Football History

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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.

The 1934 college football season was a rollercoaster of emotions, packed with iconic teams, legendary players, and a controversial finish that left fans arguing long after the final whistle blew. Here's a glimpse into the gridiron drama:

The Rise of the West Coast:

Stanford University football team 1934
For the first time, a team west of the Mississippi tasted national glory. The Stanford Cardinal, led by the unstoppable tandem of quarterback Bobby Grayson and halfback Dick Plasman, cruised through their schedule, culminating in a dominant Rose Bowl victory over Duke.

A Tight Eastern Race:

While Stanford stole the spotlight, the East Coast boasted a heated battle for supremacy. The Minnesota Golden Gophers, powered by the bruising running of Pug Lund, and the Princeton Tigers, featuring the cerebral leadership of Dick Kazmaier, traded wins and losses all season, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Controversial Champions:

With no playoff system in place, crowning a national champion proved tricky. The East and West were split, with various polls awarding titles to different teams. Ultimately, Minnesota received the AP Poll nod, but not without grumbling from Princeton's supporters.

Relive the glory of "Iron Mike" Garrett, USC's explosive halfback and 1965 Heisman Trophy winner! Born on EventDay: April 12, his electrifying runs and versatility set college records. Discover how this #20 Trojan legend transitioned to the NFL, playing for the Chiefs and Chargers, wearing #20, #21, and #25.

Mike Garrett, a College Football Hall of Famer, dominated NCAAF wearing #20 for the USC Trojans, earning the coveted Heisman in 1965. His remarkable college career paved the way to the NFL, where he showcased his talents with the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Diego Chargers. Explore the legacy of this EventDay: April 12 icon.

Mike Garrett left an indelible mark on football, from his record-breaking performances at Southern Cal to his professional career with the Chiefs and Chargers. A Heisman winner and College Football Hall of Famer, his impact on the game continues to resonate. Celebrate his achievements on EventDay: April 12.

April 12, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, marked the arrival of Michael "Mike" Lynn Garrett, a dynamic halfback who would leave an indelible mark on both the college and professional football landscapes. His explosive speed and versatility made him a standout player throughout his career.

-College Career

Garrett's collegiate career at the University of Southern California (USC) from 1963 to 1965 was spectacular. Serving as the Trojans' primary ball carrier, he consistently ranked among the nation's top ten rushers in each of his three seasons. His remarkable talent culminated in breaking Ollie Matson's 15-year-old national career rushing record, amassing a total of 3,221 yards. Garrett also displayed a nose for the end zone, scoring 30 rushing touchdowns. Beyond his ground prowess, he was a multifaceted threat, catching 36 passes, returning 43 punts (including electrifying 87 and 74-yard touchdowns against Cal in 1965), returning 30 kickoffs with an impressive 23-yard average, and even throwing six passes. His exceptional open-field abilities earned him the moniker "Iron Mike" and made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Garrett's stellar college performance naturally paved the way to the professional ranks. He was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and embarked on an eight-year NFL career, playing for both the Chiefs (1966-1970) and the San Diego Chargers (1971-1973). His success at the collegiate level translated to the pros, where he continued to showcase his dynamic running style and earned All-Pro honors as a halfback.

-Football Legacy

Mike Garrett's legacy is firmly etched in football history. His record-breaking rushing career at USC established him as one of the all-time great college running backs. His versatility as a receiver and return specialist further highlighted his exceptional athleticism. He was a key contributor to USC's success during his tenure and his individual accolades stand as a testament to his dominance. His transition to the professional level and subsequent All-Pro recognition underscore his ability to excel against the highest competition. Garrett's impact on the game is celebrated through his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Heisman Trophy (1965)

-Walter Camp Memorial Trophy (1965)

-Pop Warner Award (1965)

-Unanimous All-American (1965)

-Two-time All-American (1964, 1965)  

-Helms Foundation North American Athlete of the Year

-YMCA Athlete of the Year

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)  

-College Career Rushing Record (3,221 yards)

-30 Career Rushing Touchdowns (College)

-36 Career Receptions (College)

-43 Career Punt Returns (College)

-30 Career Kickoff Returns (College), 23-yard average

-All-Pro Halfback (NFL)

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)

April 11, 1941, in Salt Lake City, Utah, marks the arrival of Jim Romig, a tenacious two-way player who etched his name in the history of the University of Colorado football program. His career with the Buffaloes from 1959 to 1961 showcased a rare blend of athleticism, intelligence, and leadership.

-College Career

Romig was a cornerstone of the Colorado team during his three years in Boulder, excelling as both an offensive guard and a linebacker. His consistent dominance earned him All-Conference honors each year and All-America recognition twice, according to the National Football Foundation. Beyond his physical prowess, Romig was the defensive signal caller and captain, highlighting his exceptional understanding of the game and his leadership qualities. His intelligence extended beyond the field, culminating in his remarkable sixth-place finish in the 1961 Heisman Trophy voting – an extraordinary achievement for an offensive lineman and the highest ranking for a lineman that year. The University of Colorado recognized his immense contributions by retiring his number 67 jersey after his final collegiate game, a distinction held by only a select few in the program's history.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite his outstanding college career and accolades, the provided information does not detail Jim Romig's professional football journey. Further research would be needed to determine if he played in the professional leagues and for which teams.

-Football Legacy

Jim Romig's legacy is firmly rooted in his remarkable achievements at the University of Colorado. He is remembered as one of the most dominant and intelligent players to ever wear the Buffaloes' colors. His two-time First-Team All-American status, coupled with his Heisman Trophy ranking and the retirement of his jersey, underscores his profound impact on the program. His selection to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 solidified his place among the legends of the college game. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Romig's academic achievements, including his selection as a Rhodes Scholar, further exemplify his exceptional character and intellect, making him a true embodiment of the scholar-athlete ideal.

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Three-Time All-Conference Selection

-Two-Time First-Team All-American

-Finished Sixth in 1961 Heisman Trophy Voting  

-University of Colorado Jersey Number 67 Retired

-University of Colorado Team Captain (1961)

-United Press International Lineman of the Year

-Member of the College Football Hall of Fame (1984)  

-Member of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame (1973)

-Member of the GTE Academic All-America Hall of Fame (1989)

-Rhodes Scholar

April 16, 1970, in Spokane, Washington, marked the birth of Steven "Steve" Emtman, a dominant defensive force who starred for the Washington Huskies before a promising NFL career was cut short by injuries. His intense focus and relentless motor made him a terror for opposing offenses.  

-College Career

Steve Emtman's career at the University of Washington from 1989 to 1991 was nothing short of spectacular. After redshirting his freshman year, he quickly became a pivotal player on the defensive line. By his sophomore season, Emtman earned Second-Team All-American honors and was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Pac-10. His junior year was legendary, as he swept the Lombardi and Outland trophies and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. In his final collegiate game, he was named co-MVP of the Rose Bowl, leading the undefeated Huskies to a national championship victory over Michigan. His collegiate stats included 14 sacks and 134 tackles, 36 for loss. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a unanimous All-American.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Emtman's dominant college performance made him the coveted first overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Expectations were sky-high for the powerful defensive tackle. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, including a memorable 90-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, his professional career was unfortunately plagued by a series of debilitating injuries, including knee and neck issues, which limited him to just six seasons with the Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins.  

-Football Legacy

Despite his injury-shortened NFL career, Steve Emtman's impact on football, particularly at the collegiate level, remains significant. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in Washington Huskies history, anchoring a defense that led them to a national championship. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him virtually unblockable. Emtman's dominant junior season, marked by multiple prestigious awards and a high Heisman finish for a defensive lineman, is still celebrated.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Steve Emtman's impressive list of accolades includes being a Second-Team All-American (1990) and a Unanimous All-American (1991). In 1991, he won the Lombardi Award, the Outland Trophy, and was named UPI Lineman of the Year and Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (twice, 1990 & 1991). He finished fourth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting and was named co-MVP of the 1992 Rose Bowl. Emtman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. In his college career, he recorded 14 sacks, 134 tackles, and 36 tackles for loss. In his six NFL seasons, he accumulated 8 sacks, 134 combined tackles, and 1 interception for a touchdown in 50 games. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1992.  

Born May 14, 1907, in Salem, Ohio, was Carnegie Mellon’s quarterback from 1926 through the 1928 season, Howard Harpster. The National Football Foundation in their bio on this great player shares about what a brilliant on field tactician he was.

Carnegie Tech, as it was called back then, had q QB in Harpster that was such a good strategist that he could pull off the unexpected in the heat of the moment. The trait brought him acclaim as one of the great Eastern quarterbacks of the late 1920's. He was one of the first to challenge enemy defenses by passing from his own end zone, making it a successful maneuver. During a 1928 game against Notre Dame, Howard called for a quarterback sneak on a third-down-and-15 play, turning the surprise call into a 35-yard gain. His game-situation reactions prompted many to say he had the mind of a coach.

The 1928 season was a great one for Howard as he earned All-American honors leading Carnegie Tech to a 7-1 record with barely an interception. He was a great defender too as proven by in his three seasons, Tech's goal was crossed only three times, once on a fumble recovered by Notre Dame in the end zone. Howard did all of his team's kicking and punting and was noted for consistently booting within the 60 to 65 yard range. Howard Harpster received the great honor of being selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956. After graduation in 1933, at the youthful age of 25, Harpster became Carnegie Tech's head coach. He had four seasons at the helm, against a major-college schedule and his squad took home a 12-20-3 record. There were some big victories posted there though as they got the “W’s” against competition by the likes of Notre Dame, Temple, and Purdue and tied Pitt and Michigan State.

Born May 16, 1943, in Borger, Texas, was Donny Anderson who was the 1963 to 1965 starting halfback of Texas Tech. Donny’s NFF bio lists that he was known as "The Golden Palomino" as a two-time All-America halfback in 1964 and 1965.

He had some splash plays almost from the get-go, for as a sophomore at Tech, he intercepted a pass and ran 43 yards against Washington State. As a junior, his stat-line included a 90-yard run from scrimmage against Texas Christian and a 68-yard punt against Southern Methodist. The more he played, the better he got. In his Senior season, Donny was off the charts.

That 1965 season, Anderson ran a kickoff back 100 yards against Oklahoma State, caught ten passes against Arkansas, and scored 17 touchdowns in the season. The Sporting News named him co-winner (with Jim Grabowski of Illinois) of its Player of the Year Award. His 5111 yards on all-purpose running was a Texas Tech record. This includes his career yardage by rushing, receiving, kick returns, and interception returns. The National Football Foundation selected Donny Anderson for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Donny enjoyed nine seasons at the professional level as a player too. The Pro Football Reference website shares that he spent 6 seasons as a Green Bay Packer winning two Super Bowls and two NFL Championships and three more years as a St Louis Cardinal. During his NFL stint he tallied almost 4700 yards with a 3.9 yards per carry average.

Lawrence Timothy "Buck" Shaw was born on March 28, 1899, in Mitchellville, Iowa. A figure of significant influence in American football, Shaw excelled as a player and achieved considerable success as a coach at both the college and professional levels.  

Shaw started his football journey as one the best players in Notre Dame history and later became the San Francisco 49ers first head coach.

College Career

Shaw's collegiate athletic pursuits began at Creighton University in 1918, where he played one football game before a flu epidemic canceled the remainder of the season. In 1919, he transferred to the University of Notre Dame, initially drawn by their track and field program. However, under the guidance of the legendary Knute Rockne, Shaw became a standout two-way player for the Fighting Irish from 1919 to 1921.

Starting at tackle and also handling placekicking duties, he opened running lanes for the iconic George Gipp. Shaw earned All-American honors as a tackle and was recognized as part of Notre Dame's all-time "Fighting Irish" football team. He also achieved All-American status in track and field for his performance in the shot put at the 1921 NCAA Championships. His kicking accuracy was remarkable, setting a record by converting 38 of 39 extra points, a mark that stood for over five decades.  

Road to the Pro Game

After graduating from Notre Dame, Shaw embarked on a coaching career. He held his first head coaching position at North Carolina State in 1924, followed by four years as a line coach at the University of Nevada. He then joined Santa Clara University as a line coach before taking over as head coach in 1936.

His tenure at Santa Clara was highly successful, marked by an impressive .803 winning record, including consecutive Sugar Bowl victories in 1937 and 1938. During the 1937 season, Buck Shaw's Santa Clara team showcased a formidable defense, conceding a mere nine points across their nine games. Shaw's successful leadership of the Broncos was further emphasized by two significant wins against highly-regarded Louisiana State teams: a 21-14 victory in 1937 and a 6-0 shutout in 1938. Before his impactful time at Santa Clara, Shaw gained head coaching experience at North Carolina State in 1924 and at Nevada from 1925 to 1928.

After a year coaching at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1945, Shaw transitioned to the professional ranks. In 1946, he became the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He continued to coach the 49ers through their entry into the NFL in 1950 until 1954. Following a brief return to college coaching at the Air Force Academy (1956-1957), Shaw returned to the NFL in 1958 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  

Football Legacy

Buck Shaw's football legacy is defined by his accomplishments as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a key contributor to Notre Dame's early success under Rockne, earning All-American honors. However, his coaching career was even more impactful. He built a powerhouse program at Santa Clara, achieving national prominence with Sugar Bowl wins. In the professional ranks, Shaw holds the distinction of being the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and, more significantly, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, defeating the legendary Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in what remains the only playoff loss of Lombardi's NFL dynasty. Known as "the Silver Fox," Shaw demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning teams, earning a reputation as a respected and effective leader. His career spanned multiple levels of football, leaving a lasting influence on the sport.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College (Player):

-All-American Tackle (Notre Dame)

-All-American Shot Put (Notre Dame, 1921)

-Part of Notre Dame's All-Time "Fighting Irish" Football Team

College (Coach):

-2x Sugar Bowl Champion (Santa Clara, 1937, 1938)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1972)  

-Santa Clara University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)  

Professional (Coach):

-NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)  

-AP & UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1960)

-San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)  

-San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Coaching Record:

-College: 72-49-12

Professional (AAFC/NFL): 91-55-5

-Overall: 163-104-17

Buck Shaw won games coaching at many different programs including the Santa Clara Broncos.