. While his professional football career may not have reached the same heights as his college achievements, it added another chapter to his diverse and fascinating life.  

Bill Banker's football legacy is firmly rooted in his remarkable achievements at Tulane. His numerous school records, All-American honors, and role in leading the Green Wave to an undefeated season solidified his place among college football's elite.

His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1977 by the National Football Foundation stands as a testament to his lasting impact on the sport. His "Blonde Blizzard" moniker and the stories of his electrifying runs continue to resonate with fans, ensuring that his legacy endures.  

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If you look back at successful football programs from a century ago you can always find those players that personified the school and the era. For the Golden Gophers it may be the legendary Ed Rogers that fits this mold.

Minnesota football Legend Ed Rogers. Born April 14, 1876, in Libby, Minnesota, was the standout end of Carlisle Indian Industrial School from 1896 to 1898 and with Minnesota from 1900 to 1903, Eddie Rogers.

Eddie was raised as a free spirit as his mother was a native American from the Chippewa tribe and his father was a lumber jack in the wilds of the pioneer frontier according to his bio on the NFF’s website. This rearing set his athleticism and ability to quickly react to almost any situation for his later life including his time on the gridiron. Rogers time with the Redman teams of Carlisle helped take the Institution’s football program to national prominence almost a full decade before Jim Thorpe attended the school and a year or two before Pop Warner started his coaching tenure there as well. As a member of the Golden Gophers in 1903 Eddie’s Minnesota team had a 11-0-1 record. In 1904 Rogers was head coach at Carlisle, and had a 9-2 record. The following year he returned to Minneapolis and began practicing law. He practiced law 62 years, 1905- 66, retiring at the age of 90. Eddie Rogers received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

Vince Banonis, born April 9, 1921, in Detroit, Michigan, to a Lithuanian family, etched his name into football history through a career marked by exceptional skill and leadership. From his Detroit roots to NFL championships, Banonis left an enduring legacy.  

-College Career

Banonis's football journey began at Detroit Catholic Central High School, where he captained the city championship-winning team. He then enrolled at the University of Detroit in 1938, playing center for the Detroit Titans from 1939 to 1941 under coach Gus Dorais. His talent was quickly recognized, with his line coach praising his abilities. Banonis was renowned for his play diagnosis and pass defense. In 1941, he earned first-team All-American honors from multiple sources, solidifying his status as a top collegiate player.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1942 NFL Draft, Banonis entered the professional ranks. His early career was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Returning to the Cardinals in 1946, he became a key player, earning multiple All-NFL selections. In 1951, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he contributed to their NFL championship victories in 1952 and 1953.  

-Football Legacy

Vince Banonis's legacy is defined by his consistent excellence and leadership. He was a vital part of championship-winning teams, both in college and the NFL. His defensive prowess and strategic understanding of the game made him a respected figure. Beyond his playing career, his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame cemented his place among football's greats.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-First-team All-American (1941).  

-Selected by the Chicago Cardinals in the fourth round of the 1942 NFL Draft.  

-NFL Champion with the Chicago Cardinals (1947).

-Three-time First-team All-NFL selection.  

-Three-time Second-team All-NFL selection.

-NFL Champion with the Detroit Lions (1952, 1953).

-Led the NFL in fumble recovery return yards (1947).

-Intercepted 11 passes from 1946-1949.  

-Michigan Sports Hall of Fame inductee (1975).  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1986).  

Vince Banonis's career exemplifies dedication and excellence, leaving a lasting impact on the sport. He passed away in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of championship-caliber football.

George McAfee's name might not be etched in the NFL's record books, but his impact on the game in the early 1940s is undeniable. McAfee's career, marked by versatility and innovation, helped pave the way for the emergence of the dual-threat running back in the NFL.

Hailing from Duke University, McAfee arrived in the league with the Chicago Bears in 1940. Standing at a sturdy 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds, he possessed a unique blend of power and speed. While primarily a running back, McAfee's skillset extended beyond the backfield. He excelled as a kick returner, a punter, and even played some defense. This versatility made him a valuable asset for the Bears, allowing them to utilize him in various offensive and defensive schemes.

McAfee's most significant contribution lies in his innovative running style. Unlike the typical straight-ahead rushers of the era, he incorporated lateral movements and jukes into his game, confusing defenders and creating space. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield further expanded his offensive repertoire, a concept that would become commonplace in future decades.

McAfee's career was tragically cut short after just four seasons due to a serious knee injury sustained during World War II. Despite the brevity of his playing time, his impact is undeniable. He is credited with helping to redefine the role of the running back, showcasing the effectiveness of a player who could not only run the ball with power but also contribute in the passing game and on special teams.

The legendary back that played for Duke University and the Chicago Bears was so good at both levels that he is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.