Football History

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March 27 might seem like an ordinary day in respect to American football, but beneath its surface lies a rich football history filled with impactful players who defied expectations and events that will entertain and intrigue, from one of the best centers to have ever played college or pro football to a story of a college program's suspension, NFL record attendance, and even students who wanted to ban football.

This list dives deep into the careers of the greatest NFL stars who donned the gear with distinction. Get ready to discover a diverse group of gridiron greats.

Step onto the hallowed gridiron of history and peer into the annals of March 27th. This seemingly ordinary date on the calendar holds within its twenty-four hours a collection of moments that have subtly, yet significantly, shaped the landscape of American football. Imagine the silent turning points, the nascent beginnings, and the echoes of greatness that have marked this particular day. It's a date where the destinies of future legends may have been unknowingly set in motion, and the trajectories of iconic teams could have subtly shifted.

Consider the possibility of pivotal decisions made behind closed doors, the quiet signings that would later ignite stadiums, or perhaps the very first breaths taken by individuals who would go on to etch their names into the sport's most prestigious halls. March 27th whispers of potential, of the unseen groundwork laid for future triumphs and the quiet arrivals of those destined for gridiron immortality. While the specific plays and victories remain veiled for now, understand that the events tied to this date invariably involve those who dared to dream big and the teams that reached for extraordinary heights.

Join us as we prepare to unveil American football history's hidden tapestry on March 27th. Anticipate stories connected to the game's giants, the architects of dynasties, and the players whose names resonate through the decades. This exploration promises to illuminate the profound yet often overlooked influence this single day has had on the sport we cherish, focusing on the legacies forged by remarkable individuals and celebrated franchises.

1969 - A report that the Student Council at Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, was proposing to abolish the school's football program was laughable, according to then-head football coach Max Kitzelman. " I think it was humorous. Nothing will come of it. I could be surprised.

The proposal proposed redirecting the funds allocated to the Midland gridiron program to other athletic activities. Kitzelman thought this was laughable because the Council did not poll the student body before making the proposal, and the offer was premature.

The root of the issue may have been due to the football team being winless during the 1968 season. Kitzelman pointed to player ineligibility and losing some key players to other sports. Things did not improve in the 1969 season for Coach Kitzelman's team as they finished the year with a 1-7 record, good enough for a 4th place (of 6 teams) finish in the 1969 Nebraska Intercollegiate Athletic Conference football standings. The football program continued in 1970, but Coach K left for the sidelines. Midland was 3-7 in 1970.

Losing isn't fun, even at an NAIA Division II school.

Source - The Midland Atchison, Kansas · Friday, March 28, 1969

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March 27, 1991 - The NCAA banned the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football program from postseason play in 1992. In an article he did for the Chicago Tribune, Ed Sherman tells the tale of the incident quite well.

A former University of Minnesota administrator, Luther Darville, started the practice way back in 1982 of handing out cash to football players. Others in the Minnesota program caught him red-handed in 1988 and stopped the practice with consequences. Therefore, the NCAA felt obligated to do its investigation. In its aftermath, it laid the hammer down on the program in 1991, not allowing the team to participate in a bowl game for the 1991 postseason.

Mr. Sherman brings up some great points about people who committed crimes, both in Darville's handing out the funds and the 1982-era players who accepted them, did not suffer much from the NCAA penalty. But the legacy players and coaches in the Golden Gophers program, almost a decade later, served the penance for what their predecessors did so long ago. D. Alan Williams, chairman of the NCAA's infraction committee in 1991, had a different opinion, according to the article. First, he said, the NCAA isn't penalizing individuals. "The penalties are to the institution. It's always unfortunate, but the committee has what it requires to do before it."

The matter comes down to the fact that there has to be a better punishment for violating institutions; perhaps a more efficient and timely investigation, rather than one three years in length, would be a good place to start.

March 27, 2000 - The NFL officials announced that the 1999 season was the first time paid attendance reached an average of over 65,000 fans per game. It was also the first time in the League's history that paid attendance reached over 20 million for all games in a single season.

The figures showed that the NFL audience was growing, which would lead to more expansion and television revenue.

Born March 27, 1898 - Warren, Ohio - The prolific University of Pittsburgh interior lineman, Herb Stein.

His football career got off to an auspicious start when, as a boy, his strict farming father would not allow him to play ball as he had chores to do. After some conversations and an event where the whole Warren High School football team showed up to the Stein farm to help with tasks so that Herb and his brother Russ could find time to practice and play, the elder Stein allowed football to be played. Herb did so well that Pitt Panthers head coach Pop Warner recruited the youngster.

We have much more on Herb Stein in two of our books found in the Pigskin Dispatch store - When Greasy Met the Wonder Coach and Marooned.

Pitt fans were beside themselves when, in 1916, they lost their All-American center Bob Peck to graduation. The team was confident, though, when Herb volunteered to switch from his fullback position to fill the void at snapper that Peck had left. Stein hardly needed much adjustment to the changes of a new position. Herb established himself as one of the school's greatest two-way players, injecting the squad enthusiasm and prompting one observer to say: "His play was a combination of the blast furnace, the open hearth and the Bessemer converter." Those are some highly complimentary remarks from a person from the Steel City! Stein's play was so good that he became a 1921 All-America selection. Herb Stein was honored to be selected for inclusion into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1967.

Herb Stein went on to play professional football. His career spanned several years in the early days of the National Football League (NFL). Following a decorated collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh, where he was a consensus All-American center in 1920 and 1921, Stein entered the professional ranks.  

His professional debut came in 1921 with the Buffalo All-Americans. The following year, in 1922, he played for the Toledo Maroons. Stein joined the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1924, playing as a center in all 13 games that season.  

A significant part of Stein's pro career was spent with the Pottsville Maroons. He was a member of the 1925 Pottsville team that controversially had its NFL Championship title stripped due to a disputed rules violation. He played for the Maroons from 1925 to 1928, primarily at the center position, and was a consistent presence on their offensive line. Over his six-year NFL career, Stein played in 54 games. While team accolades like the disputed 1925 championship mark his time, he also earned individual recognition, including being named a first-team All-NFL selection by the Canton Daily News and George Halas in 1922.

College Football Hall of Fame inducted interior lineman of the University of Pittsburgh.

Alexander Arrasi Agase was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 27, 1922. His distinguished career encompassed collegiate stardom, professional championships, and leadership as a college head coach, leaving an indelible mark on American football.  

College Career

Agase's collegiate career began at the University of Illinois, where he quickly established himself as a dominant right guard starting in 1941. His exceptional play earned him his first All-American selection in 1942. Notably, in a game against Minnesota that year, Agase became only the second guard in college football history to score two touchdowns in a single game. With the onset of World War II, Agase enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943. During his military training, he played football alongside other military personnel at Purdue University. His outstanding performance there resulted in his second All-American honor in 1943, contributing to Purdue's undefeated season and Big Ten co-championship. After serving in the Pacific theater, including the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart, Agase returned to Illinois for his senior season in 1946. He capped off his remarkable college career by earning his third All-American selection and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten's most valuable player, leading the Fighting Illini to a Rose Bowl victory. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1963.  

Road to the Pro Game

Although drafted by the Green Bay Packers in 1944, Agase's professional debut was delayed by his military service. Upon graduating, he signed with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) in 1947. After a brief stint with the Dons and the Chicago Rockets, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1948. This move proved pivotal, as he became an integral part of a dominant Browns team that won two AAFC championships (1948, 1949) and the NFL Championship in 1950, following the AAFC's merger with the NFL. Agase's contributions as a key member of the offensive line were crucial to the Browns' success during this golden era.  

Football Legacy

Alex Agase's legacy extends far beyond his playing days. His three All-American selections in college underscore his exceptional talent and impact at that level. As a professional, he was a cornerstone of a championship-winning dynasty with the Cleveland Browns, demonstrating his toughness and skill in the trenches. Following his playing career, Agase transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant before taking on head coaching roles at Northwestern University and Purdue University. While his head coaching records were mixed, he notably led Northwestern to a Coach of the Year honor for the Football Writers Association of America in 1970. His career path, from a decorated player to a college coach, highlights his deep commitment to the sport. Agase's induction into the College Football Hall of Fame solidifies his place among the legends of the game.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-3x All-American (1942, 1943, 1946)

-Big Ten MVP (Chicago Tribune Silver Football, 1946)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963)  

Professional:

-2x AAFC Champion (1948, 1949)

-NFL Champion (1950)  

Coaching:

-Football Writers Association of America Coach of the Year (1970)

Born March 27, 1921, in Dallas, Texas, Malcolm Kutner established himself as a dominant force in both college and professional football. His athletic prowess was evident early on, showcasing his talents across multiple sports.  

College Career:

Kutner was a standout end at the University of Texas from 1939 to 1941. At 6'2" and 190 pounds, he possessed an impressive combination of size, agility, and exceptional leaping ability. This made him a formidable target for Longhorn quarterbacks, boasting a significant catch radius. Beyond football, Kutner also excelled in basketball and track, highlighting his overall athleticism. As a junior in 1940, he led the team in receiving with 16 catches for 237 yards, contributing to an 8-2-0 season. His senior year in 1941 saw even greater recognition as he earned All-Southwest Conference and All-America honors, with the Longhorns finishing with an 8-1-1 record.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Kutner's path to professional football was temporarily interrupted by his service in World War II. During his time in the Navy Pre-Flight School, he continued to play football, honing his skills. Following the war, he transitioned seamlessly to the professional ranks, joining the Chicago Cardinals. His talent was immediately apparent, as he earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1946.  

Football Legacy:

Malcolm Kutner left an indelible mark on the sport. His college achievements at Texas established him as one of the program's all-time greats, culminating in his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974. In the professional arena, he quickly became a key player for the Chicago Cardinals. His outstanding performance in 1947 was instrumental in leading the Cardinals to the NFL World Championship. The following year, in 1948, Kutner's exceptional skill and impact on the game were recognized when he was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player. His ability to excel both before and after his military service underscores his dedication and talent.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats:

-All-Southwest Conference: 1941  

-All-America: 1941

-NFL Rookie of the Year: 1946

-NFL World Champion: 1947 (Chicago Cardinals)  

-NFL Most Valuable Player: 1948  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1974  

College Receiving Stats (1940):

16 receptions, 237 yards

Randall Wade Cunningham Sr. was born on March 27, 1963, in Santa Barbara, California. A dynamic and electrifying quarterback, Cunningham left an indelible mark on the NFL with his exceptional athleticism and playmaking ability, primarily during his tenures with the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings.  

College Career

Cunningham attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he showcased his versatility. While primarily known for his quarterbacking prowess later in his career, Cunningham earned national recognition as a punter for the UNLV Rebels. He was a first-team College Football All-America selection as a punter in both 1983 and 1984. His strong leg and overall athletic talent were evident early in his collegiate career, setting the stage for his transition to quarterback at the professional level. In 2016, his achievements at UNLV were recognized with his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.  

Road to the Pro Game

Cunningham's exceptional athleticism and potential as a quarterback led the Philadelphia Eagles to select him in the second round (37th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft. Notably, he was the first quarterback chosen in that draft. Initially serving as a backup to veteran Ron Jaworski, Cunningham provided glimpses of his unique scrambling ability. In 1986, under new head coach Buddy Ryan, Cunningham gradually took over the starting role, despite playing behind a struggling offensive line that subjected him to a then-NFL record 72 sacks. By the 1987 season, Cunningham had firmly established himself as the Eagles' starting quarterback, captivating fans with his exciting dual-threat style of play.  

After 11 seasons in Philadelphia, marked by Pro Bowl selections and highlight-reel plays, Cunningham retired after the 1995 season. However, his passion for the game drew him back, and he joined the Minnesota Vikings in 1997. There, he reunited with former Eagles receiver Cris Carter. In 1998, Cunningham enjoyed a career resurgence, leading the Vikings to a remarkable 15-1 regular-season record. His stellar performance included 34 touchdown passes and a league-leading 106.0 passer rating, making him the first black quarterback to lead the league in that category. The Vikings set an NFL record for most points scored in a season that year, but ultimately fell short in the NFC Championship Game. After a decline in performance and losing his starting job in 1999, he was released. Cunningham spent his final two seasons in backup roles with the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens before retiring for good.  

Football Legacy

Randall Cunningham revolutionized the quarterback position with his exceptional athleticism and improvisational skills. His ability to extend plays with his legs and deliver accurate passes made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and consistently ranked among the league's most exciting players. At the time of his final retirement, Cunningham held the NFL record for quarterback rushing yards. His electrifying playing style inspired a generation of quarterbacks who embraced mobility as a key component of their game. Beyond his on-field achievements, Cunningham became an ordained minister, demonstrating a significant personal transformation. His induction into the College Football Hall of Fame and his place in Eagles' franchise history solidify his lasting legacy as a true NFL icon.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-2x First-team All-American (Punter, 1983, 1984)

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2016)

Professional:

-4x Pro Bowl Selection (1988, 1990, 1992, 1998)  

-NFL Passer Rating Leader (1998)

-Minnesota Vikings Single-Season Record for Passing Touchdowns (34 in 1998)

Career Stats:

2,429 Completions
4,289 Attempts
29,979 Passing Yards
207 Passing Touchdowns
134 Interceptions
4,928 Rushing Yards
775 Rushing Attempts
35 Rushing Touchdowns

Stats courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com
Other info from NFL.com, Pro Football Researchers Association, and Wikipedia