Football Daily

Born August 12, 1915 in South River, New Jersey, was two-way Pro Football Hall of Fame Center and Linebacker, Alex Wojciechowicz. Wojciechowicz played college football for the Fordham Rams from 1935 to 1937 and was a member of the line that became known as the Seven Blocks of Granite.

He was selected by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 1938 NFL Draft and played for the Lions from 1938 to 1946. He was selected as a first-team All-NFL player in 1939 and 1944. In 1946, he was released by the Lions and then sold to the Philadelphia Eagles, for whom he played from 1946 to 1950. He won two NFL championships with the Eagles in 1948 and 1949.

They don't make them much better than this football player!

Born December 5, 1957 - White Plains, New York - The University of Syracuse legendary wide receiver Art Monk was born. Monk played at Syracuse from 1976 through 1979 and won the Lambert Trophy for being the top college player in the East according to his bio on footballfoundation.org. His great athleticism earned him First Team All-America honors for the 1979 season. Art Monk entered into the prestigious College Football Hall of Fame in 2012. After he left Syracuse Art was a first round pick by the Washington Redskins in the 1980 NFL Draft. He played 16 seasons in the NFL in Washington as well as with the New York Jets and as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. The Pro Football Hall of Fame states that his career catches were counted at 940 and that he played 183 straight games where he caught at least one pass. Monk was an All-Pro twice and was voted into three Pro Bowls. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Art Monk in 2008.

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Born May 10, 1917, in Montreal, Quebec, was Charlie O'Rourke the Boston College quarterback of 1938 through the season of 1940. The media labeled him “Chuckin” Charlie because with O’Rourke the passing lanes were always open. O'Rourke was one of the most clever tailbacks the game has ever known, bringing a twinkle to the eyes of a young head coach named Frank Leahy, and leading Boston College to a 9-1 record in the 1939 regular season campaign, and the Eagles' first bowl invitation. The FootballFoundation.org shares that Eagles lost to Clemson by the score of 6-3, in that 1940 Cotton Bowl contest, but the wily triple-threat O’Rourke would not be denied applying some damage. It was in Chuckin Charlie’s senior season that he led the Eagles to a 10-0-0 record and inspired the Boston College eleven to a come-from-behind 19-13 victory over powerful Tennessee in the Sugar Bowl. However, O'Rourke's career shining moment probably took place earlier that season. The game was match made in heaven and easily would have been the game of the week if played in the modern era. The Eagles were set to tangle with previously unbeaten Georgetown - a game that Grantland Rice claimed was "the greatest college football game I've ever seen." Boston College was clinging to a 19-16 lead with two minutes remaining when, on fourth down, O'Rourke raced back to his end zone, eluding tacklers for almost a full minute before taking a safety. He then punted BC out of trouble and preserved a 19-18 victory. Risky indeed but talk about adding drama to a game! Charlie earned All-America status in 1940. The National Football Foundation selected Charlie O’Rourke for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1972. After his collegiate playing days were over Charlie had a pro football career with the Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Dons, and Baltimore Colts in 1942 and from 1946-49. He later coached football at the University of Massachusetts 1952-59. Somewhere in that busy schedule he even served as commissioner of the Pop Warner League, a national organization of junior football teams. NCAAF Jersey 13

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.

The Philadelphia Eagles, soaring high with their midnight green wings, haven't always been champions. Their story spans nearly a century, marked by periods of triumph and struggle, all woven into the fabric of Philadelphia's sports history.

Born in 1933 as the Frankford Yellow Jackets, they joined the NFL a year later. Early success came quickly, with a championship victory in 1934. However, relocation and financial woes forced them to merge with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1943, briefly disappearing from the scene.

But the "Eagles spirit" wouldn't stay grounded. A new team, led by legendary owner Leonard Tose, was born in 1946. The early years were characterized by inconsistency, but stars like Chuck Bednarik and Steve Van Buren brought excitement.

The 1960s ushered in a golden era. With coach Vince Lombardi's arrival, discipline and grit transformed the team. Coupled with the talent of Sonny Jurgensen and the "Concrete Jungle" defense, they reached the 1960 NFL Championship game, narrowly losing to the Green Bay Packers.

The 1980s saw "the Run" by Randall Cunningham and the emergence of Reggie White, creating a dynamic offense and a fearsome defense. However, playoff heartbreak became a recurring theme, leaving fans yearning for more.

Enter Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens, who ignited hope in the early 2000s. Led by Andy Reid, the Eagles reached their first Super Bowl in 2004, ultimately falling short. But in 2017, under the unlikely duo of Nick Foles and Doug Pederson, the city finally celebrated as the Eagles soared to Super Bowl victory, defeating the heavily favored New England Patriots.

Recent years have brought new challenges, with the departure of Pederson and Carson Wentz. Yet, the Philadelphia faithful remain passionate, their loyalty unwavering. The Eagles' story continues to be written, with young stars like Jalen Hurts carrying the torch of hope.

Georgia Southern University's Eagles football program boasts a unique tale of rapid rise, national success, and bold transitions. Buckle up for a quick flight through their gridiron odyssey.

Through a rich history of upsets, victories, and thrilling play, the Georgia Southern Eagles continue to soar. Their innovative spirit, loyal fans, and dedication to excellence promise an exciting future in the ever-evolving landscape of college football.

On the following pages, we will cover aspects of the team, which may include the Program's Origin, the Biggest Games in School History, the Program's Top Players, the Most Significant Coaches, the Program's Logo and Mascot History, the team's Helmet Designs Over Time, and so much more.

Move forward into the school's Gridiron history on this page!

Nestled amidst the prestigious academic buildings of Chestnut Hill, Boston College (BC) boasts a rich football tradition that extends beyond its picturesque setting. This isn't your typical powerhouse program, but rather a team steeped in history, fueled by passionate alumni, and known for gritty defense and disciplined play.

Join us as we delve into the world of BC Football. We'll explore the program's rise to national prominence in the early 1940s, led by Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie's electrifying play in the 1980s, and the consistent success under head coach Frank Murray in recent years.

This journey isn't just about wins and losses. We'll uncover the unique culture of BC Football, where academics and athletics find a harmonious balance. We'll meet legendary coaches, from Lou Holtz to Steve Addazio, who instilled a winning mentality and a commitment to excellence.

Whether you're a die-hard Eagle fan or simply a college football enthusiast, this exploration of BC Football promises to be an engaging and informative experience. So, put on your maroon and gold, and get ready to discover the heart and soul of a program that defies expectations and thrives on tradition.

July 25, 1924 - The Frankford Yellow Jackets franchise was established and played in the NFL from 1924 through 1931. And where is Frankford? It is in the northeastern section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The team's origin can be traced back to 1899 as the Frankford Athletic Association.

This early FAA had a membership fee of $10 per person., no small fee at that time when the average U.S. weekly wage was less than $13.00! The proceeds of the membership fee were to go to charity. Local charities such as the Frankford Hospital and the local Boy Scouts were known to receive donations from the Jackets. The Frankford team won the NFL Championship in 1926. But they were also a part of removing a championship from a rival a year earlier in 1925.

The Yellow Jackets protested a nonleague game that the Pottsville Maroons had played in their territory, Philadelphia, against the Notre Dame All-Stars. The League investigated this territorial rights issue, and the Maroons were found guilty of territory infringement; thus, they were suspended, giving the Chicago Cardinals the 1925 title. Unfortunately, in the early 1930s, the Jackets slipped into deep financial woes and were sold in bankruptcy court.

In his February 25, 2021 interview, our friend Upton Bell told us that his parents, Bert Bell and Francis Upton, purchased the struggling franchise and renamed them the Philadelphia Eagles!

Boston College, nestled in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, boasts a rich tradition not just in academics, but also in athletics. While basketball may be the school's most celebrated sport today, football holds a special place in BC's history, with its roots reaching back to the late 19th century.

This article delves into the origin story of Boston College Football, a tale of student initiative, reluctant acceptance, and the gradual rise of a program that would become synonymous with gridiron competition in the Northeast.

A Student Uprising: The Seeds of a Team

The year is 1892. Two Boston College undergraduates, Joseph F. O'Connell and Joseph Drum, fueled by the growing popularity of collegiate football, yearned for their school to join the gridiron fray. Back then, athletics weren't a prominent feature at BC, and the administration, led by President Edward Ignatius Devitt, S.J., was hesitant to embrace the sport.

O'Connell and Drum, however, were undeterred. They rallied fellow students, organized fundraising efforts, and lobbied the administration relentlessly. Finally, their persistence paid off. President Devitt, albeit grudgingly, greenlit the formation of a varsity football team.

A Rough Start and Early Victories

With the go-ahead secured, Drum, an unpaid student manager, assembled the first squad. Their first official game took place on October 26th, 1893, against St. John's Literary Institute of Cambridge. BC emerged victorious with a score of 4-0. However, their first intercollegiate contest, against the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) just two weeks later, ended in a 6-0 defeat.

Despite this initial setback, the program was up and running. Early schedules featured matchups against regional rivals like Harvard, Holy Cross, and Tufts. Victories were hard-earned, but the seeds of a competitive spirit were taking root within the program.

The Early Years: Building a Foundation

The early decades of BC football were marked by inconsistency. The program lacked the dedicated coaching staff and facilities enjoyed by bigger universities. Yet, a dedicated group of student-athletes and a growing fanbase kept the program alive. Notable victories during this period included a win over rival Holy Cross in 1899, breaking their six-game winning streak against BC, and a dominant 34-0 shutout against Brown University in 1902.

July 9, 1933 - The Frankford Yellow Jackets are sold and renamed the Eagles as the franchise is moved to Philadelphia, according to our interview with the legendary Upton Bell on our February 25 bonus podcast in tribute to his father, former NFL Commissioner Bert Bell.

Upton shared that his father and mother, Broadway starlet Francis Upton, walked into a Philadelphia bankruptcy courtroom and walked out owning the Yellow Jackets. Upton told us that since his father lost most of his wealth in the 1929 stock market crash, his new bride provided the funds to purchase the newly named team in the City of Brotherly Love. During a walk shortly there, they passed a sign advertising the purchase of U.S. Liberty Bonds, adorned with America's national bird. Bert Bell then looked at his new bride and said something to the effect, that is it! Our new team will be called the Eagles!

The Bells owned the Eagles until 1940 when the famous "Pennsylvania Polka" occurred. Bert Bell and Steelers owner Art Rooney did a series of transactions where, in the end, Rooney and Bell were co-owners of the Steelers. Alexis Thompson purchased the Eagles.