Football History

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Benny Friedman, a man deemed 'too small' for the NFL, defied all odds with his exceptional talent and revolutionary style of play. Standing at a mere 5'9", he wasn't supposed to be a good NFL player. Yet, his career, spanning the late 1920s and early 1930s, was a pivotal moment in NFL history, pushing the league toward the pass-heavy game we know today.

New York-based football historian Larry Schmitt shared some great insight with us in the video. Learn more about Giants history by Larry and the rest of the NYG experts at Big Blue Interactive.

Before Friedman, professional football was a run-dominated sport. The forward pass was a risky tactic that was rarely used. However, with his pinpoint accuracy and deceptive throws, Friedman showcased the potential of a solid passing offense. He led the league in passing touchdowns for four consecutive years (1927-1930) and even achieved the remarkable feat of leading the league in rushing and passing touchdowns in 1928.

Guest Larry Schmitt even has research that indicates Friedman may have been the first 300-yard passer in NFL history. According to Schmitt, the NFL records show that the official first 300-yard passing game in the NFL was 12/5/37 by Pat Coffee of the Chicago Cardinals in a game they lost to the Bears.

Also, the "books show" that Paul Governalli's first official 300-yard passing game for the Giants was on 11/9/47 in a loss to the Eagles.

But Larry has found proof that both of these were trumped, with Larry finding evidence that it was Benny Friedman in 1930 that hit the milestone.!

Friedman's impact was not just about his statistics. His success as a passer forced rule changes, opening up the passing game and making it a more viable option for teams. His electrifying play style drew in fans, boosting the popularity of the struggling NFL. This was especially significant as Friedman was Jewish, becoming a hero for Jewish communities across America and challenging stereotypes about Jewish athleticism.

However, Friedman's career was challenging. Injuries hampered his later seasons, and the lack of official passing statistics during his prime makes it difficult to quantify his achievements fully. Nonetheless, his influence on the sport is undeniable. He paved the way for future generations of quarterbacks who thrived on throwing the ball, forever altering the landscape of professional football.

Beyond his on-field dominance, Friedman's story resonates for its social impact. He shattered barriers and symbolized Jewish athletic prowess, inspiring countless young athletes.
Benny Friedman's legacy is multifaceted. He was a game-changing quarterback, a cultural icon, and a pioneer of the modern NFL. His impact on the sport lives on every time a quarterback steps back to unleash a spiral downfield.

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In the early storied history of the New York Football Giants, jersey number 1 has been a uniform reserved for superstars or offensive leaders. Although officially, it has been retired for a single, legendary player, Ray Flaherty, it has been donned by a handful of individuals who played various roles throughout the team's early years. Giants historian Larry Schmitt helps us look at these early Giants who wore number 1.

The New York Football Giants have over a dozen jersey numbers retired. The number 1 retired in honor of Ray Flaherty by the Giants in 1935 was the first North American professional athlete jersey to be retired.

Legacy of the New York Giants Number 1 Jersey

The Giants have had a tradition since their inception in 1925; their feature player was honored to wear number one. So, in the Giants' first season in 1925, halfback Hinkey Haines wore number one that season.

Then, in 1926, Haines switched his number to two, and the Giants gave number one to fullback Jack McBride. Jack wore Number One for the next three seasons for the Giants from 1926 to 1928, when the fullback left to play for 1 Providence. Soon afterward, New York owner Tim Mara purchased the Detroit Wolverine franchise to get Benny Friedman to be their quarterback.

He had that jersey for a few seasons, and then Ray Flaherty, who had been on the Giants in 1929 but wore number 44, and then he was on the Giants again in 1931, he wore number 6. In 1932, however, Ray Flaherty got number one and wore it until 1935, when he was the team captain and Head Coach Steve Owens's first assistant coach. In other words, Flaherty was a player-coach. So he wore the number one, and when he retired as a player in 1935, the Giants retired his number one.

However, in 1946, the franchise was unretired number one for two years and gave it to Frank Cope, a tackle who had been on the Giants.

A Legacy of Versatility and Early Growth

While the players who wore number 1 for the Giants in their early years may not be household names, their contribution to the team's history shouldn't be overlooked. They represent the franchise's period of growth and development, demonstrating the versatility required of players in the early days of professional football. From halfbacks to fullbacks, punters to defensive backs, these individuals laid the foundation for the winning tradition the Giants would later establish.

As the league evolved and positions became more specialized, the Giants transitioned from using number 1. However, the story of these early players serves as a reminder of the team's rich history and the dedication of the individuals who helped build a championship franchise.

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The Original Baltimore Colts and their AAFC Team Story