winklogo200.png

Pete Dawkins Army

College HOF | Pete Dawkins Army

The 1922 Rose Bowl
Celebrate 2 of the top Gridiron Coaches in history in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach

Greatest Pro Team
Who was the MOST DOMINANT team in Pro Football History? We have the answer in the latest Pigskin Dispatch book

The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team

FREE Daily Sports History
You are only seconds away from receiving the Pigpen's Newsletter everyday filled with new items

SUBSCRIBE BY CLICKING _________________________  

Dive into the gridiron greats with this collection of articles exploring the lives and legacies of American college football Hall of Fame players. Each piece delves into the on-field heroics that secured their place in history, from jaw-dropping touchdowns to strategic brilliance. But these articles go beyond the stats, uncovering the personal stories that shaped these legends. You'll discover their journeys from high school prospects to national stars, the challenges they overcame, and the impact they left on the game they loved. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply appreciate sporting excellence, this collection offers a captivating look at the men who forever changed the landscape of college football.

The College Football Hall of Fame is a hall of fame and interactive attraction devoted to college football. The National Football Foundation members select historic players, coaches, and contributors who rose above their peers in collegiate gridiron history to their College Football Hall of Fame. We are happy to help this legendary museum celebrate the stars and innivators of the gridiron with these individual tributes.


Pete Dawkins Army's Heisman Winning Rhodes Scholar

Dawkins was Army's outstanding halfback from 1956 through 1958. Pete was accomplished, as he won the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Trophy, was a Unanimous All-America, and was a Rhodes Scholar!

-College Career

Dawkins's collegiate football career at West Point was nothing short of extraordinary. Overcoming a childhood bout with polio, he became a standout halfback for the Army Black Knights. Under coach Earl Blaik, Dawkins rose from fourth-string quarterback to a dominant force on the field. His junior and senior seasons were marked by exceptional performance, culminating in a legendary 1958 campaign. That year, he earned the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, and unanimous All-America honors. Notably, he also served as First Captain, president of his class, and football team captain, while achieving "Star Man" status, placing him in the top five percent of his class academically—a feat unmatched in West Point history. He scored 12 touchdowns in 1958, and excelled as a runner and punt returner. He also played hockey at West Point.  

-Road to the Pro Game

While drafted, Dawkins's commitment to military service took precedence over a professional football career. After graduating from West Point, he continued his academic pursuits, earning degrees from Oxford and Princeton, and served his country in Vietnam.  

-Football Legacy

Pete Dawkins's football legacy is inextricably linked to his exceptional achievements at West Point. He embodied the ideals of leadership, discipline, and excellence, both on and off the field. His 1958 season stands as a testament to his remarkable talent and dedication. His story extends beyond football, encompassing academic brilliance and distinguished military service. He is also credited with popularizing the overarm throw in rugby union lineouts at Oxford.  

-Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Heisman Trophy (1958)  

-Maxwell Award (1958)  

-Unanimous All-American (1958)  

-First Captain, USMA

-Rhodes Scholar  

-College Football Hall of Fame inductee (1975)  

-12 touchdowns in 1958.  

Pete Dawkins's life represents remarkable achievements, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence in multiple spheres.

Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle fun

The Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search

Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website. _________________________
We have placed some product links on this page. If you purchase by clicking on them, we will get a commission to use to help with operating costs.

Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there! Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch _________________________

Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN. _________________________

Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch. _________________________

Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry. _________________________