Football History

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Learn more about our guest Geoff Giordano and his great posts on the APBA game and APBA Football Club

Born February 14, 1960 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The outstanding quarterback from the Miami Hurciane’s program Jim Kelly was born. The Buffalo Bills selected Kelly in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft but the signal caller decided to sign with the USFL’s Houston Gamblers franchise instead.

The 6’-4” 225 quarterback spent two seasons with the Gamblers and threw for 9,842 yards and a whopping 83 touchdowns per the ProFootballHOF.com website. When the USFL folded Jim signed on with the NFL team that originally drafted him, the Bills in 1986. It was a perfect fit for both parties as Kelly ran the famed “no Huddle” fast paced offense of Coach Marv Levy to a tee. Having offensive weapons like running back Thurmon Thomas and receivers Andre Reid and James Lofton didn’t hurt either.

The Bills played in four straight Super Bowls in the 1990’s led by Kelly’s arm. In Jim’s 11 seasons with the Bills, he led the Bills to the AFC playoffs eight times. In those 17 playoff appearances, including four the Super Bowls, Kelly tossed the ball for 3,863 yards and 21 touchdowns! Jim Kelly was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Journalist Peter Oltchick is the co-author (with former New York Daily News journalist Bill Bell) of Football for Fun: The Story of Coach Stewart “Fergie” Ferguson. Learn more about his work here on his own site!

Legendary journalist and former NFL columnist for the New York Daily
News and Dallas Morning News. He was a long-time member of the cast of HBO's Inside The NFL as one of the original NFL insiders and the YES Network's This Week in Football.

George Taliaferro wasn't just a football player; he was a symbol. More than statistics and touchdowns, his story is woven into the fabric of American history, where athletic prowess met racial prejudice head-on, paving the way for future generations.

Taliaferro's talent was undeniable. A three-time All-American at Indiana, he showcased versatility as a halfback, quarterback, defensive back, and even kicker. He led the Hoosiers to their only unbeaten season and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1949. Yet, racism reared its ugly head. He didn't play for the Bears but signed with the Los Angeles Dons in the rival All-America Football Conference.

His professional career was a testament to his unwavering spirit. He played in the NFL for the New York Yanks from 1950 to 1951, the Dallas Texans in 1952, the Baltimore Colts from 1953 to 1954, and Philadelphia Eagles in 1955, earning three Pro Bowl selections. His quickness, elusiveness, and powerful running style captivated audiences, chipping away at the color barrier within the NFL.

Though his statistics, 2,266 rushing yards and 1,300 receiving yards, may not scream Hall of Fame, his impact transcended numbers. Each yard he gained, each tackle he broke, was a victory for equality, opening doors for the likes of Willie Mays and Jim Brown.

Beyond football, Taliaferro was a fierce advocate for civil rights. He challenged segregation in his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and championed educational opportunities for minority students. He understood that his athletic platform could be a powerful tool for change, using his voice to dismantle systemic barriers.

Today, George Taliaferro's legacy is etched not just in football history books, but in the hearts of those who strive for social justice. He wasn't just a talented athlete; he was a pioneer, a trailblazer who used his gridiron gifts to make the world a more equitable place.

Hube Wagner was an American football player and surgeon who enjoyed a brief but impactful career as an athlete:

Football Career (1910-1913):

-Starred as a versatile player for the University of Pittsburgh, excelling at end, halfback, and even quarterback.

-Led the undefeated 1910 Pitt team to a national championship.

-Known for his aggressive tackling, decisive running, and exceptional passing skills.

-Earned All-American honors in 1913.

-Considered one of the greatest athletes in the University of Pittsburgh's history.

Gridiron Legacy:

-Although his playing career was short, his impact on Pitt football was significant. He helped establish the program as a national power and remains one of its most celebrated alumni.

-His versatility and athleticism paved the way for future generations of multi-positional players.

-After ending his football career, Wagner became a prominent surgeon in Pittsburgh, showcasing his dedication and intelligence beyond the gridiron.

-In 1915, he was on the roster of the Canton Bulldogs.

While Hube Wagner's playing career only spanned a few years, his talent, achievements, and connection to the University of Pittsburgh solidified his place among the program's legends. His versatility and athleticism remain an inspiration for future generations of athletes.

Paul Governali, nicknamed "Pitchin' Paul," wasn't just another quarterback. He was a force of nature who tore through the college football landscape in the 1940s, leaving behind a trail of shattered records and a legacy that still resonates today. Here's a glimpse into his storied career:

The Columbia Cannonball (1941-1943):

-Played halfback and quarterback for Columbia University, quickly becoming their star player.
Led the Ivy League in rushing and passing in 1942, a feat never repeated.

-Set countless single-season and career records at Columbia, including most touchdown passes in a game (5) and a season (19).

-Won the Maxwell Award and finished runner-up to Frank Sinkwich for the Heisman Trophy in 1942.

-Known for his powerful arm, athleticism, and exceptional leadership on the field.

Beyond the Ivy League:

Drafted by the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1943 NFL Draft but served in the Marine Corps during World War II.
Played professionally for two seasons with the Boston Yanks and New York Giants, showcasing his talent despite having his prime years interrupted by military service.

Returned to Columbia as an assistant coach after his playing career, later becoming head coach at San Diego State University.

Though his professional playing career was shortened, his impact on college football remains undeniable.
More Than Just Stats:

Governali's legacy transcends mere numbers. He was a trailblazer for Ivy League football, proving that small schools could produce national stars.
His "three-pronged attack" of passing, running, and kicking revolutionized the quarterback position, influencing future generations of signal-callers.

He was a charismatic leader, beloved by teammates and fans for his toughness, determination, and sense of humor.

In conclusion, Paul Governali's story is one of grit, brilliance, and unfinished potential. He conquered the college gridiron in a way rarely seen, etching his name in the record books and capturing the hearts of fans. Though his professional career was cut short, his influence on the game and his iconic status as "Pitchin' Paul" continue to inspire athletes and football enthusiasts alike.

E. J. Holub wasn't just a football player; he was a chameleon, seamlessly adapting his game and his legacy, etching his name in two distinct positions on the gridiron. His story isn't a linear path, but a winding journey of grit, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit that defied expectations and transcended eras.

From the dusty fields of Texas, Holub emerged as a two-way terror at Texas Tech, earning accolades as both a ferocious linebacker and a dominant center. His raw talent caught the eye of the fledgling American Football League, and in 1961, he found himself drafted by the Dallas Texans, the future Kansas City Chiefs.

His professional career began as a linebacker, his fiery nature and bone-crushing tackles earning him instant recognition. He helped solidify the Texans' defense, contributing to their 1962 AFL Championship victory. But fate, perhaps sensing his versatility, intervened. Knee injuries threatened to derail his career. But Holub, refusing to be sidelined, made a remarkable shift, transitioning from the hard-hitting world of linebacker to the cerebral one of center.

This wasn't just a position change; it was a metamorphosis. Holub, with his intelligence and leadership, thrived at the pivot point of the offense. He became the cornerstone of the Chiefs' offensive line, anchoring a unit that protected the likes of Len Dawson and Mike Livingston. His leadership extended beyond the huddle, as he became a locker room beacon, respected for his work ethic and dedication.

And then, in 1969, with his name already etched in Chiefs lore, Holub achieved the extraordinary. He started Super Bowl IV, not as a linebacker, not as a center, but as both. This unique feat, a testament to his adaptability and skill, cemented his place among the pantheon of NFL legends.

But Holub's impact went beyond individual accolades. He was a symbol of the rise of the AFL, a player who helped bridge the gap between leagues and prove the legitimacy of professional football beyond the established NFL. He embodied the spirit of the early Chiefs, a team hungry for success and forging its own destiny.

His career spanned an era of change, from the rough-and-tumble days of the early AFL to the more strategic, pass-oriented game of the 1970s. Through it all, Holub remained a constant, a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of adapting to change.

More than just a player, E. J. Holub was a pioneer. He redefined versatility, defied expectations, and left an indelible mark on the game he loved.

Gary Spani wasn't just a linebacker; he was a Kansas icon, a college legend, and a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty. His story is one of unwavering determination, gridiron prowess, and a legacy that continues to inspire.

Born in Satanta, Kansas, Spani's football roots ran deep. He dominated in high school, earning a scholarship to Kansas State University. There, he became a Wildcat legend, etching his name in the record books as the school's first consensus All-American. His ferocious tackling and leadership earned him national recognition, culminating in the prestigious Miller/NFL "Man of the Year" Award in 1983.

In 1978, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Spani in the third round, eager to unleash his Kansas grit on the professional stage. And unleash he did. Spani quickly transformed into the heart of the Chiefs defense, racking up tackles and earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. His single-season record of 157 tackles stood for over 20 years, a testament to his relentless pursuit of every ball carrier.

But Spani wasn't just a tackling machine; he was an intelligent player with a knack for making game-changing plays. He intercepted passes, forced fumbles, and even scored two touchdowns. His contributions were instrumental in guiding the Chiefs to their first playoff berth in 15 years in 1986.

Beyond his stats, Spani's impact went deeper. He was a team leader, his intensity and work ethic inspiring those around him. He earned the nickname "Crunchman" for his bone-jarring tackles, but also for his unwavering loyalty and dedication to the Chiefs organization.

After nine stellar seasons, a knee injury forced Spani's retirement in 1986. But his connection to the Chiefs didn't end there. He joined the team's front office, eventually becoming Director of Community Engagement, further cementing his legacy as a Kansas City icon.

In 2003, Spani's contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the Chiefs Hall of Honor. He's also enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his dominance at both levels of the game.

Marty Lyons wasn't a flashy headline grabber. He wasn't the quarterback slinging bombs or the running back breaking ankles. Yet, for twelve seasons, his name echoed through NFL stadiums, whispered with respect by teammates and feared by opponents. Lyons was the rock of the defensive line, the immovable object at the heart of some of the league's most dominant defenses.

Emerging from a small Pennsylvania town, Lyons honed his grit on the gridiron at Notre Dame. There, he carved a reputation as a relentless tackler and run-stuffer, earning All-American honors and a first-round draft pick to the Miami Dolphins. In South Florida, his impact was immediate. He became the linchpin of the "Killer Bees" defense, a swarming unit that terrorized offenses and propelled the Dolphins to two Super Bowl appearances.

Lyons wasn't flashy. He didn't rack up sacks like candy on Halloween. His power lay in his unwavering presence, his ability to occupy blockers and disrupt running lanes, creating opportunities for his teammates to feast. He was a master of leverage, using his brute strength and intelligence to make linemen twice his size look like mere speed bumps.

Beyond stats, Lyons embodied the heart of the Dolphins. He was a tireless worker, a vocal leader, and a calming presence in the trenches. His relentless pursuit of the ball was infectious, inspiring those around him to push their limits. He was the silent warrior, the unsung hero whose contributions paved the way for others to shine.

Injuries ultimately shortened his career, but Lyons' legacy as a true defensive warrior remained. He retired with over 600 tackles and countless memories of battles won and quarterbacks frustrated. He earned a place in the Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame, a testament to his impact on the franchise and the respect he commanded from players and fans alike.

Marty Lyons might not be the first name that comes to mind when reminiscing about NFL greats, but for those who understand the intricate dance of defensive dominance, his name carries a silent power.