Minneapolis Marines

August 27, 1921 - The Minneapolis Marines/Redjackets team joins the AFPA/NFL for the 1921-24 and again rejoined the NFL for the 1929 and 1930 seasons as the Minneapolis Red Jackets. The Marines were founded in 1905 by a group of working-class teenagers. They played their home games at Nicollet Park, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Marines were one of the most successful teams in the early days of professional football, winning four local championships from 1913 to 1916.

Quarterback Rube Ursella and tackle Walt "Big Boy" Buland were the Minneapolis star players who played as teens in the early years of the team right up through the professional ones in the early 1920s. A stout defense was what the Marines were known for, as Ursella and Big Boy played both ways.

Born March 12, 1880, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was legendary pro football player, and College Football Hall of Fame back, Bobby Marshall. Marshall played end for the football team of the University of Minnesota from 1904 to 1906. He was the first African American to play football in the Western Conference, later to be known as the Big Ten. Bobby graduated in 1907 and played with Minneapolis pro teams, the Deans and the Marines. From 1920 through 1924, he played in the National Football League with the Rock Island Independents, the Minneapolis Marines, and the Duluth Kelleys.

Reuben John Ursella, known to all as "Rube," wasn't your typical football player. He wasn't a hulking lineman or a flashy running back. Instead, Ursella was a cerebral quarterback, a coach before his time, and the architect of an offensive scheme that revolutionized the early NFL. Though less celebrated than some gridiron giants, his legacy is one of innovation, leadership, and an unwavering dedication to the game.

Born in 1890 in Minneapolis, Ursella began his football career at the University of Minnesota. He honed his understanding of the "Minnesota Shift," a complex offensive strategy developed by coach Henry L. Williams there. The shift involved a series of pre-snap movements by the linemen, creating unexpected gaps and angles for the ball carrier. The Minnesota Shift was a potent weapon in the hands of a skilled quarterback like Ursella, leaving defenses bewildered and fans enthralled.

After stints in various professional leagues, Ursella returned to his hometown in 1921 as the head coach of the Minneapolis Marines. This marked the beginning of his most significant contribution to football history. He installed the Minnesota Shift as the Marines' core offense, tailoring it to fit the talents of his players. With Ursella at the helm, the Marines became an offensive juggernaut, averaging over 20 points per game in a league where such scores were rare.

But Ursella's impact extended beyond his team. He readily shared his knowledge of the Minnesota Shift with other coaches and players, spreading the offensive philosophy across the fledgling NFL. Soon, teams like the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears were incorporating elements of the shift into their playbook, forever changing the landscape of professional football.

Ursella's career continued for another decade as both player and coach. He captained the Rock Island Independents to a league championship in 1926, showcasing his leadership beyond the offensive playbook. His playing days ended in 1929, but his coaching influence lingered for years.

Though Rube Ursella's name may not be etched like other NFL legends, his contributions to the game remain undeniable; he was a pioneer of offensive strategy, a coach who prioritized intelligence and teamwork, and a leader who left an indelible mark on the early years of professional football. The next time you see a quarterback shift the offensive line before a snap, remember Rube Ursella, the mastermind who brought the Minnesota Shift to the gridiron, forever changing how the game is played.

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.

This book is a fantastic and well-researched look at the early history of Minnesota professional football and in particular the Minnesota Marines. Author R.C. Christiansen has dived deep into newspaper archives, and other sources to set the record straight on this legendary team from long ago.