Football History

Born April 2, 1871, in Clifton, New Jersey, Marshall Newell established a remarkable football legacy despite his modest stature. His college career at Harvard University from 1890 to 1893 saw him become a dominant force as a tackle.

Newell earned the endearing nickname "Ma" from his teammates due to his compassionate nature and willingness to mentor younger players. However, on the field, he transformed into a fierce competitor renowned for his exceptional leg strength, relentless drive, and an iron grip that few runners could escape.  

Newell's football legacy is cemented by his unprecedented achievement of being selected as an All-American for four consecutive years. This remarkable consistency speaks volumes about his skill and impact on the game. Despite standing only 5'7" and weighing 168 pounds, his unwavering passion and physical prowess allowed him to consistently outperform larger opponents. His selection into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1957 by the National Football Foundation stands as a testament to his enduring contributions to the sport.

While specific career statistics are less readily available from that era, his four-time All-American status remains a significant accolade, highlighting his position as one of the premier players of his time. Newell's story exemplifies how determination and skill can overcome perceived physical limitations, leaving an indelible mark on college football history. He did not play on any professional teams as the professional game was in its infancy during his playing years.

Forget your modern-day gridiron giants. Brace yourself for a tale spun from sepia-toned leather helmets and mud-caked cleats. This is the story of Harold Weekes, the "Hurdler," a Columbia Lions legend who redefined football in the early 1900s.

We're talking about a time when offense meant brute force and passes were a whispered heresy. But Weekes, a halfback with the speed of a cheetah and the courage of a lion (fitting, eh?), saw a different future. He envisioned the air alive with pigskin, defenses scrambling in futility.

And boy, did he defy it! Picture this: Weekes, perched atop the shoulders of teammates, hurdling over bewildered tacklers like a human cannonball. The "Flying Hurdle," they called it, a death-defying dance that left opponents awestruck and crowds roaring.

He wasn't just a daredevil; he was a triple-threat maestro. Weekes threw lasers, juked like a Houdini, and ran with the wind at his heels. He led Columbia to three championships, earned three All-American honors, and became the first-ever Lion inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Born April 2, 1920, was Green Bay Packers legendary Quarterback Arnie Herber. Arnie Herber was an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, primarily with the Green Bay Packers from 1930 to 1940. Herber led the Packers to four NFL championships and was named the NFL MVP in 1933. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Herber was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and attended Green Bay West High School, where he was a star quarterback and punter. After high school, Herber attended Regis College in Denver, Colorado. He played football for Regis for one season before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Arnie played two seasons of college football at Wisconsin. He was the starting quarterback for both seasons and led the Badgers to a 10-2 record in 1930. Herber was named the All-Big Ten Conference quarterback in 1930.

After college, Herber was signed by hometown Green Bay Packers. He was the Packers' starting quarterback for 11 seasons, from 1930 to 1940. Herber led the Packers to four NFL championships in 1930, 1931, 1936, and 1939. He was named the NFL MVP in 1933.

Herber was a pioneer of the passing game in the NFL. He was one of the first quarterbacks to use the forward pass effectively, and he was a master of the long pass. Herber was also a very accurate passer, and he was known for his ability to hit receivers in stride. Herber was a prolific passer for his era. He led the NFL in passing yards in 1932, 1933, and 1936. He was also a good runner, and he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1934.

Born April 2, 1917, in Detroit, Michigan, Hugh "Duke" Gallarneau forged a notable football legacy that spanned college dominance and a professional career, interrupted by distinguished military service.

This fantastic player played in an NFL Championship game all five seasons he played in the NFL.

Despite being a well-rounded athlete, Gallarneau did not play organized football until he enrolled at Stanford University (1938-1940). His initial seasons with the Cardinal coincided with challenging times for the program. However, the arrival of head coach Clark Shaughnessy in 1940 marked a turning point. Shaughnessy introduced the potent T-formation offense, which ideally suited Gallarneau's talents. As co-captain, Gallarneau spearheaded Stanford's remarkable undefeated 10-0 season in 1940. His exceptional play as a halfback earned him All-American honors. It culminated in a decisive Rose Bowl victory over Nebraska, where he scored two touchdowns, showcasing his versatility with both a rushing and a receiving score.  

Gallarneau's stellar collegiate performance naturally led him to the professional ranks. He joined the legendary Chicago Bears in 1941, contributing to their success in the early 1940s. However, his burgeoning pro career was put on hold by the outbreak of World War II. Demonstrating his commitment and leadership, Gallarneau enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His bravery and dedication saw him rise to the rank of major and participate in an astounding seven island invasions in the Pacific theater. Following the war, Gallarneau returned to the Chicago Bears, playing from 1945 to 1947, further solidifying his reputation as a talented and resilient player.  

Hugh Gallarneau's football legacy is defined by his pivotal role in Stanford's transformative 1940 season and his successful professional career with the Bears, bookending his courageous service in World War II. His versatility as a halfback, capable of running and receiving effectively, made him a key offensive weapon. While detailed career statistics from his era are less comprehensive, his All-American selection in 1940 stands as a significant accolade, recognizing him as one of the nation's top collegiate players. His contributions to Stanford's Rose Bowl victory further underscore his impact. The National Football Foundation fittingly honored Hugh Gallarneau with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1982, recognizing his exceptional collegiate career and enduring impact on the sport. His story is a testament to athletic excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his sport and country.

April 2, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, marked the birth of Ron Pritchard, a versatile and impactful player who starred for the Arizona State Sun Devils. While the provided information identifies him as a running back, Pritchard's college career showcased a broader range of talents, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

While at Arizona State, Pritchard distinguished himself as a key contributor. Notably, in the 1968 season, he demonstrated exceptional athleticism and football acumen by leading the Sun Devils in tackles and interceptions. This remarkable feat from a player often associated with the offensive backfield highlights his adaptability and impact across multiple facets of the game. His outstanding performance that year earned him the team's Most Valuable Player award, a testament to his overall contribution and leadership on the field. Pritchard's prowess and consistent high level of play made him a standout figure in the Arizona State program during his collegiate years.  

Pritchard's exceptional college career naturally paved the way for his entry into the professional ranks. His versatility and demonstrated ability to make plays on both sides of the ball made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams. In the 1969 NFL Draft, the Houston Oilers recognized his talent and potential, selecting him as the 15th overall pick. This high draft selection underscored the significant impression he had made during his time with the Sun Devils. Pritchard embarked on a nine-year professional career, spending time with the Houston Oilers and the Cincinnati Bengals. His longevity in the league speaks to his skill and dedication. Unfortunately, his professional career was ultimately cut short by a knee injury, preventing him from potentially achieving even greater heights in the NFL.  

Ron Pritchard's football legacy is defined by his exceptional versatility and impact at the collegiate level. His ability to lead his team in tackles and interceptions in a single season is a rare achievement that underscores his athletic prowess and football intelligence. This unique combination of skills and his MVP award solidified his place as a memorable figure in Arizona State football history. His successful transition to the NFL, evidenced by his high draft selection and nine-year career, further attests to his talent. The ultimate recognition of his contributions came in 2003 when the National Football Foundation elected Ron Pritchard for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, ensuring his lasting place among the sport's legends.

His career is a testament to his adaptability, athletic ability, and significant impact on the college and professional games.

April 2, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, marked the arrival of Don McPherson, a celebrated quarterback whose collegiate career at Syracuse University etched his name into football lore. McPherson's time with the Orange was nothing short of spectacular, culminating in a senior season in 1987 that saw him amass an astounding collection of accolades.  

McPherson's college career was marked by exceptional leadership and on-field performance. His command of the offense and ability to make crucial plays earned him widespread recognition. In his remarkable 1987 season, he captured over 18 national Player of the Year awards, a testament to his dominance. Among these prestigious honors were the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award, recognizing the nation's top quarterback, the Maxwell Player of the Year award, honoring the best all-around player in college football, and the inaugural Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, celebrating the nation's premier senior quarterback. His stellar play also earned him unanimous First Team All-America honors, solidifying his status as the consensus best at his position. The pinnacle of individual recognition came when he finished second in the highly coveted 1987 Heisman Trophy balloting, narrowly missing the sport's most prestigious individual award.  

Following his decorated collegiate career, McPherson embarked on a professional football journey. He was selected in the sixth round of the 1988 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent four seasons in the National Football League, also playing for the Houston Oilers. Subsequently, he ventured into the Canadian Football League for three seasons, playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Ottawa Rough Riders. While his professional career was respectable, it was his achievements at Syracuse that truly defined his football legacy.  

Don McPherson's football legacy is firmly rooted in his exceptional accomplishments at Syracuse. His record-breaking senior season and numerous national awards established him as one of the most outstanding quarterbacks in college football history.

His impact extended beyond his playing days. McPherson founded the Sports Leadership Institute at Adelphi University, aiming to develop leadership qualities in athletes. Furthermore, he created the prestigious John Mackey Award, which annually recognizes college football’s most outstanding tight end, ensuring his continued influence on the sport. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 stands as the ultimate recognition of his remarkable collegiate career and lasting impact on American football. Beyond the gridiron, McPherson has become a respected social activist and commentator, further demonstrating his leadership and commitment to making a difference.