The game of American football is filled with strategy, legendary figures, great teams, and amazing events that have created euphoria in fandom. We celebrate the game and its people. Here are some items of interest that capture the spirit of the gridiron.
Willie Galimore College Football Hall...
Football History | Willie Galimore College Football Hall of Fame Sensation the Gridiron
The 1922 Rose Bowl
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Greatest Pro Team
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Willie Galimore College Football Hall of Fame Sensation the Gridiron's Galloping Gal
Willie Galimore was born on March 30, 1935, in St. Augustine, Florida.
The story of this Chicago Bears and Florida A&M legend is inspiring while at the same time tragic
College Career
Galimore attended Florida A&M University from 1953 to 1956, where he became a legendary figure in the school's football program. Playing halfback for the Rattlers under the guidance of the iconic coach Jake Gaither, Galimore showcased exceptional speed, agility, and versatility. He was a dazzling runner, a sure-handed receiver, and even a capable passer. His electrifying performances earned him the nickname "Willie the Wisp." Galimore led the team to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1953 and 1954, as well as multiple conference championships. He was a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selection and earned Pittsburgh Courier All-America honors three times. His dynamic play made him one of the most exciting players in HBCU football history.
Road to the Pro Game
Despite his stellar collegiate career, the path to professional football was not straightforward due to the racial barriers prevalent in the NFL at the time. Galimore was drafted in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He spent the 1957 season in the military before joining the Bears in 1958.
Football Legacy
Willie Galimore's professional career with the Chicago Bears, from 1958 until his tragic death in 1964, solidified his legacy as one of the most exciting and talented players of his era. Known for his incredible speed and elusive running style, he quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field. Alongside other legendary Bears like Gale Sayers, he formed part of a dynamic backfield that thrilled audiences. Although his career was cut short, Galimore left an indelible mark on the game. His impact extended beyond the field; he was a role model and a symbol of athletic excellence overcoming racial prejudice. His contributions to Florida A&M and the Chicago Bears cemented his place in football history.
Accolades, Awards and Career Stats
-3× All-SIAC Selection (1953, 1954, 1955)
-3× Pittsburgh Courier All-American
-Led Florida A&M to undefeated seasons in 1953 and 1954
-NFL Draft: 5th round, 1957, Chicago Bears
-Chicago Bears (1958-1964)
NFL Career Stats:
-Rushing: 627 carries, 2,970 yards, 4.7 average, 22 touchdowns
-Receiving: 162 receptions, 1,308 yards, 8.1 average, 9 touchdowns
-Passing: 8 completions out of 22 attempts, 148 yards, 1 touchdown
-Total Touchdowns: 32
-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1999
-Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame
At age 29, Galimore and teammate Bo Farrington were killed in an automobile accident on July 27, 1964, in Rensselaer, Indiana, a few miles from the team's training camp at St. Joseph's College. Galimore's Volkswagen left the road on a curve and rolled. His number 28 was retired by the Bears.
The story of this Chicago Bears and Florida A&M legend is inspiring while at the same time tragic
College Career
Galimore attended Florida A&M University from 1953 to 1956, where he became a legendary figure in the school's football program. Playing halfback for the Rattlers under the guidance of the iconic coach Jake Gaither, Galimore showcased exceptional speed, agility, and versatility. He was a dazzling runner, a sure-handed receiver, and even a capable passer. His electrifying performances earned him the nickname "Willie the Wisp." Galimore led the team to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1953 and 1954, as well as multiple conference championships. He was a three-time All-Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) selection and earned Pittsburgh Courier All-America honors three times. His dynamic play made him one of the most exciting players in HBCU football history.
Road to the Pro Game
Despite his stellar collegiate career, the path to professional football was not straightforward due to the racial barriers prevalent in the NFL at the time. Galimore was drafted in the fifth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He spent the 1957 season in the military before joining the Bears in 1958.
Football Legacy
Willie Galimore's professional career with the Chicago Bears, from 1958 until his tragic death in 1964, solidified his legacy as one of the most exciting and talented players of his era. Known for his incredible speed and elusive running style, he quickly became a fan favorite at Wrigley Field. Alongside other legendary Bears like Gale Sayers, he formed part of a dynamic backfield that thrilled audiences. Although his career was cut short, Galimore left an indelible mark on the game. His impact extended beyond the field; he was a role model and a symbol of athletic excellence overcoming racial prejudice. His contributions to Florida A&M and the Chicago Bears cemented his place in football history.
Accolades, Awards and Career Stats
-3× All-SIAC Selection (1953, 1954, 1955)
-3× Pittsburgh Courier All-American
-Led Florida A&M to undefeated seasons in 1953 and 1954
-NFL Draft: 5th round, 1957, Chicago Bears
-Chicago Bears (1958-1964)
NFL Career Stats:
-Rushing: 627 carries, 2,970 yards, 4.7 average, 22 touchdowns
-Receiving: 162 receptions, 1,308 yards, 8.1 average, 9 touchdowns
-Passing: 8 completions out of 22 attempts, 148 yards, 1 touchdown
-Total Touchdowns: 32
-College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1999
-Florida A&M University Sports Hall of Fame
At age 29, Galimore and teammate Bo Farrington were killed in an automobile accident on July 27, 1964, in Rensselaer, Indiana, a few miles from the team's training camp at St. Joseph's College. Galimore's Volkswagen left the road on a curve and rolled. His number 28 was retired by the Bears.
Preserving Gridiron History in a New Way!
Enjoy football history with some challenging word puzzle funThe Pigskin Dispatch Football Word Search
Proud to Support The Professional Football Researchers Association
To learn more about joining the fun in preserving football history go to The Official PFRA Website.
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Orville Mulligan: Sports Writer
We invite you to take a ride through 1920's sports history in the audio drama that takes the listener through the sounds and legendary events of the era through the eyes of a young newspaper journalist. You will feel like you were there!
Brought to you by Number 80 Productions and Pigskin Dispatch
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Gridiron Legacy: Pro Football's Missing Origin Story
Author Gregg Ficery tells the story of the beginnings of Pro Football through the pro football career of his Great Grandfather, Bob Shiring
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Sports History Network
A Proud Partner in the Headquarters of Sports Yesteryear, SHN.
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Sports Jersey Dispatch
If you like remembering players of the NFL by their numbers then you may also enjoy going uniform number by number in other team sports as well. We have it for you on our other website in baseball, basketball, hockey and more on the Sports Jersey Dispatch.
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Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry
Author Joe Ziemba the master historian of football in Chicago has released another beauty. It is titled Bears versus Cardinals: The NFL's Oldest Rivalry.
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