Football History

Strap on your helmets, football fans, because we're about to embark on a journey through the hallowed halls of gridiron history! This series will delve into the epic tales of the men who etched their names onto the fabric of the sport, both on the collegiate and professional stages.

From the electrifying atmosphere of Saturday Night Lights to the electrifying clashes of the NFL, we'll meet the legends who broke records, defied expectations, and left their mark on the game we love. We'll hear their stories, witness their iconic moments, and understand the impact they had on the sport and its fans.

Get ready to:

-Relive the magic: Witness legendary plays, heart-stopping finishes, and unforgettable moments that shaped the game.

-Go beyond the stats: Dive deeper than just the numbers to understand the personalities, motivations, and struggles that made these legends who they were.

-Discover the diverse landscape: We'll explore legends across eras, teams, and positions, celebrating the unique contributions of each individual.

-Feel the inspiration: Be drawn into the passion, dedication, and resilience that fueled these legends' journeys, leaving you feeling motivated and inspired.

So, whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual observer, or simply someone who appreciates greatness, this series is for you. Join us as we celebrate the legends of the gridiron, their legacies, and the enduring spirit of the game!

In the Big Apple, football fandom bleeds blue. For 100 seasons, the New York Giants have been a cornerstone of the NFL, captivating fans with thrilling victories, legendary players, and a never-say-die spirit. Whether you're a die-hard Giants fan or a curious newcomer to the gridiron, get ready to embark on a journey through time as we explore the rich history of this iconic franchise.

This series will be your one-stop shop for everything Giants football, spanning a century of triumphs and tribulations. We'll delve into the franchise's early days, from its founding in 1925 to its first NFL Championships in the golden era of the 1930s. We'll witness the emergence of legendary figures like Tuffy Leemans and Lawrence Taylor, players who redefined their positions and left an indelible mark on the game.

Prepare to relive the emotional rollercoaster of championship runs, heartbreaking defeats, and the electrifying moments that make sports captivating. We'll explore the iconic rivalries with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, matchups that have kept fans on the edge of their seats for generations.

This series won't just be about on-field glory. We'll go behind the scenes, exploring the evolution of coaching philosophies, the impact of franchise-altering drafts, and the passionate fanbase that has cheered the Giants on through thick and thin.

So, get ready to be transported through time, from the roar of the Polo Grounds to the modern marvel of MetLife Stadium. Whether you're a seasoned Giants fan yearning for a trip down memory lane or a new fan discovering the magic of Big Blue, this series has something for everyone. Join us as we celebrate 100 seasons of New York Giants football, a legacy woven with grit, determination, and the unwavering spirit of champions.

The College Football Hall of Fame, located in Atlanta, Georgia, isn't just a building; it's a monument to the players, coaches, and legends who have woven the rich tapestry of college football history. Established in 1951 by the National Football Foundation, it stands as the official Hall of Fame for collegiate football, honoring those who have left an indelible mark on the game that captures the hearts and minds of millions.

While individual achievements and statistics like touchdowns and yards gained are considered, the Hall of Fame transcends mere numbers. It recognizes and immortalizes those who embodied the spirit of the game, demonstrating:

-Leadership: Inspiring teammates and rallying behind a common goal.
Sportsmanship: Acting with integrity and upholding the values of fair play.

-Impact: Leaving a lasting legacy that shaped the future of the game.

-Committing oneself to excellence and pushing the boundaries of the sport.

Earning induction into the Hall is an immensely prestigious honor. Players must have received major first-team All-America recognition and wait ten years after their final collegiate season to be considered. Coaches and officials follow a separate selection process.

Stepping through the doors of the Hall is like stepping onto the gridiron itself. Interactive exhibits, displays of iconic helmets and jerseys, and multimedia presentations bring the legends and their stories to life. Educational programs and special events further enrich the experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the game's cultural and historical significance.

The first legal forward pass in football was thrown by Bradbury Robinson on September 5, 1906, in a game between Saint Louis University and Carroll College. Robinson was a quarterback for Saint Louis, and he threw the pass to Jack Schneider, who was a wide receiver. The pass was completed for a touchdown, and it helped Saint Louis win the game 22-0.

The forward pass was not originally allowed in football. The rules of the game at the time only allowed players to advance the ball by running or kicking. However, in 1905, there were a number of serious injuries and deaths in college football games. In response, President Theodore Roosevelt called for reforms to the game, and one of the reforms was to allow the forward pass.

Robinson's forward pass was a major turning point in the history of football. It opened up new possibilities for offense, and it made the game more exciting and unpredictable. The forward pass is now an essential part of the game, and it is responsible for many of the most memorable plays in football history.

Robinson was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he played college football at Saint Louis University from 1904 to 1907. He was a two-time All-American, and he led the nation in passing in 1906. After college, Robinson played professional football for the Milwaukee Badgers and the Chicago Cardinals. He retired from football in 1915.

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Much of what we are reminded of about the legendary running back Jim Brown was from his NFL playing days in Cleveland. Brown was an equally fantastic colleague in football at Syracuse University.

Brown, in 1956, had a season where his rushing yards per game read something like 197 yards, 162, 155, 154 & 151 yards! He ended up with 986 yards for the season, ranking him third in the nation and giving him the nod for unanimous All-America status for the Orangemen.

But that wasn’t it for “First Down Brown’s” accolades, though, as he also kicked for Syracuse. This is evident at the Colgate game in 1956 when Jim scored six touchdowns and kicked seven extra points. That was 43 points in a 61-7 Cuse victory. Jim Brown won on the ballot to be enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995, and the University retired the number 44. The Cleveland Browns wasted no time making Jim their first-round pick in the 1957 NFL Draft.

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Dante Lavelli, The Pro Football Hall of Fame end, was born February 23, 1923, in Hudson, Ohio. Known as "Glue Fingers," it is reported that he played in only three college games before he served in the US Infantry and then turned professional after his tour of duty was complete.

How could he be attractive to pro franchises with so few college snaps? Well, his Coach at Ohio State was the legendary Paul Brown, who remembered the sure-handed freshman. In 1946, when assembling the new Cleveland Browns team in the 1946 inaugural season of the AAFC, Brown looked Lavelli up.

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's website, "To make the Browns, he had to beat out four more experienced and highly regarded candidates. But Dante not only prevailed, he led the league in receptions and won All-AAFC honors in his rookie season. He also caught the winning touchdown pass in the first AAFC championship game between the Browns and the New York Yankees."

Dante made the All-AAFC again in 1947, and after the Browns moved into the NFL in 1950, Lavelli was All-NFL twice and started in 3 of the first 5 Pro Bowl games played! He finished his Pro Football career with 386 catches and 62 touchdowns. Dante Lavelli was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.

He along with Quarterback Otto Graham and others made the Cleveland Browns a formidable offense for the AAFC and NFL opponents alike to deals with.

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Hey football fans, and history buffs alike! Joe Ziemba joined us back in 2021, and dove into the life of a gridiron legend who wasn't afraid of the silver screen. Buckle up, because we're going to tackle the story of a quarterback who traded touchdowns for takes with the one and only John Wayne! That's right, we're talking about the one, the only... Roman Gabriel alongside the Duke. So, put on your favorite Number 18 jersey, grab some popcorn, and get ready to learn about a man who excelled on both the field and in Hollywood!

-Transcript of Joe Ziemba on Roman Gabriel

How about Roman Gabriel. Oh, man. Yes, yes. I just had no idea the numbers he put up. Wow. Yeah, quite impressive. For especially his earring. He played from 1962, all the way to 1977 which that kind of surprised me I didn't realize the longevity of his career, and he as a starting quarterback he was 8664 and seven through for 29 ,444 yards, 201 touchdowns 149 interceptions, and that's exceptional for that era of football.

Amazing. Now, year after year he had big numbers in the league. Absolutely. So I think that's that's a name that definitely I think we should have under consideration we go to make our list at the end of this.

Yeah, you know, he was the MVP of the National Football League to. in 1969. So yeah, I think he might be one we'll have to look at. Plus, there's another reason. Here's my trivia about Roman Gabriel.

Okay. So my research, which doesn't go back too far, maybe to this morning, is the only guy that I've been able to find that was in a movie with John Wayne. After his playing career, he got into some acting.

He was in TV shows such as Wonder Woman, Gilligan's Island, Perry Mason, and he was also in the movie with John Wayne called Undefeated. Well, he is in the college pro football Hall of Fame. So I think, excuse me, college pro football.

What I'm not, we knew what you were saying. Thank you for bearing with me. So who knows, maybe someday he'll get the call for the pro football Hall of Fame as well. But yeah, I think he might be one we should consider for our top players that were the number 18.

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Charles Follis, often referred to as "The Black Cyclone," etched his name into the annals of American football history as the first African American professional football player.

Born in Wooster, Ohio, in 1879, Follis' journey to football stardom began on the high school gridiron. His exceptional talent and leadership skills led him to captain his team, earning the respect of both his white teammates and coaches.  

Follis' football career took a significant turn in 1902 when he joined the Shelby Blues, a professional team in the Ohio League. His performance on the field was nothing short of extraordinary, and he quickly became a fan favorite. In 1904, he signed a contract with the Blues, making him the first Black man to have a professional football contract. His presence on the team challenged racial barriers and paved the way for future Black players in the sport.  

Despite his groundbreaking achievements, Follis' career was cut short due to injuries. His impact on the game, however, was undeniable. He not only demonstrated his exceptional athletic abilities but also challenged societal norms and prejudices. His legacy continues to inspire generations of football players and serves as a reminder of the importance of breaking down barriers and fighting for equality.  

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September 5 is a special day in gridiron history, as it was the occurrence of something big!

The first legal forward pass in football was thrown by Bradbury Robinson on September 5, 1906, in a game between Saint Louis University and Carroll College. Robinson was a quarterback for Saint Louis, and he threw the pass to Jack Schneider, who was a wide receiver.

The pass was completed for a touchdown, and it helped Saint Louis win the game 22-0.

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September 6, 1946, was a pro football debut for multiple legendary icons.

That day, Cleveland Municipal Stadium packed in 60,135 fans as the All-American Football Conference had its very first regular season game played, with the Cleveland Browns blanking the Miami Seahawks 44-0.

The legendary Paul Brown coached the Brownies to victory while 25-year-old Otto Graham was under center.