Football History

Step right up and find the elixir that heals your ills! Well... Maybe some gridiron memories will at least make you forget your troubles for a moment.... Take a swig and drink the rich history of American football from March 31.

March 31st marks a significant date on the American football calendar, a day where the echoes of past achievements and the promise of future greatness intertwine. While the roar of the crowd may be distant in late March, this date has been the backdrop for pivotal decisions and the arrival of individuals who would forever shape the sport.

Across the decades, March 31st has witnessed moments of strategic maneuvering that have altered the course of franchises and the landscape of the league. These are stories of bold leadership and transformative choices that propelled teams towards lasting success. Furthermore, this date has welcomed into the world future icons of the game, men whose exceptional talent and dedication would ultimately earn them enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, their legacies forever celebrated.

March 31, 1906 -  The Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States (IAAUS) is formally established.  In 1910, the IAAUS was renamed the National Collegiate Athletic Association or NCAA, according to the Library of Congress.

Early football games often resulted in injury and even death, prompting some colleges and universities to close their football programs. The reforms were encouraged by President Roosevelt in 1905. Some of the revisions to the rules from the IAAUS were the institution of the legal forward pass, and some rules made certain formations illegal.

Knute Rockne tragically died on March 31, 1931, in Kansas, when a Transcontinental & Western Air airliner crashed. He was en route to participate in the filming of The Spirit of Notre Dame, which was later released on October 13, 1931. Rockne had made a stop in Kansas City to visit his sons, Bill and Knute Jr., who were attending boarding school at Pembroke-Country Day School. Approximately an hour after departing Kansas City, a wing of the Fokker Trimotor broke apart mid-flight. The plane plummeted into a wheat field near Bazaar, Kansas, resulting in the deaths of Rockne and seven other individuals.

In a somber coincidence, Jess Harper, Rockne's friend and the coach he had succeeded at Notre Dame, resided about 100 miles from the crash site. Harper was called upon to positively identify Rockne's body. A memorial now marks the location of the crash, enclosed by a wire fence with wooden posts. For many years, James Heathman, who was 13 years old in 1931 and among the first to reach the scene, diligently maintained the memorial.

San Francisco 49ers fans revere the name Jimmy Johnson, not to be confused with the famed coach or an early College Football Hall of Fame player from Carlisle of the same name. Jimmy Johnson, a standout cornerback, played a pivotal role in the team's success throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Here's a look at his remarkable career:

A Two-Way Threat

Drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft, Johnson initially showcased his versatility. He played not only cornerback but also wide receiver in his second season. While his receiving career was brief but productive, his true calling was on defense.

Lockdown Cornerback

Johnson quickly established himself as a shutdown cornerback. His exceptional athleticism, coupled with his intelligence and instincts, made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. He earned a reputation for acrobatic interceptions, often taking the ball away in crucial moments. His presence on the field instilled confidence in his teammates and frustration in opposing offenses.

A Champion's Mentality

Throughout his career, Johnson embodied the winning spirit that defined the 49ers during that era. At the time of his retirement, he played in 213 games, the most of any 49er, demonstrating his durability and dedication. His leadership and experience were invaluable assets, especially during the team's prominence.

A Legacy of Excellence

Jimmy Johnson's career achievements are impressive. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First-Team All-Pro selection, a testament to his consistent excellence. While individual accolades are noteworthy, his most significant contribution lies in helping build a championship culture in San Francisco. He was part of a dominant defense that paved the way for future success for the 49ers.

Jimmy Johnson is the Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback of the San Francisco 49ers. Born March 31, 1938. He is one of the top NFL players to have worn the Number 37 Jersey.

Ed Marinaro was born on March 31, 1950, in New York City, New York.  

Marinaro found his way to fame on the gridiron fields of Cornell which took him to the College Football Hall of Fame and Haollywood Stardom.

College Career

Marinaro established himself as a legendary running back at Cornell University from 1969 to 1971. His collegiate career was nothing short of phenomenal, marked by record-breaking performances and consistent dominance. In just 27 games, Marinaro averaged an astounding 174.6 rushing yards per game, a figure surpassing many celebrated collegiate rushers like Tony Dorsett, O.J. Simpson, and Herschel Walker. He showcased his explosive talent with ten 200+ yard games, including remarkable outings such as 245 yards against Rutgers and 281 against Harvard in 1969, 260 against Lehigh in 1970, and a pair of 260+ yard performances against Columbia (272) and Colgate (260) in his senior year. In 1971, Marinaro set an NCAA single-season rushing average record of 209 yards per game, a mark that stood for a decade. His exceptional play earned him All-America honors twice and recognition as the Ivy League's premier player.  

Road to the Pro Game

Marinaro's outstanding college career led to his selection in the second round of the 1972 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. He transitioned to the professional level, bringing his dynamic running style to the NFL.

Football Legacy

Ed Marinaro enjoyed a six-year professional football career, playing for the Minnesota Vikings, the Seattle Seahawks, and the New York Jets. While he didn't replicate his record-shattering collegiate statistics in the NFL, he proved to be a valuable player and contributed to his teams. However, his most enduring football legacy remains his remarkable achievements at Cornell. His incredible rushing prowess and consistent ability to dominate games at the Ivy League level cemented his place as one of the greatest college running backs of all time. His statistics and accolades speak volumes about his impact on the collegiate game. Marinaro's later success as a television actor on popular shows like "Laverne and Shirley" and "Hill Street Blues" further broadened his public recognition, but his legendary status in college football remains a defining aspect of his legacy.  

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-2× All-America Selection (College)

-Maxwell Trophy Winner (1971)  

-Player of the Year by Columbus Touchdown Club (1971)

-Player of the Year by Cleveland Touchdown Club (1971)  

-Player of the Year by Washington Touchdown Club (1971)  

-Ivy League Silver Anniversary Team Selection

-NCAA Single-Season Rushing Average Record (209 yards per game, 1971)

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1991)  

-NFL Teams: Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets  

-NFL Career Stats: While a contributor, his NFL statistics did not reach the level of his collegiate dominance. Specific detailed NFL career stats can be readily found through professional football databases.

Robert Paul Anderson was born on March 31, 1938, in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Bob still ranks among the elite rushers in Army Black Night Football history.

College Career

Anderson excelled as a halfback at the United States Military Academy (Army) from 1956 to 1959. A standout player for the Cadets, he achieved All-America honors twice. His impressive performances included rushing for a total of 1,887 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns. Anderson's talent and dedication made him a key offensive weapon for Army during his collegiate career.  

Road to the Pro Game

Following his graduation from West Point, Anderson was selected in the ninth round of the 1960 NFL Draft by the New York Giants. However, his professional football aspirations were initially put on hold due to his commitment to military service. Anderson served three years as a lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division. After fulfilling his military obligations, he joined the New York Giants. Unfortunately, his NFL career was tragically cut short by a career-ending knee injury.  

Football Legacy

Despite his brief professional career, Bob Anderson's football legacy is rooted in his outstanding achievements at West Point. His two All-America selections and impressive rushing statistics highlight his exceptional talent at the collegiate level. His dedication to both his athletic pursuits and his military service exemplifies a commitment to excellence in different arenas. While his NFL career was not fully realized due to injury, Anderson remains remembered as a highly talented player whose potential was evident during his time at Army.  

Anderson's place among college football's elite is firmly secured, as he stands alongside fellow Army legends Bill Carpenter and Pete Dawkins in the hallowed halls of the College Football Hall of Fame. His impact was immediate and profound, becoming only the eighth cadet to achieve First Team All-America honors as a freshman. The 1957 season saw Anderson explode onto the national scene, amassing 983 rushing yards – then the second-highest single-season total in Army history – and a nation-leading 14 touchdowns, earning him a seventh-place finish in the Heisman Trophy voting. His pivotal role continued in 1958, as he spearheaded Army to an undefeated 8-0-1 season and the coveted Lambert Cup. Despite a senior season hampered by an early, severe knee injury, Anderson's career totals at Army remain impressive, ranking eighth all-time with 21 touchdowns and ninth with 1,887 rushing yards. A tenacious two-way player, Anderson also showcased his versatility by leading the team in interceptions in both 1957 and 1958. His exceptional collegiate career led to his selection by the New York Giants in the ninth round of the 1960 NFL Draft.

Accolades, Awards and Career Stats

-2× First-Team All-America selection (College)  

-Rushing Yards (College): 1,887  

-Rushing Touchdowns (College): 21

-NFL Draft: 9th Round, 1960, New York Giants  

-New York Giants (NFL): Limited career due to injury.