Football History

April 1, 1897, in Silver Creek, New York, marked the birth of Joe "Doc" Alexander, a figure who seamlessly blended athletic prowess with medical dedication. His college career at Syracuse University from 1916 to 1920 cemented his early football legacy. Alexander earned three All-America selections, showcasing his versatility as a guard in 1918-19 and as a center in 1920. Memorable moments include a 75-yard touchdown run against Rutgers in 1918 and a pivotal role in Syracuse's 1919 victory over Pittsburgh, ending the Panthers' four-season winning streak.  

Alexander's football legacy extended into the professional ranks. For seven seasons, he played in the nascent National Football League while pursuing his medical career, ultimately specializing in lung diseases and co-founding an early tuberculosis center in New York, earning him the moniker "Doc." He served as a playing coach for the New York Giants in 1926, leading the team to an 8-4-1 record.  

Doc Alexander's accolades include his three All-America honors.

His significant contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 1954 when the National Football Foundation voters inducted him into the College Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in gridiron history. His unique ability to excel in the demanding worlds of professional football and medicine underscores a remarkable and enduring legacy.  

Born April 1, 1889, in Plattsmouth, Nebraska, John Dalton's football journey began after playing prep school ball in St. Louis and attending Christian Brothers College before his appointment to the United States Naval Academy.

College Career

Dalton became a celebrated halfback for the Naval Academy from 1908 to 1911. His most memorable contributions came in the intense rivalry games against Army. He twice demonstrated his clutch kicking ability by booting game-winning field goals against their arch-rivals. In 1910, his 35-yard kick secured a 3-0 victory, capping off an undefeated season where Navy remarkably held every opponent scoreless. The following year, history repeated itself in Dalton's final collegiate game as he again connected on a 35-yard field goal, leading Navy to another 3-0 triumph over Army. His emotional post-game words, "Boys, this is the proudest moment of my life, because I led a group of fighters to victory," encapsulate his leadership and the significance of these victories.  

Football Legacy

John Dalton's football legacy is firmly rooted in his heroic performances in the Army-Navy games. His two game-winning field goals, particularly the one in the undefeated, unscored-upon 1910 season, cemented his place in Naval Academy football lore. His leadership qualities, evident in his final address to his teammates, further contribute to his revered status.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-Naval Academy Halfback (1908-1911)  

-Twice kicked game-winning field goals against Army (1910, 1911)  

-Contributed to Navy's undefeated and unscored-upon season in 1910.

April 1, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, marked the birth of Carlos Alvarez, a gifted wide receiver who left an indelible mark on the University of Florida football program. At the age of ten, Alvarez and his family fled Fidel Castro's communist regime, finding refuge and opportunity in Miami. His college career with the Florida Gators, spanning from 1969 to 1971, showcased his exceptional talent from the outset.  

Alvarez's debut varsity season hinted at his Hall of Fame potential. His very first collegiate reception against Houston resulted in a breathtaking 70-yard touchdown, setting the tone for a dominant performance that saw him amass 182 receiving yards in Florida's 59-34 victory. The regular-season finale against rival Miami further solidified his burgeoning reputation. In a commanding 35-16 triumph, Alvarez hauled in a school-record 15 receptions for an astounding 237 yards, a benchmark that endures to this day. His sophomore campaign in 1970 proved to be his most spectacular. Alvarez shattered Florida's single-season records with 88 receptions, 1,329 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. This remarkable production made him the youngest player at the time to earn AFCA All-America honors. His numerous All-America selections as a sophomore were unmatched by any player since the legendary Doak Walker in 1947.  

Despite battling knee injuries that hampered him later in his collegiate career, Alvarez's impact remained undeniable. He concluded his time with the Gators holding the program's all-time record for receiving yards with 2,563 and ranking among the top ten with 19 touchdown catches. His consistency was further highlighted by a Florida record of 25 consecutive games with at least one reception.  

While his on-field achievements were significant, Alvarez also excelled academically. He was recognized as a first-team Academic All-American in 1969 and earned second-team Academic All-America honors in both 1970 and 1971, demonstrating his commitment to both his athletic and scholastic pursuits. Although a professional football career isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided information, Alvarez's exceptional college performance and accolades firmly establish his football legacy. His remarkable statistics, record-breaking performances, and national recognition culminated in his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, forever enshrining Carlos Alvarez as one of the University of Florida's all-time greats.