Football History

---

George Halas wasn't just a football player, coach, or owner; he was an architect, a pioneer, and a godfather. Spanning seven decades, his career intertwined with the very evolution of professional football, leaving an indelible mark on the game we know and love today.

Starting as a versatile athlete in the early 1900s, Halas soon transitioned to coaching, leading teams with his innovative strategies and fierce competitiveness. He co-founded the Decatur Staleys (later renamed the Chicago Bears) in 1920, becoming owner, coach, and even player at times. He revolutionized the game with tactics like the T-formation and the "man in motion," forever changing the offensive landscape.

Halas wasn't just building a team; he was building a league. He was pivotal in establishing the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, serving as its president for multiple terms and shaping its rules and structure. He was a shrewd businessman, securing television deals and driving the league's financial growth.

His influence extended beyond the field. He advocated for player safety, fought for racial equality, and even served as a Navy officer during World War II. He became a symbol of integrity and leadership, earning the respect of players, coaches, and fans alike.

---

Leonard Guy Ford Jr., better known as the "Two-Handed Terror," wasn't your typical NFL star. A hulking 6'4" and 245 pounds, his dominance transcended mere size. He was a defensive whirlwind, a two-way terror who redefined the ends position in the 1940s and 50s.

Ford's career unfolded like a football epic. He began with the Los Angeles Dons in the All-America Football Conference, excelling not just as a fearsome defender but also as a pass-catching weapon. His leaping one-handed grabs became legendary, showcasing a rare blend of power and finesse.

When the AAFC folded, Ford landed with the Cleveland Browns, joining the legendary Cleveland teams of the 1950s. Here, his defensive prowess truly blossomed. He terrorized quarterbacks with unstoppable pass rushes, recovering fumbles and earning All-NFL honors four times.

Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a trailblazer, a symbol of defiance, and a testament to the power of athletic excellence to challenge societal norms. From his early days at Brown University to his groundbreaking professional career, Pollard's story is one of breaking barriers and leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron.

Born in 1894, Pollard excelled in athletics from a young age. His exceptional speed and agility landed him at Brown University, where he shattered racial barriers as the first African American to play for the school's prestigious football team. He led the Ivy League in scoring in 1916, silencing critics and proving his undeniable talent. Fritz played halfback on the Brown team that went to the 1916 Rose Bowl.

Pollard's on-field prowess was undeniable. He led the teams that he played for to heights. The Akron Pros, Union Club of Phoenixville, Milwaukee Badgers, Hammond Pros, Providence Steam Roller, and Akron Indians dazzled audiences with dazzling runs and electrifying touchdowns. His talent forced NFL teams to confront their racial prejudices with the integration of black players into the league in the early 1920s, which would be interrupted for decades after he hung up his cleats.

Though facing discrimination and prejudice throughout his career, Pollard persevered. He played for several NFL teams, becoming the league's first black head coach with the Akron Pros in 1928. His influence extended beyond the playing field; he served as a mentor and advocate for future generations of black athletes, encouraging them to break through barriers and pursue their dreams.

Beyond individual accolades, Pollard became a key figure in the fight for racial equality in sports. In 1930s, he coached the all-black "Brown Bombers," the standout professional football team. The Bombers challenged established leagues and showcased the talents of black players who were systematically excluded from mainstream professional sports.

Although his playing career ended in the early 1930s, Pollard's legacy continues to inspire. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, his contributions finally recognized on the grandest stages.

Fritz Pollard wasn't just a football player; he was a catalyst for change, a champion for equality, and a role model for generations of athletes to come. His story reminds us that the power of sports transcends the game itself, serving as a platform for breaking down barriers and shaping a more equitable world.

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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