Football History

The New England Patriots have a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the Patriots have retired certain jersey numbers, honoring those who have contributed significantly to the team's success. Let’s dive into the world of retired Patriots numbers and explore the traditions surrounding this esteemed recognition.

Here is a look at the jerseys that the franchise has taken out of circulation and the individuals honored:

-Jersey Number 12
Tom Brady 2000-2019

-Jersey Number 20
Gino Cappelletti 1960–1970

-Jersey Number 40
Mike Haynes 1976–1982

-Jersey Number 57
Steve Nelson 1974–1987

-Jersey Number 73
John Hannah 1973–1985

-Jersey Number 78
Bruce Armstrong 1987–2000

-Jersey Number 79
Jim Lee Hunt 1960–1970

-Jersey Number 89
Bob Dee 1960–1967

Texas A&M's Aggie helmet has undergone a fascinating evolution, mirroring the program's journey from scrappy underdog to gridiron powerhouse. Here's a concise overview:

Early Days (1920s-40s):

The earliest helmets were leather with maroon ear flaps and stripes, reflecting the school's colors.

-Transition to white leather shells with a single maroon stripe down the center emerged in the 40s.

The Maroon Era (1950s-70s):

-Bold shift to full maroon shells with a white stripe in the 50s, solidifying the team's iconic identity.

-Variations included gray facemasks and the addition of the "Tm" logo in the 60s and 70s.

Experimentation and Tradition (1970s-Present):

-A brief experiment with white shells and maroon stripes in 1978 was quickly abandoned due to fan disapproval.

-The classic maroon and white scheme returns, becoming the primary helmet design.

-Alternate helmets introduced in recent years, featuring camo patterns, matte finishes, and special decals for specific games.

The Minnesota Vikings boast a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the team has retired a select few jersey numbers, honoring those who have transcended the game. Let's take a deep dive into the Vikings' retired numbers and explore the legacies of the players who earned this ultimate accolade.

Here is a look at the jerseys that the franchise has taken out of circulation and the individuals honored:

-Jersey Number 10
Fran Tarkenton 1961–1966, 1972–1978

-Jersey Number 53
Mick Tingelhoff 1962–1978

-Jersey Number 70
Jim Marshall 1961–1979

-Jersey Number 77
Korey Stringer 1995–2000

-Jersey Number 80
Cris Carter 1990–2001

-Jersey Number 88
Alan Page 1967–1978

The Liberty University Flames have undergone a visual evolution since their inception, and their helmet design has been a key component of their identity. While the team's colors and primary logo have remained relatively consistent, the helmet has seen variations in style and accents over the years.

Early Flames helmets often featured a classic design with a simple Liberty Flames logo on a crimson base. As the program progressed, there was experimentation with different stripe patterns and facemask styles. In recent years, Liberty has embraced a more modern look, incorporating sleek lines and advanced technology into their helmet design. The Flames have also utilized alternate helmets for special occasions, such as matte finishes or throwback designs, adding a dynamic element to their on-field appearance.

While the helmet design has evolved, the underlying spirit of the Liberty Flames remains constant: a commitment to excellence, faith, and representing the university with pride.

The Hawaii Rainbow Warriors have long been known for their high-flying offense and tropical flair, and their helmets have often reflected this vibrant identity. The program's helmet history is a colorful tapestry marked by experimentation and evolution.

Early designs were simple, often featuring a basic logo on a solid color helmet. As the program's profile grew, so too did the complexity of their headgear.  

In recent years, the Rainbow Warriors have embraced a more dynamic approach to helmet design, incorporating elements of Hawaiian culture and modern aesthetics. From matte finishes to bold color combinations, Hawaii has consistently pushed the boundaries of helmet creativity. Their helmets have become as recognizable as their passing attack, serving as a visual representation of the team's spirit and island home.

Here is a great shot of the modern Wisconsin helmet design in action. The glossy white base color with that "popping" red "W" logo sells the brand, letting folks know they are watching the Badgers, even if they are watching from the "cheap seats."

The red pinstripes down the center of the shell are slightly visible in this sideline shot of pre-snap game action. The image comes courtesy of Wikimedia Commons EPhil Roeder from Des Moines, IA, USA and has a title that reads:

"Photos of the University of Wisconsin Badgers beating the University of Texas-El Paso Miners 37-26 at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, September 22."

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers boast a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the team has honored select individuals by retiring their jersey numbers. Let's dive into the world of retired Buccaneers numbers and explore the ways the team pays tribute to these iconic athletes.

Here are the Jersey Numbers the team has taken out of circulation to honor their legends:

-Jersey Number 55
Derrick Brooks 1995–2008

-Jersey Number 63
Lee Roy Selmon 1976–1984

-Jersey Number 99
Warren Sapp 1995–2003

Unlike many NFL teams, the Cincinnati Bengals have a relatively short list of retired jerseys. This exclusive honor is reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to the franchise.

The most notable number to be retired is 54, worn by Bob Johnson, the Bengals' first-ever draft pick. His impact on the team as a foundational player is undeniable. While other Bengals legends like Ken Anderson and Anthony Muñoz are revered, their numbers have not been officially retired. Despite this, these players hold a special place in the hearts of fans and their jersey numbers are often unofficially honored.

This image is pretty classic from M Victors.com that shows the 2017 contest against the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Each of the Michigan players in the image have what appears to be a sight variation to the winged portion of the emblem decor from the other if you look carefully.

The equipment room was not very diligent in their handouts during this apparent transition phase of a helmet design overhaul.

Born in 1901, Frank Sundstrom wasn't just a football player; he was a pillar of Cornell's gridiron glory, a stalwart tackle who carved his name in the annals of college football history. His story isn't just about tackles and touchdowns; it's a testament to the relentless pursuit, unwavering loyalty, and the power of teamwork that defined a golden age for the Cornell Big Red.
Sundstrom's journey began on the gridiron of Middletown, New York, where his raw talent and imposing presence caught the eye of Cornell University. In 1921, he stepped onto the hallowed turf of Ithaca, New York, ready to etch his mark on Cornell football history.

His impact was immediate. Standing tall and strong at 6'1" and 190 pounds, Sundstrom anchored the Big Red defense, a formidable wall against opposing offenses. His intelligence and quickness off the line made him a disruptive force, paving the way for teammates and earning him the nickname "Sunny." The Big Red teams that Sundstrom was a part of went undefeated throughout three seasons, 24-0.

But Sundstrom's legacy isn't just about individual brilliance. It's linked to the legendary 1923 Cornell team, considered one of the greatest college football teams ever. Alongside teammates like George Pfann and Ed Kaw, Sundstrom formed an impenetrable defensive line, shutting down opponents with suffocating efficiency.

That year, Cornell went undefeated and untied, a feat only achieved by a handful of teams in college football history. Sundstrom's ferocious tackles and intelligent play were instrumental in this historic run, earning him All-American honors and solidifying his place as a Cornell legend.

His impact extended beyond the 1923 season. He continued to anchor the Big Red defense until 1924, leaving a legacy of excellence and leadership. Even after graduation, Sundstrom's passion for the game remained, leading him to serve as an assistant coach for the Indiana Hoosiers in 1924.

In 1978, Sundstrom was honored to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring legacy. His story isn't just about statistics and accolades; it's about the embodiment of Cornell's spirit, the relentless pursuit of victory, and the unwavering belief in the power of teamwork.

Frank Sundstrom was more than a football player; he was a titan of Cornell's golden age, a legend whose name forever echoes in the halls of Ithaca, a reminder that true greatness lies not just in individual talent but in the collective spirit of a team united in pursuit of victory.

Frank would go on to become a New Jersey Congressman.