Football History

In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, Memorial Stadium isn't just a venue; it's a beating heart, a cathedral of crimson and cream, and a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Cornhuskers. More than just bricks and mortar, it's a canvas upon which legends are painted, dreams are chased, and victories are etched in the collective memory of Husker Nation.

Born from the ashes of World War I, Memorial Stadium was envisioned as a tribute to fallen Nebraskans. Construction began in 1922 and was funded by donations from every corner of the state, solidifying its status as a community endeavor. The inaugural game in 1923 saw 21,000 fans witness a 49-0 rout of Minnesota, setting the stage for a century of passion and unrest.

Over the years, Memorial Stadium has undergone numerous expansions, morphing from its horseshoe-shaped origins into a behemoth capable of seating over 81,000 fervent fans. The iconic red seats pulsate with energy under the floodlights, creating a sea of crimson that rivals the most vibrant sunsets. The pre-game ritual of "Tunnel Walk," where players emerge from the stadium's bowels into the roaring embrace of the crowd, is an electrifying spectacle that sends shivers down spines and goosebumps erupting on arms.

Memorial Stadium's hallowed grounds have witnessed countless historic moments. Tom Osborne's dynasty produced three national championships and a staggering 139-13-4 record, etching his name and those of his players into Husker lore. The "Blackshirt" defense, a unit renowned for its ferocity, has struck fear into the hearts of opposing offenses for decades.

Beyond the victories, Memorial Stadium has also weathered moments of heartbreak. The "Miracle in Miami" loss to Miami in 1983 and the stunning upset by Colorado in 1994 remain etched in the memories of Husker fans. Yet, these setbacks only highlight the unwavering resilience and enduring love for the team that permeates the Nebraska faithful.

Today, Memorial Stadium stands as a symbol of Midwestern grit and determination. It's a place where families come together, generations bond over a shared passion, and Husker power reverberates through the stands, echoing across the plains and reminding everyone that Nebraska football is more than just a game; it's a way of life.

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he 1982 draft wasn't all hype! It is amazing when we look back at the selections from long-ago Drafts and use the results of careers to judge in hindsight. Uncover the Hall of Famers drafted alongside the busts. Can you name the order they were selected?

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Much appreciation to the talented Mike and Gene Monroe for the background tunes and Canva and Wikimedia Commons, Newspapers.com, and Pro Football Reference for some great images and information.

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From the crowd's roar to the thrill of the game, American football is a sport that ignites passion and excitement. But beyond the touchdowns and tackles, there's a unique culinary and fan experience that has become synonymous with the gridiron. Let's explore the delicious history of football fare, where the aroma of hot dogs and the crunch of popcorn fill the stadium air, creating a symphony of flavors that perfectly complement the action on the field.

The sights and smells of a ballgame are an experience in themselves. From the bat's first crack to the crowd's roar, the stadium pulsates with an energy fueled by more than just the action on the field. It's the shared experience, the rituals, and the food. Think of it: the aroma of grilling burgers mingling with the buttery scent of popcorn, the salty crunch of peanuts, and the cheesy goodness of nachos, all washed down with ice-cold beer or soda. And then there's the star of the show, the quintessential ballpark treat, the one that’s as much a part of the game as the pennant waving in the breeze or the foam finger cheering a home run: the hot dog. But how did this iconic tube of meat earn its name? The story behind the hot dog's moniker is a surprisingly flavorful tale, and it's about to be served up.

The old saying goes that you can't teach an old dog a new trick. That may be true, but what if the dog is of the Frankfurter breed? Can we call them something different? Who named it the term hot dog anyway?

Most of us have eaten, purchased, or seen hot dogs sold at a football game at one point or more. I know the old Chevy commercials would like to make us believe that baseball is the sport associated with apple pie and hot dogs; the marketing department at the General Motors division may be surprised by what sports connection history holds for the hot dog.

No one knows precisely who named the hot dog, but one story in football history should interest us. It says that famous New York Journal cartoonist Tad Dorgan attended a gridiron contest at the Polo Grounds one fall afternoon in the early 1920s. While there, he observed a food vendor, Harry Stevens, selling the "hot dachshund sausages" during a game at the New York stadium and shouting, "Get your red-hot dachshund sausages!"

When Dorgan later tried to create the story in the newspaper, he found that, like most of us, he had no idea how to spell the word dachshund, so knowing the loosely connected English translation, he expressed it in print as, "Get your red-hot dogs!"

Some experts say this was an urban legend as the print of Dorgan's story or cartoon has never surfaced or been located. Other leads say that Americans transcribed the dachshund naturally and publicly into the work hot dog from the dachshund. Still, for a story on football history, the first one is much more fun!
Credits

A Very Special thanks to information obtained from the following brilliant internet sites: Legendary storyteller Paul Harvey for the inspiration, Hot-Dog.org, and Wikipedia
The banner photo is courtesy of Wikimedia Commons of a vendor standing next to his Tellas Busy Bee cart, advertising 'Red Hot Frankfurters and Ice Cold Lemonade' traffic a blur in the background.Citation/Reference: circa April 8, 1936. Contributed by Berenice Abbott, taken by an unknown.

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February 15, 1929 - A new sporting goods company is founded. The Riddell Company was established by John T. Riddell, a high school football coach and Athletic Director who started by making better, safer football cleats in 1922. Not long after, John went all in and became a pioneer in athletic safety equipment.

Riddell is quoted on the website: “When we started, there was no game history. In wet weather, players have a foot problem. Leather cleats nailed to the bottom of a shoe just won’t cut it. And if the local cobbler is too busy to fix them, it’s “Sorry Boys.” This necessity prompted Coach Riddell into action and eventually led to the formation of the company that bears his name.

Today, Riddell equipment is found on almost every gridiron field; helmets, shoulder pads, and accessories are designed to keep players safe.

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The Northwestern Wildcats logo journey has spanned over a century, reflecting the team's evolution and shifting visual identity.

Here's a quick summary:

Early Days (1882-1966): No official logo existed, with teams using simple lettering or generic imagery.

Golden Wildcats (1967-1977): This era introduced the iconic "Golden Wildcat," a fierce feline leaping through an "N."

Minimalist Shift (1981-2011): The "N" remained, becoming larger and stylized, with a wildcat head emerging from the bottom in 1981.

Modern Era (2012-Present): The logo simplified further, focusing solely on a bold purple "N" with clean lines and no animal imagery.

Key Points:

The "Golden Wildcat" era marked the first recognizable mascot logo.
The 1981-2011 logo balanced tradition with a stylized approach.

The current logo prioritizes simplicity and modern design.

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February 19, 1917, Illinois Head Coach Bob Zuppke released his new concept of football helmet innovation. These new-fangled head protectors were called Zuppke Helmets, or ZH for short.

The Helmets are manufactured using interior padding of suspended leather straps and ear hole cutouts.

The ZH's revolutionary design cradled the skull within the helmet, replacing the former foam shell. Fabric straps crisscrossed the interior, absorbing and distributing impact more effectively while allowing for improved ventilation. The suspension innovation acted as a shock absorber to lessen the blow of effects. Companies like Rawlings and Spalding manufactured this breakthrough invention. It was famously worn by Zuppke's star player Red Grange and others.

Though suspension straps are no longer used in modern football helmets, Zuppke's design has stood as a standard application for almost six decades.

The concept is still an integral part of some construction hard hats and other safety headgear, leading it to stand the test of time.

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Football Archaeology takes a look back at the history of the helmet logo in some unique places, uncommon to the conventional ones we are used to.

The evolution of logos on football helmets has been a fascinating journey reflecting both aesthetic and functional considerations. Traditionally, football helmet designs featured team logos prominently displayed on the sides, serving as iconic identifiers visible to players and spectators alike. However, as the sport evolved and branding became increasingly significant, teams and equipment manufacturers began exploring alternative placements for logos to maximize visibility and impact.

One notable shift occurred with the emergence of logos on the fronts and backs of helmets. This departure from the conventional side placements allowed for larger and more eye-catching designs, enhancing team identity and marketability. The strategic placement on the front provided a focal point during televised broadcasts and close-up shots, while the back placement ensured visibility from multiple angles on the field.

The transition to front and back logos also mirrored broader trends in sports marketing and fan engagement. Teams sought to leverage helmet space not just for aesthetic appeal but also as a platform for sponsorships, charity initiatives, and commemorative decals. This evolution underscored the symbiotic relationship between sports teams and corporate partnerships, where helmet logos became potent symbols of both team pride and commercial endorsement.

Moreover, the strategic placement of logos on the fronts and backs of helmets has contributed to the evolving aesthetics of football equipment. It has allowed teams to experiment with design elements, color schemes, and typography, further enhancing their visual appeal and reinforcing their brand identity in the competitive landscape of sports.

In summary, the history of logos transitioning from traditional side placements to front and back positions on football helmets reflects a dynamic interplay between tradition, innovation, and commercialization. As teams continue to adapt to changing trends and technological advancements, the placement of logos remains a key element in defining the visual identity and market presence of football teams worldwide.

-Frequently Asked Questions

-Who was the first to paint a logo on a helmet? The answer in the pro game is Fred Gehrke of the Rams in 1948, check out more about it in the story: First Helmet Logo.

-Who was the first player to wear a football helmet? We have your answer in our in-depth study ofthe first to wear a helmet.

-What is the history of each college team and their helmet designs? Check out many of them with our series College Football helmet history of schools.

-How come some teams have player numbers on their helmets? We asked this question too and had a college football expert historian help divulge helmet numbers history.

-Why do some teams like Michigan and Delaware look so odd and similar? It's really uncanny isn't it that the Wolverines and Blue Hens look the same, check this out for a reason History-of-the-Winged-Helmets" target="bbcode">when helmets had wings.

-What do stickers on college football helmets mean? Some of them look really crazy but there is some goos reason for the extra adornments and we have the scoop Why all the stickers on some football helmets?.

-When did football helmets change from leather to plastic? Just after World War II saw the most abrupt changes, we have more in this in our chat with an expert:When helmets changed from leather to plastic.

On the latest episode of the Raiders fan radio podcast "Flashback," host Rich Shelter takes listeners on a thrilling time travel journey back to the gridiron battles of the 1970s. This week's spotlight shines on the legendary early Oakland Raiders and their epic clash with the seemingly unstoppable Miami Dolphins, who were on a historic winning streak.

Near the end of the episode, Rich reveals information about Darin Hayes' release of the World's Greatest Pro GZridiron Team: The 1903 Franklin All-Stars.

Rewinding to the Silver and Black's Golden Age:

Shelter expertly sets the scene, transporting Raiders Nation back to the era of iconic jerseys, powerful running backs, and the swagger of a dynasty in the making. He paints a vivid picture of the early Oakland Raiders, a team overflowing with talent and fueled by an insatiable hunger for victory.

Confronting the Undefeatable Dolphins:

The central stage is reserved for the electrifying showdown between the Raiders and the Miami Dolphins, then reigning supreme with an undefeated record. Shelter dissects the strategies, strengths, and weaknesses of both teams, building anticipation for the inevitable collision.

Key Moments and Turning Points:

Through Shelter's passionate narration, listeners relive the game's defining moments. From John Matuszak's bone-crushing tackles to Ken Stabler's pinpoint passes, every play is brought to life with rich descriptions and historical context. He analyzes the turning points, the controversial calls, and the ultimate outcome, leaving listeners on the edge of their seats.

Ole Miss football has a rich history dating back to 1893, and with that history comes a select group of players whose contributions stand out above the rest. As of today, December 28, 2023, four jersey numbers have been officially retired:

18 - Archie Manning (1968-1970): "The Golden Boy" revolutionized Ole Miss and the SEC with his passing prowess. He led the Rebels to two bowl appearances and holds numerous school records. His legacy as a leader and talent cemented his number's retirement in 1971.

38 - Chucky Mullins (1989-1990): This inspirational figure not only excelled on the field but also persevered through a life-changing injury. After a devastating paralysis in 1989, Mullins returned to school and became a motivational speaker, leaving a lasting impact on the community. His number was retired in 1992.

10 - Eli Manning (2000-2003): Archie's son followed in his footsteps, leading the Rebels to their first SEC Championship in 33 years and winning the Mackey Award as the nation's top quarterback. His success and legacy within the Manning family solidified his number's retirement in 2014.

74 - Ben Williams (1972-1975): In 2022, Ole Miss made history by retiring the number of Ben Williams, the first black player to ever play in a varsity game for the program. His courage and talent paved the way for future generations and earned him this prestigious honor.

It's important to note that other iconic players, like Charlie Conerly and Archie Moore, were honored posthumously and have their numbers permanently displayed in the stadium but are not technically retired.

For the uninitiated, navigating the vibrant tapestry of Georgia Bulldogs football history can be daunting. Worry not, Dawg-to-be! This guide will equip you with the essential knowledge to join the chorus of "Hail to the Howling Red" with confidence.

Early Era Glory: Don your vintage sweater vest and travel back to 1892, where it all began. Witness the Dawgs claim their first victory over Mercer, igniting a rivalry that would span generations. Immerse yourself in the "Golden Era" (1930s-60s), where legends like Frank Sinkwich and Charley Trippi redefined the game with the "I-formation" offense and secured four national titles for Georgia.

Rivalries and Reboots: Fast forward to the 70s-90s, where legendary clashes with Florida and Auburn took center stage. Brace yourself for nail-biting finishes like the "Miracle in Jacksonville" (1990) and the "Hobnail Alley" (1980). Savor the Heisman wins of Hershel Walker (1982) and Terrell Davis (1992), reminders of Georgia's offensive prowess.

Modern Triumphs: Enter the Kirby Smart era (2016-present), a chapter marked by a renewed focus on discipline and excellence. Celebrate the end of the 41-year national championship drought in 2021, a victory tinged with the sweet tears of generations of Dawg fans. Witness the historic back-to-back championship feat in 2022, solidifying Georgia's return to the top of college football.