Football History

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American football history happens everyday, even in what many consider the off-season. April 18 is no exception and it blooms full of rich gridiron history and lore.

Join us on our daily journey back in our pigskin time machine to uncover the daily events that shaped the game.

The 1998 NFL Draft, held on April 18-19, 1998, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was a draft class rich with talent that significantly shaped the league for years to come. The Indianapolis Colts held the first overall pick, a selection that would define their franchise for over a decade. The draft was particularly notable for the highly anticipated decision between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, a debate that dominated pre-draft discussions. Ultimately, the Colts chose Manning, a decision widely regarded as one of the best in NFL history, while Leaf, selected second by the San Diego Chargers, became one of the draft's biggest disappointments.

Beyond the quarterback debate, the 1998 draft yielded several other impactful players across various positions. The Oakland Raiders, at pick number four, selected cornerback Charles Woodson, a Heisman Trophy winner who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. The Minnesota Vikings, later in the first round, picked wide receiver Randy Moss, a player with extraordinary talent who revolutionized the wide receiver position and is also enshrined in Canton. The draft also saw the selection of durable and high-performing players like running back Fred Taylor by the Jacksonville Jaguars and guard Alan Faneca by the Pittsburgh Steelers, both of whom enjoyed long and successful careers.

The depth of the 1998 draft extended beyond the first round, with several players selected in later rounds also achieving significant success and Pro Bowl recognition. This draft class is remembered not only for its top-tier talent but also for the stark contrast in the careers of its top two picks, a storyline that continues to be discussed in NFL circles. The impact of the players chosen in 1998 was felt for many years, with several leading their teams to Super Bowl contention and earning numerous individual accolades.

Top Ten Selections of the 1998 NFL Draft:

-1. Peyton Manning (QB) - Tennessee (Indianapolis Colts)

-2. Ryan Leaf (QB) - Washington State (San Diego Chargers)

-3. Andre Wadsworth (DE) - Florida State (Arizona Cardinals)

-4. Charles Woodson (CB) - Michigan (Oakland Raiders)

-5. Curtis Enis (RB) - Penn State (Chicago Bears)

-6. Grant Wistrom (DE) - Nebraska (St. Louis Rams)

-7. Kyle Turley (OT) - San Diego State (New Orleans Saints)

-8. Greg Ellis (DE) - North Carolina (Dallas Cowboys)

-9. Fred Taylor (RB) - Florida (Jacksonville Jaguars)

-10. Duane Starks (CB) - Miami (FL) (Baltimore Ravens)


-Pro Football Hall of Fame Players Drafted in 1998:

-Peyton Manning (Round 1, Pick 1 - Indianapolis Colts)

-Charles Woodson (Round 1, Pick 4 - Oakland Raiders)

-Randy Moss (Round 1, Pick 21 - Minnesota Vikings)

-Alan Faneca (Round 1, Pick 26 - Pittsburgh Steelers)


-College Football Hall of Fame Players Drafted in 1998:

-Peyton Manning (Round 1, Pick 1 - Indianapolis Colts)

-Charles Woodson (Round 1, Pick 4 - Oakland Raiders)

-Randy Moss (Round 1, Pick 21 - Minnesota Vikings)


-Other Notable Players from 1999 NFL Draft

-Kyle Turley (Round 1, Pick 7 - New Orleans Saints)

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On April 18, 1995, the football world paused as Joe Montana, widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, announced his retirement. In a poignant, nationally televised event surrounded by his iconic teammates like Bill Walsh, Ronnie Lott, Dwight Clark, and Roger Craig, alongside executives from both the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs, "Joe Cool" officially hung up his cleats. While his name is synonymous with the 49ers' dynasty, capturing four Super Bowl titles and etching his name in San Francisco lore, Montana's final two seasons were spent leading the Kansas City Chiefs after a significant 1993 trade that saw the Chiefs acquire him for a first-round pick.

The retirement ceremony was a testament to Montana's profound impact. Even his successor in San Francisco, Steve Young, lauded him as "the greatest I've ever seen," echoing the sentiments of countless fans and fellow players. Montana's remarkable career statistics – 40,551 passing yards and 273 touchdowns – only partially tell the story of his legendary status. It was his uncanny ability to perform under pressure, his clutch performances in Super Bowls, and his leadership that solidified his place as a true icon. For those wanting to revisit the news coverage of this momentous occasion and other pivotal moments in sports history, resources like Newspapers.com offer an extensive archive of newspapers, including the Arizona Daily Sun and the Kansas City Star, providing a rich historical perspective. Montana's retirement marked the end of an era, but his legacy as a quarterbacking standard-bearer continues to resonate throughout the NFL.

On April 18, 1990, Birmingham, Alabama, was granted a charter franchise in the newly formed World League of American Football (WLAF), christened the Birmingham Fire. This marked a significant moment, bringing springtime professional football to a city with a history of supporting alternative leagues. The Fire became one of the ten inaugural teams, signaling the NFL's ambition to cultivate a developmental league with international appeal.

The Birmingham Fire quickly established itself as a competitive team within the WLAF. Under the leadership of head coach Chan Gailey, the Fire reached the playoffs in both of its seasons, 1991 and 1992. Playing their home games at Legion Field, the team garnered a dedicated local fanbase, with initial enthusiasm drawing impressive crowds. While the WLAF ultimately folded in September 1992, the Birmingham Fire left a memorable mark on the city's sporting landscape and provided a platform for players and coaches who would later make their mark in the NFL.

Born on April 18, 1973, in Pensacola, Florida, Derrick Brooks became a transformative figure in football, starting with his illustrious college career at Florida State University. A four-year starter under legendary coach Bobby Bowden, the linebacker was instrumental in the Seminoles' dominant run, culminating in their first-ever National Championship in 1993.

-College Career

Brooks earned unanimous First Team All-American honors in both 1993 and 1994, leading Florida State to four consecutive bowl victories. He was a finalist for the Butkus, Lombardi, and FWAA Defensive Player of the Year awards in those same seasons, showcasing his exceptional talent and impact on the college game. Brooks concluded his time in Tallahassee with 274 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and five interceptions, also earning MVP honors at the Senior Bowl. His #10 jersey is retired by the Seminoles, and he proudly belongs to both their Hall of Fame and the CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame. The College Football Hall of Fame welcomed him in 2016, solidifying his collegiate legacy.  

- Rise to the NFL

Brooks' exceptional college performance paved the way for a remarkable professional career. Selected 28th overall in the 1995 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he spent his entire 14-year tenure with the franchise. Known for his intelligence, speed, and relentless pursuit of the ball, Brooks redefined the linebacker position. His durability was legendary, as he never missed a single game in his professional career.  

Derrick Brooks' football legacy is defined by his consistent excellence, leadership, and impact on both the college and professional levels. He was the defensive anchor of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that triumphed in Super Bowl XXXVII in 2003. Beyond his on-field achievements, Brooks was a respected leader and a significant figure in the Tampa Bay community, earning the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2000. His dedication to the game and his community work have left an indelible mark. His #55 jersey is retired by the Buccaneers, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, further cementing his status as one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

College:

-Two-time Unanimous First Team All-American (1993, 1994)  

-ACC Defensive Player of the Year (1993)

-Three-time First Team All-ACC (1992-1994)  

-Finalist for Butkus Award (1993, 1994)  

-Finalist for Rotary Lombardi Award (1993, 1994)  

-Finalist for FWAA Defensive Player of the Year (1993, 1994)  

-Senior Bowl MVP

-NFF National Scholar-Athlete (1994)  

-Two-time Academic All-American  

-Three-time Academic All-ACC

-NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship recipient

-Florida State University #10 Jersey Retired

-Florida State University Hall of Fame

-CoSIDA Academic All-America Hall of Fame

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Professional:

-Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII)

-NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2002)

-Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2000)

-Five-time First-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2005)

-Four-time Second-team All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2001, 2003)  

-Eleven-time Pro Bowl Selection (1997-2006, 2008)  

-NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

-NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers #55 Jersey Retired

-Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)


-Career Stats (NFL):

-224 Games Played (221 Starts)  

-1,713 Total Tackles

-13.5 Sacks

-25 Interceptions

-7 Defensive Touchdowns (Tied for most by a linebacker in NFL history)

-24 Forced Fumbles

-4 Fumble Recoveries

-84 Passes Defended

Sources Pro-Football-Reference, NFF.org

Born on April 18, 1970, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Willie Roaf established himself as a dominant offensive tackle during his college career at Louisiana Tech from 1989 to 1992.

-College Career

He was a four-year letterman and became the Bulldogs' first consensus All-American offensive lineman since 1946, earning the honor in 1992. Known for his exceptional blocking ability and surprising speed for his size, Roaf was a finalist for the Outland Trophy in his senior year. He was instrumental in the Louisiana Tech running game, creating opportunities for top rushers and playing a key role in the longest rushing play in school history. His outstanding collegiate career earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.  

-Rise to the NFL

Roaf's dominance in college led to him being the eighth overall pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. This marked the beginning of a highly decorated 13-year professional career. He spent his first nine seasons with the Saints, where he quickly became a cornerstone of their offensive line, earning seven consecutive Pro Bowl selections. In 2002, he was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he continued his stellar play for four more seasons, adding another four Pro Bowl nods to his resume. Roaf's consistent excellence earned him PFWA All-Rookie Team honors in 1993 and multiple All-Pro selections throughout his career.  

-Football Legacy

Willie Roaf's football legacy is that of an elite offensive tackle who excelled at both the collegiate and professional levels. His consistent dominance earned him recognition as one of the best to ever play his position. An 11-time Pro Bowler and a nine-time All-Pro selection, Roaf was named to both the NFL 1990s and 2000s All-Decade Teams, a testament to his sustained excellence. He was the first offensive lineman in Saints history to be selected to multiple Pro Bowls. His impact on the game is further cemented by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame and Ring of Honor, the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the Louisiana Tech Athletic Hall of Fame.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

College:

-Consensus All-American (1992)

-First Team All-South Independent (1991, 1992)  

-Finalist for Outland Trophy (1992)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2014)

Professional:

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2012)  

-11-time Pro Bowl Selection (1994-2000, 2002-2005)  

-4-time First-team All-Pro (1994, 1995, 2003, 2004)  

-5-time Second-team All-Pro (1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2005)  

-NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

-NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

-PFWA All-Rookie Team (1993)  

-New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame

-New Orleans Saints Ring of Honor  


-Career Stats (NFL):

-189 Games Played (189 Starts)  

-4 Fumble Recoveries

The life and football career of College Football Hall of Fame star, Harley Sewell. Born April 18, 1931, Jefferson County, Oklahoma, was the University of Texas two-way player at guard and linebacker Harley Sewell.

Sewell was indeed a versatile player that the Longhorn’s used to gain advantages over opponents. One such instance of note, according to FootballFoundation.org, was the 1952 Cotton Bowl, where Texas blanked the Vols of Tennessee 16-0.

Sewell was named Defensive Most Valuable Player as he led a defense that held Tennessee to six first downs with negative 14 yards rushing. The National Football Foundation selected Harley Sewell for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Harley went on to play in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and the LA Rams.