A Football History Snapshot
Important events in sport for the 16th of April. See what famous, scandalous and notable sporting events happened on April 16. — www.onthisday.com
Uncover key April 16th moments in American football lore! This date marks impactful events, from the birth of game-changing players to significant league developments and contract milestones. Explore the legacies and pivotal shifts shaping the sport's rich tapestry.
April 16th connects to notable figures like Dick "Night Train" Lane, Steve Emtman, and Jim Ballard, alongside league news like the USFL's return and Russell Wilson's Seahawks extension. This date reflects legendary player origins and transformative moments in professional football history.
In this edition of the Football History Headlines, we discuss a record contract, a 12,000-yard collegiate passing career, a walk-on Hall of Famer, and many more Hall of Fame Legendary stories.
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Who was Dick Night Train Lane and what Did He Accomplish?
In this episode of the Football History Headlines, we discuss a record contract, 12,000 yard collegiate passing career, a walk on Hall of Famer as well as many more Hall of Fame Legendary stories.
We're diving into the archives to revisit the headlines that rocked the NFL landscape. From legendary draft-day decisions that changed franchises to record-breaking performances that left fans in awe, get ready to relive the electrifying moments that shaped the game we love. So, lace up your cleats and join us as we explore the captivating stories from the gridiron's rich past!
We're diving into the archives to revisit the headlines that rocked the NFL landscape. From legendary draft-day decisions that changed franchises to record-breaking performances that left fans in awe, get ready to relive the electrifying moments that shaped the game we love. So, lace up your cleats and join us as we explore the captivating stories from the gridiron's rich past!
USFL Returns
April 16, 2022: The new USFL debuted its inaugural season with a game played in Birmingham, Alabama.
Three additional games were supposed to be played the next day, Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, but severe weather delayed the start, pushing the fourth and final game to Monday, April 18.
All regular-season games were to take place in Birmingham, with the playoffs and the Title game scheduled for Tom Benson Stadium next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The USFL and XFL, two prominent spring football leagues, merged to create the United Football League (UFL). 1 The announcement came on December 31, 2023, with the inaugural season ending on March 30, 2024. This merger combined both leagues' resources and fan bases, aiming to establish a more stable and prosperous spring football entity. The UFL operates with eight teams, four from each former league, competing in separate conferences (USFL and XFL) with a championship game at the end of the season. 2 The merger aimed to avoid direct competition, consolidate talent, and provide a better platform for players aspiring to reach the NFL.
Three additional games were supposed to be played the next day, Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, but severe weather delayed the start, pushing the fourth and final game to Monday, April 18.
All regular-season games were to take place in Birmingham, with the playoffs and the Title game scheduled for Tom Benson Stadium next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The USFL and XFL, two prominent spring football leagues, merged to create the United Football League (UFL). 1 The announcement came on December 31, 2023, with the inaugural season ending on March 30, 2024. This merger combined both leagues' resources and fan bases, aiming to establish a more stable and prosperous spring football entity. The UFL operates with eight teams, four from each former league, competing in separate conferences (USFL and XFL) with a championship game at the end of the season. 2 The merger aimed to avoid direct competition, consolidate talent, and provide a better platform for players aspiring to reach the NFL.
Russell Wilson Inks Record Seahawks' Extension
April 16, 2019 - Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson becomes the highest-paid player in NFL history. According to an April 17, 2019 newspaper article in The Olympian from Olympia, Washington, Wilson signed a 4-year $140m extension including a record $65 Million signing bonus. $107 million of the contract was guaranteed!
The columnist Greg Bell of the newstribune.com wrote that the quarterback’s agent, Mark Rodgers, confirmed the contract’s figures. The amazing thing is that the Seahawks and Wilson’s reps were up into the wee hours of the night working on the deal as it was finalized at 12:44 AM on April 16, 2019, and the team called for a 1:30 PM press conference to announce it formally.
The deal works out to approximately a cool $35 million per year, nearly doubling his previous annual salary of roughly $17 million.
Wilson would be traded to the Denver Broncos before the terms of the deal finished, and later played for the Steelers and New York Giants.
The columnist Greg Bell of the newstribune.com wrote that the quarterback’s agent, Mark Rodgers, confirmed the contract’s figures. The amazing thing is that the Seahawks and Wilson’s reps were up into the wee hours of the night working on the deal as it was finalized at 12:44 AM on April 16, 2019, and the team called for a 1:30 PM press conference to announce it formally.
The deal works out to approximately a cool $35 million per year, nearly doubling his previous annual salary of roughly $17 million.
Wilson would be traded to the Denver Broncos before the terms of the deal finished, and later played for the Steelers and New York Giants.
Dick Night Train Lane NFL Sensation
The official source for NFL news, video highlights, fantasy football, game-day coverage, schedules, stats, scores and more. — www.nfl.com
Number 81, Dick Lane, prowled the defensive backfield for the Detroit Lions in the NFL and was the terror of many quarterbacks.
Richard "Night Train" Lane, a fearsome defensive back with electrifying speed and an even scarier reputation, arrived in Detroit in 1960, forever changing the landscape of the Detroit Lions. Already a decorated veteran with the Rams and Cardinals, Lane's six seasons with the Lions solidified his place as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history.
A Defensive Juggernaut:
Lane's impact was immediate. His aggressive, bump-and-run coverage style, honed over his career, intimidated quarterbacks and disrupted pass plays. He earned Pro Bowl selections every year from 1960 to 1962, proving himself a dominant force. In 1962, despite suffering from appendicitis, he played the Pro Bowl, showcasing his dedication and toughness.
Stealing the Spotlight:
Not only did Lane disrupt passes, he took them away. He led the league in interceptions twice with the Lions, in 1960 and 1962, totaling 21 interceptions in his six seasons. His ability to "rob" receivers and return interceptions for touchdowns electrified crowds and earned him the nickname "Touchdown Lane."
Beyond the Stats:
Lane's influence extended beyond his impressive stats. He brought leadership and swagger to the Lions, mentoring younger players and instilling a win-at-all-costs mentality. His intensity and competitiveness were contagious, pushing the entire team to strive for excellence.
Legacy on the Gridiron:
Lane's impact on the Lions was undeniable. He led the team to three playoff appearances during his tenure, including an NFL Championship game in 1962. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974, a testament to his lasting impact on the game.
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Steve Emtman the Washington Huskies Play Wrecker
April 16, 1970, in Spokane, Washington, marked the birth of Steven "Steve" Emtman, a dominant defensive force who starred for the Washington Huskies before a promising NFL career was cut short by injuries. His intense focus and relentless motor made him a terror for opposing offenses.
-College Career
Steve Emtman's career at the University of Washington from 1989 to 1991 was nothing short of spectacular. After redshirting his freshman year, he quickly became a pivotal player on the defensive line. By his sophomore season, Emtman earned Second-Team All-American honors and was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Pac-10. His junior year was legendary, as he swept the Lombardi and Outland trophies and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. In his final collegiate game, he was named co-MVP of the Rose Bowl, leading the undefeated Huskies to a national championship victory over Michigan. His collegiate stats included 14 sacks and 134 tackles, 36 for loss. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a unanimous All-American.
-Road to the Pro Game
Emtman's dominant college performance made him the coveted first overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Expectations were sky-high for the powerful defensive tackle. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, including a memorable 90-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, his professional career was unfortunately plagued by a series of debilitating injuries, including knee and neck issues, which limited him to just six seasons with the Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins.
-Football Legacy
Despite his injury-shortened NFL career, Steve Emtman's impact on football, particularly at the collegiate level, remains significant. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in Washington Huskies history, anchoring a defense that led them to a national championship. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him virtually unblockable. Emtman's dominant junior season, marked by multiple prestigious awards and a high Heisman finish for a defensive lineman, is still celebrated.
-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Steve Emtman's impressive list of accolades includes being a Second-Team All-American (1990) and a Unanimous All-American (1991). In 1991, he won the Lombardi Award, the Outland Trophy, and was named UPI Lineman of the Year and Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (twice, 1990 & 1991). He finished fourth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting and was named co-MVP of the 1992 Rose Bowl. Emtman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. In his college career, he recorded 14 sacks, 134 tackles, and 36 tackles for loss. In his six NFL seasons, he accumulated 8 sacks, 134 combined tackles, and 1 interception for a touchdown in 50 games. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1992.
-College Career
Steve Emtman's career at the University of Washington from 1989 to 1991 was nothing short of spectacular. After redshirting his freshman year, he quickly became a pivotal player on the defensive line. By his sophomore season, Emtman earned Second-Team All-American honors and was named co-Defensive Player of the Year in the Pac-10. His junior year was legendary, as he swept the Lombardi and Outland trophies and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. In his final collegiate game, he was named co-MVP of the Rose Bowl, leading the undefeated Huskies to a national championship victory over Michigan. His collegiate stats included 14 sacks and 134 tackles, 36 for loss. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a unanimous All-American.
-Road to the Pro Game
Emtman's dominant college performance made him the coveted first overall pick in the 1992 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Expectations were sky-high for the powerful defensive tackle. His rookie season showed flashes of brilliance, including a memorable 90-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, his professional career was unfortunately plagued by a series of debilitating injuries, including knee and neck issues, which limited him to just six seasons with the Colts, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins.
-Football Legacy
Despite his injury-shortened NFL career, Steve Emtman's impact on football, particularly at the collegiate level, remains significant. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in Washington Huskies history, anchoring a defense that led them to a national championship. His rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him virtually unblockable. Emtman's dominant junior season, marked by multiple prestigious awards and a high Heisman finish for a defensive lineman, is still celebrated.
-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Steve Emtman's impressive list of accolades includes being a Second-Team All-American (1990) and a Unanimous All-American (1991). In 1991, he won the Lombardi Award, the Outland Trophy, and was named UPI Lineman of the Year and Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (twice, 1990 & 1991). He finished fourth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting and was named co-MVP of the 1992 Rose Bowl. Emtman was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. In his college career, he recorded 14 sacks, 134 tackles, and 36 tackles for loss. In his six NFL seasons, he accumulated 8 sacks, 134 combined tackles, and 1 interception for a touchdown in 50 games. He was also named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 1992.
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Jim Ballard Quarterback on a Mission to Win
April 16, 1972, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, marked the birth of Jim Ballard, a record-breaking quarterback at the Division III level who went on to a decade-long professional career across multiple leagues.
-College Career
Jim Ballard's collegiate career, spanning from 1990 to 1993, first at Wilmington College and then at Mount Union, was nothing short of phenomenal. Transferring to Mount Union, he shattered numerous Division III records, leading the Purple Raiders to their first-ever national championship in 1993. A two-time First Team All-American in 1992 and 1993, Ballard amassed over 12,000 passing yards and threw for over 150 touchdowns, breaking 17 Division III records along the way. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time recipient of the Mike Gregory Award.
-Road to the Pro Game
Despite his Division III dominance, Ballard embarked on a diverse professional career that lasted ten years. He played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, in NFL Europe where he led the Scottish Claymores to a World Bowl title in 1996 and earned Hall of Fame induction in 2001, and in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He also played in the Arena Football League for the Buffalo Destroyers and Indiana Firebirds, and briefly in the XFL for the Las Vegas Outlaws.
-Football Legacy
Jim Ballard's football legacy is defined by his record-setting achievements in Division III football and his perseverance in pursuing a professional career across various leagues. His leadership at Mount Union culminated in a national championship, and his individual statistics set a high bar for quarterbacks at that level. His successful stint in NFL Europe, including a World Bowl victory, further highlights his capabilities. Ballard's journey showcases a passion for the game that extended beyond the traditional NFL path.
-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Jim Ballard was a two-time First Team All-American (1992, 1993) and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in 1991. He was a two-time recipient of the Mike Gregory Award (top offensive back in the OAC) and won the inaugural Melberger Award and the Gagliardi Trophy as the Division III Player of the Year in 1993. He was also the recipient of the 1993 Joe Fogg Award (top collegiate player in the Midwest). Ballard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Scottish Claymores Hall of Fame in 2001. His college career boasted over 12,000 passing yards and over 150 touchdowns, setting numerous Division III records. In the CFL, he threw for 1,175 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the Arena Football League, he passed for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns.
-College Career
Jim Ballard's collegiate career, spanning from 1990 to 1993, first at Wilmington College and then at Mount Union, was nothing short of phenomenal. Transferring to Mount Union, he shattered numerous Division III records, leading the Purple Raiders to their first-ever national championship in 1993. A two-time First Team All-American in 1992 and 1993, Ballard amassed over 12,000 passing yards and threw for over 150 touchdowns, breaking 17 Division III records along the way. He was a three-time All-Conference selection and a two-time recipient of the Mike Gregory Award.
-Road to the Pro Game
Despite his Division III dominance, Ballard embarked on a diverse professional career that lasted ten years. He played in the NFL for the Cincinnati Bengals, in NFL Europe where he led the Scottish Claymores to a World Bowl title in 1996 and earned Hall of Fame induction in 2001, and in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Toronto Argonauts and Saskatchewan Roughriders. He also played in the Arena Football League for the Buffalo Destroyers and Indiana Firebirds, and briefly in the XFL for the Las Vegas Outlaws.
-Football Legacy
Jim Ballard's football legacy is defined by his record-setting achievements in Division III football and his perseverance in pursuing a professional career across various leagues. His leadership at Mount Union culminated in a national championship, and his individual statistics set a high bar for quarterbacks at that level. His successful stint in NFL Europe, including a World Bowl victory, further highlights his capabilities. Ballard's journey showcases a passion for the game that extended beyond the traditional NFL path.
-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
Jim Ballard was a two-time First Team All-American (1992, 1993) and earned Honorable Mention All-American honors in 1991. He was a two-time recipient of the Mike Gregory Award (top offensive back in the OAC) and won the inaugural Melberger Award and the Gagliardi Trophy as the Division III Player of the Year in 1993. He was also the recipient of the 1993 Joe Fogg Award (top collegiate player in the Midwest). Ballard was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Scottish Claymores Hall of Fame in 2001. His college career boasted over 12,000 passing yards and over 150 touchdowns, setting numerous Division III records. In the CFL, he threw for 1,175 yards and 4 touchdowns. In the Arena Football League, he passed for 344 yards and 3 touchdowns.
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EventDay:April 16, Podcast:Football, football league:USFL, NFL Jersey:Number 81, NCAAF jersey:Number 90, NFL Jersey:Number 79, NFL Jersey:Number 90, NFL Jersey:Number 94, NCAAF Jersey:Number 13, football position:quarterback
