Football History

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Johnny Majors. The name evokes images of a powerful running style, a relentless work ethic, and a fiery leadership that left an indelible mark on the world of football. But Majors wasn't just a dominant player; he was a transformative coach who redefined programs and left a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

This post delves into the captivating career of Johnny Majors. We'll begin by exploring his electrifying college days at Tennessee, where he captivated fans with his Heisman Trophy-worthy performances. Witness his transition from gridiron star to coaching mastermind, leading programs like Pittsburgh and, most notably, his alma mater, the Tennessee Volunteers, to unparalleled heights.

Join us as we dissect Majors' coaching philosophy, a blend of tough love, strategic brilliance, and a deep understanding of the mental game. We'll revisit iconic victories, analyze his impact on the Southeastern Conference (SEC) landscape, and celebrate the players he molded into champions.

But Johnny Majors' story extends beyond wins and losses. We'll explore his dedication to academics and his unwavering belief in the power of football to shape young men into leaders on and off the field.

So, whether you're a die-hard Tennessee fan or simply appreciate a true football legend, this post offers a comprehensive look at Johnny Majors – the player, the coach, and the man who left an undeniable mark on the sport he loved. Get ready for a journey through gridiron history, one filled with power runs, coaching triumphs, and the enduring legacy of a true football giant.


-Basic Bio of Johnny Majors

Born May 21, 1935, in Lynchburg, Tennessee, was Johnny Majors the 1954 through 1956 season star halfback of the Tennessee Volunteers football program. The FootballFoundation.org starts off by telling what a versatile player Majors was, he did it all for the Vols—running, passing, kicking and playing defense with a capital D. Just for some examples of the all around great play, Majors returned 36 punts for a 12.2-yard average and one touchdown in his career along with 15 kickoff returns for a 22.9-yard average. Majors also intercepted two passes at Tennessee and punted 83 times for a 39.1-yard average.Johnny received the media accolades too as he was a unanimous All-American in 1956, he finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting after leading the Vols to a 10-1 record, an appearance in the Sugar Bowl and a final national ranking of No. 2. He was also named United Press International's Back of the Year. The National Football Foundation selected Johnny Majors for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987. After college, Majors played one season for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL before embarking on a long coaching career. The Saturday-Down-South website fills us in that Majors began his coaching career as an assistant at Tennessee in 1957, and would work as an assistant at Mississippi State and Arkansas before accepting his first head coaching job at Iowa State in 1968. He returned to Knoxville in 1977 and led Tennessee to 12 winning seasons during his 16-season tenure as head coach. Majors won three SEC championships with the Volunteers in 1985, 1989 and 1990, and reached 11 bowl games as head coach at Tennessee, posting a 7-4 record in those games. Majors stepped away from his job at Tennessee late in the 1992 season with a bit of controversy. The Coach left Knoxville with a 116-62-8 record. His contributions of coaching up winning football was not over though as he returned to coach at the University of Pittsburgh in 1993, the same school Majors won a national title with in 1976.
A pretty cool video that recorded Johnny Majors telling of memories he had while at Tennessee as a player and a coach.

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Born August 21, 1954, in Columbus, Ohio, was the two time Heisman Trophy Winner from Ohio State University, Archie Griffin. Griffin is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time. Griffin won four Big Ten Conference titles with the Buckeyes and was the first player ever to start in four Rose Bowls. Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft.

Archie played seven seasons in the NFL, rushing for over 4,100 yards and scoring 32 touchdowns. He also played professionally for the Jacksonville Bulls of the United States Football League (USFL).He is forever enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame since 2000.

Archie Griffin is synonymous with Ohio State football. A native of Columbus, he became a Buckeye legend during his collegiate career. Renowned for his exceptional running ability, durability, and leadership, Griffin was the heart and soul of the Ohio State offense.

His most remarkable feat is being the only player in history to win the Heisman Trophy twice, in 1974 and 1975. This achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest college football players of all time. Beyond the individual accolades, Griffin was a pivotal part of Ohio State's success, leading the Buckeyes to four Big Ten championships and four Rose Bowl appearances.

With a combination of power, speed, and elusiveness, Griffin was a nightmare for opposing defenses. His consistent performance and durability made him a cornerstone of the Ohio State program. His legacy extends far beyond his statistical accomplishments, as he embodies the spirit and tradition of Buckeye football

Born March 17, 1914, in Temple, Texas. Baugh was also an excellent punter who would lead the league four times as a professional.

Sammy Baugh was a true pioneer in professional football. He helped redefine the quarterback position in an era that saw the prevalent single-wing offenses give way to the T-formation and where QBs were the leading passers. Here's a quick rundown of his impressive career:

-Dominant Quarterback: Baugh played for the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) from 1937 to 1952. He led the league in passing yards six times, a record that still stands, and revolutionized the quarterback position with his exceptional throwing accuracy and arm strength.

-Triple Threat: Nicknamed "Slingin' Sammy," Baugh wasn't just a passer. He excelled as a punter, leading the league four times, and also played defensive back, even leading the league in interceptions in 1943. His versatility made him a nightmare for opposing teams.

-Championship Pedigree: Baugh led the Redskins to NFL Championships in 1937 and 1942, solidifying his status as a winner.

-Durability and Recognition: Despite playing in a leather helmet era, Baugh enjoyed a long and successful career. He retired with numerous NFL records and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

Born March 17, 1914 birth in Temple, Texas on this day. Sammy Baugh, according to the NFF, said that Baugh was also an excellent punter who, as a professional, would lead the league four times.

During a 3-2 TCU victory over LSU in the Sugar Bowl, Baugh punted 14 times for a 48-yard average, placing many kicks inside the Tiger five-yard line. Baugh gained All-America status in 1935 and repeated as a consensus All-America in his 1936 senior season. The National Football Foundation saluted the great career of Sammy Baugh by placing his stats and story in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.

When Baugh left TCU he joined the Washington Redskins when they used the number one overall pick in the 1937 NFL Draft to select him. In 16 professional seasons Sammy played on five division and two league championship teams.

As a passer Baugh led the league six times and still holds many NFL passing records tossing an amazing for the time 187 TDs. In addition to being a great passer and punter, Baugh was also an extremely efficient defensive player as he led the NFL in interceptions in 1943 and finished his NFL career with 31. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Sammy Baugh's gridiron legacy in 1963.

Born March 29, 1924, in Bryn Mawr, Pennsyllvania, Emlen Tunnell's legacy in football transcends his impressive statistics. He was a pioneer, a force on the field, and a symbol of perseverance. This essay explores Tunnell's journey, from his unconventional college career to his dominance in the professional ranks, highlighting the impact he left on the game.

-College Career

Tunnell's path to gridiron glory wasn't a traditional one. He began at the University of Toledo in 1942, but his education was interrupted by World War II. Serving in the Coast Guard, Tunnell displayed his bravery by jumping into frigid waters to save a fellow sailor, a testament to his character and selflessness. Upon returning to his studies, he transferred to Iowa, showcasing his athletic prowess in both football and basketball.

-Road to the Pro Game

Despite his talent, Tunnell went undrafted in 1948, a common occurrence for African American players at the time. However, a chance encounter with a friendly truck driver led him to a tryout with the New York Giants. He impressed the coaches with his raw talent and determination, becoming the first African American player for the franchise.

Tunnell's impact on the Giants was immediate. He played defensive back and safety, a position he redefined with his aggressive style. Nicknamed "The Gremlin" for his ability to snatch interceptions, he led the NFL in interceptions twice during his career. His defensive prowess extended beyond takeaways. Tunnell was a punishing tackler and a shutdown corner, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and four invitations to the All-Pro team. He won an NFL Championship with the Giants in 1956.

Beyond his defensive dominance, Tunnell was a skilled return specialist. He led the league in punt return yards twice and holds the Giants' franchise record for career punt return touchdowns. His offensive contributions added another dimension to his skillset.

Soon after playing in the Greatest Game Ever Played," the 1958 NFL Championship against the Baltimore Colts, Tunnell left the NY Giants fold to play for the Green Bay Packers for three seasons under Vince Lombardi. He won a second NFL Title in 1961 as a Packer.

-Football Legacy

Tunnell's legacy extends beyond statistics. He was a trailblazer for African American players in the NFL. His success on the field paved the way for future generations and helped dismantle racial barriers in professional sports.

In 1959, after a stellar career with the Giants, Tunnell moved on to play two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He retired in 1961, leaving behind a legacy of excellence. Tunnell's impact on the game was recognized in 1967 when he became the first African American player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

April 1, 1950, in Havana, Cuba, marked the birth of Carlos Alvarez, a gifted wide receiver who left an indelible mark on the University of Florida football program. At the age of ten, Alvarez and his family fled Fidel Castro's communist regime, finding refuge and opportunity in Miami. His college career with the Florida Gators, spanning from 1969 to 1971, showcased his exceptional talent from the outset.  

Alvarez's debut varsity season hinted at his Hall of Fame potential. His very first collegiate reception against Houston resulted in a breathtaking 70-yard touchdown, setting the tone for a dominant performance that saw him amass 182 receiving yards in Florida's 59-34 victory. The regular-season finale against rival Miami further solidified his burgeoning reputation. In a commanding 35-16 triumph, Alvarez hauled in a school-record 15 receptions for an astounding 237 yards, a benchmark that endures to this day. His sophomore campaign in 1970 proved to be his most spectacular. Alvarez shattered Florida's single-season records with 88 receptions, 1,329 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. This remarkable production made him the youngest player at the time to earn AFCA All-America honors. His numerous All-America selections as a sophomore were unmatched by any player since the legendary Doak Walker in 1947.  

Despite battling knee injuries that hampered him later in his collegiate career, Alvarez's impact remained undeniable. He concluded his time with the Gators holding the program's all-time record for receiving yards with 2,563 and ranking among the top ten with 19 touchdown catches. His consistency was further highlighted by a Florida record of 25 consecutive games with at least one reception.  

While his on-field achievements were significant, Alvarez also excelled academically. He was recognized as a first-team Academic All-American in 1969 and earned second-team Academic All-America honors in both 1970 and 1971, demonstrating his commitment to both his athletic and scholastic pursuits. Although a professional football career isn't explicitly mentioned in the provided information, Alvarez's exceptional college performance and accolades firmly establish his football legacy. His remarkable statistics, record-breaking performances, and national recognition culminated in his well-deserved induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, forever enshrining Carlos Alvarez as one of the University of Florida's all-time greats.