Football History

The 1912 Harvard Crimson football team etched its name in history as one of the most dominant squads of the early NFL era. Led by the innovative coach Percy Haughton, the Crimson entered the season riding a winning streak that had begun in November 1911.

Their dominance was undeniable. Harvard steamrolled through their nine-game schedule, outscoring their opponents by a staggering 176 points to 22. They shut out a whopping five teams, showcasing a stifling defense and a potent offense. This undefeated season was part of a remarkable three-year stretch where Harvard wouldn't lose a single game, solidifying their place as a gridiron powerhouse. It's important to remember that there was no formal playoff system in place at the time, but by all accounts, Harvard was the clear national champion in 1912.

A look back at all the people, events, and teams that dominated pro football during the 1935 season.

The Virginia Tech Hokies' football helmet, adorned with the iconic VT logo and bold maroon and orange, is more than just headgear. It's a symbol of school pride, athletic prowess, and a long history steeped in tradition. Let's embark on a journey through time and explore the evolution of this beloved helmet design:

Early Gobblers (1893-1972):

-No Helmets: In the early days of Virginia Tech football (then Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College), players faced the gridiron with nothing but leather caps or straw hats for protection.

-Leather Shells (1920s-1930s): The first semblance of modern helmets was introduced in the 1920s, with simple leather shells offering more protection but lacking any visual identity.

-Orange Experiment (1946-1947): For two seasons, the Hokies donned orange helmets with a maroon VT logo and a single white stripe. This short-lived attempt, while unique, didn't resonate with fans or players.

-Maroon Dominance (1948-1972): The maroon helmet with the white VT logo finally emerged as the official design in 1948. This classic look, with its clean lines and bold colors, remained essentially unchanged for over two decades.

The Modern Era: Variations on a Theme (1973-Present):

-Stripes and TV Logo (1973-1977): The iconic "TV" logo, featuring a maroon VT within a white rectangle, graced the maroon helmets with orange and white stripes. This design added a touch of dynamism while retaining the recognizable Hokie identity.

-The Flying Hokie (1978-1983): Enter the stylized "Flying Hokie," a fierce turkey in motion emblazoned on the maroon helmet. While popular initially, this design proved difficult to reproduce consistently and was eventually retired.

-Return to Simplicity (1984-1996): The minimalist approach returned with the streamlined VT logo, placed slightly higher on the maroon helmet for better visibility. This design, emphasizing the school's initials, resonated with fans and remained in use for over a decade.

-Homage to History (1997-2011): The "TV" logo made a nostalgic comeback, accompanied by a single orange stripe down the center of the maroon helmet. This design blended modern elements with a nod to the Hokies' past.

-Present Day (2012-Present): The current helmet retains the basic maroon base and white VT logo but adds two subtle orange stripes along the crown. This subtle evolution represents both tradition and forward movement, reflecting the Hokies' continuing journey.

The History of the Helmets of Dartmouth

The 1912 college football season marked a turning point in the sport's history. This year saw the introduction of several key rule changes designed to increase scoring and make the game more exciting for fans. The number of downs to gain ten yards was increased from three to four, the value of a touchdown was upped from five to six points, and the playing field dimensions were reduced to create a more condensed playing area. These changes laid the groundwork for the high-scoring, fast-paced game we know today.

While there wasn't a contemporaneous system for determining a national champion, the 1912 season saw several strong contenders emerge. Harvard, known for their stifling defense, was widely recognized as the top team. However, schools like Penn State, with their dominant shutouts, and Vanderbilt, boasting a high-powered offense, also made strong cases for the title. This season showcased the growing national reach of college football, with regional powerhouses vying for national recognition and exciting fans across the country.

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How much do you know about the NFL and its historic rushers? We spotlight a running back of the National Football League and pose a question has just one answer. The clues are in the hangman style of letter giving, just like a popular game show.

We delve into the passing game of the NFL, and test you a puzzle of your knowledge and recollection of an important person in NFL lore.

Do you have enough NFL information rattling around in the grey cortex to solve this puzzle?

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The New York Giants were on shaky ground financially as was most of the rest of the National Football League in 1925. A bright star would arise to help save the League from going under.

As part of our celebration of the 100th season of the New York Football Giants, we present Part 3 of the NYG-100 series.

When Football Was Football host Joe Ziemba is our guest from an appearance he made back in 2021 on the Pigskin Dispatch Podcast NFL Jersey #77 episode.

Kansas Historical Society

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Original APFA franchise, NFL founding franchise, Original APFA team

Significant Daily Events in Football History on the 23rd of December - This Day in History