Football Daily

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Mark Herrmann's football career was a tale of two chapters, each etched with contrasting storylines. From the golden halls of Purdue to the muddled trenches of the NFL, his journey is a study in both unbridled college football brilliance and professional struggles.

At Purdue, Herrmann was a titan. He shattered passing records, becoming the NCAA's first quarterback to throw for 9,000 yards. His pinpoint accuracy and athleticism earned him All-America honors and propelled the Boilermakers to national prominence.

But Herrmann's story wasn't just about numbers. It was about resilience. He suffered through heartbreaking near-misses, weathered coaching changes, and battled injuries that could have derailed his career. Yet, he rose with every challenge, his unwavering love for Purdue fueling his comeback.

His 1980 Bluebonnet Bowl performance cemented his legend. Leading a comeback against USC, nicknamed "The Cardiac Kids," Herrmann threw for a then-record 303 yards, defying expectations and etching his name in Purdue's pantheon of heroes.

He was the golden boy, the face of college football's new era, poised for NFL stardom. But the transition to the professional ranks proved harsh. Drafted in the fourth round by the Denver Broncos, Herrmann found himself buried on a depth chart, his college magic failing to translate. He bounced between four teams in eleven seasons, never fully settling into a starting role.

Born May 18, 1924, in Asheville, North Carolina, was North Carolina Tarheels halfback of 1946 through 1949, Charlie Justice. The National Football Foundation led his Edwards High School in Asheville, North Carolina, to two unbeaten seasons. He matched North Carolina all-stars against South Carolina all-stars and scored three touchdowns in the contest! After high school, he spent four years in the Navy in World War II. Charlie was a key player on the football team at Bainbridge Naval Center; therefore, after his discharge, he was offered a pro football contract. He chose instead, at age 22, to start college. He was the starting tailback for four years in the single-wing formation coached by Carl Snavely at North Carolina. North Carolina had a 32-9-2 record while Justice was wearing the North Carolina Blue. Charlie was named All-America in 1948 and 1949 and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in both seasons! Justice set a school record for total offense that lasted for 45 years. Among his achievements: 1946--As a freshman against Virginia, Justice carried the ball 17 times and gained 170 yards. 1948--He led North Carolina to a 9-1-1 record, a national No. 3 ranking, the highest in school history. He gained 766 yards rushing and 846 passing. He returned 19 punts for an average of 17.5 yards, five kickoffs for 18 yards. His punting standard, 44.1 yards, led the nation. Justice set Heel records a lot during his four years at UNC. He scored 234 points and passed or ran for 64 touchdowns. As a ball carrier, he accumulated 2,634 yards. His total offense record of 4,883 yards lasted for 45 years until quarterback Jason Stanicek broke the mark in 1994.
Justice, graciously, was on hand to congratulate Stanicek. He was named the Most Valuable Player in the 1950 College All-Star Game, leading the college team to a 17-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. His nickname was "Choo-Choo," and a book titled "Choo Choo." The website GoHeels.com tells us that the great Benny Goodman and the late Johnny Long recorded the Campbell-Beebe song "All The Way Choo Choo." It sold by the thousands. in honor of this great athlete. Charlie Justice's collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1961. Justice, after college, took his game to the pro level, where he played for the Washington Redskins from 1950-54. In his book, They Made the Bell Tower Chime, Bob Quincy succinctly summed up Charlie Justice's college career. An excerpt is repeated here:
The Justice era of 1946-49 was the most exciting in Carolina's football history. Charlie was the ringleader of a circus of thrills. He set the pace, but his backing was superb.

Born March 4, 1888, in Voss, Norway, was Knute Rockne, American College Football Hall of Fame coach. Rockne led the Fighting Irish to gridiron prominenance as Notre Dame won 13 National titles, under his leadership. Rockne was also an end for Notre Dame, and later played professional football before starting his coaching tenure. In 1914, he was recruited by the legendary Peggy Parratt to play for the Akron Indians. At Akron, Parratt had connected with Rockne on several successful forward pass plays during their mythical Ohio League schedule.

The Legendary player and coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Rockne's passion for the game, his innovation, and his inspiring speeches made his teams rise to the top of college football in the 1920s.

May 30, 1943 - Wichita, Kansas - Gale Sayers the top notch Kansas Halfback, also known as the “Kansas Comet” was born. Gale is one of the most talented backs to have ever graced the gridiron.

The FootballFoundation.org lists that Mr. Sayers was a two-time First Team All-America selection for the Jayhawks, and when he concluded his KU career he had 2,675 yards rushing and 3,917 all-purpose yards. The Kansas Comet led KU in rushing, touchdowns and kickoff returns all three years he wore the Jayhawk colors. Gale also led the team in receiving and punt returns in his final two years with the program. Sayers became the first player in NCAA Division IA history to record a 99-yard run when he broke loose against Nebraska in Lincoln during the 1963 season.

One of Sayers top collegiate moments on the gridiron has to be the 96-yard kickoff return that aided a 15-14 upset of Oklahoma in his senior season. The University retired his number 48 jersey soon after he wore it last. Gale Sayers’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1977.

The Chicago Bears drafted Sayers in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft and he had an almost immediate impact on the entire League! The Pro Football Hall of Fame says right out of the chute Gale in a pre-season game raced 77 yards on a punt return, 93 yards on a kickoff return, and then startled everyone with a 25-yard scoring pass against the Los Angeles Rams. During the regular games he kept it going, as this standout player set a rookie record that season of 22 touchdowns and 132 points! The Comet scored four touchdowns, including a 96-yard game breaking kickoff return, against the Minnesota Vikings. But that was not the rookie’s grand finale. No, not even close to it. In the second to the last game of the year, playing on a muddy field that would have stalled most rushing attempts, Gale scored a record-tying six touchdowns against the San Francisco 49ers. Included in his sensational spree were an 80-yard pass-run play, a 50-yard rush and a 65-yard punt return. Sayers went on to have a short but brilliant career with 9435 combined yards in his career, 4956 yards from running.

Gale still is the all-time leader in NFL kick returns as he was also an All-NFL selection in five straight seasons and the player of the game in three different Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame honored Gale Sayers with enshrinement in 1977 to become one of a very few that entered both Football Hall of Fame's in the same year.

Born May 27, 1868, in Chicago, Illinois, was Knowlton Ames was the Princeton University fullback from 1886 to 1889. This man had some moves in the open field according to the National Football Foundation.

One of his opponents from rival Yale, the very famous Pudge Heffelfinger once said of Knowlton, "He was clever at spinning, changing direction and faking the tackler. It was fatal to go for his knees or legs. They wouldn't be there." It was skills like these that landed Ames in the inaugural All-America team of 1889. Ames and the rest of the Princeton crew are credited with being the first team to create and run the "power sweep." A true football innovator, Ames was perhaps the first player to execute a fake punt and he also developed a unique running style which enabled him to duck tacklers. His speed and elusiveness resulted in many spectacular long runs. He was a true spotlight star as demonstrated in one game where he returned a punt 70 yards for a touchdown, returned another kick 50 yards and ran 105 yards from scrimmage that was of course on one of that era’s 110 yard fields. Ames still holds nearly all the Princeton scoring records over 130 years after he set the milestones. In his career, "Snake" scored 730 points, 62 touchdowns and 176 points after touchdowns. In a single game against Pennsylvania he scored 60 points. Ames was a member of Princeton teams that compiled a 35-3-1 record in his four varsity seasons. Knowlton Ames’ collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1969.

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William Thomas Stanfill wasn't just a football player; he was a force of nature on the gridiron. Born in Cairo, Georgia, in 1947, Stanfill's athletic prowess became evident early, earning him All-State honors in high school. His path led him to the University of Georgia, where he became a legend, winning the Outland Trophy and a spot on the All-America team in 1968.

But it was with the Miami Dolphins that Stanfill truly etched his name in football history. He was drafted 11th overall in 1969 and quickly established himself as a dominant defensive end. His raw power, exceptional speed, and relentless hustle made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

Stanfill's impact was immediately felt. He contributed to the Dolphins' first-ever playoff appearance in his rookie season and played a crucial role in their back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973. In the 1973 season, he recorded a staggering 18.5 sacks, a Dolphins record that still stands today.

Beyond his impressive stats, Stanfill's intensity and passion were infectious.

Unfortunately, Stanfill's career was cut short by injuries in 1979. However, his legacy lives on. He was inducted into the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame, solidifying his place among the all-time greats. Bill Stanfill was more than just a football player; he symbolized determination, passion, and Southern grit. He embodied the spirit of the Miami Dolphins and left an indelible mark on the game he loved.

Benjamin Holt Ticknor wasn't just a football player; he embodied Harvard's gridiron grit in the 1930s. A dominant center renowned for his defense, Ticknor became a captain and a legend, etching his name in Crimson history.

Born in Massachusetts in 1909, Ticknor's athletic prowess shone from a young age. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, eventually choosing football as his true passion. Arriving at Harvard in 1928, he quickly carved a niche on the offensive and defensive lines.

Despite playing when Harvard didn't see its championship glory days, Ticknor's brilliance shone through. He earned All-American honors in 1930, becoming the first center in Harvard history to do so. His leadership as captain in 1930 was instrumental in leading the team to a respectable season despite several close defeats.

Ticknor's legacy, however, was built on more than wins. He was a defensive stalwart renowned for his fierce tackling and unyielding presence in the trenches. His nickname, "Iron Man," spoke volumes about his resilience and dedication. In multiple encounters, he held rival Yale at bay, earning him particular adoration from the Harvard faithful.

Beyond his athletic prowess, Ticknor was known for his sportsmanship and gentlemanly demeanor. He was a respected leader on and off the field, embodying the ideals of Harvard football. His impact extended beyond the gridiron, as he excelled academically and later found business success.

In 1954, Ticknor's contributions were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. He remains one of only four Harvard players to receive this prestigious honor. His name graces the Ben Ticknor Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the Crimson's most outstanding offensive lineman.

Born June 4, 1891, in Lexington, Georgia, was the fine halfback from the University of Georgia from the seasons of 1910 to 1913, Bob McWhorter.  The National Football Foundation shares some great info on McWhorter it was an interesting journey for Bob to attend the University of Georgia. In 1910 McWhorter was attending the Gordon Military School, and was the star athlete on more than just the gridiron gang. The Military school played baseball against the Bulldogs and put a pretty good beat down on them by the score of 11-0. Georgia’s powers that be saw the great organization from the Gordon coach  W. Alex Cunningham and quickly coerced him to become Georgia's football and baseball coach. One of the first things Cunnigham did in his new role was to recruit as many of the athletes from the academy as he could because after all he had laid their athletic foundations. McWhorter was of course one of the Gordon players that attended Georgia after his coaches calling. However, being only a junior at Gordon, McWhorter had to take a special exam to qualify for college. He passed the exam with very high scores, and at Georgia he was Phi Beta Kappa. He played halfback for Georgia 1910- 1913 and scored 61 touchdowns. He was all-Southern four times and made the Parke Davis All-America selection in 1913. Bob McWhorter’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1954.

Born June 2, 1895, in Piffard, New York, was Homer “Pop” Hazel, an end and fullback out of Rutgers University in 1916 and in 1923 and 1924 was born. The FootballFoundation.org website explains that Hazel won his first letter in football at Rutgers in 1916. He left school because of a lack of funds therefore he worked at various jobs saved for his future then at age 28, played football again at Rutgers. It was worth the wait for gridiron fans at Rutgers as he was without doubt, the most versatile player the Scarlet ever produced. Homer led Rutgers to identical 7-1-1 records in his final two seasons, earning All- America selections in each. He played end in 1923, when the only Scarlet loss was from West Virginia by the tune of 27-7. Pop had Rutgers on the way to an unbeaten finish in 1924 - this time as a hard-hitting fullback - when this time Bucknell untracked The Scarlet in the final game of the season, 12-7. Hazel was also well known for his excellent passing, punting and kicking skills on the gridiron. In 1923 he was a Walter Camp hand picked All-American at end and then the following year he received the same honor as a fullback and was first player to have the distinction of doing that at two different positions. Homer secured a place in the College Football Hall of Fame when he was inducted into the gridiron museum in 1951. Homer later served as Athletic Director as well as the football and basketball coach at the University of Mississippi for five years. Then even was a golf pro for four years.

Born July 2, 1879, in Berlin, Germany, was Illinois Illini Hall of Fame Head Coach, Bob Zuppke. Coach served as the head coach at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign from 1913 until 1941, compiling a career college football record of 131–81–12. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951, Zuppke coached his teams to national titles in 1914, 1919, 1923, and 1927.