Football History

Born March 16, 1920, in Townsend, Tennessee, was the legendary football player from William and Mary, Garrard Buster Ramsey. His great play at the collegiate level produced results and he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ramsey, after college, played ball in the NFL for the Chicago Cardinals. He served as a player/coach there and then left to become the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator in 1952. During his tenure with the Lions, Ramsey developed the 4-3 defense, a staple of modern football. In addition, he was the first coach to blitz linebackers in a package he called Red Dog. and later was hired by Ralph Wilson as the first Head Coach of the AFL/NFL Buffalo Bills franchise.

The Philadelphia Eagles have a rich history filled with legendary players who left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a symbol of their enduring impact, the team has retired certain jersey numbers, a prestigious honor bestowed upon only the most exceptional athletes. In this post, we'll delve into the Eagles' retired numbers, exploring the players behind them and the ways the team continues to honor their legacies. From iconic figures to modern-day heroes, these numbers represent the heart and soul of the Eagles organization.

Here are the Jersey Numbers the team has taken out of circulation to honor their legends:

-Jersey Number 5
Donovan McNabb 1999–2009

-Jersey Number 15
Steve Van Buren 1944–1951

-Jersey Number 20
Brian Dawkins 1996–2008

-Jersey Number 40
Tom Brookshier 1953–1961

-Jersey Number 44
Pete Retzlaff 1956–1966

-Jersey Number 60
Chuck Bednarik 1949–1962

-Jersey Number 70
Al Wistert 1944–1951

-Jersey Number 92
Reggie White 1985–1992

-Jersey Number 99
Jerome Brown 1987–1991

Calling all football fanatics! Prepare to be dazzled as we delve into the illustrious careers of the elite athletes who donned the number 20 in the NFL. This seemingly simple number has adorned the backs of some of the most electrifying players the game has ever seen.

From elusive running backs who danced through defenses to lockdown cornerbacks who shut down star receivers, number 20 carries a legacy of game-changing plays and undeniable impact. Over the next few posts, we'll be dissecting the stories of these gridiron giants. We'll revisit their iconic moments, analyze their contributions to their teams, and understand how they cemented their place in NFL history.

So, get ready to meet the speed demons, the shutdown corners, and the all-around playmakers who wore number 20 with pride. This is a journey you won't want to miss!

Born July 16, 1968 - Wichita, Kansas - Barry Sanders the running back from Oklahoma State during the 1986 through 1988 seasons.

The FootballFoundation.org states that Sanders learned how to work hard as a youngster helping his father put on roofs in the hot Wichita summers. This work ethic stuck with his through his gridiron career at both the college and the professional levels and paid dividends on Saturdays and Sundays. The hard work also taught him to be selfless and humble as even after scoring one of his many touchdowns, he would generally just hand the ball to an official and trot off the field without an attention-grabbing celebration to be seen.

While Oklahoma State he played behind All-America Thurman Thomas for two seasons. He used this "grooming" time wisely in the seasons that he spent as a back-up becoming a special teams demon, even leading the nation in kickoff return average in 1987. When Barry became the featured Cowboy back, he put together what the NFF describes as the most remarkable season ever compiled by a college running back. That year he set 34 NCAA records in winning the Heisman Trophy, the Walter Camp, and Maxwell Awards as the nation's top player. Barry led the nation in rushing with his 2,628 yards, 3250 all-purpose yards, and scored 234 points.

Sanders ran for over 300 yards in six games and exceeded 200 yards seven times. Barry was rewarded for these feats in college by being selected as the top pick of the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft, spending 10 seasons in the Motor City. In fact he became the first player to ever rush for 1000 or more yards in his first ten seasons according to the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. On the road to professional pigskin immortality Sanders, with 1,304 yards rushing in 1990, topped all runners, and then repeated claiming the top NFL ground gainer title in 1994 with 1,883 yards and in 1996 running for 1,553 yards. His 44 receptions for 283 yards in 1994 gave him a combined 2,166 yards from scrimmage. The most impressive feat of his remarkable career, however, is when he won the NFL MVP award in 1997, as he rushed for a league-best 2,053 yards and gained another 305 yards on 33 catches for an amazing 2,358 combined yards gained. To ice that he gained at least 100 yards in 14 consecutive games!

The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Barry Sanders in 2004 while Mr. Sanders also entered the College Football Hall of Fame for his legendary college career at Oklahoma State in 2003. Many have described Barry Sanders as the best pure running back to ever play the game, as he left the NFL at a fairly young age with a lot of yardage on his stat bio.

Born April 9, 1898, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was Pro Football Hall of Fame Coach Curly Lambeau. Lambeau, along with his friend and fellow Green Bay, Wisconsin native George Whitney Calhoun, founded the Green Bay Packers in 1919, serving as team captain in the team's first year before becoming player-coach in 1920.

Curly was the star player of the Packers in the 1920s, as Curly was the team's primary runner and passer, accounting for 35 touchdowns in 77 games. He won his only NFL championship as a player in 1929.

As a coach from 1920 through the 1949 season, he was rivaled by only George Halas in wins and longevity ( and later Bill Belichick.) Lambeau also coached eight players who went on to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

John McNally Jr., better known by his colorful nickname "Johnny Blood," wasn't your typical Hall of Fame football player. He wasn't a bruising fullback or a record-breaking passer. Instead, McNally carved out a unique legacy as a versatile backfield threat, a journeyman with a knack for finding the end zone, and a personality as vibrant as his nickname. This essay explores the career of Johnny Blood McNally, examining his nomadic journey through the early years of the NFL and his lasting impact on the game.

-Early Days and a Basketball Buzzer Beater (Early 1920s)

Born in 1895, McNally's athletic journey began on the basketball court. Playing for Saint John's University in Minnesota, he earned a reputation for clutch plays, famously sinking a game-winning shot at the buzzer. However, football beckoned, and McNally's speed and elusive running style attracted the attention of the Pottsville Maroons of the fledgling NFL.

-A Nomadic Star in the Early NFL (1925-1928)

McNally's professional career was a whirlwind of movement. He played for four different teams in his first four seasons, including the Pottsville Maroons, the Chicago Cardinals, the New York Giants, and finally, the Philadelphia Quakers (later renamed the Eagles). Despite the constant change of scenery, McNally consistently impressed. He could run, throw, and catch with exceptional skill, becoming a fan favorite for his on-field theatrics and infectious personality.

-Championship Glory with the Green Bay Packers (1929-1933, 1935-1936)

McNally finally found a semblance of stability in 1929 when he joined the Green Bay Packers. Here, his versatility found a perfect fit within Coach Curly Lambeau's innovative offense. McNally's contributions were crucial as the Packers captured three consecutive NFL championships from 1929 to 1931. He formed a formidable backfield duo with Don Hutson, another future Hall of Famer.

-A Winding Road and a Coaching Stint (1937-1941)

McNally's later career saw him bounce between teams once again, playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates (later Steelers) and even returning briefly to the Buffalo Tigers in a minor league. He eventually retired as player-coach for the Kenosha Cardinals in a minor league. McNally's coaching stint was short-lived, but it cemented his dedication to the game.

-A Legacy of Versatility and Entertainment

Johnny Blood McNally's legacy goes beyond statistics. He was a true "iron man" of the early NFL, playing in an era before the luxuries of modern equipment and training methods. His versatility on the field and his larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite and a key contributor to the rise of professional football's popularity in the early 20th century. While his career was defined by nomadic stints with various teams, his impact on the game, particularly his role in the Green Bay Packers' championship runs, is undeniable.

The Detroit Lions, a storied franchise with a rich history, have a relatively small but distinguished list of retired jersey numbers. These numbers represent the pinnacle of achievement for players who have made indelible marks on the team.

Among the most iconic is the number 20, a unique distinction in NFL history, as it was retired to honor three legendary players: Lem Barney, Billy Sims, and Barry Sanders.

Each of these running backs epitomized excellence and redefined the position during their respective eras.  

Other retired numbers include 7 for Dutch Clark, a pioneering figure in the early days of the Lions, and 56 for Joe Schmidt, a Hall of Fame linebacker known for his fierce competitiveness. These numbers serve as a permanent tribute to these football greats, inspiring future generations of Lions players and fans alike. While the list of retired jerseys may be shorter compared to some other franchises, the significance of each number is undeniable.
 

Here are the honored players and their numbers that are not issued in Detroit anymore:

-Jersey Number 7
Dutch Clark

-Jersey Number 20
Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
Billy Simms

-Jersey Number 22
Bobby Layne

-Jersey Number 37
Doak Walker

-Jersey Number 56
Joe Schmidt

-Jersey Number 85
Chris Hughes

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

-Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

-What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

-When did football jerseys start having numbers on them? Though there was documented talk of it since 1894, players only wore digits in a 1905 Iowa State at Drake game. Check out more on this story The Origins Of Football Player Numbers.

-Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.

The New England Patriots have a rich history filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise. As a testament to their greatness, the Patriots have retired certain jersey numbers, honoring those who have contributed significantly to the team's success. Let’s dive into the world of retired Patriots numbers and explore the traditions surrounding this esteemed recognition.

Here is a look at the jerseys that the franchise has taken out of circulation and the individuals honored:

-Jersey Number 12
Tom Brady 2000-2019

-Jersey Number 20
Gino Cappelletti 1960–1970

-Jersey Number 40
Mike Haynes 1976–1982

-Jersey Number 57
Steve Nelson 1974–1987

-Jersey Number 73
John Hannah 1973–1985

-Jersey Number 78
Bruce Armstrong 1987–2000

-Jersey Number 79
Jim Lee Hunt 1960–1970

-Jersey Number 89
Bob Dee 1960–1967

Rocky Bleier's story is more than just a football career; it's a testament to human resilience and the pursuit of excellence in the face of adversity.

A Late Draft Pick and Drafted Again:

Bleier, drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 16th round of the 1968 NFL Draft, was a late bloomer who faced initial skepticism due to his size and perceived lack of speed. However, his competitive spirit and dedication soon caught the eye of coaches.

The Vietnam War Interrupts a Promising Career:

Just as his football career was beginning to take shape, Bleier's life took an unexpected turn. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he was deployed to Vietnam and severely wounded by shrapnel in both legs during combat. Doctors initially feared he might never walk again.

Unwavering Determination and a Miraculous Recovery:

Despite overwhelming odds, Bleier embarked on a grueling rehabilitation process. Fueled by an unwavering determination and fueled by a desire to return to football, he defied doctor's expectations and slowly regained his ability to walk, then run.

A Second Chance and Super Bowl Glory:

Bleier's return to the Steelers was nothing short of remarkable. His perseverance and work ethic paid off, eventually earning him a starting spot as a fullback. He became a key contributor to the Steelers' dominant teams of the 1970s, known as the "Steel Curtain," playing in four Super Bowls and winning four championship rings.

From Hero to Inspiration:

Bleier's story transcended the world of sports. He became an inspiration to millions, showcasing the power of human spirit and the ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.