Football History

From Western Pennsylvania prodigy to Heisman hero at Pitt, Tony Dorsett, born on April 7th, blazed a trail to NFL stardom with the Dallas Cowboys. Wearing #33, he conquered college football and then the professional ranks, ultimately hoisting Super Bowl glory. Witness the remarkable journey of this Hall of Fame legend.

Tony Dorsett's football odyssey began in Western Pennsylvania, showcasing his exceptional talent early on. His collegiate career at Pitt saw him don #33 and achieve unparalleled success, culminating in the prestigious Heisman Trophy. This dominance paved the way for a celebrated NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, where his electrifying running style made him a fan favorite and a key component of their Super Bowl championship team.

The legacy of Tony Dorsett extends beyond individual accolades. His induction into both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame underscores his profound impact on the sport at every level. From his legendary runs at Pitt to his Super Bowl triumph with the Cowboys, Dorsett's speed, agility, and determination defined an era of football excellence, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.

Dorsett carved his name into gridiron history with a career that redefined the running back position. This essay explores his journey, from his college dominance to his electrifying professional years.

Dorsett's brilliance first shone at the University of Pittsburgh. He broke numerous NCAA records, becoming the first player to rush for over 1,000 yards in each of his three seasons. His electrifying runs left defenders grasping at air, and his captivating style made him a national sensation. He didn't just run fast; he possessed exceptional vision and agility, weaving through defenses with a dancer's grace.

The Dallas Cowboys, recognizing his immense talent, drafted Dorsett with the second overall pick in 1977. He seamlessly transitioned to the professional level, winning Rookie of the Year honors while leading the league in rushing touchdowns. Dorsett's impact was immediate, transforming the Dallas offense into a juggernaut. He was a perfect complement to quarterback Roger Staubach, creating a dynamic duo that terrorized defenses for years.

Dorsett's career was a highlight reel. He amassed over 12,000 rushing yards, becoming the NFL's second-leading rusher at the time of his retirement. Four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring in 1978 solidify his place among the game's greats. But beyond the accolades, it was his electrifying style that truly captivated fans. His speed was legendary, often leaving defenders in his dust.

Yet, Dorsett offered more than just raw speed. He possessed exceptional receiving skills, adding another dimension to his offensive threat. He was a master of breaking tackles, utilizing his quickness and agility to evade defenders and gain extra yards. Dorsett's impact went beyond the field as well. He was a pioneer for African American running backs, breaking barriers and inspiring generations to come.

However, Dorsett's career wasn't without its challenges. Injuries hampered him in later years, and his production declined. Still, he persevered, playing for 12 seasons before retiring in 1988.

Born March 26, 1899, in Lansing, Michigan, Harry Kipke carved a significant place in college football history, though his professional playing career was limited.  

Kipke helped make great players, Heisman winners, players into Presidents, and said one of the most popular statements in football.

College Career:

Kipke was a standout three-sport athlete at the University of Michigan, earning nine letters in football, basketball, and baseball. Kipke excelled as a halfback and punter for the Wolverines under the legendary Fielding H. Yost. He was named an All-American in 1922 and is celebrated as one of Michigan's greatest punters, whose strategic kicks often pinned opponents deep. Kipke captained the undefeated 1923 Michigan team that claimed a national championship. His prowess contributed to a remarkable 19–1–2 record for the Wolverines from 1921 to 1923.  

Football Legacy:

Kipke's enduring football legacy stems primarily from his successful coaching tenure at the University of Michigan. Taking over in 1929, he quickly transformed the program, leading the Wolverines to four consecutive Big Ten Conference championships and two national titles in 1932 and 1933. His 1932 and 1933 championship squads were undefeated and featured several All-Americans. Kipke, alongside Yost and Bo Schembechler, remains one of only three Michigan coaches to achieve four straight conference crowns. He is credited with popularizing the phrase, "A great defense is a great offense." Notably, Kipke also played a crucial role in assisting a young Gerald Ford attend Michigan. Despite a downturn in the latter part of his Michigan coaching career, Kipke's earlier success cemented his place in the program's history.  

The 1932 and 1933 national championship teams did not lose any games, and featured All-Americans Harry Newman, Charles T. Bernard, Ted Petoskey, and Francis Wistert.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-All-American (Player): 1922

-National Champion (Player): 1923 (Captain)

-Four-time Big Ten Conference Champion (Coach): 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933  

-Two-time National Champion (Coach): 1932, 1933  

-Career Coaching Record: 49–30–5 (Michigan State & Michigan)

-Michigan Coaching Record: 46–26–4  

-Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Player): 1958  

April 4, 1917, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, marked the birth of Chet Gladchuk, a formidable center who anchored the Boston College Eagles from 1938 to 1940. Gladchuk was more than just a football standout; he was a multi-sport athlete, holding down the starting center position on the Eagles' basketball team as well. However, it was his contributions to the gridiron that would solidify his lasting legacy.  

Gladchuk's tenure at Boston College coincided with a golden era for the program, particularly the legendary 1940 season. He was a crucial component of a team that featured an extraordinary concentration of talent, with five members ultimately enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. Under the guidance of the legendary coach Frank Leahy, Gladchuk played a pivotal role in the team's success. The 1940 Eagles posted a stellar 9-1 regular-season record, earning them a coveted spot in the Cotton Bowl against Clemson. While the Eagles fell 6-3 in a hard-fought contest, their defensive performance, including forcing Clemson to punt a Cotton Bowl record 11 times, highlighted Gladchuk's crucial defensive contributions. Later that season, Boston college also defeated the Tennessee Volunteers in the Sugar Bowl. The 1940 Boston College squad stands as a testament to the talent produced from that roster.  

Chet Gladchuk's football legacy is inextricably tied to his contributions to the late 1930s and early 1940s powerhouse Boston College teams. He was a pillar of consistency and leadership, both on and off the field. His defensive contributions played a major roll in those Boston College Teams achievements. His inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975 by the National Football Foundation serves as a clear indication of how valued his contributions were.  

His primary accolade is his placement within the College Football Hall of Fame. His career is clearly marked by his dedication to his team, and the sport

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Born May 7, 1896, in Hamilton, New York, was Belford West the great Colgate University tackle of 1914 to 1916 & 1919. The National Football Foundation lists that Belford led a  dominant defence which elevated Colgate as one of the most feared teams of his era. In the 30 games West played for Colgate, 19 were shutout victories. He missed only one play in three varsity seasons at Colgate. West was known as a model tackle in build and execution, blessed with quickness of foot and a devastating charge.

An instinctive player, Belford had exceptional range for his size and was said to pride himself in being at the right place at the right time. He was also a fine kicker and set a record with a 52-yard field goal against arch rival Syracuse in a 1919 game.

West frequently elected to pass from his punt formation and, it is noted, he rarely threw incomplete. He could pass the ball 70 yards in the air. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display in honor of Belford West into their legendary museum in 1954.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

Born May 4, 1910, in Milton, Massachusetts, was Barry Wood the Harvard University quarterback from 1929 to 1931. The FootballFoundation.org tells us that he was quite the tremendous athlete as Dr. Barry Wood earned ten varsity letters at Harvard, lettering in football, hockey, baseball and tennis.

However, it was football where he really excelled,  as evidenced by his selection to Grantland Rice's first team All-America in 1931. As a sophomore in 1929 he threw a 40-yard touchdown pass and drop-kicked two extra points in a 20-20 tie with Army. He drop-kicked a field goal and extra point in a 10-6 victory over Yale. In 1930, Harvard beat Yale 13-0; Wood led the way by completing six of nine passes. In 1931, he led two touchdown drives as Harvard beat Army 14-13. The National Football Foundation selected Barry Wood for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame is a mark of unparalleled prestige and accomplishment. It signifies that a player has not only excelled on the field but has also left a lasting legacy that transcends generations. This honor is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and impact in collegiate football, shaping the sport’s history and inspiring future players. Remembering these inductees is not just a tribute to their remarkable careers but also a celebration of their enduring influence on the game. Their stories and achievements serve as a beacon of excellence and a testament to the profound role they’ve played in elevating college football to new heights.

Born March 27, 1898 - Warren, Ohio - The prolific University of Pittsburgh interior lineman, Herb Stein.

His football career got off to an auspicious start when, as a boy, his strict farming father would not allow him to play ball as he had chores to do. After some conversations and an event where the whole Warren High School football team showed up to the Stein farm to help with tasks so that Herb and his brother Russ could find time to practice and play, the elder Stein allowed football to be played. Herb did so well that Pitt Panthers head coach Pop Warner recruited the youngster.

We have much more on Herb Stein in two of our books found in the Pigskin Dispatch store - When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach and Marooned.

Pitt fans were beside themselves when, in 1916, they lost their All-American center Bob Peck to graduation. The team was confident, though, when Herb volunteered to switch from his fullback position to fill the void at snapper that Peck had left. Stein hardly needed much adjustment to the changes of a new position. Herb established himself as one of the school's greatest two-way players, injecting the squad enthusiasm and prompting one observer to say: "His play was a combination of the blast furnace, the open hearth and the Bessemer converter." Those are some highly complimentary remarks from a person from the Steel City! Stein's play was so good that he became a 1921 All-America selection. Herb Stein was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

Herb Stein went on to play professional football. His career spanned several years in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). Following a decorated collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a consensus All-American center in 1920 and 1921, Stein entered the professional ranks.  

His professional debut came in 1921 with the Buffalo All-Americans. The following year, in 1922, he played for the Toledo Maroons. Stein joined the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1924, playing as a center in all 13 games that season.  

A significant part of Stein's pro career was spent with the Pottsville Maroons. He was a member of the 1925 Pottsville team that controversially had its NFL Championship title stripped due to a disputed rules violation. He played for the Maroons from 1925 to 1928, primarily at the center position, and was a consistent presence on their offensive line. Over his six-year NFL career, Stein played in 54 games. While team accolades like the disputed 1925 championship mark his time, he also earned individual recognition, including being named a first-team All-NFL selection by the Canton Daily News and George Halas in 1922.

College Football Hall of Fame inducted interior lineman of the University of Pittsburgh.

Charles Wesley Walls was born on March 26, 1966, in Batesville, Mississippi. His journey to a successful NFL career was marked by versatility and perseverance.  

The big tight end was a willing blocker and made big catches when called upon, helping him to take one team to a Super Bowl Title.

College Career

Walls' path to the pros began at the University of Mississippi. Initially recruited as a defensive end, he played on that side of the ball for three seasons. Showing his athletic prowess, he transitioned to linebacker in his senior year and saw time at tight end. In a remarkable display of his abilities, Walls even started a game at both defensive and tight ends against Memphis State. Ultimately, he settled into the tight end position while contributing as a pass rusher on third downs. His senior season culminated in All-America honors, foreshadowing his future in the NFL. He was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014, recognizing his outstanding collegiate career.  

Road to the Pro Game

Walls at 6'4 ½" and 240 pounds impressed scouts with a 4.77-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. His athleticism led to his selection in the second round (56th overall) of the 1989 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. While he experienced early success with the 49ers, including a Super Bowl XXIV victory where he caught a touchdown pass, he played behind All-Pro Brent Jones. Nagging shoulder injuries hampered his playing time, sidelining him for significant portions of the 1992 and 1993 seasons. Seeking a fresh start, he signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent in 1994. In his two seasons with the Saints, Walls established himself as a productive receiver, setting a franchise record for tight end receptions with 57 in 1995.  

His true breakout came in 1996 when he signed with the Carolina Panthers. Walls became a premier tight end in Carolina, earning five Pro Bowl selections between 1996 and 2001. He was a reliable target and a key offensive weapon for the Panthers. Even serving as the team's backup punter for a period showcased his diverse skillset. After the Panthers declined to re-sign him in 2003, Walls spent his final NFL season with the Green Bay Packers, primarily serving as a backup. He retired after the 2003 season.  

Football Legacy

Wesley Walls carved out a significant legacy as a versatile and productive tight end in the NFL. Despite early challenges with injuries and playing behind a Hall of Famer, he persevered to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Carolina. His ability to contribute as a receiver and blocker made him a valuable asset to his teams. His career totals of 450 receptions for 5,291 yards and 54 touchdowns stand as a testament to his consistent performance over 14 seasons.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-All-America (University of Mississippi)

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)  

Professional:

-Super Bowl Champion (XXIV)

-5x Pro Bowl Selection (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001)  

-New Orleans Saints Single-Season Record for Tight End
-Receptions (57 in 1995)

-Carolina Panthers Hall of Honor Inductee (2019)  

Career Stats:

-450 Receptions

-5,291 Receiving Yards

-54 Touchdowns

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The modern touchback rule in American football, where a ball fumbled out of the end zone results in possession for the receiving team at the 20-yard line, wasn't always the way it was. Its history reveals an interesting journey shaped by strategic considerations, safety concerns, and the ever-evolving nature of the game.

Timothy Brown of FootballArchaeology.com joins us to discuss this interesting but rare football event and its evolution in history.

Early Days and the Muffed Punt: In the early years of American football (late 19th century), recovering a fumble in the end zone, even if accidentally, awarded the recovering team a touchdown. This strategy, known as the "muffed punt," involved intentionally fumbling the ball just before crossing the goal line to score. It was a risky maneuver but potentially offered an advantage in scoring position.

Safety First: Introducing the Safety: Recognizing the dangers of this practice, a new rule was introduced in 1882, awarding the opposing team two points (later changed to one) for recovering a fumble in the end zone, effectively discouraging the "muffed punt" and prioritizing player safety.

Strategic Shifts and the Touchdown: However, the new rule also created a strategic conundrum. Teams facing fourth-and-long situations near their own end zone could intentionally fumble the ball out of bounds for a safety, essentially sacrificing two points to avoid a potential turnover and touchdown by the opponent. This led to the introduction of the "touchback" rule.

Born April 1, 1889, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, John Dalton's football journey began after playing prep school ball in St. Louis and attending Christian Brothers College before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

College Career

Dalton became a celebrated halfback for the Naval Academy from 1908 to 1911. His most memorable contributions came in the intense rivalry games against Army. He twice demonstrated his clutch kicking ability by booting game-winning field goals against their arch-rivals. In 1910, his 35-yard kick secured a 3-0 victory, capping off an undefeated season where Navy remarkably held every opponent scoreless. The following year, history repeated itself in Dalton's final collegiate game as he again connected on a 35-yard field goal, leading Navy to another 3-0 triumph over Army. His emotional post-game words, "Boys, this is the proudest moment of my life, because I led a group of fighters to victory," encapsulate his leadership and the significance of these victories.  

Football Legacy

John Dalton's football legacy is firmly rooted in his heroic performances in the Army-Navy games. His two game-winning field goals, particularly the one in the undefeated, unscored-upon 1910 season, cemented his place in Naval Academy football lore. His leadership qualities, evident in his final address to his teammates, further contribute to his revered status.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Naval Academy Halfback (1908-1911)  

-Twice kicked game-winning field goals against Army (1910, 1911)  

-Contributed to Navy's undefeated and unscored-upon season in 1910.

Alexander Arrasi Agase was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 27, 1922. His distinguished career encompassed collegiate stardom, professional championships, and leadership as a college head coach, leaving an indelible mark on American football.  

College Career

Agase's collegiate career began at the University of Illinois, where he quickly established himself as a dominant right guard starting in 1941. His exceptional play earned him his first All-American selection in 1942. Notably, in a game against Minnesota that year, Agase became only the second guard in college football history to score two touchdowns in a single game. With the onset of World War II, Agase enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943. During his military training, he played football alongside other military personnel at Purdue University. His outstanding performance there resulted in his second All-American honor in 1943, contributing to Purdue's undefeated season and Big Ten co-championship. After serving in the Pacific theater, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, Agase returned to Illinois for his senior season in 1946. He capped off his remarkable college career by earning his third All-American selection and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's most valuable player, leading the Fighting Illini to a Rose Bowl victory. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963.  

Road to the Pro Game

Although drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1944, Agase's professional debut was delayed by his military service. Upon graduating, he signed with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947. After a brief stint with the Dons and the Chicago Rockets, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1948. This move proved pivotal, as he became an integral part of a dominant Browns team that won two AAFC championships (1948, 1949) and the NFL Championship in 1950, following the AAFC's merger with the NFL. Agase's contributions as a key member of the offensive line were crucial to the Browns' success during this golden era.  

Football Legacy

Alex Agase's legacy extends far beyond his playing days. His three All-American selections in college underscore his exceptional talent and impact at that level. As a professional, he was a cornerstone of a championship-winning dynasty with the Cleveland Browns, demonstrating his toughness and skill in the trenches. Following his playing career, Agase transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant before taking on head coaching roles at Northwestern University and Purdue University. While his head coaching records were mixed, he notably led Northwestern to a Coach of the Year honor for the Football Writers Association of America in 1970. His career path, from a decorated player to a college coach, highlights his deep commitment to the sport. Agase's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the legends of the game.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-3x All-American (1942, 1943, 1946)

-Big Ten MVP (Chicago Tribune Silver Football, 1946)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963)  

Professional:

-2x AAFC Champion (1948, 1949)

-NFL Champion (1950)  

Coaching:

-Football Writers Association of America Coach of the Year (1970)