Detroit Wolverines

August 17, 1928 - The Detroit Wolverines NFL franchise is launched on this date. The Wolverines were a continuation of the 1926 Cleveland Bulldogs team that had fallen on hard times, but they had the NFL's second biggest star in Benny Friedman. Mr. Friedman was Cleveland native who played college ball at Michigan. Back in that era of the pigskin, college football was king and both of these mentioned pro teams attempted to cash in on the college popularity.

The team only played one season as the Detroit Wolverines, as in 1929 they were absorbed into the New York Football Giants. In an interesting spin, the Giants had never beaten Benny Friedman. They were 0-2-2 against him lifetime 0-1-1 against both the Cleveland Bulldogs and the Detroit Wolverines. The 1927 World Champion Giants swept the entire league except for one team, the Friedman lead Bulldogs. Apparently, Giants owner, Tim Mara, had seen enough and figured if he couldn't beat Friedman he bought him and the rest of the Wolverines team.

For even more details on Mara and the Friedman buy out you can check out Benny Friedman and NY Giants QB leader.

Those people and teams in gridiron history that did something fantastic, innovated, or just shined as leaders that we need to remember for their contribution to the game we love. This select group may not necessarily be honored in the College of Pro Football Halls of Fame yet, but their contributions and accomplishments are remembered nonetheless.

By honoring these legends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of professional football. Each Hall of Famer represents a specific era, their stories chronicling the game's transformation from its rugged beginnings to the modern marvel it is today. Enjoy these memories and accomplishments of some of football's top people.