Football Daily

Born January 22, 1927, in Stevens, Arkansas, was Joe “ The Jet” Perry of Compton Junior College. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Joe put his relatively small school, Compton Junior College, on the map when he registered 22 touchdowns in a single season! However, these feats didn’t attract the pro football scouts, and Perry ended up being found by the professional game in a fascinating tale told by ProFootballHOF.com. Before the Jet completed his college football career, Uncle Sam called him to enter into military service for his country. At some point after his initial training, Joe was playing football for the Alameda, California Naval Training Station team when one of the San Francisco 49ers of the new All-America Football Conference players saw him in action. This Niners player reported this information to the 49ers’ brass, who offered Joe Perry a contract. Perry accepted their proposal in 1948 when he was complete with his obligations. In 1969 Joe Perry was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

Born August 9, 1931, in Detroit Michigan, was legendary NFL defensive Tackle Gene Big Daddy Lipscomb. Big Daddy famously terrorized quarterbacks in the National Football League for ten seasons and also participated as a professional wrestler in the off season. His NFL career saw him on the rosters of the Los Angeles Rams, Baltimore Colts, and the Pittsburgh Steelers but his career was tragically shortened by his untimely passing at the age of 31 years old. Lipscomb's final NFL game was after the 1962 season at the Pro Bowl in January 1963, in which he was voted lineman of the game. Gene was a two-time NFL champion with the Colts in 1958 and 1959, a two-time first team All-Pro, and made it to three Pro Bowls. The Professional Football Researchers Association named Lipscomb to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2006.

In 2019, despite currently not being in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he was chosen as a finalist for the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team.

Born May 7, 1933, In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was Quarterback Johnny Unitas. Johnny did not get many offers to attend college and his single mother could not afford to send the younger to school, since his father dies when he was young. Unitas went to a football tryout at Louisville and soon became the starting QB there. He was drafted in the 9th round of the NFL draft in 1955 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who soon cut him as the 4th string QB. After a year of playing sandlot football after working all day the Baltimore Colts signed Unitas to a contract. Unitas went on to set multiple NFL records and was named Most Valuable Player three times in 1959, 1964, and 1967, in addition to receiving 10 Pro Bowl and five first-team All-Pro honors. He helped lead the Colts to four championship titles; three pre-merger era in 1958, 1959, 1968, and one Super Bowl era in Super Bowl V. His first championship victory is regarded as one of the league's greatest games and credited with helping popularize the NFL. Between 1956 and 1960, he set the record for most consecutive games with a touchdown pass at 47, which held for 52 years. Johnny Unitas was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. NFL Jersey 19

Claude Henry K. "Buddy" Young wasn't just a football player; he was a living, breathing, touchdown-scoring metaphor for defying expectations. Standing at just 5'4" and 163 pounds, he was the NFL's shortest running back ever, an underdog who rewrote the rulebook with every electrifying run.

Born in Chicago in 1926, Young was a natural athlete, excelling in both baseball and track. His size, however, made football seem like a distant dream. But that dream shimmered closer when Young's speed on the track, where he even tied the world record for the 60-yard dash, caught the eye of the University of Illinois.

In Champaign, Young transformed from track star to gridiron marvel. Nicknamed the "Bronze Bullet" for his explosive bursts of speed, he averaged nearly 9 yards per carry as a freshman, a record that stood for decades. He led the Illini to a Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl victory in 1946, proving that size didn't define greatness.

After a stint in the Navy, Young embarked on a professional career that defied all odds. Despite being drafted in the Special Draft to avoid competition with taller players, he carved out a nine-year NFL career with the New York Yankees, Dallas Texans, and Baltimore Colts.

Young wasn't just a novelty; he was a weapon. He averaged over 4.5 yards per carry, rushed for over 40 touchdowns, and even returned a kickoff for 104 yards, an NFL record at the time. He could dance through tackles, leave defenders grasping at air, and disappear into the end zone in a blink.

Beyond his on-field exploits, Young was a trailblazer. He was the first African-American athlete on the Baltimore Colts roster, paving the way for future generations of players. His talent and grace challenged stereotypes and shattered prejudices, proving that greatness comes in all packages.

After his playing days ended, Young continued to serve the NFL as a player relations executive, sharing his wisdom and experience with a new generation of athletes. He passed away tragically in a car accident in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of courage, determination, and an undying love for the game.

George Taliaferro wasn't just a football player; he was a symbol. More than statistics and touchdowns, his story is woven into the fabric of American history, where athletic prowess met racial prejudice head-on, paving the way for future generations.

Taliaferro's talent was undeniable. A three-time All-American at Indiana, he showcased versatility as a halfback, quarterback, defensive back, and even kicker. He led the Hoosiers to their only unbeaten season and was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1949. Yet, racism reared its ugly head. He didn't play for the Bears but signed with the Los Angeles Dons in the rival All-America Football Conference.

His professional career was a testament to his unwavering spirit. He played in the NFL for the New York Yanks from 1950 to 1951, the Dallas Texans in 1952, the Baltimore Colts from 1953 to 1954, and Philadelphia Eagles in 1955, earning three Pro Bowl selections. His quickness, elusiveness, and powerful running style captivated audiences, chipping away at the color barrier within the NFL.

Though his statistics, 2,266 rushing yards and 1,300 receiving yards, may not scream Hall of Fame, his impact transcended numbers. Each yard he gained, each tackle he broke, was a victory for equality, opening doors for the likes of Willie Mays and Jim Brown.

Beyond football, Taliaferro was a fierce advocate for civil rights. He challenged segregation in his hometown of Gary, Indiana, and championed educational opportunities for minority students. He understood that his athletic platform could be a powerful tool for change, using his voice to dismantle systemic barriers.

Today, George Taliaferro's legacy is etched not just in football history books, but in the hearts of those who strive for social justice. He wasn't just a talented athlete; he was a pioneer, a trailblazer who used his gridiron gifts to make the world a more equitable place.

Born June 5, 1925, was Art Donovan Jr. who was a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle that played professionally for the Baltimore Colts, New York Yanks and the Dallas Texans during his great career. Donovan started college at the University of Notre Dame but this was cut short due to his enlisted service in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. Art fought in some of the most famous battles of the war including Iwo Jima and Luzon. Donovan is a true hero as he earned multiple citations for his service and bravery and was even inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps Sports Hall of Fame. After the war Art played football for Boston College before he became a pro.

The Indianapolis Colts boast a rich and complex history rooted in triumph and turbulence. Their story begins in 1953, not in Indianapolis, but in Baltimore, Maryland. As the Baltimore Colts, the team experienced early success, winning three NFL Championships (1958, 1959, 1968) and reaching Super Bowl III. Led by legends like Johnny Unitas and Raymond Berry, the Colts were an offensive powerhouse, captivating fans with their exciting brand of football.

However, financial struggles and stadium issues plagued the Baltimore years. In 1984, a controversial move saw the Colts relocate to Indianapolis, leaving behind a devastated fanbase and igniting a fierce rivalry with the newly created Baltimore Ravens.

Fresh beginnings in Indianapolis brought challenges. Early seasons were lean, and the Colts needed help to find their footing. But the arrival of Peyton Manning in 1998 marked a turning point. The "Manning Era" brought unprecedented success. With Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, Edgerrin James, and the steady hand of coach Tony Dungy, the Colts became a force to be reckoned with. They reached the playoffs nine times in Manning's 14 seasons, winning Super Bowl XLI in 2007 with a thrilling victory over the Chicago Bears.

Manning's retirement in 2011 ushered in a period of instability. The Colts cycled through quarterbacks and coaches, searching for the next franchise player. Andrew Luck showed promise, twice leading the team to the playoffs, but injuries forced his early retirement in 2019.

The Colts entered a new chapter with the arrival of quarterback Carson Wentz in 2021. Under the leadership of coach Frank Reich, they reached the playoffs in 2022, showcasing a young and exciting roster.

Through triumph and turmoil, the Indianapolis Colts have remained a resilient force in the NFL. They've captured the hearts of fans with their exciting play and fierce determination.

Johnny Unitas wasn't just a quarterback; he was a revolution. In a time dominated by bruising running backs and conservative play-calling, Unitas emerged as a gunslinger, a magician with a cannon for an arm who redefined the position and ushered in a golden age of NFL passing. This essay explores Unitas' remarkable career, highlighting his rise from obscurity to stardom, his innovative playing style, and his lasting impact on the game of football.

-From Undrafted to Unstoppable (1955-1959)

Born in 1933, Johnny Unitas' path to greatness was anything but conventional. Despite a stellar college career at the University of Louisville, he went undrafted in 1955 due to his perceived size and lack of experience in a pro-style offense. Undeterred, Unitas signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but was released before the season began. He eventually landed with the Baltimore Colts, initially relegated to a backup role. However, fate intervened when the starting quarterback suffered a season-ending injury in the fourth game. Thrust into the spotlight, Unitas seized the opportunity. With his strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and calm demeanor under pressure, he led the Colts on a remarkable winning streak, showcasing a revolutionary passing style that emphasized completing short and intermediate passes for consistent gains.

-The Architect of the Modern Passing Game (1959-1973)

Unitas' arrival coincided with the rise of head coach Weeb Ewbank, who implemented an offensive scheme built around Unitas' strengths. This "West Coast Offense" emphasized short passes, quick throws, and high completion percentages, a stark contrast to the run-heavy strategies prevalent at the time. Unitas thrived in this system, becoming the NFL's first true passing star. He shattered records, revolutionized the quarterback position, and led the Colts to a dominant era. He won three NFL championships (1958, 1959, 1968) and was named league MVP three times (1957, 1959, 1964). His iconic "Colts Prayer" touchdown pass in the 1958 NFL Championship game against the New York Giants is etched in football history as a testament to his clutch play and impact on the game.

-A Legacy of Inspiration and Innovation

Johnny Unitas' legacy extends far beyond statistics and championships. He inspired a generation of young quarterbacks to embrace the passing game. His calm leadership, competitive spirit, and dedication to accuracy transformed the way offenses operated, paving the way for the high-octane passing attacks that dominate the modern NFL. Even today, quarterbacks strive for the "Unitas-like" precision throws that revolutionized the sport.

Johnny Unitas' story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a love for the game. He was the right player at the right time, a gunslinger who dared to challenge the established order and ushered in a new era of football.

Born May 6, 1907, in Richmond, Indiana, was the only coach that won World Championships in both the AFL and the NFL, Weeb Ewbank. Think about that for a second, and couple it with the fact that he accepted his first head coaching job at the age of 47, and what a small window that was to accomplish so much!

Weeb’s 1958 and 1959 Baltimore Colts won the NFL Title in both seasons, and the New York Jets that Ewbank led won Super Bowl III! Ponder that, His Teams won the Greatest Game Ever Played and the Namath’s Promise of the Jets upsetting the Colts! Those two victories each changed the NFL forever and spurned its growth in popularity in amazing ways.

Ewbank's football experience prior to coaching the Baltimore Colts spanned various levels and roles.

-In College Weeb played quarterback at Miami University (Ohio), leading his teams to state championships in basketball, baseball, and football.

-He Coached high school football in Ohio from 1928 to 1943, achieving a winning record.
Military:

- Ewbank served in the Navy during World War II, coaching basketball and assisting with football on the Great Lakes Naval Academy team.

At the Professional Level he gained more skill and acclaim to propel him to the Colts job.

-Assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns under Paul Brown from 1949 to 1953.

-Head coach of Washington University in St. Louis (1947-1948), leading them to a winning record in his first season.

Weeb was best known for using the process of building winning teams patiently around great quarterbacks and Johnny Unitas and Joe Namath thrived in his system. Coach won 130 professional football games walking the sidelines as the head man and his legacy will endure as the Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Weeb Ewbank in 1978.

Raymond Berry, born in 1933, carved a unique path in American football. While his professional playing career wasn't as decorated as some, he left a lasting impact through his contributions as a player, coach, and mentor. This essay explores his college career, professional pursuits, and enduring football legacy.

High School and College Career

Berry's journey began at Paris High School in Texas, where his talent wasn't initially recognized due to a leg length discrepancy. He eventually earned a starting position and honed his skills at Shreiner Junior College before transferring to Southern Methodist University (SMU). At SMU, Berry flourished, becoming team captain and earning All-Southwest Conference honors in 1954. His impressive college career caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his college success, Berry was drafted in the 20th round by the Baltimore Colts in 1954. Playing under Coach Weeb Ewbank, Berry began as a third-string option. However, his dedication, work ethic, and precise route-running gradually earned him a starting spot. In 1958, Berry's career took a significant turn. The arrival of Johnny Unitas at quarterback fostered a partnership that would redefine the game. Berry's ability to exploit gaps in the defense, combined with Unitas's pinpoint passing, revolutionized the offensive scheme and earned the duo the nickname "The Baltimore Colts' Unitas-to-Berry Show."

From 1958 to 1967, the Unitas-Berry connection dominated the NFL. Berry became the league's leading receiver three times, played in six Pro Bowls, and was a crucial contributor to the Colts' victories in the 1958 and 1959 NFL championships. He retired in 1967 as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions (631) and receiving yards (9,275).

While Berry's playing career spanned only 13 seasons, his impact transcended the statistics. He became synonymous with precise route running, demonstrating the power of dedication and tireless practice. His success alongside Unitas redefined offensive strategies, showcasing the potential of the passing game and influencing generations of quarterbacks and receivers.

Football Legacy

Following his playing career, Berry embarked on a successful coaching journey. He served as an assistant coach for several teams before becoming head coach of the New England Patriots in 1984. Despite limited initial success, Berry's leadership and focus on creating a winning culture eventually paid off. He led the Patriots to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1986, laying the foundation for the team's future success.
Raymond Berry's legacy goes beyond statistics and championships. He embodies the spirit of perseverance, demonstrating that hard work and dedication can lead to success, even when faced with challenges. His contributions as a player, coach, and mentor continue to inspire current and future generations of football players and coaches. While Berry's playing career might not stand out as brightly as some, his impact on the game endures, firmly etching his name in the annals of football history.