Football History

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Memories of the past are not always happy occasions. March 28 seems to involve more sadness than happiness in terms of the significant events of the gridiron.

We lost a few legends, and the city lost its franchise and even part of its identity. As often occurs from the ashes, we can remember the good times and the accomplishments of those who are gone and appreciate the contributions to the game.

This day marks special occasions for some of the game's most revered figures. We celebrate the individuals whose talent and dedication have left an indelible mark on the sport. Join us as we reflect on the contributions and milestones that continue to inspire football fans nationwide, keeping the spirit of the game alive.

March 28, 1953 - The Sports world loses one of history’s most outstanding athletes as Jim Thorpe passes away at the age of 65 years old in Lomita, California. Thorpe most famously won Gold in the 1912 Olympic games, but they were stripped of them due to playing a bit of minor league baseball in 1910 ( See our January 26 post).

They posthumously returned the medals to Thorpe’s credit in 1983. (See our January 18 post) But his football prowess is what we most remember this legend for. ( Visit our May 28 blog article on the subject)

The Native American played famously for Pop Warner at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School. When the early NFL formed, Thorpe became the American Professional Football Association’s first president. As we know, the APFA later changed its name to the NFL. As a pro football player, Jim played for the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, and New York Giants.

A proponent of fundamental football, General Robert "Bob" Neyland, the visionary behind the University of Tennessee Volunteers' football dynasty, was laid to rest on March 28, 1962. He emphasized the core tenets of the game, instilling bone-jarring blocking and relentless tackling in his players. While he eventually adopted the two-platoon system three years after its widespread acceptance, Neyland largely adhered to the single-platoon football philosophy he had successfully employed for the two decades preceding World War II.

Born on February 17, 1892, in Greenville, Texas, Neyland pursued engineering studies at Texas A&M for a year before entering the United States Military Academy at West Point. Though he joined the football team only in his junior year, he was an accomplished heavyweight boxing champion and a standout baseball pitcher, amassing 85 victories, including a 20-game winning streak. Upon graduation in 1916, Neyland shared the distinction of being the best athlete in his senior class, receiving a gold saber with Colonel William H. Britton, who later served as a top assistant at Tennessee for many years.

Bob Neyland's tenure as head football coach at the University of Tennessee, spanning three periods (1926-1934, 1936-1940, 1946-1952), was marked by extraordinary success. Over his 21 seasons, he amassed a remarkable record of 173 wins, 31 losses, and 12 ties, achieving an impressive winning percentage of .829.

Under Neyland's leadership, the Volunteers captured four national championships (1938, 1940, 1950, 1951) and seven conference titles (two Southern Conference, five SEC), while also achieving six undefeated seasons. His teams were renowned for their stifling defense, recording an astounding 112 shutouts, including a remarkable stretch in 1939 where they did not concede a single point during the entire regular season.

Characterized by his disciplined approach and strategic brilliance, Neyland's profound impact on college football cemented his status as one of the sport's all-time coaching legends. He was rightfully inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1956

March 28, 1963 – Sonny Werblin leads a group that purchases the AFL's New York Titans from original owner Harry Wismer. Werblin and company promptly changed the team name to the New York Jets on April 15.

Sonny Werblin's tenure as the owner of the New York Jets, from 1963 to 1968, was a transformative and often flamboyant period that fundamentally altered the franchise's trajectory and the landscape of professional football. When Werblin, a powerful and charismatic entertainment executive, took over the struggling American Football League (AFL) team, he brought a vision of big-time entertainment and a willingness to spend lavishly to achieve it.

His most significant and arguably most audacious move was the signing of University of Alabama quarterback Joe Namath in 1965 for a then-unheard-of contract worth over $400,000. This bold stroke instantly injected excitement and controversy into the Jets and the entire AFL, challenging the established dominance of the NFL. Werblin understood the power of star power and marketing, and he cultivated Namath's image as a charismatic rebel, attracting a new generation of fans.

Beyond Namath, Werblin invested in talent, bringing in key players like Don Maynard, George Sauer, and Gerry Philbin. He also hired the astute Weeb Ewbank as head coach, providing the leadership and experience needed to mold the team. Werblin's influence extended beyond personnel; he modernized the team's image, improved facilities, and fostered a winning culture.

Werblin's investment and vision culminated in Super Bowl III in January 1969. Despite being heavy underdogs against the NFL's Baltimore Colts, Namath famously guaranteed victory, and the Jets delivered with a stunning 16-7 upset. This victory was a watershed moment, not only for the Jets, who secured their only Super Bowl title to date but also for the AFL, which proved its legitimacy and paved the way for the eventual merger with the NFL.

While Werblin sold the team in 1968, his impact on the New York Jets and professional football was profound. He demonstrated the potential of aggressive marketing, a star quarterback's power, and the upstart AFL's viability. His tenure is remembered as a bold and successful gamble that forever changed the game.

The franchise would compete in the AFL until the NFL/AFL merger and help put the NFL on notice in Super Bowl III when the Jets defeated the Colts.

March 28, 1984 -  The Colts relocated from Baltimore to Indianapolis in 1984. Reports say that franchise owner Bob Irsay moved the Colts in the middle of the night after renovations were not made to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore as he thought they should be. 

Mr. Irsay became a nemesis of then-city mayor William Donald Schaefer. When he later became Maryland’s governor, he converted the outrage into the political will to build Camden Yards. Irsay acquired the club in 1972, a year after they won Super Bowl V when he traded his rights to the LA Rams to former Colts owner Carroll Rosenbloom.

The Colts had a new stadium in place in the RCA Dome, called initially the Hoosier Dome, which they called home for 24 seasons in Indianapolis before Lucas Oil Stadium was built. Since in Indy, the Colts have made 2 Super Bowl appearances and even won Super Bowl XLI with Tony Dungy as coach and Peyton Manning under center.

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News Break: March 28, 2023 - NFL owners at the annual off season meeting have voted to reinstitute the allowance of players being able to wear number 0 on their game day jerseys. The number 0 and 00 were banned in the early 1970s but with new numbering revisions for player positions in the last few years along with teams retiring numbers, skill players and offensive elegible receivers will be able to don the number 0 once more. It is unclear what the status is for the jersey number 00 at this time.

Some players on social media are already expressing interest in possibly asking for the number.

For some of the Great NFL players that wore the number 0 and 00 in the past visit our Post on the subject.

On Monday, March 28, 1983, Mile High Stadium roared as 38,720 Gold fans witnessed a USFL Monday Night Football victory.

The Denver Gold triumphed over the Oakland Invaders 22-12, fueled by Harry Sydney's impressive 81-yard rushing performance and a touchdown.

The Denver Gold were a USFL franchise from 1983 to 1985, playing at Mile High Stadium. Initially owned by Ron Blanding, the team aimed for fiscal responsibility, contrasting with the league's spending trends. Despite a strong fan base and a playoff appearance in 1985, financial challenges and the USFL's shift to a fall schedule led to a merger with the Jacksonville Bulls after the 1985 season, marking the end of the Denver Gold.

Lawrence Timothy "Buck" Shaw was born on March 28, 1899, in Mitchellville, Iowa. A figure of significant influence in American football, Shaw excelled as a player and achieved considerable success as a coach at both the college and professional levels.  

Shaw started his football journey as one the best players in Notre Dame history and later became the San Francisco 49ers first head coach.

College Career

Shaw's collegiate athletic pursuits began at Creighton University in 1918, where he played one football game before a flu epidemic canceled the remainder of the season. In 1919, he transferred to the University of Notre Dame, initially drawn by their track and field program. However, under the guidance of the legendary Knute Rockne, Shaw became a standout two-way player for the Fighting Irish from 1919 to 1921.

Starting at tackle and also handling placekicking duties, he opened running lanes for the iconic George Gipp. Shaw earned All-American honors as a tackle and was recognized as part of Notre Dame's all-time "Fighting Irish" football team. He also achieved All-American status in track and field for his performance in the shot put at the 1921 NCAA Championships. His kicking accuracy was remarkable, setting a record by converting 38 of 39 extra points, a mark that stood for over five decades.  

Road to the Pro Game

After graduating from Notre Dame, Shaw embarked on a coaching career. He held his first head coaching position at North Carolina State in 1924, followed by four years as a line coach at the University of Nevada. He then joined Santa Clara University as a line coach before taking over as head coach in 1936.

His tenure at Santa Clara was highly successful, marked by an impressive .803 winning record, including consecutive Sugar Bowl victories in 1937 and 1938. During the 1937 season, Buck Shaw's Santa Clara team showcased a formidable defense, conceding a mere nine points across their nine games. Shaw's successful leadership of the Broncos was further emphasized by two significant wins against highly-regarded Louisiana State teams: a 21-14 victory in 1937 and a 6-0 shutout in 1938. Before his impactful time at Santa Clara, Shaw gained head coaching experience at North Carolina State in 1924 and at Nevada from 1925 to 1928.

After a year coaching at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1945, Shaw transitioned to the professional ranks. In 1946, he became the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC). He continued to coach the 49ers through their entry into the NFL in 1950 until 1954. Following a brief return to college coaching at the Air Force Academy (1956-1957), Shaw returned to the NFL in 1958 as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.  

Football Legacy

Buck Shaw's football legacy is defined by his accomplishments as both a player and a coach. As a player, he was a key contributor to Notre Dame's early success under Rockne, earning All-American honors. However, his coaching career was even more impactful. He built a powerhouse program at Santa Clara, achieving national prominence with Sugar Bowl wins. In the professional ranks, Shaw holds the distinction of being the first head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and, more significantly, led the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship, defeating the legendary Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers in what remains the only playoff loss of Lombardi's NFL dynasty. Known as "the Silver Fox," Shaw demonstrated a consistent ability to build winning teams, earning a reputation as a respected and effective leader. His career spanned multiple levels of football, leaving a lasting influence on the sport.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College (Player):

-All-American Tackle (Notre Dame)

-All-American Shot Put (Notre Dame, 1921)

-Part of Notre Dame's All-Time "Fighting Irish" Football Team

College (Coach):

-2x Sugar Bowl Champion (Santa Clara, 1937, 1938)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1972)  

-Santa Clara University Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee (1962)  

Professional (Coach):

-NFL Champion (Philadelphia Eagles, 1960)  

-AP & UPI NFL Coach of the Year (1960)

-San Francisco Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame Inductee (1985)  

-San Jose Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

-Iowa Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Coaching Record:

-College: 72-49-12

Professional (AAFC/NFL): 91-55-5

-Overall: 163-104-17

Buck Shaw won games coaching at many different programs including the Santa Clara Broncos.

Tobin Bo Gunnar Gerhart was born on March 28, 1987, in Norco, California. A powerful and determined running back, Gerhart carved out a notable career in both college and the National Football League (NFL), leaving a lasting mark through his physicality and record-breaking performances, particularly during his time at Stanford University.  

Toby Gerhart rushing vs Redskins (cropped) courtesy of DB King via Wikimedia Commons.

College Career

Gerhart's prowess on the gridiron was evident early in his career at Norco High School, where he set a California state record with an astounding 9,662 career rushing yards. This exceptional high school production garnered significant interest from top collegiate programs, and he ultimately chose to attend Stanford University. Playing for the Cardinal from 2006 to 2009, Gerhart's college career was marked by increasing production and culminated in a spectacular senior season. After a freshman year as a backup and a sophomore season cut short by injury, Gerhart had a breakout year in 2008, setting a then-Stanford single-season rushing record with 1,136 yards and 15 touchdowns. His senior campaign in 2009 was truly exceptional. Gerhart led the nation in rushing yards (1,871), rushing touchdowns (28), total touchdowns (28), and points scored (172). He broke his own single-season rushing record and set numerous Pac-10 and Stanford records, including career touchdowns (44) and single-season rushing touchdowns (28). His remarkable season earned him unanimous All-American honors, the Doak Walker Award as the nation's best running back, and a runner-up finish in the closest Heisman Trophy race in history.  

Road to the Pro Game

Despite also being a talented baseball outfielder at Stanford, Gerhart opted to pursue a career in the NFL. He declared for the 2010 NFL Draft, forgoing his potential additional year of college eligibility. His impressive college resume and physical running style made him an attractive prospect, and he was selected in the second round (51st overall) by the Minnesota Vikings.  

Football Legacy

Toby Gerhart's football legacy is primarily defined by his dominant senior season at Stanford, a year that etched his name into the annals of college football history. His combination of power, vision, and relentless running made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. While his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings (2010-2013) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-2015) saw him primarily in a backup role, he proved to be a reliable and hard-nosed runner when called upon. However, it is his collegiate achievements that stand out. Gerhart's record-breaking performances and numerous individual awards solidified his place as one of the greatest running backs in Stanford's history and a memorable figure in the Pac-10 Conference. His 2009 Heisman Trophy candidacy, though ultimately unsuccessful, remains a testament to his outstanding season and the impact he had on the college football landscape. His recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024 further cements his enduring legacy.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

College:

-Unanimous First-team All-American (2009)  

-Doak Walker Award (2009)  

-Archie Griffin Award (2009)  

-Jim Brown Trophy (2009)  

-Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year (2009)  

-First-team All-Pac-10 (2009)

-Second-team All-Pac-10 (2008)  

-First-team Pac-10 All-Academic Team (2009)

-Second-team Pac-10 All-Academic Team (2008)

-Pac-12 Records: Most rushing touchdowns in a season (28), most total touchdowns in a season (28), most points scored in a season (172) (all in 2009)  

-Stanford Records: Most career touchdowns (44), most career rushing touchdowns (44), most career 100-yard rushing games (20), most single-season rushing yards (1,871), most single-season rushing touchdowns (28), most single-season total touchdowns (28), most single-season points scored (172), most single-season 100-yard rushing games (11), most single-season 200-yard rushing games (3 - tied)  

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)  

Professional:

NFL Career Stats: 397 rushing attempts, 1,675 rushing yards, 4.2 yards per carry, 7 rushing touchdowns; 100 receptions, 809 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns.