Elmer Layden

Born May 4, 1903, in Davenport, Iowa, was the famous Notre Dame Fighting Irish fullback of 1922 to 1924, Elmer Layden was born. Elmer was one of the famed Four Horsemen of Notre Dame. He was not only a player, but also served as a coach, college athletics administrator, and professional sports executive. After his collegiate playing days he played pro ball in the original AFL in 1925 and in 1926 with three clubs, the Hartford Blues, the Brooklyn Horsemen, and the Rock Island Independents. He began his coaching career during the same two seasons at Columbia College in Dubuque, Iowa, now known as Loras College. Layden then served as the head coach at Duquesne University from 1927 to 1933 and at his alma mater, Notre Dame, from 1934 to 1940, where he also held the position of athletic director. From 1941 to 1946, Layden was the commissioner of the National Football League (NFL). He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1951. 

The game of American football is filled with strategy, legendary figures, great teams, and amazing events that have created euphoria in fandom. We celebrate the game and its people. Here are some items of interest that capture the spirit of the gridiron.