Football Daily

Born August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, Florida was Deion Sanders was a defensive back from Florida that is enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In the NFL he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons then later played for the Cowboys, 49ers and Washington.

Sanders flair and athleticism put him in the spotlight right out of the gate on his career and earned him the nickname "Primetime." He was not only a great coverage and ball hawking corner but his kick return skills made for an exciting play every time he touched the ball. He was so electric with his hands on the ball that the Cowboys often played him on the offensive side of the ball as well. Sanders combined on 513 tackles, 493 solo, one sack, 53 interceptions, 10 passes defended, 10 forced fumbles, 13 fumbles recovered, nine defensive touchdowns as well as 60 receptions for 784 yards and three touchdowns, 212 punt returns for 2,199 yards and six touchdowns, 155 kick returns for 3,523 yards and three touchdowns.

After football, he went on to work for the NFL Network as a commentator on many of their shows. He has been a head coach at Jackson State and Colorado.

July 11, 1926 - Los Angeles Buccaneers franchise forms. The team dissolved after playing just one season. According to the American Football Database website the Buccaneers were a traveling team in the National Football League during the 1926 season. The team never actually played a league game in Los Angeles. It was operated out of Chicago with players from California colleges. According to the Database article, historian Michael McCambridge has stated that the Buccaneers originally planned to play in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum but due to  the Coliseum Commission banning pro teams from its stadium the franchise became a road team after the decision. The Bucs did have some success though as a traveling team posting a respectable 6-3-1 record in the NFL in 1926. The last game of the Buccaneers' existence was an exhibition game against their first AFL “cross town” rivals the Los Angeles Wildcats in San Francisco, with the Buccaneers being shut out, 17-0, on January 23, 1927. Just to note, the Wildcats never played a game in LA either in the first edition of the AFL.

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Born February 17, 1936, in St Simons, Georgia, was the all-time great running back Jim Brown. Brown in 1956 had a season where his rushing yards per game read something like 197 yards, 162, 155, 154 & 151 yards! He ended up with 986 yards for the season ranking him third in the nation and giving him the nod for unanimous All-America status. But that wasn’t it for “First Down Brown’s” scoring, though as he also kicked for Syracuse. The Cleveland Browns wasted no time at all to make Jim their first-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft per the ProFootballHOF.com site. Brown played all nine of his years as a pro in Cleveland amassing 12312 yards rushing and 15459 total accumulated yards. The powerful back scored 756 points in those nine years in the NFL and played in a Pro Bowl every season in the League including being selected as the 1957 Rookie of the Year. Jim was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in three different seasons! The Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971’s ceremonies enshrined Jim Brown into their Canton, Ohio Museum of legends.

Johnny Lujack's football career was a brilliance symphony played out on the college and professional stages. He was a quarterback who mastered the T-formation, led teams to championships and left an indelible mark on the game. Here's a closer look at his impressive achievements:

College Stardom:

-Notre Dame Glory: Lujack took over as Notre Dame's quarterback in 1943, guiding them to three national championships during his tenure. He threw for over 777 yards and rushed for 139 in his senior season, earning the Heisman Trophy and Associated Press Athlete of the Year honors.

-T-Formation Master: Lujack's exceptional understanding of the T-formation offense made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His precise passing and deceptive running combined to be an unstoppable force, rewriting the playbook for future quarterbacks.
NFL Journey:

-Drafted High: The Chicago Bears recognized Lujack's talent and drafted him fourth overall in the 1946 NFL Draft. He lived up to expectations, leading the team in scoring each year of his four-season career.

-Passing Prowess: Despite playing in a run-heavy era, Lujack set an NFL record with 468 passing yards in a single game in 1949. He also finished his career with 11 rushing touchdowns, another noteworthy feat for a quarterback of his time.

-Early Retirement: Lujack's NFL career was cut short due to injuries and military service. He retired in 1951 at age 26, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation.

Beyond the Numbers:

-Lujack's impact extended beyond statistics. He was a charismatic leader, respected by teammates and coaches alike. His influence on the development of the quarterback position, particularly within the T-formation, is undeniable.

-His legacy lives on in various Halls of Fame, including the College Football and National Polish-American Sports Halls of Fame. He remains a revered figure in Notre Dame and Bears history, a constant reminder of the heights an exceptional quarterback can reach.

In conclusion, Johnny Lujack's football career was a leadership, talent, and adaptation masterclass. He left his mark on college and professional football, etching his name in the annals of gridiron history.

Duke Slater, born December 9, 1896, was more than just a football player. He pioneered and defied racial barriers and paved the way for future generations of African-American athletes. With his remarkable talent and unwavering determination, he carved his name in football history as a true legend.

Early Life and College Football:

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Slater grew up in a time of blatant racism and segregation. Despite these challenges, his athletic talent shone through. He excelled in football and track at Wilberforce University, where he led his team to multiple championships.

Breaking Barriers in the NFL:

In 1922, Slater made history by becoming the first African-American player in the newly formed National Football League (NFL). He signed with the Rock Island Independents, marking a significant moment in the fight for racial equality in professional sports.

Dominating the Gridiron:

Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, Slater quickly established himself as a dominant player. He was a versatile and skilled athlete, excelling as a running back, defensive end, and kicker. His athletic prowess earned him the nickname "The Brown Bomber" and a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league.

A Champion and a Pioneer:

Slater's career was marked by numerous accolades. He won two NFL championships (1922 and 1925) with the Chicago Bears and was named an All-Pro five times. His success and tenacity inspired countless future black athletes, paving the way for their inclusion in professional football.

Beyond the Game:

Slater's impact extended beyond the football field. He became a role model for young athletes and a vocal advocate for social justice. He even served as a bodyguard for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, showcasing his courage and dedication to duty.

Legacy of a Legend:

Duke Slater retired from football in 1928, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the sport. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1972, cementing his place among the greatest players of all time.

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July 27, 1929 - The Staten Island Stapletons/Stapes franchise forms as the Brooklyn franchise and then was transferred to Staten Island. According to an article in the Professional Football Researchers Association publication the Coffin Corner in a 1985 article by Joe Horrigan, The Stapletons started their gridiron existence in 1915, a full five years before the NFL was created as the APFA. A talented halfback and a native of the working-class neighborhood known as Stapleton, Dan Blaine, along with three other players formed the team to play other semi-pro squads from New York and New Jersey. It wasn't a career by any means for the players as the Stapes played more for fun than money. The crowds were small according to Horrigan as salaries averaged $10 per game. The team aquired better and better players through a variety of means and eventually in 1929 as an independent team achieved a record of 10-1-1. The next year they were permitting to join the National Football League. The Stapletons would never have a winning season in the NFL and would eventually fade into obscurity. I encourage you to read more on the Stapletons in the 1985 Coffin Corner article including how Tim Marra, owner and founder of the New York Giants helped the Stapes co-exist with his team in the Big Apple.

Born on January 16, 1894, in Blue Springs, Nebraska was Guy Chamberlin, the sensational back and end of Nebraska Wesleyan and University of Nebraska. In 1911 and 1912 Chamberlin starred at Wesleyan, he then transferred to play with the Cornhuskers of Nebraska and in 1914 the team was 7-0-1 in 1914 with Chamberlin at halfback scoring on runs of 90, 85, 70 and 58 yards per the NFF. After a transfer to end in 1915, he became an All-America selection and Nebraska went 8-0 on the season. The Cornhuskers had beaten Notre Dame 20-19. Knute Rockne, then a Notre Dame assistant coach, called Chamberlin "the key to Nebraska's victory." For his final college game, November 20, 1915, he moved back to halfback and scored five touchdowns in a 52-7 romp over Iowa. Guy Chamberlin’s stats and bio went into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1962. After serving in World War I Guy played pro football for eight years. Bears legend, George Halas called him "the greatest two-way end in the history of the game." He was not only a good player but he was a great early coach in the NFL according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In his six coaching seasons, five of which were spent as a player-coach, Chamberlin also won four NFL championships for the Canton Bulldogs in 1922 and 1923, the Cleveland Bulldogs in 1924, and the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1926. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Guy Chamberlin in 1965.

Charlie Brickley's impact on football wasn't limited to the college level. He carved a significant path in the early years of professional football, showcasing his talent and innovative spirit.
After graduating from Harvard, Brickley joined the professional ranks in 1902, playing for various teams like the Frankford Athletic Club, the Philadelphia Athletics, and the Shelby Blues. His talent as a quarterback was undeniable, leading his teams to numerous victories and championship titles.
Brickley's influence transcended his playing abilities. He continued to advocate for changes that would modernize the game. His invention of the spiral pass, a revolutionary technique that offered greater accuracy and distance, revolutionized offensive strategy and is still used today.
Beyond his on-field contributions, Brickley served as a coach and team manager, further shaping the professional game. He helped organize and manage early professional leagues, ensuring their stability and growth.
While his professional playing career might not be as statistically impressive as his college years, Charlie Brickley's impact on professional football remains undeniable. He was a key figure in its early development, a pioneer who left an indelible mark with his innovations, talent, and leadership.

Chuck Taylor wasn't just a name on a shoe, he was a football force who left his mark on both sides of the game. This Stanford alumnus wore many hats throughout his career, shining as a player, coach, and athletic director.

Taylor's journey began on the gridiron at Stanford in the 1940s. Playing as a fullback, he displayed impressive versatility, showcasing both power and athleticism. He even participated in the iconic 1941 Rose Bowl victory against Nebraska, solidifying his place in Stanford football history.

But Taylor's true calling lay in coaching. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned to Stanford as a freshman coach and quickly climbed the ranks. In 1951, at the young age of 31, he became the head coach, making him the youngest person to ever hold that title at the time.

His coaching tenure was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Taylor led the 1952 Stanford team to the Rose Bowl, earning him the coveted AFCA Coach of the Year award. He instilled a culture of discipline and toughness, building a formidable program.

However, injuries and internal conflicts hampered his later years as head coach. He stepped down in 1957 and transitioned to administrative roles, eventually becoming the university's athletic director from 1963 to 1971.

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August 27, 1921- Evansville Crimson-Giants franchise formed and played in the NFL's early formation called the AFPA in the 1921-22 seasons. The nickname Giants was not too far off as the team was headed by the 6'-4", 250-pound star player and coach Franklin Fausch and Herb Henderson, who, according to reports could kick a ball 80 yards! The Crimson Giants were an early hit in the league as they competed with the best the AFPA offered. Their first game was played on October 2, 1921, as they knocked off the Louisville Brecks 21-0 at Bosse Field. Still, after a couple of crippling beatdowns in Green Bay, some mismanagement of team funds, and disinterest from the home fans, the Evansville Eleven had to fold in 1922. Ironically their final game on November 12, 1922, was a loss to the Louisville Brecks 13-6, closing the chapter on the franchise against the team they played in their inaugural game a year earlier.