Football History

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Embark on a captivating journey through the annals of American football! Starting April 20th, this series will explore the sport's rich tapestry, from its rugby and soccer origins to its modern-day spectacle. We'll delve into the pivotal moments, legendary figures, and transformative rule changes that have shaped the game. Discover the evolution of college football, the rise of the NFL, and the cultural impact of this beloved sport.

Join us as we celebrate the gridiron's glorious past!

April 20, 1888 - The University of Notre Dame played it second official football game ever at South Bend, Indiana's Green Stocking Ball Park. The Wolverines triumphed 26-6. The two teams would meet again the following day.

Since then much has changed as Notre Dame has one of the richest gridiron traditions at any level.

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It seems odd to the modern football fan, but the rules did not always permit coaching from the sidelines, even by head coaches.

April 20, 1944 - NFL legalizes coaching from the bench. According to an article found in the Mason City, Iowa’s Globe-Gazette on that day by the United Press, NFL Commissioner Elmer Layden announced that the League would adopt a rule similar to professional ice hockey where players could enter the game freely without resorting to an official during periods when play was suspended.

Also, kick-offs that went out of bounds were determined as fouls, and the offending team would receive a five-yard penalty. The coaching rule allowed coaches to openly move around within ten yards of the center of the bench on either side, and it allowed players to come to the bench to talk to the coach during timeouts for instruction.

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April 20, 1945 - Arthur "Mickey" McBride formed the Cleveland Browns organization. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Mickey acquired the franchise in the new All-America Football Conference that would begin play in the 1946 season.

McBride's first act after acquiring the team was to hire a coach and general manager, and he did both by selecting one man,  Paul Brown. Coach Brown was a successful high school, college, and service coach and was the right man for the job.

The Browns dominated the AAFC, winning all four of its championships, and also won the NFL championship shortly after the leagues merged the Browns, Colts, and 49ers into the NFL.

Born April 20, 1925, in Prinzing-By-Cham, Bavaria, was the stout defensive tackle from Boston College, Ernie Stautner was born.

-College Career

Stautner showcased his talent at Boston College, where he played as a defensive tackle. His performance and dedication laid the foundation for his successful professional career.

-Road to the Pro Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers recognized Stautner's potential and selected him with the second overall pick in the 1950 NFL Draft. This high draft position underscored the immense talent and promise he displayed in college.

The Pittsburgh Steelers chose Ernie with the second overall selection in the 1950 NFL Draft, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. Stautner anchored a formidable D-line in the Steel City for 14 seasons. He was chosen as an All-NFL player four times in the back half of the 1950s, winning the honor of best NFL lineman in 1957, and played in nine Pro Bowl games.

-Football Legacy

Ernie Stautner's legacy is etched in the annals of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL. He was the first player to have his number retired by the Steelers. Stautner was known for his toughness, durability, and relentless style of play. He played his entire 14-year NFL career with the Steelers, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1969)

-9x Pro Bowl selection

-All-NFL honors

-NFL 1950s All-Decade Team

-Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

-His number 70 is one of a few numbers retired by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stautner recovered 23 opponents' fumbles and contributed to 3 safeties during his dominant career. Ernie Stautner was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.

The 1996 NFL Draft is considered one of the most talented and impactful in NFL history. It was a draft rich in Hall of Fame talent and produced many players who would become cornerstones of their respective franchises for years to come. Here's a look back at the top ten picks and some of the notable players from that draft.

-The Top Ten Picks[/]b

The 1996 NFL Draft kicked off with the New York Jets selecting wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson from USC with the first overall pick. Johnson was known for his confident persona and playmaking ability.

Here's a quick rundown of the top ten picks:

-1. New York Jets: Keyshawn Johnson, WR, Southern California

-2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kevin Hardy, LB, Illinois

-3. Arizona Cardinals: Simeon Rice, DE, Illinois

-4. Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Ogden, OT, UCLA

-5. New York Giants: Cedric Jones, DE, Oklahoma

-6. St. Louis Rams: Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska

-7. New England Patriots: Terry Glenn, WR, Ohio State

-8. Carolina Panthers: Tim Biakabutuka, RB, Michigan

-9. Oakland Raiders: Rickey Dudley, TE, Ohio State

-10. Cincinnati Bengals: Willie Anderson, OT, Auburn

While many of these players had successful careers, some faced challenges. Lawrence Phillips' career was cut short due to off-field issues, but others, like Willie Anderson and Jonathan Ogden, became stalwarts at their positions.

-[b]Hall of Fame Talent

The 1996 draft is particularly notable for the number of Hall of Fame players it produced. Among them are:

-Jonathan Ogden: Drafted 4th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, Ogden is considered one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history. His exceptional size, athleticism, and technique made him a dominant force for over a decade.

-Marvin Harrison: Selected 19th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Harrison became one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. His connection with Peyton Manning was legendary, resulting in numerous records and a Super Bowl victory.

-Ray Lewis: Picked 26th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis is considered one of the greatest linebackers of all time. His passion, intensity, and leadership were instrumental in the Ravens' success, including two Super Bowl wins.

-Terrell Owens: Selected in the third round (89th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers. Owens was a dynamic and controversial wide receiver known for his incredible talent and flamboyant personality. He ranks among the NFL's all-time leaders in receiving yards and touchdowns.

-Brian Dawkins: Selected in the second round (61st overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles. Dawkins was known for his hard hitting and versatility.

-Other Notable Players

-Beyond the Hall of Famers, the 1996 draft produced a number of other highly successful players, including:

-Eddie George: Drafted 14th overall by the Houston Oilers (later Tennessee Titans), George was a workhorse running back known for his durability and productivity.

-Keyshawn Johnson: A very successful wide receiver in the NFL.

-Willie Anderson: A dominant offensive tackle.

-Muhsin Muhammad: A very productive wide receiver for the Panthers and Bears.

-Amani Toomer: A long time contributor to the New York Giants.

The 1996 NFL Draft stands out as a remarkable class that shaped the landscape of the NFL for many years. Its combination of top-tier talent and Hall of Fame inductees makes it one of the most memorable drafts in league history.

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The 2002 NFL Draft is notable for producing several Super Bowl champions and a few Hall of Fame players, though it wasn't as deep in all-time greats as some other drafts. Here's a look back at the top ten picks and some of the notable players from that draft.

-The Top Ten Picks of the 2002 NFL Draft

The Houston Texans, in their inaugural season, had the first overall pick and selected quarterback David Carr. Carr was expected to be the franchise's cornerstone, but he faced significant challenges due to a weak offensive line.

Here's a quick rundown of the top ten picks:

-1. Houston Texans: David Carr, QB, Fresno State

-2. Carolina Panthers: Julius Peppers, DE, North Carolina

-3. Detroit Lions: Joey Harrington, QB, Oregon

-4. Buffalo Bills: Mike Williams, OT, Texas

-5. San Diego Chargers: Quentin Jammer, CB, Texas

-6. Kansas City Chiefs: Ryan Sims, DT, North Carolina

-7. New York Giants: Jeremy Shockey, TE, Miami (FL)

-8. Arizona Cardinals: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State

-9. Jacksonville Jaguars: John Henderson, DT, Tennessee

-10. Washington Redskins: Patrick Ramsey, QB, Tulane

While some players in this top ten had strong careers, others did not live up to their draft position's expectations. Julius Peppers had an exceptional career, becoming a dominant defensive force.

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Talent

The 2002 draft produced some players who reached the pinnacle of professional football, earning a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

-Ed Reed: Selected 24th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, Reed is widely considered one of the greatest safeties in NFL history. His ball-hawking skills, instincts, and ability to return interceptions were legendary. He was a crucial part of the Ravens' defense, winning a Super Bowl and earning numerous accolades.

-Dwight Freeney: Drafted 11th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Freeney was a dynamic pass rusher known for his signature spin move. He was a key component of the Colts' defense during their successful run in the 2000s, including a Super Bowl victory.

-2002 NFL Draft Other Notable Players

Beyond the Hall of Famers, the 2002 draft included several other players who had successful NFL careers:

-Julius Peppers: As mentioned in the top ten picks, his career warrants more note. Peppers was a dominant defensive end and outside linebacker.

-Jeremy Shockey: Drafted 17th overall, Shockey was a very productive tight end known for his toughness and ability to make plays.

-Josh Reed: While not as high-profile as some others, Reed carved out a very productive career as a reliable receiver for the Buffalo Bills.

-College Football Hall of Fame Players

While this focuses primarily on the NFL, it's worth noting some players from this draft also had outstanding college careers. Both Ed Reed (University of Miami) and Julius Peppers (University of North Carolina) have since been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

The 2002 NFL Draft produced some lasting impacts on the league, particularly in terms of defense. While it might not be considered one of the all-time great drafts in terms of overall depth, it certainly contributed some memorable players and Hall of Famers.

Murray Shelton was born on April 20, 1893, in Dunkirk, New York, and became a celebrated figure in early American football.

-College Career

Shelton's prowess on the gridiron shone brightly during his time at Cornell University from 1913 to 1915. He played as an end and was known for his speed, tackling ability, and knack for making crucial plays. Notably, he teamed up with quarterback Charles Barrett to form a potent passing combination. In 1915, Shelton played a key role in Cornell's undefeated 9-0 season, which was capped by a 10-0 victory over Harvard.

-Football Legacy

Shelton's football legacy is defined by his exceptional skill and achievements during his college career. His contributions to Cornell's success in the 1910s, particularly the undefeated 1915 season, solidified his place among the era's football greats. He was a two-way player, excelling both as a blocker on offense and a tackler on defense. Shelton's impact on Cornell football remains celebrated, with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. After college, in the early 1920s, Shelton played professional football for the Buffalo All-Americans.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1973)

-Walter Camp All-American selection (1915)

Shelton's career stats primarily reflect his contributions at Cornell, where he was a standout end.

Eric Tipton was born on April 20, 1915, in Petersburg, Virginia, and distinguished himself as a remarkable all-around athlete, achieving acclaim in both football and baseball.

-College Career

From 1936 to 1938, Tipton starred as a halfback and punter at Duke University. During his time with the Blue Devils, the team achieved an impressive 25-4 record, securing Southern Conference championships in 1936 and 1938. Tipton's versatility was a key factor in Duke's success. He accumulated 1,633 rushing yards and scored 17 touchdowns throughout his college career. One of his most memorable performances came in a game against Pittsburgh in 1938, where his exceptional punting pinned Pittsburgh deep in their own territory, contributing significantly to Duke's 7-0 victory.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite being drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 13th round of the 1939 NFL draft, Tipton chose to pursue a career in professional baseball. He played outfield in Major League Baseball for the Philadelphia Athletics (1939-1941) and the Cincinnati Reds (1942-1945). Tipton had a productive baseball career, with his best seasons coming in 1943 and 1944 when he hit .288 and .301, respectively.

-Football Legacy

Tipton's football legacy is primarily rooted in his outstanding college career at Duke University. His exceptional skills as a halfback and punter, particularly his punting prowess, helped Duke achieve significant success during his time there. His performance in the 1938 game against Pittsburgh is legendary, showcasing his ability to control the game through punting. Tipton's contributions to Duke football earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1965)

-All-Southern Conference (1938)

-All-America selection (1938)

While his professional sports career was in baseball, his college football statistics include 1,633 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.