Football History

In what could be a gridiron paradise of events, March 29 holds the key to some significant American football history. In this episode of Football History Headlines, we discuss Tyler Rose, the Browns' name change, the story of one of the famed Four Horsemen, one of the top defensive backs and return men to have ever suited up, Emlen Tunnell, and many more Hall of Fame Legendary stories.

March 29th holds a unique place in the annals of American football history. While the traditional season is months away, this late-winter date has witnessed pivotal moments shaping the sport we know today. From foundational decisions impacting beloved franchises to the arrival of future legends, the energy of football's past resonates even in the off-season.

Across the decades, March 29th has marked significant organizational shifts and the welcoming of individuals who would leave an indelible mark on the game. These are stories of teams taking bold new paths, forever altering their destinies and the league landscape. Additionally, this date has seen the birth of men whose exceptional talent and dedication would ultimately earn them football's highest honor, their legacies enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

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On March 29, 1977, the NFL adopted the 16-game regular season and four-game preseason schedule that began in the 1978 season.

Before this decision, the NFL had worked on a 14-game schedule since 1961, which it retained until switching to a 16-game schedule in 1978.

The NFL regular season schedule has expanded from 12 games to 14, then 16, and a new CBA passed in 2020 voted to adopt a 17-game regular season. Eighteen games have been proposed in recent years so the slate could expand again soon. During the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, Commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned that the league believes an 18-game regular season "might be possible." However, NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. reiterated shortly afterward that any changes to the schedule must be negotiated through the Collective Bargaining Agreement and that there have been no formal discussions on the topic.

The number of games is a concern for the players and the NFLPA due to health issues.

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March 29, 1994 - Coach Jimmy Johnson resigns as head Coach of the  Dallas Cowboys. Johnson left the Cowboys because of a feud with owner Jerry Jones. Johnson coached five seasons in Dallas, made the playoffs in his last three seasons, and walked away from the Cowboys after winning back-to-back Super Bowls of Super Bowl XXVII and Super Bowl XXVIII.

Johnson at first signed on to work on Fox Network's pregame show. He took a hiatus from the talking head position to jump back into NFL coaching with the Dolphins.

Johnson, after a two-year hiatus, was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins from 1996 to 1999. He later returned to be a pre- and post-game commentator on the network's coverage of NFL Football a post he held through the 2024 season.

Johnson would later say he was no longer having fun, as the grounds for leaving for "greener pastures."

What were the primary reasons for Jimmy Johnson leaving the Dallas Cowboys? In his own words, "I wasn't having fun..."

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March 29, 1996, marked the official naming ceremony for Baltimore's new NFL team, directly resulting from Art Modell's controversial decision to relocate his Cleveland Browns. Amidst a flurry of legal battles and heartbroken fans in Cleveland, Modell stood with Baltimore officials, unveiling the team's moniker: the Ravens.

This move announced months earlier, had sent shockwaves through the football world. Citing financial difficulties and Cleveland Stadium's inadequacy, Modell secured a lucrative deal to bring NFL football back to Baltimore, a city still smarting from the Colts' departure years earlier.

The naming ceremony was a symbolic step in this contentious transition. While Cleveland fought to retain the Browns' legacy – their name, colors, and history – Modell's organization was forging a new identity in Baltimore. The "Ravens," a nod to Edgar Allan Poe's famous poem and the city's literary history, represented a fresh start, albeit one steeped in the bitter circumstances of a beloved team's relocation. The day underscored the complex intersection of sports, business, and civic identity, leaving a lasting scar on Cleveland's passionate fanbase while ushering in a new era for Baltimore football.

Don Miller, often overshadowed by his flashier teammates in Notre Dame's legendary "Four Horsemen" backfield, was nonetheless a crucial figure in the team's dominance during the early 1920s. This essay explores Miller's impactful career, examining his role within the backfield, his exceptional running style, and his lasting influence on Notre Dame football history.

Here, we delve into the career of Don Miller, a force of nature on the field and a crucial component of the Fighting Irish's historic dominance in the early 1920s. Get ready to discover the power, efficiency, and unwavering dedication that made Don Miller a true legend in his own right.

-A Force of Nature: Power and Efficiency on the Gridiron (Early 1900s-1924)

Born in 1902, Don Miller arrived at Notre Dame with a reputation for raw athletic talent. While not possessing the flair of teammates like Jim Crowley, Harry Stuhldreher, or Elmer Layden, Miller brought a different kind of magic to the field. He was a powerful and efficient runner, a relentless force who could consistently churn out yards and wear down defenses. Coach Knute Rockne, recognizing Miller's unique skillset, slotted him into the "Four Horsemen" backfield alongside Crowley, Hutson, and Elmer Layden.

-The Heart of the Machine: Miller's Crucial Contribution (1922-1924)

Miller's impact on the "Four Horsemen" went beyond his raw rushing ability. He served as the engine that kept the machine running. His relentless ground attack stretched defenses, creating openings for his flashier teammates to exploit. He was the perfect complement to Crowley's dazzling runs and Hutson's game-changing throws. Miller's relentless effort and ability to consistently gain yards were instrumental in the "Four Horsemen's" success, contributing to Notre Dame's undefeated season in 1924.

-More Than Just Stats: Leadership and Impact Beyond the Field (1924-Present)

While Miller's name might not jump out from the stat sheet compared to his teammates, his value to Notre Dame goes beyond mere numbers. He was a leader within the backfield, setting the tone with his work ethic and dedication. His quiet determination and consistent production were vital to the team's overall success. After graduating, Miller enjoyed a brief professional career before transitioning into coaching at the high school level. He continued to inspire young athletes with his knowledge of the game and his embodiment of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish spirit.

-A Legacy of Efficiency and Unsung Heroism

Don Miller's legacy at Notre Dame is one of quiet efficiency and crucial contributions. He might not have been the highlight reel player, but his relentless work ethic and ability to consistently gain yards were the foundation upon which the "Four Horsemen's" success was built. His story reminds us that greatness in football can come in many forms, and that dedication and a team-first mentality are vital ingredients for on-field success. Don Miller's impact on Notre Dame football serves as a testament to the power of the unsung hero, forever etched in the rich history of the Fighting Irish.

Who were the Four Horsemen of Notre Dame?
The legendary 1924 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football backfield quartet that consisted of Don Miller, Elmer Layden, Jim Crowley, and Harry Stuhldreher.

College Football Hall of Fame halfback of the Kansas Jayhawks. He was also a member of the 1932 US Olympic Decathlon team.

Jim Bausch was a remarkable athlete whose talents extended far beyond the football field. Originally hailing from Kansas, he showcased his athletic prowess at both Wichita State and the University of Kansas. On the gridiron, Bausch was a standout halfback, earning All-American honors and leading Kansas to their first Big Six championship in 1930. His explosive speed and versatility made him a formidable opponent.

However, Bausch's athletic legacy is most closely tied to track and field. In 1932, he stunned the world by capturing the gold medal in the decathlon at the Los Angeles Olympics. His remarkable performance on the second day of competition, where he excelled in events like the discus, javelin, and pole vault, cemented his status as one of the greatest athletes of his era.

Bausch’s football career was relatively brief. He played professionally for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cardinals but didn’t achieve the same level of success as his collegiate or Olympic endeavors. Despite his short-lived professional football career, his impact on the sports world remains undeniable. His extraordinary athleticism and versatility serve as an inspiration to athletes of all generations.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Bausch’s life was marked by personal challenges. He faced health issues and adversity, but his determination to overcome obstacles is a testament to his character.

Born March 29, 1924, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsyllvania, Emlen Tunnell's legacy in football transcends his impressive statistics. He was a pioneer, a force on the field, and a symbol of perseverance. This essay explores Tunnell's journey, from his unconventional college career to his dominance in the professional ranks, highlighting the impact he left on the game.

-College Career

Tunnell's path to gridiron glory wasn't a traditional one. He began at the University of Toledo in 1942, but his education was interrupted by World War II. Serving in the Coast Guard, Tunnell displayed his bravery by jumping into frigid waters to save a fellow sailor, a testament to his character and selflessness. Upon returning to his studies, he transferred to Iowa, showcasing his athletic prowess in both football and basketball.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite his talent, Tunnell went undrafted in 1948, a common occurrence for African American players at the time. However, a chance encounter with a friendly truck driver led him to a tryout with the New York Giants. He impressed the coaches with his raw talent and determination, becoming the first African American player for the franchise.

Tunnell's impact on the Giants was immediate. He played defensive back and safety, a position he redefined with his aggressive style. Nicknamed "The Gremlin" for his ability to snatch interceptions, he led the NFL in interceptions twice during his career. His defensive prowess extended beyond takeaways. Tunnell was a punishing tackler and a shutdown corner, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and four invitations to the All-Pro team. He won an NFL Championship with the Giants in 1956.

Beyond his defensive dominance, Tunnell was a skilled return specialist. He led the league in punt return yards twice and holds the Giants' franchise record for career punt return touchdowns. His offensive contributions added another dimension to his skillset.

Soon after playing in the Greatest Game Ever Played," the 1958 NFL Championship against the Baltimore Colts, Tunnell left the NY Giants fold to play for the Green Bay Packers for three seasons under Vince Lombardi. He won a second NFL Title in 1961 as a Packer.

-Football Legacy

Tunnell's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a trailblazer for African American players in the NFL. His success on the field paved the way for future generations and helped dismantle racial barriers in professional sports.

In 1959, after a stellar career with the Giants, Tunnell moved on to play two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He retired in 1961, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Tunnell's impact on the game was recognized in 1967 when he became the first African American player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, was Earl Campbell the powerful back of the Texas Longhorns from 1974 through 1977. His nickname forever ties him to his hometown as Earl is still called "the Tyler Rose" as he pounded out big gains at the University of Texas.

The NFF says he rushed for 4,443 yards. This was the fifth highest total of all time when he retired. His rushing covered 928 yards as a freshman, 1118 as a sophomore, 653 as a junior (he missed four games), and 1,744 as a senior.

Campbell was All-America as a sophomore and senior, led the nation in rushing and scoring and won the Heisman Trophy in 1977. He had an amazing 21 times where he rushed over 100 yards and three over 200 yards rushing in games.

The Houston Oilers during the 1978 NFL Draft wasted no time in turning their draft pick card with the first player selected to the Commissioner that had the name of Earl Campbell on it. Earl played 8 seasons with the Oilers and earned a rushing title, the distinction as an All-Pro and was selected to play in three Pro Bowls. The 1980 season as his best as he pounded out 1934 yards with 4 games over 200 yards.

For his NFL career, he amassed 9407 yards rushing and 74 TDs with another 806 yards on 121 receptions. Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Earl Campbell in 1991.