Football History

Here is the official page of the 49ers and a short bio on their founder Tony Morabito and how the Niners came to be.

Born April 5, 1888, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was early gridiron legend Fred Chicken. His real name was Fred S. Slepicka, which when translated means "chicken." Fred was a tailback/halfback who played for the Minneapolis Marines (1915-1918), prior to that team's entry into the NFL. With him the Marines team went 34-3-1 between the years of 1913 thru 1917. 1918 during World War I Fred coached and played for the St. Paul Aviators School. He later played for the Rock Island Independents.

A Pittsburgh news article on the history of the Hope harvey team of Art Rooney

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Tony Collins is a British social historian specializing in the history of athletic sport. Professor
Collins is well accredited as he is an emeritus professor of history at De Montfort University, a
Research Fellow at the Institute of Sports Humanities, and in 2018 was a visiting professor at
Beijing Sports University. In 2020 Dr. Collins
His works on Rugby history include:
1999, his first book Rugby’s Great Split, which won the Aberdare Prize for Sports History Book
of the Year. The great Rugby Football expert also won this same Prestigious award for later
works such as:
Rugby League in Twentieth-Century Britain (2007),
A Social History of English Rugby Union (2010)
The Oval World: A Global History of Rugby (2016).
A Social History of English Rugby Union was also a winner of the 2015 'World in Union Book
Award' for the best academic book on rugby union
Other works to his credit are:
Sport in Capitalist Society (2013)
How Football Began: How the World’s Football Codes Were Born (2018).
To share much more about the sport, Dr. Collins launched a sports history podcast called Rugby
Reloaded looks at the history of rugby and the other football codes worldwide.

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Dateline December 28, 1958, The New York Giants sideline was stunned as the Baltimore Colts scored in Overtime to defeat the G-men 23-17 in the Greatest Game Ever Played. On that Giants sideline was a rookie wide receiver from Texas Western named Don Maynard.

Little did anyone know that this speedy wideout would avenge this early championship loss to bask in the limelight of a brilliant 15-year pro football career. We often think of Don Maynard as the guy on the other end of so many of Joe Namath's spirals, but there are some hidden knowledge nuggets about the legend that goes beyond his 633 receptions with 11,834 receiving yards and 88 Touchdowns.

It got rocky before it got good, though, as NY released Maynard and went North the following year to play for the Hamilton Ti-Cats of the CFL. After a one-year stint there, the new American Football League came calling and gave the speedster an opportunity with the New York Titans. Don stayed with that club throughout the AFL, witnessed the rebranding as the Jets won a title, and helped the franchise merge into the NFL for a spectacular 13-year career in NY Green. He went on to play for the St. Louis Cardinls, LA Rams, and later with with the Houston Texans / Shreveport Steamer of the WFL.

Maynard played in four different Pro Football Leagues, NFL, AFL, CFL and WFL.

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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.

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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.

The bio of the Canadian-born football star Arnie Weinmeister and his brilliant CFL and NFL career. He played in the NFL for the New York Yankees, and New York Giants and in the CFL with the BC Lions.

Arnie Weinmeister was a trailblazer. Though his career spanned a mere six years (1948-1953), his impact transcended statistics, leaving a mark on both Canadian and American football.

Born in Canada, Weinmeister began his career with the Regina Roughriders before turning heads with his athleticism and leadership. Drafted by the New York Yankees in the AAFC, he quickly transitioned to defense, showcasing his power and finesse as a tackle. His performance earned him All-AAFC honors in his rookie year, setting the stage for a dominant run.

Joining the New York Giants in 1950, Weinmeister became a defensive cornerstone. His aggressive style and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks earned him the nickname "The Howitzer." He garnered All-NFL selections four consecutive years and participated in the first four Pro Bowls, a new tradition at the time.

Beyond individual accolades, Weinmeister was a team player. He served as co-captain in his final season, leading the Giants to several championship appearances. His influence extended beyond the field, inspiring younger players like Sam Huff and Willie Mays with his work ethic and dedication.

Though his career was cut short by injuries, Weinmeister's legacy lived on. He was inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1963 and, more impressively, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984, one of the shortest careers to receive such an honor.

Claude Humphrey's football career stands as a testament to perseverance, excellence, and sheer dominance on the gridiron. Born on June 29, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, Humphrey emerged as one of the most feared defensive ends of his era, leaving an indelible mark on the National Football League (NFL).

Humphrey's journey to football greatness began at Tennessee State University, where his athletic prowess quickly caught the attention of scouts and coaches. Excelling as a defensive end, he demonstrated a rare blend of speed, agility, and power that set him apart from his peers. His stellar performances earned him All-American honors and laid the foundation for a promising professional career.

In the 1968 NFL Draft, Humphrey was selected by the Atlanta Falcons as the third overall pick, marking the beginning of his impactful tenure in the league. From the outset, he made an immediate impact, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses with his relentless pass rush and formidable run-stopping capabilities. His technique and athleticism made him a nightmare for offensive linemen, earning him respect across the league.

Throughout his NFL career, Humphrey played a pivotal role in the Falcons' defense, anchoring the line and setting a high standard for defensive excellence. His consistency and durability were remarkable, as he continued to perform at a high level year after year. His leadership qualities also shone through, inspiring teammates and earning the admiration of fans and coaches alike.

Humphrey's standout performances did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous accolades and honors during his career. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times (1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977) and earned first-team All-Pro honors five times (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977). His impact on the Falcons' defense was instrumental in establishing them as a competitive force in the league.

In 1979, Humphrey briefly retired from the NFL but returned to the gridiron a year later, joining the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite nearing the end of his career, he continued to demonstrate his effectiveness as a pass rusher and leader on the field. His veteran presence and experience proved invaluable to the Eagles' defense, contributing to their success during his tenure with the team.

Claude Humphrey's football career culminated in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the sport. In 2014, he was rightfully enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. His induction was a fitting tribute to his remarkable career and served as a testament to his enduring impact on the game.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Humphrey's dedication and passion for football continue to inspire generations of players and fans. His journey from a standout college athlete to a Hall of Fame professional exemplifies the rewards of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Claude Humphrey remains a revered figure in football history, forever etched in the annals of the sport as a true gridiron legend.

Co-Host George Bozeka of the The Official PFRA Podcast which is part of the Sports History Network, is a longtime gridiron historian, President of the Professional Football Researchers Association and author of multiple titles.