Football Daily

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Learn when the University of Buffalo Bulls Program started

December 20, 1867 - Minneapolis, Minnesota - William W. "Pudge" Heffelfinger, the legendary Yale Bulldogs guard, was born. The footballfoundation.org website bio describes Hefflefinger as being 6’-3" tall and weighing in at 195 pounds. Let's put that size into perspective because Cam Newton at quarterback is 6’-5" and weighed 240 pounds. Still, in 1890 when Pudge played, he was extremely athletic and a giant among his peers. His size allowed him to destroy the blocks and defenses of opposing lines where it was said he would typically take out two to three players at a time. With his outstanding athleticism and the genius of Walter Camp, he also is credited with introducing the "pulling guard" play. The All- America selections originated in 1889 by Walter Camp, and Pudge was on this initial team. He repeated in 1890-91, his last two seasons at Yale. Yale was a significant football power during that era, and Pudge helped lead the Bulldog team to undefeated seasons in 1888 and 1891 and one-loss seasons during the 1889 and 1890 campaigns. The 1888 team amazingly outscored their opponents 698-0 that season! The National Football Foundation welcomed the collegiate career of Pudge Heffelfinger into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. As great of a collegiate player as Pudge was, that's not exactly what Pudge is best known for, though. After college Heffelfinger continued playing for independent teams, and on November 12, 1892, the Allegheny Athletic Association near Pittsburgh paid Pudge Heffelfinger the tidy sum of $500 to play just one game with them against their heated rivals, the Pittsburgh Athletic Club. The AAA with Pudge did win the game that day by the score of 4-0, according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The great QB and legend of the Carlisle Indian Industrial School

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Could the mcGill at Harvard games of may 14 & May 15, 1874 be the 1st football games?

The 1932 college football season at a glance. NCAAF 1932

Charles "Charlie" Brickley (1879-1959) was a pioneer of American football, leaving his mark on the early days of the sport as a player, coach, and innovator. Brickley's legendary career began at Harvard University, where he quarterbacked the Crimson to a perfect record and a national championship in 1901. He later played professionally, showcasing his talent with teams like the Frankford Athletic Club and the Philadelphia Athletics.
Beyond his playing achievements, Brickley is credited with popularizing several key aspects of the modern game. He is considered the inventor of the spiral pass, a revolutionary technique that changed the landscape of offensive strategy. Additionally, Brickley introduced innovations like the huddle and the numbering system for offensive plays, further shaping the way the game is played.
Brickley's coaching career was equally impactful. He led the Penn Quakers to back-to-back undefeated seasons and national championships in 1904 and 1905, solidifying his legacy as a coaching pioneer. He continued to coach at various universities throughout his career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his innovative strategies and commitment to excellence.
Charlie Brickley's contributions to football extend far beyond his individual statistics and victories. He was a true innovator, a trailblazer who transformed the game with his revolutionary ideas. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, coaches, and fans alike, reminding them of the power of innovation and the enduring spirit of the sport.

For more on this legend and his playing days at Harvard check out our friend Dick Friedman's article in Harvard Magazine.

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.

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.

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Born May 10, 1917, in Montreal, Quebec, was Charlie O'Rourke the Boston College quarterback of 1938 through the season of 1940. The media labeled him “Chuckin” Charlie because with O’Rourke the passing lanes were always open. O'Rourke was one of the most clever tailbacks the game has ever known, bringing a twinkle to the eyes of a young head coach named Frank Leahy, and leading Boston College to a 9-1 record in the 1939 regular season campaign, and the Eagles' first bowl invitation. The FootballFoundation.org shares that Eagles lost to Clemson by the score of 6-3, in that 1940 Cotton Bowl contest, but the wily triple-threat O’Rourke would not be denied applying some damage. It was in Chuckin Charlie’s senior season that he led the Eagles to a 10-0-0 record and inspired the Boston College eleven to a come-from-behind 19-13 victory over powerful Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. However, O'Rourke's career shining moment probably took place earlier that season. The game was match made in heaven and easily would have been the game of the week if played in the modern era. The Eagles were set to tangle with previously unbeaten Georgetown - a game that Grantland Rice claimed was "the greatest college football game I've ever seen." Boston College was clinging to a 19-16 lead with two minutes remaining when, on fourth down, O'Rourke raced back to his end zone, eluding tacklers for almost a full minute before taking a safety. He then punted BC out of trouble and preserved a 19-18 victory. Risky indeed but talk about adding drama to a game! Charlie earned All-America status in 1940. The National Football Foundation selected Charlie O’Rourke for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972. After his collegiate playing days were over Charlie had a pro football career with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Dons, and Baltimore Colts in 1942 and from 1946-49. He later coached football at the University of Massachusetts 1952-59. Somewhere in that busy schedule he even served as commissioner of the Pop Warner League, a national organization of junior football teams. NCAAF Jersey 13

The first legal forward pass in football was thrown by Bradbury Robinson on September 5, 1906, in a game between Saint Louis University and Carroll College. Robinson was a quarterback for Saint Louis, and he threw the pass to Jack Schneider, who was a wide receiver. The pass was completed for a touchdown, and it helped Saint Louis win the game 22-0.

The forward pass was not originally allowed in football. The rules of the game at the time only allowed players to advance the ball by running or kicking. However, in 1905, there were a number of serious injuries and deaths in college football games. In response, President Theodore Roosevelt called for reforms to the game, and one of the reforms was to allow the forward pass.

Robinson's forward pass was a major turning point in the history of football. It opened up new possibilities for offense, and it made the game more exciting and unpredictable. The forward pass is now an essential part of the game, and it is responsible for many of the most memorable plays in football history.

Robinson was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he played college football at Saint Louis University from 1904 to 1907. He was a two-time All-American, and he led the nation in passing in 1906. After college, Robinson played professional football for the Milwaukee Badgers and the Chicago Cardinals. He retired from football in 1915.